Two outs. A runner on second base.
Seido High School Baseball Team was just one out away from victory.
Hidezawa stood on the pitcher's mound, his body visibly shaking, but Ichidai Third High School's players were no longer hoping for him to collapse. Even salted fish had dreams—let alone baseball players from a prestigious powerhouse.
At this point, even if Hidezawa's physical strength had truly reached its limit, his willpower alone would force him to keep pitching.
After all, it was almost over.
Standing in the batter's box now was Manaka Kaname, the pitcher who had replaced Kameshima. His batting skills were solid, and he posed a genuine threat. Of course, compared to Kameshima, the former cleanup hitter, he was still far inferior.
From Seido's perspective, this matchup couldn't be better.
If Manaka got a hit, Oda on second base would almost certainly score. The score would narrow to 6–5, leaving just a one-run gap. And after Manaka came Omae… then Hoshida…
Once things reached that point, Seido's situation would become extremely dangerous.
Director Tahara of Ichidai Third High School clearly saw this as well.
"Manaka," he said firmly, "this is a test of your inner strength. The game has reached the point where the opponent is relying purely on mental fortitude. As long as we drag it out—until even the slightest variable appears—our chance will come."
They didn't need much.
Just one hit.
Manaka was a seasoned player. Having served as an ace since junior high, he knew exactly what was required of him now. He stared at Hidezawa on the mound and raised his bat high.
It had already come to this. He refused to believe the opponent wasn't tired—or nervous.
The closer one got to victory, the more a player's heart was tested.
Behind home plate, Miyuki Kazuya narrowed his eyes, carefully sizing up Manaka. At the same time, he was observing his own pitcher.
To be honest, he couldn't tell anymore.
Hidezawa's performance had already exceeded everything Miyuki had expected. By Miyuki's original estimate, Hidezawa should have collapsed long ago.
But he hadn't.
Not only had he endured, his performance against Ichidai Third High School's second and third batters had been astonishing.
The question was—how long could this last?
Could Miyuki really trust Hidezawa without reservation? To say he felt no doubt at all would be a lie. Just as his thoughts wavered, voices rang out from behind him—firm, confident, unshaken.
"Let him hit it! We'll stop it!"
"Two outs! Two outs!!"
"Haha, just one more!"
Captain Tanaka at second base. Senior Yamada in the outfield. Azuma Kiyokuni at third base. The third-year seniors radiated fierce fighting spirit. In their eyes, there was no confusion—nor blind optimism. They were simply giving everything they had until the very end.
At first base, Yuuki Tetsuya repeatedly slapped his glove, silently declaring his presence.
At shortstop, Zhang Han raised his glove above his head.
In basketball, that gesture meant asking for the ball.
In baseball, it meant the same thing.
Let him hit it. I'll take it.
Miyuki's heart suddenly steadied.
This wasn't junior high anymore. On this team, no one was a burden. They weren't just reliable—they were strong. Even if the ball was hit, they would stop it.
Confidence surged through Miyuki.
He gave the signal.
On the mound, Hidezawa seemed cut off from the world. He saw only the batter. He felt only the baseball in his hand.
His leg lifted high. This motion—he had repeated it more than a hundred thousand times over three years.
"Whoosh!"
The baseball left his hand with violent force.
Manaka Kaname's eyes flickered with shock. He had imagined countless scenarios—but never this.
A fastball, straight down the middle, on the first pitch.
Was Hidezawa insane?
Despite the surprise, Manaka couldn't let such a pitch go.
He swung.
The bat met the ball cleanly.
Joy flashed across Manaka's face.
I got it—!
Then his expression twisted.
A terrifying counterforce surged through his hands. The shock was so violent he nearly lost his grip on the bat.
His swing collapsed. The ball, which should have been lifted, was only pushed forward weakly.
"Thwack!"
The baseball dropped directly in front of shortstop.
In Seido's dugout, players were already on their feet, ready to celebrate.
This was an unavoidable out.
As expected, Zhang Han charged forward, scooped up the ball smoothly, and threw to first base in one fluid motion. As a former pitcher, his throw was fast and precise. The baseball drilled straight into Yuuki's waiting glove.
The first-base umpire raised his arm.
"Out!"
Game over.
Seido High School Baseball Team secured the third out and ended the game.
The stadium instantly split into two worlds.
On Ichidai Third High School's side, alumni and long-time supporters stood frozen in disbelief. This year's Ichidai San had been strong—many truly believed they could challenge Inashiro and advance to Koshien.
No one had expected this ending. Neutral fans nearby didn't dare speak. Silence spread through that section of the stands.
In stark contrast, Seido's side erupted. Cheers exploded. Applause thundered. Fans jumped, shouted, and laughed through tears.
Only they knew how long they had endured. At last, they could hold their heads high.
The Ichidai Third High School that had suppressed them for years—had been defeated.
"West Tokyo High School Baseball Selection Tournament, Quarterfinals! Seido versus Ichidai San—final score 6–4! Seido High School wins and advances!"
Seido High School Baseball Team marched into the semifinals.
Only two games remained between them and Koshien.
************************************
Upto 20 Chapters In Advance At: P@treon/Vividreader123