Bab 135: [135] Taking the Initiative Against Inashiro
Chapter 135: Taking the Initiative Against Inashiro
"Go for it!"
"Ohhhhhhh!!!"
Amid thunderous applause surrounding the field, the young players from Seidou High School and Inashiro Industrial make their grand entrance.
"The appearance of these two teams has ignited the stands with applause—a tribute to their journey thus far, but also a display of anticipation for the showdown that's about to unfold. What kind of epic battle will they present to us today? Now, let the final showdown begin!"
"Salute!"
"We look forward to it!"
"Buzz—buzz—buzz"
The blaring sound of the air raid siren echoes, signaling the official start of the final match in West Tokyo. On the field, Inashiro's players quickly take their positions.
In the stands, everyone wears a look of excitement, expectation, and nervousness, waiting for the game to begin. Wakana, Haruno, and Eijun's father and grandfather look on with a mix of pride and concern. Their pride shines brightest because the starting pitcher for Seidou High School is none other than—Eijun!
This is their greatest pride!
In front of Seidou's dugout, the starting nine sit in a half-circle, each one intensely focused. Coach Kataoka crouches calmly in the center, while Eijun, Yuuki, Miyuki, and the others listen with serious expressions.
"Don't rush before they push you. If the pitch isn't right, don't force it. A half-hearted swing only boosts the opponent's momentum. Don't fear striking out—swing with confidence and look for your pitch. In this weather, even Narumiya will eventually make mistakes if we increase his pitch count!" Coach Kataoka says with a stern look.
"Yes, sir!"
"Top of the first inning, Seidou High School's offense. Batting first, shortstop, Kuramochi-kun!"
Focus on your pitch. Don't rush to swing.
In the dugout, Coach Kataoka gestures as if holding a bat, then taps his left chest.
In the batter's box, Kuramochi nods, touching the brim of his cap in acknowledgment.
On the mound, Narumiya stands tall, his head slightly raised at a 30-degree angle, exuding the pride of a top ace.
"Hmph, coach worries too much. Even if Seidou's lineup is strong, there's no need to stress over each batter. Standing in the left batter's box? Oh, I get it, you're trying to get as close to first base as possible, right?"
"Well then, let this ace show you—no matter what you try, it won't work!"
A silver spark flashes in Narumiya's eyes as his cold aura and full confidence are unleashed.
"Same as always," Harada, behind home plate, thinks with a sigh.
"But, well, that's exactly his style."
"!!!"
Everyone watches intently as Narumiya stands proudly on the mound, his form like a dancer in motion—raising his right leg and swinging his left arm.
The next moment—
"Swish!"
A white flash streaks out, brilliant and fierce!
In the batter's box, Kuramochi stands resolute, expression firm.
"Kuramochi-senpai, what do you think of Narumiya-senpai?"
"Huh? Why are you asking? That guy's just arrogant—what else?"
"Yeah, an arrogant guy. He probably doesn't go all out against any of us, except for Captain Yuuki."
"Huh? What are you trying to say?"
"Are you really the type, senpai, who'd let someone slap your right cheek and then just smile and offer your left?"
"You brat, Sawamura! What are you trying to say!? Are you itching for a fight again?"
"No, just thinking… Kuramochi-senpai, maybe… right after the game starts, you could aim for the first pitch, with all you've got…"
Seeing Narumiya's arrogant stance, Eijun's knowing smile flashed in Kuramochi's mind.
At that moment, Kuramochi's frustration reached its peak.
That blinding flash of white light.
And Kuramochi's bat swung with fierce determination.
"Damn it, don't look down on me!!!"
Swish
With a sharply lowered bat, his swing radiated intensity.
Clang!
The metal bat struck the ball, but Kuramochi instantly felt that he hadn't hit the sweet spot. A grounder was inevitable.
Gritting his teeth, he forcefully directed the bat to the left in a split-second move.
At the very least, he wanted to send it toward third base!
In his mind, Kuramochi roared with determination.
The ball skidded off the ground with a whoosh.
"Third base!!"
Harada, startled by Kuramochi's fierce swing even after missing the sweet spot, quickly called out toward third. He knew well that Seidou's leadoff batter was one of Tokyo's fastest, rivaling Carlos.
As the ball bounced off the ground, Harada barely finished shouting before a whirlwind tore past him.
Like a fleeting shadow, Kuramochi sprinted, flashing toward first base with cheetah-like speed.
The crowd gasped in awe at his blazing pace.
Seidou's ignition device had just detonated!
"So fast!"
Inashiro's third baseman Yoshizawa caught sight of the lightning-quick figure in his peripheral vision, his face filled with shock but his movements uninterrupted.
With a quick step, he positioned himself in front of the ball and scooped it up into his glove. In one swift motion, he hurled the ball toward first base, where it streaked like a flash of white.
It was a race against time.
The ball sped toward first base, landing in the glove of first baseman Yamaoka with a crisp pop.
At the same instant—
A dark figure slid over the bag, creating a heavy thud against the base.
Everyone held their breath, eyes locked on first base. The ball and Kuramochi arrived almost simultaneously—was he out? Or did he make it safely?
This was a battle down to the millimeter.
"Safe!!!"
With all eyes on him, the first base umpire solemnly nodded, spreading his arms as he declared, "Safe!" His voice echoed across the field, and the crowd erupted in shock.
Seidou had seized the initiative.
On the mound, Narumiya Mei's face turned ashen in response.
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Power 
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