After the pause, Kanetsu-Norin High School showed a vibrant and energetic momentum.
They had a strong presence, and it seemed that even if they were facing the formidable Seidou High School baseball team, they wouldn't be intimidated at all.
"This is truly an interesting team!"
In Seidou High School's baseball team's resting area, Miyuki said with a sense of admiration.
Sawamura had already taken his position, waiting for his turn to bat. It would be his turn next.
Miyuki also began to slowly stretch his body, preparing to go on the field.
On the mound, Hoshitaru looked at Kuramochi, who had strayed far from the base, with a rather strange expression on his face.
This was too reckless!
Kuramochi clearly intended to steal the base, and Kominato, who was in the Batter's Box, also looked highly unsettled.
He had even adopted a bunt stance.
Though it wasn't certain that he would actually bunt, Hoshitaru had to consider that possibility.
The first and second batters for the Seidou High School baseball team were always feared for their synergy.
What should he do?
Although they had already solved the morale issue of his teammates, there were still crises to address.
Right now, facing the eager Kuramochi and Kominato, Hoshitaru was struggling to figure out what the Seidou High School baseball team was planning.
What did they want to do?
Steal the base directly, or execute a hit-and-run? Or was there some other intention?
If he misjudged, it could lead to disastrous consequences.
This kind of tense feeling, where one misstep could lead to everything falling apart, made Hoshitaru sweat with anxiety.
But he didn't dislike this feeling. It was only in such situations that he truly realized where he was and what kind of opponent he was up against.
He was standing on the Koshien field, competing against the legendary Seidou High School baseball team.
Such a match was undoubtedly intense and thrilling. One small mistake could lead to losing everything.
Roaar!
Kuramochi had strayed too far from the base, and Hoshitaru could no longer ignore it.
Even if he wasn't sure about catching Kuramochi, he had no choice but to make a move to at least limit his distance from the base.
Almost at the moment, Hoshitaru acted, Kuramochi leaped back like a hunting cheetah.
Before the ball reached the first baseman, Kuramochi's hand had already touched the base.
"SAFE!"
The umpire at first base made the call.
Kanetsu-Norin High School's attempt at a pickoff seemed to fail.
But to Hoshitaru, it wasn't a failure.
The effect had already been achieved. Kuramochi hadn't been as reckless as before when he left the base.
With his eyes on Kuramochi, Hoshitaru saw that he wasn't making any further moves and began his pitch.
He drew back his arm and threw the ball with lightning speed.
During this process, he had considered the possibility of Kuramochi stealing the base.
After weighing the risks, he concluded that even if Kuramochi did steal the base, they would still have a good chance of handling it.
'Let's try it out!'
'Would Seidou High School's "Cheetah" prove to be superior, or would these wild grass show more resilience?'
Just as Hoshitaru had guessed, as soon as he began his pitch, Kuramochi sprinted toward second base.
Since Hoshitaru's game footage was limited, and in the few games where he pitched, no batter had reached base, it had inadvertently concealed some of their data.
For example, very few people knew Kanetsu-Norin High School's pickoff speed.
Kuramochi himself didn't know either.
But he had his pride. With his speed, 99% of teams nationwide couldn't stop him from reaching second base.
Although he didn't know Kanetsu-Norin's pickoff speed, it didn't matter. He could take the gamble.
And theoretically, his chances of winning the bet were much higher than losing.
So, he boldly made his move.
He raced forward like a speeding cheetah, becoming a blur of blue light.
Seeing Kuramochi move, Kominato quickly pulled back his bat.
He had great confidence in his senior's speed.
If possible, he hoped Kuramochi could reach second base first before he bunted to walk.
That way, the Seidou High School baseball team would almost certainly secure a run.
"Don't underestimate us!"
The impudent action from the Seidou High School baseball team infuriated the catcher, Kuchiki.
Seidou was no longer just being arrogant; they were being utterly reckless.
They completely disregarded Kanetsu-Norin High School.
Kanetsu-Norin, as their opponent, was naturally unwilling to accept this.
After receiving the ball, Kuchiki quickly passed it to second base.
Boom!
Kanetsu-Norin's second baseman was quick to receive it.
Since the pitcher and catcher had anticipated the play, their movements were fast.
By the time the ball reached the second baseman, Kuramochi had only reached the vicinity of second base and hadn't yet stepped on it.
'Nice!'
The second baseman was pleased.
Although he didn't manage to catch the ball directly on the base, the position was still good enough.
At least he could block Kuramochi!
He raised his mitt, preparing to tag Kuramochi out.
But Kuramochi didn't try to avoid it. He charged straight at the mitt coming his way.
As the mitt was about to touch him, Kuramochi suddenly ducked, narrowly avoiding the angle of the mitt.
Then, in an incredible twist, he slid past the second baseman's block.
"SAFE!!"
And successfully reached second base.
The audience in the stands, who had witnessed this moment, were left stunned.
"It was incredible!!!"
"What was that just now?"
"It was almost like watching an exciting fight."
"The dodging and maneuvering angles were incredible."
"Who was that player just now? His performance was amazing!"
"You don't recognize him? He's the starting first batter for the Seidou High School baseball team, known as the 'Cheetah with Lightning Legs,' Kuramochi."
What did they just see?
Although his previous performances were good, with some spectacular moments, it always felt like he was just missing a bit of something.
When compared to those strong star players, Kuramochi seemed to lack that certain flair.
But now, things were different!
Even though he still hadn't achieved the same dominant results as other star players, the qualities he displayed during his stolen base attempt were enough to make anyone take notice.
He was truly strong!
The audience in the stands was stunned for a while, before erupting into deafening applause.
They applauded Kuramochi's spectacular performance and were happy they came to see this game. It was far more exciting than they had anticipated.
In Seidou High School's bullpen, the teammates were enthusiastically cheering for Kuramochi.
Since Kuramochi had successfully reached second base, the possibility of Seidou High scoring increased significantly.
His teammates were even more excited.
At this moment, Coach Kataoka took action and signaled Kominato Haruichi at the Batter's Box to attempt a bunt.
The opponents weren't easy.
They'd score one point first!
And every turn they will increase their lead like that, putting pressure on the opponent and making more room for themselves.
With the Demon King, Sawamura, standing on the mound for Seidou High, Coach Kataoka was quite confident.
They could go head-to-head in a pitching duel; in the end, the opponents wouldn't win.
With this mindset, Coach Kataoka quickly took action.
Seeing the signal from Kataoka, Kominato Haruichi adopted a bunt stance.
The teammates had practiced this strategy countless times during training.
They had already anticipated various possibilities.
When Kominato went for the bunt, there were only two likely scenarios.
One was that the bunt wouldn't be successful, and the ball wouldn't land in an ideal spot. Even so, if the ball dropped to the ground, Kuramochi should be able to advance to third base.
The other possibility was that the bunt would land perfectly.
In this case, Kominato would even have a good chance of reaching base.
If the opponents let him reach base, fine. If they tried to stop him, during the throw to first base, Kuramochi might even have a chance to circle the bases and return home.
This strategy had been rehearsed many times by the Seidou High team.
They had also used it several times in actual games.
They were confident.
Since they were so well-practiced, they weren't afraid of any tricks from the opponents.
At this point, Kominato's bunt was an open secret!
Since it was an open strategy, they weren't afraid of the opponents knowing.
And even if the opponents did know, what could they do?
If they had a way to stop it, let them try.
"Truly the king, so domineering!"
The Kanetsu-Norin High School players didn't have a good counter to Seidou High's overwhelming strength.
On the pitcher's mound, Hoshitaru felt the pressure.
'It is heavy!'
He even felt like he couldn't breathe.
Every action from Seidou High's players had a strong purpose.
Even if he could guess their intentions, it wouldn't be easy to stop them with his team's strength.
But this didn't mean they would only watch Seidou do their bidding.
Just as Seidou High thought they had gained a huge advantage.
Their opponents didn't give up.
They fought back and succeeded.
PAAK!
The highly skilled Kominato made an error during the bunt.
The baseball bounced high after hitting the bat.
Kuchiki, the catcher, easily caught the ball in his Mitt.
Snap!
"OUT!"
Kominato was Out.
Kuramochi, now on second base, wasn't in a better position.
The bunt was caught, and his stolen base attempt was stopped.
One Out, with a runner on second.
Seidou High's almost guaranteed scoring chance ended just like that.
The audience in the stands lamented.
"Such a shame..."
"It's too early to say that, don't forget the next batter is Sawamura. Besides being called the Demon King, he has another nickname."
...