Kapitel 254: [254] Kiryuu Confronts Power Directly
Chapter 254: Kiryuu Confronts Power Directly
Isashiki Jun has a knack for hitting balls to the right side.
When it comes to using his power, he possesses unique insights and strengths.
This makes him one of the hitters Shibata Kyohei dislikes facing the most.
Even when his stance breaks down, Isashiki can still make contact with the ball.
At first glance, his swing might seem reckless, but his control is incredibly precise.
His ability to select pitches is exceptional. In their previous practice game, Shibata had already experienced the trouble Isashiki could cause.
This time was no different—he wouldn't fall for bad pitches, and he intercepted every decent one.
Ultimately, it was Tachi's newly learned forkball that slightly disrupted Isashiki's timing.
Even so, Isashiki still managed to connect with the ball.
It was a grounder toward third base, and they barely managed to get him out.
Although the first inning ended in a clean three up, three down, the third out was hard-fought.
This reinforced Kiryuu High School's realization of how dangerous Seidou High School's cleanup hitters truly were.
"Pop!"
"Out!"
"Three outs! Change sides!"
"Tch."
Seeing himself thrown out, Isashiki clicked his tongue in annoyance and returned to the dugout.
That last pitch had been a real chance, but it was unfortunate he couldn't make the most of it.
If only I had Kuramochi's speed…
Regret flashed through Isashiki's mind.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Kiryuu's catcher, Shibata, patted his chest in relief.
That had been dangerously close.
Even with a broken stance, Isashiki had managed to swing forcefully and make contact.
If the ball had been just slightly higher, it could have slipped through the infield.
Seidou's third and fourth hitters were truly terrifying.
In Seidou's dugout, Miyuki adjusted his catcher's gear while glancing at Eijun, whose expression remained calm. With a slight smirk, Miyuki said, "Facing them again, let's make sure this time is even better than last time, Sawamura."
"Of course. This time won't be like before," Eijun replied firmly, a subtle glint flashing in his eyes.
"Well then, I'll leave it to you today, future ace." Miyuki extended his glove.
"Yeah, leave it to me."
The sound of their gloves meeting symbolized their shared trust and determination.
Together, this pitcher-catcher duo was ready to show Kiryuu High School what true strength meant.
...
On the stage of the semifinals, there was no surprise in Seidou High School's choice of starting pitcher.
As expected, it was their first-year left-handed pitcher—Sawamura Eijun.
Throughout the summer tournament, his performance had been on par with the ace pitchers of other teams.
His mastery of breaking balls, precise control, and fearless demeanor in big games had already earned him nationwide recognition.
"Sawamura! Sawamura! Sawamura!"
"Go, Sawamura-kun! It's all on you now!"
"Seidou! Seidou! Seidou!"
"Eijun-kun, do your best!"
"Crush them, Eijun-kun!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
It wasn't just Seidou supporters recognizing Eijun's skill; the stadium was filled with many familiar faces, including Wakana, as well as Eijun's parents and grandfather, all there to cheer him on.
This summer, Seidou had gained a genius pitcher.
Eijun was steadily climbing toward his miraculous peak.
Standing tall on the mound, his unwavering eyes and confident posture exuded a unique pressure that Kiryuu High School couldn't ignore.
...
"Bottom of the first inning, Kiryuu High School's attack begins. First batter, second baseman, Tsuchikata!"
"Tsuchikata-kun, start us off with a hit!"
"Yeah, we're counting on you!"
"Open the gates! Get on base to begin!"
"You can do it! Last year, we were one step short; this year, we'll take that final step!"
"Kiryuu! Kiryuu! Kiryuu!"
"Kiryuu is unbeatable!"
The pitching stance that conceals the release point, the unique movement of the pitch, precise control of the four corners, and a deadly arsenal including a changeup, cutter, and a peculiar breaking ball—a unique rising inside pitch?
Stepping into the batter's box with his bat in hand, Tsuchikata quickly reviewed all the data he had on Sawamura Eijun.
The more he thought about it, the stronger his sense of awe grew.
Eijun's skills were nothing like those of a typical first-year player.
Even the ace pitchers from some teams' third-year players might not reach his level.
"What a terrifying guy," Tsuchikata muttered.
Swinging his bat, his serious gaze locked onto Eijun on the mound.
Their eyes met, and in that moment, an intense spark ignited between them.
"!!!"
A power hitter, huh?
Miyuki glanced at the burly Tsuchikata standing in the batter's box.
A subtle smirk crept onto Miyuki's lips.
Facing a hitter like this was always the most entertaining—especially when you could toy with them.
A mischievous glint flickered in his eyes, faintly visible.
On the mound, Eijun couldn't see Miyuki's expression clearly, but he could feel the atmosphere shift.
His lips twitched involuntarily.
He could bet on it—his senior was definitely scheming something again.
Before Eijun could process further, Miyuki's fingers subtly signaled a pitch.
Of course, that's the location for the first pitch.
Eijun's lips twitched again. He didn't even need to think to know what kind of plan Miyuki was cooking up.
However, given the situation, the chosen pitch was an excellent call.
It could effectively disrupt the batter's rhythm and create a good opportunity for the defense to secure an easy out.
Of course, it would also depend on the batter's reaction and personality.
With these thoughts racing through his mind, Sawamura's body moved instinctively.
His right leg lifted high, his arm swung back, and then his right leg stepped forward as his arm whipped downward.
"Whoosh!"
In that instant, a dazzling streak of light shot forward.
The sharp, whistling pitch flew with no hesitation, piercing straight toward home plate in the blink of an eye.
When the ball came into view, Tsuchikata's pupils shrank dramatically.
The fierce aura, the biting light, seemed to close the distance instantly, almost exploding right in front of him.
Frozen in place, Tsuchikata couldn't react at all.
A chilling sensation pricked his skin, sending shivers down his spine as goosebumps rose all over.
"Pop!"
Before he could swing, the ball had already landed squarely in Miyuki's glove, producing a crisp, clear sound.
"Ball!"
The high fastball aimed at chest level and above, tightly controlled on the inner corner, showcased Eijun's ever-refining precision.
However, the first pitch being a ball was… less than ideal.
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