[379] Mutual Confidence

Chapter 379: Mutual Confidence

Edogawa Citizen Baseball Stadium.

On this day, the weather was clear. A gentle early autumn breeze blew across the field, carrying no hint of chill.

It was here, on this sunny day, that Seidou High School would face their third opponent in the autumn tournament: Ugumori High School, an explosive, high-energy team from East Tokyo.

Seidou High, positioned along the first base side, was the home team. Ugumori High, on the third base side, was the visiting team.

Before Seidou's first-string players had even stepped onto the field, the stands above their dugout were already packed to the brim.

Their brass band, cheerleading squad, numerous cheering groups, and loyal fans from all over Tokyo had filled Seidou's side of the stands to capacity.

In contrast to the original storyline, Ugumori High did not enter this game with the impressive accolade of having defeated Inashiro Industrial, the national runner-up in the summer Koshien tournament.

Without this shining achievement, Ugumori was simply seen as a somewhat competent team in the eyes of the spectators.

As a result, few had high expectations for them.

The majority of the audience came only to witness the reigning champion's continued dominance and to enjoy the standout performances of their favorite players.

"Jersey number 11? So today's starting pitcher is Furuya?"

"Sawamura is playing center field?"

"Well, it's not like Ugumori is a strong team. Coach Kataoka and Coach Ochiai probably want to try out some different strategies or lineups."

"That's true. Didn't this team only make it to the round of 16 in the East Tokyo summer tournament?"

"Ha! Sixteen? Seidou could blow them over with a puff of air."

"Wow, that's a bit of an exaggeration, isn't it?"

"Ha ha, I'm just saying. Besides, Seidou isn't underestimating them. They're going all out with their main lineup."

"Yeah, Kawakami pitched last game, and Furuya's starting this one. It looks like Coach Kataoka intends to keep using a rotation throughout the tournament."

"That's to be expected. Even though Sawamura is Seidou's undisputed ace now and could probably dominate all of Japan on his own, you still have to think about stamina, endurance, and overall physical strain."

"Plus, Furuya is a pitcher worth developing. His 150 km/h fastball is a gift from the gods."

"Yeah, I'm excited to see how far Furuya can grow in the future."

"Man, Seidou's pitching roster just seems too luxurious. Kawakami, the sidearm pitcher in his second year, is pretty solid too."

"Yeah, I think so too."

Before the game began, Seidou's fans in the stands discussed the matchup with a lighthearted attitude. From their perspective, today's game was likely just another landslide victory for the reigning champions.

The only question was how much resistance Ugumori could put up.

However, these casual spectators—Seidou's fans included—had no way of predicting the waves this match would stir.

On the third base side, in Ugumori High's dugout, the atmosphere was different.

"Starting on offense, huh? Well, Sei made a pretty good draw."

"Just as Nao predicted, their ace is playing the outfield."

"And their starter is that powerful pitcher."

"This makes the plan even more viable."

"Let's follow Nao's strategy and deal a heavy blow in the very first inning."

When Ugumori's captain Seiichi returned with the starting lineup and shared the results of the draw, the players' eyes lit up. A glimmer of joy appeared on their faces.

Their initial plan's probability of success had just come together perfectly.

"Well, of course. I even stopped by the shrine this morning to draw a fortune slip." Seiichi said with a triumphant grin.

"Clap, clap, clap. The opportunity is here, but whether we can seize it depends on us. The first inning is the most crucial. That pitcher may not be a slow starter, but he's not the kind who's fully warmed up in the opening inning either. This is our chance. A run or two—if we can shake him even slightly, it'll create future opportunities. Of course, there's always the possibility that their coach will decisively bring in the ace. If that happens, we'll execute our backup plan. Even the best pitcher isn't invincible. With determination, our bats can definitely connect. From there, we'll put our trust in our ace."

Nao Matsubara, seated calmly in his wheelchair, spoke with a gentle smile.

After clapping lightly, he addressed the Ugumori High players.

The last remark, half-joking in tone, nevertheless carried an undeniable air of trust.

"Don't worry, Nao. With the stage so close, I won't let go even if it kills me. The so-called kings? What's there to fear in Seidou's ace? We'll topple the king's throne. The championship belongs to us!" Seiichi declared, his voice robust and full of fierce energy.

His words filled the Ugumori players with confidence. With both Seiichi and Nao guiding them, anything felt possible. Even against the reigning champions, they vowed to put up a fight.

The electric atmosphere and soaring morale from the third-base dugout were so palpable that Seidou's players on the first-base side couldn't help but notice.

Eijun's expression grew solemn as he glanced toward Ugumori's bench, the wariness in his eyes unmistakable.

They couldn't allow Ugumori's momentum to build. If it did, this team—which seemed capable of turning things around out of nowhere—would be hard to stop.

"You're worried about Ugumori's ace, aren't you?"

Eijun's musings were interrupted by Miyuki, who approached, already geared up in his catcher's equipment. His rarely seen serious demeanor confirmed Eijun's concerns.

"Yeah. If that guy hits his stride, he'll be tough to handle. He's exactly the kind of pitcher who can be a real pain," Eijun replied, his tone grave.

"He is an intriguing opponent." Miyuki recalled Seiichi's presence during the draw earlier—the aura, the demeanor, the atmosphere surrounding him.

Miyuki had to admit, Ugumori's captain, ace, and cleanup hitter all in one, seemed like a formidable adversary. He didn't question Eijun's unease. As players, they sometimes had a unique sixth sense about opponents.

"But the victory will ultimately be ours."

No matter what, Seidou had their own aura of champions. The captain's quiet confidence and assured words brought a small, relaxed smile to Eijun's face.

"Yeah, you're right, Captain."

"Buzz—buzz—buzz."

"Line up!"

"Salute!"

"Let's have a great game!"

The golden hues of early autumn floated across the field as the Tokyo Autumn Tournament's third round commenced at Edogawa Stadium: Seidou High versus Ugumori High.

The curtain was rising.