"A bunch of idiots!"
This was Zhang Han's evaluation of the players on the field. Although he didn't say it out loud, the thought was written clearly on his face.
Zhang Han could swear to the heavens he had no intention of making a personal attack. It was just that the guys on the field were too stupid; they actually completely disregarded the Ichidai Third High School first-years.
How exactly were these guys' brains wired?
Could it be that they didn't know Omae? Didn't know Manaka? Didn't know Takahiro?
These guys had caused quite a stir during their middle school days. Each and every one of them was a star player, the kind that was very flashy. Although they haven't made it as regulars at the current Ichidai Third High School yet, this doesn't mean their strength is lacking. It only means that the foundation of the prestigious Ichidai Third High School is truly too profound.
"They just want to express their stance: to be able to perform consistently even against strong opponents, without avoiding or shrinking back!"
Without knowing when, a person stood behind Zhang Han.
Zhang Han frowned and turned around, seeing a figure even taller than himself. Zhang Han was already close to 1.8 meters, which was considered tall among middle school students, but this guy was taller.
"You are Amahisa Kousei from Ishikawa?"
Zhang Han frowned and asked. Although it was a question, he said it with certainty.
"You know me? Haha, I really am strong!"
Amahisa looked very happy, then a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.
"You look quite familiar too, who exactly are you?"
Zhang Han frowned, not intending to bother with this lunatic.
That's right, a lunatic. Amahisa had a small reputation among the players of their generation. It wasn't just that he was strong; it was mainly because he was too eccentric.
How eccentric? Look at his last game in middle school.
Ishikawa Little League had finally made it into the regional top eight, on the verge of making history. Their team had trained hard, and the opponent's Ace had just been injured before the game. Winning seemed like a matter of course.
But in that crucial game, their Ace, the guy in front of Zhang Han, suddenly ran to the Coach.
"When I woke up today, I heard a strange noise in my shoulder, so I can't pitch!"
Then, Amahisa just walked away.
The Coach and players of Ishikawa Little League were all stunned. Although Amahisa was willful, they never expected him to pull such a stunt in such an important game. From then on, Amahisa went from being a talented pitcher to a big fool mocked by everyone.
The key was that Ishikawa Little League still won that game. However, in the subsequent semi-final, even though Amahisa's body had no problems, the Coach simply didn't give him a chance. The game Amahisa voluntarily abandoned became his last in middle school.
"It's truly not easy for someone like you to still get a recommendation from your Coach."
Zhang Han was very curious. It was said that the Coach of Ishikawa Little League had completely broken off with Amahisa. For him to still give Amahisa this opportunity meant the Coach was indeed magnanimous.
"Those are minor matters. But since you're so interested in me, could you be my fan? If you want an autograph, say so early. When I become a big star in professional baseball, you won't have a chance."
Zhang Han strongly resisted the urge to roll his eyes, too lazy to bother with him.
Amahisa, however, was relentless.
"Just now you were looking at them with disdain. If you were on the field, would it be different?"
"Of course it would be different!"
Zhang Han was very confident about this. In his opinion, the actions of the players on the field were idiotic. They actually went head-to-head with Omae and Manaka. Did they really think the older generation of star players couldn't wield a knife anymore?
These guys really got carried away. No wonder they kept getting beaten; three innings were almost over, and they hadn't shown any decent performance. Always making mistakes, always getting beaten.
"If I were on the field, I would definitely choose to play to my strengths and avoid my weaknesses. The opponent's strength and coordination are above ours. At this time, fantasizing about going head-to-head and winning is a pipe dream. The safest approach is to stabilize the defense first, then look for opportunities."
Zhang Han spoke eloquently. At first, Amahisa wasn't very concerned, but as he listened, his expression gradually became focused.
"You are that substitute from Matsukata Little League?"
The two had played against each other before. Amahisa didn't remember at first mainly because his brain capacity was limited to about 16GB. He could only remember highly individualistic guys, and Zhang Han's style was far from what Amahisa appreciated.
"I remember now! If I'm not mistaken, we've played against each other four times. Matsukata won three times."
Zhang Han said calmly.
"That's ancient history, isn't it? I can't believe you still have the nerve to bring it up."
"Don't say those useless things. From what you just said, it sounds like you approve of these guys on the field."
"How could that be? These guys are all silly. Clearly not opponents, yet they rush forward. Simply adorably stupid."
"Then you still...?"
"What about me? I'm not like those idiots. Although the fighting style is the same, I'm different from them. I'm confident I can control the situation."
"Big talk!"
Although the first-year new students of Ichidai Third High School have not yet become team regulars, their strength has already been honed to a very refined level. With Amahisa's current level, challenging them is probably too soon.
Amahisa, however, had a smile on his face.
"I'm very strong!"
First batch eliminated! Second batch eliminated!
In just over an hour, the first two batches of players had been beaten beyond recognition. They were basically all eliminated.
This was Ichidai Third High School. Those seniors showed them the difference between high school and middle school.
"Third batch on the field. Pitcher, First Base, Outfield, substitutions!"