Chapter 16: The Return of Kataoka

A recent test for freshmen has led to the emergence of many outstanding players. The quality of these newcomers is so high that even the current main lineup of Seidou High School must tread carefully.

If they aren't careful, their starting positions could very well be taken by these freshmen.

Unbeknownst to them, a rivalry between the new and old students is brewing.

Communication between the two groups is minimal.

Most freshmen, relying on their own strengths, are trying to push their Senpais off the main roster.

For instance, the three catchers look at Miyuki with unmistakable challenge.

Miyuki has even privately complained to Sawamura Eijun.

He talked about how great the two Kohais in Sawamura's dorm are, completely devoid of any rebellious attitudes. Unlike the one in their own dorm, who stares at him like a wolf cub all day.

Since moving into the dorm, Asada has been completely dazed. Nishiyama has surprisingly been polite, constantly trying to bond with Sawamura over pitching.

Whether they are rivals or not, both genuinely love baseball.

And Sawamura himself is a hard person to get along with.

So they quickly hit it off, and their relationship has become close.

Miyuki looks on enviously. He shares a position with the Kohai in their dorm and wants to communicate well with him, but the Kohai doesn't reciprocate.

Every time Kohai sees Miyuki, he stares at him with eyes like a little wolf cub.

A clear signal has been transmitted to Miyuki's mind.

Like they are opponent.

Hearing that, Sawamura couldn't but laugh out loud.

'That is soo like Koushuu! Sure enough, the Wolf boy is still the same.'

"Okumura's nature isn't bad; he just got a bit jaded in middle school. If you stop feeding him so much 'motivational' nonsense, he should have a better attitude toward you."

"As if you know him well?"

"Of course! Don't you see who I am? I'm the self-proclaimed spiritual mentor of the students."

"Get lost!"

And so the days passed quickly.

Kataoka, the pillar of Seidou High School, has finally wrapped up his training and returned to the team.

As soon as Kataoka returns, the other coaching staff of the Seidou baseball club gathers in his office.

Though it's only been a few days, a lot has accumulated.

"I received 14 interview requests earlier, most of which Coach Ochiai handled. However, some are specifically for you, while others want to interview players. You'll need to make the final call."

President Ota's face was full of excitement.

It has been a long time since the Seidou High School baseball team experienced such an event.

Inevitably, being complimented is a highly addictive thing.

That's how Ota is; once those interviewers flatter him, he has plenty to say.

Before long, he had revealed everything he had to offer.

After that, the media's focus shifted to Ochiai.

Ochiai too enjoyed the attention.

However, he wasn't as naive as Ota; he skillfully engaged with reporters, leaving both sides in a stalemate.

Ultimately, all the issues piled up on Kataoka.

"The interviews that need to be accepted should still be done. We've the Championship twice, achieving considerable success. The next step is to consider the future development of the players themselves. Miyuki and Kuramochi aren't the type to get carried away by interviews. Choose a few influential media outlets and hold a press conference. Let's tentatively decide on the participants: Miyuki, Kuramochi, Shiratsu, Maezono, Sawamura, and Furuya."

It seems Kataoka has been busy thinking during his time away.

It's clear from his list.

This is to create momentum for Maezono, Kuramochi, and Shiratsu, alongside Sawamura, Miyuki, and Furuya.

There's no need to flatter reporters; they come forward to interview on their own.

Once they decide to join professional baseball, they won't have to worry about their next steps.

"Being famous isn't enough. If they genuinely want to enter the profession, they must perform well. As it stands, Kuramochi seems to have some hope!"

Ochiai said while stroking his goatee.

Despite Kuramochi's various shortcomings, he possesses one specialty that cannot be overlooked.

That is speed!

Such players are coveted by any team, making it not too difficult for Kuramochi to turn professional.

On the contrary, Shiratsu and Maezono!

In a college skill test, they might be fine, but in a professional skill test, they seem less appealing.

There are hundreds if not thousands, of players nationwide with similar strengths.

Why would anyone choose them?

"We still have time, don't we?"

Kataoka stated decisively.

These guys are different from before; they are now third-year students.

Their awareness and feelings will also differ.

In the process of learning baseball in high school, players experience two stages of rapid strength improvement.

The first is during the first half of their high school years.

Their strength progresses to astonishing levels, often resulting in a rebirth of growth.

The second is the six months from the start third year to the summer.

At this point, players become acutely aware of what "the last time" means.

The first major game of summer—losing one game means everything is over.

Kataoka believes his students will perform even better during this crucial period.

"Anything else?"

Kataoka swiftly decided on the previous matter and moved on to the next topic.

"After the Spring Koshien, many teams sent us invitations to practice matches. Those teams that previously ignored us are now exceedingly eager." Takashima Rei said angrily.

She couldn't understand what these teams were thinking.

"That's only natural!" Ochiai explained while stroking his mustache.

"After all, the summer Koshien carries a different significance than the spring Koshien. Influence is one aspect, but summer also represents the last opportunity. Everyone's goals have shifted; the primary task isn't to be the championship but to make it into Koshien. Most of those inviting us are teams from the fierce battle zone, right?"

Takashima looked at Ochiai in shock, as if he had discovered a new continent.

'He had guessed accurately.'

"Then our goals are aligned; let's accept as many of these practice game invitations as possible. Before the summer competition begins, I'll expand the first-string team and allow everyone to take turns playing." Kataoka has clearly made a decision on this matter.

Ochiai glanced at Kataoka in surprise.

This training seems to have significantly benefited Kataoka. His decisions appear markedly more decisive.

And they are quite reliable decisions.

Once the topics of interviews and practice games were covered, the discussion naturally shifted to the freshmen and the remaining two positions.

"This year's freshmen, who stand out?"

Upon hearing Kataoka's question, Coach Ochiai smiled confidently.

"After your return, I noticed you didn't reinstate the two players who were cut, which told me you were focused on the freshmen. However, according to school tradition, they need to through a running training menu for a week first. Without concrete tests, we can't clearly assess their strengths."

"Let's begin the second round of testing tomorrow!"

"So soon?"

"Forget about the third round; starting from the fourth, I want to use it to sharpen the freshmen. If we could get a few more players like Sawamura, Furuya, and Kominato Haruichi from last year, then it would be the best result!"

It's evident that Kataoka gained a lot from last year's events.

This time, regardless of the circumstances, he's ready to get the best of it.

Ochiai smiled wryly.

Kataoka's words sounded easy, but it's not so simple.

Players like Sawamura and Furuya are simply rare gems.

And Kominato Haruichi is also a unique talent with an extraordinary fielding sense.

'How could it be likely for Seidou High School to just stumble upon such players?'

He closed his eyes and reflected on the freshman materials he had reviewed before.

Ochiai couldn't help but doubt himself.

It doesn't seem entirely impossible, especially given the remarkable strength of this year's freshmen.

'Particularly Nishiyama Kibo!'

Though not thoroughly tested, Ochiai's eye for talent is sharp.

That player's skills are already very mature, and he could directly challenge for a spot in the first-string lineup.

'It's a pity his position is pitcher.'

Based on his past achievements, it seems difficult for him to easily switch roles.

Otherwise, he could have been useful right away.

For some reason, when thinking of Nishiyama, another player appeared in Ochiai's mind.

That would be Han Lee-Hyun!

'Although he seems like a typical amateur, that speed...'

'If utilized well, he could yield surprising results!'

If Ochiai were the coach, he might just treat Lee-Hyun as a secret weapon.

But since Kataoka is the Superintendent, his selection criteria for players are different!

...

T/N: As always, Thank you all for reading!!

And I hope you all have a nice day!

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