I then looked at the yard around me.
'I need a mound.'
I looked around until a saw some loose soil at the end of the yard with a shovel next to it.
'Hmmmm… fuck it.'
I walked up to the shovel and then started bringing the loose soil to one end of the garden and started making it into a pile.
After I while, I finally managed to make it big enough to be close to a makeshift mound.
I then started patting it down until it started to be more compact take a better shape.
'Wow, I think I did a pretty good job. What do you think, Max?'
[It's not bad. It still needs a pitcher's plate though.]
'Oh crap, yeah it does.'
I started to look around the outside of the house until I came across a bunch of wooden planks in a pile round the side of the house.
According to Sawamura's memories, these were spare parts from grandad's handywork around house for what needed fixing.
'I could these as the pitching mound and make a strike zone with the rest.' I thought as I get to work.
***
After what felt like ages, I had finally finished.
The most time-consuming part wasn't even making the strike zone from the wood.
It was finding something to cover it to make a target.
Luckily Mum had some white paint in the car from one of her decorating jobs.
When I was painting over the wood, I wanted a target that emphasised control.
So, I split the strike zone into 9 individual squares.
Now though, I was standing on the mound with my cleats on, a ball and glove in my hands.
I let out a deep sigh.
'It's been a long time since I've stood on the mound. Luckily having Sawamura's memories has made it seem less foreign. Come on! I can do this!' I thought.
I then proceeded to perform my wind up. I lifted my right leg up, high towards my chest.
I then swung my leg back down with a solid momentum. Using my gloved hand as a solid wall of balance, keeping my arm steady and my hand fully clasped inside the glove.
I then planted my foot heavily onto the mound, I made sure that my toes were pointed towards the strike zone.
*PAH*
My left arm hand had been gradually flexing backwards throughout this motion, waited for its chance to pounce with my fingers tightly grasping the ball, my index and middle fingers smothering the four seams.
I then tensed the muscles in my arm, flinging it from behind my back over shoulder.
My left arm started to whip violently forward. My shoulder and wrist started to come in to play as it further boosted the velocity of the motion.
Finally, right at the opportune moment, I lastly flicked my wrist further through as I released the ball.
WHOOSH
BANG
The ball landed slap bang down the middle square of the strike zone.
I was breathing heavily as I finished my wind up, completely frozen in shock after witnessing where the ball went.
*BADUMP* BADUMP*
I grasped my chest in response to my heavily beating heart.
My breath started to get faster as tears started welling up in my eyes making my vision blurry.
My legs gave out a little and I tightly curled up on my knees.
I started whimpering with tears down my face.
'I did it. I really did it.'
'I can still throw.'
'I didn't even realise I needed this sort of moment. A moment to know for sure I could still throw. I just really wanted to pitch. I didn't know if I could do it or not.'
I didn't know if I was talking to myself or the past me or Max or anyone. I just needed to let it out.
The bottled-up emotions I had been holding back since I quit baseball.
I never stopped loving the sport. I just felt like I couldn't do it anymore after I lost my family.
That's why I loved reading the manga of this world. It let me feel alive through the training and the games. The sheer power and will of the characters through highs and lows of their journey deeply resonated with me.
But this moment right here, solidified everything.
I knew for a fact that I had sunk on level deeper into the love of baseball and pitching.
Even after everything that happened today, this was truly my start line.
*DING*
[Congratulations User. You have overcome your doubts and made a perfect strike with a four-seam fastball.]
[You have been rewarded with a new skill: Four Seam Fastball: 5% Mastery]
My eyes widened with shock as I stood up.
'Max, is this real? Did I really create my own skill?'
[Correct User. You have created this skill through breaking out of your comfort zone and delivering the most perfect strike with your current capabilities.]
I let another deep sigh as I wiped the tears from my eyes.
'Wait, how come there was such a delay in me getting the reward? It's been at least 5 minutes since I threw the strike.' I asked.
[You were having a moment, so I thought it was best to save the reward until you had calmed down.]
I laughed wholeheartedly at her response.
'Thank you, Max. You know, you might be the best partner and friend I've ever had.'
[I know. I'm the best. You now have the best partner by your side… Eijun]
'Eijun… The name is comfortable now. This is who I am. I'm no one else other than Sawamura Eijun.'
[By the way, aren't there more important things to be doing right now?]
I suddenly looked towards where the ball was.
'Yes, you're right. I need to keep pitching the same fastball over and over until I can consistently throw it.' I thought as I got up and walked to the ball.
[That is right. But don't overdo it, only throw 30 at most. We have a lot of time.]
"Okay, only 30. Got it." I responded as I got back onto the mound with ball.
I then got into my set position started my wind up.
***
When I finally laid in my bed, I was exhausted.
My body was fully feeling the work I put in today.
But I felt amazing at the same time.
This is what I wanted. To feel the energy in my muscles.
'Max, is there a way you could wake me up early tomorrow so I can complete the daily task before school?' I asked.
[I have a sleep protocol function that I recommend. It will allow you sleep on command and wake up at whatever time you set.]
'Perfect! In that case, set the wake-up schedule for 5am please.
[5am wake up time scheduled.]
'Okay, activate sleeping protocol, Max.'
[Activating sleeping protocol function. Goodnight Eijun.]
'Goodnight, Maa-'
Time skip: 1 week