[413] The Battle of Ouya – Seidou’s Strength

Chapter 413: The Battle of Ouya – Seidou's Strength

An unforeseen pitch.

Wakabayashi's sidearm throw caught everyone off guard, forcing Eijun into a tough spot. With no choice but to swing, he hit a comebacker straight to the pitcher.

This not only resulted in his own out but also left Haruichi with no option but to advance, leading to an easy double play from second to first.

In the very first inning, Ouya High shocked the audience by retiring Seidou's batters in just three at-bats.

Their ace shut down Seidou's offense, preventing any runs from being scored.

"Three outs! Change sides!"

As the umpire's call echoed through the stadium, a wave of astonishment rippled through the crowd.

"Holy crap, a sidearm pitch? That pitcher can throw sidearm too?"

"Sawamura totally fell for that trick."

"Damn, that guy is seriously annoying!"

"I thought he was on the ropes, but he turned the tables with a counterattack instead."

"Man, Ouya's ace is actually pretty solid."

"This game is going to be unexpectedly intense."

"Haha, exactly!"

Unlike the dedicated Seidou supporters, the neutral spectators—those who simply enjoyed the thrill of the game—were absolutely delighted. For them, nothing was more exciting than a close, unpredictable match filled with twists and turns.

"We got played," Yuuki muttered from the stands, his usually composed expression flickering with a trace of emotion. His gaze lingered on Wakabayashi, a subtle glint of interest in his eyes. The former cleanup captain, once a dominant force, seemed eager for a challenge.

"Yeah," Chris nodded slightly, his face tinged with concern. "Hopefully, they don't let this affect them—it's only the first inning, after all."

"Hmph, just cheap tricks. Nothing to worry about!"

"Exactly!"

"Once we get used to his pitches, that guy's done for!"

Manaka, Sakai, and the other third-years grumbled, shooting irritated glances at Ouya High.

Meanwhile, over in Seidou's dugout...

"So? What do you think about that last pitch?"

The moment Eijun returned to the bench, Miyuki wasted no time voicing the question that was on everyone's mind.

Both Coach Kataoka and Coach Ochiai slightly tilted their heads, listening attentively.

"It's hard to say," Eijun admitted, taking off his batting helmet and shaking his head.

"It happened too fast. I couldn't clearly see the pitch's trajectory—it's probably not a typical sidearm delivery."

Pressing his lips together, he spoke in a low voice.

"Didn't expect that guy to have something like this up his sleeve," Maezono muttered, crossing his arms.

"Just like Umemiya, hiding a secret weapon," Kuramochi scoffed.

"We'll have to be more cautious moving forward," Shirasu remarked, his eyes glinting with determination.

Beside him, Tojo, Kanemaru, Haruichi, and the others all wore serious expressions.

"But maybe... we don't need to worry too much."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Eijun's lips as a familiar thought surfaced in his mind.

"In the heat of the moment, I couldn't fully grasp his pitch trajectory," Eijun admitted, his voice calm and measured. "But his movement looked a bit stiff, and his throwing motion seemed unfamiliar. I'd bet that his sidearm delivery is something he only recently picked up."

His words made everyone's eyes light up with realization.

"Sawamura, are you sure?" Maezono asked impatiently.

"Almost certain." Eijun nodded firmly. Wakabayashi's sidearm pitch was like a key, unlocking a flood of memories from this match. Among them was Wakabayashi's own admission—his sidearm was a last-minute adjustment, not something he had honed over time.

That was why Eijun could be so confident.

"Even if it's something he learned at the last minute, the fact that he's using it means he must be confident in it," Miyuki pointed out. "And we did get a look at that pitch just now. We can't take it lightly. Let's be more cautious in our next offensive plays."

Miyuki nodded, his tone steady and composed.

"Yeah, that's the right approach. We need to be aggressive yet careful. The game's just started—there's no need to rush. First, we hold them off, then we look for an opportunity."

He turned toward Miyuki and Kawakami.

"Miyuki, Kawakami—let's do this."

"Yes!" Both of them responded loudly.

"Haha, Norifumi, give it your all!"

"Focus on taking down the leadoff batter first."

"We've got your back, Kawakami!"

"Kawakami-senpai, do your best!"

Before heading to the mound, Maezono, Shirasu, Kuramochi, Eijun, and the others cheered for Kawakami.

Kawakami clenched the brim of his cap, flashing a slight smile. "Yeah, I got it!"

"Bottom of the first, Ouya High at bat. Leading off, shortstop Haruno-kun!"

A second-year sidearm pitcher? Haruno analyzed as he stepped into the batter's box.

Fastball around 135 km/h, main out pitch is a slider, and his control is nearly pinpoint. That makes him a pretty solid pitcher. And yet, he's only a reliever for Seidou?

Haruno's eyes flicked toward the dugout, where Coach Araki made a serious expression, forming a triangle with his hands before adjusting his cap.

Haruno nodded in acknowledgment, his face equally solemn.

First pitch!

Kawakami's arm swung into motion.

"Whoosh!"

This was his second start in the Autumn Tournament.

Even for someone as composed as Kawakami, a surge of emotion coursed through him at this moment.

His arm whipped forward, and the ball gleamed under the lights, zipping toward home plate.

Inside pitch!

Haruno's pupils contracted.

Instinctively, he stepped in and swung.

"Swish!"

"Ping!"

The sharp sound of impact rang out.

But Haruno's face didn't show the joy of a clean hit.

The unexpected low trajectory...

And the sharp angle...

Haruno barely made contact, only grazing the edge of the ball instead of hitting it squarely. There was no way he could send it flying with power.

"Whoosh!"

The ball bounced off the ground with force.

"Third base!"

A sharp grounder straight to third.

Kanemaru reacted swiftly, sliding into position with textbook form, his glove reaching out to intercept the ball.

"Snap!"

A clean fielding play.

With a smooth motion, Kanemaru flicked his wrist, sending the ball zipping toward first.

"Whizz!"

The ball shot through the air.

"Pop!"

Maezono caught it cleanly.

"Out!"

"Damn it...!"

Haruno clenched his fists in frustration. The pitch's trajectory, arc, and angle—were they really that different?

There was no helping it. He exhaled, then turned and walked back to the dugout.

"Second batter, second baseman, Kamii-kun."

"Watch out! That sidearm pitch stays low—it's hard to get a clean hit!"

"Yeah, I got it."

Kamii nodded solemnly, stepping into the batter's box with deliberate focus.

His stance was set. His eyes locked onto Kawakami.

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