The training ground of Seidou High School's baseball team suddenly turned into a sea of joy.
It started with the second-string players.
They excitedly raised their arms, jumping up and down.
"We won!"
"We actually won!"
Especially the third-year seniors—many of them were on the verge of tears.
They knew deep down this would be their final game. Originally, they thought they were going to lose this match.
But unexpectedly, the tide turned.
Among the spectators was a newly joined first-year player, who scratched his head in confusion.
"Is it over?"
He felt like Seidou's offense hadn't finished yet.
After all, Zhou Hao, who had just hit the ball, had already successfully reached second base.
If the game continued, they might even score another run.
"Don't be silly. In baseball, it's not just about how many runs you score. What matters is securing the win."
"Those three runs Zhou Hao batted in completely reversed the situation. Now we're ahead by one run. Since Matsuyama High School has no more chances to bat, we've won."
A kind teammate explained it to him.
The teammate spoke with pride written all over his face.
Even though they themselves couldn't play at this time, and hadn't even made the second-string roster—
Zhou Hao did.
Seeing someone from their year perform like that on the field made them feel like they were out there themselves.
The first-string team, after seeing the final result, also stopped their training.
They turned toward the second-string team, offering their applause.
Coach Kataoka removed the umpire's helmet, ready to shake hands with the coach of Matsuyama High School's baseball team.
After the initial wave of excitement, the players of Seidou gradually calmed down.
Winning this match was already satisfying enough.
It was time to bid farewell to their opponents.
"Thank you for the game!"
"Thank you very much!"
The players of Matsuyama High School gradually regained their composure after the initial shock.
They forced bitter smiles as they shook hands with the Seidou players.
"We thought we were at least among the top four… We never expected to lose to your second-string team."
The coach of Matsuyama High School originally wanted his players to earn a solid victory against Seidou.
Even if their opponents were just Seidou's second-string, it was still a renowned powerhouse.
Beating such a team would benefit them in future matches—
And help boost the players' confidence.
But things turned out just the opposite.
Once the players of Matsuyama High School realized they couldn't even beat Seidou's second-string, it dealt a huge blow to their confidence.
How were they supposed to face the other powerhouses in Chiba Prefecture now?
"We're not all second-string players. This guy is on the first-string. So is Shimoe-senpai."
Kuramochi Yoichi laughed as he pointed at Miyuki.
He thought he was being nice by saying that—but it only made the Matsuyama players want to crawl into a hole.
Only two first-string players?
They originally assumed there were at least three or four.
"How did you manage to hit into that gap at the end?"
Zhou Hao's hand was tightly grasped by someone.
It was Matsuyama High School's backup pitcher, Ida—still unwilling to accept the outcome.
He had planned everything so well. He even beat Zhou Hao in their earlier matchup.
But just when he thought he had leveled up and could carry the team to victory—
Zhou Hao smacked him back to reality.
"That pitch? Come on, I wouldn't trip over the same stone twice."
Zhou Hao responded with a smile.
Huh?
Ida looked thoughtful.
Zhou Hao's words made him realize something he hadn't noticed before.
The way he struck out Zhou Hao the second time was the same tactic he used in their first encounter.
So Zhou Hao must've figured it out—which is why he took that step forward before swinging.
That single step was what extended the ball's distance.
And that's why his teammates couldn't catch it in time.
"I lost!"
"Wins and losses are part of the game. Don't let it bother you. I look forward to facing you again!"
Zhou Hao said cheerfully.
He found this pitcher named Ida to be quite interesting.
If Ida could refine his pitching into a proper system, they might really face each other again someday.
"I'm sure we will."
Even if young players felt disappointed now, they recovered quickly.
No matter how crushing this defeat was, they still had to keep a brave face—then reflect once they got back home.
While the players of both teams were saying their goodbyes, the coaches were shaking hands as well.
"I really envy you,"
Coach Matsuyama said sincerely.
"You flatter me, senpai. We still have a lot of areas to improve…"
Coach Kataoka replied with heartfelt humility.
Although he had managed to build strong teams year after year, aiming for a ticket to Koshien—
Aside from the first year, he hadn't succeeded since.
This made Kataoka realize—
The issue wasn't just with the team. He, as a coach, also had his own shortcomings.
"I know what's troubling you. You haven't reached Koshien in a few years. But in a region like Tokyo, even giving it your all might not bring results. The reason you haven't made it might not be due to lack of skill or poor coaching—it might simply be bad luck."
As he spoke, Coach Matsuyama turned his eyes to Zhou Hao.
"Looks like your luck this year is finally turning around."
Coach Kataoka followed his gaze toward Zhou Hao.
He didn't need the other coach to point it out—he already realized how exceptional Zhou Hao was.
In today's match, Zhou Hao's performance was nothing short of brilliant.
He started with a solid hit to save the team's reputation.
Then he capped it off with a three-run RBI that completely turned the game around.
Not to mention how he pitched at the end, giving Matsuyama no room to fight back.
"A team needs strong offense and defense to win—but what's most important is having a real ace."
Coach Matsuyama said this before boarding his bus.
Although he didn't say it directly—
Coach Kataoka clearly understood.
He was talking about Zhou Hao.
Zhou Hao was their lucky charm—
And the future ace of Seidou High School.
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