Chapter 133: Inashiro's Dread, Seidou's Starting Pitcher!
Inashiro Industrial High School
In the spacious screening room, all members of Inashiro's first-string team were gathered.
While Seidou High School was thoroughly analyzing Inashiro from every angle, Inashiro was also gathering as much information as possible about Seidou, focusing particularly on analyzing each pitcher in Seidou's rotation.
Unlike Seidou, Inashiro had an undeniable ace—Narumiya Mei. For Inashiro, the main priority was figuring out how to counter Seidou's pitchers.
The best approach would be to quicken the game's pace and decisively bring down Seidou's pitching. If they could manage that, victory would be almost certain.
This was the consensus on Inashiro's side.
"Sawamura Eijun, a first-year pitcher with a fastball speed between 130-135 km/h, has stable control and can pitch to the edges. His finishing pitches include a cutter and a changeup. Based on prior game footage, he's a rare, naturally skilled moving ball pitcher."
"Thanks to his naturally flexible joints and unique pitching form, his release point is virtually undetectable from the batter's perspective, making it difficult to time his pitches."
"So far, he has yet to allow a single run in this tournament. In his shutout game against Akikawa and his near-perfect performance against Yakushi, he allowed only one hit. This first-year has proven to be Seidou's most reliable pitcher. Seidou didn't use him in yesterday's semifinal, likely to keep him fresh for the finals."
The video on the large projector screen showed footage of Eijun's pitching. Alongside, Inashiro's manager was providing a detailed breakdown of Eijun's stats and characteristics.
Most Inashiro players listened intently, some with a look of disbelief in their eyes. Only their ace pitcher, Narumiya, sat back, yawning with a hint of disdain on his face.
"A first-year, their ace? Hard to believe."
"Well, Tanba's still technically their ace—he's still wearing the ace number."
"A changeup and a cutter, huh? I knew this first-year had impressive stats, but not to this extent."
"Tsk, tsk, Mei, this guy's a lefty, too. Seems like you've got some competition," Carlos teased, glancing at Narumiya with a smirk.
"Pff, just a kid who still reeks of immaturity," Narumiya replied dismissively, raising his head and waving it off with a proud expression.
"Mei, don't underestimate this first-year pitcher. We're just one step away from our goal. We can't afford any overconfidence," Harada, Narumiya's catcher and partner, said sternly beside him.
"Yes, yes, I got it." Narumiya shrugged, his tone still somewhat unconcerned.
At that moment, Coach Kunitomo, standing at the front, cast a cool gaze over the room.
Narumiya's face immediately froze, his cocky demeanor disappearing. Known for his fearless nature, Narumiya only feared two people—the first being Coach Kunitomo, and the other, to a lesser extent, his partner and team captain, Harada.
Narumiya could tell that his coach's calm gaze was a silent warning to stay focused and not let his ego cloud his judgment.
Reluctantly, he muttered under his breath and fell silent, unwilling to risk being reprimanded in front of everyone.
"In summary, it's highly likely that this pitcher will start in tomorrow's final."
After concluding his detailed analysis of Seidou High School, Inashiro's manager nodded and stepped aside with a gesture of acknowledgment from Coach Kunitomo.
"Seidou High School's overall strength this year is not to be underestimated. Do not treat this pitcher as an ordinary first-year. As Ino just mentioned, Sawamura Eijun is effectively the team's ace. For tomorrow's final, I don't want anyone underestimating him and regretting it. Understood!?"
Coach Kunitomo's sharp gaze swept over the Inashiro players, and with a slight tilt of his neck, his stern expression left no doubt that he was serious. Anyone who dared slack off would certainly face unforgettable consequences.
"Yes, sir!"
His gaze lingered on Narumiya for a few seconds, prompting a bit of frustration in Narumiya. Nevertheless, he replied respectfully.
"Everyone, review the materials you just received. Memorize the key points. Tonight, all individual training is canceled. Conserve your energy and be in peak condition. Dismissed."
"Yes, sir!"
While Inashiro's preparations were complete, Seidou's own meeting was reaching its final phase.
"Based on previous analyses, Narumiya's changeup is unlike a standard changeup. Its drop curve resembles a forkball, though it's similar to a sinker in timing. However, the movement isn't as pronounced as either. Also, Narumiya's changeup doesn't veer off course, so if you aim to target it, pay particular attention to the center path and the timing of its drop as it nears home plate," Chris explained systematically to the Seidou team.
"The key now is to anticipate when Inashiro's battery will use the changeup."
"So, the top lefty in Kanto, huh…" Isashiki Jun sneered.
"A mix of sinker and forkball movement? Interesting," Ryousuke remarked with a smile.
"Inashiro's strength has improved significantly since last year, especially Narumiya's. He's matured in all areas and won't be an easy opponent. They have their strengths, and we have ours. Focus on our unique style and give it our all to win this match!" Coach Kataoka declared.
"Yes, sir!"
"And tomorrow's starting pitcher… Sawamura, it's your game! I'm entrusting the final to you!" Coach Kataoka announced without hesitation, his intense gaze fixed on Eijun.
Eijun stood tall and responded with a powerful, "Yes, sir!"
The third-year players glanced at Eijun with a mix of emotions, especially Tanba, who clenched his fist before slowly releasing it.
Coach Kataoka's words were clear to everyone—he was placing the responsibility for the final entirely on Eijun. Eijun's growth over the summer had been undeniable, and his performance truly embodied the spirit of an ace.
Though they felt complicated emotions, they understood the coach's decision. After all, tomorrow's final would decide their fate.
Only the victor would have the last laugh.
Both teams' preparations and their impending showdown would ensure they met each other at their very best!
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