In Kanzaki Yuto’s memory, Coach Kataoka was a man of iron discipline with a gentle heart.
Sure, he was strict, exuding the aura of a high-pressure coach, always appearing cold and ruthless.
But in Kanzaki Yuto’s eyes, Kataoka’s true nature was a man whose emotions outweighed reason!
Otherwise, how could one explain why Sawamura Eijun’s performance after the summer Koshien and before the fall season hadn’t led Kataoka to give up on him?
Some might not understand this.
Kataoka’s cold, uncompromising style during practice or when directing games might seem utterly heartless.
He only did what benefited the team, and any player who hindered the squad was immediately replaced.
Too cruel, right?
Yes, it looked cold—but isn’t this a form of tenderness in its own way?
For a team’s coach, the overall welfare of the team is paramount.
Every major tournament is a matter of the team’s fate.
Koshien!
The goal they had been working toward for two and a half years!
High school offers so few chances, and most players only get to participate in the big tournament once—in their third year.
As the coach, shouldn’t he take responsibility for this?
Coldness is inevitable; rationality in games is essential!
Kataoka’s tenderness, however, was evident off the field.
He treated every player according to their abilities, consistently and fairly.
He did not favor geniuses nor ignore the mediocre.
This was Kataoka’s hidden softness!
At least, that was Kanzaki Yuto’s opinion.
At exactly 5:30 a.m., almost all members of the baseball team had arrived at the designated field.
The second- and third-year students lined up together, while the freshmen formed a separate line.
Everyone stood upright, hands clasped behind their backs, posture perfect.
A large, broad-shouldered man with a square jaw and sunglasses entered Kanzaki Yuto’s view.
Beside him walked an intelligent-looking woman and a slightly overweight man.
Kanzaki Yuto knew these were the three leaders of the Seidou High baseball team: Kataoka Tesshin, Takashima Rei, and Oota.
Well… Kanzaki Yuto had to admit, in his opinion, Oota was almost superfluous… He had little presence in guiding the team.
On the surface, Kanzaki Yuto kept his expression neutral.
Kataoka’s icy gaze swept over the freshmen.
Instantly, their breaths tightened.
The man named Kataoka commanded undeniable authority—even Kanzaki Yuto felt his mind seize under the coach’s intense stare.
Such piercing eyes were not something just anyone could possess.
If Kataoka had been in the military, Kanzaki Yuto would have believed it without hesitation.
His aura carried the unmistakable resolve of a soldier.
“Are these all the freshmen applying to join the club this year?” Kataoka’s voice was cold and sharp, lacking any trace of a typical high school teacher’s tone.
He resembled a tyrant of a kingdom rather than a coach.
Well, this was the nationally renowned Coach Kataoka of Seidou High!
“Yes!” The freshmen answered in unison, projecting confidence.
Leaving a good impression on the coach was crucial.
“Good.
Now, introduce yourselves,” Kataoka said, eyebrows slightly raised, hands clasped behind his back.
Introductions proceeded from left to right.
Kanzaki Yuto had scanned the group beforehand—there were about thirty freshmen this year.
Some had been recruited specially, others had entered through normal exams and now applied for the baseball club.
“From the Matsukata Senior League!
Shinji Kanemaru!
I hope to play third base!
Please take care of me!” A voice caught Kanzaki Yuto’s attention.
Kanemaru Shinji!
Another main player appeared.
Kanzaki Yuto subtly casts a sideways glance.
A young boy with short brown hair and a composed expression came into view.
Next… “From Matsukata Senior League!
Hideaki Tojo!
I hope to be a pitcher!
Please take care of me!” “Oh, Matsukata… that’s the team that made the national top four this year, right?” “Yes, that Tojo was their ace pitcher.
Two players from Matsukata are coming to Seidou this year!” “Usually, Matsukata players go to Inashiro or Sankou, right?” Predictably yet surprisingly, Tojo and Kanemaru drew everyone’s attention.
It was no wonder—they had attended a nationally recognized junior high.
Soon, it was Kanzaki Yuto’s turn.
He smiled slightly, straightened his posture, and spoke clearly: “I haven’t played any official matches in junior high, but I hope to receive proper training and become a real baseball player.
I don’t have a preferred position—I want to explore all my possibilities!” His words were long but straightforward, a faint smile on his face, with a hint of ambitious confidence.
To the upperclassmen, Kanzaki Yuto’s statement seemed audacious.
No preferred position?
Exploring all possibilities?
He was bold, indeed.
Only one third-year with a sharp gaze immediately perked up upon hearing Kanzaki Yuto.
He stroked his chin, chuckling.
“This kid is a lot like Tetsuya back in the day.
Hmm, this freshman class has some interesting characters.” “This guy is really arrogant.” “Trying every position?
There’s no way he makes the first team… maybe not even the second.” “He hasn’t played any official matches yet, and he talks like that.” Whispers spread among the students.
Kanzaki Yuto wasn’t trying to shock anyone or show off—he was simply speaking the truth.
This was the reason he had come to Japan.
He had studied baseball rules and basic training thoroughly.
Other advanced training?
Kanzaki Yuto wasn’t concerned.
From elementary to junior high, he had trained his stamina, endurance, and swing.
junior high used softballs; high school used hardballs.
He knew that if he built a strong foundation, he could achieve results through hard work.
So, he spoke openly about his intentions.
Kataoka stared deeply at him.
The boy’s calm expression left a lasting impression.
As Kanzaki Yuto finished and waited for the next introduction, a glint in the corner caught his attention…