Narumiya Mei's rapid-fire pitching and ruthless attacks on the outside corner dispatched Kominato Haruichi in only three pitches, securing the second out.
The brisk tempo energized the crowd.
But in Seido's dugout, several players frowned.
Originally, they had expected Inashiro to play more cautiously at the start of the game. After all, this was the first meeting between the two newly formed teams. Normally, both sides would spend the early innings feeling each other out and gathering information.
Who would have thought Inashiro would come out swinging?
First, Narumiya revealed a brand-new weapon.
Then, their catcher boldly called for three consecutive outside pitches against Haruichi.
They were clearly trying to seize control of the game from the very beginning.
"This isn't good."
Ochiai Hiromitsu stroked his mustache thoughtfully.
"If this keeps up, Inashiro may take the initiative completely."
"It's fine."
Takashima Rei adjusted her glasses.
"Miyuki is up next."
Beside them, Coach Kataoka looked toward Kanzaki Ryou, who was preparing in the on-deck circle.
"Can you do it?"
Kanzaki smiled.
"As long as they don't walk me."
Coach Kataoka nodded.
"It's up to you. Take back the momentum."
"Yes, Coach."
—
On the field, Miyuki stepped into the batter's box wearing his usual gentle smile.
To Narumiya Mei, however, that smile looked more irritating than ever.
Damn Kazuya.
You want to hit my pitches?
Dream on.
No runners.
Two outs.
Seido's cleanup threat was waiting behind him.
This was the perfect opportunity for Inashiro to establish dominance.
At least for now, the momentum had shifted in their favor.
"Play ball!"
The umpire's voice echoed.
Immediately, Tadano Itsuki gave the sign.
Fast.
Decisive.
Aggressive.
Those were the defining traits of his game-calling.
And with Narumiya's full trust and cooperation, he could execute his ideas without hesitation.
Miyuki Kazuya.
Power hitter.
Capable of sending any mistake over the fence.
His bat control was excellent.
But what truly made him dangerous was his ability to read pitchers and predict sequences.
Trying to outsmart someone like Miyuki was a losing battle.
Tadano understood that.
So he chose a different approach.
No tricks.
No hesitation.
Meet him head-on.
Besides—
That was exactly the kind of baseball Narumiya loved.
On the mound, Narumiya quickly nodded after seeing the sign.
A confident grin spread across his face.
Whoosh!
The baseball screamed toward home plate.
Miyuki didn't move.
SMACK!
"Strike!"
An inside high fastball.
Miyuki watched it bury itself in the catcher's mitt.
So you're really going there?
Interesting.
A spark appeared in his eyes.
He looked directly at Narumiya.
Come on, Mei.
Throw it again.
Narumiya raised his chin smugly.
His expression practically screamed:
If you want to hit it, then try.
Whoosh!
SMACK!
"Strike Two!"
Miyuki swung and missed.
The count immediately shifted against him.
Tadano returned the ball and crouched again.
Without hesitation, he flashed the next sign.
Narumiya's eyes glinted.
Whoosh!
The third pitch came flying in.
Miyuki attacked.
SWISH!
SMACK!
"Strike Three!"
"Batter out!"
"Side retired!"
Changeup.
Standing in the on-deck circle, Kanzaki frowned slightly.
What is Inashiro planning?
A Changeup this early?
Were they really prepared to reveal everything from the opening inning?
Just then, Narumiya turned toward him.
Their eyes met.
Narumiya raised his chin proudly, the corners of his mouth curling upward.
The picture-perfect smug face of victory.
Kanzaki's lips twitched.
Who said this little blondie had matured?
The moment he gained an advantage, he immediately started showing off.
—
"Nice pitching, Ace!"
"That's how it's done!"
"Three up, three down!"
"Mei!"
"Keep it up!"
The Inashiro supporters erupted with excitement.
Against Seido's lineup, only Narumiya Mei could create this kind of pressure.
Three batters.
Three outs.
Seido hadn't experienced a start like this in a very long time.
Back in the dugout, Kanzaki immediately put on his glove.
"Let's go."
He stood up and headed for the field.
"Since Inashiro is being so sincere, we can't be too polite either."
Miyuki, who had just been struck out, began putting on his catcher's gear.
"Don't rush. It's only the first inning."
"Hmph."
Kuramochi snorted.
"The guy who just got struck out shouldn't be talking."
"Hehe."
Miyuki shrugged.
"I honestly wasn't expecting the Changeup."
Tadano had called for it so early that even he had been caught off guard.
—
Bottom of the first inning.
Inashiro Industrial's offense.
As Kanzaki Ryou stepped onto the mound, Seido's supporters immediately erupted.
"Kanzaki!"
"Show them who's boss!"
"We're counting on you!"
"Overlord!"
"Crush them!"
"Miyuki! Getting struck out is fine! Just support the Ace!"
The comment was loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.
"Hahahaha!"
Kanzaki burst out laughing on the mound.
Miyuki's eyebrow twitched.
That fan had excellent timing.
—
"Bottom of the first inning."
"Inashiro Industrial at bat."
"Leading off, center fielder, Carlos!"
An old rival.
Carlos stepped into the batter's box, eyes locked on Kanzaki.
Three-time Koshien champion.
Come on.
Let me see your pitching again.
Compared to most opponents, Carlos appeared remarkably calm.
The countless battles between them had already erased any sense of intimidation.
"Hit one out, Carlos!"
"Use your speed!"
"Get on base!"
The crowd was already roaring before the first pitch.
"Yo."
Miyuki greeted him casually from behind the plate.
Carlos simply nodded.
"Mm."
On the mound, Kanzaki lowered his center of gravity slightly.
A cold glint flashed across his eyes.
This wasn't Seikou.
There was no anger.
No desire for revenge.
Only focus.
Absolute focus.
Against Inashiro Industrial, even the slightest lapse could be fatal.
Miyuki gave the sign.
Outside high fastball.
Carlos handles inside pitches exceptionally well.
Let's establish the outer half first.
Got it.
Kanzaki nodded.
Carlos possessed long arms and excellent plate coverage, but he was especially dangerous on inside pitches.
Attacking the outside corner first would make future sequencing much easier.
The next moment, Kanzaki lifted his leg.
Sunlight reflected off his perfectly balanced frame.
For an instant, he looked like a sculpture carved from stone.
Then—
BOOM!
The baseball exploded from his hand like a shell leaving a cannon.
The white streak tore through the air.
Carlos had already committed.
Having faced Kanzaki so many times, he knew one thing:
Against this pitcher, guessing was mandatory.
If he waited to react, he would always be late.
Outside!
Carlos swung toward the low-outside corner.
SMACK!
"Strike!"
His eyes widened slightly.
Outside high fastball.
He guessed wrong.
Still, Carlos calmly pulled the bat back and reset his stance.
The battle had only just begun.