"It was just as hot today." Kōshū rested his head against the bus window. As they neared Meiji Jingu Stadium, traffic had jammed up, and most of the people on the road were headed toward the stadium.
No one beside him responded. He tilted his head and looked at the expressions of those to his left and behind him through the gaps between the seats. Everyone's so quiet. Today is the final game...
Kōshū thought back to yesterday's conversation with Kataoka Manager. Miyuki had dragged him to the manager's office, and the moment he opened the door, he saw the third-years and catchers. Seeing that lineup, he had immediately realized they probably had a special assignment for him.
"Kōshū, tomorrow you'll pitch from the seventh inning onward, all the way until the end."
"What does 'until the end' mean?" Usually, didn't they tell pitchers exactly which innings they were responsible for?
"Mm. Tomorrow's score gap may be extremely small, or neither side may be able to pull ahead at all. The game could go into extra innings, so we need to use relay pitching from the start. I'll put you in during a crucial moment in the latter half of the game. Ideally, you won't give up even a single run. Of course, giving such a heavy responsibility to a first-year..."
"Understood, Manager." Kōshū interrupted Kataoka. "I understand how important this assignment is, and I'll find a way to accomplish it. Right, Senior Miyuki?"
"Huh? Of course." Miyuki had never told Kōshū why he was bringing him to the manager's office. He had only wanted to see the guy struggle, but the result disappointed him. This guy had actually agreed without hesitation.
"Hmph." Kataoka Manager chuckled. The tense atmosphere from moments ago had been swept away by the fearless momentum