Monster vs Monster

Akira POV

Akira POV end

Ichiro threw an inside fastball with his entire body, throwing it the fastest he could. Akira adjusted his bat and hit the ball dead center in the field, over center fielder, getting a hit, and landing on second base.

Todokori: Don't mind!

Ichiro nodded and readied himself for the next batter. Behind him, he could Akira taking a massive lead, but knew the former's speed, and that he should concentrate on the batter.

Ichiro threw a cutter to the outside, and the batter bunted it, allowing Akira to reach third base, but he himself got out.

Ichiro threw a ball to gauge the batter's strength and not surprisingly, the batter swung, getting the first strike.

Suddenly the batter changed to a bunt stance, which surprised Ichiro.

Ichiro threw high fastball, so that the bunt would not be successful, but the batter deflected it, getting called a foul ball.

Ichiro threw a fastball low and away, but once again to his suprise, the batter changed his stance and smacked the ball over first base, allowing Akira to reach home plate.

Teitou team: Lets go! Akira!

Ichiro: F***! They read me like a book!

Ichiro was a bit unstable after that run, as he had never conceded a run before in a real game, making him extremely nervous.

Todoroki: Time out!

Todoroki approached Ichiro and tried to calm him down.

Todoroki: Ichiro calm down, what's up you're generally composed. Did conceding a run really get to your head. If so, we'll never be able to reach Koshien with that mindset. So what if you conceded a run, get that back when you're at bat.

Teammates: Don't mind Ichiro!

Ichiro exhaled in response and gave a quick smile, indicating his appreciation for his teammates.

Motivated by his teammates, Ichiro got on a roll and struck the next two pitcher, allowing only one run.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Akira POV after hitting Ichiro

Akira POV End

Makase again struck out all three batters of Teitou, including Hiroki, who fouled the ball twice, but could not do much, due to the sheer speed of Makase's pitches.

Hiroki: Crap he's good.

Ichiro returned to the mound for the third inning, being down by 1-0. The next few batters were mediocre and got out in a total of just 10 pitches, which was a breeze for Ichiro. Makase reciprocated and got two strikeouts with Todoroki almost getting a hit over first base.

Both Makase and Ichiro continued to dominate the mound not giving up a hit, with the game reaching the seventh innings. Akira came out for his second-at-bat, and Ichiro was highly motivated to strike the batter out this time.

Akira saw his focus and merely smiled at his expression.

Ichiro calmed down and threw his first pitch as a ball.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man A: Akira looks like he's about to hit another big one!

Man B: Well he is recognized as a top five junior high batter in the nation. The pitcher is too green.

Man A: If I was the pitcher, I'd walk him. No point competing with him.

Man B: Agreed, if he was smart he would walk Akira. But this is the arrogance or ego if you will an ace needs at a national level. He can't be afraid of him or he will never become a true ace.

Journalist POV

Journalist POV End

The count was 1-0, with Ichiro staring daggers at Akira for mocking him. Ichiro's control was off on the second pitch and it was called a ball. Count progressed to 2-0, with the batter holding the advantage.

Ichiro threw his inside power curve ball, just on the outside of the strike zone and his hunch was confirmed, Akira hit the ball, but he got jammed to right fielding, getting out.

Ichiro: Lets go!!!

Teammates: Nice pitching!

Todoroki: Nice Ichiro!

The entire crowd was stunned.

Man A: Did he just...get Akira out?

Man B: I believe so.

Then after a brief moment of bedazzlement, the crowd erupted, which cheers for Ichiro reverbrating around the stadium.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Akira POV

Haruichi: Woah Cap!!! He's good right?

Akira: Yup. Holding us to 1 run, pretty impressive.

Akira POV End

Unfortunately, the Horikoshi batters did not have the same success and due to it being a practice game, it called it the seventh inning, with Teitou being victorious 1-0.

The two teams bowed and shook hands. Akira went up to Ichiro.

Akira: You're a good pitcher man, thought I would smoke you.

Ichiro: No way you're smoking me!

Akira: If I had another at bat I'd... hey what you doin Makase!

Makase: Sorry for our captain, he gets a bit too excited when he's in competitive mode.

Ichiro: *smirk* Well no worries, good pitching by the way.

Haruichi: Hey Ichiro! Nice pitching, you totally dominated me.

Ichiro: No, no you were pretty good. You're timing is phenomenal, I bet you'll be a threat at the tournament.

Haruichi blushed but responded: Thanks!

Ichiro: By the way, was your sister, um....Haruki, I believe was her name, was she here today?

Haruichi: No she's a year older, she's actually a high school freshman. But why did you ask about her?

Ichiro: Oh just like that! No particular reason.