Chapter 47: Being Clever!

'I think it's about time I made my mark!'

This newly formed team, when aiming to compete against the mature team of third-year seniors, cannot overlook the indispensable strength of those who have previously participated in Koshien.

As one of the leaders of the new team, Kuramochi had already realized his responsibility even before stepping into the batter's box. After seeing Higasa cleanly dealt with, he knew he had to perform and make a response.

Otherwise, the game would likely continue to favor the third-year seniors until that stinky brat, Sawamura, takes the mound.

Although the current score is still 3:1, Sawamura's turn is a whole inning away. If the score continues to widen, reaching three points or more, it's not impossible.

To ensure the score gap doesn't widen beyond three points.

As a core representative figure of the new team, Kuramochi felt it was crucial to help the team snatch back a run.

Whether during their time at Koshien or in their daily practices, his increasing focus on speed should have left a deep impression on seniors Chris and Tanpa.

With that in mind, Kuramochi quietly made up his mind.

As a switch-hitter capable of batting from both sides of the plate, he deliberately chose the left side closer to first base this time.

Standing there, Kuramochi silently pressed the like button to himself.

'Well done!'

Standing there, as long as he displayed the front of intending to bunt, he should be able to successfully fool the two Senpais into thinking he wanted to steal the base with a bunt.

As a result, they would have to adopt a forward defensive stance.

Quietly glancing at Chris, Kuramochi thought to himself with a satisfied smirk.

Wasn't it Chris-senpai who previously intended to use a bunt to walk Jun-san back to first base? After being stopped by their forward defensive tactic, Chris-senpai immediately switched to a regular hit. Although in that duel, he was ultimately outsmarted by Miyuki and Kawakami with a slow fly ball to the outfield.

But tactically, he was still very successful!

Chris had previously managed to force the newcomers from Seidou High School to maintain a forward defensive stance to counter his regular hits.

Back then, they were pressured by circumstances, afraid of Isashiki scoring by forced score, forcing them to watch with eyes wide open as the infield was exposed.

Now he was doing the same thing.

Although there's currently no runner on third base, his speed alone makes it difficult for the third-year seniors to stop him without adopting a forward defensive formation.

'So once the Senpais show a gap, a regular hit will do.'

'Come on!'

'Come on!!!'

Once again, Kuramochi praised himself for his cleverness. This plan wasn't flawless, but it was certainly well thought out and there was no reason it wouldn't succeed.

With his decision made, Kuramochi took his stance in the batter's box as if to bunt.

With his current position, coupled with the impression he had left earlier.

Almost everyone at the scene assumed Kuramochi wanted to rely on his speed to get on base.

'As if it were that easy?'

The third-year seniors decisively began to adopt a forward defensive formation.

'Perfect!'

It felt so satisfying to outwit his highly respected third-year seniors, especially Chris-senpai.

Everything's set, just waiting for Tanpa to honestly throw a straight ball.

It must be said, that Kuramochi's plan was good. Even the most perfect plan doesn't guarantee success.

Just like this time, Kuramochi seemed to have thought of everything. But he overlooked one thing: his own demeanor, that proud little smug expression of his, was as clear as the headlines in a morning newspaper to Chris.

When things seem abnormal, there's definitely something fishy.

In Chris's trained eyes, no batter would show such a proud expression just because they wanted to bunt. Especially for those powerhouse high school players, such behavior is even more stupid.

Although everyone uses tactics, once a bunt is shown, it somewhat indicates tactical use.

The reason for using tactics is to admit that their normal hits might not smoothly result in a hit.

Who in their right mind would risk the many potential issues of bunting to get to base?

Based on these signs, he had already concluded that Kuramochi now definitely wanted to slash bunt with his hitting. And he aimed to hit Tanpa's Straight ball!

After all, compared to sharp changes, and difficult-to-hit changeups, targeting Tanpa Koichiro's fastball obviously had a higher chance of success. Not to mention sometimes he even throws some sweet balls, and even a sharp-angled Straight, he's not completely unable to hit.

If it were someone else, they might not take such a risk, but if it were Kuramochi, the probability of such a risky move was frighteningly high!

Having seen through all of Kuramochi's offensive plans, Chris didn't make a fuss. Instead, he chose to play along, giving Tanpa Koichiro the signal for a Forkball.

Seeing Chris's signal, even Tanpa was momentarily stunned, but luckily he wasn't really stupid.

He immediately understood Chris's plan.

In other words, Chris could be sure that Kuramochi at this moment was simply faking a hit.

Whoosh!

With nothing more to say, Tanpa Koichiro, without any hesitation, threw the ball in his hand.

The white ball flew towards Kuramochi in the batter's box, who unsurprisingly brought back his bat and swung again.

Of course, he aimed at Tanpa's Straight ball!

It's just a shame he guessed wrong, as the baseball dropped after reaching him.

Kuramochi's eyes widened in surprise!

'This is!'

'A split-finger fastball!!'

No need to ask, all of his plans were seen through clearly. Just like before, Chris seemed to have completely understood his intentions.

'What a terrifying guy!'

In this game, Kuramochi thought of this for the second time.

He was really not lightly hit.

Ping!

Although Kuramochi managed to barely hit the ball, facing this split-finger fastball, he naturally hit it low to a grounder.

The white ball flew near the ground, then bounced back after landing.

The ball clearly wasn't hit well but at this angle...

Just as Kuramochi held on to the last bit of hope, desperately running forward.

"Ugaah!"

A figure suddenly dashed out, grabbing the ball with a particularly low stance, securely catching it in his mitt, and then passing it to first base.

"OUT!"

He was the third baseman, Masuko Toru!

...