But Harada, immersed in their "world of two," acted as if he hadn't even seen Narumiya Mei. In the end, even the chief umpire couldn't stand it anymore and interrupted their staring contest. Otherwise, the two of them might have kept looking at each other forever.
Only then did Harada snap back to his senses and toss a ball to Narumiya Mei. Narumiya Mei really wanted to refuse to catch it, but he was afraid Coach Kunimoto would scold him, so he reluctantly caught the ball Harada had thrown over with his glove. However, his little face, puffed up to the limit, made it abundantly clear that he was angry and impossible to appease!!
"A pitcher like that isn't easy to placate, huh? But Masako is a very patient person."
Once upon a time, he had been just like Narumiya Mei, picking fights with everyone and causing Harada no end of trouble. How enviable—having such outstanding talent, being able to keep enjoying baseball freely and without restraint, together with Masako.
Shuichiro unconsciously tightened his grip on the bat.
Harada turned his attention back to Narumiya Mei. After giving several signs, his head began to ache.
Idiot, what are you doing?! Why are you shaking your head like crazy? Believe it or not, I'll have Coach take you out!
Hmph! Go ahead and try. I'm the team's ace—I won't be taken out! Maybe Coach will have Su Qing catch for me instead of you, you brainless catcher!
Harada's veins were practically popping.
"Sorry, time-out."
How could a massive Shura Field like this possibly be complete without a crowd of spectators? In any case, the audience was already in position, ready to break them up.
"Why aren't you following the pitch calls?"
"I looked at them. Your calls just don't suit me."