Koshien Stadium.
After the opening ceremony, it was time for the organizers to give their speeches.
With over forty teams, each consisting of 18 players, the Koshien tournament had a large number of participants. Even though some teams originally had fewer players, once they made it to Koshien, many more players joined the roster. Because of this, Koshien has never seen a scenario where a team only has nine players, as depicted in manga.
Nearly a thousand players stood in neat rows on the field, listening to the leaders droning on with meaningless speeches.
Honestly, the atmosphere was terrible.
Moreover, it was August, the hottest month of the year.
Even if they didn't do anything, standing under the sun for three or four hours was enough to drain anyone.
The Seidou High School baseball team was the first to play.
At this moment, they genuinely hoped that the organizers would have a change of heart and finish their pointless speeches as soon as possible.
Otherwise, they might not be able to hold on any longer.
It seemed like the organizers on the stage finally heard the players' unspoken wishes, and their long-winded speeches came to an end.
Now, it was time for the player representative to take the stage and make the oath.
This representative was usually a well-known player, who would go up to speak on behalf of the team. They would say things like "friendship first, competition second," or other big and flashy words that they didn't understand or give a damn about.
They were really just words—no one truly believed them.
When the opponent came to play an elimination match, telling them "friendship first, competition second," did that even make sense?
Their only goal was simple: to win, no matter the cost!
Whether they used any method or strategy, the goal was always one thing—victory!
For victory, they might even be willing to give up some precious things.
Don't think it's worth it; for many players, Koshien was their lifelong dream.
To achieve this dream, they would genuinely give up certain things.
The player representative for the Seidou High School baseball team was Miyuki Kazuya. This was the first time in recent years that a member of Seidou High School had been chosen as the representative.
Although some of the organizers at Koshien didn't quite like Seidou High School, they still acknowledged their strength deep down.
They all agreed that Seidou was currently the best team in the country.
As for who would be the representative, whether it was the "Great Demon King" Sawamura or the current team Captain Miyuki, both were excellent choices.
The organizers didn't impose a decision but left it to Seidou.
After consulting with Sawamura, Coach Katoka ultimately gave the opportunity to Miyuki.
After this Koshien tournament, Miyuki and the rest of the team would essentially be retired.
Whether they entered university or entered the professional draft, becoming a player representative was a huge plus for them.
So, the opportunity went to Miyuki.
After Miyuki went on stage, he spoke for a long time, saying things he himself didn't even know what they meant.
The teammates of Seidou High School, sitting in the stands, were holding back laughter.
Watching Miyuki speak seriously about things he didn't know made them strangely amused.
Normally, Miyuki's words were the sharpest, but now he was up on the podium saying these grandiose and wholesome things. They couldn't help but wonder what was going on inside his twisted head.
While others still respected the Captain's authority, Kuramochi, Maezono, and Sawamura had no such concerns.
They were genuinely curious, and Kuramochi bluntly asked:
"How does it feel to spout nonsense seriously?"
Miyuki felt like his insides were rebelling.
He glared at Kuramochi and spat out one word in frustration.
"Get lost!!"
Coach Katoka had sent him up there with good intentions, and no matter what, Miyuki had to take on the responsibility. But inside, it still felt uncomfortable.
He was more accustomed to commanding on the field, not standing on the podium and playing a role. Clearly, this wasn't his specialty.
Before the game began, everyone gathered in the rest area.
Coach Kato looked at his proud students, a satisfied look flashing in his eyes.
Two years ago, the Seidou High School baseball team had struggled due to poor performance and had trouble recruiting talented players. This created a vicious cycle, and for several years, they hadn't made it to Koshien.
As Coach Kataoka of Seidou, a man with a sense of responsibility, how guilty had he felt?
You could only imagine.
Now, he had finally found a moment of pride.
With these proud students under his wing, he had no reason to be ashamed.
No matter who came at them, he was confident that with these players, they could defeat them.
It must be said that the game against the Dream Team not only inspired the Seidou players but also boosted Coach Katoka's confidence.
He believed that with these talented students, they would surely achieve the dream in their hearts.
Coach Katoka nodded at the players and calmly said:
"The training I asked you to do earlier has been exceeded. The previous matches have also proven your strength. Although I'd like to say something about not underestimating the opponent, after everything you have gone through, I don't think you'll make such a basic mistake."
Sawamura and Kuramochi looked at Miyuki in shock.
This was a huge surprise!
Coach Kato, who normally acted like a tyrant, had suddenly become so gentle. What had happened to him?
He had changed his approach, and now, the Seidou players were confused by this sudden shift.
Was he trying to hide some surprise?
It wasn't that the Seidou players wanted to maliciously suspect their Coach, but Coach Katook had left such a strong impression on them. This sudden change in demeanor was something they weren't prepared for.
It wasn't just them, even Coach Kataoka himself was unaccustomed to it.
He coughed awkwardly and returned to his original style.
"Our only goal when we take the field is to show everyone, with our actions, what we're capable of!"
These words were motivating and in line with Coach Kataoka's usual style.
After hearing this, the Seidou players relaxed. They all glared at their upcoming opponents, ready to step onto the field.
"Since the Coach said so, let's do it," Miyuki suggested.
His suggestion received unanimous approval from the team.
Although not everyone liked to be in the spotlight, most of the players enjoyed it.
Even those who didn't like being in the spotlight wouldn't refuse this kind of opportunity.
The entire first-string Seidou team gathered in a circle.
Miyuki suddenly pushed Sawamura: "You do it!"
Sawamura was surprised.
This task had always been the Captain's responsibility.
But as he looked around at his teammates, he saw no signs of rejection. Instead, he saw confident smiles and encouragement in their eyes.
'These guys!'
Sawamura felt a sense of emotion that was hard to describe.
He took a deep breath and stepped confidently into the center of the circle.
Sawamura knew exactly why Miyuki had pushed him forward at this moment.
Previously, Sawamura had always avoided this task.
But now, no matter how unwilling he was, the situation left him no choice.
Since his teammates trusted him so much, Sawamura had no choice but to step up.
The responsibility of the Captain—he accepted it!
Taking a deep breath, Sawamura looked to the sky and shouted!!!
"IT IS TIME TO MAKE OUR LEGEND!!!!!"
"YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
"WHO ARE WE?!!!!!"
Sawamura Shouted With All His Might.
His Teammates Immediately Responded In Unison.
"KING!!!! SEIDOU!!!!!!!!"
"WHO SHED TEARS MORE THAN ANYONE?!!!!!!!!!"
"SEIDOU!!!!!!!!!!!"
"WHO SHED SWEAT MORE THAN ANYONE?!!!!!!!!"
"SEIDOU!!!!!!!"
"ARE YOU READY FOR BATTLLLLLEEEEEEE?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
"BEARING PRIDE IN OUR HEARTS, WE ONLY HAVE ONE GOAL!!!! THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! LET'S GO!!!!!!!"
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Not only the players but even the spectators in the stands couldn't help but join in.
The entire stadium erupted with excitement.
In this passionate atmosphere, the opening game of Koshien began.
Originally, Seidou was supposed to be the top seed, but they didn't get preferential treatment. They were the first team to play.
…