The first to step into the batter's box was Kusunoki Fumiya, a third-year senior.
He wasn't as physically imposing as Azuma Kiyokuni—his build was pretty average.
But despite that, he was known as Seidō's lead-off hitter.
He was one of the team's best all-around players.
Fast on the bases, sharp insight, and skilled with a variety of batting techniques.
Using him as the lead-off hitter was a good way to test the opposing pitcher.
'This guy's taking this seriously,' Takigawa thought, a bit puzzled.
He understood Azuma wanted to give Takumi a challenge.
Still, he hadn't expected the seniors to treat Takumi with such seriousness.
Even if he had played exceptionally well in the last practice game, dominating the Nanamori players who had come all this way.
But that didn't mean much.
Seidō's third-year seniors weren't the same as the Nanamori players.
Just because he handled Nanamori's team didn't mean he could handle the seniors here.
"Be careful. If you can't control the ball well, you'll have to rely on sheer willpower to get past Matsumoto." Takigawa warned firmly.
As he gave that warning, a tall, imposing figure walked over.
"What's going on here?" the voice demanded, firm and uncompromising.
The confident third-year seniors immediately fell silent, shrinking back like mice before a cat.
"Just letting you know, coach. We were checking if the new junior was settling into the First String environment. Wanted to help him feel part of the team quickly. Haha..." Azuma chuckled, his voice ringing across the field.
But beneath the laughter, he shifted nervously, toes digging into the ground.
"Helping a junior settle into the team?" Coach Kataoka Tesshin questioned skeptically, his gaze shifting to Takumi.
His eyes seemed to say, 'Is that really true?'
If not, speak up now—I've got your back.
Feeling the coach's piercing gaze, Azuma broke out in a cold sweat.
Usually, the coach only showed up after warm-ups were done.
So why was he here so early today?
They'd clearly been caught off guard.
Azuma glanced at Takumi, silently hoping for some support.
As the team's key player, he wasn't afraid to argue with the club president or talk things through with Takashima Rei.
But when it came to Kataoka, he knew better than to push his luck.
After all, their coach had a reputation for being strict and didn't tolerate any nonsense.
"Yes. The seniors are helping me get used to the team and wanted to see my pitching," Takumi replied calmly.
Are you kidding? His task had already started, and he'd even gotten the reward early.
What if the duel got canceled?
Would the system take back what it gave him?
This duel had to go on, no matter what.
Hearing his answer, Coach Kataoka nodded approvingly.
"That's a good attitude," he remarked with satisfaction. "But a duel like this would hold everyone up. Let's stick to defensive practice today."
The third-year seniors exchanged surprised glances, as if they'd just seen a ghost.
Since when did the coach become so reasonable?
Still, avoiding punishment was a win.
Besides, Coach Kataoka made it clear they had to follow orders, whether they liked it or not.
"Who originally planned to bat?" he inquired sharply.
When he asked, Azuma raised his hand immediately.
"Me," he answered firmly.
Since he'd started this, there was no backing out.
He was the first to speak up.
"Me, too," came Kusunoki's voice.
"And me!" another chimed in eagerly.
At first, the third-year seniors only planned to send three players to spar with Takumi—or more like, to teach him a lesson.
Besides Azuma and Kusunoki, the third choice was Kadota Masaaki.
Unlike the other two, Kadota had personally seen Takumi pitch during the practice game.
He'd been thinking about it all night.
The idea of standing in the batter's box and facing him for real was pretty exciting.
"Kusunoki will be the lead-off hitter, Kadota second, and you third." Kataoka announced with authority.
"After that, Yūki Tetsuya will cleanup, and Isashiki Jun will bat fifth," he continued smoothly..
Those last two weren't third-year seniors but second-year upperclassmen.
Because they'd performed so well, they'd been promoted to the First String and were key players—one a first baseman, the other a center fielder.
"Sixth batter…" Kataoka murmured thoughtfully.
After naming six batters, he paused.
"We'll rotate after nine batters in one lineup," he clarified calmly.
"Everyone else, take your defensive positions," he commanded firmly.
Besides the six batters, there were the pitcher and catcher.
Almost all the other First String players took the field, each settling into position to form a solid defense line.
This struck a heavy blow to the third-year seniors preparing to bat.
At first, their opponent was just Takumi alone.
So, the challenge didn't seem too tough.
But now, they were facing an entire defensive lineup.
Leading the defense was their main catcher, Takigawa Chris Yū, who directed the whole team.
Suddenly, the difficulty of this duel had increased significantly.
"Don't stress out. He's just a first-year kid. Even with some help, he can't turn things around," Azuma shrugged off confidently.
As Seidō's key player, he wasn't just great at batting—he was also full of drive.
Taking on a first-year wasn't exactly a big deal if he won.
But if he lost, people would definitely talk.
He didn't really care; he was motivated.
"Don't worry, I won't hold back," Kusunoki declared with determination.
He stepped into the batter's box again, but this time, it felt different.
In front of him, besides Takumi on the mound, several teammates stood ready in a tight defensive formation.
They were crouched, ready to react instantly.
Just by watching them, you could tell they were skilled.
Facing such a solid defense, he felt the pressure.
He gripped his bat tighter.
His eyes locked on Takumi, curious to see what that famous Spiral ball looked like.
Then, Takumi took his stance and pitched without hesitation.
Whoosh!
Seeing the ball come flying at him, Kusunoki's eyes widened instinctively.
How could this be?