"What an overwhelming victory," Miyuki remarked as he looked down at the Inashiro Industrial team on the field. Even though the game had ended quickly, he had already gathered plenty of useful information.
There was no need to analyze Sakurazawa's knuckleball any further—they were already out.
As for Inashiro Industrial, even though Narumiya Mei hadn't revealed any new pitches, his performance alone was enough to justify his title as the King of Left-Handed Pitchers in West Tokyo.
After losing to Seido for an entire year, this Inashiro team was clearly burning with resentment. When they faced Seido, they would undoubtedly push themselves to 120% of their usual strength.
Seido knew this feeling all too well.
A few years ago, they had been the same—constantly losing to Inashiro and Ichidai Third High. Back then, everyone on the team had carried that same frustration, that same burning determination.
"We need to be careful in the finals," Kanzaki Ryou said calmly. "These guys are going to fight like their lives depend on it. At this rate, we might get peeled alive even if we don't lose."
Right now, among all teams in Tokyo—or even the entire country—Inashiro was the only one he truly regarded as a serious threat.
If things followed the original trajectory, this would've been a championship-level team capable of contending for Koshien.
And now?
After being suppressed by Seido for over a year, they had only grown stronger.
"This won't be easy," Miyuki muttered.
After leaving the stands, the Seido players headed toward the exit.
"You guys go ahead and get on the bus. I need to use the restroom," Kanzaki said, tossing his backpack to Miyuki.
"I'll go too," Miyuki replied, immediately passing both bags to Kuramochi.
"Hey! You two scumbags!" Kuramochi shouted from behind.
Inside the restroom, Kanzaki casually picked a spot.
A second later, Miyuki stepped right beside him.
Kanzaki frowned and shifted one space over.
Miyuki followed.
Kanzaki moved again.
Miyuki followed again.
In the corner, Kanzaki turned his head and glared.
"Are you sick?"
"Huh? I just wanted to talk to you about something."
"What's so important that it has to be discussed right now? Do you not understand personal space?"
"What's the big deal? We're all guys."
"You're unbelievable."
Kanzaki turned and walked straight into a stall.
Three minutes later…
Miyuki stood at the restroom entrance, glancing back.
"Why is he taking so long…?"
Another minute passed before Kanzaki finally came out, fastening his belt.
"Number two?" Miyuki asked.
"Number one."
"That long?"
"I'm bigger."
Miyuki blinked.
"…I regret asking."
Just then, two figures approached.
"Chestnut Hair Monster!"
A familiar voice rang out as Narumiya Mei strode forward aggressively.
Kanzaki blinked in surprise.
"Oh? Little Blondie. Have you eaten?"
Narumiya froze.
"…What?"
"Did you eat or not? Why are you stuttering? Are you sick?" Kanzaki leaned in with mock concern.
Narumiya's face cycled from red… to pale… to purple.
"Hey, you—Carlos, right?" Kanzaki called out. "Come help me get him to the hospital. Your Ace is about to collapse!"
Carlos's already dark expression somehow darkened even further.
"You're the one who's going to collapse!" Narumiya snapped, slapping Kanzaki's hand away.
"Just you wait," Narumiya said through gritted teeth. "This time… you're definitely going to lose."
Kanzaki smiled lazily.
"You should watch your temper. It's bad for your health. Losing to me a few times isn't a big deal."
He patted Narumiya's shoulder.
"If you lose again, I'll treat you to a meal. Consider it compensation."
Narumiya inhaled sharply, forcing himself to calm down. When he looked up again, his expression had completely changed—serious, focused.
"Kanzaki… see you in the finals."
Then he turned and walked into the restroom.
Carlos gave Kanzaki a long look before following him in.
Kanzaki stood there for a moment, slightly stunned.
"…Did that feel off to you?"
Miyuki nodded slowly.
"Yeah. He didn't even insult me this time."
Kanzaki rolled his eyes.
"That's what you noticed? Is your brain broken today?"
Miyuki grinned.
"No, I get it. He held back. That's not like him."
"Exactly," Kanzaki said, his expression sharpening. "Which means they're serious. They've definitely prepared something."
"A new pitch?" Miyuki asked.
Kanzaki shook his head.
"Not just that. There'll be tactical changes too. We're their biggest rivals in West Tokyo. After all these years… don't underestimate their coach."
Miyuki nodded.
The two quickened their pace and headed back to the bus.
Meanwhile, inside the restroom…
Carlos stood beside Narumiya.
"I thought you'd argue with him like usual," Carlos said casually.
Narumiya didn't reply.
Instead, he quietly shifted one spot away.
Carlos blinked… then stepped closer.
Narumiya moved again.
Carlos followed again.
Narumiya's face twitched.
"Are you sick?!"
"Huh? I just wanted to talk—"
"What is so important that it has to be said right now?!"
Carlos looked confused.
"What's wrong?"
Narumiya's expression darkened.
"You're unbelievable."
Then he turned and walked into a stall.
Carlos scratched his head.
"…We're all men. What's the problem?"