As the clock edged closer to game time, thunderous cheers erupted throughout the stadium.
From both sides of the field, Seido and Inashiro players slowly stepped out of their respective tunnels.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
"They're out!!"
"Seido!!"
"Inashiro is the strongest!!!"
"Defeat Seido!!"
"We're counting on you, Coach Kunitomo!"
"Coach Kataoka! Take Seido to Koshien again!!"
The crowd roared relentlessly, calling out the names of players and coaches alike. At the same time, both schools' brass bands began playing, their music clashing in a fierce battle of sound.
On the first-base side, Seido High stepped onto the field in blue and white uniforms.
Leading them—
Ace Kanzaki Ryou.
On the opposite side, Inashiro Industrial appeared in red and white, their presence just as overwhelming.
The moment both teams fully emerged, the stadium exploded.
"Kanzaki!! Win this!"
"Narumiya Mei! Don't lose!"
Amid the deafening noise, Kanzaki Ryou's eyes met Narumiya Mei's across the field.
For a brief moment—
They both smiled.
Then, almost simultaneously, they turned away.
Their expressions hardened.
Game faces on.
After a quick warm-up, the final moments ticked down.
Seido High School—first base side.
Batting first.
Inashiro Industrial—third base side.
Taking the field.
"Let's do it once, Yuki."
Coach Kataoka's voice rang out in front of the dugout.
In an instant, the team's blood ignited.
They hadn't shouted it once all summer.
But now—
This was the moment.
"YES!!"
Yuki stepped forward and turned to the team.
"Everyone—circle up!"
The players quickly gathered.
Even the first-years, experiencing this for the first time, couldn't hide their excitement as they joined the formation.
Yuki's gaze swept across every face.
Then—
He shouted.
"WHO ARE WE?!"
"KING SEIDO!!!"
"WHO SWEATS MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE?!"
"SEIDO!!"
"WHO CRIES MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE?!"
"SEIDO!!"
"ARE YOU READY?!"
"AWOOOOOO!!!"
"CARRYING THE PRIDE OF SEIDO—OUR GOAL IS?!"
"THREE CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!"
"AWOOOOOO!!!"
The chant shook the entire stadium.
"Three consecutive championships!!!"
Seido fans trembled with excitement.
Because deep down—
They believed it.
This Seido team had everything: talent, discipline, coaching, and relentless effort.
They weren't just dreaming.
They were declaring.
On the other side, Inashiro's players clenched their fists.
"Damn it… these guys…"
"They haven't even started playing, and they're already stealing the momentum."
"They always do this against us… so annoying."
What once seemed cool now felt unbearable.
Because this time—
They were the challengers.
"The West Tokyo Summer Tournament Final begins under this blazing midsummer sky!"
The commentator's voice echoed across the stadium.
"Seido High School—last year's champions, aiming for another title!"
"Inashiro Industrial—seeking revenge and a return to Koshien!"
"Two national powerhouses collide—who will emerge victorious?!"
Both teams rushed onto the field.
Cheers followed like waves crashing endlessly.
They lined up at center field.
Bowed.
"Please take care of us!!"
The final—
Had officially begun.
Inashiro Industrial took the field first.
Standing on the mound—
Their Ace.
Narumiya Mei.
Still flawless in this tournament.
Not a single run allowed.
Behind the plate—
Captain and cleanup hitter, Masatoshi Harada.
Before the inning, Coach Kataoka's words echoed in Seido's minds:
"For the first three innings, ignore the changeup."
"Target fastballs."
"Before two strikes, don't swing at bad pitches."
"Don't fear striking out—commit to your swing."
"This game is about patience."
"Wait for your chance. Seize it. Create it."
"Kuramochi."
Just as the leadoff hitter prepared to step out, Coach Ochiai called out.
"Yes, Coach?"
Ochiai stroked his mustache calmly.
"In your first at-bat, show a bunt."
Kuramochi blinked.
"Show it—but don't commit. Just the motion."
A slow grin spread across his face.
"…Got it."
"Top of the first inning! Seido High School at bat!"
"Leadoff hitter—shortstop, Kuramochi Yoichi!"
Bat resting on his shoulder, Kuramochi stepped into the left-handed batter's box, a playful smile on his lips.
On the mound, Narumiya Mei remained expressionless.
He knew this batter well.
Fast.
Dangerous.
And once he got on base—
Seido's offense would explode.
Behind the plate, Harada narrowed his eyes.
Bunt… then use speed to reach base?
Without hesitation, he signaled.
First pitch—outside high fastball.
Whoosh!
Narumiya's leg lifted high—
Then drove down.
All his power surged forward.
The ball exploded from his fingertips.
Whoosh!!
Kuramochi shifted slightly—
As if preparing to bunt—
Then stopped.
Just enough to sell the idea.
Pop!
"Strike!"
Harada frowned.
That pitch was meant to lure a bunt…
He showed it—but didn't commit.
Too far outside? Or… was that intentional?
He stood and tossed the ball back.
"One more, Mei. Keep it closer this time."
Narumiya nodded slightly.
"…Got it."
The duel had begun.
And already—
The mind games were in motion.