Chapitre 101: [101] The Standoff Before the Battle
Chapter 101: The Standoff Before the Battle
July 27th, Fuchu City Municipal Stadium
Today marks the last game of this summer at this stadium, as Seidou High and Yakushi High face off in a do-or-die battle for the sole ticket to advance from Group A.
"The next match will be between Seidou High School and Yakushi High School in the quarterfinals. Today…"
The sweet voice of the announcer filled the stadium, delivering information about the teams and reminders for the spectators, including certain restrictions.
The crowd today was nearly twice as large as usual.
Beyond the significance of the single advancement spot, the main attraction was Yakushi High—the dark horse team that had surprised everyone.
Many of the spectators were eager to see if this underdog could continue its streak after defeating Ichidaisan High and possibly topple Seidou as well.
If Yakushi pulled off such an upset, it would cause a major stir in the West Tokyo tournament this year.
Human nature delights in spectacles, especially when the chaos doesn't affect them personally.
It's in moments like these, filled with drama, that people's primal desires for excitement are most satisfied.
"They're here!"
"Seidou!"
"Crush them! Break them down!"
"Champions, champions, champions!"
"Coach Kataoka!"
"Captain Tetsu!"
"Isashiki!"
"Miyuki!"
"Masuko!"
Today, at Fuchu Municipal Stadium, Seidou High would make their final appearance on this field, win or lose.
Standing near the dugout, Eijun looked out at the striped uniforms of the Yakushi team in the distance.
Among the figures, one in particular caught his attention, sparking memories of Raichi Todoroki's image in the original story and their first encounter at Jingu Stadium.
Raichi Todoroki, I'm coming for you. Are you ready?
"What's going on here? This batting order is completely different from before! Are these guys playing a joke?" Seidou's players reacted in shock as they received Yakushi's starting lineup.
"They're showing their hand right from the start," Chris said, his expression serious.
"Indeed," Coach Kataoka nodded, sharing the same grave look.
Isashiki's face was twisted in anger, his loud roar fully expressing his frustration.
The rest of Seidou's team also showed varied reactions, although Eijun himself remained relatively calm—he had already known about this lineup.
The only surprise was that, just like in the original timeline, Yakushi's lineup was meant to give Raichi more opportunities at bat, specifically designed to target Furuya as the starting pitcher.
Yet, in this alternate timeline, Yakushi still followed the same pattern.
This made Eijun wonder if Coach Todoroki had other plans up his sleeve. His face grew serious as he considered the possibilities.
Coach Todoroki was undoubtedly a formidable strategist in baseball.
On the other side, in Yakushi's dugout near third base:
"The starter is their third-year ace? Seidou is playing it safe, huh?" Coach Todoroki leaned lazily against the dugout bench, a laid-back expression on his face as he glanced at Seidou's lineup.
"Heh, after all, we beat Ichidaisan High. Seidou is being cautious and using their most reliable lineup," Sanada said with a soft laugh from behind him.
"Tch, doesn't matter either way. Stick to the game plan. Whether it's their third-year ace or that first-year brat," Coach Todoroki replied, pretending not to care. "Even if they change pitchers, it won't matter."
He maintained his carefree attitude, but Raichi's eyes burned with an intense crimson glow.
"Sawamura Eijun!!!"
It was as if his innermost desires were laid bare at that very moment.
"Listen up! From this moment on, it's your time to work! Defend for yourselves, hit for yourselves! We've already beaten Ichidaisan, now it's Seidou's turn, and the final is against Inashiro Industrial! Crush them one by one, then savor the fruits of victory!"
"Yes!!!"
On Seidou's side, in the dugout:
"Don't get arrogant, don't be careless, and don't be afraid! Every step you take, every swing you make will show your true potential! Display our strength! The key to victory lies in your hands!"
"Yes!!!"
"Form up!"
"Go!!!"
"Ooohhhhh!!!"
"Salute!"
"Please guide us!!!"
The air filled with a buzzing tension, a sharp siren-like noise echoing through the stadium.
Raichi Todoroki and Eijun Sawamura—this was the fated first battle between them. As their eyes locked, the sparks of intense rivalry ignited.
"In the top of the first inning, leading off for Yakushi High, the third baseman, Todoroki-kun."
"Let's go, Tanba-senpai!"
"Take him down!!!"
"Raichi, knock it out of the park!"
"Seidou! Seidou! Seidou!"
"Charge, Raichi!"
Even as a first-year, he has this kind of presence?
"WAHAHAHAHA!!!" Raichi's deafening laughter echoed throughout the stadium, a clear manifestation of his overwhelming excitement. He was eager to hit, ready to swing, to unleash his power.
Miyuki crouched behind the plate, sensing the suffocating pressure radiating from Raichi. His eyes narrowed as his expression grew more serious.
Tanba, don't underestimate this guy!!!
On the mound, Tanba nodded firmly, his eyes burning with intensity.
This is the guy… the one who injured Manaka. Whether it was intentional or not, this time, I'll get revenge for him!!!
A flash of anger crossed Tanba's eyes, revealing his inner determination and thirst for retribution as Seidou's ace pitcher.
This fierce, visible animosity only fueled Raichi's fighting spirit. His defiant gaze, the icy aura he exuded, heightened the intensity of the confrontation.
With a wide grin, the scarred side of Raichi's face added to his savage appearance. His anticipation for the pitch was palpable—what kind of pitch would it be? What kind of movement? He was ready. He was eager.
Raichi stood in the batter's box, his entire being enveloped in a burning aura, a wild energy that even made Miyuki furrow his brows slightly. This guy's momentum is off the charts.
We need to suppress him here, right now.
Determined, Miyuki quickly signaled the pitch to Tanba from his crouched position.
Height, trajectory, timing of the break, and speed—they all needed to be perfect, Tanba-san!!!
Despite facing the monster batter who had defeated Ichidaisan High's ace, Miyuki showed no hint of retreat.
At that moment, the battle began!!!
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone