After chatting for a while, Kanzaki Ryou and You Shunshin were finally dragged back to their respective teams. Their teammates were convinced that if no one stopped them, the two could talk all the way until first pitch.
"Hey… since when did you learn Chinese?" Miyuki asked in surprise. Even Chris glanced over curiously. As Kanzaki's roommate, he already knew Kanzaki had good grades — but this was unexpected.
"I was born with it. No point being jealous," Kanzaki said proudly, lifting his chin.
"Tch. Just wait. I'll learn it too sooner or later," Miyuki snorted.
After entering the stadium, the teams split toward their locker rooms.
"Tanba-senpai is starting today. How are you planning to call the game?" Kanzaki asked while changing.
"It depends on the situation, but we'll try Tanba's new pitch," Chris replied.
"The forkball, huh? Tanba-senpai's been working really hard lately."
Kanzaki glanced at Tanba, who was quietly organizing his gear.
Ever since Kanzaki joined Seidou, Tanba's position had become awkward — not quite ace, not quite secondary. Tanba himself understood this better than anyone and had been training desperately to prove his worth. His pitching had improved a lot.
As if hearing his name, Tanba turned back.
Since Coach Kataoka announced last night's starting lineup, he had been looking forward to today.
Standing on the field with Chris.
Having Chris call his pitches again.
He had waited a long time for this chance.
Nearby, Kawakami also scheduled to pitch was humming happily.
"Kawakami, you're in a good mood," Miyuki said as he closed his locker. He would be pairing with Kawakami later.
"I haven't pitched in a while. And that Akikawa ace looks tough," Kawakami said.
Miyuki studied him for a moment.
"You've changed. You're actually looking for excitement now."
Kawakami froze.
He realized Miyuki was right.
"That's a good thing," Miyuki added. "Don't go back to hesitating like before."
The team finished preparing and walked through the tunnel onto the field.
The moment they appeared, the stands behind Seidou's dugout erupted.
Cheers.
Band music.
Thunderous applause.
Compared to that, Akikawa's side had only a small group of spectators.
"Man… I'm jealous of Seidou."
"Yeah. Compared to them, we're basically nobodies."
"My mom even told me to quit baseball."
"Same. Mine said she didn't send me to Akikawa for sports."
"Well… ever since Shunshin joined and we started winning, I kinda got addicted."
Akikawa players leaned against the fence, chatting casually.
Their coach glanced at them with satisfaction before turning to the ace.
"How's your condition, Shunshin?"
You Shunshin removed his headphones calmly.
"Same as always. Pitch normally. Suppress batters normally. That's a pitcher's job no matter who the opponent is."
In the stands, reporters Fujio and Akiko also arrived.
"Today's game should be exciting. I wonder if Akikawa's ace can suppress Seidou's lineup," Akiko said.
"I hope the handsome guy with glasses doesn't lose."
"Don't you also like Miyuki from Seidou?" Fujio sighed.
"I don't want either of them to lose! What should I do?"
Fujio shook his head helplessly.
"If Seidou's ace Kanzaki doesn't pitch, Akikawa might have a small chance… but not much. Seidou's batting lineup is too strong. And Tanba and Kawakami are solid pitchers. If this turns into a slugfest, Akikawa loses."
Akiko nodded.
Without You Shunshin, Akikawa would probably be eliminated in the first round.
After warm-ups, the game began.
Top of the 1st — Akikawa batting first.
Seidou's fielders took their positions.
Kanzaki Ryou was once again assigned to left field.
Please suppress them, Tanba-san… And even if they hit it, don't let it come to me. It's way too hot today.
It was barely 11 AM, yet the temperature had already reached 33°C.
Kanzaki glanced at Furuya in the dugout still half asleep even in the shade.
On the mound, Tanba blew lightly on the baseball and looked toward the batter's box.
Akikawa's leadoff hitter — Ninomiya, a left-handed outfielder.
Tanba didn't underestimate opponents, but aside from You Shunshin, this team lacked cohesion. Strategically dismiss — tactically respect.
Akikawa coach Ogata narrowed his eyes.
"So Seidou didn't send their ace… but Tanba is troublesome."
From the bench, You Shunshin spoke calmly:
"Just hit what comes. Overthinking will only make us lose faster."
Whoosh!
First pitch — outside four-seam fastball.
Pop!
"Strike!"
The swing was late.
Chris returned the ball calmly.
"Strike."
A faint smile appeared on Tanba's usually stoic face.
Pop! — Strike!
Pop! — Strike!
Fastball → Curve → Vertical breaking curve.
Three swings. Three misses.
Strikeout!
Tanba lifted his head proudly and faced the next batter Akikawa's third baseman Hashimoto.
Also left-handed.
The duel had only just begun.