The game entered the top of the seventh inning.
The score on the scoreboard remained 0:0.
Zhou Hao's super high–speed pitching had ignited the entire stadium. Fans in the stands waved everything they could get their hands on, their excitement surging to its peak.
Amid this atmosphere, the game moved into the bottom of the seventh inning.
"The decisive moment has arrived!"
Reporters in the stands spoke almost in unison.
From their perspective, the outcome of this game would soon be revealed.
"It all depends on whether Shirazawa can withstand the third round of offense from Seido High School's core heavy hitters!"
Before the players stepped onto the field, Coach Kataoka gathered the team together, his expression solemn.
The players fell silent.
"You've all seen our opponent's condition," Kataoka said, lifting his head to look at his players.
"Just one run. Get one run at all costs. If Zhou Hao gets on base, play around him. If he forces an error, swing with everything you've got."
At this stage of the game, even Coach Kataoka believed it was time to decide a winner.
This was Seido's baseball.
"Yes!"
The First String players of Seido High School responded in unison.
Since the coach had given the order, they would see it through—no matter the cost.
The bottom of the seventh inning was their chance.
On the other side, Seibo High School's coach and players looked as if they were facing a great enemy.
Seido believed their opportunity had arrived.
But Seibo wasn't foolish either.
They could sense it just as clearly—the true battle between the two teams was about to begin.
No matter the final result, they would fight until the very last out.
"Shirazawa!"
"Shirazawa-senpai!"
Everyone on Seibo's side knew who the key figure in this showdown was.
"My condition is great today, and my luck's on my side," Shirazawa said with a relaxed smile.
"Don't worry. I won't let them score."
He wasn't boasting.
On any other day, Shirazawa wouldn't dare claim he could suppress Seido's heavy hitters.
But today was different.
His form was excellent—almost frighteningly so.
If anyone was going to be unlucky today, it would be Seido.
Bottom of the Seventh Inning
Seidou on offense
No outs, no runners.
A gentle female voice echoed through the stadium speakers.
"Second batter, pitcher—Zhou Hao!"
The moment Zhou Hao stepped into the batter's box, the stadium fell silent.
His presence alone carried immense pressure.
Both Seido and Seibo supporters understood one thing clearly:
The direction of this game depended heavily on Zhou Hao.
Shirazawa knew it better than anyone.
Standing on the mound, he stared straight at Zhou Hao.
Even knowing Zhou Hao's terrifying batting ability, Shirazawa still wanted to defeat him here.
If he could shut down Zhou Hao, Seido's morale would take a massive hit.
Perhaps Seibo could seize a chance to score afterward.
Of course, Shirazawa knew just how difficult this task was.
Seido had faced similar crises countless times before—and always pushed through.
Still, Shirazawa never lacked the courage to challenge.
He set his stance and fired the ball decisively.
The first breaking ball failed.
The second was barely effective.
So Shirazawa made his choice.
The third breaking ball.
"Swish!"
The baseball cut through the air.
Zhou Hao raised an eyebrow the instant he saw it.
Even with his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, this pitch caused a moment of hesitation.
A phantom.
The white blur passed by as Zhou Hao held his swing.
"Thwack!"
"Strike!"
Zhou Hao didn't swing.
That single moment sent a surge of hope through Seibo's supporters.
"Did Seido's ace hesitate?"
"That's right—Shirazawa is the strongest!"
Even Seibo's fans had been shaken by Zhou Hao's terrifying reputation.
Was Zhou Hao above the nation's three superstar pitchers?
They didn't want to think about it.
They didn't need to.
As long as their ace won, that was enough.
On the mound, Shirazawa quietly exhaled.
Even he was surprised by his condition today.
Against Zhou Hao—especially as a breaking-ball pitcher—victory was never easy.
His Speed of Light Beam wasn't enough to fully suppress Zhou Hao.
The last time they faced each other, Zhou Hao had crushed it using sheer rotational power.
This time, Shirazawa chose differently.
The third breaking ball.
As long as it didn't miss, it was unbeatable.
"Swish!"
The second pitch came immediately.
Zhou Hao swung decisively.
"Ping!"
The ball flew foul.
"Foul ball!"
One strike, one foul.
The dugout grew tense.
If even Zhou Hao couldn't break through…
Chris clenched his fists.
If the game went into extra innings, Seido would be at a disadvantage.
Zhou Hao couldn't maintain this pitching condition forever.
Ending the game within nine innings was their only acceptable outcome.
Meanwhile, Zhou Hao remained calm.
Third breaking ball… phantom…
Even with his Sharingan, it couldn't be fully replicated at once.
But Zhou Hao wasn't panicking.
He analyzed the pitch repeatedly.
Then—
Shirazawa threw again.
Phantom.
Zhou Hao stepped forward.
Time slowed.
The baseball's rotation became clear.
Before it entered the strike zone—
Zhou Hao swung with everything he had.
"BOOM!"
The sound stunned everyone.
Oishibashi froze.
"That swing… it shouldn't be able to—"
"Ping!"
The bat made contact.
Not the sweet spot—
But enough.
The ball rocketed forward, bounced, and shot past the outfield.
No one could stop it.
"Safe!"
Zhou Hao slid into second base.
No outs. Runner on second.
The commentator nearly lost his voice.
"Zhou Hao does it! A clean double!"
"Seido's core hitters have finally broken through!"
Shock rippled through Seibo's side.
Their unbeatable ace—hit?
Meanwhile, Seido erupted.
The next batter stepped up.
Yuki Tetsuya and Azuma Kiyokuni.
The meaning of this moment was obvious.
"Yuki!"
"Zhou Hao!"
In the stands, Kuramochi and the others stared in awe.
"As expected of Zhou Hao…"
"That pitch was terrifying—and he still hit it!"
On the mound, Shirazawa steadied himself.
He signaled Oishibashi.
The catcher's heart shook.
Now? Here?
Shirazawa nodded firmly.
"We have to."