In the teachers' office of Akagi High School.
The new school is still under construction, and it won't be until next year that the school can move.
This office appears somewhat old-fashioned, with an air of old buildings lingering everywhere.
Sunlight streaming through the windows bathes the originally dated office in a warm glow.
Sawamura stands before the blackboard, making sweeping gestures.
"First of all, you need to understand what it is exactly that you want. What do you aim for? And what are you ready to work with to achieve it?"
Sawamura's words are firm, and in the classroom, his former teammates raise their heads, each listening intently to Sawamura.
It's evident they trust Sawamura deeply. Their gaze shows not only respect for their Senpai but also a hint of closeness to a friend.
In response to Sawamura's questions, their eyes reveal their inner contemplation.
Influenced by their young age, they all possess the spirit and determination to work hard. But the issues of their actual goals, as Sawamura asked, aren't things they've considered.
Sawamura is different. Having spent nearly two decades in America following his dreams, he has an understanding of personal goals and their influence on a person.
Having a big goal, but don't know how to achieve it can at best paralyze you, and at worst, it will destroy you.
Not having a clear goal, but working aimlessly will only waste your precious time and even more precious opportunities.
"For instance, just like why you chose to come to Akagi High School, I don't know what each of you gained from being here. That's something you have to ask yourselves."
Upon hearing Sawamura's words, his former teammates ponder deeply. Why did they choose Akagi?
Naturally, it was because they couldn't get into the other famous clubs in Nagano Prefectural.
Back then, Akagi High School wasn't their first choice.
"Next, you need to ask yourselves. Do you regret the decision or feel unsatisfied with what you've achieved?"
'Regret? Certainly not.'
They don't regret it. Being part of this team, and learning baseball under Sawamura's leadership, everyone felt fortunate. Winning the national championship with Sawamura is an honor they'll cherish for a lifetime.
However, if asked whether there's dissatisfaction, of course, there is. While they take pride in not becoming key players under Sawamura, it feels disconnected from their personal achievements.
"If you feel unsatisfied, think about what exactly you want."
After waiting a while, Sawamura asked the real question.
While these questions may seem similar on the surface, upon closer inspection, they are progressively different in nature.
"The first time you were asked, you probably didn't have a concrete answer. But after I gave the example of why you chose Akagi High School, you might have started to understand something. By the time I posed the third question, there should be a vague answer forming in your mind."
"Now that you know what you want, the next choice is simple. If Koshien is your dream, then aim for these three powerhouse schools. If you're confident in your abilities, choose Hoshiryu High School.
In the short term, Hoshiryu High School is most likely to produce results.
If you're not so confident in your abilities, choose the other two powerhouse schools and compete with the talented players from other schools.
However, entering a powerhouse school requires a strong competitive spirit. If you're not mentally prepared to compete with them, I advise against it.
Also, the training intensity at powerhouse schools is remarkably demanding. If you're not prepared for this mentally, I also don't recommend it."
"If your goal isn't Koshien but simply to enjoy playing baseball, then I recommend schools with high advancement rates and well-established baseball programs.
At such schools, academic performance usually takes priority, and there's less interference with the baseball team. You can enjoy playing baseball alongside your studies, and if you manage to get a good achievement in baseball, it will also be advantageous for your future."
"In short, if you want to achieve something in baseball, you must be prepared to put in the effort. If you don't have such plans, it doesn't really matter..."
Sawamura seems to have said a lot, but he hasn't given any specific advice at all. He laid out all the possibilities with the pros and cons of leaving the choice to his Kohais, believing they would make the right decision for themselves.
They must carve out their own future. They can't rely on others, and Sawamura is no different.
It's not that he's avoiding responsibility, it simply isn't his responsibility to bear.
After resolving his friends' issues, Sawamura separately calls Hirota and Matsumoto to one side.
At this point, Sawamura still doesn't know whether Takashima Rei is keeping an eye on Hirota or Matsumoto. Considering the likelihood of being asked to act as a mediator, Sawamura felt it would be helpful to gather some information beforehand.
"Both of you, how many invitations have you received now?"
Sawamura's question sounds casual, but the answers from the two were cautious.
Their relationship with Sawamura is unique. Hirota entered Akagi High School's baseball team through the back door. Once in the team, Hirota showed no signs of the spoiled rich kid persona and firmly grasped Sawamura's teachings.
Normally, Hirota addresses him as 'Shisho'.
Matsumoto is highly talented as a catcher. After Hosho graduated from Akagi, he played alongside Sawamura for a year.
Naturally, they became closer than other teammates.
One crucial point is that the year after Hosho and Oda graduated when Akagi High School's baseball team won the national championship, both were key players in the team.
When Sano said they had received invitations from three powerhouse schools simultaneously, he was referring to these two.
"Shisho, I haven't embarrassed you. So far, I've received invitations from six powerhouse high schools. Two of them are from Tokyo." Hirota said with pride.
"I've also received invitations from powerhouse high schools in Tokyo." Matsumoto also replied.
…