With the bases loaded, Azuma Kiyokuni strode into the batter's box, bat resting casually on his shoulder, a grin plastered across his face as he waited for Kotaro Kuzuyama to pitch.
This was his favorite situation.
Even if the pitcher didn't want to face him head-on, it was impossible. A walk here would mean surrendering a run outright.
"Haha! Come on!" Azuma Kiyokuni roared.
Kotaro Kuzuyama and Seihou's catcher both wore grim expressions. One mistake, and a run—or more—would be lost. The infield had to decide: move forward or retreat?
If they moved in, Azuma's power could easily send the ball screaming past them.
If they pulled back, there was still the possibility—however slim—of a surprise bunt.
After a brief consideration, the catcher signaled for the defense to retreat.
Given Azuma Kiyokuni's personality, a bunt was almost unthinkable.
Preventing extra-base hits took priority. Once the ball reached the outfield, giving up two runs wouldn't be strange at all.
The plan was clear—throw to a difficult spot, induce a low-quality ground ball, and try to turn a double play.
The catcher gave the sign immediately.
Low inside sinker.
Swoosh!
Bang!
Azuma swung the moment he saw the pitch and made contact.
The sinker dropped sharply, and the contact point was slightly late. The ball smashed into the dirt and bounced violently toward the gap between first and second.
The catcher's eyes lit up—then widened in disbelief.
Even a grounder like that can travel so far?!
Seihou's first baseman, Hyuga Haruka, charged forward and dove, barely snagging the ball. At the same time, Shida Shota sprinted full speed toward home.
"Second!" the catcher shouted.
Hyuga whipped the ball to second base, forcing out Yuki Tetsuya, and the infielder immediately relayed it to third in an attempt to complete the double play.
But Kominato Ryosuke was just fast enough—he slid in safely.
Meanwhile, Shida crossed home plate.
Score: 3–0!
Two outs. Runners on first and third.
Seidou's offensive momentum showed no signs of slowing.
After exchanging a high-five with Azuma Kiyokuni, Kanzaki Ryou stepped into the batter's box.
His eyes flicked toward Kominato Ryosuke at third. With Kominato's speed, as long as Kanzaki hit the ball to the right side—even a shallow hit—it could bring in another run.
The only concern was Azuma Kiyokuni at first. If Seihou chose to force him out, things might get complicated.
Honestly… it would've been better if Azuma was the one forced out, Kanzaki thought with a silent complaint.
Settling into his stance, Kanzaki relaxed. Against this level of pitch speed, he felt no pressure at all.
For most batters, too many pitch types made decision-making difficult.
For Kanzaki Ryou?
Laughable.
He didn't choose pitches—his eyesight and reaction speed chose for him.
Kotaro Kuzuyama released the ball.
Slider. Outside corner.
Kanzaki swung without hesitation.
Bang!
The baseball soared high and deep toward the outfield. It wasn't a home run, dropping a few meters short of the wall—but it was more than enough.
Kominato Ryosuke crossed home plate.
Azuma advanced, and Kanzaki pulled into second.
Score: 4–0!
Seidou's lead expanded again.
At this point, many spectators felt it was nearly impossible for Seihou to turn the game around.
Allowing two runs in a single inning left the Seihou coach's face dark and unpleasant. His original plan had been to let Nakae Yuta rest in the outfield while Kuzuyama stabilized the game.
Reality had slapped him hard.
Still, no matter how frustrated he was, replacing Kuzuyama now wasn't an option.
Fortunately, the pitcher hadn't completely collapsed. After giving up consecutive runs, Kuzuyama struck out Isashiki Jun, finally ending the sixth inning.
Back in the dugout, Kuzuyama immediately faced the Seihou coach's icy gaze.
After a long silence, the coach finally spoke.
"You're pitching next inning. If you don't show results… you're sitting on the bench."
Kuzuyama's heart sank.
Benched?
This was the Koshien finals. If he was replaced now, how would the outside world judge him?
Swallowing his frustration, he nodded.
Next inning… I absolutely can't give up another run.
The game moved into the seventh inning.
Kanzaki Ryou faced Seihou's third batter, Seguchi Masato.
He started with a low outside fastball for a Nice Ball, then deliberately slowed things down—first a 123 km/h Changeup that forced Seguchi into an early swing, followed by a Two-seam fastball riding low and inside.
Bang!
The ball was put into play, flying toward second base. Kominato Ryosuke charged forward, fielded it cleanly, and fired to first.
Pop!
"Out!"
Seguchi stopped running, turning back toward Kanzaki with a helpless sigh.
This guy… his pitching is impossible.
Fast to seize momentum, slow to disrupt rhythm, and precise to finish.
Back in the dugout, Seguchi clenched his fists, palms slick with sweat.
"Get on base, Hyuga!"
At the plate, Hyuga Haruka stood calmly. Despite being down four runs, no emotion showed on his face. His gaze was locked entirely on Kanzaki's pitching hand.
This one's dangerous, Kanzaki thought, nodding slightly to Miyuki.
Against Hyuga, he couldn't hold back.
Swoosh!
The pitch exploded from his hand—velocity cranked up again.
Hyuga's eyes narrowed.
Bang!
"Foul!"
The ball sliced off to the right. Kanzaki glanced at the speed display.
149 km/h.
Not slow at all.
Without hesitation, he fired again—a Two-seam fastball.
Bang!
Another foul.
Keh… even power hitters struggle like this?
Kanzaki rolled his wrist, feeling something off.
When Miyuki signaled for a Changeup, Kanzaki shook his head.
No… not now.
He had a premonition—Hyuga was waiting for it.
Seeing Kanzaki refuse the sign, Miyuki didn't question it.
If Kanzaki made this choice, there had to be a reason.
Just as Kanzaki trusted Miyuki behind the plate—
Miyuki trusted Kanzaki on the mound.