Chapter 329: First String Promotion List

Clearly, the few of them had long been prepared for a war of attrition with Huangqian Yangyi today; understanding Huangqian Yangyi's personality, they also knew that it would be very difficult to get him to be Captain.

"Besides, ever since you entered Seido, haven't you been doing the work of a Captain all along? Not only your teammates in the same year, but many of the First Year underclassmen have also received your care and guidance."

Hearing Takashima Rei's words, Huangqian Yangyi gave a wry smile, "But being Captain isn't just about doing those things, right? Letting me know I can handle the underclassmen is fine, but dealing with interpersonal relationships and such is very troublesome."

"No, you only need to have the title of Captain, that is enough," Takashima Rei said.

Upon hearing this, Huangqian Yangyi turned his head to look at Coach Kataoka, only to see the Coach nod and say, "That's right, the team doesn't need you to do anything as Captain; just having you be this Captain is the greatest help to the team."

Silence. Huangqian Yangyi also understood the Coach's meaning; he, as Captain, was actually just a symbol.

"Really don't need to do anything else?" Huangqian Yangyi still asked, not quite certain.

"Train well, compete well, and lead the team to obtain more victories; that is what you need to do," Coach Kataoka said.

Huangqian Yangyi thought about it; if it were only this, this Captain position wasn't impossible to take. He truly disliked dealing with interpersonal relationships, especially since there were so many people on the team; if someone caused a conflict, he couldn't be bothered to manage it.

"Moreover, besides you, there will be two Vice Captains; they will share the Captain's work."

"And, Yuki also recommended you." Coach Kataoka's eyes held a hint of expectation; Huangqian becoming Captain was definitely very positive for the current team.

"Oh? Really? Then I recommend Miyuki!" Huangqian Yangyi pushed Miyuki out without hesitation.

"Hmm, so, you agree?" Coach Kataoka smiled.

Huangqian Yangyi nodded: "Yes! If I don't enter hell, who will? This Captain position, I will take it without modesty!!"

Successfully tricking Huangqian into accepting the Captain position, the few people in the room breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then, it is decided. For the new team, you are Captain, and Miyuki and Kuramochi will help you as Vice Captains. Huangqian, the position of Captain is the core of the team; like the ace, it carries the significance of a leader. You, who hold both the roles of ace and Captain, must lead the team forward with your actions and results! You know that, right?"

Coach Kataoka's tone carried a sense of encouragement. Ace, Captain, and perhaps the 4th batter to come—such a heavy burden placed on one person also represented the team's expectations and regard for Huangqian Yangyi.

"Yes!" Huangqian Yangyi didn't know why, but his mood was also somewhat excited. Besides, leading the team with strength was what he was best at!

After Huangqian Yangyi left the office, Coach Kataoka and the others began to discuss the issue of forming the First String.

After the Third Years retired, the First String now had 6 Second Years and 4 First Years remaining.

And the Autumn Tournament allowed for 20 registrations, which meant there were 10 spots left for the First String.

These 10 people would be selected from everyone.

Now, major media outlets and fans outside were all watching Seido's every move. They were all curious about what kind of lineup Seido would display in the upcoming Autumn Tournament, whether the 10 newly added First String players could continue Seido's strength, and whether they could compare to the retired Third Year seniors. Even if their strength couldn't compare now, at least they had to let everyone see their potential.

Especially in the batting lineup; the previous Seido batting lineup had Yuki Tetsuya, Kominato Ryosuke, Isashiki Jun, Masuko Toru... plus the Second Years Huangqian, Miyuki, and others. This was called the strongest batting lineup in the country; their on-base percentage and scoring percentage were ridiculously high.

So, whether the new additions to the First String could uphold the name of the strongest batting lineup was a question worth discussing and anticipating.

In the next day's training, Huangqian Yangyi's training was not heavy; Coach Kataoka intentionally reduced his training content and required him to go to the hospital for a comprehensive physical examination within three days.

"Everyone is really pushing themselves; it's like they don't want their lives," Huangqian Yangyi swung his bat, observing others while training.

"For sure, there are only 10 spots; who would want to give up? This is a great opportunity," Miyuki said from the side.

"Haha, what do you guys say, who will enter the First String?"

Kuramochi was on Huangqian Yangyi's left, also swinging his bat.

Among the First String, only the 4 First Years were still doing other training; the Second Years were mainly doing self-training, and they would only start training together once the new team was built.

"The First Years Tojo and Kanemaru."

"The Second Year Aso."

"Kanemaru is practicing as a Third Baseman, right? He shouldn't have any problems entering the First String, but wanting to compete with Arima for the starting position, it's estimated to be very difficult." Huangqian Yangyi stroked his chin; he knew these First Years relatively well, and he would also pay attention to them during regular training.

Although his defense tonight was also not bad, in terms of batting, he really couldn't compare to Arima Kazusa, whose batting strength was definitely the most outstanding among the First Years.

"Well, who exactly will enter the First String, the Coach and the assistant coach have perhaps already decided; it's useless for us to discuss it here," Miyuki shrugged indifferently.

That evening, after training ended.

More than sixty members of the Baseball Club gathered in front of the bench.

Standing at the very front were the ten First String members. At this moment, excluding these ten, the expressions of the other team members behind them were nervous and serious; the atmosphere became very heavy at this moment.

All of this was because they knew that next, the Coach would announce the candidates for the remaining 10 First String spots.

Koshien!

With Seido's current strength, as long as one entered the First String, there was a chance to follow the team to Koshien. With such an opportunity placed in front of them, who could turn a blind eye to it?

Looking straight at the team members in front of him, Coach Kataoka held a list in his hand.

"After these few days of observation, and after discussing with Coach Ochiai, we have determined the 10-person list for the First String promotion."

"Everyone knows that the Autumn Tournament is about to start, and we don't have more time to waste. I hope that those whose names are called next can shoulder the responsibility, bring out the corresponding determination and fighting spirit, unite and forge ahead, and achieve better results."

"Those who were not selected should not be discouraged either; this is not the final opportunity. Only by training hard can you go further."

"Yes!!!" Everyone shouted in unison.

Coach Kataoka took a step forward and opened the list in his hand.

"Those who have obtained the First String promotion spots are."

"Maezono Kenta, Asou Takeru, Yamaguchi Ken, Kijima Mio, Seki Naomichi, Tojo Hideaki, Kanemaru Shinji..."

Until the Coach finished announcing the First String promotion list, there were truly some who were happy and some who were sad.