Under Takashima Rei's strict supervision—

and because Eijun was genuinely terrified of Rei's long lectures— that day, Eijun obediently stuck to basic endurance training.

No pitching, not even batting.

As Takashima put it:

"Until you're fully recovered, you absolutely cannot do any training that puts strain on your arm."

This made Eijun groan in frustration inside.

Could anything be more miserable than this?

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"

He shouted as he ran, venting the pent-up urge that had no other outlet.

"I'm free!!!"

"I just want to pitch!!!"

His cries echoed throughout the ballfield, making the other players training there smile knowingly.

Sawamura was still the same Sawamura.

"Looks like Eijun-kun really has recovered."

Whizz

Crack!!

Standing before the pitching machine, Haruichi sent a 150 km/h fastball flying, then caught the sound of Eijun's energetic screaming echoing across the field.

His lips curved into a faint smile.

"Haha, that kid Sawamura is as lively as ever."

"Well, he is our team's ace after all. Next year we'll still be relying on him."

"Pitching and hitting—it's been a long time since we've seen such a two-way talent."

"Looks like his recovery is going well. Maybe we'll see him pitch today?"

"Not today. Even if his injury is basically healed—"

"Huh? Why not?"

"It seems just to be safe, for now he's only allowed basic training, like endurance runs. Pitching will probably be off-limits for another week or two."

"Ah, makes sense. Better to avoid risks. There aren't any games anyway, so no need to rush."

"Yeah, but you can tell our ace must be suffocating.

All this time without pitching…"

"Exactly. You could hear it in his scream just now."

As always, residents living near Seidou High came to watch the players train whenever they had free time.

Today, seeing Eijun finally back on the field, their eyes lit up and chatter filled the air.

...

"Huff… huff…"

After running about ten laps around the track, Eijun finally slowed to rest for a bit.

It had been over a week since his last exercise—even endurance training needed to be done in moderation.

"Here, Sawamura."

Just as he stopped, Kariba quickly stepped up with a towel and warm water.

"Thanks, Kariba."

Exhaling a long breath and steadying his breathing,

Eijun accepted the towel with a grin.

"Looks like you're recovering pretty well, Sawamura."

Kariba returned the smile.

"Yeah, it's basically fine now."

Eijun flexed his left arm lightly and chuckled.

"Sawamura!"

Before he could continue chatting, Kijima Rei waved from not far away and called loudly.

"What is it? Do you need me, Kijima-senpai?"

Eijun blinked, then responded.

"Go to the bullpen, Coach Ochiai is looking for you."

"Yes, understood! I'll head over right away!"

Eijun nodded, then turned to Kariba.

"Then I'll leave the rest to you, Kariba."

"Got it, leave it to me."

Kariba took back the towel and thermos, replying firmly.

"Thanks!"

Eijun waved and jogged off toward the bullpen.

...

When he arrived, Kawakami-senpai and Kaneda-senpai were on the mound throwing.

Meanwhile, Furuya and Kawashima were doing defensive drills and limited pitch simulations.

"Raise your arm a little higher. That way, the release point for your breaking ball will be sharper. Understand? The essence of a breaking ball is surprise—to leave the batter with no time to react, or exceed their reaction time. To achieve that, either the movement must be super fast, or the break must be dramatic, or it must perfectly complement your fastball. Your form can still be adjusted a little more toward perfection."

Ochiai sat on a stool—no one knew who had dragged it over—one leg crossed, twirling his mustache as he spoke calmly.

"Yes, Coach Ochiai!!"

Both Kawakami and Kaneda answered loudly.

"Coach Ochiai, I heard you wanted to see me."

After waiting for Ochiai to finish his round of instruction, Eijun paused briefly, then quickly stepped forward.

With a hint of respect in his tone, he addressed him.

"Ah, you're here, Sawamura-kun. Yes, I was looking for you."

Ochiai tilted his head slightly, his narrowed eyes fixing on Eijun.

He gave a small nod and spoke in a calm voice.

"May I ask what you wanted with me, Coach?"

Eijun asked with a trace of puzzlement.

Could it be advice on his pitching?

But hadn't he just been banned from throwing for now?

Countless possibilities flashed through Eijun's mind as he wondered why Ochiai had called him over.

"It's about your Numbers series of pitches."

Ochiai's half-closed eyes opened slightly as he spoke,

his voice carrying a lazy, casual air.

"Numbers?"

A question mark practically appeared above Eijun's head.

He blinked in confusion and repeated the word back.

"Yes. Watching you through the autumn tournament,

I noticed that your Numbers pitches actually have two main problems. After so many games and so many throws, I believe you've also sensed it yourself by now."

"What do you mean?"

Eijun's heart skipped a beat—he had indeed thought of something similar before—and he asked quietly.

"Stability… and limits."

Ochiai cut straight to the point.

"Among your pitches, several rely heavily on finger sensitivity. And depending on the day's weather, or certain outside factors, your pitching can be affected."

"Take your Five-Seam Ball, for instance. Let's leave finger sensitivity aside for the moment. Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as a five-seam pitch—the baseball only has two seams. The naming of seam pitches comes from that structure. Yours is more of a personal creation, named for how you use your five fingers, your release point, and the force behind your throw. Am I correct?"

"Yes."

Eijun nodded in agreement.

"And that's exactly the problem. Your Five-Seam Ball demands extremely delicate control. The slightest deviation ruins it. And under certain weather conditions, it becomes nearly impossible to use."

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