[201] Seidou Vs. Seihou
Chapter 201: Seidou Vs. Seihou
Near Hanshin Koshien, in a spacious training area, Seidou High's team was warming up before their match.
As the second game of the day, they would head to the stadium as soon as the first game concluded.
Eijun was jogging and warming up while listening to a live broadcast of the first game, Komadai Fujimaki versus Hakuryuu High, through his earphones.
When he heard about Komadai Fujimaki's cleanup hitter smashing a decisive home run, Eijun let out a small sigh.
It was as he had expected.
After Hakuryuu High scored a run in the first inning but failed to maintain their momentum, Eijun had a hunch about how the game would unfold.
True to his expectations, Komadai Fujimaki adjusted their strategy and began to press Hakuryuu High relentlessly.
Whether it was their solid defense or aggressive offense, Komadai Fujimaki's control of the game became apparent.
Though the scoreboard showed no runs for Komadai Fujimaki in the early innings, they had clearly taken command of the match.
Despite Hakuryuu's initial lead, the game gradually slipped out of their grasp, surprising not just Hakuryuu but also everyone watching the game.
A single misstep had led to a cascade of errors, and the early advantage Hakuryuu had painstakingly earned was completely overturned.
Komadai Fujimaki's dominance culminated in the predicted home run.
The game was all but decided—Komadai Fujimaki would win.
Eijun shook his head lightly, a hint of admiration in his expression. "Komadai Fujimaki truly lives up to their reputation. They're just too strong."
"Eijun-kun, it's about time to leave," Haruichi called out from nearby, waving at Eijun. Around them, the rest of Seidou's team, including Yuuki, was packing up and getting ready to head to the stadium.
Eijun nodded, removing his earphones and assuming a resolute expression. The fate of Hakuryuu High was their own concern; for Seidou, the upcoming second game was their main focus.
Taking a deep breath, Eijun strode forward with purpose.
...
At Hanshin Koshien Stadium, the second game of the day was about to begin: Seidou High versus Seihou High.
Seidou, the reigning champions, were ready for battle.
As Eijun and the rest of the team, led by Coach Kataoka, arrived at the stadium, the first game between Komadai Fujimaki and Hakuryuu High was drawing to a close.
The final result was no surprise—Komadai Fujimaki had claimed victory, securing their spot in the quarterfinals.
Their journey as a dark horse continued, while Hakuryuu High, a prestigious school, faced elimination.
The crowd of tens of thousands, as well as viewers across the nation, expressed their amazement at the result. But any lingering sentiment was fleeting because the second game promised to be just as thrilling—if not more so.
Seidou versus Seihou.
Both teams boasted powerful batting lineups and fearsome cleanup hitters.
Seidou had their prodigious first-year southpaw ace and their hard-throwing right-handed pitcher.
Meanwhile, Seihou had a seasoned third-year ace renowned for his consistency.
When the players from both teams appeared on the field, the entire stadium erupted in deafening cheers.
The applause was for the champions, for the challengers, and for what was sure to be a clash of titans.
"Seidou! Seidou! Seidou!"
"Seihou! Seihou! Seihou!"
"Come on, crush them, Seidou High!"
"Seihou, show us your strength and take them down!"
"Coach Kataoka!"
"Yuki! Sawamura!"
"Isashiki! Miyuki!"
"Sano!"
"Akashi, hit one out of the park today!"
"Ichinose, we're counting on you!"
"Shuuzou, hit a few more home runs!"
"You can do it! Crush them!"
This match was destined to be a fierce battle, and the fans expressed their enthusiasm with thunderous applause and chants.
The stage was set for a showdown of epic proportions!
As the players appeared on the field, even before the game officially started, the cheering squads from both sides had already ignited a fierce battle in the stands.
Loud, passionate chants echoed throughout the stadium as neither side showed any sign of backing down, reflecting the unwavering determination of both teams.
There could only be one winner. Both teams would give everything they had to be the sole victors, walking off the field with smiles on their faces.
"Wait, the starter is Furuya? Not Sawamura?"
"Sawamura is playing left field? I don't get it."
"Hmm, Seidou's choice seems a bit risky."
"Maybe they're managing player fatigue? Sawamura pitched around 90 balls in the last game against Yokohama, didn't he?"
"Even so, wouldn't it be safer to go with the third-year ace? Seihou's batting lineup is no joke, especially their cleanup hitter."
"Shuuzou Sano—that guy is terrifying. I wonder how Seidou plans to deal with him."
"Maybe Seidou has a strategy in mind. Furuya's fastballs are definitely intimidating, even if his control isn't the best."
"Are they planning to go on the offensive? In defense? Seidou has guts if that's the case."
"If it's true, this match will be really interesting!"
"Damn, just talking about it has me fired up, and the game hasn't even started!"
"Haha, I can't wait for the game to begin!"
Even before the first pitch, Seidou's starting lineup sparked lively debates among the spectators, quickly heating up the atmosphere.
On the first-base side was Seidou High.
On the third-base side was Seihou High.
Coach Kataoka stood in front of the Seidou dugout, his expression solemn, giving the team one final pep talk before they took the field.
"You all know how strong their batting lineup is. Handle every pitch with care. Don't give them a single opportunity—this is a team that capitalizes on even the smallest chance. Don't let them seize the initiative at the start. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" Seidou's players responded in unison, their expressions serious and focused.
Eijun clenched his fists tightly, his eyes shining with determination.
He needed to be ready to take the mound at any moment.
Shuuzou Sano, huh?
What better way to test his current strength than against such a formidable hitter?
Eijun glanced toward Seihou's dugout, where the imposing figure of Shuuzou Sano stood, quietly vowing to himself to be ready when his moment came.
"Furuya, focus on the first batter. Pitch boldly and trust the defense behind you. Throw every pitch with spirit. Even if runners get on base, stay calm and handle the situation. Got it?" Kataoka directed his final words to Furuya, his voice steady and firm.
"Yes, sir," Furuya replied with a quiet nod.
"Then, let's go."
"Wooohhh!!"
"Line up!"
"Bow!"
"Please take care of us!"
The loud sound of an air raid siren blared through the stadium, mingling with the enthusiastic chants of the players.
The third round at Koshien, the second game of the day—Seidou High versus Seihou High—had officially begun.
The battle was on!
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