Casual Talk and Watching the Game
"There are rivals who pay attention to each other, compete with each other, and grow together!"
It is because of such partners that I have been able to persevere.
To be able to grow more!
That's why they are able to far exceed our imagination.
If the team can grow, the players can also become stronger.
This is what I learned from the previous team!
When Sendou reached the door of the Supervisor's Room, he heard Coach Kataoka's voice, so he curiously eavesdropped at the door.
It was after hearing this that Sendou understood why Coach Kataoka was able to help the players grow so rapidly.
"The only win is the match against Inajitsu!!!"
The players must be highly Fighting Spirit!
"After all, the summer battle was so tough, the other side must want revenge!" Head Manager Oota shouted.
Upon hearing Head Manager Oota's voice, Sendou decided to go in and take a look.
"Excuse me!"
"You're here!" Head Manager Oota said with a smile when he heard the sound at the door and saw Sendou peeking in.
"How long have you been listening at the door?" Coach Kataoka asked with a smile.
"It wasn't long before things went from mutual attention to mutual competition!!"
Oh right! There shouldn't be anything wrong for a while!
Why were you called here this time?
"It's nothing!"
I just wanted to ask how you're feeling today!
Or you feel that the team still needs something!
Anything is fine!
"So before I called you, I was wondering if you'd even come!" Rei-chan said.
"You didn't say what it was about..."
"If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn't have come!" Sendou complained.
"Allah!
"Didn't you want to borrow a computer?" Rei-chan patted the keyboard behind her.
They were chatting earlier, and Rei-chan turned the chair in front of the computer around, so the computer is now right behind her.
"Actually... you can use that thing anytime!"
Never mind!
Since you asked, I'll tell you!
A while ago, everyone gave me the power to fight the network!
"So, could we increase it to ten?" Sendou said to Rei-chan with a grin.
"You really don't hold back!" Rei-chan sighed softly and said with a smile.
"Rei-chan is very generous!"
A person with a broad mind!
"Are you thinking about something strange?"
"Strange thing? What?"
"Nothing!
Ten is too many, and we won't need them at all.
You really are something else, you don't feel the pinch when it's not your own money!
How about five?
OK!
Oh, right! The Sunglasses Uncle!
"I want to watch Tomoda's match during tomorrow's practice time!" Sendou asked after giving Rei-chan an OK sign.
"Are you interested in Ugumori?" Coach Kataoka naturally knew which match Sendou was referring to tomorrow.
"I just wanted to get away and clear my head!"
Ukumori should be in the top 16 of Tokyo Metropolitan Park this summer!
It shouldn't be too boring!
"Since you worked so hard today, you can go if you want!" Coach Kataoka said.
"Hi! Thank you so much!!!" Sendou knew that Coach Kataoka was simply indulging his willfulness.
They haven't even reached the second round yet, and apart from Sendou, no one believes that the top 16 from East Tokyo Summer are capable of eliminating Inajitsu and reaching Seidou.
However, Sendou could only accept that it was his own willfulness.
After all, he couldn't very well say that he was interested in Ugumori's ace player and that they would eliminate Inajitsu!
To be honest, Sendou had no recollection of the match between Ugumori and Inajitsu, except for knowing that Inajitsu lost because of Narumiya Mei.
Even in the match between Seidou and Ugumori, Sendou's only impression was that he was leading but almost got caught up, and in the end, Sawamura suppressed the opponent's ace to win.
Even though his memory was so vague, Sendou still knew that the opponent's ace was a very strong pitcher.
"Then I'll head back now!" After chatting with the others for a few more minutes and using the computer for a while, Sendou prepared to say goodbye.
"That's right! Sendou!"
"What do you think of Kanemaru?" Coach Kataoka suddenly asked as Sendou walked to the door.
"It's so-so!"
Although that guy has undergone specialized training, both his attack and defense still need improvement!
However, that guy has been doing pretty well lately!
"We've fought our way out today too!" Sendou didn't boast about Kanemaru's strength; he spoke the truth.
Coach Kataoka's question indicates that he wants to give Kanemaru a chance.
Just like what Sendou overheard Coach Kataoka saying, he hoped the team would grow as the competition progressed.
"I see!"
"Then I'll head back now!"
"Etc!"
"Huh?" Sendou didn't know what was wrong with Coach Kataoka again.
"What's wrong with your legs?" Coach Kataoka noticed that Sendou's legs looked a bit out of proportion.
Rei-chan, Coach Ochiai, Head Manager Oota, and others felt a chill run down their spines upon hearing this.
"This one!"
It's just a little sour!
"I see!"
"Take a longer bath before bed!" Rei-chan said with a sigh of relief after hearing this.
"Hi!" Sendou said, dragging out his words as he walked out of the Supervisor's Room.
The next day, Sendou only participated in the morning training before sneaking off to watch the game.
This guy wasn't dressed casually, wearing a mask or hat.
Ugumori's first match was much quieter than yesterday's Seidou vs. Teitou game.
Basically, no one came except for supporters of the two companies.
Moreover, the supporters of both teams were mostly the players' parents and the like.
Sendou only glanced at the others; his opponents were too weak to discern anything.
All we know is that Ugumori is a team that likes to steal bases, putting pressure on the opponent from the bases.
During the match, Sendou was naturally recognized.
Apart from a few bold girls who came up to ask for autographs and handshakes, I wasn't bothered much.
Most Japanese people don't like to cause trouble for others.
Sendou has achieved his goal; Ugumori's ace is not known for his ball-handling skills.
However, it has a level of skill that is barely able to control the corners, combined with a Slow Curveball.
The fastball created a speed difference, and by taking advantage of this speed difference, along with a fairly solid defense, they won the game 5-1.
"Is this a game that can be won by sheer momentum?"
The defenses weren't absolutely impenetrable!
That Slow Curveball isn't impossible to beat!
"I guess Inajitsu lost because of this kind of momentum!" After the competition, Sendou briefly summarized the situation and left the venue.
The match wasn't exactly boring, but it wasn't particularly interesting either.
Or rather, Ugumori's style is the type that Sendou doesn't particularly like.
Sendou has never denied the importance of momentum, nor has he denied the practicality of tactics such as stealing bases with Small Ball Strategy and Hit and Run tactics.
Although this practical tactic doesn't offer a great spectator experience, it's not exactly off-putting, but Ugumori used it too recklessly, which is why he disliked it.
I have something to do tomorrow, so I need to go to bed early. I haven't finished writing the second half of the chapter yet.
However, I'll have some time to finish up tomorrow after I'm done with my work, and I'll post it again when it's a round number. Sorry for the inconvenience.
The troubles I've had with this book in the last two months have been more than the troubles of the past year...