(10) Silent Resolve

The field was still, the morning air cool as Coach Kataoka gathered the first-string players in a tight circle. He squatted down, his sharp eyes scanning the team before him. The first-string members, following his lead, also squatted, their faces serious, absorbing every word of their coach.

Kataoka's voice broke the silence, calm but full of intensity. "The Spring Tournament," he began, "doesn't carry the same weight as the Fall Tournament, where an invitation is on the line, or the Summer Tournament, which is the real stage for national glory."

He let his words sink in for a moment before continuing. "But the match tomorrow isn't just any game. It's against Ichidaisan High School—the team that defeated us in last year's Fall Tournament." His gaze sharpened, the weight of the statement hitting the players like a brick. "Tomorrow is our revenge match."

The players exchanged glances, their bodies tense with the knowledge that this wasn't just about winning—it was about reclaiming their pride.

Kataoka rose to his feet, and as he did, the first-string players followed suit, their determination mirrored in each other's eyes. Captain Yuki Tetsuya, standing tall beside the coach, took a step forward, his expression one of fierce resolve.

With his thumb pointed at his heart, Yuki shouted, "Who are we?!"

The team responded in unison, each of them pointing at their chests, "King Seidou!"

Yuki's voice rang out again, "Who sweats more than anyone else?!"

"King Seidou!" the team roared.

"Who works so hard they cry?!"

"King Seidou!"

"Who loves baseball more than anyone else?!"

"King Seidou!"

Yuki paused for a beat, letting the intensity build before delivering the final rallying cry. "Are you ready for the battle?!"

"YEAH!" the team bellowed, their voices filled with fire.

"The only goal that satisfies our school's determination is national domination," Yuki declared, pointing his finger toward the sky.

The team followed, thrusting their hands up, fingers pointed to the sky as they shouted in one voice, "OOOH!"

Kanemaru's POV: A Burning Desire

The moment Yuki Tetsuya led the first-string team through the powerful chant, the field buzzed with an electrifying energy. "The only goal that satisfies our school's determination is national domination!" Yuki's voice rang out, followed by the unified shout of "OOOH!" as the team raised their fingers to the sky.

Kanemaru watched in awe, the intensity of the first-string players resonating deep within him. He could feel the heat of their passion, and though he was only a freshman, standing on the sidelines, he couldn't help but feel a burning desire to be part of it one day.

The first team didn't waste any time as they began preparing for the match, gathering their gear and getting ready to board the bus that would take them to face Ichidaisan High School. It was clear that this was more than just another game—it was a revenge match. The memory of last year's Fall Tournament loss hung in the air like a challenge.

Assistant Coach Takashima clapped her hands, getting everyone's attention. "For those of you who want to watch the game, follow us to the bus. It's time to go."

There was a shuffle among the players, some freshmen immediately heading toward the bus, eager to watch the game. Kanemaru, however, paused. His eyes drifted over to Sawamura, who was still jogging around the field, refusing to let up even though the practice was long over. Sweat dripped from his brow, but there was no sign of stopping in his stride.

Kanemaru considered staying back, following Sawamura's lead. Maybe I should be working on my conditioning, too. I need to get better, to close the gap between me and the first team. He hesitated for a moment, his feet rooted to the spot.

But something pulled at him—a deeper understanding, a memory of the future. I know how this match turns out. I've seen it before. It's going to be a slugfest... His thoughts returned to the moments from the original series, where Seidou's pitching issues caused them to struggle against Ichidaisan. But this wasn't just about knowing the result—Kanemaru felt a pull to experience it for himself.

I have to see it firsthand, he thought. It's not just about watching a story unfold. I need to feel what it's like to be part of it.

With a final glance at Sawamura, who continued to push himself relentlessly, Kanemaru turned and joined the others on their way to the bus. His mind was made up—today, he would watch the game and feel what it meant to be on the path to greatness.