On April 1st, new students were admitted.
The entrance of Seido High School was like a festival, with countless stalls set up. Archery Club, Soccer Club, Basketball Club, Track and Field Club, Swimming Club... Almost all clubs were there, introducing themselves.
Two older students, walking through the entrance, quietly discussed.
"These guys are really getting more and more out of hand."
"If Principal Mori or Director Hayashi found out, they'd definitely be in trouble."
"Anyway, it's none of our Baseball Club's business."
As they spoke, the two gradually walked away. However, their conversation attracted the attention of the surrounding new students.
Seido's Baseball Club!
Although the club's performance hadn't been ideal these past few years, they were still one of the top powerhouses in the country. Their facilities and training equipment were top-notch. Even in years they missed Koshien, they contributed players to the professional draft.
Baseball powerhouse. Elite school. These were Seido High School's two biggest labels.
Being able to join the Baseball Club was a boast-worthy achievement. It's just a shame they didn't accept just anyone. A large portion of the members were recruited from all over the country, and the rest had to pass a strict selection process. Even so, the club numbered around a hundred members. In such a private elite school, it was definitely the largest club.
News about the Baseball Club had always been the focus of discussion.
Several female managers were tidying up the training facilities. Although school had just started, the Baseball Club members and recruited new students had reported a few days ago.
"This year, are there any particularly eye-catching new students?"
One of the managers chatted with her junior. Although that junior was the last to become a manager, she had good relationships with many members and had voluntarily come early to help. She knew much more about the new students.
Takako, who had just entered her second year, looked up, tidying stray hairs by her ear.
"Of course there are! Unlike our year, our school spent a lot of effort recruiting many talented prospects this year."
"Tell me, who are they? What's the name of that particularly tall and handsome young man?"
"Senior, are you asking about the new students' abilities or about Zhang Han?"
"Zhang Han, is he a foreigner?"
"You can tell by the name, right? He must be an international student."
"Wow, cool!"
"Senior, you've betrayed us. Didn't you say you didn't like foreigners?"
"Who said I liked him? That's pure appreciation. Everyone appreciates beauty, you know..."
Takako smiled as she watched her seniors arguing. As expected of the most vibrant generation! Even the managers were lively.
Unlike her. This batch of players who just entered their second year had always been underestimated. Even the manager was only Takako. But she never believed her batch was truly weak. They were talented and worked hard—even harder than the seniors. To support them, she would work hard too.
After school started, the Baseball Club players changed into their new uniforms to attend the opening ceremony.
Tanaka Kakuei, the captain, spoke on behalf of the students. Miyuki Kazuya, a new student in the Baseball Club, spoke on behalf of the new students.
Both spoke in conventional clichés. Zhang Han truly had no impression of what they said. First, thank the leaders, thank the classmates, thank the school. Then talk about feelings, and finally, welcome the new students. Although cliché, this was the necessary routine.
What surprised Zhang Han was the school's attitude. Both student representatives were from the Baseball Club. It was clear how much the school favored them.
Of course, the greater the expectation, the greater the pressure. Under such expectations, if the Baseball Club couldn't produce results, they wouldn't be able to account for it. As a member who received a high scholarship, Zhang Han immediately felt the burden on his shoulders become heavier.
After the ceremony, it was time for class assignments.
It's worth mentioning that two new Baseball Club students were in his class.
One was Miyuki Kazuya. The other was named Asou Takeru.
The reason Zhang Han remembered them was mainly because these two had a high reputation among the new students, and he had played against both in middle school.
Asou Takeru came from Little League and served as the fourth batter. Being able to recruit such talent was a stroke of luck for Seido. The school gave him very good treatment; it was said his scholarship covered tuition, accommodation, and other expenses.
Miyuki Kazuya's team was average, but under his leadership, they often won against stronger opponents. Matsukata had fallen to him before, and not just once.
"What a fated encounter!"
Zhang Han could only sigh. There were only three new students who received full scholarships, and they all ended up in the same class. Others received scholarships, but the amount was definitely less.
The wealth of Seido High School was truly astounding. Zhang Han roughly calculated that Seido paid tens of millions in scholarships each year. Just a high school—not a professional team—so where did they get so much money?
"This afternoon, the new students of the Baseball Club are scheduled to undergo the team entry test."
After class assignments were finished, the afternoon was, as usual, a half-day holiday. As Baseball Club players, they naturally couldn't enjoy such a privilege.
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From this coming week I have decided to start a little initiative. For every 50 power stones donated to the book I will release an extra chapter that very moment on top of that day 2 chapters.
Remember For Every 50 Power Stones An Extra Chapter.
Please Do Donate and help raise this book in the standings.
