Chapter 95: The Thunderous Debut of Yakushi High School
"After everyone has packed their bags, gather in the stands. Everyone needs to watch the next match together."
As the players from Seido High School packed their belongings on the bench, Coach Kataoka spoke in a serious tone.
The next match would feature Ichidaisan High School, another powerhouse from West Tokyo and one of the two formidable opponents Seido High School would face on their journey to Koshien (at least, that's the consensus among most people right now).
Last autumn, Seido lost to Ichidaisan, missing out on the Koshien spot.
This time, in the regional preliminaries, they found themselves in the same group.
The spots in the semifinals would either go to Seido High School or Ichidaisan (after the groupings were announced, the spectators from West Tokyo basically felt this way, though Yakushi High School would surprise them all today).
Naturally, Coach Kataoka and the entire Seido team understood the importance of Ichidaisan.
Especially considering there were still three first-year players on the team.
Two of them would undoubtedly become the main pitchers in the upcoming match against Ichidaisan, so it was essential and beneficial for them to learn about the characteristics and strengths of the Ichidaisan lineup.
"Yes!" Upon hearing Coach Kataoka's words, the Seido players hastened to pack their belongings, responding loudly.
"Go prepare lunch; we'll eat in the stands." Coach Kataoka turned to Takashima Rei and said.
"Sure, it's already ready," Takashima Rei replied with a smile, adjusting her glasses.
Coach Kataoka nodded lightly. Takashima Rei and Director Ota had always been diligent with logistics, and there had never been any mistakes in their preparations.
Moreover, the team's female managers were quite reliable.
As for the forgetful first-year manager, let's just overlook her for now.
"Now starting is the second match of the Round of 16: Ichidaisan vs. Yakushi High School. Ichidaisan has seven minutes for warm-up."
As the players from Seido High School and Akikawa High School left the field, the athletes from Yakushi High School and Ichidaisan took their places on the corresponding benches.
The stadium announcer was broadcasting details about the competing teams.
Meanwhile, the Seido first-string members in the stands were eagerly eating their boxed lunches, quietly observing the defensive drills of the Ichidaisan players.
Since they were staying to watch the match, they would solve lunch in the stands, where the beautiful managers from Seido had prepared various flavors of boxed lunches for the players.
"Ichidaisan, Yakushi High School…" As Eijun ate his lunch, he watched the warming-up players and a hint of anticipation crossed his face.
This match was where that guy would make his grand entrance, right?
It really made him feel an inexplicable sense of expectation for the upcoming opponent.
"Sawamura, Furuya, you two need to pay close attention to this match. This is a showcase of our next opponents. Ichidaisan's batting lineup is on par with ours. If you don't observe carefully, you'll suffer in the next game."
Miyuki leaned slightly, a serious expression on his face.
"Their lineup is centered around a stable cleanup hitter, comprised of various exceptional talents, along with some additional techniques and tactics. Let's put it this way: imagining Ichidaisan's lineup as similar to ours makes it easier to understand."
"Our lineup?" Haruichi said in surprise.
Haruichi was well aware of how strong their own lineup was. Although he understood that Ichidaisan, being a prestigious school, would undoubtedly have its strengths, comparing it to their lineup was impressive.
Meanwhile, Furuya's expression gradually turned pale.
Well, in simpler terms, he felt completely overwhelmed.
After all, he had experienced their batting lineup's strength firsthand during training. As a pitching coach during simulated hitting practices or match simulations, he had been on the receiving end of their hitting prowess.
Eijun and Furuya had faced their own lineup.
Of course, most of the time, they were thoroughly schooled, especially by Isashiki Jun and Tetsu. Those two often sent their balls flying to the outfield.
The comparison of Ichidaisan's lineup to Seido's naturally reminded Furuya of the training sessions when he was schooled by those seniors.
"Should we prepare ourselves?" A hint of anticipation sparkled in Eijun's eyes as he expressed a different sentiment. Miyuki, you probably didn't expect such a dark horse to appear this summer.
A dark horse that could overturn Ichidaisan—though this had elements of Ichidaisan underestimating them, their ace cracking under pressure, and the ace getting injured.
Regardless, Yakushi High School had won in a nail-biting contest, defeating Ichidaisan, a team touted for its batting strength equal to Seido's.
This was an undeniable fact.
Eijun couldn't help but mourn silently for Ichidaisan in his heart.
His gaze, however, was fixed on Yakushi High School, particularly on the figure that concerned him the most.
"Yakushi High School's cleanup hitter—Todoroki Raichi!"
"We won't get a chance to face Ichidaisan, it seems," Eijun murmured softly, lowering his voice.
"Huh? Eijun, what did you just say?" Haruichi asked, looking puzzled.
"Nothing, just forget it." Eijun shook his head, smiling lightly.
His rival, Todoroki Raichi, let me see just what your potential and limits are!
"Salute!"
"Thank you for your guidance!"
"Bzz—bzz—bzz!"
The loud sound of an air raid siren filled the air as the Summer Championships continued. The third-round match between Ichidaisan and Yakushi High School was about to begin.
This match would undoubtedly be one of the most shocking tournaments in West Tokyo this year.
"Top of the first inning, Ichidaisan's offense. Leading off, the second baseman, Miyamori-kun."
Ichidaisan batted first. It must be said that Miyuki was not exaggerating when describing the caliber of Ichidaisan's lineup; their strength truly matched that of Seido High School.
Eijun could clearly feel the intensity of their attack from the stands.
If faced with such a lineup, honestly, Eijun felt that he had little confidence in guaranteeing no runs would be scored.
In fact, giving up runs was a certainty.
Especially with that cleanup hitter, Omae Takahiro.
He exuded immense pressure.
Yakushi High School's so-called ace, wearing the number one jersey, couldn't stop Ichidaisan's lineup. After a series of consecutive hits, it was time for the cleanup hitter, Omae Takahiro.
A three-run homer!!!!
The atmosphere in the stadium was heated to an extreme.
Most people thought this match would likely be a showcase for five innings.
But Yakushi High School was using their performance to show everyone what a true dark horse looks like!!
"Whoosh!"
"BAM!!!!!"
A sharp sound rang out, accompanied by a blinding white light.
Yakushi High School's cleanup hitter, Todoroki Raichi, launched a powerful two-run homer to left field!!!!!
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