"Even if you're like Sawamura and never show a pained expression once you step onto the mound, you're already exhausted. Your heart must be hurting too, right!
I won't go easy on you now!" Kariba thought as he looked at the sweat-soaked Kuki.
"Puff!"
"Whoosh!"
"Smack!"
"Strike!"
"Huff!" Even after throwing just one pitch, the exhausted Kuki had to readjust his breathing.
"That Toujou-senpai isn't even a pitcher—he's an outfield substitute...
I thought I already understood just how high Seidou's level was...
But seniors at that level can't even make the bench...
Then just how incredible are the regulars...?!
Sendou-san... what kind of player is he?!
The difference from what I saw in the stands is way too huge!!!
But... a team aiming for the top of the nation has to be this strong!
Huff!
That's exactly why they're worth challenging!!"
"Puff!"
"Whoosh!"
"Smack!"
"Ball!!"
After throwing the pitch, Kuki began wiping away sweat frantically.
He knew he did not have many chances left!!!
Even setting aside First Team and second string, he wanted to play baseball with these powerful seniors for a little longer!!
"Judging by this battery's pitch selection, after two fastballs, the chances of a changeup go up!!
And they don't dare throw inside corner balls so casually anymore!!" Kariba had not spent this year here for nothing.
This was probably why Coach Tawara of Ichidai San High had said last year that it took roughly two years to develop a catcher who could play in games.
For most catchers, their thinking was what urgently needed to evolve and adjust.
"Puff!"
"Whoosh!"
"It's coming! A slider!" Kariba did not possess extraordinary bat speed or reflexes, so he did not have time to think that much.
The moment that thought appeared, the ball was already before him.
"Ping!"