In Seidou's dugout, Coach Kataoka's eyes never left the mound. His gaze on Zhou Hao was so sharp it was almost tangible, drawing envious glances from the other players.
The stern, unsmiling Director they knew rarely showed emotion. But now—
This is the Ace I've been waiting for.
An Ace wasn't just about overwhelming strength. He needed a heart big enough to shoulder the weight of the game, to stay unshaken no matter the situation. This was Seidou's first time back at Koshien in years. Every player felt the nerves, and their opponent was none other than the Cosmos Team. Yet, in the face of it all, Zhou Hao remained calm, even daring to turn the tide with a brand-new breaking ball.
That was the essence of an Ace.
The Seidou supporters in the stands roared with passion, their cheers shaking the stadium.
Now it was their turn to bat.
Leadoff hitter Matsumoto stepped into the box. Ironically, his name matched Osaka Kiryu's Director. Across the diamond, the Cosmos Team readied their defense.
On the mound stood their own Ace—Kuroda, the fastest pitcher in high school baseball. His eyes glinted with disdain as he stared down the batter.
Signal received. He wound up.
Boom!
The moment the ball left his hand, silence fell. His pitch carried an aura that froze the entire stadium.
"It's here!"
"The fastest pitch in Japan!!"
Matsumoto blinked in disbelief. The ball was too fast—his body hadn't even reacted before it slammed into the catcher's mitt.
Thwack!
"Strike!"
The Koshien scoreboard lit up: 151 km/h.
The Osaka Kiryu fans erupted with pride. Their monster first-year opponent was scary, but their Ace was on a higher plane.
Seidou's leadoff hitter stood frozen, overwhelmed. It wasn't just him—even fans in the stands widened their eyes.
"Who could possibly hit that?"
For the first time, doubt crept into Seidou's cheering section. This wasn't about their lineup being weak. Kuroda's velocity had already surpassed what high schoolers—or even most professionals—could handle.
Reporters in the press box exchanged knowing looks.
"No need to panic. He can't hold that speed forever. At most three or four innings. Once he slows or they change pitchers, that's when Seidou will have a chance. But until then? Kiryu is invincible. To win, Seidou must shatter that golden armor."
Back in the dugout, Director Matsumoto of Osaka Kiryu allowed himself a satisfied smile. Zhou Hao had been surprising, yes—but the Cosmos Team still held the initiative.
"Boom!!"
Another bullet. Matsumoto swung desperately, but the bat cut only air.
"Strike!"
"Strike!!"
"Strikeout!!"
One out.
Next to bat: Seidou's pitcher, Zhou Hao.
The Seidou supporters held their breath. If anyone could break through, it was him. He had turned hopeless situations around time and again. With Zhou Hao at the plate, faith came naturally.
Kuroda's lips twisted into a cruel grin. He delivered.
Boom!!
The ball screamed forward, oppressive even from the stands.
"So fast!"
"Terrifying!!"
Zhou Hao, however, calmly activated his Sharingan. The pitch's path was crystal clear to his eyes. He didn't swing.
Thwack!
"Strike!"
One strike down—but Zhou Hao remained unbothered.
Every gaze turned to the scoreboard.
155 km/h.
The stadium gasped.
Few pitchers in history had ever touched this speed. For a high schooler to reach it was unheard of. Even professionals would hesitate before a ball like that.
"Kuroda's even scarier than before!"
"He's throwing with everything he has against Zhou Hao!"
Seidou's cheering section faltered. If even Zhou Hao couldn't hit this… then how?
--------------
Support me at patréon com/DaoOfPeeking