SWNOVELXO Chapter 344: [344] On the Field
Chapter 344: On the Field
First Base Side: Teito High School.
Third Base Side: Seidou High School.
A true battle of dragons and tigers—this was a match that even the relentless rain couldn't dampen.
The passion of the spectators and the enthusiasm of the journalists and photographers covering the game remained undeterred.
"Buzz—Buzz—Buzz!"
"Line up!"
"Salute!"
"Please take care of us!"
Amid the misty drizzle, as the teams exchanged bows, Eijun could feel an intense gaze locked onto him. When he turned to look, his eyes met a familiar face.
Teito High School's ace—Mukai Taiyou.
"In this game, I'll prove who the true No.1 pitcher of this generation is!"
His lips moved slightly, his eyes shining with determination, leaving no doubt about his intent.
A smirk formed on Eijun's lips.
A challenge between rivals, huh?
This was going to be interesting.
"Then show me your ability, your strength. Let me see how far you've come, Mukai Taiyou. Don't disappoint me!"
As their gazes clashed, an invisible spark ignited between the two aces. The game had yet to begin, but the tension between them was already thick in the air.
Standing beside Eijun, Miyuki couldn't help but let out a small smile.
"Looks like today's match is going to be extra fun."
Miyuki thought to himself, amusement flickering in his eyes.
...
On Teito's Bench.
Before the official start of the game, Coach Okamoto addressed his players with final instructions.
"Listen up. Their ace may only throw at 135 km/h, but his unique motion makes his pitches appear much faster to the naked eye. Do not make conventional judgments."
"As for his breaking pitches—whether it's his changeup, cutter, or that five-seam fastball—in today's rainy conditions, control will be difficult for any pitcher. Don't overthink it. Even if you fall behind in the count, stay calm, wait for your moment, and when the time comes—strike like a tiger. Latch onto him and don't let go. Understood!?"
Teito's players nodded solemnly, absorbing every word.
"Yes, sir!"
"Then go out there and show this so-called 'king' what Teito High School is capable of!"
"OOOHHHHHHH!!"
Okamoto's deep gaze flickered toward Seidou's bench.
"Coach Kataoka, this will be our first official showdown this season. Let me see just how strong the players you've trained really are."
...
On the Field.
While Coach Okamoto was delivering his final war orders in the dugout, Seidou's starting nine had already taken their positions.
Under normal circumstances, the defensive team always bore a heavier burden, but in rainy weather, that pressure was even greater.
Whether it was the reduced visibility or the increased difficulty in movement, fielding in these conditions would be a challenge.
The stage was set.
The battle was about to begin.
For Eijun, the challenge was even greater. In such weather, finger sensitivity was inevitably affected. Moreover, this was his first-ever game in the rain, making it somewhat difficult to adjust.
Standing atop the pitcher's mound, he couldn't help but frown.
Clenching his left hand slightly, he could feel the dampness in his palm—a discomfort that was hard to ignore.
"Your control seems a bit off today. Take it easy and pitch a little more conservatively."
After the warm-up, Miyuki jogged over to the mound, his expression serious.
"Yeah, I'm not quite used to this weather yet. But once my body gets moving, I'll slowly get into rhythm."
Eijun rolled his shoulders, nodding as he responded.
"Ace, this is the first official match of the season. Don't screw it up."
"Don't worry, Captain. Placing my best pitches exactly where you want them—that's my job."
Eijun smiled lightly, his voice calm and confident.
"Then, I'm counting on you, Ace."
"OHHHHHH!!"
Their gloves collided in a familiar, synchronized motion—a silent affirmation of their unwavering trust. This was the strongest pitcher-catcher duo of their generation—Seidou's golden battery.
"Go get 'em, Sawamura! Don't let a little rain stop you!"—Kuramochi shouted from behind.
"Eijun-kun, do your best!" —Haruichi's voice followed.
"One out at a time, Sawamura!" —Maezono, now back at first base, roared with intensity.
"Charge, Sawamura!"
"We're counting on you, Ace! Crush them!"
"Sawamura! This game is in your hands!"
"Sawamura! Sawamura! Sawamura!"
"Seidou's ace! Show them your power!"
From the field, the dugout, and the stands, the Seidou supporters erupted into deafening cheers, giving their team every ounce of support they could muster.
...
"Ohhh, it's starting, Koushuu!"
"Yeah."
Okumura watched silently, his gaze locked onto the pitcher's mound.
How will you pitch against Teito's lineup, Sawamura-senpai?
If you win this game… then my choice…
As he observed, a flash of fire flickered in his eyes.
Somewhere deep inside, Okumura found himself murmuring a single name under his breath.
"Sawamura Eijun."
...
In the stands…
As the players took their positions and the opening act of the game unfolded, the audience's anticipation grew stronger.
This was a clash of the strongest teams in Tokyo, both of whom had represented the city in the summer nationals.
Who would stand victorious in the end?
The first pitch was yet to be thrown, but the stadium was already buzzing with excitement.
The best battery of the summer tournament—the Golden Battery, Sawamura Eijun and Miyuki Kazuya—was about to face off against Teito's formidable batting lineup.
...
As the winds howled and the rain continued to fall…
The autumn tournament's most anticipated, most prestigious first official match—Teito High School vs. Seidou High School—was about to begin!
...
"Top of the first inning. Batting first for Teito High School—second baseman, Kajiyama."
...
Multiple breaking balls. A deceptive fastball. A unique pitching motion.
The rumors say his fastball has changed since the summer?
This pitcher… is going to be troublesome.
But I won't back down so easily.
Standing in the batter's box, Kajiyama gripped his bat tightly.
His sharp eyes locked onto the mound.
And there, Eijun's pupils gleamed with an intense, almost terrifying brilliance—the aura of an ace, the aura of the reigning champion, Seidou's No.1.
...
The early autumn rain drizzled softly.
The feast had begun.
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