Chapter 7: Introduce Yourself

"What did you just say?"

President Ota stared at Takashima in disbelief, unable to process the news she had just delivered.

"That's right!"

Takashima Rei's excitement was palpable, and she couldn't hide her beaming smile.

"Inajitsu High School won the Jingu Tournament, so they've automatically invited to Koshien. Yakushi High School won fifth place in Kanto and got an invitation. That leaves one more invitation that was originally meant for Tokyo. But the organizers decided to leave it open for us and seven other teams to compete for."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

Ochiai stroked his goatee thoughtfully, his eyes gleaming with understanding. His sharp mind quickly grasped the organizers' plan. It seemed like this backdoor was intentionally left open for Seidou High School.

'But aren't they going a bit overboard, instead of eight teams, won't just the third and fourth team in the semifinals be sufficient? Why go all the way..?'

President Ota was so grateful but also puzzled, why would the management do all of that?

"We should be grateful to Sawamura-kun for this!"

Ochiai said with a knowing grin.

"Thank Sawamura?" President Ota looked puzzled.

Takashima Rei seemed to be catching on.

"Could this be the legendary star effect?"

Ochiai nodded.

Despite Seidou High School's mediocre performance in the Fall Tournament, Sawamura's fame remained undiminished. Criticism aimed at Seidou rarely touched on Sawamura himself.

Having a star like him brought media attention and favor, which was no surprise that the organizers wanted him there.

"Regardless of the reasons, this is a rare opportunity for us, especially for the second-year players."

Superintendent Kataoka summarized.

"We must seize it!"

At first glance, this spring Koshien might not be the last tournament for current Seidou's players, but next year is shaping up to be a plentiful harvest year for them.

Kataoka had a roster full of talent. While not all would make the main team, many promising newcomers were set to push the current first-string players out.

For these players, this spring Koshien might be their final chance to play on the big stage.

Even for their sake, Kataoka wouldn't refuse this invitation, despite his aversion to such seemingly scheming tactics. Thankfully, he wasn't rigid enough to sacrifice his players' prospects over personal principles.

"Really?"

The others in the room weren't naïve. They quickly understood Kataoka's intentions. President Ota hesitated but eventually came to terms with it.

The supervisor, as expected, was right on the mark!

When the new recruits finally arrived, while the main team of Seidou High School wouldn't be completely overhauled, a significant shake-up was inevitable.

The influx of talented newcomers was overwhelming.

By the time Sawamura and the others received the news, over an hour had already passed.

"Is it true?"

"Today isn't April Fools' Day. If you're joking, I'll have to beat you up!"

"I wouldn't dare joke with you! This is an official notice from President Ota."

Soon after the Coaching staff announced the details of the special event in a team meeting.

When the news of the playoff was announced, the Seidou High School baseball team were thrilled.

They were eager and ready for the challenge.

After their loss to Inajitsu High School, they had been looking for a chance to avenge their defeat.

And now, the opportunity had arrived sooner than expected.

If they advanced through the playoffs, it would mean a spot in the spring Koshien.

Not only would they qualify for Koshien, but they would also have a chance to get revenge against Inajitsu in Koshien at that.

What could be more perfect than that?

The team rallied and prepared for the upcoming games.

The weather was turning cooler, and winter was approaching.

To save time, the playoffs were condensed into a single week.

On the third day after the Jingu Tournament, the Seidou High School team arrived at Hachioji Stadium

Their first opponent is Kasuga First High School.

The atmosphere in the stands was more intense than ever.

The stadium, which could hold just over 10,000 people, was packed to the brim.

Most of the crowd were fans of Seidou High School. After Seidou High lost to Inajitsu High School in the third round, these fans seemed to lose their enthusiasm and vanished from the stands.

But now, with Seidou High qualifying for the playoffs, these once-disinterested fans had returned to the stands.

The energy was so high that even the TV station was tempted to broadcast and livestream the game.

Unfortunately, the organizers had done a poor job and didn't want to publicize it further. Thus, the live broadcast rights for the playoff games had never been negotiated.

On the field.

Before the game began, players from both teams rushed to the center of the field.

They formed two lines and bowed to each other.

"PLEASED TO PLAY WITH YOU!!"

"PLEASED TO PLAY WITH YOU!!"

The players from Kasuga High looked anxiously at their well-known opponents. They were understandably nervous about facing Seidou High School.

Fortunately, Kasuga High's coach had some sense.

Noticing his players' anxiety, he gave them a pep talk before the game.

"Everyone, don't be so nervous! Just being selected is a huge achievement for us. Even if we lose, it's not the end of the world. Our opponents, on the other hand, have a lot more at stake.

This playoff was specially set up for them. If they lose, the consequences will be significant. From this perspective, the mental pressure on them is likely much greater than ours, possibly even far beyond.

So no need to be this nervous and just focus on enjoying the game. Do you understand?"

After the coach's motivational talk, the Kasuga High players felt at ease.

Why should they be nervous?

Facing a stronger opponent, their goal should be to give it their all.

"Yes, sir!!!"

With this resolve, the players responded with enthusiasm.

Kasuga First High School are a well-known strong team in East Tokyo schools.

The strength of their players is not weak in itself, and now their momentum has also improved.

An intense battle was inevitable.

In the top of the first inning, Kasuga High went on the attack.

When Seidou High School announced their starting lineup, they were surprised to find that their opponent pitcher was not Sawamura, but Kawakami, a second-year player.

"The opponents are clearly underestimating us!"

Kasuga's Coach was furious at that but also realized that it was an opportunity.

"Since they're clearly taking it easy, why shouldn't we take advantage of that? Go all out. Overcome this pitcher and get as many runs as possible!"

"Yes!"

When they took the field, Kasuga's players were fired up.

As the catcher, Miyuki observed the aggressive stance of the opponents and couldn't help but smirk inwardly.

'Did Kasuga players really think that not having Sawamura on the mound meant Seidou High School was holding back?'

In reality, they were indeed holding back.

But that didn't mean the pitcher currently on the mound was weak.

'Nori, it's time for you to introduce yourself.'

Before the game, Miyuki had specifically talked to Kawakami about this.

Kawakami gave a subtle nod.

Though his movements were minimal, his eyes were unexpectedly serious.

'Got it!'

The two partners, already in sync, started acting as they agreed before.

On the surface, there was nothing unusual.

But their eyes were filled with determination for victory.

The game began!

"STRIKE!"

"STRIKE!!"

"STRIKE! BATTER OUT!!!"

As if to pay homage to Sawamura, who was in the outfield, Kawakami started the game with three incredibly sharp breaking balls, Striking Out the batter.

This clean and efficient performance drew cheers from the Seidou fans.

"The opponents are throwing sharp-breaking balls. There's no need to get entangled. Try bunting to shake them and swing if the opportunity arises."

Kasuga High's coach quickly instructed his players.

The pressure on the players was high, and Seidou had taken the momentum.

'Such a start could have significant consequences.'

Realizing this, the Kasuga's Coach issued immediate instructions.

Players needed to follow his orders and not overthink things.

This was the coach's fundamental strategy.

In the ensuing plays, his players were very obedient, promptly attempting bunts.

Ping!

The small white ball rolled away after being hit.

The third baseman, Kanemaru, who had prepared in advance, dashed out, scooped up the ball, and threw it to first base.

Snap!

"OUT!!"

After over a month of adjustment and extensive training, Kanemaru had returned to his starting position.

Although he was not significantly better at batting than Higasa, as Higasa was also improving, his fielding skills and game awareness were superior.

'I drilled myself to death for this moment, if you guys think it will be easy then you are asking for a beating!'

The former star of Matsutake Senior Club had fully adjusted to high school and was ready to show what he got.

In fact, if not for Sawamura, Furuya, and Haruichi grasping attention from the start, Kanemaru might have been promoted and heavily trained from the previous summer.

He had that level of talent.

…

T/N: And here it is.

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