Chapter 65: Outsmarting the Smart

"IT WENT THROUGH!"

"A LONG HIT!!!"

The ball traced a perfect arc as it fell into the empty outfield.

The ball flew over the shortstop's head, landing squarely between the two outfielders.

Despite their desperate sprint, the two outfielders from Bunkyo High School were still a step too slow.

They watched helplessly as the ball passed right in front of them.

A long hit!

There was no disputing this super-long hit.

Nishiyama in the Batter's Box felt as though he had done something trivial. He dropped his bat and leisurely jogged past first base, making his way to second.

One Out, runner on second.

From the catcher's position, Aoki's eyes widened more than ever before.

'It turned out this was no coincidence.'

In the previous round, Nishiyama had cleanly hit the ball due to his genuine skill.

In the Seidou High School dugout, even the usually confident Ochiai and Kataoka couldn't believe Nishiyama's performance.

They knew players capable of leading a team far with his batting.

But they never expected him to be this effective.

Kataoka couldn't help but recall a diary entry Nishiyama had written before.

It was a tradition for players in the Seidou's baseball team to keep diaries.

Though to Sawamura, such a practice seemed somewhat perfunctory, it had to be admitted that it was indeed a good opportunity for players to express their determination to their Coach.

It also had a bit of a military contract vibe.

Once you've promised the Coach how you would perform, how could you slack off in practice?

Nishiyama's diary contained the following:

"I have never regarded high school baseball as an honor I pursue; it's just a stepping stone to entering professional baseball. I hope to become an active player in the Major League in the future and lead my team to win three Championship Rings..."

Winning three Championship Rings.

Kataoka couldn't help but smile softly at this thought.

'Now, it really seemed possible.'

Seidou High School was indeed a kingdom of pitchers; the loudest voices were all from the pitchers.

In Furuya's diary, he wrote about becoming the number one high school pitcher in Japan.

This determination shouldn't be underestimated; with Sawamura Eijun as a formidable opponent, becoming the top player nationally would mean becoming one of the best pitchers in the world.

In contrast, Sawamura's writing was much more straightforward.

He detailed his strengths and weaknesses before expressing his determination to break into the Major League.

His final line was the most impactful on Kataoka ever.

"I want to be a Baseball Legend, I want to be to Baseball what Michael Jordan is to Basketball!"

When you mention the NBA's Michael Jordan, he is a legendary figure. Some people might not even know what he did, but that doesn't prevent them from having heard his name.

Sawamura wanted to become a presence like Michael Jordan.

A great legend of his time!

As a mentor, what could be more gratifying than this?

As for others, Kataoka didn't know, but for himself, he was at a loss.

Having players with this much talent and ambition under him is overwhelming.

Especially Sawamura, Kataoka had no doubt that Sawamura we be a legend in the future. But how do you train a legend in making?

Kataoka Tesshin had no idea, the only thing he could do now was to support his students with everything he could and mentor them to be the best version of themselves.

'Let me, as the Coach, train you well.'

Kataoka felt immensely ambitious.

The fierce competition before him seemed to fade from his mind.

"Nishiyama!"

"Nishiyama!!!"

Fans are forever simple. As long as you represent Seidou High School and perform excellently, everyone will cheer for you.

In just two games, Nishiyama shone like a brilliant diamond, dazzling all around him.

He had gained a fanbase.

"These new recruits are truly terrifying!"

Kuramochi looked at the ecstatic Nishiyama, deep in thought.

It was hard to imagine that such a newcomer could emerge from their team.

'But since the first-year was performing so impressively, as a Senpai, I couldn't afford to lose dignity!'

'I must get on base!'

Kuramochi focused intently on the pitcher's mound, watching Jack April.

They were standing on the edge of a cliff.

But it seemed neither Jack on the mound nor the catcher Aoki had any intention of giving up.

The fighting spirit in their eyes burned fiercely.

Whrroosh!

The ball shot toward Kuramochi like an arrow.

He was going to get hit!

Seeing the incoming ball, Kuramochi instantly made a judgment.

Without a moment's hesitation, he sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the dangerously fast pitch.

"Sorry!"

Jack April showed no hint of remorse in his eyes.

In the Batter's Box, Kuramochi glared at his opponent.

He was certain the pitch had been intentional.

"What an unlikable guy!"

Earlier, they had used the same tactic against Sawamura, aiming to provoke him.

It wasn't hard to understand; after all, Sawamura had previously cornered them quite thoroughly.

But Kuramochi was shut down earlier at bat.

'Why was I subjected to the same treatment?'

He cast a thoughtful glance at Nishiyama at second base, sensing something.

'The opponent was clearly on edge, like a cornered animal.'

'Interesting!'

'Truly interesting!!'

'It wouldn't be far-fetched to say that the opponent was outwardly confident but inwardly panicking.'

'No wonder Sawamura had appeared so calm; he had probably seen through their strategy.'

'The opponent's mindset has crumbled!'

Though not completely broken, their confidence had faltered. Otherwise, if they genuinely wanted to take down Kuramochi, they could have chosen a straightforward approach without resorting to tricks.

Having discerned the opponent's weakness, Kuramochi made a subtle change to his batting stance!

He moved closer to the plate!

Seeing this adjustment, Aoki frowned deeply.

'It shouldn't be like this.'

Just moments ago, they had nearly thrown a brushing ball; no matter how calm Kuramochi was, he should instinctively back away from such a threat.

Even if he didn't retreat, he would at least remain still like Sawamura.

Why would he move so close to the strike zone?

This action felt as if he had completely seen through their plans.

'No, it was impossible.'

Even if he didn't want to underestimate any opponent from Seidou High School, Aoki couldn't bring himself to believe that the opponent was capable of keeping up with him strategically.

'Wouldn't it be better to play baseball simply using muscle instead of brains?'

Shaking his head, he dismissed unrealistic thoughts.

He called for an inside pitch again.

SNAP!

This time, as expected, Kuramochi was forced back awkwardly.

'Indeed, he was targeting the outside course.'

After exhaling deeply, Aoki decisively changed his pitch strategy.

'Since the opponent wanted to target the outside, let him do so.'

'All pitches would be aimed inside to decide the outcome.'

Unknowingly, the pitcher was now in a two Ball count.

According to standard pitch logic, they shouldn't throw another Ball.

Another Ball would put the pitcher in a very awkward position.

But Aoki thought differently.

Going against the established routine was the best strategy to counter Seidou High School players.

Whrroosh!

 'Another Ball.'

Kuramochi did not swing.

SNAP!

"BALL!"

Just like that, the pitcher was pressured.

Aoki felt as though he had hit a dead end.

He didn't believe that Kuramochi could keep standing still and would not use this leeway to start swinging.

Whrroosh!

By the fourth pitch, Kuramochi still hadn't swung.

The ball grazed the edge of the strike zone and landed in Aoki's Mitt.

"BALL!"

"Walk to base!!!"

'How is that possible??'

Aoki, who had remained composed until now, was visibly shaken.

He stood up from his catcher's position, incredulously staring at Kuramochi.

'How did he know I would keep calling for Balls?'

'Don't say Kuramochi figured it out!'

He had some judgment about Kuramochi's abilities.

Kuramochi glanced at Aoki dismissively.

'Idiot! Don't think being good at studying means you're smart.'

Smugness and a sense of superiority in intelligence arose within him.

"Kuramochi would never lose to someone with such pettiness."

In the Seidou dugout, Miyuki said triumphantly.

"Baseball IQ and regular IQ have their differences."

Sawamura chuckled and shook his head.

'Not every smart person in the world is Akutsu!'

Aside from that genius, very few could apply their intelligence to the field.

While the two aren't completely unrelated, their connection certainly isn't that close.

One Out, runners on first and second!

It was the turn of the second batter, Kominato Haruichi.

After taking a deep breath, Aoki finally managed to calm himself down.

He knew he couldn't panic; otherwise, he would only disrupt his own team.

'Fortunately, the upcoming batter was one that Jack could handle well.'

'As long as we forced him to hit a ground ball, we could turn the tide.'

'All right, we have a plan. Let's do it!'

Aoki felt very confident against Kominato Haruichi.

Whrroosh!

As the ball flew toward him, Kominato's eyes gleamed with a crimson glow.

At that moment, he transformed completely, turning into a thorough devil.

His vision of the ball is clear, and his thoughts are simple.

'Hit the ball!'

'JUST HIT THE DAMN BALL!!!'

...