"Can you guarantee it?"
Tanba's voice was low, his eyes sharp as they locked onto Ushijima Wakatoshi.
Ushijima leaned back slightly, a lazy, playful smile on his face.
"My joining Seido is the best guarantee."
"Otherwise," he added lightly, "why would I travel thousands of miles just to study here?"
"For your delicious sushi?" someone muttered.
Ushijima's sarcastic reply left everyone momentarily speechless.
And honestly—no one could refute it.
China's cuisine ranked among the best in the world; compared to that, Japan really couldn't compete.
"I can't give you a guarantee," Ushijima continued, his tone suddenly serious.
"But I can make you a promise."
"From now on, in any official game where I'm pitching—if I give up even one home run…"
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"Then the pitcher's position is yours anytime you want it. I won't step onto the mound again."
The entire First String froze.
Arrogant.
That was the only word that came to mind.
He was saying he would never give up a home run?
Even Narumiya Mei from Inashiro wouldn't dare make such a statement.
"Fine," Tanba finally said. "I'll follow the coach's arrangements."
After speaking, he turned and left, clearly needing time to calm himself—and to convince his own heart.
Once Tanba was gone, Ushijima shifted his gaze to Coach Kataoka and the others.
By now, all the First String members had gathered.
"Sorry," Ushijima said calmly. "What I said earlier was intentional."
"And taking Tanba-senpai's Ace number was also part of my plan."
Everyone stiffened.
"Tanba-senpai's strength is obvious—I don't need to explain that," Ushijima continued.
"But you've been with him the longest. You should know his weaknesses."
"His pitch types are limited, and his condition fluctuates badly."
"To put it bluntly—his mental fortitude is weak."
"When he's on the mound, facing batter after batter… the pressure crushes him."
The blunt assessment shocked everyone.
No one expected a freshman—one who had only joined two weeks ago—to see things so clearly.
Yuki Tetsuya finally understood.
"So you took the Ace number to remove that pressure from him."
"As the Ace, all expectations and responsibility fall on you."
"And once Tanba-senpai becomes a relief pitcher, his psychological burden disappears…"
"Which means he might actually perform better."
Ushijima didn't answer—but his expression confirmed everything.
Coach Kataoka was deeply shaken.
Even Takashima Rei, the vice manager, stared at Ushijima in surprise.
In just two weeks… he had already planned this far?
"Just don't tell him," Ushijima said casually. "Otherwise, everything will be wasted."
"Anyway, let's see how the upcoming games go."
"Besides," he added honestly, "my control really is terrible."
The First String members' faces instantly darkened.
"Your control is still bad, you bastard?!" Kuramochi exploded.
"So you struck me out with bad control?" Kominato smiled—though murderous intent flickered beneath it.
"Little Ushijima, that's going too far," Masuko muttered bitterly.
Only Isashiki and Yuki were spared—neither had been struck out.
Miyuki, meanwhile, laughed shamelessly.
Coach Kataoka crossed his arms.
"Ushijima. Tomorrow is the Spring Tournament semifinals."
"Compared to summer, the Spring Tournament isn't the main objective."
"But tomorrow's opponent is Ichidai San High."
"The same team that defeated us in the Autumn Tournament."
"You'll be the starting pitcher."
Everyone was stunned.
Miyuki wore an I knew it expression.
"Yes," Ushijima replied without hesitation.
After the decision, morning training resumed.
Tanba's emotions gradually stabilized, and no one revealed what had happened.
Ushijima trained harder than ever.
Soon, the day of the match arrived.
All First String members gathered.
"You all understand, don't you?" Coach Kataoka said, crouching before them.
"The Autumn Tournament that qualifies for Spring Koshien."
"And the Summer Tournament—the true battlefield."
"The Spring Metropolitan Tournament may not be the most important…"
"But today's opponent is Ichidai San High."
"The humiliation we suffered before—"
"We will return it tenfold."
"YES!!!" the team roared.
Satisfied, Coach Kataoka nodded.
"Yuki. Do the usual."
"Gather around!" Yuki shouted.
The First String formed a tight circle around their captain.
"Who are we?!" Yuki demanded, pounding his chest.
"King of Seido!!!"
"Who shed the most sweat?!"
"Seido!!!"
"Who shed the most tears?!"
"Seido!!!"
"Are you ready to fight?!"
"OH!!!"
"Bearing the honor of the entire school"
"We have only one goal!"
"Dominate the nation!!!"
"CHARGE!!!"
The thunderous chants left the Second Team and freshmen staring in awe.
As the First String headed out—
"Hey! Why is that scoundrel Ushijima going with them?" Sawamura pointed.
"Sawamura, aren't you coming to watch?" his roommates asked.
"Come see how popular we are!" Kuramochi laughed.
Sawamura turned away stubbornly.
"I'm not going!"