I Thought I Was Dead After Getting Stabbed While Protecting a Girl From a Random Attacker, but a Goddess Gave Me a Special Reward and Brought Me Back to Life in My Original Body—Now, All These Girls Are Coming on to Me!? - Chapter 48: A Battle I Can't Afford to Lose

Chapter 48: A Battle I Can’t Afford to Lose

“Both teams, bow to each other!”

“Please, let’s play!”

Despite an unbelievable incident before the game, preparations proceeded smoothly, and the time for the play ball finally arrived.

Shiki, despite all his bold talk toward me, only glanced at me before returning to the bench.

I see, no need for extra words; we’ll let our play do the talking.

I don’t dislike that attitude. I’ll take you on.

Today, our Phoenix High School starts with the offense.

That means the game begins with a direct showdown against Shiki.

Let’s see what he’s got.

Even without Captain Nogata at the fourth spot, our batting lineup is full of skilled players. Don’t think things will go as usual, Shiki.

“Here we go, the high school baseball Fukuoka Prefecture tournament final has arrived. Will the absolute champion Oomaru High School secure a spot in Koshien, or will the dark horse Phoenix High School climb to the top of Fukuoka for the first time? The game starts now!”

“Both teams are known for their strong offense, but with both starting pitchers being excellent, the game’s outcome is hard to predict.”

“Exactly! Let’s start with the introduction of the players from both teams!”

We listen to the live commentary coming from the radio app on our smartphones, just like always.

“First, the starting lineup for the leading Phoenix High School. At number one, the unshakable leadoff man, Kouri. He’s a left-handed batter.”

“He uses his speed to shine in both offense and defense. Expectations are high for him in this game.”

“At number two, Yanagi, known for his steady play. He’s a right-handed batter.”

“His small-ball techniques stood out in previous games. He’s a player with a high baseball IQ.”

“At number three, the team’s cornerstone, Makabe. He steps into the right batter’s box.”

“His destructive bat is a given, but he also leads the pitching staff with excellent guidance.”

“At number four, replacing the injured Nogata, third-year Kurita. He’s a right-handed batter.”

“His sharp swing produces plenty of extra-base hits. His bat is one to watch today.”

“At number five, left-handed batter Sasaoka, the tournament’s leading hitter.”

“His skillful hitting is his strength. His team-oriented batting drives victories.”

“At number six, the defensive specialist supporting the center line, Hazama. He’s a right-handed batter.”

“His fielding skills are top-tier for high school. He’s saved the team from countless crises.”

“Now to the lower lineup. At number seven, Tanaka.”

“He’s also known for his defensive skills. His combination play with Hazama in the semifinals is still fresh in memory.”

“At number eight, Tatenai steps into the left batter’s box. He’s a well-balanced player.”

“Yes, his power may not stand out, but he handles situational hitting well and plays solid defense, making him invaluable to the coach.”

“And the final batter, number nine, is first-year Minase, making his first start in this tournament. He’s a left-handed batter.”

“Not only has he pitched without giving up a run, but he’s also hit a home run. His bat is worth watching too.”

The introduction of our players finishes.

Losing Nogata, the heart of our offense and defense, is a big blow, but I believe Ryu will cover for him somehow.

“Can we win, Ryu-kun?”

“O-of course! There’s no way Ryu will lose… ugh, I’m getting nervous.”

“…Big brother.”

It seems Makoto and Kanade are overwhelmed by the tension.

On the other hand, Sakuya, while worried about Ryu, seems relatively calm. Her experience as an athlete probably helps her handle this.

“Now, for the powerhouse Oomaru High School, the ace number was earned by a first-year big rookie, pitcher Shiki.”

“Oomaru High School has a deep pitching staff, so he hasn’t pitched complete games, but he’s started every game without giving up a run, proving he deserves that ace number.”

“His defining traits are the sharpness and speed of his fastball, right?”

“Yes, his fastball reaches a ridiculous 151 km/h. But it’s not just speed—his forkball and sinker are top-notch, making him tough to hit.”

“And what about pitcher Minase?”

“He’s a very similar type of pitcher. Both are right-handed power pitchers, but Minase relies more on varying speeds.”

“Varying speeds, you say?”

“Yes. His fastball is central, paired with a slider that matches its speed, a sweeper with big movement, and a changeup that throws off timing, keeping batters off balance.”

“So, is this game likely to be a pitcher’s duel?”

“It’s hard to say. Both are first-years, so a small mistake could lead to a collapse. The first run will likely be crucial.”

“I see. Let’s watch closely to see which team scores first!”

From what I hear, that cocky flirt Shiki seems like a capable pitcher.

It won’t be an easy fight…

Ryu, do your best!

Win this for Sakuya and come back strong!

“Number one, right field, Kouri-kun!”

“Go, Kouri! Crush it!”

“Senpai! Let’s watch him closely!”

The leadoff batter, Kouri-senpai, steps to the plate.

No one surpasses Kouri-senpai in bat control.

Let’s have him wear Shiki down and gather data on his pitches.

But that hope shatters quickly.

Zudooon!

A deafening sound echoes, and Shiki’s pitch rockets into the catcher’s mitt. Kouri-senpai couldn’t even react.

The scoreboard’s speed display shows:

[153 km]

“The first pitch clocks 153 km! He’s already broken his personal best!”

What an insane pitch.

It’s not just the speed; the sharpness and spin rate are clearly exceptional.

As expected of Oomaru High School’s ace.

The second pitch, another fastball.

Zudooon!

Kouri-senpai swings and misses, completely late.

“I’ve never seen Kouri-senpai swing that late on a fastball…”

Next to me, Tsutsumi-kun shows a shocked expression.

Honestly, I didn’t expect this either.

I prepared by watching videos, but seeing it live is completely different. This will be tough to hit.

Zudooon!

“Strikeout!”

Three pitches, three strikes… Kouri-senpai couldn’t even touch the fastball…

This mound will be a tough one.

The leadoff batter strikes out.

For now, sticking with fastballs until they adjust to the timing seems fine.

Our captain and catcher, Katori-senpai, seems to agree.

For the second batter, he signals a fastball from the first pitch.

My body feels great today.

It moves exactly as I want.

I didn’t expect to break my speed record on the first pitch, but today feels like a good day.

Plus…

I glance at Minase on the opposing bench.

(To make Minase acknowledge me, half-hearted pitching won’t do. I need to crush him completely to prove I’m the man worthy of Sakuya-san…!)

It’s a strong start.

I’ll make this final my and Sakuya-san’s stage.

With that resolve, I fire the ball into the mitt.

“Strikeout!”

Two consecutive strikeouts. So far, the batters can’t time my fastball. That’s right, that’s right. My fastball isn’t just fast.

The spin rate is high, so it probably looks like it’s rising to the batters.

Now, here’s the one to watch. Without their ace Nogata, the batter I need to be most cautious of is Makabe.

This guy is on another level. One mistake, and he’ll make me pay.

If I let him hit here, he could spark a rally.

I need to stay calm and take him out carefully.

“Please, Makabe-senpai!”

Every batter in our lineup is excellent, but Makabe-senpai is undeniably the one we rely on most.

Makabe-senpai steps into the right batter’s box calmly, readying his bat.

The first pitch, as expected, is a fastball.

He lets it go for one strike.

“Even Makabe-senpai can’t hit that fastball on the first look…”

“The first round is fine. Let’s watch the ball and get the timing.”

That conversation unfolds on the bench when, the next moment—

Kakiiiiin!

The second pitch, a fastball on the outside, is perfectly met without fighting it, soaring toward right field.

The ball stretches far and heads straight into the stands.

“O… oh…? Ohhh!”

“A solo home run to take the lead!”

“Makabe-senpai is unreal!”

Defying expectations, Phoenix High School strikes first.

It’s the moment his determination to keep his partner’s summer alive pays off.

Senpai, you’re too reliable…!

The game shifts from the first inning.

Unexpected moments like this can throw a pitcher’s rhythm off…!

Alright, keep it going…

Zudon!

“Strikeout! Change!”

But Shiki shows no sign of rattled nerves, striking out the next batter with ease.

It won’t be that simple.

Despite allowing a home run, Shiki takes all three outs by strikeout, showcasing his strength.

Now it’s my turn.

“Minase, just like always.”

“Yes, leave the lead to me.”

“Alright, let’s do this!”

“Yeah!”

To the mound of the final. Here I go.