No one expected Coach Kataoka to be so bold.
Ichidai Third High wasn't like Towa High School—their overall strength was far above Seido's. At a critical point like this, to send a first-year pitcher onto the mound… wasn't that too risky? What if the opponent crushed him mentally? One disastrous outing could shatter a rookie's confidence forever.
A single mistake could ruin a pitcher.
But unlike those who doubted, the Seido supporters burst into cheers the moment Huangqian Yangyi began warming up in the bullpen.
"Kanzaki! Kanzaki!"
His name echoed across the stadium.
Up in the stands, the first-year members of Seido's baseball club watched in envy.
Kuramochi Yoichi gritted his teeth, glaring at the girls cheering. "That guy hasn't even been here for a month, and he already has a fan club!?"
Beside him, Kawakami stared at the bullpen, eyes full of admiration. "He's really amazing… I wonder when I'll get my turn to pitch."
Kuramochi turned to him seriously. "Your sinker's solid, Kawakami. Just keep working. Don't let that guy take the Ace spot so easily!"
Kawakami blushed, unsure how to respond.
Then another first-year chimed in from behind. "Since Kawakami's goal is Kanzaki, mine's Miyuki!"
Kuramochi burst into laughter and slapped Ono Hiroshi on the thigh. "That's the spirit! Don't let that smug catcher get too full of himself!"
Ono Hiroshi snorted, eyes blazing with determination.
Meanwhile, on the field—
After a tense back-and-forth, Nanjo Taishi finally stabilized and held Ichidai Third High scoreless, shutting down their offensive push.
Bottom of the second inning. Seido High School's turn to bat.
Azuma Kiyokuni stepped into the batter's box with a feral grin.
"Come on! Watch me send this one flying!"
His booming voice echoed throughout the stadium like a battle cry.
On the mound, Manaka Kaname didn't dare take him lightly. He knew just how dangerous this batter was.
The catcher crouched, feeling the weight of Azuma's presence pressing down on him. With a deep breath, he gave the signal—inside high fastball.
That was the best way to deal with a power hitter like this.
If you throw timidly, you'll die miserably. If you're bold, you might just win.
Kaname nodded and raised his arm high.
The instant the ball left his hand, Azuma's eyes locked onto it like a predator catching sight of prey. His body coiled—and crack!
The bat connected with a resounding smack, the ball rocketing toward center field in a white blur.
"Run!"
Azuma dropped the bat and sprinted for first base, his massive frame thundering down the line.
He grimaced slightly—he hadn't hit it squarely on the sweet spot. If he had, that ball might've gone out of the park.
Even so, it was a clean long hit. By the time the outfielder returned the ball, Azuma was safely standing on first base.
If only he were faster—he might've made it to second.
"Kaname, don't worry!"
"Stay focused on the batter!"
"It's just one runner!"
His teammates' shouts steadied Kaname's nerves. He took a breath, refocused, and stared toward home plate.
"Tanaka! You're up next!"
"Tanaka-senpai, do your best!"
Tanaka Wataru stepped into the box, gripping his bat tightly. With Azuma on first, it was his turn to make something happen.
Now's the time to start the offensive!
The Ichidai catcher glanced at first base—Azuma was already taking a wide lead-off. They had to stop Seido's momentum before it snowballed.
He gave Kaname a signal: low and outside, high-speed curveball!
Kaname hurled it with power, the ball carving through the air.
Tanaka swung—whoosh!—and missed.
"Nice ball!"
Even so, the Ichidai catcher didn't relax. He could feel Tanaka's determination in that swing.
These Seido players were different from last year. Their spirits were sharper, their hunger greater.
They didn't know it, but ever since Kanzaki Ryou joined the team, Seido's upperclassmen had been holding their breath in frustration. During countless practice games, that arrogant rookie had crushed them mercilessly.
Now, they wanted revenge—not against him, but against every opponent who stood before them.
They were determined to prove their strength before Kanzaki even stepped onto the mound.
Otherwise, that cocky first-year would smirk and say, "Guess I had to save the day again."
No way in hell.
Tanaka bit down, eyes blazing. As the next pitch came—a straight fastball inside—he unleashed his full swing.
Crack!
The ball screamed toward the infield gap.
"Go!!"
Azuma exploded off first, charging toward second base like a runaway truck.
"Stop him!!" Ichidai's catcher shouted, but it was too late—Tanaka's hit landed perfectly in the no-man's-land between infield and outfield.
The offensive had begun.
Seido's counterattack was in motion.