Chapter 28: 28. Huh!? Supervisor, did you make a mistake?
"Tomorrow marks the opening match of the Kanto Tournament. As per the draw sequence, our first-round opponents are Yokohama Kohoku Academy from Kanagawa!"
In the evening, inside the meeting room, Supervisor Kataoka, Takashima Rei, and the rest convened all First String members, along with managers, for a pre-match briefing.
"While the Kanto Tournament may not be a pivotal event, it offers a valuable chance for you to fine-tune your form before the main games. Particularly for you, Tanba, do you grasp its significance?" Supervisor Kataoka's words were composed, devoid of any overt emotional undertones.
"Yes, Supervisor!" Tanba Koichiro's response reverberated with volume.
"Very well, now let's move on to the starting lineup for tomorrow! Leading batter, shortstop, Kuramochi..."
"Yes!" Those whose names were called out echoed their acknowledgment with enthusiasm.
"Kanagawa?" When Director Kataoka announced the batting order, Alejandro contemplated inwardly. He recollected that tomorrow's Kanto competition marked Furuya's debut in the tournament. Well, that debut had sent shockwaves through Tokyo. Those renowned schools and their 150km/h fastballs were truly a gift of talent.
I'll likely just be sitting on the bench, observing, right? From what I recall, information about the number of rounds in the Kanto Competition is hazy, but I vaguely remember the initial round not going well.
Could it be that they were knocked out in the first round? Alejandro furrowed his brows and pondered. Wait, that doesn't seem right; this Kanagawa school isn't particularly well-known, is it? They should be able to secure a victory, shouldn't they?
"Number eight in the batting order, left fielder, Alejandro!"
However, by the end of the seventh inning, the point difference was four points, wasn't it? Or was it five points? Oh, my memory is becoming more and more clouded; it's slipping away. What exactly happened?
"Batting eighth, left fielder, Alejandro!"
However, as the seventh inning concluded, was the point difference four points? Or was it still five points? Alas, the memory is growing hazier with each passing moment; what exactly was it like?
"Alejandro!"
Furrowing his brows, Alejandro concentrated intensely. Well, the Kanto competition isn't all that crucial; the real focus lies on the summer tournament! I need to put in more practice, but time is running short, thought Alejandro with a touch of distress.
"Hey, Alejandro, the coach is calling you!" At that moment, Miyuki, who was beside him, lightly bumped Alejandro's shoulder, instantly snapping him back to reality. Huh? The coach is calling me?
With a puzzled look, Alejandro glanced at Coach Kataoka, and a bead of cold sweat promptly trickled down his forehead. Huh? What? Did Coach Kataoka just call my name? What's going on?
"Pay close attention in the meeting!" Supervisor Kataoka's tone wasn't overly harsh, but it was stern enough to make Alejandro involuntarily shrink back.
"Yes!" Alejandro quickly responded with a loud voice, but what exactly did Director Kataoka just say? Alejandro felt like he wanted to cry, but tears wouldn't come.
"Perform well tomorrow! Even though batting eighth might be at the bottom of the lineup, I hope you can show what I want to see!" Director Kataoka's words remained flat.
Huh? What? Eighth in the batting order? Oh, Alejandro suddenly felt like his brain wasn't functioning properly. Oh right, a moment ago, Supervisor Kataoka seemed to be announcing tomorrow's starting lineup.
"Batting eighth! Left fielder, Alejandro!"
Well, yes, that's the phrase. Oh, that's what the coach called me just now. Alejandro displayed a relieved expression, as long as he understood what Supervisor Kataoka had said, he could avoid being confused.
However, in less than a second, Alejandro's face froze. What? Batting eighth!? Alejandro immediately turned his head to look at Miyuki Kazuya, who was winking beside him.
Miyuki chuckled, draped his arm around Alejandro's shoulder, and said with a smile, "Starting as a regular player for the first time, I'm excited to see how you perform!"
Miyuki's words erased the last trace of doubt in Alejandro's heart. He swallowed a gulp of saliva, thinking, "Supervisor, is this really an appropriate way to play?"
While the Kanto Tournament can serve as a training ground for players, is this how they intend for me to participate?
It's worth noting that the jersey numbers and other details were distributed this morning. Alejandro received the number 17, typically assigned to substitute fielders, while Furuya received number 18.
Interestingly, this time the first team only consists of 18 players, not 20. Normally, regional events allow a roster of 20 players, and in some cases, even 25 players are permitted.
Of course, this is a flexible rule. Your school can arrange as many players as needed; there's no strict requirement to have a complete roster of 20 players.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Director Kataoka provided some insights about key players from Henggaku in tomorrow's game, then declared the meeting adjourned.
Feeling a bit dazed, Alejandro exited the conference room. As he walked beneath the starry night sky, he pondered, "So, I've become a main starter?" Alejandro understood that since Supervisor Kataoka had included him in the first team's roster before the Kanto Tournament, he was bound to get an opportunity to play.
However, Alejandro had envisioned himself coming off the bench in a specific inning to sharpen his skills and experience the official game atmosphere. In general, high school baseball often substitutes players to nurture future team members and provide experience to younger players.
Is it even normal to let me start? Alejandro still found it hard to believe. Could the coach have made a mistake? He needed to compose himself, so he strolled along the riverbank outside Seido's dormitory. Unconsciously, he found himself at the edge of Field B's playground.
Seeing a dark figure sprinting energetically within, Alejandro was mildly surprised. Soon, he realized he didn't need to guess who it was.
"Sawamura-kun!" Alejandro entered the Field B playground and greeted Sawamura Eijun, who was seated on the ground.
"Oh!?" Sawamura Eijun turned his head back, grinned, and remarked, "Oh, hey there, Alen!" When Furuya was promoted to the first string, Sawamura had clenched his teeth in frustration. After all, he couldn't make it in. However, for some reason, Sawamura had been genuinely happy when Alejandro joined the First String.
Well, Alejandro could only chalk it up to the principle that creatures of the same species tend to repel each other, at least in his understanding.
"How's it going? Recent training going well? I heard senior Chris is giving you guidance," Alejandro smiled and settled down beside Sawamura, asking.
"Hmph," Sawamura responded with a touch of disdain in his tone, turning his head arrogantly. "That guy? I really don't get why he's trying to guide me. I'd rather have Miyuki guide me. What can a guy like that teach me?"
Sawamura's words vividly displayed his current frustration. Alejandro was momentarily surprised, then he sighed wryly. Well, it's impressive how stubborn Sawamura can be. But there's no need for Reese to get involved here; things will sort themselves out in a couple of days.
"Speaking of which, are you participating in the Kanto Tournament tomorrow?" Sawamura asked with a glint in his eye. Alejandro couldn't help but chuckle; Sawamura was still very much himself.
"Do you want to come watch?" Alejandro asked, returning the question.
"Well, I suppose so."
"Then, please come. Tomorrow, I really hope to see you there!"
"Sure thing!"
Alejandro smiled, gave Sawamura's shoulder a friendly pat, pondered for a moment, and stated, "Sawamura-kun, remember what I told you? You're the ace up my sleeve, and one day, you'll definitely be a part of the First String!"
Alejandro's words held a sense of determination, leaving Sawamura slightly surprised. Alejandro didn't elaborate further, just left the playground, hands behind his head.
That night, Alejandro, who had initially been feeling uneasy, gradually found his calm after conversing with Sawamura. Tomorrow! The stage doesn't belong solely to Furuya. Now that he's been given the chance to shine, he's determined to show the coach his true worth!
Alejandro tightly clenched his fists, determination evident in his expression!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone