“Ohhh!
The first-years have finally launched a counterattack!” “I didn’t expect that guy to trick the batter using a bunt stance!” “What’s the pitcher’s name again?” “Sa… Sawamura… Right… Sawamura Eijun!” “The lead-off batter is on base!
Looks like the first-years actually have a chance to score in this inning!” Sawamura Eijun’s double instantly ignited the atmosphere on the field.
No one expected this loud, boisterous kid to be the first to reach base.
Everyone watching thought that even if someone did reach base, the biggest hope would probably have been Kanzaki Yuto.
But this—this was a completely unexpected and delightful surprise!
“Hmph, this is me!
The true strength of a man named Sawamura Eijun!
Ahahaha!” Sawamura exaggeratedly laughed on second base.
“That kid actually reached base!?” Miyuki Kazuya’s face looked as if he’d seen a ghost.
“How could he let a first-year get on base!
Kawakami!!
What are you doing!?
Let go, I’ll go in myself and teach those first-years a lesson!” Seeing Ryousuke on base, Isashiki Jun outside the field went berserk, his eyes reddening with fury.
Kuramochi quickly held him back, his face slightly troubled: “Jun-san, didn’t you just finish training?
Also, if you do that, the coach will get mad!” Ignoring the commotion outside, Kanzaki Yuto’s face lit up with excitement.
Yes!
That’s exactly it!
“Student, come over here!” Kanzaki Yuto stepped forward and called back the eighth batter about to hit.
After whispering a few words, the first-year nodded.
“Coach!
Player substitution!” “Let Kominato Haruichi pinch-hit here!” Kanzaki Yuto said in a low, commanding voice.
Kataoka-sensei’s expression remained unchanged, only a faint raise of the eyebrows.
“Okay,” he replied calmly.
“Yuto-kun?” At that moment, Kominato approached Kanzaki Yuto with a hint of curiosity.
Though they were classmates, they weren’t particularly close—just acquaintances in the class.
Yet now Kanzaki Yuto decisively called for a pinch-hit and even chose him specifically?
“Kominato, not many players in junior high hit over a .600 average, right?
Ryousuke is already on base.
Now, the three of us will give the second- and third-years a memory they won’t forget!” Kanzaki Yuto said with a faint smile, looking at Kominato.
Kominato paused for a moment, then a faint smile spread across his face.
Gripping his wooden bat, he headed to the batter’s box.
“Alright, Yuto-kun.
Then let’s show them what we’ve got!” Kominato’s usually shy face now carried determination as he spoke firmly.
“Wooden bat!?” “This batch of first-years is really interesting,” someone whispered.
Kanzaki Yuto had already taken command of the first-years.
His previous plate appearances and fielding had won their silent trust.
Even former Senior League stars like Kanemaru Shinji and Hideaki Tojo approved without question.
“Pinch-hit, huh… hmph, what are we supposed to do next?” Sawamura muttered as he watched Kominato enter the batter’s box.
Earlier, Kanzaki Yuto had whispered several things to him: If you hit safely, I’ll request the coach to let us send in a strong pinch-hitter next.
By then, I hope you can… Kanzaki Yuto’s words still echoed in Sawamura’s mind.
Watching Kominato’s small frame, he could hardly believe this kid was exceptional.
Though being directed by someone else felt odd, Sawamura sensed a mysterious inner voice telling him following Kanzaki Yuto’s instructions was the right choice.
Kanzaki Yuto tapped his chest, adjusted his cap, and nodded slightly.
At the same time, Kominato in the batter’s box and Sawamura on second base mirrored the cap gesture.
Sawamura even leaned slightly as if preparing to steal a base.
The upperclassmen on the field instantly grew tense.
A secret signal!
“When did those three come up with a signal!?” “No way…” “This just got more interesting!” “What’s their plan?
The next batter can hit Tanba’s fastball perfectly, and he’s still on base.
What are they scheming!?” Miyauchi frowned.
Scoring only three runs in the fourth and fifth innings had already frustrated the upperclassmen.
Now, letting a first-year reach base was a disgrace they could not tolerate.
It wasn’t just Miyauchi—Kawakami on the mound felt an unusual pressure, as if someone was silently targeting him.
The subtle shifts in Miyauchi’s demeanor and the unusual movements of the second- and third-years caused a tiny smile to appear at the corner of Kominato’s lips, hidden beneath his bangs.
Just as Yuto-kun predicted!
“So next, they’re going to…” Kominato thought, anticipating the pitch-catcher strategy.
Even at this point, the upperclassmen were starting to feel shaken.
Outside, Isashiki furrowed his brows.
He could feel the momentum tilting toward the first-years.
Miyauchi was getting a bit agitated.
If it were me on the field, the batter would never sense my thoughts.
No matter the situation, the catcher must stabilize and support the pitcher.
It seemed the scheme—or rather, Kanzaki Yuto’s cunning plan—was working.
Isashiki noticed the faint, proud smile on Kanzaki Yuto’s lips and silently marveled at it.