When Sawamura hit a home run to score that point, the atmosphere on the field immediately became tense, as if a storm was brewing.
Seidou High School's baseball team was leading the opponent 6-0, and as long as they scored one more point, they could end the game early.
This was a moment that allowed the commentators to let their imaginations run wild.
Although the players on the field couldn't hear them, the fans watching the live broadcast on television could certainly hear plenty of insights and analyses from the commentators.
Most of these analyses were extremely favorable to Seidou High School's baseball team.
Anyone with a basic understanding of baseball could tell that, given the current situation, even if the Yakushi High School baseball team wanted to continue playing, they would only be struggling in vain.
The outcome of the game had already been decided.
With the defeat seemingly set, how much fight was left in Yakushi High School's team?
How was the pitcher, who had just allowed a home run, mentally affected? Could he continue to perform at the same level as before?
Could the rest of the Yakushi players continue to trust their Ace pitcher? Would their teamwork suffer?
All of these questions had become uncertainties, and no one could confidently provide an answer.
In this situation, could Yakushi High School still put up a fight?
On the other hand, while Seidou's second and third batters had already come up to bat, the following batters were no easy opponents either.
Especially with the fifth batter, Maezono, rising to prominence. Even after the fourth batter, Seidou's lineup still carried an overwhelming intimidating presence.
At this moment, with the leadership of their fourth batter, Miyuki, didn't Seidou's players want to seize the opportunity and finish this game early?
How could they not want to?
If they put themselves in the shoes of the Seidou players, they'd know that ending the game in seven innings was an opportunity too good to pass up.
In this year's Summer Tournament, while Seidou had won every game up until now, they were well aware that their journey hadn't been smooth.
It wasn't just "not smooth"—if anything, calling it a path full of obstacles would be an understatement.
If it were another team, there would be no real issue with the results.
As long as they won, who needed anything more?
But they were the mighty Seidou High School baseball team! Their goals were not just about winning games; their honor as a team was at stake.
As a team of kings, how could they not display the presence of a King?
Today's final was an incredible opportunity for Seidou's players.
If they could truly end the game in seven innings, they would completely solidify their king-like presence.
No one would ever dare to question them again.
Now, the Yakushi team had the weight to wipe away any doubts about Seidou's reputation.
As long as Seidou's players could do this, then everything would no longer be a problem.
At this point, Seidou's players were playing with everything they had.
Standing in the Batter's Box, Miyuki was in just such a mindset.
His eyes were locked on the opposing pitcher, waiting for the ball to come, ready to send it flying with a mighty swing.
Miyuki, known for his somewhat devious personality, rarely displayed such eagerness.
He had calculated everything and dragged the opponent into a trap he had set himself.
This was the rhythm of Miyuki, the Captain of Seidou High School's baseball team.
But now, in the Batter's Box, the passionate, naive young man didn't seem to be Miyuki at all.
But this was indeed him—the leader of Seidou's baseball team, Miyuki.
Standing in the Batter's Box, Miyuki appeared confident. It seemed as though, no matter what pitch the opponent threw, he could hit it out of the park.
On the pitcher's mound, Sanada naturally noticed this.
"That annoying aura of an elite!"
From Miyuki, Sanada could sense this energy.
Though Yakushi High School's team had rapidly improved recently, Sanada knew well that even with their current strength, they still carried the stench of being an underdog.
It was an intrinsic trait that was difficult to change.
For example, take the current score.
Despite Yakushi High School's victory over Sankou High School, if Sankou's team were here today facing Seidou, the outcome would certainly be different.
Seidou's dominance wasn't just about the peak performance when they were on form; even when their performance wasn't at its peak, they could still perform at a high standard.
That's the strength of a top powerhouse.
In contrast, when Yakushi was at its best, it could outperform even the top teams. But when they were off, they could easily show vulnerabilities.
Yakushi's ability to win against stronger teams in the past came down to two factors: the players' mentality and the guidance of Coach Raizou.
His "happy baseball" theory motivated the players and allowed them to tap into their full potential without even realizing it.
That's why, in previous games, Yakushi's team had a fierce, relentless style, able to impose their rhythm on their opponents.
Today's game against Seidou was no different; Yakushi's players wanted to impose their rhythm on Seidou as well.
But unfortunately, Seidou's strength was too deep.
They couldn't control the pace of the game against them.
This led to the tragic situation they faced now.
Even though the game was only in the seventh inning, Yakushi already facing the inevitable defeat.
Sanada was extremely unwilling to accept this.
As a third-year player, this was his last Summer Tournament.
Naturally, he didn't want to see the game end this way.
How bitter would it be to be eliminated early?
To avoid such a disgrace, most people thought Sanada would try to avoid a direct confrontation.
After all, Miyuki had the strength to hit a home run. Even if he didn't, the chance of him hitting a super long hit was very high.
Most people expected Sanada to avoid facing Miyuki, or at least not directly challenge him.
But Sanada didn't think so.
'If we avoid this now, are we still Yakushi?'
Yakushi needed to show the courage to face the challenge.
Even if their opponent was the number one swordsman in the world, when facing him, they needed to strike first.
If they lost that spirit, then Yakushi's baseball team would be on the brink of collapse.
In this final moment, Sanada decided to show his teammates through his actions what Yakushi's style should be.
Whrroosh!!
Without any hesitation, he faced the challenge head-on, throwing an inside pitch.
Miyuki wasn't surprised by Sanada's choice.
As the current number one catcher in the country, Miyuki spent his time not only studying his teammates but also analyzing his opponents.
He had a good read on people.
Sanada wasn't a stubborn person. When it was time to back down, he knew when to do so.
But when it was time to settle things, especially in a crucial moment, Sanada's personality would never allow him to retreat.
The guy had incredible guts on the mound, with a heart as tough as the diamond and just as bright!
For any pitcher, this is an amazing trait.
But for the twisted and the black-hearted Miyuki, it is a glaring weak point!
So Miyuki, knew Sanada would face him directly, threw the inside cutter, his specialty.
'Here it comes!'
Miyuki had predicted everything. As the ball came toward him, his heart raced slightly in excitement.
He watched the ball's trajectory, stepped forward, and swung his bat.
PAAAKK!!!
The baseball flew off the bat, soaring through the air.
Yakushi's outfielder tried desperately to recover, but it was clear that he was several steps behind.
Under these circumstances, it was impossible for him to catch the ball in time.
"IT'S A LONG HIT!"
"RUN!!"
The Seidou bench erupted with excitement as the ball dropped and passed through Yakushi's defense.
One by one, the players cheered loudly for Miyuki.
With this hit, Seidou's chances of scoring increased dramatically.
"SAFE!"
Thanks to this extra-base hit, Miyuki sprinted all the way to second base.
The situation now was one Out, with a runner on second base.
This meant the batter was in scoring position—if there was another hit, Seidou would win and end the game early.
Before, they were just one point away, but now, with Miyuki on second base, they only needed one more hit to finish the game.
"SEIDOU!"
"SEIDOU!!!"
This scenario had the fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting for Seidou to secure that final hit.
On the other side, Yakushi's players wore complicated, distressed expressions.
It was no surprise they felt this way, given how the game was playing out.
Previously, when they faced Seidou, they felt Seidou was slightly stronger, but not overwhelmingly so.
Originally, Yakushi thought that with proper preparation, they would have a chance.
But now, it seemed they were completely mistaken.
Now, not only were they unlikely to make a comeback, but they weren't even sure if they could defend this last point.
Yakushi's players were full of uncertainty.
On the mound, Sanada, however, had let go of his doubts.
'Incredible!'
He never expected Seidou's strength to be so terrifying.
It was frightening!
How much strength did that Seidou team show in the Spring Tournament finals?
Sanada couldn't figure it out, and he couldn't understand it.
But now, he was incredibly thankful. He was thankful that, in his final high school game, he got to face Seidou.
If they had to lose, they were certainly glad to lose to the high school champion!
And the Seidou baseball team, with its terrifying strength, was undoubtedly the best choice.
...
T/N: Sanada is the Bravest Pitcher in the Series, Followed by Narumiya Mei, Umemiya Seiichi, and Sawamura Eijun.