Damn it!
Masatoshi Harada hadn't expected such a tricky pitch to be cleanly connected, much less driven that far, especially from such an awkward posture that should've made it impossible to generate power.
"Yaha! Kominato-senpai, run!!" Kuramochi Yoichi roared from the sidelines.
Kominato Ryosuke rounded third just as the baseball dropped into the outfield grass.
"Run!!"
The base coach's shout cut through the noise. Kominato didn't hesitate, lowering his center of gravity and charging straight for home.
The outfield returned the ball quickly. It went to second base—then, in one smooth motion, was fired toward Masatoshi Harada at the plate.
"Faster!!"
Cheers from both sides collided in the air as runner and ball raced home together.
Then,
Kominato Ryosuke stepped on home plate first.
Safe.
"Ohhhhh!!!"
Seido's fans exploded to their feet.
A single run—but in the eighth inning, that run was priceless.
In contrast, Inashiro's stands fell silent.
One point.
Just one point.
Yet everyone knew how heavy that single run was.
On the mound, Narumiya Mei stared at Kominato Ryosuke with clenched teeth.
The game was nearing its end… and he still hadn't been able to completely shut Seido down.
In the dugout, Coach Kunimoto's brows drew into a hard line.
Losing a run at this stage was something Inashiro could hardly afford.
One out. Runner on first.
Narumiya Mei fixed Kanzaki Ryou with a sharp glare as he walked into the batter's box.
Taking several deep breaths, Mei forcefully steadied himself, throwing each pitch with precision and restraint.
Kanzaki Ryou fouled off the first.
Swung through the second.
Two strikes.
Bang!
The third pitch, a changeup was contacted, but Kanzaki's rhythm had already been disrupted. The ball floated weakly upward.
An infield pop-up.
"Out!"
Second baseman Hirai Tsubasa settled under it and made the catch.
After recording the out, Narumiya Mei showed no joy. The run was already on the board. All he wanted now was to end the inning—and reclaim it in the ninth.
Next up: Miyuki Kazuya, Seido's number six.
Despite the runner on base, Miyuki's usual ability to draw out at-bats didn't work this time.
Three pitches.
Three strikes.
The eighth inning was over.
Top of the ninth inning.
Inashiro's final chance.
If they couldn't score here, the game would end.
Compared to the players, many fans had already lost hope.
The sixth batter was cleanly handled by Kanzaki Ryou.
The seventh failed to make solid contact as well.
By the time the last batter stepped into the box, Inashiro's supporters were already sighing, some even turning away.
Clap!
"Strike!"
"Strike!"
"Strike!"
"Strikeout!!"
"Game over! The Spring Tokyo Tournament finals, Seido High School versus Inashiro Industrial High School and the champion is Seido High School!!"
The announcement echoed through the stadium.
Seido's players burst onto the field, shouting and laughing as they piled together in celebration.
Inashiro's players were unwilling but not devastated.
This was only the Spring Tournament.
While the champion and runner-up influenced Kanto Tournament placements, it meant little for Inashiro. As Spring Koshien semifinalists, they were already qualified.
The same was true for Seido.
Narumiya Mei stepped out from his team, walking slowly until he stopped in front of Kanzaki Ryou.
"Kanzaki."
Kanzaki turned, smiling.
"…Congratulations," Mei said quietly. His eyes were full of reluctance but also burning determination.
"You won again."
"Thank you," Kanzaki replied simply.
"Next time," Narumiya Mei said firmly, meeting his gaze, "I will win."
"I'll be waiting," Kanzaki answered.
Mei nodded, then turned to Miyuki.
"See you at the Kanto Tournament."
"See you there," Miyuki replied.
After the brief celebration, Seido boarded the bus back to school.
Though the Spring Tournament wasn't the most prestigious title, even a mosquito was still meat.
A championship was a championship.
The school organized a grand celebration. The cafeteria was filled with meat and fish, and even the first-years got to feast.
"I didn't expect it to come down to a one-run win," Kanzaki said while eating.
"Narumiya Mei's growth is terrifying."
Miyuki nodded. "He's a pain to deal with."
Then he glanced sideways.
"But I didn't expect you not to get a hit. Out of form?"
The surrounding players immediately looked over.
Kanzaki shook his head.
"Of course not."
"You don't think I can hit whenever I want, do you? That was Narumiya Mei and Masatoshi Harada. Both are top-tier players."
He added calmly,
"Besides, I was already exhausted just pitching. A little fluctuation in batting is normal."
Miyuki thought for a moment, then nodded.
Maintaining peak condition in both pitching and batting throughout an entire game was unreasonable even for Kanzaki Ryou.
After the celebration wound down, the group gradually dispersed.
Rubbing his full stomach, Kanzaki returned to the dorm with Arima Kazusa.
The enthusiastic junior immediately pulled out a chair, poured him water—
Then pulled out a violin and started playing.
Listening to the gentle melody, Kanzaki smiled unconsciously.
What does this kid want now…?
The song ended.
"Arima," Kanzaki said, setting down the cup. "Just say it."
Arima hurriedly put the violin away.
"Kanzaki-senpai! I want to hit your changeup!"
"…Huh?" Kanzaki blinked. "Why?"
"I've never hit one!" the answer came instantly.
Kanzaki laughed.
"Alright. Tomorrow night at the indoor facility, Chris-senpai's teaching Sawamura pitching theory. Call Kominato too. I'll let all of you try."
As long as it didn't interfere with training, Kanzaki was always indulgent toward the first-years.
"Thank you, Senpai!!"
"Come on," Kanzaki said, picking up his washbasin.
"Bath time. Massage my shoulders."
"Okay!!"
Calling Miyuki and Kuramochi next door, the 'straight-man army' surged toward the bathhouse.