In the dugout, Coach Kataoka grew even more expectant after seeing Kanzaki Ryou's pitching stance.
On the mound, Kanzaki was completely focused. His left leg lifted high before driving down sharply, his hips twisting as he shifted his weight and unleashed his pitch.
His arm snapped like a whip—
and the white ball shot out from his fingertips like a laser, straight into Chris's glove.
Bang!
So fast!!
The same thought flashed across everyone's minds.
Coach Kataoka's eyes widened, and he immediately strode forward.
"Bring the speed gun!" he ordered.
Fujiwara Takako dashed off toward the equipment shed.
I've found a treasure!
Takashima Rei clenched her fists excitedly. That single pitch was enough to convince her—no matter what, Kanzaki Ryou had to be given a special recruitment slot.
Even without seeing the exact speed, her seasoned eye told her it had to be over 145 km/h.
Such velocity, paired with precise control… Seidou couldn't possibly let a pitcher like this slip away!
At that moment, Kanzaki stood tall on the mound, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
"Senior, that pitch wasn't bad, right?" he teased.
"Damn brat, don't get cocky!" Isashiki Jun snapped through gritted teeth.
He couldn't believe what he'd just seen.
A middle schooler throwing that kind of heat? Was this kid trying to make everyone else quit baseball?
Unlike the others, Chris—who'd actually caught the ball—felt the full force of Kanzaki's pitch.
It wasn't just fast… it was heavy.
The moment it landed in his glove, the ball seemed alive, still trembling as if it wanted to break free.
A trace of seriousness flashed in Chris's eyes. He knew he couldn't hold back anymore.
If he mishandled a pitch from this kid, it'd be humiliating.
"Nice ball!" Chris shouted, tossing the ball back to Kanzaki.
Just as the two were about to begin again, Coach Kataoka walked up and stood behind Chris.
"Director, protective gear," someone said.
"No need."
Coach Kataoka crouched down, locking eyes with Kanzaki.
The look said everything—Do you dare to pitch again?
Kanzaki caught the meaning and grinned. What a capricious coach.
He nodded to Chris, signaling he was ready. Chris raised two fingers, glove held high inside—
A Two-Seam Fastball up and in!
Strong sequence. Kanzaki understood Chris's intent:
the first pitch, a Four-Seamer down the middle; the second, a Two-Seamer high and tight to mess with the batter's timing.
Only one pitch in, and Chris was already testing him. Wasn't he afraid Kanzaki might lose control and hit Isashiki in the ribs?
Still—if Chris dared to call for it, Kanzaki wouldn't back down.
His leg lifted again, and he let the ball fly.
Straight down the middle—no, wait!
Isashiki tracked it, started his swing—
but the ball suddenly broke in toward his body.
Bang!
The pitch zipped past the bat and smacked into Chris's glove.
"Nice ball!" Coach Kataoka shouted.
"Two-Seam Fastball?" Isashiki muttered, looking at Chris in disbelief.
"How was it? Not bad, huh?" Chris replied, smirking slightly.
"Why are you acting like that brat!" Isashiki barked, annoyed.
Coach Kataoka turned toward Fujiwara Takako.
"What's the speed?"
"Uh—147 kilometers per hour!"
"What!?"
Everyone froze, stunned. Then, one by one, all eyes turned to Kanzaki Ryou on the mound.
A 147 km/h Two-Seamer… from a middle schooler!? Unreal.
In all his years coaching, Coach Kataoka had never felt such excitement.
Just one more year of physical growth and proper training—this kid could easily hit 155 km/h…
and still throw strikes!
"Continue!" Coach Kataoka barked.
Chris tossed the ball back. Kanzaki caught it, took a deep breath, and smiled.
It had been a long time since he'd pitched like this—free, unrestrained.
Back at his old school, no one could even catch his pitches once his speed climbed, so he was always forced to hold back.
But not today.
Chris signaled four fingers—changeup position, low and centered.
Kanzaki nodded and went into his motion.
In the batter's box, Isashiki gripped his bat tightly.
Two strikes already—one more, and he'd be out.
No way. I won't let that happen!
What will it be this time? Four-Seamer? Two-Seamer? Inside? Outside?
Whoosh!
The white ball tore through the air. Isashiki stepped out, swung with all his might—
—only to slice through empty air.
"Nice ball! Batter out!" Coach Kataoka called.
Isashiki froze, then glared at Kanzaki before trudging off the plate, fuming.
"What's the speed?" Coach Kataoka asked again.
"149 kilometers per hour!" Fujiwara Takako replied.
"Whoa—!"
Gasps filled the field.
Kanzaki's mood soared. His body felt light, alive.
President Ota was already jumping and spinning in excitement inside the dugout.
Takashima Rei pulled out her phone, immediately starting the special recruitment process.
Coach Kataoka couldn't hold back his grin any longer.
"Kid," he said, "that's one out. You've passed."
At that moment, Kanzaki clenched his fists tightly.
He'd been confident from the start, but only now could he finally breathe easy.
"Coach, let's keep going. There are still two more to strike out."
Coach Kataoka chuckled, bending down again as the next batter, Kominato Ryosuke, stepped up.
Unlike Isashiki, Kominato was a patient hitter, known for precision and technique rather than power.
His signature squint and calm smile stayed the same even as he entered the batter's box.
"What a monster," Kominato murmured.
Chris threw the ball back and turned to him.
"Yeah… and he's still just a middle schooler. His future's bright."
"What pitch you calling?" Kominato asked.
"A high inside one."
The two grinned, chatting casually even with Coach Kataoka watching.
Seeing this, Kanzaki couldn't help but laugh too.
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