Metamorphosis (1)

Feeling some of his confidence return with that last pitch, Kazuhiro squared up his shoulders once more and began his wind up. The next ball seemed to be an exact replica of before, beginning inside and moving slightly outside.

Ken almost shook his head inwardly. While he admitted that it was a good pitch, did he really think the same thing would work against him twice?

DOOONG!

With absolute confidence, Ken poured all of his strength into his swing, meeting the ball just outside of the strike zone and sending it to the outfield.

He only needed one glance to know that no one would be able to stop it from sailing over the fence. As he dropped his bat and began his victory lap around the bases, Ken glanced at Kazuhiro atop the mound.

There was confusion in his features for a moment, before a look of acceptance appeared on his face.