After allowing the three to digest his words, Superintendent Kataoka continued.
"In this case, if you're still willing to take on the roles of team manager and trainer, I won't oppose you. To be honest, we do need more hands in these areas, and this is also a good training opportunity.
After all, pursuing a career in baseball doesn't only mean becoming a player. Coaches, assistants, referees, and scouts are also important roles. If you're interested, you might as well start learning about them now.
Even then, you don't need to be a manager to do that. If you still haven't given up on your dream, you can train these skills as a part of the team."
At this moment, Kataoka kept recalling Coach Ochiai's previous advice.
'Tell the players who can't make it that they really can't. This is a form of kindness in its own way.'
Although Watanabe and the others don't slack off, their talent and awareness might not be enough to make them outstanding baseball players, let alone secure a main position in a team like Seidou High School.
Although Superintendent Kataoka didn't say it outright, his meaning was clear.
As for what Watanabe and the others choose to do, that's not something Superintendent Kataoka can decide.
"Don't rush to give me an answer. For now, come to the conference room tonight and lead the meeting as a member of the team."
Superintendent Kataoka concluded.
After leaving the Superintendent's office, the three of them breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Kudo, still shaken, said, "I didn't expect the coach's gaze to be so intimidating up close."
"Exactly!" Higashio agreed.
"But we've said everything we needed to say!" Watanabe said with a smile.
"To be honest, I've always been focused on those around me while working hard. I'd never considered it this way before."
"Because everyone is working so hard…"
"Yeah, it started feeling a bit strange after that, didn't it?"
Kudo sighed, "But the coach pointed out our lack of training very directly."
At that moment, the three of them understood.
Their current efforts were not just for the team, but also for themselves!
After leaving the coach's office, a handsome middle-aged man in a suit sneered in the coach's office.
"Kids these days have such strange ideas. We were so simple back then; we just wanted to play. I never thought anyone would voluntarily want to become a manager."
Superintendent Kataoka shook his head.
"Hum?"
"Even though players endure such harsh training every day, not all of them can be on the field during matches. I've always felt sorry for this and understood their confusion and doubts.
Although I still think choosing the managerial path now might be a bit premature, it's up to them to choose their own path. I just don't want them to give up so readily if the odds are not in their favor, and strive hard as long as they have a chance, even if they are going to chase another path. As their teacher and Coach, all I can do is support them."
Nakagawa Wataru stared blankly at Kataoka.
Kataoka was puzzled by his Senpai's reaction.
"What's wrong?" He asked, bewildered.
Only in front of Nakagawa Wataru did this tough Coach show such an expression.
"Nothing!"
Nakagawa Wataru smiled, "Coach Sakaki said you're very suited to be a coach, and it seems to be true. The guy who used to just work hard has now become a very good coach, hasn't he?"
Kataoka rolled his eyes at the compliment from a pro baseball scout.
"Alright, let's get down to business. Can you help me with something?"
When it came to business, Nakagawa's expression grew serious, clearly ready to persuade Kataoka.
Knowing his junior, Nakagawa anticipated that convincing Kataoka would be difficult.
'This guy was stubborn, like a piece of granite—extremely hard to move.'
'Convincing him would be a big project.'
Surprisingly, Kataoka didn't outright refuse. In fact, his thoughts about Watanabe and the others had given him a new plan.
How could he know what Sawamura was truly thinking?
Though Kataoka could see Sawamura wanted to go to the Major League after graduation, was going straight to the big leagues the right choice? Offering other options for him might not be a bad idea.
"Tomorrow's game against Inashiro is important. I don't want Sawamura to be distracted before the match, so let's discuss this after the game."
After a moment of hesitation, Superintendent Kataoka finally said.
This suggestion was constructive.
At least, Nakagawa Wataru was satisfied. As long as Kataoka didn't outright refuse, it was acceptable.
"Okay, let's do that."
"Also, just to clarify, your contact with Sawamura is your private matter; we don't know about it."
Kataoka added suddenly.
Nakagawa Wataru hadn't expected this but nodded in agreement. It was better to avoid future legal complications.
Soon, night fell.
After training, Sawamura took a hot shower, had a quick dinner, and went to the conference room.
The meeting to prepare for tomorrow's game against Inashiro was about to begin, and he needed to pay close attention.
Sawamura was not confident he could avoid conceding runs against a team like Inajitsu.
To ensure he didn't lose any runs, he took the pre-game meeting very seriously.
With adequate preparation, he would be ready to face Inashiro's batters and secure a victory.
When he arrived at the conference room, everyone was already mostly seated.
The four key figures—Superintendent Kataoka, President Ota, Deputy President Takashima, and Coach Ochiai—were present.
It was clear that the game against Inashiro was highly important not just to Sawamura, but also to the Seidou High School coaching staff.
Once everyone had arrived, Superintendent Kataoka spoke.
Instead of discussing Inashiro's information, he first introduced the person who would explain the information in the meeting.
When the newcomer entered, the second-year main players were stunned.
"Nabe!"
"Hisashi." (Watanabe Hisashi)
They hadn't expected Watanabe to agree to do it himself after the event that happened.
Watanabe looked excited as he bowed to everyone.
Then Supervisor Kataoka announced, "Starting today, Watanabe will lead future match meetings."
Watanabe stood at the podium, holding a small stick and analyzing the data projected on the screen.
"The previous match between Inashiro and Nanamori High School ended early after just five innings. I initially thought there would be limited data, but in reality, Inashiro has provided us with plenty of information.
Especially in terms of offense, Inashiro scored 16 runs, finishing the game early. Their lineup went through four full rotations, which is not less than a whole game and might even be more. Their offensive display was very strong, with excellent teamwork among the players.
This team's offensive strength seems to be just as formidable as the Inashiro team from last summer. Even though their key batters from the third year have left, their offensive power doesn't appear to have weakened at all, which is quite different from our team."
Watanabe's voice was filled with concern.
Below, Sawamura and Miyuki exchanged a knowing glance.
Before Sawamura and the others joined Seidou High School this year, the school's recruitment was struggling.
Most of the players available were leftovers from Teito, Inashiro, and Sankou. Although there were occasional standouts like Miyuki, the quality of Seidou's recruits generally did not match those from the top three schools.
The disparity was even more pronounced when compared to Inashiro.
Given this situation, it is remarkable that Coach Kataoka has managed to train Seidou's players to be so competitive.
Over the past decade, Inashiro has nearly ruled West Tokyo. Although Seidou and Sankou have made some impact, Inashiro has mostly represented West Tokyo at Koshien.
It's no surprise that top players aiming for Koshien would choose to join Inashiro.
Even after the graduation of their star players, Inashiro's new talents are strong. They are also top players of their generation, having undergone two years of training under Coach Kunitomo, which has clearly enhanced their abilities.
Such performances are to be expected.
"The key batters to watch are Carlos, Shirakawa Katsuyuki, Yamaoka, Narumiya, and the newly promoted catcher Tadano. These five have shown consistent performance at the plate, completely overpowering Nanamori's pitcher. Even we need to be cautious against such a lineup," Watanabe warned.
"Of course, they do have weaknesses. I've identified some issues that might be helpful for everyone."
Watanabe's analysis was detailed and gave the team a clear understanding of Inashiro's strengths.
Inashiro is undoubtedly strong.
Their solid foundation and improved performance in recent games, despite early setbacks, have contributed to their growth.
It's said that Tadano, who previously struggled with Narumiya Mei's pitching, now handles it well.
At least in the two innings, Watanabe observed, Tadano did not miss a catch.
Everything about Inashiro's game is solid, indicating to Seidou's players that their next opponent is formidable.
…