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The next few days flew by in a blur of practices, drills, and strategizing. Asahi had initially feared stepping back onto the mound would be a solitary battle, but as the team rallied around him, he found unexpected camaraderie in their shared dedication.
Eijun continued to encourage him, throwing in a few friendly challenges to keep things light. "You think you can strike me out next time?" he would tease, a competitive glint in his eyes. "I'm basically a pro at getting on base, you know!"
Asahi laughed, but it was more than just friendly banter. Eijun's antics had become a source of inspiration, pulling him out of his own head and reminding him that baseball was about more than just pressure and expectations. It was also about fun, about teamwork.
Miyuki had also stepped up, taking Asahi under his wing. During practice, he would help him refine his pitches, guiding him through each motion with patience. "Focus on your mechanics," he would remind Asahi. "Trust your instincts. You have the talent you just need to believe it."
Asahi worked hard, motivated by their faith in him. Each successful pitch brought a rush of adrenaline, a sense of belonging he had longed for since returning to the team. Yet, with every passing day, the weight of his past still hovered in the back of his mind.
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One afternoon, as practice wound down, Asahi decided to stay late and get in some extra pitching practice. He was just setting up when he noticed a familiar figure walking toward him—Shinju, the girl he had met during his first week back. She was carrying a duffel bag and wearing her usual bright smile.
"Hey, Kuroda!" she called out, waving as she approached. "Mind if I join you?"
Asahi hesitated. "I'm just practicing my pitching," he replied, unsure if she'd be interested.
"Great! I could use some tips," she said, plopping down on the grass. "I'm working on my batting. Maybe I can steal a few of your pitching secrets in the process."
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Asahi found himself smiling as he took a deep breath. "Okay, but no stealing my fastball secrets."
She laughed, and together they set up for a little practice. Asahi threw a few pitches while Shinju took swings at a makeshift target he had set up.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting golden rays across the field, Shinju paused after a particularly solid hit. "You know," she said thoughtfully, "I saw your game the other day. You were amazing!"
Asahi shrugged, the compliment feeling both nice and awkward. "I just got lucky. I'm still getting back into the swing of things."
"No way! You've got talent, Asahi! It takes guts to come back after what you've been through. I admire that."
Her words struck a chord within him. He hadn't really thought about it that way. Most people saw his return as a second chance, but to him, it felt like standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to leap but terrified of falling again.
"Thanks, but it's hard to shake off the past," he admitted, his voice quieter than intended. "I still feel like I might mess up again."
Shinju tilted her head, studying him. "You know what? Everyone messes up. It's how we learn. What matters is that you keep going. If you give up because of fear, you'll never know what you can achieve."
Asahi looked at her, the earnestness in her gaze washing over him like a refreshing wave. "You really think so?"
"Absolutely! Besides, you have a whole team behind you now. Just think about how much support you've got." She gestured toward the field, where the last remnants of practice were winding down. "You're not alone anymore."
Her words resonated with him, and for the first time, he felt a flicker of hope. Maybe he could push through this fear and be the pitcher he once was. With a newfound determination, he nodded. "Yeah, I'll try to remember that."
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The next day, Coach Kataoka called a team meeting before practice. Everyone gathered around, their faces a mix of anticipation and curiosity.
"Alright, team," the coach began, his voice commanding attention. "I want to take a moment to acknowledge the progress we've made this season. You've all shown incredible dedication, but I want to put extra emphasis on one player who's taken a huge step forward."
All eyes turned toward Asahi. The attention felt overwhelming, but he straightened up, steeling himself.
"Kuroda has shown immense growth and courage these past few weeks. I know it hasn't been easy, but he's proven that he's a valuable asset to our team," Kataoka said. "Let's give him a round of applause!"
The team erupted into cheers, clapping and shouting Asahi's name. He felt heat rise in his cheeks as he looked around at his teammates, their smiles wide and genuine.
Eijun jumped up, shouting, "I knew you had it in you, Kuroda! Next up, we're taking on the Inter-High, and I expect you to pitch like a champion!"
Asahi couldn't help but smile at Eijun's infectious enthusiasm. It felt good to be recognized, but the pressure of the upcoming game loomed over him. He still wasn't sure if he could hold up under the spotlight.
Miyuki approached him after the meeting, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Remember what we talked about. You're not the same pitcher you were before, and that's a good thing. You've learned from your past, and now you can apply that knowledge. You've got this."
Asahi nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. With his team rallying around him, he began to feel a sense of purpose building within.
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The day of the Inter-High arrived, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. The stands were packed with fans, the sound of cheers echoing through the air. Asahi stood in the dugout, dressed in his uniform, a knot of anxiety twisting in his stomach.
He watched as the first few innings progressed. Eijun was on fire, striking out the first few batters with ease. But soon, the opposing team began to find their rhythm, and the score tightened.
"Hey, you good?" Eijun asked as he jogged back to the dugout after a tough inning.
Asahi nodded, though doubt still lingered. "I'm just—"
"You're going to pitch soon," Eijun interrupted, his grin unwavering. "Just remember to breathe. Trust yourself."
When Coach Kataoka finally signaled for him to take the mound, Asahi's heart raced. He climbed the steps to the pitcher's mound, feeling the weight of the moment crash over him. This was it.
Miyuki crouched behind the plate, signaling for the first pitch. Asahi looked around the field—his teammates, his fans—and took a deep breath. The past would always be a part of him, but this was his chance to redefine who he was.
With renewed determination, Asahi wound up and threw his first pitch.
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In this chapter, Asahi continues to grow as a character, finding strength in the support of his teammates and the encouragement of Shinju. The chapter sets the stage for the upcoming Inter-High game, where Asahi will have to confront his fears on the mound. The themes of teamwork, personal growth, and facing one's past are woven throughout, building toward a pivotal moment in Asahi's journey.
Thanks for the support!
can i have your powerstone •~•