Strikeout!
For the players and supporters of Seido High School, Zhou Hao's pitching performance had set their blood on fire.
Throughout the game, he had completely suppressed the core batters of Osaka Kiryu High School, who—aside from scoring a single run at the very beginning—had been powerless against his Spiral ball.
Even now, simply watching Zhou Hao pitch left the star players of Osaka Kiryu sighing in admiration.
Seido's supporters wanted to cheer wildly, but the scoreboard told a harsher story.
The top of the ninth inning had ended, and Seido still had half an inning of offense. Yet they trailed 2–3. A single run deficit meant the difference between hope and despair.
The fans' reactions reflected this tension. Seido's supporters cheered cautiously, while Osaka Kiryu's fans shouted relentlessly:
"Out! Out!!!"
Their team was only three outs away from victory.
In the Seido dugout, Coach Kataoka kept his gaze calm.
"You've performed well so far. Keep playing like this."
The batters were fired up. They didn't need encouragement; they needed composure. Kataoka's job was to ensure that, even under pressure, they didn't lose their cool.
"Yes!"
The first to step up: Matsumoto, Seido's shortstop and leadoff hitter.
His eyes were locked on Kuroda. Earlier, in the bottom of the eighth, Kuroda had changed his pitching strategy. Matsumoto had prepared: If I can just make contact, I'll run no matter what!
But as Kuroda began his motion, the air seemed to thicken. The high-speed Straight ball came hurtling toward Matsumoto.
Boom!
The ball flew past in a flash. Matsumoto gritted his teeth. Wasn't the Ace of Osaka Kiryu tired yet?
Clang!
Strike!
The electronic scoreboard displayed the speed: 153 km/h.
The other Seido players felt their scalps tingle.
"Impossible…"
Kuroda had rested during the eighth, adjusted his technique, and now threw at peak speed again.
The commentator, who had been cheering for Seido, swallowed hard.
This opponent is too strong…
Boom!Clang!
Strike! Strike! Strikeout!
One out. No one on base.
Osaka Kiryu's supporters cheered with tears in their eyes.
"Our Ace hasn't lost a step! The freshman won't beat him!"
Two outs remained before facing Yuki and Azuma. Matsumoto was done for. Kuroda's control had separated Seido's key batters, and Osaka Kiryu's victory seemed all but certain.
Kataoka's calm smile never wavered. He knew Seido was strong, but strength alone wouldn't guarantee victory.
Then, the second batter stepped into the box: Zhou Hao.
Kuroda on the mound was unwavering. Despite retiring Zhou Hao three times already, he never underestimated the rookie's batting.
Technically, this kid is far behind me… but in raw power? I won't lose.
Kuroda threw decisively.
Boom!
Zhou Hao's Sharingan immediately tracked the ball's rotation and speed. He saw every subtle cue—but didn't flinch.
Clang!
The ball slammed into the catcher's mitt. 151 km/h.
The Osaka Kiryu supporters erupted.
"One more push!"
Zhou Hao's eyes were calm, yet sharp. He had faced Kuroda multiple times today. Each time, the bat had met the ball, but the outcome was the same: Seido returned empty-handed. Controlled, shut down, unable to make an impact.
But this time felt different.
Through the Sharingan, Zhou Hao could see the pitch, the spin, the trajectory—and for the first time, he felt he could control where the baseball would go once hit.
How is this possible?
Kuroda's speed hadn't decreased. Zhou Hao hadn't received any physical enhancements. Yet suddenly, a clear plan formed in his mind.
A spark of inspiration hit him.
So that's it!
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