"Are we really going to watch the seniors' game? I heard Zhou Hao-senpai is starting!"
"Of course! I'm definitely going!"
"Has the tournament bracket come out yet? Are we playing Inashiro Industrial High School?"
"They're in a different bracket. We probably won't meet them until the finals."
"…Lucky them."
The conversations drifted into Sawamura Eijun's ears as they walked.
Before he could react, someone suddenly called out—
"Sawamura, let's go together."
Oshima Shin stepped forward proactively.
Among the freshmen, Oshima was undoubtedly the most famous.
His past achievements alone were dazzling enough—international experience, direct contact with world-class players. That kind of resume was something most people could only look up to.
Yet oddly enough—
Within Seido High School Baseball Team, the most eye-catching freshman wasn't Oshima.
It was Sawamura Eijun.
On the very first day of school, Sawamura had used his pitching to shock Coach Kataoka.
Although his batting, fielding, and overall baseball fundamentals were still average, his pitching alone carried terrifying potential.
Oshima noticed this immediately.
In fact, he firmly believed—
Sawamura's long-term potential on the pitcher's mound might even surpass another freshman monster: Furuya Satoru.
Even though Furuya could already throw over 150 km/h.
That kind of talent was undeniably shocking.
But in high school baseball, relying solely on raw velocity to dominate the field was unrealistic.
In contrast, Sawamura's pitching instincts and growth curve suggested something even more dangerous.
"…Okay!"
Sawamura nodded and agreed.
Around them, the other freshmen watched the two with complicated expressions.
Before entering Seido, each of them had been genuine prodigies—stars on their respective teams.
But once they stepped into Seido High School Baseball Team, reality hit hard.
Forget comparing themselves to the second- and third-year seniors.
Even among players of the same age—
They weren't the strongest.
That realization burned.
Fists clenched. Teeth grit.
This won't last forever.
One day… we'll stand on that field too.
They silently made that vow.
The bus arrived quickly at Akita Stadium.
As soon as they got off, the freshmen were stunned.
The entrance was already packed.
"There are so many people…"
"Isn't this just the first round?"
"Is today a holiday?"
"Of course not."
"This is Seido's influence."
They immediately understood.
Although Seido High School Baseball Team had lost to Inashiro in the Autumn Tournament and missed Spring Koshien—
Their performance had still conquered the audience.
So much so that even now, fans flocked to watch them.
This was the true foundation of a prestigious baseball school.
"It's such a pity… If only we could play in official games too."
Even before entering the stadium, their blood was already boiling.
"So many fans…"
"There will definitely be chances in the future," President Ota said with a smile, encouraging them.
Seido didn't value seniority.
As long as someone was strong enough, they would play.
Freshmen were no exception.
Inside the stadium, more than half the seats were already filled.
And over 90% of the crowd was cheering for Seido.
Handmade banners.
Cheering flags.
Uniform chants.
"Seido! Seido!! Seido!!!"
The game hadn't even started, yet the pressure was already overwhelming.
Their opponent today—
Hanada High School Baseball Team.
A relatively new team, established only three years ago.
A school with more girls than boys.
Yet they had clawed their way here by defeating two teams in a row—
11:2
9:3
Two decisive victories.
Even knowing they were facing the national champions, their morale was high.
For them, results weren't everything.
Just playing against Seido was already an honor.
And if they could score even once?
That alone could make them famous.
With that "nothing to lose" mindset, Hanada's entire team was buzzing.
"As expected of the national champions…"
"The atmosphere alone is on another level."
"Everyone, give it your all," their coach—a young woman in her early twenties—said firmly.
"I saw reporters in the stands. If you perform well, they'll notice you."
Her passion ignited the team.
Hanada High School was ready.
On Seido's side—
Coach Kataoka stood with his arms crossed, eyes calm.
They had considered hiding the fact that Zhou Hao had fully recovered.
But reality made that impossible.
With Yoshida gone, only Tanba and Kawakami remained as relief pitchers.
The gap between them and Zhou Hao was enormous.
Seido with Zhou Hao.
Seido without Zhou Hao.
They were practically two different teams.
Against strong opponents, concealment was meaningless.
If they couldn't hide it—
Then they would show it properly.
"Zhou Hao starts."
"Everyone, take the field."
Tactics?
Coach Kataoka had considered seven or eight variations.
In the end, he realized—
Against such a gap in strength, tactics were unnecessary.
Like an adult fighting a child.
No matter how many tricks the child had, the outcome was already decided.
"Play freely."
That was the only instruction.
"The third round, second match of the Tokyo Spring Tournament—"
"Seido High School Baseball Team versus Hanada High School Baseball Team!"
"The game begins!"
Cheers exploded.
Top of the first inning.
Hanada on offense.
Zhou Hao stepped onto the pitcher's mound.
The stadium seemed to quiet down unconsciously.
The first batter stepped into the box.
His eyes locked onto Zhou Hao like a hungry wolf.
Nervous.
Excited.
Determined.
Facing the Ace of the national champions—
This was both terror and glory.
Behind the plate, Miyuki Kazuya curved his lips.
Good attitude.
A pity…
His gaze shifted to the mound.
Zhou Hao's face was expressionless.
Before the game—
"Which pitch?" Miyuki had asked.
"Relax," Zhou Hao replied calmly.
"Leave it to me."
That single sentence told Miyuki everything.
He's back.
Not the cautious Zhou Hao from recovery.
Not the restrained Zhou Hao from practice.
This—
Was the Ace.
The game began.
"Boom!"
The baseball tore through the air.
The freshmen's eyes widened in disbelief.
So fast—!
They thought they understood Zhou Hao.
Now they realized—
They never had.
"Snap!"
The ball slammed into Miyuki's glove.
The batter froze.
"Strike!"
One strike.
No speed gun on the field.
But fans had come prepared.
"I got it!"
"Me too!"
"How fast?!"
"151 km/h!"
The stadium erupted.
"He threw 151 just like that?!"
"And he didn't even warm up much!"
"Wasn't he injured?! This doesn't look injured at all!"
The freshmen were stunned.
This was nothing like practice.
This Zhou Hao radiated pure dominance.
"I thought Furuya's pitch was fast…"
"But compared to Zhou Hao-senpai—"
"He's not even serious yet."
Miyuki's eyes flickered.
Eighty… maybe ninety percent.
That was all.
He's treating this like an adult handling a child.
Miyuki almost laughed at his earlier worries.
I don't need to protect him.
I just need to follow him.
"Our Ace keeps getting stronger…"
Miyuki squatted lower and opened his glove.
The gesture carried challenge.
Confidence.
Ambition.
Zhou Hao noticed.
And smiled faintly.
So you want to show it, huh?
Then I'll help you.
"Boom!"
The second pitch left his hand.
The true opening act—
Had finally begun.