The scoreboard shifted from the original 8–0.
Now, it read 8–1.
On paper, the change was negligible. Ichidai Third High still had no real chance.
Even with runners on second and third, even with a single hit potentially bringing in two more runs, the situation was stacked against them.
Their cleanup hitter, Itsudani, stood tall in the batter's box. Though not as famous as Azuma Kiyokuni, he was still a feared slugger in West Tokyo—a monster hitter in his own right.
But even so, Ichidai Third had no hope of overturning the game.
The reason was simple: it was already the eighth inning, and the overall flow of the game was decided.
Seidou had not shown any cracks, and even if they did falter, as long as they didn't collapse entirely, they wouldn't lose.
This run Ichidai had managed meant nothing to the outcome.
But to Ichidai's players, it meant something else—it was the start of reclaiming their pride.
For them, it wasn't about winning anymore. It was about proving they could still fight Seidou head-on, that they could still score runs against the powerhouse.
If they left the field today completely humiliated, they'd carry psychological scars the next time they faced Seidou.
That could cripple them for years.
And with Seidou's true Ace and catcher both being only first-years, Ichidai knew they would have to face this team many more times in the future.
If they allowed fear to take root now, Ichidai's fate could mirror Seidou's past struggles—years of failing to reach Koshien.
Seidou had endured and clawed their way back.
But would Ichidai be able to do the same? That was a mystery.
"Another run!"
"Knock it out of here!!"
The dugout roared as Itsudani stepped up, like a T-rex from ancient times—jaws wide, ready to devour Yoshida whole.
Behind the plate, Miyuki narrowed his eyes, considering whether to change the call.
That earlier run wasn't Yoshida's fault. Even though he had given up three consecutive hits, his pitching itself had no glaring issues.
It was just Ichidai's ferocious swings—and a streak of outrageous luck.
Three times in a row, they'd found the perfect landing spots, just beyond Seidou's reach. Once or twice could be dismissed. But three straight hits like that?
Some might think the goddess of luck had turned her back on Seidou.
But Miyuki knew now was not the time to waver.
Even if this batter blasted the ball out of the park, their lead was too great to erase. As long as Yoshida held steady, they would get the third out.
Just as Miyuki was about to rise from his crouch, Yoshida shot him a firm look.
"No need!!"
Though he had surrendered three hits and one RBI, Yoshida's eyes were calm.
How can you expect to give up nothing against Ichidai? Even their Ace, Kimura, gave up five runs in one inning. What's this in comparison?
Miyuki blinked, then allowed himself a faint smile. His senior had changed.
Facing a major crisis, most players would have been rattled. But Yoshida… he remained unshaken.
He lifted his leg, strode forward, and fired the ball with unwavering focus.
Even drained, even under pressure, his pitching never wavered. At this moment, Yoshida wasn't just throwing with national-level skill—he carried the mentality of a true national ace.
The pitch came in fast. Itsudani unleashed his full strength.
Crack!!
The bat connected with a thunderous boom, sending the ball soaring into the sky.
"Outfield!!"
The crack of the bat didn't shake Yoshida. Instead, a confident smile tugged at his lips.
From behind the plate, Miyuki immediately barked, "Outfield, heads up!"
The ball traced a towering arc, plummeting toward the outfield.
Zhou Hao had already moved into position, reading the flight perfectly. He raised his glove and waited.
Snap!
"Out!!"
Three outs. The inning was over.
"As expected of Zhou Hao! Perfect catch!"
"He judged the landing spot again without error!"
Despite Ichidai's fierce rally in the top of the eighth, they managed only a single run.
The score: 8–1.
The game moved into the bottom of the eighth, Seidou back on offense.
Though their lead was commanding, Seidou's players did not relax.
Ichidai's wild swings had made one thing clear—they weren't done fighting.
Even if they couldn't win, they would claw for every chance to bite into Seidou.
"Don't let them off!"
"Let's add more runs!!"
Since Ichidai had switched to their second-year pitcher, Manaka Kaname, Seidou's scoring had stalled.
Manaka's sudden appearance had shown a sharp, extraordinary ability.
In the dugout, Seidou's players exchanged glances—most of them toward Tanba.
After all, Manaka and Tanba had once been teammates. One the Ace, the other his reliable partner. Together, they had won countless junior championships.
Now, Manaka shined on the mound.
So why did their Tanba seem so far behind?
Koichiro Tanba lowered his head, shame burning on his face.
"Second batter, number twenty, outfielder—Zhou Hao!"
In the bottom of the eighth, Zhou Hao strode into the batter's box for the fourth time today.
Each of his earlier at-bats had been tied to Seidou's scoring explosions.
The first: five runs.
The second: one run.
The third: two runs.
He hadn't driven them all in by himself, but his presence had sparked every rally.
Now, seeing him step up again, Seidou's players and supporters smiled in relief.
Whatever else happened, Zhou Hao carried an aura of good omen.
"Give them a taste of their own medicine!"
"It's time to strike back!!!"
-------------
Support me at patréon com/DaoOfPeeking