Chapitre 23: Chapter 23: Rising Tensions
The days leading up to the finals passed in a blur. The tension in Seidou's camp grew steadily, but so did the focus and determination of the players. Eijun could feel the weight of their goal pressing down on his shoulders. Each practice was more intense than the last, every pitch, every swing carrying the pressure of what was to come.
It was a constant reminder that they were on the brink of something monumental. The national championship was within their grasp, but one final opponent still stood in their way.
Their opponent for the finals, Yakushi High School, was known for their aggressive style of play. With powerful hitters like Raichi Todoroki, Yakushi's offense was terrifying, capable of breaking open games with just one swing of the bat. It wasn't just their batting lineup, though—Yakushi's pitching staff was solid, and their ace was a wildcard, unpredictable and explosive.
But Seidou had no intentions of backing down. Eijun and the rest of the team were well aware that the finals would be the ultimate test of everything they had worked for.
In the final practice before the big game, Eijun was on the mound, pitching to Miyuki. The crisp autumn air filled the stadium, and the sound of his fastball hitting Miyuki's glove echoed through the field. His pitches were sharp, faster than ever, and his control was better than it had ever been. Each pitch felt like it was carrying the weight of the entire season.
Miyuki didn't say much as he caught Eijun's pitches, but every now and then, Eijun caught a glimpse of a satisfied smirk on his catcher's face. It was subtle, but it spoke volumes.
"You're looking good, Sawamura," Miyuki finally said, standing up after catching the last pitch. "Keep this up, and you'll be ready for whatever Yakushi throws at us."
Eijun wiped the sweat from his forehead and gave Miyuki a wide grin. "I'm not letting them get a single hit! Raichi Todoroki won't know what hit him!"
Miyuki chuckled, removing his mask. "Don't get too cocky now. Yakushi is dangerous, and Raichi's not the type to get intimidated by a pitcher's confidence. We've got to outsmart them, not just overpower them."
Eijun nodded, his grin fading into a more serious expression. He knew Miyuki was right. Yakushi wasn't just strong—they were smart. They'd come prepared, and they'd be looking to exploit any weakness Seidou might show.
As the rest of the team finished their drills and gathered on the field, Coach Kataoka stepped forward to address them. His face was calm, but his voice carried the authority and intensity that Seidou had come to respect.
"Tomorrow is the day we've all been working toward," Coach Kataoka began. "You've faced many tough opponents this season. You've had your ups and downs, but you've made it to the finals. Yakushi will be a difficult challenge, but I believe in each and every one of you. Trust in your training, trust in your teammates, and play Seidou baseball."
The team nodded in unison, the gravity of his words sinking in. They had come too far to lose now.
"Don't think about the pressure," Coach continued. "Play your game, focus on what we've been practicing, and leave everything you have on the field. If you do that, you'll have no regrets, no matter the outcome."
Eijun felt a chill run down his spine as Coach's words washed over him. He wasn't just playing for himself anymore—he was playing for the entire team, for Seidou's pride and their dream of becoming champions.
That night, Eijun found it hard to sleep. He tossed and turned in bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the game. He imagined himself on the mound, facing Raichi Todoroki, one of the most feared hitters in high school baseball. The image of Raichi crushing a fastball haunted his thoughts, and it took every ounce of willpower for Eijun to push those doubts aside.
In the bed across from him, Furuya lay awake as well, staring at the ceiling with the same intense focus that had driven him all season. Eijun glanced over, feeling the silent rivalry between them once again. Tomorrow, only one of them would start on the mound. Coach Kataoka hadn't yet made the final decision, and the uncertainty gnawed at both of them.
The silence between them was heavy, but it wasn't hostile. It was the kind of silence shared by two competitors who understood each other, even without words.
Finally, Furuya spoke. "You think Coach will choose you?"
Eijun blinked, surprised that Furuya had spoken first. He sat up slightly, looking at his rival. "I don't know," Eijun replied honestly. "But if he does, I'm going to pitch my heart out. Just like I always do."
Furuya didn't respond immediately, but when he did, his voice was quiet. "Me too."
The two of them didn't need to say anything more. They both wanted the same thing—the chance to lead Seidou to victory. But only one of them would get that opportunity.
The morning of the finals arrived, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. Fans from both schools filled the stands, waving banners and cheering loudly. Eijun could feel the energy buzzing around him as he stood with his teammates, watching the other team warm up. Yakushi's players looked just as focused and intense as Seidou, especially Raichi Todoroki, who stood out like a force of nature. His aura alone was intimidating, and Eijun felt the same surge of excitement and fear that always came before a big game.
But today, he wasn't afraid. He was ready.
As the team gathered in the dugout, Coach Kataoka finally addressed the burning question on everyone's mind. Who would be starting on the mound for Seidou?
Eijun and Furuya both stood at attention, their hearts pounding in their chests.
Coach looked at them both before speaking. "Furuya, you'll start the game."
Eijun felt his heart drop for a moment, but he quickly steadied himself. Furuya had earned it. He had been a powerhouse on the mound all season, and this was his chance to shine.
"But Sawamura," Coach added, turning to him with a stern but encouraging look, "be ready. I'm counting on you to step in when we need you. You'll play a big role today, too."
Eijun nodded, his resolve firm. Even if he wasn't starting, he knew he would have his moment. And when that moment came, he would give it everything he had.
Furuya gave Eijun a small nod, a silent acknowledgment of their shared battle. Eijun grinned back, clenching his fist. This wasn't just Furuya's game—it was Seidou's game. And together, they would take down Yakushi.
As the game began, Furuya took the mound, his fastballs hitting the catcher's mitt with incredible velocity. Yakushi's batters struggled to keep up with his speed, and Seidou managed to hold them off for the first few innings. But the tension never let up, and everyone knew that Yakushi's lineup was just waiting for their chance to strike.
Eijun sat in the dugout, watching intently, his body buzzing with anticipation. His time was coming. He could feel it.
The finals were just beginning, and the battle for the championship was far from over.
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