Before the game started, Yakushi had still entertained thoughts of defeating Seido.
But now—
With just a single pitch, those ambitions had already begun to crumble.
As Yakushi's coach, Todoroki Raizo's emotions were extremely complicated at this moment. If Kanzaki Ryou stayed on the mound the entire game, Yakushi might not have even the slightest chance.
However, recalling Seido's previous strategy of not letting Kanzaki Ryou pitch much, it was obvious they had been preserving his strength.
If that was the case, Seido's Ace probably wouldn't pitch the whole game.
"Don't worry. It's only a small problem. Once he steps down, that's when we'll strike."
With that thought, Todoroki Raizo forced a smile and spoke to his players.
They had never expected Seido to send Kanzaki Ryou out from the very start.
After all, Seido had a deep pitching lineup.
Even Tanba, the third-year, had the ability to serve as an Ace, and dealing with him alone would already be difficult. There was also Kawakami, a second-year whose pitching was equally solid.
Originally, Yakushi had assumed Tanba would start today's game.
Even if Kanzaki Ryou appeared, it would probably be as a closer in the later innings.
Who could have imagined that Seido would send him out in the first inning, instantly destroying Yakushi's plan of scoring early?
After hearing Coach Todoroki's words, the Yakushi players looked at each other silently.
No one spoke.
On the field, Todoroki Raichi stood in the batter's box for a moment, stunned.
His heartbeat was getting faster and faster.
The hands gripping his bat trembled slightly.
So amazing…
So strong!
Although that pitch had frightened him for a moment, Raichi was far more excited than afraid.
This is incredible!
A pitch can be this fast?!
I've never hit a ball like this before!
This kid…
Kanzaki Ryou felt Raichi's intense gaze and couldn't help feeling slightly uncomfortable.
It was as if the boy was looking at prey.
He had just thrown that pitch with nearly his full strength. The speed had even reached his personal record, and he had been lucky enough to land it inside the strike zone.
Yet it hadn't scared this kid at all?
"Strike!"
Chris stood up and tossed the ball back to the mound.
As he glanced at Raichi, surprise flashed in his eyes.
After witnessing such a terrifying pitch, this first-year was still smiling.
His mentality was unbelievably strong.
Thinking of that, Chris glanced toward the bullpen where Sawamura was standing.
…Very similar.
Chris then looked back at Kanzaki Ryou and slightly nodded before giving the next signal.
Pitch normally. Don't throw too hard.
That last pitch had shocked everyone.
Even Chris himself had been startled.
Not only had the speed broken 160 km/h, but the ball had also gone straight through the middle of the strike zone.
If it had deviated even slightly, Chris wasn't entirely confident he could have caught it cleanly without being mentally prepared.
Kanzaki Ryou gave a small grunt of acknowledgment.
Chris's signal appeared again.
Outside low — Two-seam fastball.
Whoosh!
Without hesitation, Kanzaki Ryou delivered the second pitch.
The velocity was clearly slower than the first, but it still reached 155 km/h—a speed that would be astonishing anywhere.
This time, Todoroki Raichi was ready.
The moment he saw the ball flying toward him, he gritted his teeth and swung the bat.
The bat sliced through the air with a booming sound.
Clap!
"Strike!"
The bat passed a full ball's height above the baseball.
Todoroki Raichi had completely missed.
That was a two seam
"Yeah—haha! Amazing! His pitches are incredible!"
Even though he felt shocked, Raichi's blood was boiling with excitement.
This hot-blooded idiot didn't think about the consequences of missing.
He only wanted one thing—
To swing.
Swing with everything he had.
And eventually send the ball flying.
His heart burned with excitement, but sweat had already begun forming on his forehead.
It was his body's instinctive reaction.
Swallowing hard, Raichi raised his bat again.
Seeing this, Kanzaki Ryou lifted his left leg once more.
Just like before.
Whoosh!
The baseball shot toward home plate.
Raichi's eyes widened as if confronting an invisible pressure.
He let out a muffled shout and swung with all his strength.
The ball got closer and closer.
Raichi could clearly see it—
Yet his body moved as if in slow motion.
His swing simply couldn't keep up.
He could only watch helplessly as the baseball flew past.
Bang!
The ball exploded into Chris's glove like a cannon blast.
Todoroki Raichi remained frozen in his batting stance.
He didn't move for several seconds.
…Did I just strike out?
Slowly realizing what had happened, Raichi turned to look at Chris.
Then he looked at Kanzaki Ryou.
The calm, serious expression on the pitcher's face made him shiver involuntarily.
A strong sense of frustration surged in his chest.
How could this happen?
Didn't Dad say I was really strong?
Didn't he say I could earn lots of money and eat grilled meat every day?
Then why—
Why can't I even touch the ball?
Since entering high school, this was the first time Todoroki Raichi had ever felt weak.
Even… a little helpless.
On the mound, Kanzaki Ryou noticed the expression on Raichi's face and frowned slightly.
Although this little monkey was noisy almost as annoying as Sawamura—
There was no denying that he was a genuine genius.
It would be a shame if this kid became discouraged or fell into a slump.
After thinking for a moment, Kanzaki Ryou made a decision.
"Hey! Kid—your name's Todoroki Raichi, right?"
His voice suddenly rang out across the field.
Raichi, who had just stepped out of the batter's box, turned back in confusion.
Why is he calling me?
"Your swing is really good. Very impressive."
"For your next at-bat, bring even more fighting spirit."
Everyone who heard this was stunned.
What was going on?
They were opponents.
Why was he encouraging the other team's strongest hitter?
Todoroki Raichi opened his mouth in surprise.
Three seconds later, after processing the words, a bright smile reappeared on his face.
He said my swing was good.
He said I was amazing.
"Hehe… you're really nice. Thank you!"
Raichi smiled and bowed seriously.
The entire stadium fell silent.
Everyone players and spectators alike was speechless.
He just struck you out…
And you're thanking him?!
"Why did Kanzaki-senpai encourage Todoroki Raichi?"
Sawamura tilted his head in confusion.
"Wouldn't it be better if he lost confidence?"
At times like this, shouldn't you kick a man while he's down?
Hearing that, Miyuki's lips curled slightly as he chuckled.
"That's just how Ryou is."
"He's never changed."
"For talented players like that, if there's even a small chance, he'll try to help guide them."
Miyuki glanced at Sawamura and then at Furuya.
"That includes the two of you."
"You don't seriously think other teams' Aces would take care of first-years like that, do you?"
"He almost always grants your requests… and he even started guiding you before you officially entered Seido."