Sixth inning rolls around, and it's a total wipeout.
Hachiya Oji's offense? Just going through the motions against Seidō's rookie.
Everyone knows they're not scoring, so the game's practically over.
You could see the frustration eating at them.
They'd been grinding for ages, finally seeing some results, about to break records, and now this.
The disappointment was so heavy, it was almost enough to make them quit right there.
That's when Natsume, their Ace, steps up. bowing deeply to his coach and teammates. "I'm sorry, everyone," he breathed out remorsefully.
His teammates are stunned.
Yeah, They're getting stomped, but he's the only reason they're even still in the game. Nobody could blame him.
"I said I wouldn't let them score. But look at the scoreboard—" Natsume's knuckles were white from clenching his fist so hard.
"Today I realized I'm not all that. The next games might be worse; I might give up even more runs."
He choked up a little. "But even so, I gotta ask: let's fight till the end, okay? Even if we can't win, I'm not gonna let those Seidō guys have it easy." His eyes blaze with a new intensity.
Hearing the fire in his words, his teammates felt a jolt of energy.
Yeah, Seidō might be crushing their dreams, but they're not going down without a fight.
They might be a top team, but they're still just high schoolers.
"Let's get 'em!" one player yelled, all pumped up.
"I ain't buying that Seidō's that much better than us," another declared, standing tall and puffing out his chest.
Hachiya Oji, outta nowhere, gets their mojo back, leavin' the Seidō players scratchin' their heads.
"Where'd that come from?" one of them muttered, rubbing his head in disbelief.
Just then, Takigawa, the team's main catcher, chimes in: "Whatever they do, we got one job: finish this game!"
Takumi's antics might've ruffled Coach Kataoka's feathers, but the die was cast. No use crying over spilled milk.
"Since we're here, let's go all the way. Show 'em what we got," Kataoka instructed sternly.
He wasn't just talking about Hachiya Oji.
Ichidaisan and Inashiro were watching from the stands.
This game was just a warm-up; the real battle was with their two biggest rivals.
"Yes, coach!" the team roared back, their focus snapping into place.
Takigawa strode to the plate, bat held high, his gaze locked on Natsume.
The pitch came in, and Takigawa swung hard.
Ping!
The bat smacks the ball, he can feel the pitch tailin' off.
Natsume was running on fumes, but his pitches still had bite. You had to respect that kind of grit.
Takigawa was up against him for the third time, already knowing what to expect.
He'd analyzed his opponent inside and out. Knew exactly what pitch was coming.
It was like having the cheat codes to the test—you already know you're gonna win!
The ball rocketed off his bat, way out into the outfield.
Hachiya Oji tried to get it back quick, but Takigawa was already sliding into second.
No outs, runner on second base.
Up in the stands, a reporter with a sun hat observed with a knowing smile. "Seidō's about to bring the heat, folks!"
They'd already given a taste of it last inning, but Hachiya Oji pulled off an amazing double play and shut them down.
Otherwise, the game might've been over then and there.
Now, Seidō was just picking up where they left off, like nothing happened.
Easier said than done, but only a few teams can really pull this off.
Seidō is one of them. Their lineup is strong from top to bottom.
Next up, Takumi, batting seventh.
He already got everyone talking with his crazy batting average.
Plus, he threw that insane spiral ball that blew everyone's minds.
All eyes were on him now.
Seidō's fans watched with anticipation, eager to see what he'd do.
And he didn't disappoint.
He stepped into the box, ready to go.
Watching Natsume, Takumi used his Sharingan to instantly know where the pitch would go.
He didn't need to analyze like Takigawa; he simply saw it.
The ball whistled through the air.
He tightened his grip, eyes blazing.
"Now," he murmured, bracing himself.
As the ball neared, he lunged, swinging with everything he had.
Ping!
The ball shot high into the air.
Hachiya Oji was stunned, and even Seidō's players gaped in disbelief.
"Since when could he hit like that?" one of them questioned, utterly flabbergasted.
It wasn't a home run, but it flew far, landing deep in the outfield.
The Hachiya Oji player scrambled, but it was too late.
Takumi was rounding first, heading for second, and Takigawa was already crossing home plate.
"Safe!"
"Seidō scores their fourth run!"