[165] National Powerhouses

Chapter 165: National Powerhouses

The school administration was thrilled, but the players of Seidou High School's baseball team, despite their joy and excitement, remained composed.

They understood well that reaching Koshien was only the first step; the real challenge was just beginning. As the saying goes, "Now that we've come this far, there's no way we're going home empty-handed."

Their goal was clear, or rather, it had been part of their vow from the start. With their school pride on the line, they had only one objective: to dominate the entire nation!

Now that the championship flag was within reach, how could they not dream of bringing it home?

For the third-year players, this was their final summer. They were determined not to leave any regrets behind.

Standing at the front with his hands behind his back was Coach Kataoka. Ota and Takashima Rei were beside him.

Scanning the faces of everyone present, Coach Kataoka, unusually, did not show his usual stern expression. Instead, there was a hint of gentleness in his demeanor.

After all, they had won the final today.

Although Koshien was important, there was no harm in letting the players enjoy this moment a little longer.

Coach Kataoka wasn't so strict as to deny them this.

"First of all, regarding Sawamura's injury, the examination showed there's no serious issue. He just needs a couple of days of rest," Coach Kataoka announced.

As soon as he said this, everyone turned their eyes to Eijun.

"Hey, kid, don't be so reckless next time!" Isashiki Jun jokingly scolded.

"Hehe, health comes first," Kominato Ryousuke added with a cheerful smile.

"Yeah, you idiot Sawamura, if you're trying to steal the spotlight, at least pick the right moment! If you get injured and can't play, it's going to be a real headache for us," Kuramochi yelled out loudly.

"Be careful, Sawamura," Masuko said with his usual sincerity.

"Don't be too impulsive," Captain Yuuki added concisely, with a look in his eyes that showed the concern of a senior for his junior.

"Yes, thank you, senpai!" Eijun responded warmly, feeling touched.

No matter their personalities, the seniors of the baseball team were genuinely caring towards others.

"For the next couple of days, you don't need to participate in the training camp. Take a good rest, understood? We still have about a week before the games start, so there's no need to rush," Coach Kataoka said in a rare gentle tone.

"Yes," Eijun nodded in response.

Since the draw was on the 3rd and the opening ceremony was on the 6th, if they were lucky enough not to be chosen for the first-round match but to start in the second round, Seidou High School's game could be pushed back by a few days.

As Coach Kataoka mentioned, there was no need to hurry.

Having cleared the first hurdle, Eijun could afford to slow down a bit.

Moreover, pitching a complete game in the final had deeper significance for him.

Eijun needed some time to calm down and reflect on what he had learned from it.

By then, the new and improved version of themselves would have taken a significant step forward.

Standing nearby, Chris and Miyuki both cracked a knowing smile.

"Now, let's talk about the upcoming plans," Coach Kataoka said, turning his head and nodding lightly towards Chris.

Understanding the cue, Chris stepped forward.

"Since the Koshien tournament will be held in Hyogo Prefecture, all first-string players will be staying there. The school has already arranged accommodations this afternoon. After taking a day off to rest tomorrow, we will depart for Hyogo Prefecture the day after," Chris explained calmly.

Everyone nodded slightly. Although there was no urgent need to head over so early—since the draw was on the 3rd and the opening ceremony was on the 6th—the team would only need to arrive by the 5th.

Yuuki could handle the draw on the 3rd.

However, going a few days earlier to acclimate to the Koshien atmosphere was not a bad idea.

It would also allow the team to find practice fields and engage in training to keep their form in check.

"And now, let's go over the 49 high schools that qualified for this year's Summer Koshien," Chris continued. "From the Tokyo region, West Tokyo is represented by our very own Seidou High School."

Seeing the Seidou High School tag on the West Tokyo board, every player wore a satisfied expression.

The third-year players, in particular, looked especially pleased.

Fulfilling their high school dream in their final year was truly something to celebrate.

At the very least, they would have no regrets about their high school baseball career.

Although they harbored an even greater ambition—to win Koshien—it was only natural to want more.

Humans always strive for more, driven by a desire that keeps them moving forward.

Their relentless pursuit of victory and their insatiable hunger for competition became their source of motivation.

"From East Tokyo, the team representing is Teito High School, a prestigious powerhouse with over 20 appearances in Koshien across both spring and summer tournaments."

"We've faced them in practice games this year, so they should be familiar to everyone. However, since they are from the same Tokyo region, we won't meet them in the first round."

"The representative from Osaka is an old rival—Osaka Kiryuu High School. Their batting lineup is reputed to be the best in the nation, and their strength is evident to everyone."

"The representative from Kanagawa is another familiar foe, Yokohama Kohouku Academy. This year, Kanagawa's competition was fierce. In the Kanto Tournament, we lost to them, so we are well aware of their capabilities."

"The representative from Gunma remains the same as always—a team known nationwide for their incredible speed and agility. Their average base-running time is 4.1 seconds, making them a threat with their ultra-fast lineup. They excel at using speed to disrupt the opponent's defense and score."

"A dark horse emerged from North Hokkaido—Komadai Fujimaki High School. Like us, they've made it this far relying on solid pitching depth."

"And then there are..."

Chris took his time, introducing all the teams to the first-string players. He covered all the key points, giving Seidou's players, who were entering the national tournament after a long hiatus, a solid understanding of the strong competition they would face.

Upon hearing familiar names like Osaka Kiryuu and Yokohama Kohouku, players like Yuuki and Isashiki Jun grinned, their expressions filled with the desire to compete.

The speed of Hakuryuu High School's base-running made Kuramochi raise an eyebrow.

His own base-running time was just over 3 seconds, faster than any individual runner from Hakuryuu.

However, having an entire lineup that could clock 4.1 seconds was quite intimidating.

"In general, except for Teito, any of these teams could be our first-round opponent. But regardless of who we face, our objective remains unchanged: to win! To keep winning!" Coach Kataoka declared firmly to the first-team players.

"Yes!" they all responded in unison.

On August 6th, the Summer Koshien tournament would begin.

Forty-nine powerhouse teams, gathering a total of 882 young athletes, would commence their summer of dreams!

-----------

If you want to read 10 advance chapters ahead.

Visit my patreon: patreon.com/Leonzky