Chapter 120: After the Match
After Seidou High School successfully defeated Yakushi High School and advanced to the semifinals, the other quarterfinal matches in the various brackets also concluded, determining the final four teams.
The semifinalists were exactly as they were in the original story: Seidou High School, Inashiro Industrial, Sensen High School, and, surprisingly, the Tokyo Metropolitan Sakurazawa High School, a team that had performed even more unpredictably than Yakushi.
These four schools would face off at Jingu Stadium, and by the end, only one team would emerge victorious, claiming the sole ticket to the sacred grounds of Koshien.
The dates were set: July 29 and July 31—two final epic battles in the blazing heat of July!
"The representative from Group A is the prestigious Seidou High School, known for its four pitchers and its strategy of rotating them. From Group B, we have the perennial quarterfinalist, Sensen High School. Group C brings us the powerful Inashiro Industrial, and Group D is represented by the only public school, Sakurazawa High School. With all four teams now gathered, the semifinals at Jingu Stadium are set. Who will take the only spot for Koshien? Stay tuned for the matches starting the day after tomorrow…"
On the evening of July 27, the Seidou players, from both the first and second strings, gathered in the meeting room of the dormitory. In the cafeteria, the television was broadcasting the progress of the West Tokyo Summer Tournament so far.
"So, our next opponent is Sensen," Isashiki said with folded arms and a slight frown.
"Sensen has over 80 members and is a regular in the quarterfinals. In this year's Spring Tournament, they lost to Ichidaisan High by just one run. The player to watch is their ace pitcher, second-year Yousuke Maki," Chris said calmly as he referred to his notebook.
"Oh, the really tall pitcher?"
"Could he be over two meters already?"
The Seidou players began chatting, intrigued by the giant ace pitcher of Sensen.
"He became Sensen's ace as a first-year. His future is highly anticipated, even by professional players. Yousuke Maki, nicknamed the Giant, uses his towering frame to throw angled fastballs and curveballs from what's said to be Japan's highest release point. That's his pitching style," Chris explained, his expression serious.
"Japan's highest?" Haruichi muttered in slight surprise.
"A tall pitcher with a curveball… Reminds me a bit of Tanba-senpai…" Kanemaru thought to himself.
"Sensen High is always a strong team in West Tokyo, regularly reaching the quarterfinals and semifinals. They're not a team we can underestimate. Got it?" Coach Kataoka said, his tone calm but firm.
"Yes, sir!"
"And now, about the starting pitcher for the day after tomorrow," Kataoka announced.
At that moment, Tanba's expression grew intense. In the last game, his performance had been disappointing—not just because he allowed runs, but because how a pitcher responds after giving up runs is crucial.
This is something Miyuki and Chris had constantly emphasized to both Furuya and Sawamura in the original story.
After the hard-fought game against Yakushi, it seemed Tanba had gained some new insights.
Coach Kataoka, after glancing at Tanba's expression, sighed quietly to himself before making the announcement.
"Tanba, you're the starter."
"!!!!" Tanba's eyes widened in shock. Though deep down he had hoped to be the starter, he knew his chances were slim.
Their coach was known for choosing players based solely on their current condition—whoever was in the best shape would start. Up until that moment, Tanba had fully expected the starter to be Eijun.
He never imagined it would be him!
"What's wrong? Not up for it?" Coach Kataoka's tone turned cold, causing Tanba to stiffen and quickly nod.
"Yes, sir!"
Coach Kataoka nodded slightly. "As the team's ace and a senior, I hope you'll deliver the performance you're capable of in this game."
"Yes, sir!" The coach's words, almost like a challenge, made Tanba's expression grow serious as he answered with determination.
"Haha, Tanba, don't mess this up!"
"Go, Koichiro, you've got this!"
"A curveball showdown between two similar pitchers? This is going to be exciting!"
"The most important thing is attitude, Tanba! Don't lose to him in spirit!"
"Exactly! You may be shorter, but make up for it with your fighting spirit!"
The third-year seniors all cheered on Tanba in their own ways, offering encouragement. Two and a half years of shared experiences can't be erased, nor easily replaced by anything else. This was a bond forged through deep, unspoken camaraderie.
Looking at Tanba, surrounded by support, Kanemaru couldn't help but feel a trace of envy on his face.
"Additionally, Sawamura, you'll start in left field for this game. Keep your arm warm and be ready to take the mound at any time. Understood?" Coach Kataoka turned to Eijun on the other side and said.
"Yes, sir!" Eijun responded loudly.
"Also, Furuya, start warming up in the bullpen from the beginning. Be ready to take the mound at any moment."
At first, Furuya showed no reaction, but as soon as Kataoka mentioned the mound, excitement lit up Furuya's face. The mound, the mound, the mound!!!
"Yes!" Furuya replied.
Finally, he could stand on the mound again!
Such a simple thing was enough to satisfy this straightforward boy.
"And Kawakami, be prepared as well," Coach Kataoka instructed.
"Yes," Kawakami replied just as loudly.
As Coach Kataoka gave each of the pitchers their instructions, even though Eijun was already named a starter, he couldn't shake the feeling deep down that he might not get a chance to pitch in this semifinal game.
"The semifinals and finals are back-to-back, with only one day in between. Over the next two days, don't overexert yourselves in practice. Got it?"
"Yes, sir!" The entire Seidou team responded in unison.
"That's all. Dismissed. Everyone except Chris and Miyuki can go."
"Yes, sir!"
After the team dispersed and left the cafeteria, only Coach Kataoka, Rei Takashima, Miyuki, and Chris remained. The cafeteria gradually grew silent.
"In preparation for the finals, I don't plan on having Sawamura pitch in the game the day after tomorrow," Coach Kataoka said calmly after a pause.
"Huh?" Ota, the team director, looked surprised. The best player in peak form wouldn't be pitching?
However, Miyuki, Chris, and Takashima all seemed to understand his reasoning.
Miyuki had already suspected this when the coach announced the starters and gave instructions to the pitchers.
"Tomorrow's game will rely on those three pitchers. Miyuki, guide them well," Coach Kataoka said, his expression solemn.
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