98%.
When Kanzaki Ryou saw that number, countless scenes flashed through his mind.
Dark horses.
Traditional powerhouses.
One strong opponent after another.
Their defeat was what allowed Seido to stand here today.
This was baseball.
This was competition.
No matter how many contenders there were—
in the end, there was only one winner.
At the sa ti, in West Tokyo—
Ichidai Third High, Inashiro Industrial, Yakushi, and many other powerhouse schools gathered in front of televisions, all watching the Koshien final.
At Seido High School itself, the remaining club mbers assembled in the large dining hall, eyes locked onto the massive screen.
"Kanzaki and Miyuki… those two are way too enviable," Kuramochi Yoichi said, biting the hem of his shirt in frustration.
"Yeah," Aso Takeru replied, resting his chin on one hand. "Whether Seido wins this ga probably depends on Kanzaki's performance."
"I believe Kanzaki will definitely do it," Kawakami Norifumi said solemnly.
Ono Hiroshi turned his head. "Hey, Kawakami, we're the sa year. Why do you sound like a hardcore fan?"
Kawakami scratched his head awkwardly.
"Because… Kanzaki really is amazing."
"That's true," Kuramochi muttered. "Being his teammate is lucky. But anyone who faces him as an opponent is unlucky for eight lifetis."
Everyone nodded deeply in agreent.
They couldn't even imagine how terrifying Kanzaki Ryou would beco next year—or the year after that.
At Koshien Stadium, the Seido cheering section was already packed.
Parents of the players had arrived in full force. Seniors from one, two, even three years ago also filled the stands.
Seido hadn't reached the finals in years.
No matter what the final result would be, they had to be here to witness it.
Because it was the final day, cheers from both sides surged like waves.
"Seido!!"
"Coach Kataoka!!"
Forr Seido players shouted excitedly toward the dugout.
Despite the noise, Coach Kataoka Tesshin imdiately recognized their voices. He calmly nodded toward the stands.
The seniors burst into laughter.
"Haha, the Coach is still as cold as ever!"
"Nonsense, he's maintaining his mystique!"
"No, no, he's just shy!"
On the field, both teams were already warming up.
As starters, Kanzaki Ryou and Miyuki Kazuya were noticeably more tense than in previous gas.
"Too much force!" Miyuki called out after returning the ball.
Kanzaki nodded, taking several deep breaths.
It wasn't just him.
Every Seido player could feel it—the pressure pressing down on their shoulders.
This was the Koshien final.
Even the strongest mindset couldn't remain untouched under such an atmosphere. Sweat ford unconsciously in their palms.
"Quick, quick—our seats are here!"
In the stands beside the Seido dugout, Kanzaki Kumiko pulled Kosaka Reina along.
"Kumiko, slow down," Reina said, carefully holding her sun hat while struggling to keep up in heels.
"It's big brother!"
The mont Kumiko sat down, her eyes locked onto the field.
"Where?" Reina asked quickly.
"There!"
Kumiko pointed excitedly.
"So many people…"
Mami and Kanzaki's parents sat down beside them.
Kanzaki's mother pulled out a cara and handed it to her husband.
"Hurry, record everything!"
"Is that really necessary?" Kanzaki's father muttered. "You can watch recordings online later."
"What do you know? Recording it yourself is different!"
"…Fine."
Warm-ups ended quickly, and both teams returned to their dugouts.
Everything was ready.
Coach Kataoka looked at the slightly tense faces in front of him.
"This is the final battle," he said firmly.
"Victory or defeat will be created by your own hands."
"Enjoy the ga. Show everything you've learned at Seido."
"Yes, Coach!!!"
Coach Kataoka nodded, then turned his gaze toward one man.
"Azuma! One more ti—on the Koshien final stage!"
Azuma Kiyokuni's body trembled. Tears welled up in his eyes before he could stop them.
"Yes!"
He strode forward. The others followed without hesitation.
The nine starters ford a tight circle.
Azuma bent slightly, one hand on his knee, the other pressed against his chest as he looked around at the familiar faces.
"It's coming!"
"This chant—on the Koshien stage!"
"This is what I ca to see!"
Caras rose instantly throughout the stands.
Silence fell.
Everyone knew what was about to happen.
"Who are we?!" Azuma roared, thumbing his chest.
"King Seido!!"
"Who sweats the most?!"
"Seido!!"
"Who cries the most?!"
"Seido!!"
"Are you ready to fight?!"
"OH!!!"
"Bearing the honor of the entire school—"
Azuma paused, eyes blazing.
"We are just one step away from ruling the nation!"
"Defeat them! Rule the nation!"
"OHHHH!!!"
Fingers pointed toward the sky.
"Defeat them!!"
Seido's fans exploded in unified cheers.
On the Seihou side, their players also gathered and shouted—but their chant was simple, restrained, and calm.
Soon—
The ga began.
Top of the first inning. Seihou High School at bat.
The first batter stepped into the box.
Kanzaki Ryou stood on the mound, eyes sharp.
No wasted stamina.
No unnecessary pitches.
He worked seamlessly with Miyuki.
Inside high.
Inside low.
Outside low.
Four-seam fastball.
Two-seam fastball.
Cutter.
Slider.
The batter never stood a chance.
Strikeout.
"Coach! Kanzaki's in great shape today!" President Ota said excitedly.
Coach Kataoka nodded calmly.
"It's only the beginning," he said. "The real test cos later."
Hearing this, Ota rembered—
Nanjo Taishi wouldn't be taking the field today.
In the dugout, Nanjo watched silently, bitterness welling up in his chest.
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