'All bets are off… A single mistake and we lose.' Daichi thought, his gaze moving to the immaculate figure in the batters box.
Daichi was feeling the pressure of the moment. It was as if all eyes were on him, even if it wasn't the case.
In fact, Ken was probably garnering the most attention in this moment. He held the hopes of not only his teammates, but his home country on his back.
Daichi could only imagine the suffocating pressure on Ken's shoulders right now. As he gazed at his brother upon the mound, the afternoon sun appeared on the horizon behind Ken, casting a long shadow in front of him.
As his figure moved, the shadow morphed, reminiscent of a giant tree in the wild breeze.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
The fastball was sent rocketing into Daichi's glove as he felt his hand begin to tingle. After catching 80+ 100mph fastballs, his hand was beginning to grow numb.
Yet that didn't matter right now. Only two more strikes and the game would be over, they would be victorious against the best team in the world.
'Let's try a slider next…' Daichi thought, swallowing his saliva.
His throat was as dry as the Sahara desert, likely from the pressure of the titan in front of him.
After crouching down and making the signal, he waited patiently.
'2 more strikes…'
Ken nodded and entered his wind up, feeling the strength flow through his body. Upon planting his foot, his right arm snaked out like a whip and unleashed the devastating slider from his fingertips.
The ball took a wicked turn in the air and rushed to the outside of the strike zone.
WHOOOOSH
DING
Leo's eyes widened as he pursued the ball, making contact with the end of the bat and sending the ball into the foul zone.
"Foul."
The crowd were on the edge of their seats as anticipation grew. Despite being a home crowd, there were many in the audience who believed Japan deserved to win. They had shown heart and sportsmanship throughout the game, winning over everyone's hearts.
Yet unfortunately, such things did not determine the winners.
Once again, Ken lifted his leg and sent another pitch.
WHOOOOSH
DING
"Foul."
WHOOOSH
DING
"Foul."
DING
"Foul."
One ball after another, Leo sent them into the foul zone. His eyes were able to track the moving fastball, though he hadn't been able to properly make contact with it so far.
The reason was because of the sheer speed of Ken's pitches.
101mph
102mph
Every ball was at peak velocity, making it extremely difficult to hit even if one could guess the course of the ball.
The two were locked into a fierce battle of wills, neither one wanting to back down. It was not only their pride on the line, but also their country's pride.
As long as Leo was able to get a single, the game would go into extra innings since Santiago was already in scoring position. But if he hit a home run… It would be curtains for the Japanese team.
'I have to break the status quo.' Daichi thought, gritting his teeth.
He squatted down and called for a wasted pitch. The count was still 0-2 which meant they had some wiggle room. If he could bait Leo into chasing a bad pitch, they might be able to steal a strike.
Ken nodded and entered his wind up.
PAH
"Ball."
PAH
"Ball."
Daichi frowned. The two fastballs he'd called for were close enough to the strike zone that he believed Leo would fall for them, however it seems he underestimated the US Captain.
Not only was he not baited, he looked to completely calm and composed standing in the batters box. It was as if he was a marble statue, unaffected by the passage of time.
With a count of 2-2, Daichi needed to be careful. He didn't want to drag this out any longer, but there was a feeling of helplessness when fighting against Leo who was so poised.
On the mound, Ken picked up the rosin bag and began to roll it around in his right hand. His shoulder was starting to get a little fatigued, especially since he was throwing with showdown's effects still activated.
With the increase in strength, it put more strain on his shoulder, therefore he was trying to buy a little more time between pitches.
'Man, why hasn't my Crunch Time or Limit Break skill activated this game?' He thought, feeling a little perplexed.
Though it was the opportune time for the skills to activate, a part of him was glad that it hadn't. It might sound a bit silly, but he quite enjoyed this head to head clash with the US Captain.
'I just need to break through.'
WHOOOSH
DING
"Foul."
WHOOOSH
DING
"Foul."
DING
"Foul."
"How many balls has he fouled off now?"
"Isn't it like 10?"
The crowd began to murmur, the anxiety levels getting to them. They couldn't imagine how the players on the field felt if even they were feeling the pressure.
Yuki on the sideline had been silent the entire time, saying silent prayers in her heart. Of course she wanted her sons to win, but she was more concerned for them to stay safe.
Seeing her son continuously pitch and knowing of his previous shoulder issues, caused her to worry non-stop.
'Please be okay…'
What was more pure than a mother's worries? Perhaps a child's worries.
Michael too crossed his fingers and watched on with rapt attention, saying his own prayers.
'You can do it Ken!'
Back on the field, Ken wiped away the sweat from his brow and adjusted his hat. Despite the stadium getting cooler with the setting sun, his body was beginning to overheat.
He had never experienced showdown for so long and his body was beginning to reach his limit.
"Haaahhh, one more… Let's do this." He muttered.
He entered his wind up and let loose a pitch, yet the moment it left his fingertips, his eyes widened.
'Damn it!'