Chapter 37: Seizing the Initiative in the Battle Against Kokushikan
"Whoosh"
"Crack"
In the batter's box, Kokushikan's second batter showed a look of astonishment in his eyes.
He swung late? And the tail end of that pitch!
"Whoosh"
The white ball flew backward.
"Thud"
It slammed hard between first and second base.
"Second base!" Eijun shouted loudly from the pitcher's mound.
Haruichi Kominato, positioned near the center, moved swiftly to intercept the ball with ease. In one fluid motion, he threw it toward Kenta Maezono at first base.
"Pop"
"Out!!!!"
"Nicely done, second baseman."
"Kominato, great job!"
"Two outs, two outs!!"
On the field and in the dugout, the Seidou players were visibly pleased. They had managed to suppress the opposing team quickly, getting two outs with just four pitches.
The spectators around the field were equally impressed, marveling at Eijun's rapid improvement and his ability to handle Kokushikan's lineup with such poise.
Meanwhile, over in the Kokushikan dugout, the players and coach wore grim expressions.
That first-year pitcher's deviation is off the charts, isn't it?
Eijun didn't concern himself with what the Kokushikan team thought. Today, he was determined to give his all and win this game to meet the expectations of the coach, and most importantly, Chris-senpai.
"Whoosh"
"Crack"
"Thud"
"Foul!"
"Whoosh"
Eijun focused intently, eyes gleaming as the third Kokushikan batter stepped up to the plate. With a signal from Ono, he swung his arm forcefully.
"Pop"
"Strike!!!"
Damn, this stance is more troublesome than expected. I can't see the release point at all! And that pitch definitely moved at the last moment!!!
The third Kokushikan batter gritted his teeth, thinking to himself.
In that case, I'll stand at the very front of the batter's box. If I grip the bat shorter, I can handle a mere 130 KM/H fastball. As long as I make contact, I'll blast it out with power!!!
The batter's determined expression was clear as day, and Eijun's lips curled into a peculiar smile.
Ono and Eijun nodded to each other.
The figure moved swiftly, a flash of white light.
"Whoosh"
"Pop"
"Strike, batter out!!!"
"Three outs, change sides!!!"
What!? An inside pitch!? At this moment?
The Kokushikan third batter, swinging and missing, showed a look of complete astonishment.
"Nice pitch, Sawamura!"
"Well done, Eijun-kun."
"You're really something."
"That last strikeout was amazing. Today, I'll reluctantly acknowledge you."
"But don't get overconfident, Sawamura."
With a precise inside pitch, Eijun smoothly secured the three opening outs. The surrounding spectators, the Seidou team members, Chris, and even Coach Kataoka in the dugout all nodded in approval.
Beyond the third base netting, leaning against the railing, Miyuki watched Eijun run off the mound back to the dugout with a slight grin.
"This kid is getting more and more exciting!"
In the dugout, Coach Kataoka sat with solemnity, arms crossed.
"Try to keep the pitches lower," Coach Kataoka said with a neutral expression.
Eijun, who had been feeling slightly pleased with his performance, immediately became serious and nodded vigorously, responding, "Yes, Coach!"
Eijun's quick understanding and reaction brought a smile to Chris's face.
"Go out there and give it your all, Sawamura. This is the stage the coach prepared specifically for you. You can definitely finish strong, right?"
Seidou High School's aggressive and dominant defense in the first inning set the tone, leading to strategic base stealing and timely hits in the bottom half of the inning. Seidou took the lead, securing two runs.
"Sixth batter, pitcher, Sawamura-kun."
Even in the first inning, the lineup had cycled around to the sixth batter, Eijun.
With one out and runners on first and third, Eijun stood in the batter's box, scanning the field and the Kokushikan players' defensive positioning. They were wary of extra-base hits, it seemed.
A hint of determination flashed in Eijun's eyes.
In that case, I'll choose to...
"Whoosh"
With the sign given and teammates prepared.
The moment a flash of white light emerged from the pitcher's mound, the runner on third burst into action. Eijun quickly gripped the bat with both hands, taking a bunting stance. This movement caused the Kokushikan catcher to change his expression.
"Crack"
Precisely, without the slightest deviation, Eijun bunted the ball towards the first base line. The white ball sped along the line, bouncing but staying in play.
"Whoosh"
"Thud"
"Damn it, first base!!!"
"Whoosh"
"Pop"
"Out"
"Safe!!!"
While Eijun was ruled out at first base, the runner from third successfully reached home, scoring another run for Seidou High and extending their lead to three runs.
"Haha, beautiful bunt."
"Nice sacrifice!"
"Well done, Sawamura."
With an RBI to his name, Eijun jogged back to the dugout from first base, his eyes shining with excitement.
Seidou High's offensive push was halted after Eijun added the third run, as Kokushikan managed to get the eighth batter, Nakata, out and break Seidou's strong offensive momentum.
"Top of the second inning, Kokushikan at bat, fourth batter, left fielder, Matsumoto-kun."
Don't focus too much on the pitch type; as long as it's not too far from the center, with strength and the characteristics of the metal bat, you can knock it out of the park.
In the dugout, Kokushikan's coach gave the fourth batter instructions with a stern expression.
Matsumoto nodded gravely in the batter's box.
Meanwhile, behind the dugout, a young man watching Eijun on the mound displayed a complex mix of emotions: longing, reminiscence, frustration, regret, even disdain and anger.
"Just a first-year kid—don't get too cocky!" the young man muttered softly.
Eijun softly blew the rosin from his fingers. His eyes locked onto the figure of Kokushikan's fourth batter.
"Seems like a power hitter. I need to be extra careful," Eijun murmured internally.
First pitch, Sawamura, aim for the outside corner. Don't worry about strikes or balls, just keep it low.
Yeah, I got it.
Eijun nodded slightly.
His right leg lifted high, left foot pivoted, right arm forming a straight line towards home plate.
He suddenly stepped forward.
Left arm swung.
"Whoosh"
A flash of light streaked forward with a whistling sound, racing towards the batter's box.
Seize the initiative, take control from the start!!!
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