Chapter 6
Seidou's team entered the field, greeted by a massive ovation from their fans. Blue and white banners fluttered in the wind, chants of support echoed throughout the stadium. The players greeted their supporters with a wave before heading towards their dugout, focused and determined.
On the other side, Inashiro's team also entered to a shower of applause from their own fans. Narumiya Mei, the prodigy pitcher, led his team with unwavering confidence. Inashiro's players quickly positioned themselves on the court, ready to defend from the first throw.
The stadium was now packed, with supporters from each side competing in volume to cheer on their respective teams. The excitement was palpable, the air filled with the collective energy of the thousands of fans in attendance.
On Seidou's side, we could hear the cries of several supporters.
"Here they are !!!!"
"Seidou's 9!"
"Isashiki!"
"Miyuki!"
"Testu!"
"Go to Koshien this year!!"
The blue and white banners fluttered in the wind, while chants and cheers echoed throughout the stadium. Seidou's supporters clapped their hands and waved flags, creating a sea of blue and white agitation.
On Inashiro's side, the supporters were not left out:
"Narumiya!"
"Masa!"
"Carlos!"
"Inashiro!"
"We will win !"
"Koshien is waiting for us!"
Inashiro supporters waved red and white banners, chanting in unison to encourage their players. The excitement and tension was palpable on both sides, with each hoping their team would win.
The two coaches, Seidou's Kataoka and Inashiro's Kunimoto, turned to each other from their respective benches. In a gesture of mutual respect, they removed their caps and bowed, marking the official start of this long-awaited confrontation. It was a solemn moment, full of the tradition and respect that Japanese baseball instills in its players and coaches.
The players of each team, after some final preparations, gathered on the field. The nine Seidou holders lined up, their faces expressing fierce determination. They had worked hard to get here, and they were willing to give everything to achieve their goal.
Seidou holders:
1. Kuramochi shortstop
2. Kominato Baseman(2)
3. Isashiki center fielder
4. Yuuki baseman(1)
5. Masuko baseman(3)
6. Miyuki Catcher
7. Furuya Pitcher
8. Kadota Left Fielder
9. Shirasu Right Fielder
On the other side, Inashiro's nine homerooms also lined up, their gazes determined and focused. Narumiya Mei, the prodigy pitcher, stood in the center, ready to fiercely defend the mound.
Inashiro's holders:
1. Carlos Center Fielder
2. Shirakawa Short Stop
3. Yoshizawa Baseman(3)
4. Harada Catcher
5. Narumiya Pitcher
6. Yamaoka Baseman(1)
7. Hirai Baseman(2)
8. Soyogi Left Fielder
9. Fujikawa Right Fielder
[National High School Baseball Championship, the final representatives of the Tokyo West district. Under the blue summer sky, the players get up from their respective benches. Last year's champion, Inashiro Technical High School, is aiming for a double. ]
[Seidou High School seeks revenge and aims for their first Koshien in 6 years. Both teams are prestigious and nationally known. Which team will take control of the match? ]
The umpire stepped toward the mound, raising his hand to signal the start. The stadium fell silent, with everyone present holding their breath, ready to witness an epic final.
"Play ball!" he shouted, triggering thunderous applause and shouts from the supporters.
"LET'S GOOOOO!!!"
Okay everything goes as planned, everything stays true to the events of the original series. Now it's up to me to change things.
Sawamura sat on the bench thinking about how to make things work out in their favor.
[Audience give thunderous applause to respect the teams who have come this far and for our hopes in this game.]
[1st inning, Inashiro on defense, of course the one standing on the mound is the one who has yet to concede a single run in this championship. 2nd year ace Narumiya Mei.]
Seidou's players took their offensive positions, while Narumiya Mei advanced towards the mound, her impassive face betraying absolute concentration. Seidou's leadoff hitter, Kuramochi, approached the plate, tapping his bat lightly against his shoes before taking his stance.
The fans' eyes were glued to the pitch, the electric atmosphere in the stadium reaching fever pitch. Both teams were ready to give everything to win this long-awaited final, and every pitch, every strike was going to be crucial in this match where everything could be at stake.
The first pitch was about to be pitchn, and the fate of both teams would be decided before the eager eyes of their devoted fans.
Normally if I let things unfold as in the original we are supposed to score in the first round. However, when Isashiki-senpai and Yuuki-senpai pass by, I should inform them of Mei's pitchs.
Kuramochi positioned himself at the plate, his eyes fixed on Narumiya Mei. Silence reigned in the stadium, each spectator held their breath. Kuramochi knew the first pitch was going to be crucial.
Narumiya prepared himself, taking a deep breath before pitching. The first pitch went straight toward home plate, but Kuramochi didn't move, watching it pass.
"Ball !" the referee announced, raising his hand to signal the decision.
Narumiya frowned, slightly annoyed, but quickly refocused. He took his stance and threw again. Kuramochi stood still, watching the trajectory of the bullet.
"Hmph, so you chose to be a little closer to first base, it's obvious you're going to attempt a bunt." Narumiya thought while lacing up
"Ball !" repeated the referee.
Inashiro's supporters began to murmur, while Seidou's supporters exchanged confident glances. Kuramochi maintained his calm, knowing that each pitch brought Narumiya closer to error.
The third pitch approached, and once again, Kuramochi didn't move.
"Ball !" declared the referee for the third time.
Narumiya gritted his teeth, feeling the pressure building. He took a deep breath, trying to get his rhythm back. The fourth pitch left his hand with apparent precision, but moved slightly away from the strike zone.
"Ball four! Advance to first base!" announced the referee.
Kuramochi couldn't suppress a smile as he trotted towards first base, to the cheers of his teammates and Seidou's supporters. It was a promising start for the team, and he knew every advantage counted.
[ Batting 2nd, 2nd Baseman Kominato ]
As Kominato positioned himself, he took a cushioning stance, signaling a sacrifice to allow Kuramochi to advance one base. However, Kuramochi, always daring, took a big lead on first base, destabilizing Narumiya.
"That bastard, he's got a really big lead on first base," Narumiya thought in annoyance as he prepared on the mound.
Harada, behind home plate, signaled Narumiya to stay focused on the batter. They couldn't afford to lose focus.
Narumiya got into position and threw the ball. Just then, Kuramochi launched like lightning, darting towards second base.
The audience held their breath, watching the action unfold in a split second. Harada reacted quickly, standing up and throwing accurately toward second base.
Kominato, perfectly synchronized, withdrew his staff just in time to avoid interference. Harada's throw was fast and precise, but Kuramochi was even faster. He dove towards the base with his foot.
"Safe!" the umpire shouted, raising his arms to signal that Kuramochi had reached base before the ball.
Seidou's supporters burst into joy, applauding Kuramochi's bravery and speed. Seidou's team on the bench let out cheers of encouragement, their spirits galvanized by this bold action.
[Base steal is successful!! What incredible speed! He decided to steal a base despite the battery precaution.]
Narumiya gritted his teeth, visibly frustrated, but he knew he had to stay focused. Kuramochi was now in scoring position, and every throw became crucial.