The first to step into the batter's box was the third-year senior, Matsumoto Kura.
His physique wasn't as imposing as Higashikuni's, more on the normal side.
Standing among the third-year players, he even looked a bit thin and frail…
Yet this seemingly frail upperclassman was actually Seidou High's unanimously acknowledged leadoff hitter.
His all-around abilities were the best on the entire team.
He was fast on the bases, had extraordinary insight, and was skilled in various batting techniques…
Using him as the leadoff batter was an easy way to test the opposing pitcher's strength.
"This senpai is surprisingly serious about this!"
Chris was a little puzzled.
He understood that Higashikuni wanted to teach Zhou Hao a lesson.
But Chris had originally thought that the upperclassmen wouldn't take Zhou Hao so seriously.
Even though Zhou Hao had put up an extraordinary performance in the previous practice match, leaving the visiting Matsuyama players completely crushed…
But so what?
The third-year upperclassmen of Seidou were not the same as the batters from Matsuyama.
Just because Zhou Hao could deal with the Matsuyama team didn't mean he could handle these upperclassmen.
"Be careful. If you can't precisely control your pitches, the only way to deal with Matsumoto-senpai is through sheer willpower!"
Just as Chris was giving Zhou Hao hand signals, a tall and imposing figure approached from a distance.
"What are you all doing?"
The voice was cold and brooked no argument.
Even the usually fearless third-year seniors looked like mice encountering a cat the moment they heard that voice.
They straightened up immediately and acted well-behaved.
"Reporting to the coach! We were just trying to help our new underclassman adjust to the first-string environment and integrate into our warm, loving group. Haha… hahaha…"
Higashikuni's awkward laugh echoed through the field, while he was practically scratching at the ground with his toes in embarrassment.
"Helping the junior integrate into the group?"
Coach Kataoka didn't seem convinced by Higashikuni's words. He turned his gaze toward Zhou Hao.
That look seemed to say: Is that really the case?
And if not, now's your chance—say the word, and I'll stand up for you.
Seeing Kataoka's look, Higashikuni broke out in a cold sweat.
Usually, their coach didn't show up until everyone had finished warming up.
Why did he come so early today?
As a result, they got caught red-handed by their own coach.
Higashikuni looked at Zhou Hao, his eyes unconsciously pleading.
As the soul of the team, he dared to argue with the team captain and reason with Coach Ochiai.
But when it came to Coach Kataoka, he didn't dare to cross the line.
After all, their coach was known for handing out punishments—and harsh ones at that.
"Yes, the senpai wanted to help me integrate into the team—and also to test out my pitching,"
Zhou Hao answered confidently.
No way he was backing out now. His system mission had already been activated, and he'd even received the rewards in advance.
If the challenge got canceled now, would the system take back the reward?
No matter what, this matchup had to go on.
Hearing Zhou Hao's response, Coach Kataoka nodded with satisfaction.
"It's good that you think this way. But your current format is a bit too disruptive to everyone else's schedule. For today, we'll just do defensive drills."
As soon as he said this, the third-year seniors looked like they had seen a ghost.
Since when did their coach become so understanding?
Still, not being punished was a good thing. And anyway, since Coach Kataoka had spoken, whether they liked it or not, they had to comply.
"Who was originally scheduled to bat?"
Hearing this, Higashikuni immediately raised his hand.
"Me."
He had initiated this whole thing, so there was no hiding from it.
He straightforwardly volunteered.
"Me too."
"Count me in!"
Originally, only three third-years were going to face Zhou Hao for a little "friendly competition"—
Or rather, to teach him a lesson.
The three chosen batters were Higashikuni, Matsumoto, and Shimo井辉 (Shimoi Teru).
Unlike the other two, Shimoi had seen Zhou Hao pitch firsthand during the practice match.
He hadn't been able to forget it all night.
Now, getting a chance to stand in the batter's box against Zhou Hao thrilled him to no end.
"Matsumoto leads off, Shimoi bats second, and you bat third," Kataoka ordered.
"Next, Yuuki Tetsuya bats fourth, and Isashiki Jun bats fifth."
The last two weren't third-years, but second-year upperclassmen.
Thanks to their outstanding performance, they had not only been promoted to the first-string roster but were now also key players.
Yuuki was the first baseman, and Isashiki played center field.
"As for the sixth batter…"
After arranging six batters, Coach Kataoka didn't continue.
"Let's treat this as a full batting order. Once nine batters have hit, we rotate."
"Everyone else, take your positions on the field according to your positions."
In addition to the six batters, there were also the pitcher and catcher.
Almost the entire first-string team was now on the field, taking their positions to form a formidable defensive network.
This made the third-year batters feel a jolt of pressure in their hearts.
Originally, their opponent was just Zhou Hao alone.
That would've been easy.
But now, their opponent was an entire defensive team.
And the one calling the shots behind the plate was none other than their main catcher—Chris.
The difficulty of this matchup had just shot through the roof.
"Don't stress. The kid's just a freshman. Even if someone's helping him, he won't be able to stir up too much trouble,"
Higashikuni said casually.
As the emotional core of the Seidou team, Higashikuni had more going for him than just raw batting strength—
He was always full of passion.
Even in a showdown against a first-year, which seemed unfair no matter the result—
If they won, it would look like bullying.
If they lost, they'd be the laughingstock of the team.
But Higashikuni didn't care at all. In fact, he was fired up.
"Don't worry. I won't hold back."
Matsumoto once again stepped into the batter's box. But unlike before, he now faced not only Zhou Hao as the pitcher—
But several teammates behind him, ready and waiting with serious expressions.
All of them had crouched into ready positions, clearly prepared to move at a moment's notice.
Just from their stances and formations, one could see how skilled they were.
Facing such a strong defense, the pressure on the batter was immense.
Matsumoto gripped the bat tightly.
His eyes stared unblinking at Zhou Hao. He wanted to see for himself just how amazing this "legendary spiral pitch" really was.
Just as he thought this, Zhou Hao wound up and decisively threw the pitch.
"Whoosh!"
As the ball flew toward him, Matsumoto's eyes widened instinctively.
What the hell was that?!
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Advance chapters
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