[180] Coach Kataoka's Decision
Chapter 180: Coach Kataoka's Decision
It was precisely the shock brought by Eijun.
This deeply stimulated the other three pitchers in Seidou High's rotation.
Whether it was Furuya or Kawakami, they both longed for an opportunity to prove themselves.
Kawakami was more reserved, while Furuya had already been granted some opportunities.
And then there was Tanba Koichiro, the ace.
He desperately wanted to use this opportunity to prove himself.
It was his final summer, his last national tournament.
He didn't want to give up this position to anyone else.
He couldn't bear the thought of leaving regrets in his final high school tournament.
So, he stepped forward. Regardless of the outcome, he wanted to express his resolve, the pride he held as a third-year ace.
The captain, Tetsuya Yuuki, Jun Isashiki, and Ryousuke Kominato all watched Tanba with varied, complicated expressions.
Deep down, as fellow third-years, they naturally hoped Tanba could take the mound. But in this moment, they understood all too well that the final decision rested in Coach Kataoka's hands.
Moreover, from a rational perspective, given Yokohama Kouhoku Academy's strength, of the four pitchers on their roster, Eijun was currently the most reliable.
Thus, in that moment, they all remained silent, their gazes subtly shifting toward Coach Kataoka.
On the side, Ota opened his mouth as if to say something, but Ms. Takashima, quick on her feet, tugged at his sleeve. At a time like this, the decision should be left to Coach Kataoka.
Understanding her unspoken message, Ota wisely held back.
After all, this was the ace of their team formally requesting to pitch for the first time—and with such a serious demeanor.
Truth be told, even Ota felt he needed to reevaluate Tanba.
To stand up and voice his thoughts to the coach in such a situation required considerable courage.
Coach Kataoka's gaze also settled on Tanba at that moment.
Tanba, with a determined expression, met the coach's eyes.
He had been timid for two years.
In this final, most critical period of his high school career, he had no intention of being timid any longer.
He wanted to make his voice heard.
The meeting room fell into a deep silence, with not a single sound breaking the stillness.
After a long pause, Coach Kataoka finally spoke.
"Your determination is admirable. I understand your resolve as the ace," he said slowly.
Hearing this, Tanba's face lit up with joy. Did this mean his request was being granted?
"But," Coach Kataoka's tone shifted sharply, his gaze fixing on Eijun. "Players must follow orders. For this game, Sawamura, you will start."
His voice was firm and solemn as he addressed Eijun.
Eijun was momentarily stunned.
He had thought Coach Kataoka might agree to Tanba's request.
After all, it was the words of a third-year ace, spoken with such sincerity.
Furthermore, everyone had witnessed Tanba's recent improvements.
Lastly, in their previous matchup, Tanba had held the opposing lineup in check for the first five or six innings before they adjusted to his pitches.
Tanba, who was showing clear signs of growth, seemed capable of competing against Yokohama Kouhoku Academy.
Taking all this into account, it seemed likely that Coach Kataoka would grant Tanba's request.
But, to everyone's surprise, the coach refused. From Eijun's perspective, he could clearly see the flicker of disappointment in Tanba's eyes.
"Yes!" Sawamura responded loudly and resolutely.
At that moment, Eijun understood why Coach Kataoka had chosen him to start.
It was a recognition of his abilities and trust in the performance he had shown during the regional tournament.
Baseball is a world of passion, optimism, and dreams for young players. But it is also a harsh and unforgiving world.
High school baseball, with its single-elimination tournament structure, is even more so. A single loss means the end of everything.
Yokohama Kouhoku Academy was not an opponent to be taken lightly.
Their batting lineup and defensive capabilities made it clear that Seidou High would need to give their all in this match.
While Tanba's form and abilities were not lacking, compared to Eijun's current state, there was a noticeable gap.
Especially after Eijun's complete-game victory in the regional finals, his presence on the mound had taken on a ferocious edge.
This version of Eijun was the core of the team's defense.
Even the third-year seniors acknowledged the stability Eijun brought to the mound. His poise, skill, and dependability had earned the trust of everyone.
It was for these reasons that Coach Kataoka placed his confidence in Eijun.
Those present could understand his decision. Yokohama Kouhoku Academy was the team that had defeated Seidou earlier in the year, even in a high-stakes tournament like the Kanto Championship.
A loss was still a loss.
Seidou High couldn't afford the slightest complacency or mistake.
Even though the Koshien tournament was only in its second round, Coach Kataoka, known for his boldness, displayed an uncharacteristically cautious approach in this situation.
Chris and Miyuki observed Tanba as he slowly sat down in silence, his expression somber.
They couldn't help but sigh inwardly. If only Tanba's peak form had come earlier, if only he had consistently delivered ace-worthy performances, perhaps this awkward situation could have been avoided.
Realizing this, Eijun felt a surge of emotion he couldn't suppress. To be recognized by others was a feeling beyond words.
Although part of him felt guilty toward his senior, Tanba, Eijun also understood the nature of the pitcher's mound.
It was not a place to give up easily.
Eijun, too, had the pride and resolve of an ace.
In this match against Yokohama Kouhoku Academy, he was determined to deliver a flawless performance.
In the first game of the tournament, Furuya had stolen the spotlight with his outstanding showing.
But this time, Eijun, the ace, would not let that happen.
The ace number. The role of team cornerstone. Eijun wasn't about to relinquish any of it to Furuya.
He intended to win at the starting line and to stay ahead of Furuya from this moment forward—now and in the future.
"And batting ninth, our right fielder, Shirasu!"
"Yes!" Shirasu responded firmly.
"Offense aside, in defense, we must also display the spirit of attack. Every pitch, every play, must be handled with care. Every attack and every defensive play must put pressure on the opponent. We've made it this far, so our goal is singular!"
"National Champions!"
In a rare display of passion, Coach Kataoka declared their objective with a spirited tone.
"Yes!"
His words ignited the burning determination of everyone present. Indeed, their long-held vow, the words they had once declared with conviction, were now within reach.
Seidou High's players would give everything they had to prove that their promise was never an empty one!
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