[80] Pre-match, Both Sides

Chapter 80: Pre-match, Both Sides

This performance on the mound was textbook-level pitching.

You Shunshin, standing on the pitcher's mound, perfectly exemplified what it means to be an ace pitcher.

He knew exactly when to engage, when to avoid confrontation, when to entice batters, and when to throw the decisive pitch.

Handling every pitch with calm composure, You Shunshin's precise control allowed him to manipulate the opposing team, leaving them unable to break free from his carefully laid plans.

Despite allowing hits, he managed to keep runs off the board—that was You Shunshin's style of pitching.

He masterfully controlled the tempo of the game, and when the umpire declared the match over, Eijun's eyes gleamed with both admiration and a wary respect only growing more profound.

Witnessing it in reality was far more impactful than seeing it on a screen.

The fact that a mere high school student could achieve such control was astonishing.

Baseball is a team sport involving nine players, and You couldn't change that.

However, he elevated the whole team's level with his ability, which was truly formidable.

"If I could achieve that level of control together with my quirky pitches and unique stance, even without breaking balls, I could hold my own in high school baseball," Eijun thought as he watched Akikawa High School gather around their ace.

Talent is important, but relentless practice is even more so. At Seidou, there are compelling examples of this.

Of course, players with both talent and a strong work ethic naturally rise above those who rely solely on hard work—this isn't about fairness; it's just how nature works.

Survival of the fittest, nothing more.

"But if your teammates can't keep up, even if you elevate the team's overall strength, the gap is still more than just a level," Eijun mused, feeling a hint of regret watching You Shunshin depart.

Perhaps someday, on a bigger stage, they could have a true, fair battle.

"Eijun-kun? Are you coming?" Haruichi called softly from nearby.

"Yeah, coming," Eijun replied. After a final glance at You Shunshin's retreating figure, he strode confidently out of the stadium.

You Shunshin, we'll meet on the field in three days!!!

That night, silence enveloped Seidou High School.

As summer vacation began, the usually bustling campus quieted down, particularly at night when few were around.

Inside Seidou's dormitory, Seishin Dorm, the cafeteria:

After dinner, Coach Kataoka summoned all the first-string players for a strategic meeting regarding the fourth-round match against Akikawa High School.

"Uses diagonal pitching, boast nine-zone control, and sharp breaking pitches—Akikawa High's ace rarely throws anything over the middle," Chris detailed, providing a comprehensive overview of You Shunshin for everyone.

"We mustn't be led by him. Falling into his rhythm means being suppressed with no chance to perform," Chris warned seriously. "Countering You Shunshin effectively means breaking his rhythm with decisive swings to take control of the game."

"Yes, Akikawa has won three consecutive matches and is in peak condition. Facing such an opponent requires vigilance—not a moment of carelessness," Coach Kataoka added after Chris, eyeing everyone with a cold, steady gaze. "They play smart baseball and will capitalize on any opening, understood?"

"Yes!!!" everyone shouted in unison.

"For the game in three days, the starting lineup remains unchanged. Sawamura, you'll start as pitcher!" Coach Kataoka declared, eyes settling on Eijun. Eijun was momentarily taken back but quickly responded with delight.

"Yes, I understand, Coach!"

While Coach Kataoka's announcement initially surprised many, particularly the third-year players, some nodded knowingly.

"Coach, about this…" began Ota, not among the few who understood, about to raise concerns about handing the fourth round to a first-year.

But Coach Kataoka waved him off.

"Akikawa's lineup consists mostly of left-handed batters, and as a left-handed pitcher, you can effectively lock down their lineup. I want to see the pitching you showed against Kiryu," Coach Kataoka directed at Eijun, though his explanation was intended for those who didn't understand the strategy.

As head coach, while he could make unilateral decisions, sometimes explaining them was necessary for the team's unity and execution of plans.

Clarity on this was crucial.

"Give it your all and win the game!"

"Yes!!!!"

While Seidou prepared thoroughly, Akikawa High School's players likewise remained diligent. For most of them, Seidou had long been an unattainable force.

Their team had only gotten past the first round a few years prior. But this year was different.

During practice, everyone's eyes were naturally drawn to the figure standing on the pitcher's mound.

"The next pitch is an inside corner ball," You Shunshin said with a hint of confidence in his voice.

*Whoosh*

*Pop*

"The next one, a low outside pitch."

"Then, an outside breaking ball."

"And then..."

Without a trace of deviation, each pitch perfectly followed the path You Shunshin had described.

You Shunshin was feeding balls to his teammates in his own methodical way.

Whoosh

Thud

Bam

"Sorry, that last pitch was slightly off. Let's do the same spot next."

In his pursuit of control, You Shunshin was a perfectionist, striving for flawless precision in every throw.

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