Last Inning Vol. 36 — Manga Raw / Buy Official

In this volume, the grueling battle against Meikun High School reaches its emotional and strategic climax. Hatogaya masterfully breaks the mental fortitude of their star slugger, Tsukinomi, by manipulating the strike zone and controlling the rhythm of the game. The highlight is the final inning, two outs, bases loaded—Hatogaya commands his pitcher to challenge the batter with a high-risk inside fastball, exploiting the hitter’s greed for a home run. The resulting strike-out is a masterclass in psychological domination. Beyond the diamond, Hatogaya’s cynical yet profound philosophy shines through; he views the game not just as a test of skill, but as a crucible for personal growth. His post-game realization—that pushing students past their breaking point is the true mandate of a coach—serves as a chilling reminder of the sacrifices required to reach the pinnacle. As the victory cheers fade, the story pivots, signaling that the most ruthless challenges for the Saiga Academy team are yet to come, as Hatogaya prepares them for the ultimate trial.