Half an hour had passed after analyzing Kanzaki Ryou's pitching. Then, Coach Kunitomo opened another video, which compiled Kanzaki Ryou's batting data since he joined Seido.
Just one glance made the Inajitsu players feel immense pressure.
If they only looked at the data from the start of the Spring Metropolitan Tournament until now, Kanzaki Ryou's batting performance was even more terrifying than Azuma Kiyokuni's.
Is this bastard made of baseball?!
"Takumi, Mei, you absolutely cannot be careless when facing Kanzaki Ryou!" Coach Kunitomo said solemnly.
Both pitchers nodded. Narumiya Mei clenched his fist. In terms of pitching, he believed he wouldn't lose to the Chestnut Hair Monster, but in batting, although his own batting wasn't bad—excellent even for a first-year—his performance at the plate simply couldn't compare to Kanzaki Ryou's.
The unyielding Narumiya Mei even had the impulse to practice batting more. As if seeing through his thoughts, Harada Masatoshi, who was beside him, spoke in a deep voice:
"Practice your pitching well. Don't get distracted."
Narumiya Mei hummed without responding. No one knew what he was thinking.
"In any case, you must swing actively during the game. Whether it's Nanjo Taishi or Kanzaki Ryou, if you want to score runs against them, you absolutely cannot miss any opportunity," Coach Kunitomo said.
At the same time, in the Seido High School Baseball Club meeting room, they were also analyzing Inashiro.
This summer, Inajitsu's main team had acquired another first-year rookie:
Kamiya Carlo Toshiki, their new center fielder since the third round. In the few games he had played, whenever Carlo got on base, Inajitsu almost always scored.
Part of that was because their opponents so far weren't strong, but his speed—faster than even Kuramochi's—explained why Inajitsu promoted him straight into the starting lineup.
"Kuramochi, you need to work harder. Carlo is already a starter. Don't you want to knock Shida-senpai off his horse?" Kanzaki Ryou whispered beside him.
Kuramochi Yoichi gave him a speechless look.
"Don't try to stir things up between me and senpai. It's useless."
"Hey, what are you afraid of? Senpai won't get mad, right, senpai?" Kanzaki Ryou lightly patted Shida Shota, who was sitting in front.
Shida turned around and smiled. Kuramochi instantly felt a chill down his spine—something bad was about to happen.
"Senpai, it wasn't me! Kanzaki said it!" Kuramochi quickly defended himself.
"What? You don't want to start?" Shida asked.
Kuramochi panicked. "I do!!"
"Then think about it carefully," Shida laughed. He wasn't worried about losing his position. At this stage, other than speed, Kuramochi still couldn't match him in batting or fielding.
Two days later, July 18th, Saturday.
The Seido Baseball Club gathered at the school gate and boarded their bus. The student fan club, cheer squad, and brass band had already headed to the stadium earlier.
Tokyo's iconic Jingu Stadium.
The moment Seido's bus stopped, reporters and fans swarmed forward.
"Coach Kataoka, just a few questions!"
"Coach Kataoka, do you have a message for your opponents?"
"What are your strategies for today's game?"
…
Coach Kataoka, wearing sunglasses and a stern expression, walked at the front. The two Baseball Club Directors stepped forward to shield the reporters and maintain order.
Just then, another bus arrived.
Coach Kunitomo led his team off.
The two giants of West Tokyo faced each other right outside the stadium.
"Coach Kunitomo, please guide us," Coach Kataoka said, stepping forward.
"Coach Kataoka is too modest. Seido's momentum is very strong this year," Kunitomo replied as they shook hands.
Behind them, both teams stared each other down.
"Little Blondie~"
Kanzaki Ryou called out softly.
Narumiya Mei instantly poked his head out from behind Harada Masatoshi.
"Chestnut Hair Monster!"
"Little Blondie, I'm smashing you today," Kanzaki Ryou said, making a batting motion.
Narumiya turned red. Getting hit for a home run by Kanzaki had been a deep wound. Hearing this provocation triggered him immediately.
"Hmph! You won't touch my ball today! I'm going to be the ace—"
"Mei!"
Harada Masatoshi's voice stopped him cold.
"What a pity," Kanzaki sighed.
Harada gave Kanzaki a helpless look. This brat… provoking his kid immediately, and his kid was dumb enough to almost reveal information.
Once the Coaches finished greetings, the teams entered the stadium.
After changing into their uniforms, Seido's first string headed to the third-base dugout.
The moment they stepped out, the crowd erupted. The third-base student section was roaring. The brass band played thunderous music. Cheerleaders danced in short skirts.
"Kanzaki! We're counting on you today!"
"Azuma! Please!!"
"Nanjo! Go for it!"
"Yuki, crush it!!"
Normal fans screamed for their favorites.
"Kanzaki, I want to have your babies!!!"
Those were… the abnormal fans.
Across the field, Inajitsu's appearance drew equally loud cheers. Their fanbase was massive due to their recent successes.
After warm-ups, both sides shook hands, and the game began.
In the dugout, Coach Kataoka faced his players.
"We've reached this point, and our opponent is Inashiro. I believe no one here wants to lose. Show your best performance. Give it everything you have. Defeat your opponent!"
"YES!!"
"Coach, should we do it once?" Azuma asked.
Everyone looked at Kataoka expectantly.
Coach Kataoka smiled.
"Save it for the next game."
The next game—the finals.
Everyone's eyes lit up.
Yes. They would shout it in the finals.
Which meant—
They had to win today.
No matter what.