Chapter 328: New Captain Candidate?

On the evening that Huangqian Yangyi returned to school, Coach Kataoka immediately summoned all team members to the conference room for a meeting. This included the third-year seniors; unlike the first and second years, the seniors were already in retirement status and were not wearing their team uniforms.

"Senior, over here, over here." Huangqian Yangyi pushed Kuramochi aside, clearing a seat to beckon Chris to come over and sit down.

As Chris sat down, more and more people walked in. A few minutes later, the four giants of Seido, led by Coach Kataoka, also arrived.

"Everyone is here, let's begin."

Coach Kataoka scanned the room. Very good, everyone was present, not a single one missing.

"Coach, everyone is here."

Wearing her Seido JK uniform, Fujiwara Takako still subconsciously tallied the number of people after arriving at the conference room.

"Thank you for your hard work." Coach Kataoka nodded.

After waiting for Fujiwara Takako to sit down, Coach Kataoka walked to the central position and spoke.

"This summer, we reaped the fruits of victory and successfully defended our championship at the Summer Koshien. This is something worth celebrating."

"However, I hope you will not let victory go to your heads. I am very pleased that this short vacation has not dulled your fighting spirit."

"For those of you third-years who have already retired, today may be the last time you can gather here. No matter where you end up in the future, where you find yourselves, or what work you do, I hope you all maintain your original intentions and forge ahead bravely. You will always be the students I am proud of!"

After he finished speaking, the third-years sitting below were moved to tears.

Haa!

Taking a deep breath, Coach Kataoka looked at these familiar faces, his eyes filled with reluctance.

"As for the remaining first and second years, you must continue to fight in the time ahead. It is now the end of August, and there is one month left until the Autumn Tournament. The new team will soon begin selection. Bring out your fighting spirit during training. This autumn, if the Summer Koshien champions cannot produce good results, we will become the laughingstock of all Tokyo!"

"Yes! Coach!!"

The second years, led by Huangqian and Miyuki, shouted, and the first years followed suit.

"Very good. Then, for the National Sports Festival in November, third-year players who wish to participate can sign up themselves. But in the next half year, you must also work hard on your studies. Although Koshien champions can receive recommendations, your grades cannot be too poor."

"In this regard, Isashiki, Masuko... you all must strengthen your studies!"

The few who were named immediately wore bitter expressions. They were all academic underachievers who usually just barely passed their exams, and that was only because they were Baseball Club players, for whom the passing line was lower than for others.

Study? Study my foot!

This was the true portrayal of Isashiki and the others when it came to studying.

"Hahaha, Jun-san's studies are the worst, right?" Huangqian Yangyi spoke up to mock him, completely disregarding the senior's face.

"You bastard, Huangqian!"

"Hahahaha~"

After the meeting ended, the team members walked toward the dormitory building in twos and threes, arms slung over each other's shoulders.

"Yangyi."

Suddenly, Takashima Rei called out to Huangqian Yangyi.

"Rei-chan, what's wrong?" Huangqian Yangyi was chatting with Miyuki and turned his head to look at Takashima Rei in confusion.

"Come with me, the Coach wants to see you," Takashima Rei said.

Watching Huangqian Yangyi and Takashima Rei leave, the others also looked at him with curiosity.

"What could it be?"

"Every time the Coach calls Huangqian alone, it's a big deal!"

"Bullshit, how do you know?"

"Heh, don't believe it? Let's bet!"

"Speaking of which, with the new team being formed, are we missing a Captain?"

Someone suddenly blurted this out, and everyone stopped in their tracks.

"No way?!"

"Could it be that the Coach is looking for Huangqian for this reason?"

"Very likely."

"Come, come, who do you think the new team's Captain will be?"

The remaining second-year First String players immediately gathered together to discuss.

"I think it should be Huangqian-san," Kawakami said.

"I think so too," Maezono Kenta said.

"Hahaha, why couldn't it be me?" Kuramochi laughed, pointing at himself.

Everyone rolled their eyes.

Not just the First String, the Second String and the first-year players also discussed the candidates for Captain after hearing about this.

"Huangqian-senpai and Miyuki-senpai, right? It won't be anyone else but them."

"Both the ace and the captain?"

"Not just that! Huangqian-senpai will definitely be the cleanup hitter!"

"Hiss! Is the pressure that high?"

"That's why I don't think it's very likely for Huangqian-senpai to be the captain. You know, the Coach has always tried every possible way to protect Huangqian-senpai and reduce his stress; how could he voluntarily increase his workload?"

Just as everyone was discussing, Huangqian Yangyi followed Takashima Rei to the Coach's office.

In the room, Coach Kataoka, Coach Ochiai, and Department Head Ota were gathered around a table drinking tea.

"Huangqian, you're here. Sit down," Coach Kataoka greeted Huangqian kindly.

Huangqian Yangyi was not reserved; after Takashima Rei sat down, he sat beside her.

"How was your vacation?" Coach Kataoka asked.

"It was quite good."

"Is that so? I heard you slept in every day at home and even had someone playing music for you," Coach Kataoka laughed.

Huangqian Yangyi was stunned, "Director, how, how did you know?"

"As the director of the team, it is only natural to check on your situation from the ace's parents."

Perhaps it was because they had won three consecutive Koshien championships, but Director Kataoka had now learned how to joke.

"Hehe." Huangqian Yangyi smiled and said nothing.

Director Kataoka shook his head; he strongly approved of resting well during the break, especially for the team's ace, who should protect his physical and mental health after the Koshien tournament.

"The team is about to be rebuilt; what is your take on the choice for captain?" Director Kataoka asked suddenly.

"Miyuki!!"

Hearing this question, Huangqian Yangyi sold out Miyuki without the slightest hesitation.

"Oh? Why? Although Miyuki is also suitable, it is obvious that you yourself are the best candidate." Director Kataoka smiled, seemingly not surprised by Huangqian Yangyi's answer.

"I'm lazy, Director. I don't understand captain stuff. Although I talk a lot usually and am a little bit mischievous, I'm actually quite introverted. Really, I don't even dare to talk to strangers."

"How could someone like me shoulder the heavy responsibility of being captain?"

Huangqian Yangyi rambled on and on, determined that he would absolutely not take the position of captain!

"Huangqian, but for this captain position, no one is more suitable than you," Department Head Ota advised.

"Yangyi, sometimes a captain doesn't actually need to do too many things; most of the time, it is actually a kind of spiritual leadership. Given your contribution to the team and your influence within it, as long as you become captain, no one else will have any objections," Takashima Rei said, even pouring a cup of tea for Huangqian Yangyi.