Bab 9: Strat Of The Tournament
I still want to apologize for the catastrophic grammar and writing of the previous chapters. A year ago, I couldn't write and my grammar was completely nonexistent, but I believe I have evolved, and today I hope to offer you a good text. I was supposed to publish this chapter next week, but as a gift, updates will resume next week. I don't know which day or how frequently, but I will no longer neglect this work. Happy reading to you.
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The opening ceremony of the Tokyo East and West tournament is an event filled with suspense and excitement, bringing together the best baseball teams from Tokyo's districts in a fierce competition for the coveted title of the best team in the region. As the teams converge on the stadium, the excitement is palpable in the air, with each player carrying the weight of expectations from their school and community on their shoulders.
The stadium is adorned in its finest, with flying banners in the bright colors of the participating teams, while pennants representing Tokyo's districts majestically frame the pitch. The atmosphere is charged with electric energy, supporters flock to the stands, proudly wearing the colors of their favorite team and chanting slogans of support.
On the field, the teams gather with purpose, their immaculate uniforms reflecting their commitment to athletic excellence. Team captains exchange respectful handshakes, symbolizing both fierce competition and mutual respect between opponents.
Opening speeches resonate through the stadium, delivered by league officials and influential figures from the local baseball world. They emphasize the importance of competition and the honor of representing their respective districts in this quest for victory.
Then comes the long-awaited moment: the first pitch. A guest of honor, perhaps a former local baseball player or prominent sports figure, takes position on the mound, ready to mark the start of the competition. All eyes are on him as he throws the ball with precision, symbolizing the beginning of the battle for baseball supremacy in Tokyo.
Amidst fiery cheers from the crowd, the teams take their positions on the field, ready to face their opponents in a series of intense and exciting matches. The opening ceremony concludes in an atmosphere of excitement and determination, with each team determined to give their best to win the coveted title of the best team in Tokyo East and West and qualify for the prestigious national tournament of Koshien.
The tension was palpable in the Hachiya Ouji team's locker room as they prepared for their match against the Maimon West High team. The players were busy adjusting their uniforms with determination, exchanging confident glances mixed with a hint of apprehension.
Sousuke stood in the center of the locker room, his gaze fixed on the horizon, his mind gripped by a multitude of thoughts and emotions. He felt the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders, aware of the importance of this game for the team and for himself as the team's starting pitcher. However, he remained calm and confident of their victory, recalling memories that suggested the opposing team wasn't particularly strong.
At his side, team captain Izui Shoto was a pillar of calm and confidence. His determined look conveyed a silent message to his teammates: we are ready to take on this challenge, no matter the obstacles. He then spoke, fulfilling his role as the team's moral leader by doing his best to reassure his teammates.
"Guys, today marks the beginning of our competition. I understand that for some, including myself, this may be our last opportunity to achieve our dream, while for others, it's just the beginning. Our mindsets may differ, but we are all part of the same team. Let's rely on each other so that everyone can fulfill the dream we all share: to reach Koshien and become the best team in Japan."
His words resonate deeply in the hearts of the team's players, surprising even Sousuke with their galvanizing effect. The team needed this encouragement. After all, they are only human.
Inspired by this speech, Sousuke speaks up.
"I know the past few months have been challenging with training and bringing the team up to speed. But I want you all to know that I have complete confidence in each of you and your abilities. I believe we have what it takes to become the best team in Japan. Let's make it happen."
With determined looks, Sousuke's teammates begin to shed their stress and relax. They too have full confidence in their ace's abilities.
The coach enters the locker room and announces that it's time. Before heading onto the field, they all come together for a rallying cry.
"HACHIYA OJI!!"
"FIGHT!"
"HACHIYA OJI!"
"FIGHT!"
"HACHIYA OJI!"
"GO GO GO!"
In the tense atmosphere of the locker room, words of encouragement and motivation fill the air, coming from both the players and the coaching staff. Everyone knows they need to perform at their best.
Outside, the cheers of supporters begin to fill the air, signaling the approaching start of the match. The stadium is already packed with eager spectators, ready to rally behind their team in this crucial battle.
As the teams exit the locker room, a determined silence falls over them. Their footsteps echo down the corridor leading to the field, each player focusing on the challenge ahead.
On the pitch, the referee blows the whistle, signaling the moment for greetings. The teams face each other and exchange greetings. Then, retreating to their respective enclosures, the players from each team take their positions on the field, eagerly awaiting the start of the match.
[We bring you a match from the 1st round of the Tokyo West tournament. The match between Hachiya Oji High School and Maimon West High School is about to begin.]
In that moment before kickoff, Sousuke feels his heart beating with increased intensity. He's excited to finally have the opportunity to compete at a national level. Subaru and Ryu feel the same way. All those years of training are about to pay off.
Hachiya Oji starts on attack.
On the mound the pitcher is warming up, his name is Minamidaira Mamoru, number 10 of Maimon West.
As the referee whistled the start of the match, the first batter was announced and stood in front of the pitcher. This is number 7 Tenzaki Tomura.
Screams can be heard coming from both enclosures.
Mamoru pitch : "Clang", the ball is hit directly and goes far which allows Tomura to go to second base.
"So Sousuke was right. This pitcher even if he doesn't have great speed, he has a very good underwater throw and a good catcher. Overall it's a very good battery. But with Sousuke's training this pitch can't put us in trouble, that's for sure."
Tomura who is in his thoughts at second base gestured towards his bullpen. This sign was expected, this assumes Sousuke was right. At this precise moment, the drummers know exactly what they have to do.
On the side of the Maimon West bullpen, it was time for panic. The coach, who for him had carried out the perfect plan, did not understand what had gone wrong.
The second batter is announced, it's Ryu's turn to bat.
Being in position, Mamoru throws another underwater pitch
"Clang", another hit from Ryu which allows him to go to first base. As for Tomura, he went to third base. It's Izui's turn, the team captain.
He saluted the catcher and the referee and got into a standard but very effective stance. The receiver signals to Mamoru.
Mamoru throws a low pitch 130 km inward.
As soon as Izui saw the ball coming towards him, without hesitation he hit the ball with a powerful swing.
The ball passes the outfield and goes out of bounds for a home run.
"A Home run in the first inning"
"What a great start to the game"
"Already three points for them"
The public cheered them on loudly.
The three players returned to their bullpen to cries of joy from their teammates.
"Well played guys." Sousuke declares with a calm demeanor but a smile on his lips.
It's time for joy in Hachiya Oji's bullpen which is not the case on the other side, the players are already starting to get discouraged.
Unfortunately for Maimon the next to bat was Subaru who also hit a Home Run. Following this, Maimon's battery collapsed and 10 points were scored in the first round.
"Batter out, Change"
It's the end of Hachiya Oji's attack phase and he already has a 10 point gap. Now it's Maimon's turn to attack. However, they must face Sousuke.
The first batsman gets into position and holds his bat firmly.
Sousuke, calm on the mound, smiles intensely he simply cannot suppress his excitement of the moment. He planned with Ryu not to use any effect pitch against them.
Sousuke got into position, after the referee's signal he pitch a fastball 150 km towards the outside.
"STRIKE"
The batter didn't even have time to react, he was already trembling with fear. Sousuke gets back into position and continues the throws.
Fastball inwards.
"STRIKE"
Fastball down inside.
"STRIKE BATTER OUT"
"This speed is incredible"
"But who is this player? He's a first year"
"Looks like a new star has been born"
The satde was hot, the speed of the throws is astonishing so obviously everyone is shocked to see that a first year player can do that.
The scenario is repeat and the match is over after the third round through obvious domination.
[Score:
Hachiya Oji: 10-5-4
Maimon West: 0-0-0]
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone