WHOOSH
"What was that noise?"
The spectators in the stands heard the sound of something cutting through the air behind them, causing a few people to jump in fright.
WHOOSH
Once again it sounded, allowing them to finally pinpoint the source of the noise.
"Who is that guy? And why is he swinging a bat over there?"
WHOOSH
"W-What the hell…"
The sound was so loud that the spectators were having difficulty focusing on the match in front of them. Since majority of them were students, seeing Ken's fierce expression while swinging what could be classed as a deadly weapon, was enough to deter anyone from asking him to politely stop.
Even the few parents who had decided to attend were intimidated by the sight, choosing to do their best to ignore it.
"Three outs. Changeover"
The top of the 8th innings ended once more without a score from the away team, keeping the game tied at 5-5. Yasushi, the 2nd baseman trudged out of the batters box with some annoyance on his face, feeling humiliated by the 3 pitch strikeout he just suffered.
Since he was the 8th batter on the team, expectations weren't high. But something about the first years face when he struck him out pissed him off.
"Yuta, how are Akira's pitches?" Coach Hanada asked, deciding whether or not it was time for a change of pitcher.
In the midst of putting on his chest protector, Yuta turned and replied confidently. "Akira's still got plenty of fight left in him."
"Mmm good. Let's not let them get any runs, I'll figure something else out for the final innings." He said mysteriously.
Seiji's eyes were focused on the boy in the distance who had been swinging away for the entire inning. He had noticed it from the beginning.
Each swing that Ken performed was timed perfectly with the pitch thrown by the first year on the mound. He was visualizing and adjusting it perfectly, despite being so far away from the players.
'Looks like he's eager to get into the game.' The coach thought, rubbing the stubble on his chin in contemplation.
"Just another 150 or so more and I'll be done with my mission for the day" Ken mumbled to himself.
He found it easier to swing when watching the pitcher throw, it helped him visualize and calibrate his mental training with the physical training.
Unaware of the misunderstanding his batting practice had brought, Ken continued to do the same with Akira pitching to the Shuei batters.
Despite throwing well over 100 pitches this game, Akira still persisted.
'There's no way I'm giving up my chance… Not today.'
Channeling his inner strength, the lanky 2nd year began his wind up and sent the ball flying towards the open glove of Yuta.
DING
The ball was hit poorly straight towards first base. Hiroki didn't even have to move from his spot and was able to bend down to complete the first out of the innings.
"Out."
"One out! Nice work Akira."
'Yes! This is good.'
Akira was all smiles as he went back to the mound. He only needed to get a couple more outs and they would be on the front foot next innings.
Luck seemed to be on their side as the next batter also got out easily. He sent the ball flying straight up into the air and into the waiting glove of Yuta.
"Nice work Yuta!"
The Yokohama dugout cheered in response to the play.
"2 outs! One more and then its counterattack time."
Even the players on the field were getting into it, eager to turn the score in their favor.
There were only 2 people on the Yokohama bench who seemed out of sorts, not matching the fervent atmosphere.
One was Shiro who had somehow managed to make his way back to the dugout after barely surviving Ken's devilish training regime. Judging by how dirty his clothes were, he looked as if he crawled on his stomach all the way.
The other was Ai, who currently had a pouting look on her face.
'Here I thought we would be able to chat while he wasn't playing… Stupid Ken.'
She wasn't really upset, just a little disappointed. It was one thing if he was focused on the game, but he had left right after the 1st innings without so much as a word.
In a huff, she decided to go look for Ken.
Leaving the bustling field, she walked over to the open area and coincidently saw the man she was looking for swinging his bat. His gaze was focused intently on the field as he continued to sharpen his form.
Ai's face softened considerably.
'He must want to play so badly.' She thought, inwardly forgiving him for ditching her earlier.
Meanwhile, Ken was busy counting down his remaining swings in his head, feeling his muscles begin to get heavy from fatigue.
Even though it had only been a few days since he began the 2nd part of the Ascend to the Peak mission, he could already feel the small increase in the strength of his back and arms.
"Hey Ken. I finally tracked you down" Ai said, feeling her stomach flutter a little.
Ken was so focused that he didn't even hear her soft voice.
"3 outs. Change!"
The players on the field began to head back to their respective dugouts.
"Ahem." Ai cleared her throat, feeling a little awkward.
Ken turned around from the field, finally noticing her. His eyes went wide since he wasn't expecting her to be alone and looking for him. He felt his heart skip a beat seeing how cute she looked with makeup on.
Her beautiful blue eyes were staring at him curiously, leaving him feeling almost out of breath.
"Hey, sorry I was a little preoccupied." He admitted, rubbing the back of his head and smiling awkwardly.
Despite vowing that he would treat Ai as a friend, there was still a deep part of him that found it difficult. Perhaps it was the early high school version of himself that kept rising to the surface, eroding at his rationality.
After all, he had the biggest crush on her in his previous life.