Chapter 700 - 700: Sawamura Face-Off

"Don't look down on me!"

Sawamura puffed out his cheeks, glaring angrily at Zhang Han.

His sudden shout didn't faze Zhang Han himself, but it startled several of the baseball team's leaders.

Ochiai instinctively tugged at the little beard on his chin.

It actually hurt quite a bit.

Manager Ota nervously rubbed his hands, his eyes never leaving Zhang Han.

He was genuinely worried whether Sawamura knew who he was shouting at.

Takashima Rei was also startled, but she quickly recovered.

She was only surprised by Sawamura's sudden shout. As for Sawamura's reaction, she wasn't surprised at all.

How could a man who dared to challenge Azuma Kiyokuni when he first joined the baseball team be intimidated by Zhang Han?

Zhang Han instinctively touched his face. Thankfully, no saliva landed on him.

"Don't be like that. I didn't mean to look down on you. It's just that when I'm at the batter's box, I never go easy."

Zhang Han's words left everyone present utterly stunned.

And he said he didn't do it on purpose? It was clear he was already very angry, wasn't it?

"Sawamura-kun didn't mean to..."

The kind Manager Ota was about to explain on Sawamura's behalf.

However, it seemed the other party didn't appreciate it.

"That's good. I also have no intention of holding back on the pitcher's mound."

Burning flames flickered in his eyes.

He looked as if he couldn't wait to have a showdown with Zhang Han.

Zhang Han wrapped his right hand around the back of his neck and stretched a bit.

"That's good. No time like the present. Let's start after practice today!"

"It's a deal!"

After making the agreement with Sawamura, Zhang Han looked at Coach Kataoka.

He thought this guy was like an unkillable cockroach, and teaching him a lesson wouldn't be a big deal.

Of course, this was just his own feeling; Zhang Han wasn't 100% confident.

If something went wrong, it would be a significant loss, both for Sawamura personally and for the entire Seido High School Baseball Team.

So he still needed to ask Coach Kataoka what he thought about this matter.

"No problem, Coach?"

Manager Ota, standing beside him, had sweat seeping from his forehead. He nervously looked at his Coach, shaking his head continuously.

However, his actions were also ignored by Coach Kataoka.

"No problem!"

Coach Kataoka readily agreed to Zhang Han's request.

Takashima Rei crossed her arms and smiled, saying to Zhang Han, "Don't say I didn't warn you. If you underestimate this guy too much, even you might suffer a loss."

A smile also appeared on Zhang Han's face.

"Then I'm even more excited!"

After Zhang Han finished speaking, he greeted Chris and left early.

As a hitter, he had no partner and no teammates.

So he didn't need to discuss anything with anyone.

He only needed to adjust his body to its best condition and patiently await the upcoming showdown.

As a pitcher, Sawamura's situation was completely different.

He had Chris as a partner, and also some teammates for fielding.

It wasn't as simple as gathering these people together for them to display their strength.

So they needed to discuss tactics and arrange their lineup.

Zhang Han's proactive departure also gave them time to strategize.

Zhang Han returned to where he had been practicing with Toujou and, as expected, Toujou was doing hitting practice.

"I noticed you haven't been practicing pitching much lately? Have you already decided to give up being a pitcher?"

As Toujou prepared the small ball and small stick, Zhang Han asked with a frown.

His tone carried a hint of regret.

Zhang Han had already seen some signs of Toujou's intentions. But it was his own choice, and Zhang Han couldn't do anything about it.

Now, seeing him seemingly intent on completely giving up pitching, Zhang Han felt it was necessary to show some concern, both as a former teammate and as a current senior.

"During the Freshman Welcome Game, I clearly saw my pitching potential. No matter how hard I try, it's impossible to surpass Furuya and Sawamura. If I insist on only being a pitcher in this baseball team, I probably won't ever make it into the First string. So I hope to do what I can do well now, first."

Toujou wanted to get into the First string by relying on the bat in his hands.

Zhang Han sighed helplessly. Although it was a bit regrettable, what Toujou said was true.

Given the talent displayed by him, it was indeed very difficult for Toujou to surpass the two monstrous peers standing before him.

When Zhang Han hadn't developed his left-handed pitch, wasn't his outcome almost exactly the same?

Relying solely on his right-handed pitch, even if he could find a place for himself in the Seido High School Baseball Team's pitching staff.

It would only be a futile effort.

After all, compared to Zhang Han's talent in other areas, his right-handed pitch could only shine in high school.

Once he entered college or went pro, when it came time to re-evaluate his choices, Zhang Han could never rely on his right-handed pitch to become a pitcher.

It wasn't that his strength wasn't enough, but it would greatly waste of his talent.

In contrast, although the potential of his left-handed pitch in the future was currently unknown, there was still a slight possibility that it could make Zhang Han's future career even more brilliant.

The talents of Furuya Satoru and Sawamura were no secret to the players of the Seido High School Baseball Team.

Their baseball experiences in middle school were not worth mentioning at all. Compared to novices who had never played baseball, they weren't much better.

Yet, these two guys managed to make a splash in the Freshman Welcome Game.

Once they were nurtured and their hidden potential was unearthed, what achievements could they reach in the future? It was truly hard to say.

But one thing was certain.

Both of them had a future, and a very bright one at that.

In contrast, while Toujou's talent was also good, this kind of future was indeed not visible.

"You really want to get into the First string first, no matter what? Your hitting is indeed good, and your fielding ability is also up to the standard for promotion to the First string. After this batch of third-year seniors retires, getting into the First string should be no problem. But if you want to become a regular in the First string, you probably need to work even harder. After all, there are many people blocking your path forward. Whether it's Jinguuji, who has already been promoted to the First string, or Kominato Haruichi, who is eyeing a chance to make a splash in the second team. Their hitting skills are also very impressive. The Coach and other coaches have praised them more than once in private. If you want to become a regular in the First string, even if you can't surpass them, you must at least catch up to them."

As a roommate and his junior and teammate from middle school.

Zhang Han uncharacteristically spoke a few more words.

"Yes, I definitely will."

Toujou wasn't a particularly expressive person, but in front of Zhang Han, he still expressed his determination.

"It's good to have that determination. Keep up the good work in the days to come!"

While the two were talking, Toujou had already prepared, holding the small stick and swinging the small ball back and forth.

"Senior, what's this number? I already succeeded once just now, I think..."

"I can't see it at all!"

The previous time he saw it clearly was just for a moment.

Now, looking at it again, it became blurry.

At the same time, in Coach Kataoka's office.

Chris and Sawamura, having received their tasks, had already left the office.

Currently, besides Coach Kataoka, only the other three major figures remained in the office.

"Coach, aren't you going to tell Zhang Han about your arrangements?"

Takashima Rei asked, pushing up her glasses with her ring finger.

Specifically arranging for Zhang Han and Sawamura to practice together, so Sawamura could experience what it felt like to face the nation's top hitters in advance.

This was, of course, not just for Sawamura, but also for Zhang Han.

If it were only for Sawamura, Coach Kataoka wouldn't need to go to such trouble.

During hitting practice with the baseball team, he could simply have Sawamura pitch.

That way, Sawamura could still face strong hitters.

Yuuki's hitting ability was no less than Zhang Han's.

Isashiki Jun, Masuko Toru, Kominato Ryosuke, Miyuki Kazuya...

The strength of these hitters, even if not comparable to those two monsters, would certainly make Sawamura feel how cruel this world is if Sawamura were their opponent.

But Coach Kataoka didn't do that; instead, he had them practice one-on-one.

The intention behind this was very deep.

"Of course, we could tell him directly. With Zhang Han's comprehension, he would probably adapt and understand very quickly. But things learned that way won't leave a deep impression. Plus, the gap in strength between the two is too great; once Zhang Han finds the trick, the practice will lose its meaning. It's better to let him discover it himself! If he can suffer a little loss in this practice, perhaps the effect will be even better."

No matter which it is, Coach Kataoka doesn't mind at all. As long as Zhang Han can truly learn what he hopes Zhang Han learns during this process, that's all that matters.

Seido High School Baseball Team's practice field.

"Did something big happen?"

Toujou felt particularly strange. After practice ended today, the entire field was still packed with people.

The players hadn't gone back to eat as usual.

They remained on the field, but instead of standing in the center, they stood on the sides.

The center of the field was completely empty.

Zhang Han, who had been practicing with Toujou, felt very awkward after hearing Toujou's question.

He hadn't expected it to turn out like this in the end.

The second and third-year players were all eagerly watching, like spectators enjoying a show.

"I bet a pack of spicy chips that punk won't be able to get Zhang Han out even once."

"I bet two packs."

"Oh, you have that much confidence in that little guy?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? Of course, I'm betting on Han-san winning."

"Then how can we bet?"

If both people bet on the same outcome, there's naturally no meaning to the bet.

"What are these guys doing?"

When Sawamura arrived, he happened to hear the gloating voices of these guys, and he glared at them angrily.

The showdown hadn't even started yet, how did these guys know he would definitely lose?

Chris shook his head helplessly.

Earlier, he had been quite moved when he heard Sawamura say those words in the Coach's office.

To have such confidence and courage when facing Zhang Han was definitely something to be highly praised.

For a baseball pitcher, especially a high school baseball pitcher, momentum is sometimes more important than skill.

But after truly understanding, Chris realized he was wrong.

Sawamura wasn't as he had imagined, being bold because of his skill, which led him to make such grand statements.

He was purely fearless due to ignorance.

He had no idea what kind of monster was standing in front of him.

"Do you know how many Homeruns Zhang Han has hit so far?"

"I think it's thirty-eight, I heard my teammates muttering about it. It's no big deal, when I get into the First string, I'll hit many more than him."

Chris felt a heavy blow to his chest.

"Zhang Han joined the baseball team very early, but even so, the number of games he has truly played for the baseball team, at most, is just over 20 games. He averages 1.4 Homeruns per game, and his hitting success rate exceeds 60%. Both of these statistics, either one, are top-notch nationwide. Although there are reasons of luck, and also because he was a first-year player before, leading opponents to underestimate him. But no matter what, the achievements he has made are genuine. Looking at all high school students at this stage nationwide, even if Zhang Han isn't the number one, he is definitely a strong contender standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid. If you can truly get him out in your showdown with him. Even if you can only get him out once in three confrontations, then your skill is already very high."

Within the Tokyo area, those capable of doing this might not even exceed 2 to 3 people.

To face Zhang Han three times head-on and get him out once.

"Don't worry, forget top 3 in Tokyo, even if it's top 3 nationwide, I'll definitely take him down!"

Sawamura held his head high, confidently saying to Chris.

Chris felt a large drop of cold sweat about to fall from his forehead.

He didn't know where this guy got the confidence to make such a bold statement when facing Zhang Han.

However, as a partner, he couldn't dampen Sawamura's enthusiasm at this moment.

"Alright, then let's think carefully about how to conquer this monster!"

Although he wasn't very confident in his partner, Chris was still very excited to be able to face Zhang Han in this way.

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