With one out and no runners on base, walking a dangerous batter was a natural decision.
But the pitcher was Narumiya Mei.
That choice shocked everyone present. The rivalry between Narumiya Mei and Kanzaki Ryou was widely known—two of the brightest talents of their generation.
Whenever they faced each other, unless absolutely forced otherwise, a direct confrontation was inevitable.
And yet now, without any signal from Inashiro's Coach Kunitomo, Narumiya Mei had chosen to walk Kanzaki Ryou.
From a team perspective, it was the correct decision.
But from a personal standpoint… wasn't it a sign of backing down?
This left Narumiya Mei's fans conflicted. They couldn't believe he was afraid of Kanzaki Ryou.
After more than a year, they understood their Ace well.
If anything, no one wanted to face Kanzaki Ryou head-on more than Narumiya Mei.
And no one desired to defeat him more.
But that was exactly what made him the Ace.
An Ace didn't just pitch for himself—he carried the expectations of the entire team.
This wasn't his game alone.
Bearing that weight, Narumiya Mei chose to temporarily set aside his personal pride to maximize Inashiro's chances of winning today.
Even if it made him look like he had retreated…
It didn't matter.
Thinking of this, even Narumiya Mei's mother and sister—watching from the stands—couldn't help but tear up.
At first base, Kanzaki Ryou, who had been reluctantly walked, spread his hands and looked toward Miyuki stepping into the batter's box.
"It's up to you."
"Leave it to me… hehe."
"Hehe my ass!"
The two exchanged a glance, tension and familiarity mixing in the air.
Seido Dugout
"Even though it's a shame Kanzaki-senpai got walked, he's on first now—and Miyuki-senpai might pull something off. I'm so excited!" Arima Kazusa leaned over the railing, eyes shining.
Even though he wasn't playing today and had no chance of stepping onto the Koshien stage yet, his enthusiasm hadn't dimmed in the slightest.
He had been cheering nonstop since the start of the game.
"Miyuki-senpai is a strong batter too, but if he can't hit a long ball, it'll be hard for Kanzaki-senpai to advance," Kominato Haruichi said calmly.
"Why?" Sawamura turned and asked.
Haruichi smiled softly.
"Kanzaki-senpai is the Ace—a very valuable pitcher. He won't take unnecessary risks on the bases. Coach wouldn't allow reckless plays like diving or aggressive sliding."
"If he wants to safely reach second base, a long hit is the best option—it gives him enough time."
"Is that so…" Sawamura muttered, then added seriously, "Then I'll have to be careful too in the future. I'm also a valuable pitcher."
Everyone around him rolled their eyes at the same time.
It was true but did he really have to say it himself?
On the mound, Narumiya Mei looked at Miyuki Kazuya with complicated emotions.
Their connection went back years.
After graduating from junior high, Narumiya Mei had personally invited Miyuki to join Inashiro.
He was rejected.
Even though Masatoshi Harada later became his catcher, there was still someone he couldn't forget.
Miyuki—
The one Narumiya Mei could never have.
A trace of resentment flickered in his eyes… but it disappeared just as quickly, replaced by sharp focus.
"Come on, Kazuya… this time, I'm going to Koshien."
In the batter's box, Miyuki felt the difference immediately.
That gaze—
More serious. More intense than ever.
"Tch… this just got troublesome."
Miyuki clicked his tongue softly. Narumiya's complete focus on him—ignoring the runner entirely—was suffocating.
At that moment, Narumiya raised his right leg high.
His sharp eyes locked onto Miyuki like blades.
Whoosh!
The pitch exploded from his fingertips and tore through the air.
Thwack!
"Strike!"
A perfect fastball.
Miyuki glanced down, then lifted his eyes again.
That pitch had definitely exceeded 150 km/h—and it was placed perfectly inside.
Their gazes collided midair, sparks almost visible between them.
From first base, Kanzaki Ryou squinted dramatically.
"My eyes are burning!"
"…Oi, this is a game. What kind of bromance are you two having?!"
Before his complaint even finished—
Whoosh!
The second pitch came.
Miyuki swung.
Foul.
Narumiya's complete disregard for the runner made pitch prediction extremely difficult.
Even as Kanzaki Ryou edged off first base, Narumiya didn't spare him a glance.
As a left-handed pitcher, he could clearly monitor Ryou's movements.
And he didn't believe Ryou would dare to steal.
And in truth—
Ryou didn't dare.
Those eyes… like daggers.
If he made a move for second, he'd be thrown out without hesitation.
Whoosh!
Narumiya received the return throw and delivered the next pitch without pause.
An outside slider curved beautifully, slicing into the strike zone from far beyond Miyuki's reach.
Miyuki swung.
Bang!
The impact sent a jolt through his hands.
The ball rocketed toward third base—a sharp line drive.
Inashiro's third baseman, Yoshizawa Hideaki, reacted instantly. He charged forward, fielded it cleanly on the bounce, and fired to second.
Thwack!
The ball landed in Hirai Tsubasa's glove.
Kanzaki Ryou—forced out.
Without hesitation, Hirai pivoted and threw to first.
"Run!"
"Faster!"
"Miyuki!!"
Seido's bench roared.
Miyuki sprinted down the line—
Just as the ball arrived, his foot hit first base.
Safe.
Two outs. Runner on first.
Narumiya watched coldly.
Even against that slider—and from a disadvantage as a left-handed batter—Miyuki still managed to drive it to third.
He's gotten a lot stronger…
"Pudding-senpai, you got this!"
Sawamura's voice suddenly rang out.
Masuko Toru, who had just stepped into the batter's box, immediately turned red.
"Baka Sawamura!"
Behind the plate, Harada narrowed his eyes slightly.
This batter's technique was rough—
But his power was terrifying.
If he made solid contact, there was no telling how far the ball would fly.
"Don't let him swing comfortably," Harada signaled.
Narumiya nodded.
He understood perfectly.
Whoosh!
The first pitch came fast—like a cannonball.
Fastball.
Masuko swung.
The bat cut through the air with a heavy whistle.
Bat and ball closed in—
But just before contact—
The ball vanished.
Thwack!
"Strike!"
Forkball.
Only after missing did Masuko realize it.
"What a drop! Blondie's forkball has improved again!"
From the sidelines, Kanzaki Ryou exclaimed in surprise.
"Yeah… it wasn't like this during the Kanto Tournament, right?"
"Well, he's a genius. Makes sense."
"Exactly—just look at the one standing next to us."
The teammates immediately started teasing after hearing Ryou's comment.