Having safely dealt with Seidou's clean-up hitter Azuma Kiyokuni and secured two outs, Ichidai Third High's catcher finally felt a sense of relief.
The rest would be easier—although Nanjo Taishi, the fifth batter, had solid batting ability, he wasn't like Yuki or Azuma, who could blast a long hit at any moment. His threat level was relatively lower.
Nanjo Taishi stepped into the batter's box without showing the slightest trace of relaxation.
A 4-run lead meant nothing on a finals stage.
Against a powerhouse like Ichidai Third High, those 4 runs could be wiped out in a single inning.
On a field like this, every run mattered.
He steadied his breathing, lightly shaking his bat to loosen his wrists.
Seeing Nanjo's stance, the catcher tightened his grip. He called for an inside pitch—first, test the batter's reaction.
"Get another run!"
"Nanjo! You got this!"
Amidst the roars of Seidou's fans, Nanjo Taishi swung along the path of the incoming ball.
Bang!
A clean hit. The straight pitch on the inside corner was driven high toward center field.
Nanjo didn't waste a second. He lowered his head and bolted toward first base.
The ball soared—high, fast, deep.
A home run!?
Seidou's fans clenched their fists, shouting at the sky.
"It's dropping!!"
But just as the ball descended near the outfield wall—
A lone figure sprinted at full speed, leapt forward, and launched himself into the air, glove reaching out.
"Caught! He caught it!!!"
"Ichidai Third's center fielder makes a spectacular diving catch at the wall!"
Their fans erupted, applause booming through the stadium.
Behind by 4? So what?
This was the baseball they loved—never giving up, never backing down, no matter the score.
Nanjo Taishi exhaled heavily as he slowed down.
"So close…"
If that ball had just gone a little farther… he could've touched Second base with his fingertips.
Indeed, Ichidai Third High's players were something else.
Even with time running out, they pushed themselves beyond their limits.
This was the difference between the truly powerful and everyone else—
they never gave up.
No matter what.
No matter when.
And thus, the bottom of the 8th ended.
The game moved to—
The Final Inning.
Top of the Ninth Inning
On the way into the stadium, Kanzaki Ryou was listening to the live broadcast through his earphones as Takashima Rei parked the car.
"Hurry! Hurry! The game's almost over—"
Kanzaki Ryou walked as fast as his healing injury allowed, one hand pressed to his waist. His sisters hurried to support him from both sides.
"You'll make it in time," Chris reassured him.
As a fellow Seidou player, Chris desperately wanted to witness their team's victory too.
And that was exactly why he didn't stop the injured Kanzaki from returning—
not today.
This was the day Seidou fought for their Koshien ticket.
Back on the field, Ichidai Third High prepared for their final chance.
If they didn't score four runs here, everything would end.
"BOYS!"
Coach Tahara's roar echoed across the dugout.
"The game isn't over! Fight until the end!
No matter the outcome, you are all my pride!"
His voice trembled.
"Give it everything you have!
Leave no regrets!!"
Every player on Ichidai Third High bit their lip. Tears threatened to spill.
They knew the truth—
A comeback was nearly impossible.
Seidou's fans were already beginning to celebrate.
But as long as they still stood on this field, they would never accept defeat easily.
They were a powerhouse.
And powerhouses don't collapse.
The lead-off batter walked toward the box, legs heavy but eyes burning with resolve.
The ninth inning.
Their final hope.
Their last dream.
They must get on base.
They must.
From behind his mask, Miyuki watched the batter step in.
He could see it clearly—
Ichidai Third High had no intention of bowing their heads.
If it were Seidou, they wouldn't give up either.
There Dream was Koshien.
This was everything they had trained for.
Miyuki let out a soft breath.
And then—
his eyes turned sharp, predatory.
If you cannot put down a cornered beast with one clean strike,
you will be the one torn apart.
Koshien belonged to Seidou too.
If they didn't crush Ichidai's dream, then Seidou's dream would die instead.
He felt Kanzaki Ryou's absence.
His partner wasn't on the field.
Which meant he, Miyuki, had to anchor the team.
Watch carefully, Kanzaki…
I won't hesitate.
Miyuki gave the signal.
Nanjo Taishi took the sign and unleashed the first pitch.
The batter swung aggressively—at this point, they wouldn't let any pitch pass.
Pop!
"Strike!"
A cutter on the outside corner.
A swing and a miss.
"Tch… just barely!"
The batter steadied himself.
Next pitch.
Miyuki's fingers flashed.
Nanjo nodded and threw again—a sharp slider, low.
Bang!
A grounded ball.
It skimmed the dirt, racing toward Shirasu.
Shirasu charged, scooped it cleanly, and fired to Kominato.
Out!!
One out.
Two more and Seidou would be champions.
Ichidai's second batter stepped up.
"Pop!"
"Strike!"
"Strike!"
"Strike!"
"Strikeout!!!"
Three pitches.
Three swings.
Three misses.
Nanjo Taishi dominated him completely.
Ichidai Third High was down to their final out.