Strike!
Snap!
"The batter is out!"
With that final out, the top of the first inning came to an end.
Despite Mino Hayato's persistence, Yakushi had already given up five runs.
"They scored five runs in the first inning alone… Ichidaisan's offense is terrifying," said Akiko Owada, covering her mouth in shock.
"This just proves how strong they really are," muttered Ye Chongfeng, clearly dissatisfied.
"With Manaka in this form… this game might end early."
In the stands, the Tsukishima sisters reacted differently.
"Kou and the others got crushed…" Ichiyo said softly.
"Kou's so unlucky… it's his first official game, and he has to face a team like this…" Momiji's eyes grew misty.
"Tch. I knew he was unreliable," said Tsukishima Aoba, turning her head away—
Yet her gaze kept drifting back to the field.
"…And he's still smiling after all that. What a thick-skinned idiot."
"That's because you've never seen Kou's team at full strength," said Tsukishima Wakaba, smiling brightly.
"If you had, you wouldn't say that."
Yakushi Dugout
"Nice pitching, Mino-senpai."
Sanada Shunpei greeted him with a grin.
"Yeah, just keep throwing with confidence," said Kitamura Kou, patting his shoulder.
"You've got us behind you."
"Let them come—we'll stop them," added Fukuda.
"Exactly! Hahaha!" Todoroki Raichi laughed loudly.
Mino sighed, then smiled.
"Honestly, Raichi, I'd rather you didn't say anything…"
Then his expression hardened.
"No matter how many runs they score… I won't break."
"I deal with monsters like you guys every day my heart's tougher than steel."
"And I trust you'll win back double what I gave up."
"Heh… now that's the spirit!"
Todoroki Raizo stood up, eyes blazing.
"Alright, boys our turn!"
"Go out there and make the entire stadium roar!"
"After today… all of West Tokyo will know the name Yakushi High!"
"OOOOOOHHHH!!!"
Seidou's Stand
"…Isn't that weird?" asked Sawamura Eijun.
"They just got crushed… but their morale actually went up?"
Chris narrowed his eyes.
"…Either they've already accepted defeat… or…"
His gaze sharpened.
"…they're about to counterattack."
Bottom of the First — Yakushi's Offense
"First batter, second baseman—Fukuda!"
The cheers from Ichidaisan's side thundered across the stadium.
"Strike them out, Manaka!"
"Show them what Ichidaisan baseball is!"
On the mound, Manaka Kaname didn't hesitate.
Strike!
"Nice pitch!"
Fukuda didn't swing.
About 145 km/h… I can hit that.
He tightened his grip.
Second pitch—
Strike!
Ping!
A foul ball.
Fukuda clicked his tongue.
"No wonder he's a top-eight ace… he's legit."
Behind the plate, Takami Akito gave the next sign.
Finish him.
Manaka nodded.
Third pitch—
Strike three!
Fukuda swung—but the ball slipped past his bat at the last moment.
Strikeout.
"Nice pitch!"
"Too easy!"
Ichidaisan's players were in high spirits.
"Second batter, left fielder—Akiba!"
As Akiba Kazuma stepped in, Yakushi's dugout grew louder.
"Get on base!"
"Start something!"
Raizo shouted, "You're the spark—light it!"
Takami adjusted his mitt.
Unknown freshman… test him with outside pitches first.
Manaka delivered.
Whoosh—
Outside fastball.
Akiba's eyes sharpened.
Trying to probe me?
He swung decisively.
Clang!
The ball soared over third base—
Landing safely in shallow left field.
Akiba sprinted through first.
Safe!
"If I were any slower, I'd be out…" he muttered, removing his glove.
Ichidaisan's defense had been razor-sharp.
"Nice hit!"
"Keep it going!"
Yakushi's energy surged.
"Third batter—Mishima!"
With a confident grin, Mishima Yuta stepped up.
"I'll take the first home run for us," he declared, pointing his bat at Manaka.
"Watch closely!"
Takami's expression turned serious.
"These freshmen aren't normal… we're going all out."
Manaka nodded.
First pitch—
Strike!
A sharp outside fastball.
Mishima swung—
And missed.
"Nice pitch!"
The ball had darted just enough to evade his barrel.
Mishima narrowed his eyes.
"…So that's how it is."