<3> The Invitation
Chapter 3: The Invitation
"Coach Kataoka…"
A plump figure burst into the office of the Seidou High School baseball team's coach.
Coach Kataoka, wearing a pair of brown-tinted glasses and looking stern and unapproachable, frowned slightly upon seeing the intruder.
Considering the visitor was the director of the baseball department, Kataoka nodded in acknowledgment.
The visitor, seemingly oblivious to Kataoka's unwelcoming demeanor, excitedly waved a videotape in his hand.
"I have…"
Kataoka's expression darkened. In his high school and college days, many of his classmates enjoyed sharing such tapes.
While it's true that men remain youthful at heart, he and the person before him were merely colleagues.
They weren't close enough to share these kinds of "artistic" videos.
"There's a player named Satoru Furuya. He's definitely a top talent. If we could offer him a special recruitment…"
Only after the visitor explained his purpose did Kataoka's irritation begin to subside.
Yet, there was still a tinge of disappointment in his heart.
When the videotape was played and Kataoka saw Furuya's performance, his displeasure vanished completely.
"Where is this boy from? Do we still have special recruitment spots available?"
Recruitment was usually handled by the vice president of the department, but as the director, Kataoka was aware of the specifics.
"There's one left! However, Vice President Takashima has already contacted a player named Sawamura Eijun."
"Sawamura?"
"Yes, the boy who struck out Azuma-san top batter while working with Miyuki."
"That one!"
If it's that boy, the spot is indeed valuable.
"You said we still have a few special recruitment spots?"
"One."
The plump department head answered reflexively.
"Are you sure? I thought there were two."
The plump head paused for a moment before affirming.
"Yes, two spots!"
One recruitment spot and a partial tuition waiver.
For a wealthy school like Seidou High, money wasn't a problem.
"Then let's extend the invitation to him. Have Rei handle it!"
"Vice President Takashima is busy recruiting other players and traveling nationwide. I'll go myself since this boy is in Hokkaido…"
Time returns to the present.
When Furuya arrived at the coach's office with his own coach, he didn't find the overly busty woman he might have expected. Instead, he encountered a slightly chubby man with sideburns.
The man greeted Furuya with a wide, enthusiastic smile.
"You must be Satoru Furuya! I'm Oota, the director of the Seidou High School baseball team!"
"Hello, Mr. Oota," Furuya replied, nodding in greeting.
He recognized Oota immediately, given the man's distinctive appearance.
For some reason, Oota felt that Furuya seemed a bit disheartened. Could it be that the boy had sent out more than one video?
Oota suddenly felt a pang of anxiety.
Their team had high hopes for this young player. Whether Seidou High School's baseball team could make a strong comeback and return to the Koshien depended greatly on him.
If another team snatched him away…
The thought alone was enough to make one want to bang their head against a wall.
"We at Seidou are renowned. I'm here to offer you an invitation to join our team. Our facilities are the top-tier among all high schools, and our training mirrors professional teams. Nearly every year, we recommend excellent players to professional teams…"
Oota spoke passionately about the prestigious Seidou High School baseball team, as if anyone who joined would undoubtedly have a bright future.
He didn't mention that their team hadn't reached Koshien in several years.
This was only natural. After all, who would openly highlight their own shortcomings?
Furuya's coach also smiled, feeling honored. Having the director of one of Tokyo's top baseball schools visit to recruit was a significant accolade for their school.
The coach wanted to highlight Furuya's talent and commend his potential.
Furuya's current coach seized the moment to speak.
"Although Furuya isn't widely known nationwide, he's a celebrated talent in Hokkaido. Several prestigious schools have already extended invitations to him…"
Upon hearing this, Oota's anxiety grew. He realized that persuading Furuya with just his own words would be challenging.
He had initially thought it would be an easy task since Furuya had sent them the video, presumably because he hadn't found a preferred school.
But Furuya was so sought-after? It was no wonder—who wouldn't be impressed by such a video? Even their usually calm supervisor had decided to offer a special recruitment spot after viewing it.
"I think it would be a good idea for Furuya to visit our school. After all, seeing is believing. I'm sure that after visiting, he'll have a clearer picture."
Oota privately regretted his decision. Even with a down jacket, he was shivering in the cold weather. He wished he had sent Takashima instead—professional matters were better handled by professionals.
Just as Oota was internally lamenting, Furuya spoke.
"I agree to join Seidou."
"Okay, I'll arrange it."
In the middle of arranging, Oota suddenly realized what Furuya had just said.
"Did you just say…"
"I said I agree to join Seidou High School's baseball team! No need for a visit; I'll see everything when school starts next year."
"Great, great!!"
Oota was stunned by how effortlessly he completed what he had thought would be a difficult task. He felt a newfound respect for Furuya and could now hold his head high when facing their vice president.
It wasn't just about recruitment—it was a matter of personal pride.
After spending a day in Hokkaido, Oota couldn't endure the cold any longer and left, despite the allure of a public-funded trip.
Time flew, and soon it was April of the following year.