Believing She Has Been Reincarnated into a Baseball Game, My Little Sister Is Aiming for the Koshien, While I Give It My All to Keep Her from Finding out That It’s Actually an Ntr Game - Chapter 22

As the tall, right-handed ace of the opposing team finishes his pitching practice, I step into the left batter’s box, following my usual routine.

“Yamada Kyugo-san, was it? I watched the video. You’re amazing.”

The voice from below is mocking. This guy is a chatty catcher, huh? I don’t like him.

“…………”

“Thanks to you, it looks like we’ll get some good batting practice in preparation for Koshien. I don’t want you to get injured, so I won’t let you pitch too close. All outside pitches. It would be meaningless to play against such a weak team if you weren’t pitching.”

“…………”

The umpire calls for the game to start.

From the set position, the pitcher leisurely lifts his leg, swinging his arm in a smooth, flexible motion from high above, releasing the ball toward the lower inside corner, barely above my knees―

“I see, this is a great pitch.”

The time it takes for the ball released by the pitcher to reach the catcher’s mitt is less than half a second if it’s a top player’s fastball.

So, there’s absolutely no time for lengthy thoughts during that brief moment, let alone for uttering lines to the opposing team in real baseball.

In other words,

While I’m mulling over this and getting a bit annoyed, tossing a sarcastic remark at the boasting catcher, the ball has already traced a large arc, striking the right pole.

“About 110 meters.”

“Brother!! Home run!! Lead-off batter, first-pitch home run!! Riko loves you the most when you hit home runs!!”

Riko jumps around excitedly, clapping and cheering, as the defensive team and the opposing bench fall silent. The Netora Academy bench erupts as if they’ve just secured a spot in Koshien.

I calmly round the bases and slowly step on home plate.

There, one run scored. We take the lead immediately. Baseball is a simple game. Just hit the ball far.

While heading home, I pick up the catcher’s mask and hand it to the stunned catcher.

“Here you go.”

“……….uh, sorry, …”

“Furushima Motoya-san, was it? Oh, I don’t think we’ll get much batting practice today. All you’ll be doing is swinging and maybe practicing escaping a swing. Don’t forget to warm up; wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”

“――――”

You guys may have the height and facilities, but I bet you don’t amount to much otherwise. Because a grand, well-known private sports academy like this couldn’t possibly be the setting for an NTR game. You’re just extras, the most insignificant of all.

They, too, have been lifting weights like crazy this past month.

“Don’t underestimate the pole role brigade, especially not some high school baseball players.”

Ah, academy—no, high school is fine for such losers.

“Nice batting, Captain!”

I high-five Nomo, the sparkling-eyed second batter, and head back to the bench. But before I leave, I have to say something.

“Sorry. It’s bad form to hit the first pitch, but could you buy me some time? My shoulder isn’t quite ready yet.”

Nomo nods deeply.

Brushing past the teammates who welcome me back, I head to the bullpen behind the bench.

“Ah, warming up your arm, Captain?”

I stop the backup catcher, Shiroyama, from standing up with a gesture.

“No, it’s fine. I’m already warmed up. And I don’t catch the ball during offense. Instead, I prefer to focus alone behind the scenes. Remember, when I’m back there, make sure no one disturbs me.”

Leaving them with that, I head to the bullpen alone.

“…………sigh…………”

In the narrow, closed space—just a pitcher’s mound and a home base, 18.44 meters apart, separated by a single wall from the front bench.

In such a confined space, I lean against the wall.

“You’re trying too hard, you know.”

Next to me is my former sister and now girlfriend, who looks up at me with a weary gaze.

I pat Maika, dressed in a jersey, on the head.

“But I looked cool, didn’t I?”

“Just the usual Kyugo. That’s all.”

The best compliment there is, right?

After all, she thinks I’m the coolest guy in the universe.