"Tanba, what's going on? How come you couldn't even touch the ball?" the impatient Isashiki Jun asked first.
"I don't know either. They were three straight four-seam fastballs in nearly the same spot, but I was completely thrown off," Koichiro Tanba replied, the confusion still clear on his face.
"Don't you feel like you've seen that kind of pitching somewhere before?" Miyuki Kazuya suddenly spoke, interrupting everyone's thoughts.
"Now that you mention it… yeah, it does feel familiar," Kuramochi Yoichi said.
"It's You Shunshin from Akikawa," Chris stated calmly.
"Ah! That's it!" Kuramochi Yoichi exclaimed in realization.
"Then there's nothing to worry about. We crushed that pitcher last game," Sawamura Eijun said loudly.
"Shut up if you don't know what you're talking about!" Kuramochi Yoichi snapped.
"That's right," Chris continued. "You Shunshin's top speed barely exceeds 130 km/h, but this pitcher is throwing at least 140 km/h. That's a whole different level. On our team, only Yuki can confidently handle this kind of pitch. As for Isashiki and Miyuki… it'll depend on luck."
"We have to score at least two runs in the next three innings, no matter what," Coach Kataoka said, his tone returning to its usual sternness. "This pitcher hasn't shown himself until now—he might have a weakness, just like their ace. Keep pressuring him. The game isn't over yet—we still have a chance to turn it around!"
"Tanba, the mound is yours. You absolutely cannot let them score again. Understood?"
"Yes! I'll do everything I can to stop them!" Koichiro Tanba stood up straight and responded firmly.
So that's how it is… Kitamura Kou thought to himself. Akaishi, you're pretty cunning. First a high inside pitch, then a fastball slightly lower, and finally one just a bit higher than the first—luring the batter into a swing and miss. Looks like our catcher is no worse than Seido's.
Stop messing around, Akaishi Osamu thought, catching the meaning behind Kitamura's teasing glance. Even if this is the ninth batter, his skills aren't something to underestimate. Stay sharp… Let's try a different approach this time.
With that, Akaishi subtly adjusted his glove, setting a lower target on the outside corner.
"Alright, alright, I'm throwing," Kitamura Kou muttered as he smoothly delivered the ball with his refined pitching motion—more efficient and less taxing on his body.
"SWOOSH!"
That pitch feels so far away… Kenjiro Shirasu thought as he watched the ball head toward the low outside corner—the farthest point from his reach.
But he didn't hesitate.
He swung.
Ping!
The ball dribbled weakly toward the mound.
Already prepared, Kitamura Kou took two quick steps forward, scooped up the ball, and threw it cleanly to Mishima Yuta at first base.
"Smack!"
"Out!"
Kitamura Kou chuckled as he watched Shirasu glare at him in frustration. Casually catching the return throw, he turned and walked back to the mound.
"Hey, Kitamura's pitching is actually really solid!"
"He can pitch and hit—and he's fast too. Is he really just a first-year?"
"Seido High School might be in serious trouble this time!"
"Seido, don't give up! Your chance will come!"
The crowd buzzed with discussion. Most of them were seasoned baseball fans, capable of reading the flow of the game.
Seido High School had already revealed most of their cards.
Yakushi High School, on the other hand, kept unveiling new ones.
The balance of victory was clearly shifting.
At this point, Seido could only hope for a miracle.
"First batter, shortstop, Kuramochi-kun."
The lineup had finally returned to the top.
As soon as Kuramochi Yoichi stepped into the batter's box, he gripped his short bat and swung lightly without hesitation.
From the mound, Kitamura Kou immediately understood Seido's plan.
They're trying to wear me down—just like they did with Sanada. They want to expose my weaknesses and turn the game around.
If that's all you've got, you'll be disappointed, Kitamura Kou thought calmly. For the past five years—rain or shine—I've been running every single day, except for scheduled rest days, just to build my stamina.
And my pitches aren't something you can just hit whenever you want.
With that, he delivered the next pitch.
"SWOOSH!"
A fastball to the lowest point of the outside corner again at the very edge of the batter's reach.
The moment he released the ball, Kitamura charged forward in quick steps, ready to deal with a bunt.
Just as expected, Kuramochi saw him rush in and immediately pulled the bat back.
Smack!
"Nice pitch!"
Kitamura showed no reaction. He returned to the mound after receiving the ball and immediately threw the second pitch—once again charging forward right after.
Same result.
Two strikes.
Kuramochi Yoichi was instantly cornered.
Next pitch… they'll definitely try to foul it off and keep wearing us down, Akaishi Osamu thought. Even if Kou's pitches aren't easy to hit, we still need to be careful.
After making his decision, Akaishi gave the signal.
Akaishi, you're really cautious… It's not necessary, but fine—I'll go along with it this time. After all, this is our first official game as a battery.
With that, Kitamura Kou fired the third pitch.
"SWOOSH!!!"
This time, he didn't charge forward.
Instead, he simply stood there, smiling as he looked at Kuramochi Yoichi.
The ball streaked toward home plate like a flash of white light.
Low outside corner.
Same speed—just over 140 km/h.
Even though he didn't understand why Kitamura hadn't rushed forward this time, Kuramochi had already made up his mind.
He wasn't pulling back.
He lunged forward, extending his bat toward the ball.
His posture became unstable—almost collapsing—but the bat kept moving… inch by inch… toward the incoming pitch.
"You have to make contact…!"