Chapter 152: The Inashiro Match – Instinct and Conviction!
"Whoosh!"
"Clang!"
"Thud!"
"Foul ball!"
"For the third pitch, they've chosen another fierce inside fastball. Even in the latter half of the game, Seidou's battery is staying aggressive!"
"They're really pushing the attack."
"But Inashiro's hitters have clearly figured out the pitch pattern, and this could be serious trouble."
"This inning could determine the outcome. Let's see if Seidou can hold them off."
"Both dugouts are absolutely tense at this moment, aren't they?"
"Will Seidou suppress the offense and keep up the momentum, or will Inashiro strike and seize control again?"
"Damn, I suddenly feel the urge to go to the bathroom!"
The crowd was just as tense as the players on the field. After all, this was the ultimate showdown for the top level in West Tokyo!
"Hoo…" On the mound, Eijun took a deep breath, trying to steady his rising chest. His gaze fell to Miyuki, who met it with calm, unwavering eyes.
Standing before him was Tokyo's—and perhaps Japan's—most reliable catcher.
Trust.
All he had to do was trust in Miyuki. With him, his pitches would be unstoppable!
Eijun's eyes sparkled with determination as he swung his arm once more.
"Whoosh!"
Another blinding pitch streaked toward home plate.
In the batter's box, a fierce gleam flashed in Yoshizawa's eyes. He took a powerful step forward, his metal bat gleaming coldly under the sun.
"Clang!"
A piercing sound rang out as the ball soared high into the air, curving toward the third-base line and drifting further left.
"Thud."
It landed in the stands, a foul ball.
The precision, timing, and power were coming together more intensely with each swing.
Eijun's forehead was now drenched in sweat. Watching the ball fly so far, he wiped his brow, feeling every nerve stretched to the breaking point.
"This is trouble. He's tracking all of Sawamura's pitches with precision," Miyuki thought, feeling the weight of the challenge. Yoshizawa, Inashiro's third batter, could now handle every pitch type Eijun had in his arsenal.
The situation forced Miyuki into a dilemma. Every pitch type had its risks and rewards, making it hard to choose.
Miyuki clenched his right hand tightly, then slowly relaxed it.
"Hoo…"
Though it was risky, there was only one option left. Instead of hesitating, he'd bet everything on one decisive pitch!
A fierce glint shone in Miyuki's eyes.
Without further delay, he moved his right hand and signaled for the pitch.
The moment Eijun saw the sign, his pupils shrank with intensity.
"Come on, Sawamura. With me here, there's nothing to fear—just go all out. This is the showdown you live for!" Miyuki spread his arms wide, putting his full trust in Eijun.
With no room to retreat, it was time to go all-in!
A fastball, right down the middle!
Any small mistake would lead to devastating consequences. And yet, in this critical moment, they had chosen the riskiest—and possibly the best—pitch.
Miyuki-senpai, you truly are the greatest catcher!!!
Eijun's eyebrows rose, his eyes radiating the pride of a pitcher.
He would take down his opponents head-on, one by one!
The energy around him surged, a roar of power. He raised his right leg high and drove forward, unleashing a blazing fastball.
"Whoosh!"
In the batter's box, Yoshizawa's expression sharpened as he shifted his stance, readying himself.
A straight fastball down the middle?!
Kid, you've got guts!!!
Yoshizawa's heart roared as he swung his metal bat with all his might, determined to make his stand.
As bat and ball met, a brilliant clash of skill and determination played out between them.
"Swish!"
The white ball shot forward, like an invading force.
"Crack!"
The sound of contact rang out, a thrilling note of defiance.
Go out! Yoshizawa's face, flushed with intensity, twisted with a fierce determination.
"Whoosh!"
The ball shot skyward, a blinding arc against the backdrop. The entire stadium was transfixed, watching the white streak hanging in the air.
"Ohhhhh! He connected! Could this be Inashiro's rally cry?"
The commentator's voice was strained with excitement.
"Whoa!!!"
The crowd erupted, wondering if they'd just witnessed a game-changing hit.
Every spectator's eyes were wide, fixed on the brilliant arc in the sky.
But as the crowd's attention focused on the airborne ball, a figure in blue and white streaked forward.
A straight, unwavering line headed right to where the ball would fall.
It was Seidou High's center fielder—Jun Isashiki!
"Don't underestimate us!!!"
With a fierce shout, his figure leapt through the air, sending a chill down the spines of Inashiro's players and the entire audience.
"Smack!"
The ball landed firmly in his glove.
The crowd on Inashiro's side fell silent, while Seidou's supporters erupted in cheers.
"Nice play, Jun-san!"
"That was incredible, Isashiki-senpai!"
"So cool, Isashiki-kun!"
"Seidou! Seidou! Seidou!"
With his exceptional catch, Jun Isashiki not only denied Yoshizawa's powerful hit but also quickly threw to home plate, forcing Shirakawa, who was advancing to second, to scramble back to first base.
Any slower and he would have been out.
"SAWAMURA, ONE OUT! Keep your focus!" Isashiki shouted from the field with a fierce look.
For Eijun, under Inashiro's pressure, that fierce look provided a sense of security like nothing else.
This was the strength of his teammates' defense.
What better support could he have?
Eijun took a deep breath, standing taller on the mound, feeling his confidence solidified.
Strong defense—his greatest support!
He wanted to repay his teammates' trust, to earn their acknowledgment.
These reliable, skilled seniors.
I want to take them to Koshien!!!
"Batting fourth, catcher, Harada!"
Ace versus cleanup hitter—a clash of sharpened wills.
Both sides stood fearless, carrying their own beliefs, with no room for retreat.
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