Chapter 200: The Eve of the Battle of Koshien
August 1st.
The excitement within Seido Baseball Club had yet to die down.
During the team meeting, Coach Kataoka went over the day's schedule, most notably the celebration banquet that would be held that evening.
Just as the meeting was about to end, Ushijima Wakatoshi raised his hand.
"Coach, may I say a few words?"
Coach Kataoka looked at him curiously.
"Of course. Come up."
Although he didn't know what Ushijima intended to say, he trusted him enough to hand over the floor.
Ushijima walked to the front of the room and faced the entire team.
"The Koshien opening ceremony will be held on August 7th."
"The tournament schedule should be announced soon."
His gaze swept across the second-string players.
"I have a question."
"When Koshien begins, are you all planning to come and watch the games?"
"Of course!"
"We'll definitely be there!"
The second-string players immediately responded with enthusiasm.
However, Ushijima's next words stunned everyone.
"Then I hope you don't come."
Silence fell over the room.
The players stared at him in disbelief.
Not come?
The Ace was actually telling them not to cheer for the team?
Even Coach Kataoka looked surprised.
Nearby, Takashima Rei quietly adjusted her glasses, waiting to hear his explanation.
Ushijima continued calmly.
"The Koshien Final is scheduled for August 27th."
"From the opening ceremony to the championship game, there are nearly three weeks."
"Except for the third-year players, I don't recommend that the first and second years spend that time following us around Koshien."
Many players frowned in confusion.
Ushijima didn't pause.
"Because once Koshien ends, the Autumn Tournament will begin almost immediately."
"Our preparation time will be extremely limited."
"If we make a deep run—or even reach the Final—then after Koshien we'll still need time to recover before preparing for the Autumn Tournament."
"At the same time, the third-years will retire and begin focusing on their studies and university entrance exams."
As he spoke, he glanced toward the third-year members of the first string.
"By then, nearly half of our starting lineup will be gone."
"Kominato-senpai."
"Isashiki-senpai."
"Yuki-senpai."
"Masuko-senpai."
"The core of Seido's lineup will disappear all at once."
The room gradually grew quieter.
Everyone understood what he meant.
"When that happens, the team will need capable players from the second string to step up and fill those vacancies."
"So for the second-years, you only have one year remaining."
"Theoretically, every minute you spend now should be used to improve yourself."
"Your support means a lot to us."
"But you shouldn't sacrifice your final opportunity to earn a place on the first string just to cheer from the stands."
The second-year players lowered their heads in thought.
Ushijima then turned toward the first-years.
"The same applies to my fellow first-years."
"If you believe you have the ability to join the first string, then you should continue training during these weeks."
"When the third-years retire, you'll need to be ready to step into those empty positions immediately."
"Only then can Seido maintain its strength."
His expression softened slightly.
"As for the third-years who were unable to make the first string..."
"You don't have another chance."
"If you come to support us, we'll be grateful."
The room fell silent.
The joy that had filled everyone's hearts moments ago had completely faded.
In its place was a newfound sense of urgency.
Because Ushijima was right.
This year was different.
Last year, Seido had failed to reach Koshien.
The team had begun rebuilding in early August, giving everyone plenty of time to train and prepare for the Autumn Tournament.
But this year was different.
This year, they had reached the national stage.
They could spend nearly an entire month competing at Koshien.
While that was an incredible achievement, it also meant sacrificing precious preparation time for the next generation of the team.
If Seido truly made it all the way to the championship game, then the Final would be held on August 27th.
After that, the players would still need time to recover.
Wouldn't that push the start of the new team all the way into September?
If that happened, newly promoted first-string players would have far less time to develop and adjust.
For the first and second-years, those missing weeks could make a huge difference.
And Ushijima's words had forced everyone to realize it.
"The next few weeks will determine who earns a place on the first-string roster for the Autumn Tournament."
"So if you believe you have a chance, stay at school and train."
"Use this opportunity to become stronger."
"Of course, if there are second-years who simply want to experience Koshien or support us in person, then we'll gladly welcome you."
"But don't come because you feel obligated."
"Come only after you've considered your own future."
"That's all I wanted to say."
With that, Ushijima stepped back.
The room remained silent for several seconds.
The third-years looked at him and smiled.
Once again, Ushijima had proven why he was worthy of being Seido's Ace.
Coach Kataoka himself felt a trace of embarrassment.
These were matters he should have considered as the team's leader.
Yet in his excitement after qualifying for Koshien, he had overlooked them.
Instead, it was Ushijima who had reminded everyone first.
The coach stood and faced the team.
"Did everyone hear what Ushijima said?"
He nodded approvingly toward his Ace.
"Those were exactly the things I should have told you."
"To be honest, Seido hasn't reached Koshien in six years."
"Yesterday's victory made me so happy that I forgot something important."
"I forgot that this year's rebuilding period would be much shorter than usual."
The players were startled.
It wasn't often they heard Coach Kataoka admit a mistake.
"So I owe all of you an apology."
He bowed his head slightly.
"First-years. Second-years."
"Continue your training throughout August."
"Work hard and prepare yourselves for the future of Seido."
A determined smile appeared on his face.
"And when we reach the Koshien Final..."
"Then come cheer for us."
The room erupted into applause.
"Don't worry."
"You'll definitely have the chance to go to Koshien and cheer for us."
A confident smile appeared on Coach Kataoka's face.
"This may be Seido's first trip to Koshien in six years, but we're not going there just to participate."
"We're going there to reach the Final."
"So when that day comes, you can all be there to support us."
"But before then, train harder than ever."
"Fight for a place on the first string."
"Be ready to fill the vacancies left behind after Koshien."
"Understood?"
"UNDERSTOOD!!!"
The first and second-year players responded in unison, their voices echoing throughout the room.
Standing beside the coach, Ushijima suddenly spoke again.
"Also, I'd like to hold a Red-White Game later."
"Huh?"
Miyuki's eyes widened.
A Red-White Game?
They had just finished the Summer Tournament Final yesterday.
Even Coach Kataoka looked surprised.
"You have a reason for this, I assume?"
Originally, he had planned to let the players rest.
"It's simple."
Ushijima looked toward Furuya.
"Yesterday, during the fifth inning, I made a promise."
"I told Furuya that however many bases he earned with that hit would equal the number of games he'd be allowed to start at Koshien."
The players quickly recalled the conversation.
It had indeed happened.
"Furuya hit a double."
"So according to our agreement, I'll give him two starts."
The room instantly became noisy.
Even Furuya himself was surprised.
He hadn't expected Ushijima to actually bring it up with the coach.
At the same time, a trace of excitement flashed through his usually expressionless face.
Ever since Ushijima had become Seido's Ace, opportunities to pitch in official games had become extremely limited.
Not because Furuya lacked talent.
But because Ushijima's performances had been too stable.
There simply wasn't an opportunity to take the mound away from him.
"Hold on."
Isashiki immediately objected.
"His velocity is great, but his control is still shaky."
"You're seriously thinking about letting him start at Koshien?"
The other third-years also looked concerned.
"This is Koshien."
"None of us know what kind of opponents we'll face."
"Isn't this a little too risky?"
Even Coach Kataoka frowned.
He clearly wasn't convinced.
"Ushijima, I can't agree with this so easily."
"You're taking too much of a gamble."
Ushijima had expected that reaction.
After all, nobody would casually hand over a Koshien start.
Still, he had made a promise.
And promises were meant to be kept.
Furuya remained silent, but his eyes never left the coach.
He wanted this opportunity.
Very badly.
"I understand the risk."
Ushijima nodded.
"But Koshien will be a long and difficult tournament."
"If Furuya can start two games, it'll reduce the burden on me."
The room quieted.
"The deeper we advance, the stronger our opponents will become."
"If I can rest during the early rounds, it'll help me maintain my condition for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and Final."
He paused briefly.
"Of course, that assumes we make it that far."
"If we lose in the first round, none of this matters."
Several players couldn't help but laugh bitterly.
That was true.
"But I'm not asking you to let him pitch an entire game."
Ushijima continued calmly.
"Just let him start."
"If he allows multiple hits, creates a dangerous situation, or shows signs of giving up runs..."
"I'll take over immediately."
His tone remained steady.
"A starting pitcher doesn't have to finish the game."
Those words caused Coach Kataoka to fall silent.
Because Ushijima was right.
A starter was simply the pitcher who began the game.
Nothing more.
If Furuya struggled, they could make a pitching change at any moment.
And if Seido had already built a comfortable lead, allowing him to work through some mistakes would also help his development.
Most importantly—
Ushijima's value to the team was immeasurable.
Koshien's schedule was even more demanding than the Summer Tournament.
The further they advanced, the stronger the opposition would become.
Managing physical condition would be just as important as preparing for opponents.
Giving Ushijima two extra games of rest could make a tremendous difference later in the tournament.
After all, Seido's greatest weapon was their Ace.
And that weapon needed to be protected.
Finally, Coach Kataoka nodded.
"...Alright."
The room immediately brightened.
"We'll give Furuya an opportunity."
His eyes shifted toward the first-year pitcher.
"But his performance will determine how long he stays on the mound."
Furuya straightened immediately.
"Yes!"
Coach Kataoka continued.
"With his velocity, it's unlikely he'll be completely overwhelmed from the very first inning."
"If things start going wrong, Miyuki will call a timeout."
"And if necessary, we'll make a pitching change immediately."
The decision was made.
For the first time since the Summer Tournament ended, Furuya felt the possibility of standing on Koshien's mound with his own hands.
And deep within his eyes, a fire quietly ignited.