As August drew near, the sun was exceptionally scorching.
Under the blazing sky, the Seidou High School Baseball Team players were drenched in sweat.
They first engaged in intense training, and after reaching their limits, some of the players sat in the shade to rest.
As for those with greater stamina, they naturally continued.
Among them were several third-year seniors and a handful of second-years.
The heavy hitters among the third-years were especially eager, seizing every opportunity to practice their swings.
"Whoosh!"
The white baseball whistled through the air.
The imposing figure in the batter's box saw the pitch and swung without hesitation.
"Boom!!"
The sharp sound of the bat cutting through the air left many of the First String players wide-eyed.
They had seen similar swings during official games before,
But this was different—up close, the impact was overwhelming.
Especially for those standing nearby, they felt their eardrums tremble from the sheer force.
"As expected of Azuma-senpai!"
The bat connected, sending the ball flying with a resounding crack.
"Ping!"
The baseball soared high, crashing against the net at the far end of the field. Without the net's protection, it would have flown straight out of the grounds.
But Azuma Kiyokuni didn't look pleased, even after blasting out a near home run.
"Did you not eat? What kind of pitch was that—no power, no speed! With pitching like this, you'll never make it to the First String in your life!"
Although the team was still basking in their Koshien qualification, the third-years, while relieved, had started worrying about the team's future.
What would happen after they left? Could the underclassmen hold the team's ground?
The thought of entrusting Seidou's legacy to the unprepared made them uneasy.
If they could, the seniors truly wished they could keep playing forever.
But that was nothing more than a dream.
The only thing they could do now was to push their juniors harder, urging them to improve.
Naturally, that strictness sometimes turned into harsh scolding.
Perhaps for that reason, over the past two days, Seidou had refused all outside visits and interviews.
Before then, they had graciously accepted fan visits and even entertained some interviews.
Many had sent in their encouragement—fans of Seidou, and even former alumni who once wore the Seidou jersey.
Everyone genuinely wanted this team to go further at Koshien.
But the closer the tournament drew, the more distractions became a threat.
Coach Kataoka, strict as ever, drew the line. After fulfilling their obligations, the team shifted into closed training.
Neither fans nor reporters complained.
They all understood.
After all, Seidou wasn't just guarding against outsiders' curiosity—
They were guarding against spies.
The team had risen from the shadows to suddenly become the talk of the nation. With all the media spotlight, there were now countless eyes watching.
If their closed training were leaked, the consequences could be disastrous.
In games at this level, even a small gap in intelligence could decide victory or defeat.
And that was something Seidou could not risk.
During practice, Takashima Rei arrived, leading a young man onto the field.
"Sawamura-kun, this is our school's proud baseball ground!" Rei smiled as she guided him. "It's divided into two full-sized fields, A and B, both capable of hosting official games. In addition, we have a professional indoor facility, plus all kinds of specialized equipment—"
The young man, Sawamura Eijun, looked around wide-eyed.
It felt like stepping into another world.
For someone from a small, unknown background, this place was dazzling beyond imagination.
Especially the training machines—it was a dreamland for a baseball player.
"This pitching machine can simulate nine different breaking balls," Rei continued. "It can adjust speeds from 100 km/h up to 155 km/h!"
Sawamura ran his hand across the machine with childlike wonder, reluctant to let go.
If his hometown team had even one of these, how many victories could they have won?
"What do you think?" Rei asked.
At once, Sawamura straightened up, his expression firm.
"A team made up of the most elite players in the country, with facilities like this… of course you're strong," he said, almost defiantly. "But baseball isn't about machines—it's about hard work, about fighting alongside your teammates! I'll never lose to a team like yours!"
His voice carried with a raw, unyielding spirit.
Rei, however, shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but I disagree. Many of our players came here as baseball exchange students. They left their hometowns, traveled thousands of miles, and joined Seidou to pursue their dreams. I respect them from the bottom of my heart."
Her words struck deep, reverberating in Sawamura's chest like a heavy blow.
Exchange students… chasing their dreams from far away?
He had never thought of it like that before.
And when he looked around again, at those players dripping with sweat yet still training as if fatigue didn't exist—
His heart stirred.
Maybe… there was something more to this path.
Just then, Azuma's furious roar echoed across the field.
"Did you not eat? That weak pitch is all you've got? If you don't want to pitch, get lost! There are plenty of others who'd kill for your spot. Don't waste food by staying here uselessly!"
Sawamura froze.
A moment ago, his heart had been shaken, softened by Rei's words.
But now, all that fire returned to him in a rush.
That kind of arrogance, that kind of bullying—
That, he would never accept!
Clenching his fists, Sawamura stepped forward and shouted at the top of his lungs:
"Hey, everyone! Come quick—there's a big fat pig grunting over here!"
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