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T/N: The Fourth Chapter today!
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In the third round of the Tokyo Spring Competition, Seidou High School faced Eigen High School.
Although the game had only gone five innings, it was nearing its conclusion.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, the score gap had widened to 12 points. If Seidou High School could hold their ground for this final inning, they would meet the conditions for an early game termination.
"Never give up the last chance to attack!"
The players of Eigen High School had lost the spark in their eyes. The overwhelming gap in strength had numbed them to the outcome of the game.
It wasn't that their fighting spirit was weak; the disparity in power was simply too great. They felt no enjoyment in this match—only despair.
Despite the Coach's relentless shouting, the players were in no state to absorb any of it.
The Coach of Eigen High School knew that no matter how much he yelled, it would be difficult to make an impact.
"We must at least score one run! Our offense isn't entirely ineffective—haven't you already recorded several hits? Though we haven't scored yet, our offense still has potential. Let's get a run in this final moment!"
This grumpy, ambitious Coach made such a humble request, which had a significant impact on the players.
"Right, let's get a run! At this point, Seidou High School's offense is over. The rest depends on how we attack."
Eigen's Catcher clenched his fist, rallying his teammates.
'Yes, our batting was still effective.'
A flicker of determination returned to the eyes of Eigen High School's players.
"Let's go!"
"We will not admit defeat!"
This newfound spark transformed into fierce determination as they roared, ready to charge the field.
Seeing this, the players of Seidou High School exchanged puzzled glances.
They couldn't understand Eigen's behavior. Was it that they had lost so badly that their spirits had collapsed?
Regardless of how irrational Eigen's players might be, the clear difference in strength remained. This wasn't something that mere resolve could change.
"Go up and give your opponents the final blow!"
Kataoka issued the ultimatum.
It felt like an executioner throwing down a decree for the death penalty.
"Let's go!"
"Oh!!"
The players of Seidou High School stepped onto the field one by one.
"Seidou High School has changed pitchers; former outfielder Sawamura-kun is now on the mound."
In this final inning, with the opponent already under heavy pressure, Coach Kataoka put Sawamura on the pitching mound.
This move puzzled anyone with even a slight understanding of the game.
They didn't grasp the significance of putting Sawamura on the mound.
But the audience was less concerned.
As long as they could see Sawamura standing on the mound, they were thrilled.
"Sawamura!"
"Demon King!"
"Demon King!!!"
The stadium erupted in cheers, creating an atmosphere akin to a concert, filled with fans of Sawamura.
Even those who weren't originally his fans couldn't help but join in the excitement.
This was probably what people meant by the power of collective enthusiasm.
"Right now?"
The eyes of Eigen High School's Coach widened, filled with a mix of disbelief and frustration.
He simply couldn't comprehend why Seidou would bring in Sawamura at this point.
Was it just for the show? To inform everyone present that the previous performance of Seidou High School was not at their peak?
That they could become even stronger?
Though the previous nine players formed Seidou's strongest starting lineup, the significance of Sawamura standing on the mound was different.
Only when Sawamura took the mound did Seidou High School truly represent its strongest self.
"Sawamura didn't play much in the semifinals and finals of the previous spring Koshien; there must be a reason for that! Attack, attack!!!"
Although the Coach couldn't guess what Sawamura experienced during Koshien, he instinctively believed that as long as they actively attacked, they would have a chance.
None of the players under him slacked off during training. They had all diligently completed their training tasks.
The swords have been sharpened for three years, and by now, they should be sharp enough.
Let's attack!
As if sensing their Coach's persistence, Eigen High School's players erupted with extraordinary fighting spirit at this last moment.
Even when facing Sawamura, even against everyone present, they didn't flinch.
With their bats raised high, they stared intently at Sawamura on the mound.
Eigen's players were not unprepared for Sawamura; in fact, before the game started, he was their primary imagined enemy.
This wasn't due to overestimating themselves, but because this was Seidou High School's first match in the Tokyo Spring Competition.
An important first battle!
All teams generally go all out in their first match when they are unsure of their opponent's strategies.
Thus, Eigen's players had practiced with Sawamura as their imagined enemy.
They had gathered substantial information on him.
Analyzing previous data, it was clear that Sawamura was very different from when he first debuted.
Previously, Sawamura had left the impression of being the 'Prince of Breaking Balls.'
He was a pitcher whose lifeline was his breaking ball, featuring unique breaking balls.
His breaking ball repertoire was so diverse, and his record so impressive, that reporters felt the term 'repertoire' was insufficient to describe his talent.
Of course, this was before.
Since the Fall Tournament, Sawamura had consciously changed his pitching rhythm to focus more on straight balls, with breaking balls as a supplement.
Eigen's players had keenly noticed this shift.
In fact, it didn't take much insight; Sawamura's style had changed noticeably. A little research on Seidou High School would reveal this.
Given this situation, Eigen High School's hitting strategy was to abandon all breaking balls and focus solely on straight balls.
Whoosh!
On the mound, Sawamura wound up, seemingly using all his strength.
The small white ball shot out like a laser, aimed straight into the inner corner.
'So fast!'
There was no warning at all; the ball was suddenly upon them.
The batter in the strike zone stood frozen.
Though they knew Sawamura's pitching speed was fast from their data collection, seeing it up close was entirely different.
'This pitch wasn't just fast; it felt like a speed violation.'
Without any reaction time, the baseball landed squarely in Miyuki's Mitt.
SNAP!
"STRIKE!!"
Miyuki, who caught the ball comfortably, nodded at Sawamura and tossed it back.
'This impressive effect could also be attributed to Nori.'
Though Kawakami's pitch speed was similar to Sawamura's, Sawamura's was about five km/h faster.
However, the pitching stance, where the ball's release point was obscured, made a significant difference.
From the strike zone, Sawamura's pitch speed felt like at least 155 km/h.
'Even if they had gathered information online before, standing in the strike zone facing Sawamura was a different experience altogether.'
The batters from Eigen High School were competent players.
Yet, without any mental preparation, suddenly facing Sawamura's pitch was impossible to hit!
The title of 'Demon King' isn't given lightly, and not just anyone can claim it.
The reason Coach Kataoka replaced Sawamura now was to deliver a final blow to their opponents.
At the same time, it sent a signal to those watching in the stands.
Our Ace has no issues and is ready to play at any moment.
This meant that as they prepared, they had to consider the possibility of Sawamura suddenly being brought in at any given moment.
For the pitching powerhouse that is Seidou High School, such a smoke bomb could certainly create a multiplier effect.
Of course, if the team had no issues, Kataoka wouldn't go to such lengths.
When a team's strength is strong enough to ignore all opponents, there's no room for conspiracy or trickery.
Based on Kataoka's personality, he would likely choose to crush the opposition head-on.
The reason he acted this way now is that he had already sensed hidden dangers within Seidou High School.
"STRIKE!"
"STRIKE!!"
"STRIKE! BATTER OUT!!!"
"STRIKE! BATTER OUT!!!!"
"STRIKE! BATTER OUT!!!!!"
Nine pitches, none wasted.
Seidou High School's Sawamura Eijun made quick work of Eigen High School's batters, striking them out three times in a row.
Sawamura, entrusted with this crucial role, executed his task exceptionally well.
He played the role of the Demon King to perfection.
"GAME SET!!"
"In the third round of the Tokyo Spring Competition, Seidou High School faced Eigen High School, with a final score of 12-0, Seidou wins!!!"
As the announcer's voice faded, the venue erupted.
"SEIDOU!"
"SEIDOU!!!"
The supporters of Seidou High School cheered hoarsely for their team.
They remained oblivious to the hidden dangers within Seidou High School, only seeing the result.
That is, Seidou High School had overwhelmingly crushed the recently rising Eigen High School.
…
T/N: The first game ended creating a powerful start for Seidou.
As always, Thank you all for reading!!
See you Tomorrow!
Until then, take care!