"Which of these teams offers the highest fee reduction?"
"They're all pretty similar, ranging from 50% to 60%. Seikou offers the highest; their new principal is very dissatisfied with the team's performance and is eager to recruit new blood, so they're offering 60%. If you want to go there, you might even be able to negotiate further."
"I don't know much about high school teams. Director, why don't you just tell me your recommendation?"
Ono Binchi did not decline, speaking directly and openly.
"Yakushi High School is out of the question! Although they've consistently been a top 16, top 8 team, their achievements pretty much end there. Whether it's their coaching staff or the overall strength of the team, it's very difficult for them to make any breakthroughs."
Zhang Han nodded. He had some impression of the better-performing high school teams. As a frequent visitor to the top 16 and top 8, Yakushi had always left him with the impression of a supporting role. If not for good luck, they would barely be able to secure those rankings.
Even with his confidence in his own ability, Zhang Han believed there was little hope of making it to Koshien with such a team. The more familiar he became with baseball, the more he understood its complexity. It was absolutely not a sport that one or two people could dominate.
Everyone says an excellent pitcher can lead a team. Whether in two-dimensional manga or in reality, such examples seem to be countless. But in fact, all the teams that perform well, in addition to having exceptionally good pitchers, also have teammates who are not weak. Otherwise, even an extraordinary pitcher would absolutely not be able to win all the way. Yakushi High School's foundation was too shallow! Making it to Koshien with such a team was almost impossible.
"Although Kokushikan have maintained good results in recent years, their younger players, apart from Zaizen, are generally of average strength. They might be able to maintain their rankings, but it's too difficult for them to make any breakthroughs. The probability of making it to Koshien is probably not high. Of course, there's also an advantage to joining such a team: with your strength, you should quickly gain important roles."
Ono Binchi was indeed a well-known Director in the Tokyo area; his analysis was fully validated in the near future.
"If you want to stay in Tokyo, my suggestion is Seikou Academy. Seikou's Director is a celebrity himself, and his results in guiding the team are also good. Although their players' strength isn't outstanding, their fundamentals are solid, and they train diligently. If you join them, it should make Seikou even stronger, and the probability of making it to Koshien is not zero."
At this point, Ono Binchi paused. Although he didn't finish his sentence, Zhang Han could guess. Not zero, but not high either!
A team like Seikou already had the potential to rise. Excellent tradition, an experienced Director, a principal willing to invest heavily, and a group of players currently in a dormant period. All these factors combined, if it were in other regions, it wouldn't be a sure thing, but there would certainly be a high probability of making it to Koshien.
It's just a pity that this isn't other regions; this is Tokyo, the world's largest metropolis. Here, teams like Seikou are countless. Not to mention, they have several major powerhouses above them. It's too difficult to break through!
Seidou High School, with its strength, foundation, team morale, and the attention of the school leadership, all far surpassed Seikou, yet hadn't they also failed to make it to Koshien for several consecutive years? Why should Seikou be an exception?
"Just because you work hard doesn't mean you'll necessarily be rewarded." This statement refers to West Tokyo; to make it to Koshien from here, in addition to skill, you also need extremely good luck.
"If Koshien is truly your goal, then you might consider schools outside of Tokyo. There just happens to be a school here that's interested in you."
Kanagawa, Shonan Academy.
"This school didn't have a Baseball Club before. After being acquired, the Baseball Club was just formed. They've already started looking for excellent players from all over the country, but the process hasn't been smooth. Even so, they've gathered a large number of good players and should be able to achieve something. I've spoken with their Director and manager, and they're willing to waive your school selection fee entirely and provide a suitable subsidy."
Ono Binchi said. The conditions were very good! To be honest, given Zhang Han's achievements in middle school, the treatment they were offering him was exceptional.
But unfortunately, Zhang Han was not interested in them. Although he wanted to reduce tuition and school selection fees, Zhang Han had never thought about leaving Tokyo. Even though the two women at home were annoyingly clingy, as the only man in the family, Zhang Han still couldn't leave them unattended.
"Teitou, Nioh, Inashiro, Ichidai, Seidou. Can I not get into any of these teams?"
Although he already had the answer in his heart, Zhang Han asked persistently.
A hint of guilt flashed across Ono Binchi's face, but he still shook his head helplessly.
"These powerhouse teams don't lack players. If we recommend you, with Matsukata's reputation and your strength, getting a special admission slot without an exam would be very simple. But it would probably be very difficult to get these powerhouses to waive your school selection fee."
They weren't short of people, so why would they eagerly seek out Zhang Han? Furthermore, these schools were prestigious, and many of their students even dozens were international students. Once they waived Zhang Han's school selection fee, it would be difficult for them to handle many subsequent matters. Coach Ono even had some connections and had asked some acquaintances for help, but still couldn't make it happen.
"Then forget it…"
Zhang Han was very open-minded. He picked up Seikou's invitation letter and had already made a decision in his heart.
A hint of regret flashed in Ono Binchi's eyes. Zhang Han was an international student, and it was already not easy for him to achieve something. Joining Seikou would make his future path even more difficult. How could he bear it?
Clap!
Ono Binchi suddenly reached out a hand and slapped down the invitation letter.
Zhang Han looked at Ono Binchi in front of him, puzzled, not understanding what his coach meant.
"It's not entirely impossible! After all, many traditional prestigious schools still maintain their previous traditions. Have you heard of high school tryouts?"
"I have! It seems that some high schools used to have freshmen go through tests and competitions before enrollment to decide who would get special admission slots." Zhang Han wasn't stupid; he instantly understood Ono Binchi's meaning.
"Are you saying they still have them now?"
Ono Binchi nodded.