The Perfect Script

"Alright, now only the First Singles match is left."

At the Kanto team's player tunnel, Kikumaru saw Fuji return from the court and noticed that the First Singles one roster hadn't been announced on the big screen yet. He couldn't contain his curiosity.

Will the final list include Little One or Kirihara?

As Kikumaru spoke, he turned to look at Ryoma, Kirihara was already warming up outside the gymnasium, preparing for that fifty percent chance.

It was still raining heavily outside, and the gloomy weather made all three of them feel uneasy.

Kevin was also warming up in the open-air court outside the stadium.

His furrowed brow betrayed his inner turmoil; even without the announcement of the First Singles roster, his anticipation for the match against Ryoma remained constant.

For someone who holds onto a deep-seated belief, waiting is undoubtedly the most painful thing.

"What on earth happened! Not only did they lose the match, but even their invincible player was defeated. How can this be considered the strongest team?"

In the West Coast team's Coach lounge, Nakamura, who had helped Coach Baker contact sponsors, was furious.

Seeing Coach Baker leisurely making coffee, Nakamura slammed his fist on the table and questioned him.

"Hey, Mr. Nakamura, please don't get agitated."

"How could I not be excited? The game is already out of reach, and the sponsors are very unhappy."

"Mr. Nakamura, let's have a cup of coffee first."

"It seems you haven't figured out the situation yet, so there's been some misunderstanding."

"I misunderstood? Then explain it to me."

On the sofa, Coach Baker calmly sipped his coffee, but Nakamura did not calm down despite drinking coffee.

"Yes, aren't there always warm-up acts during big performances? To get the audience excited and engaged."

"What does that have to do with the competition?"

"This friendly match can be said to be the same situation, and the biggest show today was the First Singles."

All the other competitions were just for warming up the crowd; they were merely entertainment.

But the sponsors don't care about any of that; all they want is victory!

"The real show is about to begin. To please the sponsors, I've already prepared a script that they'll absolutely be satisfied with."

Coach Baker seemed confident in dealing with the anxious Nakamura, when someone's appearance interrupted their conversation.

"I see. Could you please tell me more about this?"

A middle-aged woman in business attire opened the door to the lounge and entered without the two people's permission.

"Hello, my name is Minao Takayama, and I am the executive manager of Torrance Co., Ltd.."

In addition to the sports field, our company is involved in other life-related areas, including tourism and leisure activities.

To be honest, our company plans to expand overseas next year, and if things go smoothly, we will consider signing contracts with all the players on your West Coast team.

"All players... did you hear that, Coach Baker?"

"I heard from Mr. Nakamura! This is wonderful news!"

The appearance of Minao Takayama was undoubtedly a lifeline for Coach Baker and Nakamura, who desperately needed sponsors. Nakamura, who was originally so frustrated that he was about to explode, returned to his previous state.

"By the way, Coach Baker, tell me about that script you mentioned earlier."

"Alright, since that's the case, then I'll tell you."

Kevin Smith's father was also a professional athlete, you probably know that, right? And you also know that Echizen Ryoma's father was the legendary Sakura Samurai.

But you probably don't know what happened between the legendary Sakura Samurai and Kevin's father, George Smith, before he became famous.

Echizen Ryoma's father, Echizen Nanjirou, had a match with George Smith, who was already somewhat famous at the time, when he first arrived in the United States and left his hometown to pursue the world's top.

Everyone thought George Smith would win that match, but he was shut out by Echizen Nanjirou, who didn't even open his eyes once during the Echizen Nanjirou.

Since that incident, Echizen Nanjirou embarked on his legendary journey, while George Smith drowned his sorrows in alcohol every day.

As his son, Kevin's life was not easy from a young age because of his father's almost brutal reputation; he was always isolated.

However, he happened to see Echizen Ryoma's match and learned that his father's decline was due to his loss to Echizen Nanjirou was not yet famous.

Therefore, he was determined to defeat Echizen Ryoma, which could be considered a form of revenge. Thus, the First Singles match was the highlight of this goodwill match.

The feud between father and son will be settled in the hands of their descendants; I think that's the perfect script.

"But... their side isn't sure if they'll send Echizen Ryoma to the match, if..."

"Mr. Nakamura, you haven't forgotten that press conference where Kevin publicly challenged Echizen Ryoma, have you?"

Anyone who saw that press conference would naturally assume the opposing team would send Echizen Ryoma to fight.

"I see. I understand your thinking, Coach Baker. However, I have one more condition: if Kevin wins the next game, our signing can be finalized immediately."

"That makes it two wins and one loss; it looks like victory is in sight."

All four Coach of the Kanto team were present on the Coach bench.

Looking at the staff checking the net, Coach Hanamura couldn't help but celebrate victory prematurely.

"Given our current strength, this is a perfectly reasonable outcome."

"By the way, regarding the upcoming First Singles, are you sure you have a solid list of players to register?"

"Hmph, you'll find out soon enough. I chose the player who's going to win; that's all I can say."

Despite Coach Hanamura's questions, Coach Sakaki remained confident.

Why haven't they announced the First Singles roster yet?

"The best part is saved for the very last second."

"Hmph, that's really good at whetting people's appetites."

The Kanto team on the sidelines were also getting impatient; anyone would be curious about this two-choice situation.

"Akaya, regardless of whether you are ultimately selected or not, this selection process is a great opportunity to strengthen your willpower."

"Hmph, what are you saying, Vice President? Of course I'll be the one chosen to perform."

Despite Sanada's comforting words, Kirihara remained confident.

"The First Singles match is about to begin, featuring Kevin Smith from the West Coast team against the Kanto team..."