"Entering the second team and participating in defensive practice with them."
When Zhang Han heard this from Manager Ota, he couldn't hide his excitement. Even though he wasn't satisfied with his tryout performance, the Director and coaching staff clearly thought he did well. He was promoted straight to the second team.
As Ono Binchi would say, he had stepped onto the fast track.
It wasn't until the next day that Zhang Han learned there were three others training with him.
Miyuki Kazuya, Shirasu, and Kuramochi Yoichi.
This was not good news. Four candidates meant there would be elimination among the four of them. Who would secure an early spot in the First-string was still unknown.
"Yo, everyone!"
Kuramochi waved with a big grin. He seemed easy to get along with.
Zhang Han wasn't great at interacting with people he didn't know. He simply lifted his hand politely. Shirasu looked even more withdrawn. He didn't bother with politeness, only giving a small nod.
Miyuki glanced at Zhang Han and Shirasu, smiling helplessly. Even though he wasn't great at socializing either, he seemed to sense he would end up being the spokesperson for the four of them.
"You too. From now on, we're teammates in the same trench. Let's look out for each other."
He gave a mischievous grin.
Even though he didn't intend it, that smile still made the three react.
Kuramochi: A smiling tiger.
Zhang Han: I really can't get along with this guy. I need to keep some distance.
Shirasu: …
Despite their thoughts, they were teammates now. They completed the new recruits' basic training, then reported to the second team.
The second team's manager was Ota. He welcomed the four warmly and introduced their upcoming training.
Defensive practice.
Among all kinds of training, this was the most effective for measuring a player's ability. Ota personally felt it was too early for new recruits to participate in real defensive drills. They should have had at least a month or two of physical conditioning first. But Kataoka had given the order. Ota could only care for them within his limits.
"When hitting, don't send the ball too far. Those kids are still young. If it's too brutal, they won't be able to handle it."
Before practice began, he reminded the hitters who were helping.
Somehow, those words reached Kataoka.
He immediately rejected the idea.
"Follow the normal rhythm."
Hearing this, Ota paused. "Director…"
Kataoka knew exactly what he wanted to say. His expression didn't budge.
"If they can't survive this practice, why should I promote them? There are already several promising players in the second team."
The four new players had no idea this exchange took place. So they had no chance to appreciate Seido Baseball's one moment of softness.
What they faced was the true brutality of a powerhouse school.
Miyuki took the catcher position. Zhang Han went to First Base. Kuramochi took shortstop. Shirasu headed to the outfield.
During infield practice, Miyuki tossed balls to the upperclassmen hitters. The infielders had to react to whatever came.
Miyuki seemed fired up, not bothered at all by being unable to catch in the bullpen. If Zhang Han was in his shoes, he would have done it too, but definitely not with such a good attitude.
"This guy is too cunning. He doesn't look like a good person at all."
If Miyuki heard Zhang Han's judgement, he would definitely cry injustice. As a catcher with no catching duty allowed, what else could he do but embrace the Ah Q mentality?
"Ping!"
Just as the freshmen took their positions, a white ball shot across the field.
The upperclassmen swung fast, and the balls they hit were ferociously quick. Especially in the infield. The speed felt like it exceeded 200 kilometers per hour.
So fast.
Zhang Han froze as the ball zipped past his eyes.
"First Base!"
Shouts came from all directions.
But he didn't have time to react. The ball bounced and skipped away. An agile figure intercepted it, scooping it up without hesitation and instantly preparing a throw.
Zhang Han had enough experience to know he had to sprint to First Base. He turned to run.
But before he moved a step, another figure blasted past him.
That player reached First Base in an instant.
"Thwack!"
The ball landed in the glove as if the catcher and fielder had rehearsed it hundreds of times.
It all happened in a blink.
"The rhythm is so fast…"
Not only Zhang Han, but all four freshmen were stunned.
Were these players even human?
The second team members watching from the sidelines looked at them with cold, unfriendly eyes. They had no intention of welcoming the newcomers warmly. Pressure flooded the air. The defense was intense. The pace was brutal.
Kuramochi and Shirasu tightened up, unwilling to lose. Especially Shirasu. He didn't talk much, but his emotions were visible.
"A show of force," Zhang Han muttered.
The perfect timing earlier was way too coincidental. Clearly, this was the second team's way of greeting them.
An unfriendly greeting.
Of course it was hostile. Anyone already in the second team was strong and only one step away from the First-string. They knew better than anyone how cruel internal competition was.
These four weren't rookies to them. They were four threats.
But the four promoted players weren't pushovers either.
Zhang Han, Kuramochi, Shirasu.
Their eyes sharpened.
************************************
From this week I have decided to start a little initiative. For every 50 power stones donated to the book I will release an extra chapter that very moment on top of that day 2 chapters.
Remember For Every 50 Power Stones An Extra Chapter.
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