“His defense is amazing!” “This first-year reacts so fast!” “Yeah, that nearly allowed the third-year’s infield hit, but the other first-years’ defense is still a bit lacking.” Kominato Haruichi’s exceptional reflexes and fielding left the third-year upperclassmen frustrated.
After a glance at his movements, they could only resign themselves and step down from the field.
“Kominato, is that guy your brother?” “What?” “Ah, no wonder his movements look so familiar!” The third- and second-year upperclassmen on the bench, seeing Kominato’s defensive skills, immediately recalled Kominato Ryosuke, the starting second baseman of the first team.
“Kominato!
From this moment on, you are Haruichi!” Sawamura Eijun shouted loudly from the pitcher’s mound, hands on his hips, instantly embarrassing Kominato.
“E-Ei… Ryousuke-kun…” Kominato’s normally pale face turned bright red.
“Wahahahaha!” Although Kanzaki Yuto couldn’t see exactly what was happening in the infield, he could tell from Kominato’s performance.
Then, Sawamura’s signature silly laugh rang out again.
Kanzaki Yuto immediately buried his face in his hands.
Oh my god, can’t this goofy kid ever tone it down?
Somehow, Kanzaki Yuto even felt a tinge of embarrassment.
At that moment, a burly figure rose from the batter’s preparation area, his sturdy frame radiating an imposing aura that didn’t quite match his simple, good-natured face.
Third-year, first-team regular, former cleanup hitter—Masuko Tooru!
Even though Kanzaki Yuto couldn’t clearly see his face at first glance, that towering physique made him instantly recognizable.
For the first-years, Masuko Tooru was the most threatening and terrifying batter in this red-and-white scrimmage.
To Kanzaki Yuto, a power hitter like Masuko was naturally Sawamura’s nemesis.
A power-type batter wielding a metal bat—this was a roommate showdown!
Kanzaki Yuto’s expression grew slightly serious.
The last time, Sawamura had been taken deep by Masuko.
That hit hadn’t left Sawamura particularly frustrated, but Kanzaki Yuto didn’t want to see that happen again.
Right now, Sawamura Eijun was just a raw gem, full of potential.
Against a national-level batter like Masuko, he was still somewhat outmatched.
But Kanzaki Yuto simply didn’t want to see Sawamura get hit for a home run.
There was no reason—just a personal, almost wild ambition.
Masuko Tooru was the type of batter whose presence in the box exerted immense pressure on both catcher and pitcher.
His bulky frame and the roaring sound of his swing could intimidate anyone, giving the impression that no ball could escape him.
“Hey, hey, this batter isn’t ordinary!
He used to be a first-team regular and a cleanup hitter!
You can’t keep pitching like before, right?” Okumura said, glancing nervously at Masuko, his face filled with fear.
“So what?
It’s still a head-to-head showdown!
I can’t let my baseball allow me to run away!” Sawamura Eijun said confidently, flashing a grin.
Okumura was dumbfounded.
Seriously?
Still going for it?
Are you kidding me?
Brother, I’m about to cry!
Sawamura stepped forward with his right foot, swinging his left arm with all his strength.
A sharp “whoosh”—same pitch, a fastball right down the middle.
Of course, it wasn’t a true fastball.
As the ball approached, it bent outward strangely.
Most batters would miss this pitch, swinging too early or too late.
Yet in front of Masuko Tooru, there was no problem.
“BANG!” The ball was crushed with effortless precision, a powerful swing launching it almost instantly after Sawamura released it.
The ball rocketed toward the sky, seemingly headed out of the park.
“Foul!” An instructor standing near the boundary raised a hand and shouted, signaling the ball was out of play.
“Phew!” Sawamura exhaled, relieved, though a hint of shock remained on his face.
So this is the strength of Seidou High’s first team?
Amid his shock, Sawamura felt excitement rising.
This is why I came here, isn’t it?
For this moment!
Sawamura’s face lit up with thrill and anticipation.
Masuko Tooru, seeing the momentary shock followed by Sawamura’s excitement, paused slightly.
He could even see the burning fighting spirit in Sawamura’s eyes.
“小Sawamura…” Masuko smiled faintly.
Now it gets interesting!
Come on, Sawamura, let’s settle this!
Having experienced that last pitch firsthand, Masuko had begun to read Sawamura’s pitching traits.
He stepped slightly forward, gripping the bat shorter than before—different from the other third-years.
Okumura, still anxious, thought, Wait… didn’t he almost get hit for a home run?
And now this?
The small catcher felt disheartened—he’d never seen a pitcher so disobedient.
Well, Okumura admitted his own skill wasn’t the best… But looking at Sawamura’s ecstatic expression, he gave up.
If it makes him happy… Okumura thought, tears welling.
“Phew!” Sawamura exhaled lightly.
His roommate was indeed a terrifying batter—second only to the fearsome Yuuki Tetsuya!
He had to give everything to face him.
This was a game.
And he was on the mound.
It was his duty to prevent hits.
Kanzaki Yuto in left field watched Sawamura’s back, his conflicted expression growing.
This wasn’t how the script was supposed to go.
If things continued like this, the odds of a home run seemed terrifyingly high.
But giving up on a showdown with Masuko?
Walking him?
That would look weak.
Four balls to force a walk?
Not a great choice either, with Sawamura’s current control… Overthinking… Regardless, neither Sawamura’s nature nor Kanzaki Yuto’s principles allowed such options.
Sawamura Eijun was the pitcher here!
Kanzaki Yuto gritted his teeth, resolute.
On the mound, Sawamura Eijun locked eyes with Masuko Tooru.
I remember… that last pitch… the fight is on now.
I won’t fail here!
“Sawamura-kun!
You are our ace!
Pitch with everything you’ve got!
We believe in you!” At that moment, Sawamura heard a voice from the outfield.
He turned, startled, to see Kanzaki Yuto shouting.
Everyone on the field looked on in surprise.
After a brief moment of shock, the first-years joined in the cheering.
“Go, Sawamura-kun!” “Our ace, it’s up to you!” “Ryousuke-kun, let him throw!” “You little brat!
We trust you!” Sawamura Eijun, seeing the first-years rallying for him, felt a genuine surge of pride.
He truly was the ace on the mound.
The slight tension he had felt vanished.
He was the ace—he couldn’t disappoint them.
The impurities in his gaze disappeared completely.
His eyes cleared, fixed on the batter’s box.
The showdown was about to begin.