Chapter 54: 4D Chess!

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Hay! Colt is here!

I just want to remind you to read carefully. Because this Chapter can be a bit confusing if you try to read fast.

That's it, now into the Chapter!

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'Ryo-san's goal is to find our weaknesses, just like he's done countless times before. Therefore, every pitch has to be tricky and precise—no room for error.'

Even though Miyuki anticipated Kominato's strategy of being patient, he couldn't afford to ask Sawamura for an easy pitch.

Fortunately, Sawamura's pitching style allowed him to conserve energy by using a Moving ball instead of a Straight ball.

For the first pitch, Miyuki asked Sawamura to throw a standard Moving ball to the inside corner. This approach conserved his stamina, and even if Kominato swung, the outcome wouldn't be too disastrous.

On the mound, Sawamura was deeply impressed by Miyuki's game-calling. Over the past six months, Miyuki had spent most of his time observing Chris's games, unknowingly absorbing Chris's skills and enhancing his own.

In the past, if Miyuki knew Kominato wasn't going to swing, he would have confidently called for a Straight ball.

'Alright!'

With a barely noticeable nod, Sawamura threw the Moving ball to Kominato Ryosuke's inside corner.

He executed the pitch flawlessly as if it took all his effort.

Whoosh!

However…

Contrary to what Miyuki and Sawamura expected, Kominato Ryosuke, who was supposed to be patient, did not remain still.

He swung!

In Ryosuke's mind, Chris's earlier advice echoed.

"Just hit the first pitch."

"Why?"

Ryosuke was puzzled. Based on his usual approach, shouldn't he focus on wearing down Sawamura's stamina and observing his pitching patterns?

Even if he didn't get a hit, he'd still gain valuable information.

"If I were making the game calling for Sawamura, I'd start with an ordinary Moving ball. Use it to get ahead in the count, then finish with a winning shot for a direct confrontation."

Hmm?

"Instead of waiting for his final ball, it's better to swing at his Moving ball. The chance of hitting it is higher."

"Even with my hitting power?" Kominato hesitated.

Without enough strength, it's impossible to force a hit off Sawamura's ordinary Moving ball.

"Then adjust your stance and prepare to swing aggressively. Give it your all to increase your swing power!"

So, Kominato Ryosuke started his performance with determination.

He adjusted his stance from the beginning…

Ping!

The effort wasn't in vain. With superb hitting skills and a powerful swing, Ryosuke managed to drive Sawamura's Moving ball out of the infield.

The baseball flew past the shortstop and landed safely. Though the outfielder made a quick recovery, it was too late to stop Ryosuke from reaching first base.

"SAFE!"

One out, with a runner on first base!

The third-year Senpais had secured a clean hit from Sawamura right at the start of the game.

It wasn't a spectacular hit, but it was definitely a hit.

The New Seidou team were stunned, their mouths agape.

They had rarely seen Sawamura give up a hit in the first inning.

Not only them but also the alumni watching were filled with disbelief.

They had expected Sawamura Eijun to be strong even against the third-year seniors. They didn't anticipate he would give up a hit so early.

Miyuki was equally incredulous.

'Ryo-san swung at the first pitch!'

At this moment, the third batter, Isashiki, took the field.

"Stop being foolish. It's not just you studying us, we've been watching you all along, idiot."

These words were like a drum echoing in Miyuki's mind.

'How was I being foolish?'

'I had based the game calling on the Senpais' previous patterns. As I studied the Senpais, they naturally knew everything.' Miyuki glanced at Isashiki in surprise.

'When did Jun-san become such an angelic figure? He didn't even shout at Sawamura when he entered.'

'No, wait…'

'The opponent was clearly up to something.'

Revealing this information was just a way to trap him.

At that moment, a mental image of a rock-paper-scissors game flashed in Miyuki's mind.

Scissors, paper, rock!

When two people guess each other's thoughts, it's essentially about predicting what the opponent is most likely to choose and then deciding your own move.

'If one person declares they will play rock, the situation becomes more complex. This is a trap!'

'Is the opponent lying? What's the purpose of the lie? What does the opponent want from me? What's their next move?'

'Damn, thinking this way could blow your mind.' Miyuki shot Isashiki Jun an annoyed look.

He wasn't actually angry at Isashiki. Miyuki knew such traps couldn't have been devised by Jun-san alone.

'The real mastermind must be…'

His gaze shifted to the third-grade rest area.

There, Chris was watching him closely.

Almost simultaneously, their faces showed the same friendly smiles, and they exchanged nods.

"Crafty fox!"

Miyuki muttered in dissatisfaction.

Then he signaled Sawamura to stick to their original plan and continue as before.

Otherwise, they'd be at a disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Sawamura on the mound was unaware that his partner had just been caught in a major trap set by his Shisho.

In the third-grade rest area, Chris, seeing Miyuki's calm reaction, gave Kominato Ryosuke a sign.

"Prepare to steal the base!"

At first base, Kominato Ryosuke smiled slightly and began to leave the base.

"Prepare yourself! Brat!"

In the batter's box, Isashiki maintained his fearless demeanor, extending his bat and shouting directly at Sawamura.

Neither of these two could be taken lightly.

Miyuki hadn't thought Kominato Ryosuke would attempt a steal, but with Kominato so far off the base, it made him reconsider.

'What's their game plan?'

'A steal seems impossible!'

'Ryo-san's speed isn't bad, but it's not enough to beat Sawamura's containment and evade being tagged Out. Attempting a steal would almost certainly result in an Out.'

'So, what are they trying to achieve?'

Looking over at Jun-san, who was waiting to bat, Miyuki suddenly had a realization.

'I see!'

Ryo-san is aiming for second base, and with Jun-san up next, a single good hit could score a run.

'That's a clever move!'

Miyuki, from his position as catcher, snickered inwardly.

'But is it really that clever?'

'Even if Jun-san can use a bunt to walk, it's up to us whether we let him succeed.'

'Let's see what happens!'

Miyuki decisively signaled to Sawamura on the mound.

Sawamura, after catching the signal, gave a subtle nod and focused intently on Isashiki. Then—

Whoosh!

Without any warning, the white ball suddenly appeared at first base.

A Pick-Off!

Kominato Ryosuke's body reacted almost instinctively as he lunged for first base.

At that moment, his reflexes were faster than his brain; otherwise, he would have been tagged Out.

"Safe!"

On the mound, Sawamura smiled wryly and shook his head.

'Impressive!' Sawamura thought.

'These third-year seniors are so well-trained that their reflexes are quicker than their thinking. Such training is rare even in professional leagues. The dedication of these high school players is extraordinary.'

At first base, Kominato Ryosuke's breathing was heavy.

'That was close!' Ryosuke was relieved.

He was nearly tagged Out, and there was no indication of the pick-off. By the time his brain caught up, the ball was already flying. If his reflexes hadn't kicked in, the outcome could have been disastrous.

"This Kohai really isn't cute at all."

As he prepared to leave first base again, Kominato instinctively shortened his lead. It was clear how much Sawamura's pick-off attempts had unsettled him.

With Kominato contained, it was time to focus on Isashiki.

According to Miyuki's judgment, Isashiki's likelihood of swinging at the first pitch was still high after his earlier comments.

'Even if he lets the first pitch go, he won't let the second one pass!' Miyuki was confident they could handle Jun-san.

Sawamura agreed with this assessment.

Sawamura couldn't quite grasp why Chris-senpai wanted Ryo-san to attempt a steal. It was like trying to anticipate several moves ahead in chess while still being stuck on a few basic ones.

Sawamura raised his right leg high and then slammed it down. As his body's weight shifted, his right hand thrust the mitt forward.

Simultaneously, his left hand swung the ball like a whip.

Whoosh!

Without any warning, the white ball shot straight into the strike zone.

The Beard-senpai looked at Sawamura in astonishment. After such a perfect pick-off, Kominato Ryosuke had to tone down his stealing attempts.

At that moment, Sawamura didn't even glance at first base but kept his full attention on the batter.

Unlike the perfect pick-off, Sawamura was now focused on how to deal with Isashiki.

His decisiveness seemed to indicate he wasn't worried about Ryosuke attempting another steal.

'This kid's focus is really something!'

Even the Beard-senpai had to admit that when Sawamura gave his all, the aura he exuded was quite intimidating.

The white ball seemed to have a life of its own as it zipped into the strike zone.

Isashiki struggled to control his instincts, desperately wanting to swing. But unfortunately, that wouldn't work.

Before the game, Chris had warned him not to swing at the first pitch.

"I know you must have your own plans. If you don't want me to swing at the first pitch, you might have something else in mind. But if I don't stick to my batting, will I still be me?" Isashiki replied like this.

Unlike Ryosuke, who can do anything, Isashiki was reluctant to break his batting habits.

"If you don't want to change, no need for excuses. But instead, Remind Miyuki that we know their strategies too."

Chris's compromise was meant to confuse Miyuki's judgment. By making Miyuki second-guess, Isashiki might get a chance.

The Beard-senpai quickly realized the key issue. His distinctive style and Sawamura's array of pitches put him at a disadvantage.

And because he usually swung at the first pitch, not swinging now made Miyuki and Sawamura wonder if he was targeting a specific pitch.

'Don't swing!'

'Can't swing!!!'

Suppressing his desire, Isashiki acted as if he didn't see the white ball.

Snap!

"STRIKE!!!"

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T/N: That's it for now!

As always, Thank you all for reading guys!

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