Six months had slipped by since Souta and Eijun had witnessed their first live MLB game in Japan. The memory of the roaring crowd, the crack of the bat, and the elegant dance between pitcher and catcher stayed with them like a second heartbeat. The promise of traveling to the States next season to see the real MLB games for themselves kept their spirits high and their training relentless.
Though their eyes were set on the future, the boys were still very much kids. Their days balanced between focused baseball training and carefree moments of childhood joy.
Under the watchful eyes of Riku Fushimi and Kazuki Sawamura, they trained with discipline but also with laughter. Riku, calm and precise, emphasized fundamentals and footwork, while Kazuki, ever encouraging, pushed them to stay flexible and strong.
Eijun's daily routine included agility drills, core strengthening, and endless bullpen sessions to refine his pitching form. Souta worked on his glove work, quick throws, and developing a "pop" in his catches that will become a very powerful weapon for him in a future.
After training, it was often a race to the river, bike tires kicking up dirt, laughter filling the air.
"Last one to the river buys the ice cream!" Eijun shouted, pedaling hard.
"That's not fair! Your bike weighs less!" Souta called back, pushing to keep up.
"Excuses, excuses," Eijun teased, throwing a playful glance over his shoulder.
Souta grinned, eyes shining with determination. "You're the worst bike rider ever."
The sun dipped low as they raced past familiar streets, baseball gloves dangling from handlebars, their laughter mingling with the evening breeze.
One crisp March morning, Riku and Kazuki gathered the boys.
"We're taking you to Tokyo today," Riku said with a rare smile. "There's an NPB game at the Dome. Consider it a reward for your hard work."
Excitement buzzed through Souta and Eijun as they boarded the train. The city whizzed by outside the window, the tall buildings gleaming in the sunlight.
When they arrived at the stadium, the air was thick with anticipation and the scent of fresh cut grass.
As they approached the entrance, a familiar voice called out:
"Yo, Riku, Kazuki."
The two mentors exchanged calm, knowing looks.
"Animal," Kazuki said, almost casually.
Souta froze, his eyes wide. He hadn't expected to see the legendary Jorge "Animal", a former MLB pitcher known for his fierce presence on the mound.
Beside Animal stood a boy a few years older than Souta and Eijun quiet, composed, with sharp eyes that seemed to observe everything.
"This is Chris Yū," Riku introduced. "Animal's son."
Souta's heart raced. He quickly composed himself and stepped forward.
"I'm Fushimi Souta. This is Sawamura Eijun."
Chris nodded politely in return.
"Nice to meet you."
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. Fans cheered, vendors called out, and the players took the field with precision.
Eijun's eyes followed a left-handed pitcher whose form was smooth and controlled. Souta and Chris leaned into the game, discussing the veteran catcher's signals and how they might anticipate the batter's moves.
Between innings, Chris shared some insights quietly.
"You really think about the game a lot," Souta said, impressed.
Chris shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I want to help pitchers do their best. That's my job."
Eijun laughed, slapping both boys on the back. "Well, lucky for you guys, I'm a pitcher who loves working with catchers."
They cheered with the crowd as the game went on, the crack of the bat and the umpire's calls ringing in their ears.
Reflections and Dreams
After the game, the group settled outside under the city lights. The fathers talked about their MLB days missed flights, wild pitches, moments that had bonded teams together.
Souta and Eijun munched on mini hot dogs, their eyes bright with dreams.
Souta felt that familiar pulse in his chest—the feeling that they were stepping closer to something bigger.
"You're going to be great, Chris," Souta said sincerely.
Chris smiled quietly. "Thanks. You too."
As the train ride home began, the boys grew quiet, the city lights blurring past the windows.
Eijun broke the silence.
"Do you think we'll ever play on the same team?"
Souta looked out at the glowing skyline.
"If we do… I think anyone on the other side will have a hard time."
The future seemed full of possibility the promise of friendships, rivalries, and the game they loved binding them closer every day.