Inning 9 - Batter vs. Pitching Machine


At MEA, Akari, Enju, Nanao, Ricka, Myu, & Mari were being taken apart by members of MEA. They wanted to examine them thoroughly. Akari's body was sorted in pieces, naked, and was inside a white plastic crate. The crate was sealed shut, and she was being rolled away.

Likewise the rest, they were being treated to the Tech-3 substance, after a horrible overheating showcase. But the agents agreed that it was nothing fatal… as long as the Tech-3 is removed from their systems, completely, before they can turn back.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, Cy was at the batter's box, as the Sudden Death Derby was about to begin.

(Fuu): This is similar to the Home Run Derby, only you get one hit an inning. First person to get the most home runs, at the end of nine turns, wins. If it ends in a tie, we continue, until one player gets a home run.

The remnants Cy's team was deactivated, sitting in the bleachers, cooling off. Cy prepared, as she waited for the pitch. And since this is a ruling by the Ninja Alliance, they agreed that the game must go unbiased.

(PA): Now to pitch for the Sudden Death Home Run Derby, Daikoku Village Chief, Yurisuke Yuri.

Cy prepared, as Yurisuke held up the ball. He said, "I am a biased ninja, supporting Master Kazuki, but I must play fair. Both teams used the Tech-3 substance, but they did not use Ninjutsu. And knowing the android, she'll try to outwit me. Well, let's analyze my pitches."

(PA): By special request, Yurisuke Yuri will be throwing his special Ninjutsu Pitches.

The crowd was shouting in protest, as Beretta asked, "WHAT? He can do that?"

Kurenai said, "This is between Cy & Kazuki. And being they're from the Ninja Seeking Club, it's fair to use ninjutsu, this time. Besides, some of your teammates are normal people…"

She's right. But Cy got YTG8, and all I got was Waka (who doesn't know about us). By the way, after the sudden death was announced, Waka left the stadium.

Kazuki said, "I have no problem with this. I can defeat Yurisuke and his fastballs."

"I won't hold back, Master Kazuki. However, I will only pitch to Cy. You, however…"

Cy called, "Wess tawking, more pwaying! Throw the ball!"

Yurisuke prepared his pitches, as he said, "Alright, little android, prepare for my ninja arts. First, counter my Flame Arts - Fastball!"

WHOOSH!
Cy stepped back, and the ball went past her. She gasped, "WHOA! TOO FASS!"

Yurisuke prepared his next pitch, "Now… Let's continue, with a Shadow Ball. This is so fast and deep that you may not catch up to it."

He threw the ball and shouted, "Shadow Arts - Changeup!" But Cy swung the bat, and missed. She groaned, "Aaaaaaaaaaaaagh…"

Yurisuke nodded, "Now… An Ice Jutsu that will leave you slowing your circuits. Ice Arts - Slow Ball."

He threw the ball, and Cy swung at the ball. She swung again, missed again. And again, and again, and-.
CRACK!
The ball flew off to left field, and Elly was able to grab it, after it bounced near the foul line.

Cy was disappointed. She got a hit, but failed to get a home run. Now, it's Kazuki's turn.

Kazuki said, "Nice job, Cy."

Now it's my turn. Of course, my pitcher…

(PA): Pitching against Kazuki Araya, Fuma Village Leader, Kotaro Fuma.

Kotaro was on the mound, as he said, "My arms aren't what they used to be, but I owe you a little lashing, boy. Your father and I, well… We go way back. But I hope to continue a legacy you helped brighten up."

"Is that right? Well, I'll be sure to survive this round. Everything for you, and the Fuma Clan, I owe you everything."

"No need, son. It's great that you brought this family together. Now, let's see your power."

Kotaro threw the ball, and Kazuki hit the ball hard.

But the ball drops to the ground, near his feet. Kotaro was stunned, as Elly roared, rushing to him in superspeed, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?"

Kotaro moaned, "That was a powerful 88 mph fastball! How did he hit it?"

Elly barked, "HOW? It was a whiffed wobbler! YOU OLD FOSSIL!" She continued to chastise and lecture Kotaro, as she was infuriated.

Whoa… Sorry, Dad, but… Kotaro Fuma sucks as a ninja. The 25th leader of the Fuma Clan, and his generation dies down.

And at the end, both players were scoreless, as it was now Cy's second turn.

Cy gets a turn. And Yurisuke pitched his ninja balls. First, he pitched a flashing fastball, coated with thunder. Cy missed it. Then, he did a flowing watery ball, using water jutsu, and performed a water show knuckleball. Cy missed that one, too. And finally, he threw a patented grass jutsu sinker. It was an Earth Jutsu Sinker.

WHOOSH!
Cy missed that, as well, as Sebasu called, "STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!"

Cy was angry, "OOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEUGH!" She marched off, as she failed in her second attempt.

(PA): Now pitching this round, Tokakushi Leader Kurenai Kato!

After the disappointing pitch by Kotaro Fuma, Kurenai Kato was next to pitch for me. Strange, Cy is punished, by giving her ninjutsu throws, and I'm stuck with the normal ones. I say, that's her punishment.

Kurenai roared, "You're lucky I'm not drunk! Otherwise, I'd destroy you, with my fastballs to your heart! This is for Ricka, you let the android torture!" She sobbed, "Her arm sprang off… and she'll never throw a kunai, again."

Kazuki said, "Just throw the ball, Kurenai! I promise Ricka will come back! Just let me win, and I'll-."

Sebasu said, "Uh-uh-uh. The Ninjas in this game are, unfortunately, unbiased; as do we, supporting Miss Venus, who was on your team, you know."

Kazuki stated, "Oh, right."

Kurenai pitched the ball, and Kazuki belts it from his bat. But…
THWACK!
"OWUGH!" Kurenai was pelted with the beaner.

She fell down and groaned, "Owwwwwwwwwwwww…" with a huge lump on her head, and bleeding.

"Uh-oh…" Kazuki gasped, as he was frightened. Kurenai was out cold, but there was no telling what she'll do to him, once she wakes up.

XXXXX

After Cy failed again by Yurisuke, Elly was next to pitch against Kazuki.

(PA): Pitching against Kazuki Araya, Fuma Village representative and Vice Manager to Devil's Wind, Elly Fuma!

Elly nodded, "After the damned uncle failed to impress, it's my turn to show you some powerful throws from the Fuma Clan."

Kazuki said, "Okay, Elly, go easy on me."

Elly grinned, "Still remember that shot I gave you, long ago? Believe me… you are Lily's suitor, if she accepts you. Now then… FACE MY JUSTICE!"

Elly tossed a huge slider to Kazuki, and Kazuki was able to strike it out into right field. Tayu sighed, as she caught the ball, "Not good enough, I'm afraid."

And after such power, another failure. Three turns passed, and neither Cy nor myself got a home run.

Cy approached the plate, holding up her bat, and glared at Yurisuke, "I know yer stupid multi-jutsu, now. Yuwisuki… Dis ends."

Yurisuke throws another fireball. Cy belted the ball into centerfield. But it bounced off the wall.

Yurisuke said, "You were saying?"

Cy growled in anger, and broke the bat in half, in rage.

Kazuki was next, as Elly remained his pitcher. Elly winds up, and then pitches to Kazuki. Elly's massive fastball was so fast that it turned black. Kazuki swung, and missed.

"STRIKE!"

Elly grinned, "Yeah… Now, that's Shadow Jutsu, at its finest. That was my fadeaway. Now, get an eyeful of my arm-crunching sinker."

She threw the ball, and Kazuki swung, but the ball sank into the ground, and popped up into Meido's glove, as the catcher. "STRIKE TWO!"

Elly nodded, and smiled, "Now, my patented Fuma Family Screwball." She threw a very screwy curveball.

Kazuki swung multiple times, and dropped to the ground. Sebasu called, "STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!"

Aw, come on! These guys are doing it to me, like it's a cartoon.

Kazuki walked off, as Cy was up next, battling Yurisuke. And after only four innings, neither of them got a home run.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, back at MEA, Akari was being rebuilt by Carbine, as Yozuki was watching on. She was sad, "Foo… I cannot believe she broke down, like an old computer. Poor Akari… She always made Darling happy."

Iori said, "Well, I managed to find a way to expel the Tech-3 from her body, before we could administer the antidote. She could be waking up soon. But still… Tech-3… it's not to be consumed, orally. So, why did Cy create Tech-3 Mickies?"

Carbine said, "I don't know… but somehow, the Tech-3 is harmless… the problem lies within this ingredient."

She showed a profile and recipe of the sports drink, and the agents were shocked. Ikiru whispered, "Oh, my god… It wasn't the Tech-3. Granted, it was the Tech-3, but somehow, that blended with the Tech-3, creating instant robotization."

Carbine nodded, "Correct. Something was added into the drink, mixed with the Tech-3, creating a very harmful chemical to their DNA. Luckily, Borchardt and I will extract it from their bodies, and cure them all, in a flash."

Yozuki asked, "What of Cy & Darling?"

Ikiru said, "It's in their hands now. We've done all we could, but…" She called Beretta, "Beretta? Sten. How'd the game go? Are we winning?"

Beretta complained, "Does it look like we're winning?"

"What's the score in Sudden Death?"

"Scoreless. Cy is punished with Ninjutsu Pitches, and Kazuki cannot hit right, against the Ninja Alliance. And it's been 7 innings!"

Ikiru was upset. She hung up and said, "Ladies… we have bad news. Sudden Death is 0 to 0, and we're doing nothing. CURE THEM, AT ONCE!"

The others cried, "YES, MA'AM!"

XXXXX

Cy was annoyed, as her nine turns had ended. Cy failed to hit at least one home run. All the pitches were from Yurisuke Yuri. Cy hissed to Zina, "Takeover…"

Zina nodded, as she put on her glove.

(PA): Now pitching against Kazuki Araya, the creator of Cy, former Obnubi Empress, Zina Tokakushi.

The crowd boos, as Kazuki gasped, "ZINA?!"

Zina said, "As I said… I'm siding with no one. I'm nobody's stooge! I support Cy, but… even if it means to make her happy, so be it. I respect you, and all in it, but… YOU'RE! GOING! DOWN!"

Kazuki called, "Fine! Let's settle this, once and for all, since Obnubi! Back then, I thought you were my enemy, until you learned of the dark secret behind Obnubi. And you even gave Cy a life, and befriended Akari and her mom. But now, this is for me."

Zina said, "Whatever happens… I'm sorry. I'm sorry I let Cy do this. But that doesn't mean I won't go easy on you."

"Then PLAY BALL!"

Zina levitated and called, "When I say I won't go easy, I will show you my power! FEEL THE STING OF THE EMPRESS OF OBNUBI!"

She fired a fastball to Kazuki, but he chose to ignore the pitch. Sebasu called, "STRIKE ONE!"

He shut his eyes and waited. He then said, "I will find the sweet spot. Cy must be stopped."

What are you doing?

A familiar voice called out to me. It… It can't be! Can it?

A huge black background appeared before him. He saw an older version of himself, in a dark ninja outfit, brown hair, and facial hair. It was Kazuki's late father, the former head of Daikoku Village.

D-Dad?!

"Son… Can you forgive an old man, after I taught you everything?" He said to him, "I admire your recklessness, it's just that I never expressed it, honestly…"

"Why the hell are you here, you old fart?!"

"Shut up! You're just a senile brat, to me, at least! You want to give up your harem, for one android?"

"NO!"

"Then step up! You have learned so much, in your battles with the Nine-Tailed Fox, The Tycoon, Kashin, and the Yatagarasu! And you even learned the Purification technique, to stop the Yamata-no-Orochi, after you mortally wounded me. You just need to escape the darkness…"

"I have… but I won't be like you!"

"OH? Then, who's going to lead Daikoku Village? Akari? Ricka? Kikuko?"

"This is serious! If I lose this game, Cy will be my girlfriend, forever! And you're doing NOTHING to help!"

The ball passed him again, and he got a strike. His dad said, "I see… Then, I have one piece of advice… If you want to get angry, take it out on the ball, and focus on others that you hated, in the past. Though, not me, of course."

Kazuki whispered, "Me? Angry at-? Hmm… I have had countless enemies…"

As I shut my eyes, Zina was ready for the next pitch, which could be my last. I have had many enemies that I have hated… The Former Owner, The Tycoon, Kojuro Kashin, the Yatagarasu, Danchiki Ideura, Masamune Sendo, Sheea, Guten, even the Yamata-no-Orochi…
But… There's one person that I have despised over the years.

Zina called, "GOODBYE, KAZUKI ARAYA! THIS SEALS YOUR DOOM!"

She heaved the ball, and Kazuki opened his eyes, seeing his face on the ball.

A visage of my former self. Back then, I used to be arrogant and mean, but when I left the village, joined Tsukuyomi, and had a school life, my life changed forever. And it's because of my friends. They changed me, and shedded my dark past.
So… My dark past… I hate it… That's why…

CRACK!
"I WANT TO EXPEL IT FOREVER!" He hollered, and the ball flew off, in a massive comet, all the way to the sky.

(Fuu): IT'S A HIT! A LONG FLY INTO CENTER FIELD! IT'S GOING, IT'S GOING… AND IT'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!

Cy was shocked, "FWEH?!"

Zina gasped, "WHAT THE-?"

Beretta was astonished, "He did it… He hit it…" she was in tears. Johnny bawled, as he roared, "WE WON! WE WON, WE WON, WE WON!"

Kazuki was amazed, as he was speechless, "I won… I did it! I won!"

Johnny hugged him and cried, "BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

He, Oka, Hijiri, Shiratsuru, Mashiro, Ran, Iroha, and Hayuki tackled down Kazuki, celebrating like crazy. Setsuna and Venus only stayed behind. Setsuna smiled, "All's right in the world. It's over."

Venus gagged, "Ugh… And soil my best uniform? No, thanks. Barbarians."

As they were celebrating, Zina was speechless. She whispered, "But how? How did he stop my fiercest pitch? Hmm… I guess he has gotten stronger, since the final battle." she smiled, "Good for you, Lord Araya. Your son is going places."

Kazuki was celebrating with the rest, as Lord Araya was in the stands, smiling. Kazuki watched on, and said, "Thanks, Dad."

His father smiled and said, "Good luck, my son… Here's hoping we'd never meet again. Well, you know, because I'm dead."

He never changes… but yeah. Thanks, Dad.

Lord Araya vanished, as Kazuki and his team celebrated. But up on the bleachers, Waka was shocked. She was still here, and was holding a camera. She shuddered, "A g-g-g-ghost? I can't post that… But still, views or privacy?"

Tsubame was there, as she said, "One thing, if you recorded that, while this went on, can you edit out their faces?"

Waka said, "Yes. It's a tough job, but it takes hours."

Tsubame said, "Do whatever you want… but… You didn't see anything else." She walked off, as Waka was confused. She decided to post it, anyways.

Cy was sad, as she sobbed, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" She sniffled, "Onii-chan… I wost… Zina… I'm sowwy…"

Zina bowed her head and said, "I let you down, didn't I?"

"Yeah…"

"It's alright, dear. But… You are forbidden from ever touching my lab, again. I should've thrown out that Tech-3, in the first place."

"Wight… It's my fault that I huwt the girls… Onii-chan's mad at me."

"No, I'm sure he's forgiven you."

"CY!" Kazuki called, as he winked, "Good game."

Cy smiled and said, "Good game, Onii-chan! But I wanna wematch, soon, once ew'wyone's healed and fixed! NO dwugs, dis dime!"

He said, "You got it!"

They continued to celebrate, as Beretta called Ikiru, "Hello, Sten? It's over. We won."

Ikiru sighed, "Thank goodness." She said to the rest, "Kazuki won."

Yozuki cheered, "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WE WON! WE WON!"

Ikiru said, "Say, if it's a bad time, think you can bring Cy and Zina to MEA, tomorrow? I think she will testify to what she has done, in the sports drinks she made."

"Eh?"

"Carbine and Borchardt found something a bit toxic, which resulted in the change of personalities. I'm afraid Tech-3 wasn't at fault here."

"It wasn't?"

Beretta was told everything, as Kazuki Araya would go on to celebrate his victory with the Zephyrs.


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(Cut to the announcer's booth)

(Fuu): Well, folks, there you have it. What a ballgame! What a ballgame! And an upset, too. Kazuki's Mizaki Zephyrs came back, and took home the tiebreaker.

(Koropokkur): Yeah… *Squeak* But… did you somehow notice that we had very little time in this fanfic?

(Fuu): True… but they did save the dramatic stuff for later. Komainu, any thoughts on your master's win?

(Komainu snuggles a bit,and scratches his ear)

(Fuu): Anyways, here is the final tally, for the Zephyrs, 20 runs, on so many hits, about 6 errors; the winning pitcher is Waka Kyogoku, who saved herself in the ninth inning. For the Cy-Nine, 19 runs, over 30 hits, 13 errors. The losing pitcher is Cy Tokakushi. So, for Koropokkur and Komainu, I'm Fuu.

(Oka, o.s.): Time to go, Komainu! Here, boy!

(Komainu walks off)

(Koropokkur): Stay tuned now for your local news, airing in different social media outlets, and our postgame show coverage, in Mizaki City. For you folks reading out here, stay tuned for "Say It Ain't So, Cy", the final chapter to our baseball fanfic.

(Fuu): So, on behalf of all of the Ninja World, we wish you best of luck. Until then, So long, stay safe, and goodnight.

(Koropokkur): So long, everybody.