Ping!
The white baseball soared high into the sky.
The Inashiro Industrial High School players stood frozen in their defensive positions, eyes tracking the ball as it flew overhead.
In that moment, a wave of despair swept through the Inashiro team.
Zhou Hao, having connected with the pitch, was sprinting toward first base.
He wasn't particularly fast, but if the ball dropped—he'd at least make it to first. Maybe even second.
Standing on the mound, Narumiya Mei watched the ball fly past him, disbelief flashing in his eyes.
Hit again?
As the "Tokyo Prince" and most anticipated rookie of his generation, Narumiya Mei was filled with pride. Even when facing older, more experienced players, he never once believed he would be outclassed.
Yet this was twice now.
Twice he had faced Zhou Hao.
Twice his pitches were hit.
No matter how confident he was, even Mei couldn't ignore the creeping doubt.
Was he… not good enough?
But just as that thought formed, a blur streaked across the field—a figure like black lightning!
The baseball was set to land a good seven or eight meters away from its original target zone.
The Seido players and fans had already begun to rise from their seats in celebration.
This hit was guaranteed to be a double.
And with Seido's third and fourth batters coming up next?
It was easy to imagine them scoring big.
But in that exact moment—
That black flash dove!
Just as the ball was about to drop, the glove slid underneath.
Snap!
Carlos tumbled, rolled twice, and raised his glove to the sky.
Silence.
For a breathless second, the entire stadium fell still.
Then the roar erupted—from the Inashiro bench and their side of the stands.
"He caught it!"
"Unbelievable!"
Their players and supporters surged with renewed energy, as if the goddess of victory had smiled directly at them.
It felt like they had already won the game.
"Not just strength—luck is on our side too."
Even Coach Kunimoto, usually reserved and stoic, clenched his fists in quiet triumph.
The Inashiro team had held the line.
It was a pivotal moment, one that tipped the balance of momentum in their favor.
Two outs. No runners on base.
"Third batter, number three, first baseman—Yuki!"
Zhou Hao returned to the dugout.
But no one blamed him.
Everyone knew—hitting a ball that far off Narumiya Mei's pitch was impressive enough.
Had it not been for Carlos' freakish speed and miracle catch, it would've easily been a double.
Not to mention, Zhou Hao had already contributed so much to the team.
"Don't blame yourself. Baseball's unpredictable—you did great."
Coach Kataoka patted him on the shoulder.
Yet Zhou Hao could see it—Coach Kataoka's arms were crossed, and they trembled slightly.
So close to victory.
So much effort invested.
Losing this chance might cost them the game.
How could the coach possibly remain calm?
Zhou Hao sat down, silent.
In his heart, he felt he'd done his best.
He had summoned everything he had to hit that ball, forcing it through with raw will.
But seeing Coach Kataoka's subtle frustration—
Zhou Hao began to doubt.
Maybe… I hadn't truly gone all out.
If I had pushed harder in training…
If I'd played more games, maybe I would've gotten another +1 to strength from the system...
Even just one more point of power might've changed the outcome.
He lowered his head, quietly reflecting on the sting of defeat.
But this bitter taste—it was something every athlete had to experience.
And this time, Zhou Hao felt it for the first time.
This is what drives us forward.
While Zhou Hao wrestled with those feelings, Yuki stepped into the batter's box.
He wasn't shaken by Zhou Hao's near-hit being caught.
When the ball came flying in, he reacted without hesitation—
Boom!
Ping!
The bat cracked, and the white baseball shot out like lightning.
Inashiro's players hadn't expected it.
By the time they reacted, it was already too late.
The ball landed and bounced past the defense.
Yuki dropped the bat and bolted to first—
Then second.
"Safe!"
Two outs. Runner on second base.
Inashiro had dealt with Zhou Hao.
But they hadn't stopped Yuki.
Moments ago, Seido had been quiet—shocked by Zhou Hao's near-miracle being stolen.
Now, Yuki's strike reignited the fire.
"This is the strongest offense in the country!"
"We don't just have Zhou Hao—tremble before us!"
"Let's go, Seido!"
The crowd exploded.
Inashiro's players, who just moments ago had been confident and composed, now looked uneasy.
This year's Seido team was different.
Their players were stronger.
Their fans were louder.
Zhou Hao, Yuki—
And now, Kazuya Miyuki stepping up, having just replaced Chris as catcher.
Each player's performance exceeded expectations.
Inashiro knew—they couldn't let this continue.
"We have to strike back. Now. Or it'll get worse."
The players chanted it in their hearts like a mantra.
Especially Narumiya Mei.
His face was now deadly serious.
He had faced Zhou Hao.
He had faced Yuki.
And now—
Azuma Kiyokuni was stepping up to bat.
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