Compared to Yakushi High School, Kaido High School's batting lineup was every bit as formidable, while their pitching depth was on an entirely different level.
Faced with such an overwhelming opponent, the players were stunned. For a moment, their minds went blank. No one could think of a reliable strategy to defeat Kaido and continue their march toward the national championship.
Fortunately, after being shocked repeatedly throughout the day, everyone had built up some resistance. They quickly regained their composure.
"Akaishi, we've already seen Naoki Enomoto pitch today, but is that other guy, Mayumura Ken, really as good as you say?" Nakanishi Daiki still found it hard to believe that one team could have two pitchers capable of rivaling Narumiya Mei.
"To be honest, I can't say for certain," Akaishi Osamu admitted. "No team has managed to push Kaido High School hard enough to reveal all of their cards. But rumors don't appear out of nowhere. Even if the reports are exaggerated, it's safer to assume they're true."
The room fell silent once again.
Everyone lowered their heads, desperately searching for a way to improve Yakushi's chances of victory.
Finally, Kitamura Kou broke the silence.
"If we want to win, we absolutely cannot let this game go into extra innings."
The room immediately focused on him.
"Our pitching depth is too thin. Sanada-senpai is still injured and can't pitch for long. Against Kaido's lineup, he probably won't last more than three innings before reaching his limit."
Sanada remained silent, but no one disagreed.
"Meanwhile, Kaido's pitching staff is absurdly deep. If the game drags on, they'll simply wear us down. Even if we somehow force a draw and get a replay, our chances in the second game would be even worse."
Kitamura enjoyed challenging strong opponents, but he wasn't reckless. If there was a smarter path to victory, he would gladly take it.
"Kaido's tactics are extremely flexible," Watanabe Tatsuya added. "They can play small ball like Hakuryu, steal bases aggressively, and force runs with bunts. Or they can swing for the fences and overwhelm opponents with pure power. They're difficult to predict and even harder to defend against."
Sanada Shunpei nodded.
"With my current condition, and considering the tactics Hakuryu used today, I can't guarantee scoreless innings once runners reach base. Kaido's hitters are even stronger than Hakuryu's. Holding them down won't be easy."
His expression darkened slightly.
"But if I get the ball, I'll give everything I have."
Everyone could hear the frustration in his voice.
He wanted to stand on the mound and challenge the strongest opponents himself.
After all, they were only two wins away from the championship.
Akiba Kazuma then raised another concern.
"Even if we manage to limit the runs we allow, how are we supposed to score?"
Everyone looked toward him.
"Teams nowadays will do anything to win. If Kaido copies Hakuryu's strategy and intentionally walks Kitamura every time, what do we do? And Raichi is still..."
His gaze shifted toward Todoroki Raichi, who remained curled up in a corner.
"If Raichi doesn't recover, our offense loses at least thirty percent of its firepower. Maybe more."
"He's right," Akaishi agreed immediately. "Raichi's production at the plate is one thing, but the pressure he puts on opposing pitchers is just as important."
Instantly, everyone's eyes turned toward Raichi.
"Raichi!"
Mishima Yuta glared at him.
"What's wrong with you? You're nothing like the guy I know."
"The Raichi I know gets excited whenever he sees a strong pitcher."
"Isn't Kaido exactly the kind of team you've always wanted to face? One game against multiple elite pitchers with completely different styles!"
His voice grew harsher.
"If you don't snap out of it soon, Coach might not even let you take the field at Koshien!"
Despite everyone's attempts to encourage him, Raichi kept his head lowered and remained silent.
No one knew what to do anymore.
In the end, all eyes shifted toward Todoroki Raizo.
"Enough."
Raizo rubbed his forehead.
"Let my idiot son sort himself out for now."
His expression made it clear that Kaido High School was giving him a massive headache.
"I've noted all of your concerns. Does anyone have anything else to add? Any suggestions?"
The players exchanged glances.
No one spoke.
The time was simply too short.
Seeing that nobody had anything further to say, Raizo began assigning tasks.
"Akaishi, Watanabe, and Sanada."
The three immediately straightened up.
"Review every recording we have of Kaido's games. Study their hitters carefully and see if you can identify any weaknesses."
"Understood!"
"Mishima, Akiba, and Nakanishi."
"Yes!"
"Focus on Kaido's pitching staff. Analyze each pitcher's strengths, habits, and weaknesses. Find anything we can exploit."
"Got it!"
"The rest of you help wherever you can."
"Yes, Coach!"
Finally, Raizo turned toward Kitamura Kou.
"Kitamura."
"Yes?"
"Your workload will be heavier than everyone else's. You'll be helping both groups."
Kitamura simply nodded.
Then Raizo asked:
"By the way, how much do you know about the bullet fastball? More importantly... can you throw one?"
Kitamura's eyes immediately lit up.
"I understand the theory behind it, but I've never practiced it before. My time is limited, and I can't master everything."
A grin appeared on his face.
"That said... I'm pretty interested in it. I could probably start studying it tonight."
"Absolutely not!"
Raizo waved both hands frantically.
This was the middle of a Koshien championship run.
The last thing he wanted was for Kitamura to suddenly start experimenting with a new pitch and accidentally ruin the devastating fastball that had brought them this far.
Such things had happened before.
Kitamura curled his lips in dissatisfaction.
Clearly, he thought Raizo was overreacting.
As for whether he would secretly study it anyway...
Only Kitamura himself knew the answer.