Chapter 53: Ace On Mound

The entire internet has erupted, with articles condemning Bunkyo High School flooding the screen.

In response, the players of the Seidou High School baseball team are feeling considerable pressure.

Each of them is extremely nervous, unsure of what to do next. While they harbor a deep desire to defeat their opponents, they know that Bunkyo's strength is formidable.

Especially with the upcoming game, its significance has diminished for Seidou High School.

In the spring tournament, aside from the champion, which holds little weight, there are only two meaningful aspects left.

The first is the seeding quota for the summer tournament.

Teams that reach the top 16 will earn a seeded position in the summer competition draw. Seidou has already secured its seeded quota, so continuing to face powerful opponents on the field seems pointless.

The second aspect is the qualification for the Kanto tournament.

Teams that reach the finals of the Tokyo Spring Tournament are eligible to represent Tokyo at the Kanto Tournament.

However, this isn't the only way to participate in the Kanto tournament; there is another method.

That is, by previously reaching the top four in the spring Koshien tournament.

As champions of the Spring Koshien, Seidou High has the privilege of directly entering the Kanto tournament.

On the other hand, the runner-up of the Senbatsu Tournament, Inajitsu High School, while having unfortunately lost to their long-standing rival, Sankou High, and being eliminated early, can still participate in the Kanto tournament.

Thus, even though the Spring Tournament isn't over yet, the significance of Seidou High's participation has already concluded prematurely.

If the opponent isn't too strong, Seidou wouldn't mind rolling over them for an easy Championship.

Although winning the Spring Tournament is akin to a minor achievement, any victory is better than none.

However, if the opponent's strength is for it to be a brawl, it's a different story. Seidou cannot hope to defeat the current Bunkyo High without showcasing their true skills.

Yet, with the Summer Tournament approaching, Seidou High is reluctant to reveal too much of their strength.

It's truly a dilemma.

In the end, Coach Kataoka set the tone for the team.

"Since we aim to create an Era and win the Championship again, I don't want to give up on any official competition that follows."

At this point, hiding their strength is no longer feasible, and Coach Kataoka has completely abandoned that unrealistic notion.

With that in mind, they might as well pursue victory wholeheartedly.

This proposal received unanimous support from the team.

Although Bunkyo High has strong momentum, the team they defeated is nothing more than a mere stepping stone.

Seidou is not intimidated by such bravado.

"Great! Since we're going all out tomorrow, Sawamura, you're starting right away."

Coach Kataoka clearly made up his mind, allowing Sawamura Eijun to take the mound.

This decision means Seidou will be giving it their all from the very beginning.

"Nishiyama, can you play outfield?"

After assigning Sawamura to the mound, he turned to Nishiyama.

Coach Kataoka's preference for Nishiyama has become evident. Although he initially considered promoting Yui first, since Nishiyama's promotion, the surprises he has delivered have been endless.

Not only is he a strong pitcher, but he also has impressive batting skills, and he has experience playing against international players.

Thus, Nishiyama has become Seidou's secret weapon against Bunkyo High, which has incorporated several foreign players.

"Sure thing!"

Nishiyama readily agreed.

He isn't one to turn down an opportunity.

The next day, on game day.

Hachioji Stadium was packed to the brim, clearly indicating that the fans were highly engaged.

They even spent their own money to create numerous large banners.

"King Seidou!!!"

The banners bore no insulting words, merely stating Seidou High School's status.

When the players from the Seidou High baseball team stepped onto the field, the atmosphere exploded.

"Seidou!"

"Sawamura!"

"Demon King!!"

"Miyuki!!"

Along with these cheers, there were scattered taunts.

"Fight your opponents!"

"Let them see who the real king is."

"Don't think winning one game makes you special; you still have a long way to go."

The Seidou High players exchanged glances in confusion.

"What did the opponents do to provoke such public outrage?"

One teammate, who usually spends time online, quickly informed everyone of the situation.

Upon hearing this, Sawamura and Miyuki looked at each other and then pityingly at the opposing team.

"They really have it rough!"

As the Seidou High players discussed their opponents, Bunkyo High was also having their own discussions about Seidou.

"Wow, this is impressive."

"If it weren't for the small venue, I'd think I was in the wrong place."

"Yeah, it is like we are playing a professional game."

"The opponents are quite popular. Hey, Aoki, look at them."

Annoyed Emil said to Aoki Sugi.

Aoki shrugged helplessly.

"Our opponent is the Demon King, the number one pitcher in high school. What do you want me to do? But I still want to remind you two: today's opponent is not like the ones we faced before."

Saying this, Aoki focused his gaze on Sawamura.

Even though they are in the same competition area, this is their first official meeting.

'And then there's Miyuki Kazuya!'

He and Miyuki are both catchers, but their paths have been completely different.

Miyuki became the savior of the old powerhouse, Seidou High School, from the very start.

With the addition of Sawamura, the team's performance improved dramatically, and Miyuki Kazuya's name became increasingly renowned.

After the graduation of the third-year Senpais, Miyuki was considered the nation's number one catcher has been resounding.

To put it bluntly, he stands atop all high school catchers.

In stark contrast to Miyuki's fortune, the capable Aoki has taken a different path.

Before entering high school, he was ambitious to lead his father's school baseball team to Koshien.

However, after being crushed by harsh reality, his dreams are shattered.

This left him deeply disappointed...

So much so that he couldn't even dare to imagine challenging Seidou one day.

Unexpectedly, that day has arrived.

The team he leads, Bunkyo, is finally challenging the top team in the nation.

'We can do it!'

His spirit is soaring, and he seems ready to unleash something powerful.

Game on!

"The best eight of the Tokyo Spring Tournament, the second match. The game between Seidou High School and Bunkyo High School has officially begun."

"PLEASED TO PLAY WITH YOU!!!"

"PLEASED TO PLAY WITH YOU!!!!"

Without any unnecessary banter, the match commenced.

Bunkyo High took the lead in the offense.

After warming up, Sawamura stepped onto the pitching mound.

"Demon King!"

"The Demon King takes the mound!"

"I originally thought Seidou would not care about the Spring Tournament anymore, but they're going all out."

"Don't be ridiculous, that's King Seidou. How could they let any title go like that?"

"First Batter, first baseman, Emil-kun!"

The tall African American young man stepped into the Batter's Box first.

'So, is this the best pitcher in high school? I'm eager to see!'

Emil's attitude appeared careless, and even his batting stance was quite casual.

On the mound, Sawamura looked at the scene in front of him, feeling a sense of nostalgia.

He initially thought Emil's flaws were acquired after his batting style matured.

He didn't expect this guy to have the same temper when he was younger.

'For such a rare opportunity, I'll just have some fun with him.'

Sawamura suddenly felt mischievous, winked at Miyuki, and threw the pitch.

Whoosh!

Without any warning, the ball flew out.

"Whoa…!"

Such a rapid pace clearly exceeded Emil's expectations.

'So fast!'

The ball reached him in the blink of an eye.

Because the release point was not visible, it seemed faster than its actual speed.

But that didn't deter Emil.

He's not the type to be easily rattled.

After seeing Sawamura's pitching, he responded calmly.

He waited until the ball was in his zone before swinging.

Although surprised, he wouldn't underestimate himself.

'No matter how fast it seems, the actual speed remains unchanged.'

Emil waited until the ball was in his hands before swinging his bat.

Ping!

The ball soared high into the air.

'Yes!'

Emil tossed his bat aside and sprinted to first base.

He felt good about his swing and believed he had a chance to get on base.

But oddly, after flying high, the ball traveled more than ten meters before it seemed to be halted by an invisible force.

Snap!

Just below where the ball landed was the pitching mound.

Sawamura didn't move an inch, simply raised his mitt to confidently catch the falling ball.

Snap!

"OUT!"

"The Swallow's Homecoming!"

On the very first pitch, Sawamura even performed the 'The Swallow's Homecoming' stunt.

…