[400] Victory, Inspiration, Growth

Chapter 400: Victory, Inspiration, Growth

A desperate struggle.

A fight for survival.

Faced with such dire circumstances.

It must be said that Ugumori High's resilience exceeded the expectations of Seido High and everyone present.

Initially, it was thought that the four-run offensive in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Would completely shatter Ugumori High's fighting spirit.

But the reality was that Ugumori High continued to fight with unwavering determination.

This reminded Eijun of the original story, where, despite the widening score gap and Miyuki's home run, Seiichi Umemiya still led his team with a smile.

He truly seemed like a natural-born protagonist.

The seventh and eighth innings.

In the top halves, Eijun continued to dominate, though a small mishap allowed a batter to bunt their way on base, and a control error led to a walk. But these were minor setbacks, and Eijun still held Ugumori scoreless.

However, in the bottom halves, to everyone's surprise, an inspired Umemiya managed to stifle Seido's offense.

Two innings with runners in scoring position.

Umemiya unexpectedly held Seido at bay.

Preventing them from scoring in both the seventh and eighth innings.

This resilience, this burst of strength, once again reshaped everyone's perception of Ugumori High's ace. Many couldn't help but remark.

If this guy had a decent catcher.

Perhaps even Seido's lineup wouldn't have been able to score seven runs.

After all, pitching, game-calling, and rhythm control all fell on Umemiya alone, which was a glaring weakness.

If the defensive performances in the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings.

Left everyone in awe.

Then the top of the ninth inning, where Ugumori's lineup unleashed their full potential.

Truly stunned everyone.

Even after Umemiya, their cleanup hitter, was subdued by Eijun for the second time.

And recorded an out.

When everyone thought the game was all but over.

The tenacious fighting spirit of Ugumori's players made everyone see this team in a new light.

Inubushi, the fifth batter, with a determined swing.

Caught Eijun's changeup.

A hit to right field, successfully reaching second base, became Ugumori's final stand.

Under the combined efforts of Eijun and Miyuki.

Stealing bases, hit-and-runs, aggressive swings, sacrifice flies—they tried everything.

Or perhaps, in the end, the baseball gods took pity on this underdog team.

Against Eijun's full strength.

In a head-to-head battle.

In the top of the ninth inning, they finally scored the run they had been dreaming of.

Unfortunately, this run came too late.

This run was bittersweet.

This run became the final result of Ugumori High's relentless efforts.

"Whoosh"

"Snap"

"Strike, batter out! Three outs, game over!!!"

After that one run, Eijun didn't allow anyone from Ugumori High to get another hit.

Securing the final out.

In the top of the ninth inning, Seido High ended Ugumori High's last, and best, offensive effort.

With a final score of 7 to 5, Seido High claimed victory in this game.

"Buzz—buzz—buzz"

"Bow!"

"Thank you for the game!"

Nine hard-fought innings, and in the end, Seido High, with their ace on the mound, emerged victorious.

This was an expected result, but the process left everyone reflecting deeply.

They had to admit, it was an exhilarating game.

From the start of the Fall Tournament through the preliminary rounds to this main stage, Ugumori High was the first team to go the full nine innings with Seido High without being mercy-ruled, which spoke volumes about their strength.

Of course, some might argue that it was because Eijun didn't start the game.

But you can't simply compare games with a one-to-one substitution mindset.

Even if Eijun had started, there's no guarantee he could have completely shut down Ugumori's lineup. That one run in the top of the ninth—did Eijun go easy? Was he careless? Clearly not.

That's all that matters.

Ugumori High is a team capable of creating miracles.

It's just that this miracle wasn't enough to topple Seido High, because Seido High is a team determined to create their own legend.

This is their belief, their goal, and their dream.

"You're really amazing, the national championship ace. Your reputation is well-deserved. This time, go and conquer the nation once again."

Their hands clasped tightly together, Umemiya now wore a calm and bright smile, a stark contrast to his earlier fierce expression. His cheerful and positive personality shone through.

His words, free of any hidden tone, clearly showed that he spoke with an open heart.

Though Eijun noticed the faint redness at the corners of his eyes and the barely visible tear stains, signs that this young man still couldn't fully accept defeat.

This, of course, is entirely normal. Even adults struggle to face failure with grace.

Let alone a teenager of sixteen or seventeen.

Yet, as the winner, anything said at this moment would feel superfluous.

Eijun simply gripped Umemiya's right hand firmly.

And with unwavering determination, he said, "Yes, we will. We will definitely reach that pinnacle again."

The victor inherits the will of the defeated.

Carrying their spirit forward in the fight.

When we truly stand at the peak of victory.

Perhaps those we defeated will find a small measure of solace in their hearts.

At the very least, they can say, "I lost to the strongest team."

This, perhaps, is just part of human nature.

"They were a great opponent."

After the handshake.

Watching the retreating figures of the Ugumori High players.

Miyuki walked up to Eijun and, gazing at Seiichi Umemiya's back, softly remarked, "They were a great opponent."

"Yeah, they were. Next year, they'll probably be even stronger," Eijun replied, his eyes reflecting a deep, thoughtful expression.

"Haha, next year? Next year will be East Tokyo's problem," Miyuki chuckled, patting Eijun on the shoulder with a mischievous grin.

Eijun shook his head helplessly.

When will Miyuki-senpai ever act serious?

But then again, if he did, he wouldn't be Miyuki anymore.

"Eijun, what was that look in your eyes just now?"

"Ahaha, nothing, really. You must be seeing things, Miyuki-senpai."

"Really?"

"Really, really. Truer than true."

"Huh? What does that even mean?"

"Come on, Miyuki-senpai, let's hurry. The bus won't wait for us."

"Hey, you little brat."

October 19th, clear weather. The third round of the Fall Tournament, at Edogawa Citizens Stadium. The second game: Seido High vs. Ugumori High.

7 to 5.

The powerhouse of West Tokyo, the reigning champions Seido High, lived up to expectations once again, securing victory and advancing to the regional quarterfinals.

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