Chapter 124: Finals Day

"Kumiko! Why did you come?"

"Heehee, I missed you." Kumiko raised her head, resting her chin on her brother's chest.

Her cute, large eyes were watery. Huangqian Yangyi set his younger sister down, one hand wrapped around her slender waist, while the other vigorously stroked his long-awaited sister's soft head.

"Are you here to watch tomorrow's final?" Huangqian Yangyi asked.

"Mm-hmm, it's Big Sister's treat," Kumiko said.

"Hmph, so you still remember this big sister of yours."

Mamiko, standing to the side, said with feigned unhappiness.

Huangqian Yangyi released his sister at this, letting Kumiko hold tightly onto his arm. "Sis, you brought Kumiko here, why didn't you notify me in advance?"

"This girl said she wanted to give you a surprise. How about it, is it a big enough surprise?" Mamiko said with a smile.

Huangqian Yangyi looked down at Kumiko; her little face was flushed red, and her eyes were full of longing for her brother. "Mm, it's a super surprise."

"Heehee, Brother is the best." Kumiko rubbed her head against her brother's shoulder, felt it wasn't enough, and took another deep breath. Mm, it's the scent of Nii-chan.

Patting his sister's head, Huangqian Yangyi turned his head to Takashima Rei and said, "Rei-chan, you must have known about this for a long time, right?"

Takashima Rei pushed up her glasses and smiled. "I only found out recently myself."

As she spoke, Takashima Rei looked closely at Kumiko. "So this is your younger sister. She really is kawaii."

Hearing this, Kumiko let go of her brother's arm, bowed politely, and said, "Hello, I am Huangqian Kumiko."

"Hello, Kumiko. I am Seido High School Baseball Club Vice Director Takashima Rei. I have heard of you for a long time." Takashima Rei smirked with a belly-black smile.

"Eh?" Kumiko looked at her brother in confusion.

Huangqian Yangyi hurriedly turned his head away. Kumiko immediately knew the reason and shyly scratched her hair. This bastard Nii-chan, he really exposes his sister-complex nature wherever he goes.

"Rei-chan, I'm going to take them around for a bit," Huangqian Yangyi said.

Takashima Rei nodded. The First String players' training for today had long since ended, and it was originally rest time. Besides, letting this hentai sister-complex play around and relax with his sister before the final might just have an unexpected effect.

Takashima Rei took her leave. She still had work to do; after Koshien ended, starting from the end of next month, she would have to go on business trips to search for good talent everywhere.

"Let's go, I'll take you two around," Huangqian Yangyi said.

"Mm-kay," Kumiko said, holding tightly onto Huangqian Yangyi's arm.

After walking around the school, Huangqian Yangyi returned to the dormitory to change clothes, then accompanied the two sisters to a nearby shopping mall for several hours, only returning to the school when it was dark.

"Nii-chan, see you tomorrow. I'll be cheering for you from the stands." Before parting, Kumiko leaned reluctantly into Huangqian Yangyi's embrace and said.

"Mm, where is your seat?" Huangqian Yangyi asked.

"Heehee, I won't tell you," Kumiko laughed.

Huangqian Yangyi shook his head, helplessly pinching Kumiko's soft cheeks. "I can find you even if you don't tell me."

After saying goodbye at the school gate, Huangqian Yangyi returned to Seishin Dormitory. There was still a pre-game meeting that night, where Director Kataoka would confirm tomorrow's starting lineup and tactical arrangements.

That night, at the meeting, Director Kataoka announced tomorrow's starting lineup amidst the expectant gazes of everyone on the First String.

First batter, Zhitian Jiangtai, Shortstop.

Second batter, Kominato Ryosuke, Second Baseman.

Third batter, Yuki Tetsuya, First Baseman.

Fourth batter, Dong Qingguo, Third Baseman.

Fifth batter, Huangqian Yangyi, Pitcher.

Sixth batter, Tanaka Wataru, Catcher.

Seventh batter, Isashiki Jun, Center Fielder.

Eighth batter, Shinoki Keita, Right Fielder.

Ninth batter, Yoshikawa Junpei, Left Fielder.

Huangqian Yangyi's batting order was moved from the 9th batter to the center-order 5th batter to strengthen Seido's scoring ability; for this, the battery combination of Huangqian Yangyi and Miyuki was split up.

Setting up such a batting lineup could greatly enhance the continuity of Seido's offense, ensuring that Seido could score more runs.

As for defense, there would be no problems with the coordination between Huangqian Yangyi and Tanaka Wataru, as the two had also partnered in games before.

The next morning, before dawn, a large number of fans and spectators had already gathered outside Jingu Stadium to watch the game.

Seido High School versus Ichidai Sanko High School—such a powerhouse matchup, and in the final of the Summer Tournament, a life-or-death battle determining the West Tokyo Koshien spot. The number of spectators attracted by such a highly topical game was extremely considerable. Everyone wanted to know which of these two powerhouses would be the last one standing to represent West Tokyo in Koshien.

"It's Seido!"

"Sanko!!"

Before the game had even started, the fans outside the stadium had already begun their contest.

Supporters of both sides held their own opinions, debating fiercely for the team they supported.

However, in the eyes of professionals, Seido High School had a better chance of winning this final. Whether looking at the pitching staff or the performance on the hitting end, Seido's record over the past few months was clearly a cut above Ichidai Sanko. The odds of the game could be said to be 70-30.

Regarding such comments, as the Department Head of the Seido High School Baseball Club, our cute Department Head Ota initially felt a bit smug, but after reacting to it, he became worried.

Now, outside commentary had almost concluded that Seido would be the champion. As a team that hadn't entered Koshien for several years, receiving such expectations and attention was originally a good thing, but one fears that too much of anything is as bad as too little.

If, if Seido were to lose in the end, then all these expectations and accolades would turn into even sharper arrows piercing Seido.

Carrying such feelings, Department Head Ota didn't sleep all night. When the team gathered the next day, all the players saw the two obvious dark circles under his eyes.

Riding the bus to Jingu Stadium, the long-waiting fans enthusiastically waved banners to welcome the arrival of the Seido High School Baseball Team. Amidst the enthusiastic shouts, the 20 members of the First String walked into the competition venue under the lead of the 4 giants of Seido.

"There are too many people today, I'm a bit nervous." Kuramochi Yoichi looked left and right; there were people everywhere.

"What are you nervous about? You don't even have a spot to play today," Huangqian Yangyi said ruthlessly.

Kuramochi immediately looked like a frost-bitten eggplant, his entire spirit gone.

Hehehe, Huangqian Yangyi chuckled inwardly. Miyuki, standing to the side, shook his head. He felt he was already bad enough, but he hadn't expected someone to be even more belly-black than him.

15 minutes before the start of the game, both teams entered the field.

The first to enter was the Ichidai Sanko High School Baseball Team, followed by Seido.

The moment they appeared, the Seido Cheerleading Squad, having long been prepared, struck gongs, blew horns, and beat drums, while the young ladies in miniskirts also energetically raised their pom-poms and began to dance, followed closely by the playing of the brass band.