Chapter 26: 26: The Splendor of Eijun Sawamura!
"Safe at base!!!"
Director Kataoka's brief pause was followed by a shouted phrase that left everyone around him in shock. Instantly, a commotion erupted, not only among those at home plate, where Keisuke Miyauchi stood in disbelief, but also throughout the majority of onlookers.
"Wow, can he actually make it back to home plate?"
"A daring play, a daring run—this young man's skills are truly something."
"Considering the timing, it should have been an easy out."
"Originally, it was the clever ball placement that got it to third base, thanks to a bit of luck. But who would've thought this kid would go all the way for home plate?"
"It's logical to assume that even with smart ball placement, the outfielder would capitalize on some errors. The odds of an out versus a hit are usually around 20-80, with an 80% probability of being out. How does this kid have the audacity to take that chance?"
"Young man, show no fear."
"What an impressive guy."
"Haha, in that case, the first-year team has finally gained a point."
The surrounding crowd, previously in disbelief, quickly shifted to relieved expressions. They didn't hesitate to applaud the young man in front of them for scoring a point through his own efforts.
In baseball, the process often matters more than the outcome.
Eijun won over this group of people with his performance.
At home plate, Supervisor Kataoka even displayed a hint of appreciation in his eyes.
"This kid, he actually pulled it off..." Miyuki clicked his tongue slightly. Not far away, the previously disheartened seniors, including the steadfast Captain Yuki, displayed expressions of astonishment.
In the reception room, Minister Ota's jaw dropped in disbelief. Beside him, Rei Takashima was equally taken aback. She hadn't anticipated that young Eijun Sawamura would deliver a performance that exceeded all expectations.
While luck played a substantial role, it couldn't overshadow or negate the brilliance and superiority of Sawamura Eijun's shining moments.
"Scored, we finally scored!!!" Eijun got up from the home plate, dusted off his body, and his face brimmed with joy—a culmination of his personal adventure, yielding the corresponding results.
"One point!! This marks the start of our offense!!!" Eijun struck a triumphant pose, facing towards first base, while his teammates cheered loudly.
"Oh oh oh oh!!!"
"Excellent job, Sawamura!"
"Sawamura-kun, NICE!!!"
"Great hitting, even better baserunning, Sawamura!!!"
"Haha, the counterattack has begun!!!"
The cheers from the first-year bench resonated with the elated expressions on the seniors' faces. Almost everyone present felt a rush of excitement, their skin covered in goosebumps. The sight of Sawamura Eijun, eyes fixed on the field, radiated an undeniable brilliance.
Losing points to the underclassmen left the senior team in a state of shock and frustration, even after going through three ups and downs.
A range of emotions surfaced—shock, anger, and more.
Kawakami, especially, on the mound, found it hard to believe. Despite hitting an outfield hit, they lost a run. Despite clever placement and even if the outfielder made a mistake.
Losing a point like this felt like letting it slip through their fingers.
This fact only heightened the intensity in Kawakami's expression.
Elsewhere, Jun isashiki was utterly disheartened, insisting on stepping up to teach those guys a lesson. However, it remained unclear which side was in greater need of such a lesson.
Yoichi Kuramochi found himself struggling to restrain the senior, who seemed ready to burst out in full fury.
"With one point, we've shown that the opponent is far from incapable of attacking. This is just the start of our counteroffensive—let's go!!!" Eijun stood among the circle of first-year players and shouted passionately.
"Ohhhhh!!!" In that moment, the morale of the first-year team reached its zenith. What? Despite the more than ten-point difference?
Apologies, but the outcome of this match seemed all but decided.
However, Eijun kindled the latent self-esteem within this group of adolescents. At the very least, they aimed to prevent the opposite senior team from underestimating them. This sentiment echoed within the hearts of all the first-year players at that juncture.
It must be acknowledged that Eijun's hit truly galvanized the first-year players, and it dealt a significant blow to the senior team as well.
Following Eijun's run, the subsequent eight batters unleashed infield hits to first base, stringing together a series of successful hits.
The following ninth batter executed a skillful bunt to reach the base, resulting in one out and the second base being occupied. This set the stage for Haruichi Kominato's turn at bat.
In this pivotal moment, Haruichi Kominato lived up to the expectations, driving a straight ball from the outside corner.
Thankfully, after a brief lapse, the senior team managed to regain their composure. Confronting the first-year runner who made a dash for home plate once again, they executed a flawless defensive play to tag out the runner at home plate through their excellent teamwork.
In the end, he managed to strike out two hitters, ultimately concluding the inning for the freshman team. This inning could easily be described as a ferocious onslaught akin to a storm.
"That's it, we nearly secured another point. Maintain this tempo and show the opponent our unyielding spirit!!!"
"Oh oh oh oh!!!"
The momentum was truly impressive. In this moment, the somber atmosphere that had previously enveloped the first-year bench had completely dissipated. The world of baseball was this straightforward—those with the strength lead the way. In times like these, you didn't need to hesitate; you were the heart of the team.
"I won't let you run wild, Sawamura."
In that instant, a colossal figure materialized in the sight of everyone on the freshman team. Sawamura Eijun, just stepping onto the pitcher's mound, also took a slight breath at that moment, sensing an immense pressure that cast a solemn expression upon his face.
Observing the figure stationed in front of the dugout, vigorously swinging the metal bat and producing resonant "Peng Peng" sounds, an alarm bell rang in Eijun's mind—reaching the highest level of alert!!!
Seido High School's fifth batter, a source of immense pride in their nationally recognized lineup—the first-string player, Masoku Toru!!!
A heavyweight metal bat befitting a pure power hitter.
In a way, it's not just about strength; in terms of compatibility, Masoku Toru's moving ball acts as a restraint against Sawamura Eijun. One could say that Masoku Toru is Eijun's most formidable adversary.
"Gudu..." As Masoku Toru's imposing figure appeared within the strike zone, Kariba at home plate was the one most acutely aware of the overwhelming pressure radiating from him.
This man's strength resides on an entirely different plane compared to the previous individuals! ! !
Kariba dared to assert this in the current moment.
With a forceful swing of the bat, Masoku Toru's powerful whistling sound seemed to reverberate in everyone's ears.
All eyes were fixed on this moment, their focus directed here.
"Sawamura, I won't hold back!!!"
"That's exactly what I'm after, Masuko-senpai. Let's face each other head-on!"
Their eyes locked—a proclamation of battle between two valiant souls.
The confrontation with the heavy-hitting batter, at this very instant, marked the beginning of the showdown! ! !
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone