"Kawaji High School doesn't have any star players, but they have a solid foundation and play steadily. They won't take overly risky tactics, but once someone gets on base and there's a scoring opportunity, they'll hold on tight. Their hitting and base running will immediately become aggressive. Don't panic in those situations. Pitchers, focus on the batter in front of you. If there's a chance, aim to induce a double play," Coach Kataoka instructed calmly.
"Yes, sir!!"
"For the game the day after tomorrow, Nanjo will start, with Tanba ready in relief."
Then Coach Kataoka turned his gaze sharply.
"Kanzaki."
"Yes, Coach!"
"I'll leave the final two innings to you. Any issues?"
"None. I'm in great condition!"
"Good. Watch the game footage once more, then get some rest."
After another thirty minutes of review, everyone returned to their rooms. Kanzaki Ryou shared a room with Miyuki. As soon as they stepped inside, Miyuki collapsed face-first onto the bed.
"Kanzaki, do you think we can really win the championship this year?" Miyuki asked suddenly.
Sitting at the table, Ryou scrolled through his phone and replied, "Even the strongest teams can't say for sure they'll win the championship. Baseball is full of surprises."
"Oh? Aren't you the one who keeps shouting that we must win the championship this year?" Miyuki raised an eyebrow.
"The goal is still to win it all. But we also have to take it step by step, steadily. That said… I do believe Seidou can win the championship."
Hearing this, Miyuki sat up on the bed. "The day of the finals is your birthday, right?"
"How'd you know?"
"Heh. Didn't you say you wanted to give the championship trophy to your sister as a birthday present? Did you forget? You two are twins."
Only then did Kanzaki Ryou remember. He had actually forgotten his own birthday.
"Heh, if we win the championship, it'll count as a gift for yourself too. Doesn't that give you more motivation?" Miyuki teased with a grin.
Ryou chuckled. "I don't care much about birthdays. But if you're giving me a gift, then sure—I'll look forward to it."
"Hehe, I'm broke," Miyuki said shamelessly.
The two chatted late into the night before finally falling asleep.
The next day, Seidou didn't attend the stadium to watch the earlier games. Instead, they spent the day adjusting their condition.
Two days later—
The fifth match day of Summer Koshien.
"The third-round match of the Koshien Tournament—Seidou High School versus Kawaji High School—officially begins!"
As the commentator's voice faded, both teams lined up on the field to shake hands.
For this game, Seidou would bat first.
Shida Shota, Seidou's leadoff batter, had gained unexpected popularity after the previous interviews. Not only Seidou fans, but even many neutral spectators recognized him.
"Shidaaa!!"
Hearing the unusually loud cheers, Shida secretly puffed up with pride. But he quickly forced himself to calm down. Temporary glory was nothing—every win from here on would bring even more.
Kawaji High School's ace pitcher, Aomi Rin, stood expressionless on the mound. His pitching style matched his personality—calm, steady, and controlled.
Once the crowd quieted a little, Aomi Rin nodded at his catcher.
The catcher gave the sign.
Aomi Rin delivered the ball.
Pop!
"Strike!"
Shida didn't swing at the first pitch—a 140 km/h fastball on the outside corner.
The second pitch came—a slider outside.
Pop!
"Strike!"
Shida watched calmly. Two pitches were enough to get a feel for the pitcher.
On the mound, Aomi Rin studied Shida with growing caution. Two consecutive takes? This batter wasn't simple.
Aomi Rin's pitching wasn't overpowering—he relied on precise control, mixing pitches at the edges to induce weak contact. Seeing Shida take twice made him wary.
The catcher signaled for a low inside-edge forkball—perfect for closing out a two-strike count.
Aomi Rin agreed.
The forkball dropped into the glove.
"Ball!"
What!?
Aomi Rin's eyes widened. The batter didn't bite?
Shida exhaled quietly. He'd gambled correctly—the pitch dropped out of the zone.
Now it was 0–2 turning into 1–2. With this count, Aomi Rin would be unsure whether Shida would swing. But Shida was sure: The next pitch would almost certainly be a deciding forkball.
Come on... throw it. If you do, I'll crush it!
Aomi Rin wound up.
The fourth pitch—
A forkball!
Bang!!
Shida swung fiercely, connecting perfectly.
The ball shot toward left field—a clean hit!
Shida safely reached first base.
Aomi Rin clenched his fist.
So that was it… He was playing mind games with me! Bold. Too bold. Wasn't he afraid of striking out!?
Next up was Kominato Ryosuke.
Aomi Rin frowned.
The scouting report said Kominato excelled at pitch selection—Aomi Rin's least favorite type of batter.
His fastball wasn't overpowering. His entire strategy depended on making batters hit poor-quality balls.
But Kominato Ryosuke? He lived to irritate pitchers exactly like him.
Aomi Rin soon learned the truth.
Their duel dragged out—
Seven pitches.
Eight pitches.
Fouls, Fouls, fouls…
Finally, with the eighth pitch, a forkball, he struck Kominato out.
But by then—
Aomi Rin felt the sun overhead burning.
His breath a bit heavier.
His precision just slightly taxed.
Meanwhile, Kominato smiled faintly as he walked back to the bench.
Even if he didn't get on base, tormenting a pitcher like that was the greatest satisfaction he could ask for.