The game continued.
The score was 1:0.
Two Outs, no one on base.
Standing in the Batter's Box at this moment was the one player in Seidou High School, second only to Sawamura in terms of presence—Miyuki.
Miyuki Kazuya is known as the high school's best catcher.
Because of Sawamura's fame, Miyuki's title as the best catcher faced some skepticism.
Though he had the best record among all catchers in previous matches, one should never forget that his partner was the Great Demon King Sawamura. Even if a pig were teamed up with Sawamura, it could become a world champion.
Of course, that was a joke!
But it was clear what some people were thinking.
Many players didn't believe their own strength was worse than that of Seidou's players.
It was just that their luck hadn't been as good as Seidou's players.
Otherwise, they would have been the ones dominating the nation!
Miyuki, as Sawamura's partner, certainly had a resounding name.
But the impact he faced was also the greatest.
If it weren't for Sawamura's strong performance, would he have had a chance to be the best catcher in the nation?
That's very doubtful.
That said, there was one thing everyone had to admit.
Whether or not Miyuki's title was due to Sawamura's presence, he was undeniably a top-tier player.
When facing off against him, the Osaka Kiryu High School baseball team had to be extra vigilant.
But after being hit by Sawamura's home run, did Osaka Kiryu really have a chance to stop the Seidou High School baseball team?
Did they really have a chance to stop Miyuki?
To be honest.
The likelihood was not very high!
Although Miyuki was a top national star, in some ways, he exceeded his partner.
When the opponent encountered difficulty, he not only had no mercy but even enjoyed their misfortune.
This guy was essentially black-hearted and scheming; he was never a nice guy.
And this time was no different!
The entire stadium was filled with fans shouting Sawamura's name, making it feel like the Seidou High School baseball team had completely taken control of the game.
Is that really the case?
'That doesn't matter; as long as the opponents think that way, it's enough.'
'As long as the opponents believe they are in a passive position, they will certainly attempt a counterattack.'
'So, what kind of pitching will they use?'
'It's easy to guess.'
The substitute catcher who has just stepped onto the field is named Takami Hakumatsu.
He's not the second-string catcher on the team.
The data Miyuki had collected earlier likely won't be much help against this sudden newcomer.
What kind of pitch will they throw?
Miyuki has no idea either.
It's not because he's not clever enough; it's just that the information he has at the moment is too sparse, and there's no analytical value in it.
In this situation, how will he confront his opponent?
Miyuki, now the Captain of the national champion team, clearly has experience in this area.
When he can't analyze the opponent's pitching through intelligence, he's left with two strategies.
One is to wait for an opportunity.
He'll engage in a battle with the opponent while trying to figure out their pitching strategy.
As long as he engages in enough pitches, he'll naturally gather the data.
The second option is to rely on instinct for hitting.
Although he's not particularly skilled in this aspect, if he really wanted to, he could do it.
Someone like Miyuki Kazuya is a genius.
On this baseball field, there's nothing he can't do as long as he sets his mind to it.
He will always find a way to make it happen.
The bat is raised high, and Miyuki assumes a battle-ready stance.
In the Seidou High School baseball team's dugout, his teammates hold their breath, eagerly watching their Captain.
Based on their past experience with him, they know that at this moment, Miyuki is fully geared up to take down the opponent!
They trust their captain, knowing that he never holds back when it's time to crush someone.
Not to mention,
Morishita, who was just hit by a home run, probably has never experienced something like this before. He's just had his first official start in high school, and the first time he faces Seidou's ace, Sawamura, he gets hit with a home run!
It's just bad luck.
The reality is harsh—he's up against the great Demon King, Sawamura, in his first official game as a starter.
In this situation, being overwhelmed is completely normal!
The Seidou High School baseball team's players don't doubt that if Morishita doesn't learn from this lesson and faces Sawamura again next time, the blow will be even greater!
Every time Sawamura faces these so-called talented players, the same situation occurs.
The once smooth-sailing, battle-hardened, talented players, after facing Sawamura, find that everything they relied on seems to have no effect.
The gap in strength and talent even makes them question their past careers.
This is the perfect opportunity to kick them when they're down!
Seizing the moment when the opponent is in despair, you strike again!
'Let's go!'
Miyuki really enjoys doing this.
Although he masks it well on the outside, deep down, he's a devil.
Every time he sees a chance to push an opponent down a cliff, he gets immensely delighted!
Previously, when there was a runner on base, Miyuki's batting strength seemed to be enhanced as if he had a cheat code.
He was a true force—an unstoppable machine.
Why does he have this talent?
It's deeply connected to his hidden personality.
As Seidou's Captain, the image he shows to others is naturally inspiring and admirable.
But apart from that, his sharp tongue is also widely known.
Why is he so sharp-tongued?
The reason is simple—he's just that kind of person.
He's devious!
In other words, this guy wearing glasses is a real troublemaker.
Now, when the Osaka Kiryu High School baseball team is at its weakest, how could Miyuki not take the chance to kick them while they're down?
Paak!
Without hesitation, as soon as the ball comes towards him, he swings his bat with all his might.
The bat makes solid contact with the baseball, sending it flying far into the field.
"YEAAH!"
"LET'S GO!"
In the dugout, the teammates are all excited.
As expected of their Captain—he's reliable when it matters.
That ball was hit beautifully, wasn't it?
Although it didn't leave the field, it still landed in the outfield.
Seizing the opportunity, Miyuki rushes to second base.
Earlier, Morishita, who didn't miss a single flaw during the game against Seibu High, is now clearly at a major disadvantage in his first clash with Seidou.
It looks like Seidou's baseball team will definitely score more runs.
But unfortunately,
As the fifth batter, Maezono failed to replicate his previous success and hit a high fly that was caught by the opponent.
Snap!
"OUT!!!"
Three Outs, offense, and defense exchange.
In the critical moment, Osaka Kiryu High School's baseball team managed to save themselves.
They kept the score at just one run down.
Now, they still have a chance in the following innings.
Otherwise, if the score keeps growing, considering their next opponent is the Demon King Sawamura, this match may very well come to an early end.
"That's so damn frustrating! Just one more hit!"
The ball Maezono just hit wasn't actually that bad.
It had a good chance of landing.
If that ball had landed, Seidou High School's score would've been more than just one.
Miyuki, who had already reached second base, could've used that chance to run home and score again.
Then, their lead would've been two.
In baseball, a one- or two-run lead doesn't usually mean much.
But when the opponent is Seidou High School, and the pitcher's mound is occupied by Sawamura, the significance is completely different!
In Seidou High's dugout, the frustration of his teammates is understandable.
Meanwhile, Sawamura wears an unconcerned expression.
"A mere first-year brat, no need to inflate his ego. The really troubling thing is the defense behind him. Now, let's show them what a really scary pitching is like!"
...