Chapter 200: Prelude to the Storm

After successfully retiring Todoroki Raichi, Kaidou High School's morale surged.

The next batter, Sanada Shunpei, faithfully followed Kitamura Kou's advice.

Instead of challenging Akutsu's unpredictable Knuckleball, he waited patiently for the fastballs Akutsu used to steal strikes.

The strategy paid off.

When Akutsu fired a fastball to the low outside corner—a borderline pitch between a ball and a strike—Sanada decisively pulled the trigger.

Crack!

The ball shot cleanly through Kaidou's infield.

Sanada safely reached first base.

It was already his second hit of the game.

Aside from Kitamura, he was the only Yakushi batter to record a hit, fully justifying Coach Todoroki Raizo's confidence in him.

The next batter, Akaishi Osamu, adopted the same approach.

He ignored every Knuckleball and looked exclusively for a fastball.

Unfortunately, Kaidou had already anticipated Yakushi's adjustment.

Akaishi was quickly retired.

Fortunately, Sanada advanced safely to second base, preventing Kaidou from turning a double play.

Two outs.

Runner on second.

Only one more out separated Kaidou from ending the inning.

Akaishi's at-bat also allowed Sato Toshiya to see through Yakushi's strategy.

Without hesitation, he abandoned the idea of mixing pitches.

Against Yamauchi Yutaka...

He called for nothing but Knuckleballs.

The first two fluttering pitches both caught the edge of the strike zone.

Yamauchi never offered at either one.

"Strike!"

"Strike!"

Just like that, he quickly fell behind 0–2.

Realizing he couldn't continue taking pitches, Yamauchi immediately switched tactics.

Rather than trying to drive the ball, he focused on barely nicking the Knuckleball foul to prolong the at-bat.

Unfortunately...

His batting skill simply wasn't at a national level.

He couldn't even be considered among the strongest hitters in West Tokyo.

In the end, Akutsu struck him out.

Still...

Yamauchi's at-bat wasn't without value.

He forced Akutsu to throw seven Knuckleballs.

That alone significantly reduced the number of Knuckleballs Akutsu could afford to throw later in the game.

More importantly...

It demonstrated Yakushi's relentless determination.

No matter how difficult the pitch was, they refused to give in.

"Bottom of the fourth inning!"

"Kaidou High School comes to bat!"

"Leading off, center fielder, Kusano-kun!"

Inside Kaidou's dugout...

"Hey, Sato."

Yakushiji looked at Sato Toshiya with a puzzled expression.

"It isn't your turn to bat yet, is it?"

Without slowing down, Sato continued fastening his batting gloves as he walked toward the dugout entrance.

"I know."

"I just want a closer look."

He pushed open the dugout door.

"We're still down by two runs."

"I need to study that pitcher's mechanics from as close as possible."

With those words, he disappeared outside.

Yakushiji watched his back and shook his head helplessly.

"I really don't know what to do with you."

Standing up, he followed behind him.

"My chances of batting this inning are slim..."

"But we've fought our way from the second string to the first together."

"I'll keep you company."

"Hmph."

Naoki Enomoto, who had been listening nearby, snorted dismissively.

"We're only down by two runs."

"What's the big deal?"

"We'll catch up in no time."

"You guys worry too much."

He rolled his shoulders, producing a series of loud cracks from his neck and joints.

Then he looked toward Yoshida, Kaidou's original first-string catcher.

"I've been sitting around long enough."

"My body's getting rusty."

"Yoshida."

"Come warm up with me."

Yoshida smiled knowingly.

He understood Naoki's personality better than anyone.

Arrogant.

Proud.

But unquestionably talented.

Turning toward Mayumura Ken, he asked,

"Mayumura."

"Why don't you warm up as well?"

He nodded toward Akutsu, who sat on the bench breathing heavily.

"Judging by his condition..."

"He probably doesn't have much left."

Naoki's thick eyebrows shot upward.

His expression darkened immediately.

"Yoshida!"

"Stop sticking your nose into everything!"

He glared fiercely.

"I'm more than enough."

"Those brats won't score another run."

"I'll shut them down myself."

Nearby, Mayumura Ken—the stoic pitcher known as the Iron Mask—quietly stood.

His face remained as expressionless as ever.

"Then..."

He gave Yoshida a small nod.

"I'll leave it to you, Senpai."

He calmly walked toward the bullpen.

"Hmph."

Naoki clicked his tongue.

"You people are way too smug."

After a brief pause, he added,

"Fine."

"Since you're supposed to be the next ace..."

"I'll let you warm up with us."

Without waiting for a reply, he strode toward the bullpen.

Yoshida could only sigh before following alongside Mayumura.

Meanwhile...

Standing in the batter's box, Kusano wore a calm expression.

But beneath that calm exterior, countless thoughts raced through his mind.

I never imagined...

Our invincible Kaidou High School would be pushed this far.

We've been completely suppressed.

We haven't found a single opening.

An overwhelming sense of frustration welled up inside him.

Before he could think any further—

BOOM!!

Kitamura Kou had already delivered the first pitch.

THUD!!

"Strike!"

The blazing fastball exploded into Akaishi's mitt.

Kusano hadn't even started his swing.

He remained frozen in the batter's box, watching the ball flash past in disbelief.

A champion...

Reduced to this...

His eyes drifted toward Kitamura on the mound.

For the first time...

Doubt crept into his heart.

Are we...

Really worthy of wearing Kaidou's uniform?

Do we truly deserve to stand on Koshien's semifinal stage as the defending champions?

Before he could snap out of his thoughts—

BOOM!!

Another blistering fastball roared toward the plate.

THUD!!

"Strike two!"

The umpire's call echoed across the stadium.

Like a heavy hammer...

It struck the hearts of every Kaidou player.

In the blink of an eye...

Kusano had fallen behind 0–2.

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