Mima Soichiro's agile figure streaked across the field like a bolt of lightning.
Just as the baseball was about to touch the ground, he launched himself forward with astonishing speed and reflexes, his entire body stretched out like a bird taking flight.
His powerful arm extended perfectly toward the descending ball.
For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still.
Everyone held their breath as they watched the breathtaking play unfold.
Then—
Snap!
The baseball disappeared into Mima's glove.
He had caught it.
Though he looked somewhat disheveled after the diving catch, Mima quickly got to his feet and raised his glove high into the air.
Inside was the baseball that had nearly become Yakushi's lifeline.
The Hakuryu players and neutral spectators immediately erupted into thunderous cheers.
"Nice catch, Mima!"
"One out!"
"Just two more outs!"
"Two more and we're through!"
They had every reason to celebrate.
Only two outs remained.
They were on the verge of eliminating Yakushi High School, Koshien's biggest dark horse, and ending their miraculous run.
"I'm sorry, Kitamura..."
Ota Isao lowered his head in shame.
He couldn't even bring himself to meet Kou's eyes.
In his mind, he had failed.
Failed his teammates.
Failed their final summer.
But Kou simply shook his head.
"Senpai, stand up straight."
His voice was calm.
"You did everything you could."
"Their defense was just better."
Ota clenched his fists.
"But—"
"We haven't lost yet."
Kou interrupted him.
"If we give up now, then there really won't be any chance left."
Those simple words carried unexpected weight.
Ota slowly lifted his head.
"I have to get on base."
"I have to."
Fukuda Daiki gritted his teeth.
His hawk-like eyes locked onto Inoue Mamoru on the mound.
The Hakuryu ace was breathing heavily now, sweat pouring down his face.
But he was still standing.
Still fighting.
After retiring Ota, Inoue's adrenaline surged through his exhausted body.
The fatigue hadn't disappeared, but the excitement of getting the out made him feel lighter.
Stronger.
For the moment, at least.
Ito noticed the slight improvement immediately.
However, instead of calling for a breaking ball, he signaled for a low fastball on the outside corner.
Without hesitation, Inoue delivered the pitch.
"SWOOSH!"
The location wasn't perfect, but it was much better than the fastball he had thrown to Ota.
Fukuda had overheard Kou's advice earlier.
Naturally, he wasn't going to let a fastball pass him by.
He gripped the bat tightly with both hands and swung without the slightest hesitation.
CLANG!
The ball shot down the third-base line.
It soared over the third baseman's outstretched glove and landed fair in shallow left field.
Thud!
The baseball bounced across the grass and continued rolling deeper into the outfield.
"Run, Fukuda!"
The Yakushi supporters exploded with excitement.
Fukuda wasn't blessed with the freakish speed of players like Kou or Mima.
But he was still one of the faster runners on the team.
Meanwhile, Hakuryu's left fielder, Miyako, showed no signs of fatigue despite it being the ninth inning.
He charged forward, cut off the ball cleanly, and quickly threw it back toward the infield.
The entire sequence was smooth and efficient.
But Fukuda was already flying down the baseline.
"Safe!"
By the time the throw reached first base, Fukuda had already beaten it.
"ROAR!!!"
Standing atop first base, Fukuda threw his head back and roared toward the sky.
The sound echoed throughout Koshien Stadium.
His sun-darkened face turned bright red from excitement.
Veins bulged on his forehead and neck.
This was his first hit of the game.
More importantly, he had broken through Hakuryu's defense with his own bat.
How could he not be excited?
The Yakushi supporters responded with deafening cheers.
Yamauchi Yutaka immediately stepped into the batter's box.
The momentum was finally shifting.
Now was the time to press the attack.
However, Inoue Mamoru still stood on the mound.
Like an indestructible warrior.
No matter how exhausted he was, he refused to yield.
At first base, Fukuda watched Inoue carefully.
The ace's body swayed ever so slightly.
But Fukuda didn't dare relax.
The outcome of the game would be decided in the next few pitches.
At that moment, Kou's words echoed in his mind.
"Fukuda-senpai."
"Besides me, you're the fastest runner on the team."
"If you get on base, don't hesitate."
"This pitcher is already exhausted."
"Put pressure on him."
"Force him to make mistakes."
"And the moment you see an opportunity—steal."
Fukuda's eyes sharpened.
His feet dug into the dirt.
His body leaned slightly forward.
Ready to explode at any moment.
Then—
Inoue began his pitching motion.
Fukuda instantly recognized that the pitcher couldn't attempt a pickoff.
Without hesitation, he took off.
Like a cheetah pouncing on its prey.
"Stealing!"
Someone shouted from behind home plate.
There was obvious shock in the voice.
This was the most critical moment of the game.
One mistake could decide everything.
Yet Fukuda showed no fear whatsoever.
Perhaps he had been startled by the steal.
Perhaps exhaustion had finally caught up to him.
Or perhaps the sweat on his hand had made him lose his grip.
Whatever the reason—
The pitch sailed completely out of control.
THUD!
"Hit by pitch!"
Yamauchi couldn't dodge in time.
The baseball struck him squarely.
One out.
Runners on first and second.
The momentum was beginning to tilt toward Yakushi High School.
More importantly—
The ace standing on Hakuryu's mound looked as though he had finally reached his limit.