"Tch!"
Isashiki Jun crab-walked back to the dugout. If he could've blasted a home run right there, it would've been a golden walk-off moment.
Missing such a perfect chance to shine, Isashiki was filled with regret.
After that, Ichidai Third High's battery showed their grit against Seidou's lower lineup.
Seidou's seventh batter, Araki Keita, struck out swinging. The eighth batter, Yanagiya Ikki, managed a clean single, allowing Yuki Tetsuya to easily slide into home and score.
With the bases still loaded, Nanjo Taishi—who had been moved to left field for defense—failed to deliver at bat, striking out to end the fifth inning. The scoreboard now read 7–6, Seidou leading.
In the sixth inning, it was Seidou's turn to defend again. Kanzaki Ryou and Miyuki Kazuya faced Ichidai Third's cleanup hitter.
But even the opponent's strongest batter was no match for Kanzaki's fiery pitching.
Three consecutive pitches—strikeout. The pair's coordination was flawless, crushing every challenge like an unstoppable storm.
By the ninth inning, Kanzaki and Miyuki had completely locked the game down.
Relying solely on Kanzaki's devastating fastball, Ichidai Third couldn't manage a single hit. It was a perfect performance.
The score widened to 11–6, and although Ichidai Third's morale had crumbled, Seidou's players stayed focused.
In baseball, one pitch could flip everything. No one dared relax until the final out.
Just as Kanzaki stood up to take the mound, Coach Kataoka called out.
"Nanjo, you'll close the final inning."
"Huh?" Kanzaki looked up, startled.
"There's another final tomorrow," Kataoka said. "Rest and save your strength."
Hearing that, Kanzaki nodded. "Got it, Coach."
Though he had only thrown four innings and thirty-six pitches, Kanzaki had no complaints. Letting Nanjo close was the smart call.
With Nanjo's steadiness, Ichidai Third would need a miracle to come back.
"Remember to cool down and ice your arm."
Someone patted Kanzaki's shoulder—it was Nanjo.
"Good luck out there, Senpai. Don't give them any chances."
Nanjo smiled. "You're strong, Kanzaki. Stronger than me, honestly. What you're missing now is just experience and endurance. You'll carry Seidou's banner one day."
He smirked faintly. "But don't underestimate me. I'm not letting them score on my watch."
Kanzaki gave a short laugh. "Heh. You'd better not. Kazuya, don't drag him down!"
Miyuki rolled his eyes. "Worry about yourself." He turned to Nanjo. "Let's go."
"Right."
After Kataoka signaled the umpire for substitution, Nanjo and Miyuki stepped onto the field.
In the stands, when the crowd saw Nanjo replacing Kanzaki, few were surprised.
A freshman pitching four scoreless innings was already impressive enough. At this point, Narumiya Mei gnawed at his collar in frustration.
"Damn it, he's out of the game already!"
"The chestnut-haired monster definitely has other pitches," he muttered. "Ichidai Third is useless—they couldn't even force him to show his real power!"
Harada Masatoshi crossed his arms beside him. "You saw it, Mei. Kanzaki's fastball averages 150 km/h. That's not easy to touch."
"Especially with Miyuki catching," added Shirakawa Katsuyuki, his red hair glinting under the lights. "That combo's brutal."
Narumiya scowled. "What's so great about it?"
But his glare drifted toward Miyuki on the field. That bastard must be feeling proud right now…
And he was right.
Miyuki was in high spirits—he'd caught for Kanzaki and now got to stay in the game for the closer. It was the perfect day.
In the top of the ninth, Miyuki and Nanjo worked together flawlessly. Even when Ichidai Third managed a couple of hits, Seidou's airtight defense shut them down completely.
When the final out was called, the score stood firm at 11–6.
"The Spring Tokyo Tournament semifinals are over!"
"Seidou High School defeats Ichidai Third High School and advances to the finals!"
"The team earning a spot in the Kanto Tournament is Seidou High School!!"
As the announcer's voice echoed, the entire stadium erupted in cheers.
The finals might only be for the Tokyo Capital Tournament, but for Seidou, reaching this stage after years of frustration meant everything.
"Let's move, to the locker room," said Harada Masatoshi. "Our game's next."
Narumiya stood, silent but burning inside. To face Miyuki and Kanzaki in the finals—now that was a matchup he wanted.
Back in Seidou's locker room, Kanzaki was about to join Miyuki to watch the Inashiro vs. Teito game when—
"Onii-chan, daisuki~♡"
Every head in the locker room turned toward Kanzaki.
"Cough—uh, I'll take a call. You guys go ahead," he said quickly, grabbing his phone and darting into the restroom.
Having a little sister wasn't shameful, but that ringtone? Mortifying.
Now everyone knew their ace was a siscon.
"Hey, Chris-senpai," Miyuki whispered as the room quieted. "You're Kanzaki's roommate, right? You know what's going on with him?"
The locker room was dead silent—everyone leaning in for gossip.
Miyuki's whisper echoed like a firecracker in church.
----------------
Support me at patréon com/DaoOfPeeking