"Sixth batter, center fielder, Yamauchi-kun."
Yakushi High School's offense pressed on. Misaki, freshly entered as pitcher, had just faced a home run. It was uncertain if the blow would rattle him but his expression remained calm. Takami Akira let out a small sigh of relief and didn't call a timeout, instead pondering his next move.
Misaki readied himself and threw the first pitch without hesitation.
Call out!
Yutaka Yamauchi swung fiercely.
Clang!
The ball rocketed past the infield, slipping between second base and the pitcher's spot. Yamauchi reached first base safely. If Teru Miyagawa hadn't reacted instantly to stop the rolling ball, Yamauchi might have made it to second.
"Very good!"
"Beautiful strike, Yamauchi!"
"Keep going, Watanabe!"
The Yakushi High School dugout erupted. Almost everyone had leapt to their feet, cheering loudly.
Next, Misaki intentionally walked Watanabe Tatsuya, sending him to first base and fueling the offense's confidence even more.
"Great choice, Watanabe!"
"One more! One more!"
Seeing the mounting pressure, Takami Akito called a brief pause. Misaki took the opportunity to catch his breath.
"How are you holding up, Misaki?" Akito asked.
Misaki inhaled deeply, steadying his racing heart. "I'm fine. But I can't stop them alone. It'll depend on your ball placement and everyone's defense. I'll do my best to make them play badly. Please, everyone let's work together."
His resolve inspired the team. They patted his shoulders and backs before returning quickly to their defensive positions.
With only a one-point lead, Ichidaisan High School implemented an advanced defensive strategy. Misaki seemed infused with newfound focus and precision.
Keisuke Kobayashi, the eighth batter, hit a grounder straight toward Misaki. The pitcher blocked it effortlessly.
"MISAKI! Pass it to second base!" Takami Akira called.
Misaki flicked the ball to Takahiro Hirakawa at second. Hirakawa caught it cleanly and threw immediately to Mamoru Hoshida at first.
Amazingly, Yutaka Yamauchi, either confused or overzealous, sprinted past third base toward home.
"Someone's trying to steal home plate!" Ichidaisan players shouted in alarm.
Mamoru Hoshida noticed instantly and reacted without hesitation. The ball was already flying toward home. Akira Takami prepared, caught the throw, and immediately relayed it to third baseman Takahiro Omae.
Yamauchi dove toward third, but Omae was ready. He used his glove to block Yamauchi's outstretched hand.
Dust exploded around third base as offense and defense collided, all eyes on the dramatic moment.
When the dust settled, the referee's call rang out:
"Out!!!"
"Wow! Incredible! High blood pressure, high cholesterol!!"
"Amazing! A triple kill!"
"So timely! Brilliant insight!"
"Well done, Omae-senpai!"
Ichidaisan supporters roared with excitement at the spectacular defensive play.
"This defense was brilliant," Akiko Owada gasped, flushed and breathing rapidly.
"Yes. It halted Yakushi High's momentum and boosted our team morale," Fujio Mine analyzed.
"Ugh! My luck is terrible!" Todoroki Raizo groaned, clutching his head.
"What a pity… we were almost tied."
Kitamura Kou, smiling calmly, patted Yamauchi's shoulder to console him. "Don't worry. The opportunity will come again."
For Kou, the more intense the match, the more alive he felt. Victory or defeat decided in an instant made his blood race a thrill he hadn't felt since his previous life.
"Alright! Time to get ready for defense. Everyone, focus and give it your all against their next attack!" Sanada Shunpei clapped his hands.
"Whoa! Whoa!" Yakushi High's players were still shouting, eager and undeterred.
Yakushi High's offensive in the third inning ended abruptly after scoring just three points, bringing the score to 7–8. They had yet to achieve a comeback.
"What kind of team is this?!" Sawamura Eijun muttered under his breath, stunned.
Chris observed silently: "Even after two strong attacks, their offense was stopped repeatedly. Ichidaisan's morale remains intact, and they haven't lost their smiles. This team is dangerous."
Tsukishima Aoba, frustrated, slammed her fists on Momiji's head repeatedly, oblivious to her younger sister's tears.
Tsukishima Wakaba quickly intervened, moving Momiji aside and gently blowing on her head to soothe her pain.
"Aoba! You've gone too far! Don't you see how Momiji feels? Apologize now!" Tsukishima Ichiyo scolded.
Realizing her mistake, Aoba bowed humbly. "I'm sorry, Momiji. I got too excited watching the match and didn't notice… I didn't mean it!" She raised her right hand in apology.