Nishi Kaze Retsu chose a bases-loaded strategy, and Zhang Han was walked to first base.
This decision stirred strong emotions in the Seido High School Baseball Team's dugout.
"It's already the second time," Manager Ota said with feeling. "In terms of walks, Zhang-kun has become the second most-walked player on the team, right behind Kiyokuni."
When Zhang Han first joined the team, many people were amazed by his performance.
Manager Ota was one of them.
Over the past few months, they had personally witnessed Zhang Han's growth. So much so that when Coach Kataoka finally promoted Zhang Han, not a single person in the team raised an objection.
Everyone believed he deserved it.
His performance was more than enough to live up to Coach Kataoka's high regard.
At the time, some people predicted that Zhang Han's performance in the Summer Tournament would shock his opponents.
Looking at the situation now, that prediction was not wrong at all.
Zhang Han's performance had truly met everyone's expectations.
In just three games, he had already shaken the entire Tokyo baseball scene.
He was outstanding.
"The Aoyama players are quite calm."
"Zhang Han's hitting ability is obvious to everyone. On top of that, Aoyama knows almost nothing about him, so it's not surprising they made this choice."
"Compared to runners on first and third, a bases-loaded situation is actually easier to defend. They also avoid facing Zhang Han directly. Aoyama's decision is reasonable—actually, it's quite good."
Players from other schools who had come specifically to watch the game spoke highly of Aoyama High School's performance.
They almost unanimously agreed that Nishi Kaze Retsu's decision was calm and decisive.
In fact, this indirectly proved something quite frightening.
Without realizing it, the first-year Zhang Han had already earned the recognition of scouts and strong teams across Tokyo.
They all believed that Zhang Han was dangerous.
Unless forced into desperation, facing him head-on simply wasn't worth it.
"Amazing."
A reporter holding a small notebook scribbled down everything he heard.
If Zhang Han could gain recognition from so many knowledgeable people, then his strength was beyond doubt.
Coupled with his status as an international student and looks good enough for a magazine cover, this might even become a massive headline.
The seventh batter stepping up was Tanba, who had replaced Isashiki Jun.
Although Nishi Kaze Retsu and his teammates didn't know much about Tanba's hitting ability, his records were easy to check.
His pitching was average, and his batting was even worse.
One out. Bases loaded.
The score stood at 2–1.
Although Aoyama High School had very little chance left, no one could say anything was truly decided until the final out.
From Seido's perspective, the sooner they ended the game, the better.
After all, Ichidai Third High School's players were still watching from the stands.
Their director and core members were probably already thinking about the next match.
The atmosphere was tense. The rhythm was tight. Under such pressure, players' abilities would inevitably be affected. And Tanba's hitting ability was never strong to begin with.
The outcome was predictable.
"Ping!"
The ball was barely clipped and floated high into the air.
Aoyama's second baseman caught it effortlessly.
"Thwack!"
"Out!"
Seido's advantage was largely neutralized.
The situation became two outs, bases loaded.
If the next batter failed to hit, the offensive momentum Seido had painstakingly built would collapse in an instant.
"Aoyama is really tenacious."
"It looks like Seido won't be able to end this game early."
Spectators in the stands discussed animatedly.
They unanimously praised Aoyama High School's performance—especially Nishi Kaze Retsu.
His play in this game had already reached the level of a top-tier catcher in Tokyo.
Perhaps it wasn't obvious yet, but by next summer, his name would undoubtedly become a headache for powerhouse teams.
Even now, hadn't he already caused Seido plenty of trouble?
Two outs. Bases loaded.
This was a peculiar and extremely critical situation.
Whoever survived this moment would control the flow of the game.
"Eighth batter, catcher, Miyuki Kazuya."
Miyuki stepped into the batter's box.
Fans watching couldn't help but feel happy for Aoyama. Their luck seemed unbelievable.
With the bases loaded, they had first faced Tanba, a weak hitter, and now they faced a first-year rookie catcher.
Yes, this rookie was excellent defensively. His performance as a catcher was extremely professional—better than many third-year players.
But his batting?
It was nothing special. So far, he had only recorded two or three hits in the entire tournament.
Compared to fellow rookie Zhang Han, he was completely incomparable.
On the mound, Kujo quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Nishi Kaze Retsu kept reminding him to stay cautious, especially in critical moments, Kujo still relaxed slightly.
Of course, he didn't realize it himself.
In his mind, he had already given everything in every confrontation so far.
"I've never been careless," he thought.
Facing Miyuki, Kujo delivered a pitch faster than any he had thrown before.
In the batter's box, Miyuki looked harmless, like a lamb. His expression was slightly confused as the ball flew toward him.
It worked.
His act successfully fooled Nishi Kaze Retsu.
Rookies were still rookies—not everyone was Zhang Han.
This out seemed guaranteed.
Next, they would need to think about how to continue fighting Seido with the score still at 2–1.
They had already allowed too many runners this inning. Even if they escaped without giving up runs, the situation was unfavorable.
Just as Nishi Kaze Retsu was thinking this, a bat suddenly appeared in front of him.
Miyuki, who had looked slow and unresponsive, swung.
"Ping!"
The bat struck the ball cleanly, sending it flying deep.
The ball landed behind the first baseman for an extra-base hit.
Azuma Kiyokuni, Yuuki Tetsuya, and Zhang Han all raced home in succession.
Three runs scored.
The scoreboard changed to 5–1.
Seido High School Baseball Team now led by four runs.
************************************
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