Chapter 368: Determined Candidates

At the hospital, after several hours of comprehensive examinations, there was nothing major wrong with Huangqian Yangyi's body, but just as Coach Ochiai said, there was a psychological issue. The doctor's recommendation was to minimize pitching training as much as possible within two months, and it was best not to step onto the Pitcher's Mound during games, allowing the mind to fully relax; otherwise, over time, it might possibly develop into a weariness of pitching.

Looking at the examination report in his hands, Coach Kataoka wore a look of worry.

"It's only early April now; two months from now, the Kanto Tournament will have just ended, so it will be in time for the Summer Tournament," Ochiai Hiromitsu said, looking at Huangqian Yangyi.

"No, three months!"

Coach Kataoka put down the examination report. "Within three months, do not do any pitching training. During this time, don't think about stepping onto the field to pitch either; just focus on batting."

"Eh? Not even one pitch?" Huangqian Yangyi felt that his condition shouldn't be that serious.

"No, you must rest." Coach Kataoka did not give Huangqian Yangyi a chance to argue.

"That's right, before the summer, Yangyi, you just focus on batting. The Pitcher's Mound has Furuya and Sawamura; it's also a good opportunity to give them more training," Takashima Rei also came over to persuade Huangqian Yangyi.

Huangqian Yangyi nodded helplessly. He really felt that he just needed a good sleep, but being able to rest was a good thing. As for whether he was worried that not stepping on the mound would cause them to lose games, Huangqian Yangyi didn't have that much of an ego.

Without him, the other team members were also very formidable. It wouldn't be much of a problem for Kawakami, Furuya, and Sawamura to handle the Spring Tournament and the Kanto Tournament, and even if they ran into Ichidai Sanko or Inashiro Industrial, they would still have a fighting chance. What's more, with him focusing on batting, it would only take Seido's scoring ability to the next level.

That evening, Coach Kataoka held a meeting, and the members of the Baseball Club learned of the matter. The ace not being able to pitch for three months would certainly have an impact on the team, especially since Huangqian Yangyi was also the Captain.

"Don't all look so gloomy; it's not a big deal. As for the pitchers, Kawakami, as a senior, you need to set an example for Furuya and Sawamura. The Pitcher's Mound is left to you all," Huangqian Yangyi said as he stood up.

Kawakami nodded solemnly. "Huangqian-san, rest assured, we won't let you down."

"Ainiki!! I will shoulder the responsibility of the ace!"

"It should be me!"

"Huh?!"

"It's me!"

Watching Furuya and Sawamura start arguing, Huangqian Yangyi took a deep breath, went up, and gave both of these idiots a flick to the forehead.

"I'm still standing right here, and you two are already plotting for the ace position."

After disciplining these two rebellious subjects eyeing his throne, the meeting ended quickly.

On the way back to the dormitory, Miyuki followed beside Huangqian Yangyi with a depressed look and said, "You, if you don't step on the Pitcher's Mound, I'm going to be very tired."

"Isn't that more interesting? For a Catcher," Huangqian Yangyi laughed.

Hearing this, Miyuki smiled. "Well, although catching your pitches is great, calling pitches for them is indeed more interesting."

Partnering with Huangqian Yangyi, no matter what pitch he asked for, Huangqian Yangyi could throw it, and because their coordination was truly too heaven-defying, games usually progressed very quickly and didn't involve overly complex situations. While Miyuki enjoyed it, it was also a bit boring and not stimulating enough.

But if he partnered with the three of them—Kawakami, Furuya, and Sawamura—he had many more things to consider.

"Anyway, the defensive side is left to you from now on; I have to put in some real effort on the batting side," Huangqian Yangyi said, taking a practice swing as he walked.

"Tsk, why do I feel like you're even more interested in batting than pitching?" Miyuki said.

"I always have been, especially when I hit a pitch that the opponent thinks is a sure strike right into the stands; that feeling is just wonderful," Huangqian Yangyi said with some excitement when mentioning this.

Hearing this, Miyuki stopped in his tracks. "You wouldn't be thinking about entering the professional leagues as a batter in the future, would you?"

"Eh? Why do you say that? Is a two-way player not allowed?"

"Uh..." Miyuki wanted to say that being a two-way player was a huge burden and very tiring, but he thought better of it.

The next afternoon after school, Huangqian Yangyi was intercepted at the classroom door by Takashima Rei again and brought to the Coach's office.

"Coach, you were looking for me?"

Huangqian Yangyi asked after entering the office.

"There is something to inform you about, sit down first," Coach Kataoka said.

After drinking tea with the Coach for a few minutes, Coach Ochiai walked in.

Once everyone was present, Coach Kataoka handed two documents on the table to Huangqian Yangyi.

"After discussions between Coach Ochiai and me, we have decided to add the First Year students Yuki Masashi and Yui Kaoru to the First String. Regarding these two, we want to hear your thoughts as the Captain," Coach Kataoka said.

As Captain, Huangqian Yangyi was entitled to receive information about personnel changes in the team in advance.

"Yuki Masashi and Yui Kaoru, they are both players with solid foundations and their own respective strengths."

"In terms of batting, both are a cut above the others, especially Masashi. Although his swing is a bit too straightforward, his power and swing speed are things no pitcher dares to underestimate. Once hit, there is a very high probability of it becoming a Home Run. He is a player who can be used as a combat force right now," Huangqian Yangyi said.

Coach Kataoka and Coach Ochiai nodded, sharing the same opinion as Huangqian Yangyi.

"What about Yui Kaoru?" Coach Ochiai asked.

"As a Catcher, Yui might not be mature enough yet, but his game experience is in a league of its own among the First Years, even exceeding many senior members. If he joins the First String now, it would be excellent to let him occasionally play as an outfielder to accumulate high school game experience," Huangqian Yangyi did not try to secure a spot for Yui Kaoru as a Catcher just because they were roommates.

After all, the current Yui Kaoru and Okumura Koshu were the same; they struggled even to catch the pitches of Furuya and Sawamura. They still had a lot of training to do.

After Huangqian Yangyi finished speaking, Coach Kataoka nodded and said, "Yuki Masashi and Yui Kaoru are both talented and clearly a cut above the other First Years, but they are newcomers after all. Since your training load is light right now, you have time to guide them more and help them adapt to the rhythm of high school baseball as soon as possible."

"Yes, I understand."

Guiding newcomers was not something Huangqian Yangyi felt was very tiring; he just had to use his mouth anyway.

"Good, then thank you for your hard work. As for other aspects, I will have Miyuki and Kuramochi take charge."

After finishing the discussion about the newcomers joining the First String, Ochiai Hiromitsu, who was to the side, took out a training list.

"Huangqian-kun, this is the training program designed for you. You don't have to do it all; choose according to your own feelings and control the training volume. After all, you know your own body best," Ochiai Hiromitsu smiled.