Watching Ono Binchi hang up the phone, Zhang Han felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead.
The other party was Ichidai Third High School, one of the best high schools in Tokyo and the entire country.
Being able to attend such a school was a privilege in itself. Why could they attract so many excellent players even with the lowest possible preferential conditions?
Because they were a prestigious school.
Prestigious schools had tempers, and usually not good ones. This was true anywhere in the world.
But just now, Ono Binchi gave them no face at all. When he heard about the tuition reduction policy, he directly said he needed to consider it. He also implicitly told them that Ichidai Third High School wasn't the only one waiting to invite Zhang Han.
Putting himself in their shoes, if he were the teacher in charge of admissions at Ichidai Third, he certainly wouldn't be happy. They wouldn't want such an arrogant student!
"Director, is it okay to say that?"
Zhang Han believed he had proven his strength. He just needed to state his situation, have them adjust their offer, and then he would decide.
If the financial offers were similar, he would prioritize Ichidai Third High School.
On one hand, it offered a higher chance of reaching Koshien. On the other hand, training at a prestigious school would verify his strength. According to Zhang Han's judgment, if he could stand out there, he could make a living in professional baseball, whether in Japan or North America.
"It's fine! We need to test how much Ichidai Third High School values you to secure the greatest benefits."
Saying that, Ono glanced at Zhang Han.
"You don't need to worry too much. Although the admissions officer has power, the final decision-maker for the Baseball Club is Coach Tahara. If they don't call us back, I will talk to Coach Tahara directly. The effect should be similar."
Experience counts.
Zhang Han couldn't help but give a thumbs up after hearing that.
Meanwhile, at Ichidai Third High School's admissions office.
Coach Tahara was worried.
Although special admissions didn't focus heavily on grades, as a top national school, they couldn't admit someone who knew nothing. Special admission players had minimum score standards. Generally, as long as they weren't foolish, they could pass.
But Zhang Han's situation was special.
He was an international student who had only come to Tokyo recently. The language barrier was a big problem. He needed to learn the language before his scores in various subjects could be assessed properly.
This made the situation complicated. Some people learn quickly, while others struggle greatly.
Could Zhang Han be the struggling type?
Tahara nervously opened the transcript sent by Matsukata Little League. It contained Zhang Han's test scores from the first semester of his third year of junior high.
A+!
Basically, they were all A+, with only history being an A.
Coach Tahara usually paid attention to his players' grades, and he had never seen such a transcript before. If ranked by grade, Zhang Han would be first or second in the entire school.
"You don't want such grades? Are you stupid?"
Tahara, who was usually refined, couldn't help but swear.
Although good academic performance had no direct relationship with playing baseball, Tahara believed that strong academics indicated strong critical thinking skills.
Combining this with Zhang Han's natural talent, his overall perspective was impeccable. He clearly understood his responsibilities and the team's situation, making the most appropriate reactions.
For a coach, such players are particularly useful.
This was why Coach Tahara wanted to recruit Zhang Han no matter what. If he didn't take him, other coaches especially those at rival schools would be very satisfied to have him.
In Tokyo, these teams were mortal enemies. Since Koshien spots were limited, he couldn't hand over such combat power to others.
"This person, I must have him no matter what."
The people in the admissions office were somewhat helpless in the face of the strong-willed Tahara.
Baseball was the largest club sport in the nation, and at Ichidai Third, it had the most investment and popularity. Such a club had considerable privileges. Coach Tahara could usually make his own decisions regarding special admission slots.
"There's a situation you might not be aware of. Do you know why Zhang Han participated in the tryouts?"
The admissions staff member suddenly asked.
"Why?"
"Tuition fees! According to their Director, student Zhang Han is an international student. Previously, he attended Matsukata and Tamarin Junior High on free admission. Although our school has a reputation, waiving tuition fees for an international student is not something our admissions office or your Baseball Club can decide alone."
So that was it.
Coach Tahara understood. The head of admissions hadn't reported Zhang Han's name to cause trouble; there was a legitimate bureaucratic hurdle.
"I will go talk to the principal and the Dean. I must have this player."
Coach Tahara went directly to the principal's office.
At Matsukata Little League.
Ono Binchi and Zhang Han were like ants on a hot pan, unable to settle down.
Logically speaking, Ichidai Third High School should have already discussed the outcome.
Why hadn't they called back yet?
Could it be that after weighing the pros and cons, Ichidai Third High School decided it was better not to recruit him?