The Selected Players and the End
While Muneyoshi and the others were training hard, Kevin Smith was experiencing inhuman treatment. 💢♣ 🐺👍
Meanwhile, at the training center on the other side, the training camp was also nearing its end.
All the players are in very good condition, and in the opinion of the coaches, almost every one of them is capable of playing.
The three coaches were having a meeting in the conference room when Sakaki Tarou tapped the table and said softly:
"Gentlemen, the training camp is now officially over. We need to select the members for the representative team. Let's discuss the recommended candidates."
"I'm the head coach, so I'll start."
Hanamura Aoi adjusted his glasses and pulled out a pre-prepared list, saying:
"Of the two spots I'm recommending, the first is obviously Ibu Shinji. His strength has now completely stabilized at the National Level, making him one of the strongest players in this training camp."
"His spirit and technique are both impeccable. He took all the training sessions extremely seriously and is a player who can give 100% in any match. If he plays, we can guarantee a win."
"Second is Yanagi Renji from Rikkai Dai. His data observation and analysis skills are unmatched in the junior high school level, and he is also a National Level player. His strength is beyond doubt."
Sakaki Tarou and Ryūzaki Sumire both nodded. Their training over the past few days had given them a thorough understanding of the characteristics of these athletes, making their selection a foregone conclusion.
Then Ryūzaki Sumire also took out a form and said calmly:
"So, the two people I'm recommending are Saeki Kojiro from Rokkaku Middle School and Sengoku Kiyosumi from Yamabuki."
"Kojiro's strength has probably already surpassed the National Level, so he can compete in both singles and doubles without any problem;
Although Sengoku lost to Kamio Akira, his intense training over this period has led to a dramatic change in his strength.
"Alright, then the four of us here are Niou Masaharu from Rikkai Dai, Fudomine Kamio Akira from Fudomine, Kabaji Munehiro Hyotei Academy, and Echizen Ryoma Seigaku," Sakaki Tarou said.
"Kamio Akira's strength needs no further explanation. Kabaji can be a backup option for him. Niou's illusion technique is very unique and will be surprisingly effective in doubles. As for Echizen Ryoma, I think everyone is well aware of his progress."
With this, the eight-person roster was finalized. Due to the withdrawal of Muneyoshi and others, this roster was completely different, and Kirihara Akaya from Rikkai Dai was also not selected.
Since everyone agrees with the list, let's go out and make the official announcement.
Then, Hanamura Aoi walked in front, followed by Sakaki Tarou and Ryūzaki Sumire, while the junior high school students participating in the training camp were already waiting there.
"The final roster of the Kanto team will now be announced. Players whose names are called, please step forward."
Hanamura Aoi stood on the high platform of the center court, with Ryūzaki Sumire and Sakaki Tarou standing on either side of her. At this moment, her gaze was fixed on the players from various schools below.
Upon hearing Hanamura Aoi's words, everyone below became serious, and the previously noisy stadium fell silent.
In the queue, Echizen Ryoma, Kamio Akira, and the others looked at the list in Hanamura Aoi's hand on the high platform, and a sense of tension rose in their hearts.
Echizen Ryoma knew very well that his chances of making the Kanto national team depended on the teams from Fudomine or Rikkai Dai...
Without much hesitation, after everyone quieted down, Hanamura Aoi announced the roster of the Kanto team:
"Saeki Kojiro, Sengoku Kiyosumi, Ibu Shinji, Kamio Akira, Yanagi Renji, Kabaji Munehiro Niou Masaharu, and Echizen Ryoma!"
After announcing the list, Hanamura Aoi turned her gaze away from Echizen Ryoma, who was selected last, and spoke again, "This concludes the list of personnel selected for the Kanto team. Do you have any further comments?"
The people below exchanged glances; those who hadn't been selected sighed but didn't object.
The coaches selected only the strongest players in this training camp.
By such standards, there will certainly be those who feel resentful and envious, but they won't have any objections...
Moreover, Hanamura Aoi and others took great care of all the schools.
However, there was one exception: St. Rudolph.
Seeing that students from other schools were selected while they weren't, Mizuki from St. Rudolph felt somewhat resentful:
"Next time, next time St. Rudolph will definitely have a contestant selected, Fuji Yuta, we're counting on you from now on..."
When Mizuki's words, Akazawa Kirio behind him hesitated, as if Mizuki had forgotten that he was already a third-year student... But the fact that he placed his hopes on Fuji Yuta gave them a little comfort.
Sakaki Tarou, who had remained silent in the stands, walked to the front of the stage after Hanamura Aoi announced the list:
"The competition will be held in two days. Selected players, please prepare yourselves. This exchange competition will be broadcast Japan nationwide in Japan. I hope you can all show your best competitive form."
Sakaki Tarou's words once again caused a stir among the crowd and put pressure on those who were selected.
However, the three coaches didn't say much and then went into the office.
The training camp ended the next day, and everyone boarded the bus back to their respective schools to prepare for the competition.
The night before the match.
As the coach of the US West Coast team, he was writing something incessantly at their hotel.
The coach's name is Baker, and he is considered a well-known coach, but he is greedy and has a bad reputation in the American tennis world.
He's more of a businessman than a tennis coach.
He was writing a proposal when a very beautiful, even somewhat effeminate young man placed a cup of hot tea next to him.
"Thank you for your hard work, Coach!"
"Why aren't you resting yet? You'd better get a good night's sleep now. As a famous superstar, starting tomorrow, you and your brother will be so busy you won't even have time to sleep," Baker said.
"Yes, Coach."
The boy nodded, then pushed open the door and returned to his lounge.
Only after the boy left did Coach Baker look out the window at the flashing Japan.
"The regional selection in Japan, the Kanto team, huh... Heh, I'll let you become my tools for making big money."
Baker's real purpose in rushing to have the US West Coast team and the Kanto team play this friendly match was to attract sponsorship.
He believed that with the outstanding performance of the US West Coast team, he would be able to secure a large sum of money from investors.
At that time, we will only need to use a small portion to collect training equipment for the team and then train the team members.
The rest of the money would then go into his pocket.
Such things are actually quite common in America, especially since they are more likely to use their status in their colonies.
However, this time, Muneyoshi and others, including Sanada, Yukimura, Atobe, Akutsu, and others, did not participate.
However, the strength of Japan middle school students these days is something his lousy team can't possibly match.
Fudomine Tennis Club.
Back at school, the group informed Muneyoshi, Kamio, and Shinji that they had been selected, and Tachibana Kippei was also very pleased with their performance.
Muneyoshi also offered some encouragement. As for Lin Xiu, he was originally on Hanamura Aoi's list, but he voluntarily applied not to participate.
He said he wanted to give this opportunity to Kamio, while he himself wanted to go on stage with Keith, so he would pass this time.
Muneyoshi encouraged Shinji and Kamio, then told them to go back and rest.
After all, this was a chance to showcase their tennis skills in front of the Japan. Although their eyes were filled with fighting spirit, and they were ready to fully demonstrate their abilities in the exchange match...
However, necessary rest is still required, especially pre-match mental adjustment.
Saeki Muneyoshi gazed at the spirited Kamio and Shinji, unconsciously touching his chin, silently mourning for the US West Coast team.
"This group is really weak. Hopefully, they can withstand this onslaught..."
P. S.: "Please vote with monthly tickets!"