At the start of the welcoming match, the New School Teammates gave the Old-timers Team a massive shock. Beginning with Zhang Han's home run, they put two runs on the board.
The score became 2:0, with the freshmen in the lead.
In the entire history of Seido's welcoming matches, this had never happened.
The second and third-year players stared at the freshmen with hostility, as if they wanted to tear them apart. Especially Zhang Han.
Not only Hidezawa, but many strong upperclassmen from both the second and third years kept their eyes fixed on him.
Their only previous encounter was short, but the impression Zhang Han left was unforgettable.
They probably wouldn't forget that shock even in their dreams. At the same time, the upperclassmen secretly gritted their teeth. They would never accept defeat.
This was no longer a simple matter between seniors and juniors. They had already started viewing Zhang Han as a rival on equal footing, the perfect grindstone they needed to sharpen themselves for the First-string.
One look at Coach Kataoka and Manager Ota's expressions made it clear how stunned they were.
If Zhang Han continued playing like this, moving up to the First-string was almost guaranteed.
And if the Old-timers Team wanted to prove their worth and secure their own promotion,
They first had to defeat Zhang Han.
"The upperclassmen are looking at you like beasts eyeing fresh meat. You'd better be careful, kid."
Kuramochi's tone sounded teasing, but Zhang Han still felt the genuine concern behind it.
"Thanks for the reminder. I'll be careful."
The saying goes: the nail that sticks out gets hammered.
As long as a freshman stood out, the upperclassmen would target him sooner or later.
In the matches to follow, the pressure would only increase. They might even be given trouble behind the scenes.
Zhang Han was well aware of this. He had already experienced it several times back in the Matsukata Senior League.
But even knowing this, he still chose to stand out. Only mediocre players are not envied.
If no one is jealous of you, it simply means your ability isn't worth envying.
To rise within a baseball team, you must perform. If trouble came after that, then he would deal with it later.
For now, he had one priority: stand out.
Kawakami, however, didn't have the same mindset. As the pitcher for the freshmen, he was extremely nervous.
Even though the upperclassmen had given up two runs, their momentum didn't weaken at all.
On the contrary, each of them radiated an intimidating aura.
Kawakami wasn't a genius like Zhang Han. Could he withstand this pressure?
Could he?
The question alone shook his confidence.
"Don't be nervous. Earlier during practice, you could hit the corners well. And your Breaking Ball is tricky. If I'm not wrong, it should be a sinker, right?"
Hearing this, Kawakami felt his entire chest warm.
Most people mistook his Breaking Ball for a Curveball. This was the first time someone had correctly identified it on sight.
When he turned his head, he saw the handsome face of Miyuki Kazuya.
He had been the most anticipated freshman before.
Before.
Now things had changed.
After today's opening home run off Ace Hidezawa, Zhang Han had shattered everyone's expectations. His performance was dazzling enough to overshadow Miyuki's reputation entirely.
For many freshmen, Miyuki's strength was still unknown. But Zhang Han's strength had already been displayed in the open, And it was overwhelming.
"A sidearm pitcher like you, with such good control… Just that alone can trouble the upperclassmen. Add your flexible Breaking Ball, and trust me, we can absolutely fight."
Miyuki said this with total confidence.
Kawakami felt his blood surge with determination. He still wasn't sure whether he could live up to Miyuki's expectations, But knowing Miyuki believed in him filled him with courage.
As the game resumed, the freshmen took their assigned positions. Zhang Han went to Second Base.
He had never played this position before. But infield positions shared similarities, so the pressure wasn't overwhelming.
The real issue was the pitcher. Could Kawakami suppress the Old-timers Team?
Because the pitcher's performance would directly decide the direction of the game.
If only he could pitch instead… Zhang Han couldn't guarantee he would shut down the upperclassmen completely, But he was certain he could keep the runs allowed within a controllable range.
"Swish!"
While Zhang Han was lost in thought, Kawakami had already thrown his first pitch.
Such a fast rhythm!
Even the freshmen were startled. They had no idea what Kawakami was planning.
If teammates didn't know, then opponents definitely wouldn't know.
The third-year leadoff batter had planned to swing at the first pitch. But the moment he saw Kawakami's pitching form, he froze.
A true sidearm. He had only heard of such pitches before, but this was his first time seeing one in person.
The ball wasn't fast, but its enormous curve made it impossible to swing.
"Pop!"
"Strike!"
Another pitch.
"Strike!"
Two in a row, caught in exactly the same way.
A huge sweeping curve, cutting straight across the diagonal.
Even after rigorous training, a pitch like this was unheard of.
"Ping…"
On the third pitch, forced to swing, the upperclassman barely made contact.
"Ping!"
"Pop!"
"Out!"
The soft, bouncing ball rose gently above Second Base, And Zhang Han calmly lifted his glove and caught it.
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