The air was thick with anticipation as the Seidou team prepared for their second interhigh match. After their dominant victory in the first game, the mood was confident but not complacent. Coach Kataoka had made it clear — there was no room for arrogance, especially with tougher opponents on the horizon.
Kenji Takahashi stood at the edge of the field, watching his teammates warm up. He had already secured his place as the cleanup hitter, but he could feel the challenge in the air. He wasn't just fighting to win for Seidou; he was fighting to prove something — to himself, and to the ghosts of his past life.
The next game was a big one, and Kenji knew that the real tests were coming. He could sense it.
Inashiro.
The thought lingered in the back of his mind, like an unspoken challenge. The road to facing them — and, specifically, Narumiya Mei — was getting clearer. Every win brought them closer to a showdown that Kenji couldn't avoid.
The game started.
Furuya was on the mound again, and his fastballs were as lethal as ever. The opposing team struggled to keep up with Seidou's rapid pace. The top of the first inning was over in a flash. The scoreboard read 2-0 in Seidou's favor, and the atmosphere was electric.
Kenji had a chance to bat in the second inning. He stepped up to the plate, his bat in hand, eyes locked on the pitcher.
This pitcher wasn't as fast as Furuya, but he had excellent control. His pitches came in at odd angles, designed to confuse and disrupt the batter's timing.
Kenji didn't hesitate.
The first pitch came in fast, a slider that broke late. It was a pitch that had fooled plenty of batters before.
CRACK!
Kenji's bat made solid contact, sending the ball rocketing into deep left field.
The crowd held its breath.
It landed just short of the warning track, and Kenji was standing on second base with a clean double.
Seidou went on to win the game 5-1. Kenji had driven in two runs, and the team looked sharp. But as they celebrated the victory, Kenji's thoughts wandered.
"We're getting closer to Inashiro. To Mei. I'll need to be ready."
That evening, the team gathered in the locker room. Coach Kataoka stood at the front, his expression serious.
"Good job today. But remember, this isn't the end. We've got stronger opponents ahead. You can't let up."
Kenji stood silently with the rest of the team, but his mind was focused elsewhere. He knew what was coming next. The pressure was mounting with every win.
Coach Kataoka continued, his eyes scanning the room.
"We're still a long way from the finals. But we're a team. I expect everyone to push themselves — to support each other. Especially you, Takahashi."
Kenji's attention snapped back to the coach, and the room seemed to quiet as everyone turned their attention to him.
Coach Kataoka gave him a sharp nod.
"You've earned your place on the first-string, but this is no time to coast. We need you to continue improving. Your team is depending on you."
Kenji nodded.
"I won't let you down, Coach."
After practice, as the sun began to set, Kenji walked to the dorms with a heavy heart. The game had been won, but it didn't feel like enough. He could feel the weight of what was coming. He could already hear the whispers.
Narumiya Mei.
It wasn't just about winning anymore. It was about proving himself — not just to the team, but to Mei. To all of the players who had already decided he was just another rookie. Kenji wasn't sure when it had happened, but somehow, he had come to see Mei as a rival — someone who would push him to be better.
The next few days were a blur of preparation. Seidou's players were gearing up for the next round of interhigh, and the competition was getting fiercer. Kenji spent hours refining his swing, working on his speed, and watching game footage.
Every time he stood at the plate, he felt the same rush of adrenaline — but now, there was something more. The need to be the best, not just for Seidou, but for himself.
A week passed.
And then the moment arrived.
Seidou was scheduled to face Inashiro in the next round.
Kenji had been anticipating this match for days. He couldn't wait any longer. The showdown was inevitable.
As Seidou warmed up on the field that day, Kenji caught sight of a familiar figure in the stands. It was Miyuki, arms crossed, watching intently.
"You ready for this?" Miyuki called from across the field.
Kenji gave a small smile, his expression calm.
"I'm ready."
Miyuki nodded approvingly.
"Good. You'll need to be. Mei won't give you an inch."
The day of the match was intense.
Seidou stood tall, prepared to take on Inashiro. The air was thick with tension, the stands filled with anticipation. This was the moment they had all been waiting for.
Narumiya Mei was on the mound.
His eyes locked onto Kenji across the diamond.
Kenji could feel the challenge in that gaze.
And he was ready to answer.