"Todoroki—"
The ball came in, clashing fiercely with the bat above Home Plate before flying backward.
But it lacked power, and its trajectory was somewhat limp.
"I've got it!" Tōjō kept his eyes on it and steadily caught the towering fly ball in his glove.
"Three outs! Switch sides!"
"Whoa—great job!!!"
"Furuya, you sure know how to steal the spotlight!"
The infielders crowded around the pitcher, shoving and kicking Furuya forward. A blissful flush spread across his face. I did it. The ace's first challenge.
But when they reached the Dugout entrance, Kataoka spoke. "Furuya, you did very well through those six innings. Leave the rest to someone else."
I still want to pitch! Furuya thought, but when he looked up, he saw the looks in everyone's eyes.
"It's good that you have that spirit, but you need to rest now." Furuya had accidentally voiced his thoughts again, but this time, he did not receive the positive response he had earlier.
"Sawamura!" The moment Kataoka Manager opened his mouth to call out, a dark head suddenly thrust itself right in front of him. "Yes!!"
And it was loud. Definitely him.
"Too close." But this kid was the type who never listened no matter what people said. Kataoka Manager had already grown used to his defiance and continued, "You're pitching next inning!"
"Yes! Boss!"
"Don't call me Boss."
"Yes! Boss!"
In any case, the major crisis concerning the Pitcher Lineup had passed. Miyuki let out a breath. He had truly been worried for Furuya just now, but then someone tapped his shoulder. When he turned around, he saw their ace.
"Captain! You absolutely have to get a hit next and cheer the pitchers on properly!" Kōshū led a group over to pressure the catcher.
"Yeah! You have to bring in a