[510] The King and the Warlord Before the Battle

Chapter 510: The King and the Warlord Before the Battle

"No matter what the opponent has planned, all we need to do is stick to our own rhythm. Execute the strategy we discussed yesterday. Remember, don't judge them based on your summer experience. Every step, every swing, every run—it could all determine the outcome of this game. You haven't forgotten that bitter loss in summer, have you? This game is your chance to prove yourselves again. Understood?"

Standing at the front of the bench, Coach Kunimoto maintained his usual calm expression.

His hands clasped behind his back, his composed presence and commanding aura made the players of Inashiro Industrial tense up instinctively. A serious atmosphere settled around them.

"Yes, Coach!!!"

The Inashiro players responded loudly in unison.

Narumiya Mei rested his hands behind his head, his deep gaze fixed on the third base bench.

There, he spotted two familiar figures in conversation. The moment his eyes landed on them, a sharp glint lit up in his pupils.

"Miyuki, Sawamura… this time, this time—this ace is going to settle the score from summer. Are you ready!?"

While Inashiro's dugout buzzed with energy—

On the other side, Seidou High was also making their final preparations for battle from the third base side.

"Everyone who succeeds does so because they had the courage to take the first step. It's the same for a team. Victory doesn't come to us—we have to take it with our own hands. Only by daring to begin can we achieve success, can we win. Narumiya is strong—so strong it's beyond the level of a high schooler. But so are we. Don't be afraid. Don't set limits on yourselves. Your potential goes far beyond what you think. Your swings, your efforts, your sweat—it's all real. The world makes way for those with vision and ambition. The key to that future lies in your hands. Fight! Fight! Keep fighting, straight ahead—that is the only road for us. Attack!!!"

"OOOOOOOOHHHH!!!"

That fiery speech lit a fire in every Seidou player's heart.

Coach Kataoka's passionate pre-game address left everyone—including Eijun and the others—trembling with excitement.

"Miyuki."

Coach Kataoka gave a small signal.

Miyuki nodded lightly.

He scanned the faces of the first-string players. Instinctively, they all stepped forward and formed a circle.

As soon as they did—

The spectators in the stands lit up, recognizing the iconic Seidou pregame ritual.

From the third base stands, Seidou's cheering squad erupted with drums and horns—the war cry of a champion.

Eijun and the others stood in a solemn circle, their expressions serious. In the center, Miyuki wore the confident smirk of a king.

At that moment, he was every bit the captain of a championship team.

A strong wind swept across the field.

And in the next second, the blaring horns echoed throughout the stadium, sparking a roaring pregame atmosphere.

"Who are we!?"

"Seidou, the champions!!!"

"Who sweats the most!?"

"Seidou!!!"

"Who sheds the most tears!?"

"Seidou!!!"

"Are you ready for battle!?"

"OOOOHHHHHH!!!!"

"For the honor of our school, our one and only goal—national domination!"

"Let's go!!"

"OOOOOHHHHH!!!!"

The roar of a king. The challenge issued by the reigning summer champions.

Their battle cry echoed with the wind.

A sharp edge of dominance surged from them.

Unstoppable momentum.

Seidou, the kings, once again bared their fangs on the championship stage.

BZZZ—BZZZ—BZZZ

"Line up!"

The resounding signal of battle.

The home plate umpire stood tall, raising his right hand as his voice rang out. From both dugouts—

The players stepped out and lined up.

"OOOOHHHH!!!"

A thunderous cheer erupted from the players.

With firm, unwavering steps, both teams charged toward home plate.

Two orderly formations.

Solemn expressions. Forty determined young warriors locking eyes with unshakable intensity.

And then—

As if drawn by fate, no effort needed—

In that very second, Eijun and Narumiya locked eyes.

The aces of their respective teams.

Both shouldering the pride of their squad.

That was the burden—and the honor—of being the ace.

Fourth in the lineup. The ace.

This time, it's a true head-to-head clash.

Who is the strongest left-handed pitcher?

Who can lead their team to dominate Tokyo?

This game will give us the answer.

"This time, I'll make sure to leave you with an unforgettable memory!!!"

"Right back at you, Narumiya-senpai! This victory will be ours—again!!!"

Tension flared instantly.

The aces targeted each other with everything they had.

Sparks flew before the first pitch was even thrown.

Whether it was Narumiya, Eijun, or any other player from both teams—their fighting spirit was already sky-high!

"Salute!"

"Please take care of us!!!!"

"The finals of the Tokyo Fall Tournament! The two teams standing at the very top out of over 200 schools in Tokyo are right here before us! Both hailing from West Tokyo, two elite schools—summer finalists, fierce rivals—Seidou, the reigning kings, and Inashiro, the former champions! It's been less than three months since their last clash in the summer finals. Today, on this same grand stage, will the kings defend the glory they fought so hard to earn? Or will the former champions reclaim their lost throne? The final battle—begins!!!"

The stadium erupted in excitement.

The announcer's booming voice and the crowd's deafening cheers—

The Fall Tokyo Tournament Final.

Amid the thunderous drums and frenzied atmosphere—

The curtain rose.

Inashiro Industrial would bat first.

Seidou's fielders had already taken their defensive positions, each one steady and locked in.

And standing tall on the mound—

The one figure who drew the attention of everyone in the stadium.

Three months since their last face-off.

The left-handed ace of Seidou once again stood on the mound, facing off against Inashiro Industrial.

What kind of electrifying showdown would this bring?

Everyone was holding their breath in anticipation.

At that moment—

Eijun stood on the mound with a composed, steely expression.

A sharp chill radiated around him like a quiet storm.

He took a deep breath, tightening his grip on the ball in his left hand.

His brilliant eyes stared straight ahead.

Behind home plate, Miyuki crouched with his usual calm smile—the perfect catcher.

Together, the golden battery that made waves in the Summer Tournament was back on the field.

"Top of the first inning. Batting first for Inashiro Industrial—center fielder, Carlos!"

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