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 ho.
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 ho together.
Then,
Kominato Ryosuke stepped on ho 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 i stared at Kominato Ryosuke with clenched teeth.
The ga 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 sothing Inashiro could hardly afford.
One out. Runner on first.
Narumiya i fixed Kanzaki Ryou with a sharp glare as he walked into the batter's box.
Taking several deep breaths, i 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 i 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 ti.
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 ga 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 ti the last batter stepped into the box, Inashiro's supporters were already sighing, so even turning away.
Clap!
"Strike!"
"Strike!"
"Strike!"
"Strikeout!!"
"Ga over! The Spring Tokyo Tournant finals, Seido High School versus Inashiro Industrial High School and the champion is Seido High School!!"
The announcent 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 Tournant.
While the champion and runner-up influenced Kanto Tournant placents, it ant little for Inashiro. As Spring Koshien semifinalists, they were already qualified.
The sa was true for Seido.
Narumiya i stepped out from his team, walking slowly until he stopped in front of Kanzaki Ryou.
"Kanzaki."
Kanzaki turned, smiling.
"…Congratulations," i said quietly. His eyes were full of reluctance but also burning determination.
"You won again."
"Thank you," Kanzaki replied simply.
"Next ti," Narumiya i said firmly, eting his gaze, "I will win."
"I'll be waiting," Kanzaki answered.
i nodded, then turned to Miyuki.
"See you at the Kanto Tournant."
"See you there," Miyuki replied.
After the brief celebration, Seido boarded the bus back to school.
Though the Spring Tournant wasn't the most prestigious title, even a mosquito was still at.
A championship was a championship.
The school organized a grand celebration. The cafeteria was filled with at and fish, and even the first-years got to feast.
"I didn't expect it to co down to a one-run win," Kanzaki said while eating.
"Narumiya i'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 imdiately looked over.
Kanzaki shook his head.
"Of course not."
"You don't think I can hit whenever I want, do you? That was Narumiya i 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 mont, then nodded.
Maintaining peak condition in both pitching and batting throughout an entire ga 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 imdiately pulled out a chair, poured him water—
Then pulled out a violin and started playing.
Listening to the gentle lody, 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 ca 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!!"
"Co on," Kanzaki said, picking up his washbasin.
"Bath ti. Massage my shoulders."
"Okay!!"
Calling Miyuki and Kuramochi next door, the 'straight-man army' surged toward the bathhouse.
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