Chapter 263: [263] Counterattack Begins
Chapter 263: Counterattack Begins
"Whoosh."
"Ping!"
Heavy. So heavy. Damn, that hurts!
"Thud."
"Foul ball!"
The gleaming white ball flew off once again, landing outside the foul line.
Kuramochi, grimacing, showed an expression of frustration.
Without hitting the ball's sweet spot, such a strike was a challenge for Kuramochi.
Every pitch felt so heavy that he could feel his arms trembling.
Yet, the opposition continued to watch him closely for a stolen base attempt.
With the infielders positioned strategically and Tachi's precise pitching, Kuramochi couldn't find a good opportunity to make a move. Forced swings only resulted in foul balls.
Good, stay in this rhythm, Tachi. Don't lose your composure—just maintain your flow.
Behind home plate, Shibata discreetly signaled with his fingers, and Tachi nodded from the mound.
"Whoosh."
Another piercing pitch cut through the air like a streak of cold light, heading straight for home plate.
Kuramochi's pupils contracted sharply as he instinctively leaned back to dodge.
"Pop!"
The ball whizzed just past Kuramochi's cheek, landing snugly in Shibata's glove with a sharp, chilling sound.
"Ball!"
Damn it!
Does this guy even care about hitting someone?
Kuramochi shot a furious glare toward the mound.
But when he saw Tachi's emotionless expression—bordering on intimidating—he hesitated.
"Sorry," Tachi muttered, though it sounded anything but sincere. Kuramochi's face twitched in irritation. The pent-up frustration in his chest kept growing, making it harder to swallow.
You bastard.
Just wait.
Next pitch, I'll definitely—
"Whoosh."
Before the thought could fully form, another streak of white light darted toward home plate. Kuramochi's expression shifted dramatically.
Not good!
"Pop!"
There was no time to swing.
The ball zipped cleanly into Shibata's glove, producing a crisp, resonant sound.
"Strike! Batter out!"
Damn it!
That pitch was way too unfair!
Gritting his teeth, Kuramochi sighed in resignation, shaking his head as he walked off the field.
Three at-bats, no hits.
The frustration and helplessness were eating away at him.
"Nice pitch, Tachi!"
"Two outs, two outs! That's the way!"
"Great work, Ace!"
"Just one more! Finish it cleanly, Tachi!"
Tachi's dominant presence on the mound, maintaining flawless pitching after conceding a single run, kept Kiryuu High's morale intact.
It was only one run.
Kiryuu High was confident they could tie it, take the lead, and ultimately turn the game around to secure victory.
From the Seidou dugout, Eijun stared at Tachi's silhouette on the mound, pursing his lips.
Not giving up, huh?
Good. That's how it should be, Tachi-senpai.
This kind of duel is what makes it exciting.
Clenching his fists tightly, his eyes burned with determination.
This was Eijun's fighting spirit.
However, just when everyone thought Tachi would carry his momentum to claim the third out, a slender figure stepped up to the plate and delivered an unexpected surprise.
"Whoosh."
"Ping!!!"
With a resounding crack, Ryousuke Kominato swung his metal bat in a dramatic motion, perfectly connecting with the final pitch—a forkball.
Using a scooping motion, he lifted the ball into the air.
The ball shot off the bat, streaking over the infield and dropping just in front of the right fielder.
Amid the grim expressions from Kiryuu High's players and the increasingly dark and intimidating demeanor of Tachi, Ryousuke's hit advanced Sakai Ichirou to third base while securing his own spot on first.
Two outs, runners on first and third.
This set the stage for Seidou High's powerhouse cleanup hitters to step up.
"Third batter, center fielder, Isashiki-kun."
"In this critical situation with runners on third, Seidou High's cleanup hitters take the plate. Can Kiryuu High shut down their offense and prevent further damage?"
With his bat slung over his shoulder and an aura of ferocity, Isashiki Jun strode to the batter's box, his expression radiating an intimidating confidence.
The duel between Kiryuu's ace pitcher and Seidou's third batter was charged with intensity, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the heart of the stadium.
From the dugout, Coach Matsumoto frowned deeply.
Facing Seidou's cleanup hitters in this situation was nothing short of disastrous luck.
His gaze drifted to the on-deck circle, where Seidou's captain, Yuuki, stood with his usual calm demeanor.
The unease in Matsumoto's heart only grew stronger.
We have to take this batter out now.
If Isashiki got on base and Seidou's lineup began to rally, it would be nothing short of catastrophic for Kiryuu High.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Matsumoto issued a rare, firm directive to Tachi and Shibata: this batter must be dealt with decisively.
Tachi and Shibata exchanged somber nods, fully grasping the gravity of the moment.
Both seasoned players, they knew from a glance just how precarious this situation had become.
This was the moment to stop Seidou's momentum.
On the other side, Seidou's players understood the importance of this opportunity.
The entire bench, including Eijun and Chris, focused intently on Isashiki.
"First pitch!"
"Come on, come on! Bring it on, you bastard! Watch me send it flying!"
The pitch streaked toward home plate like a flash of cold steel.
With a fierce expression and eyes glinting faintly red, Isashiki swung his bat with full force, yet controlled his angle and timing with precision.
"Swish!"
"Ping!!!"
The first pitch, an inside fastball, slammed into Isashiki's metal bat with a violent sound.
"Thud!"
The ball ricocheted sharply off the bat and hit the ground.
"Foul ball!"
That swing was so fast—and the power behind it, terrifying!
Shibata's eyes narrowed as his expression grew even more serious.
"Come at me, you bastard!" Isashiki roared, his voice full of defiance and aggression. His intimidating presence exuded raw energy, and even Kiryuu High's players could feel the killing intent radiating from him.
No retreat.
This was the moment Kiryuu High had to decisively take down this monster of a batter.
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