Seido High School lost in the Spring Tournament—and it was a crushing defeat.
But that wasn't the real issue.
For Seido, the only requirement for Spring was securing a spot in the Tokyo Top 16. Everything beyond that was optional. Losing to their long-time rival Ichidai San wasn't something new. It stung, but it wasn't shocking.
In recent years, Seido's luck had been terrible. They had failed to reach Koshien again and again. Without Koshien appearances, they couldn't attract top-tier talent. Without good recruits, the team couldn't grow stronger. Without strength, losing was natural.
A vicious cycle.
They had lost to Ichidai and Inashiro multiple times before. This defeat was just another chapter in that story. Painful, yes, but hardly surprising. What mattered was this: This game exposed Seido's flaws completely.
Their Ace wasn't weak. Their batting lineup was powerful. Their defense was among the best in Tokyo. On paper, they looked like a powerhouse—almost on par with Ichidai San and Inashiro.
But they still couldn't win.
The team was unstable. The pitcher might collapse at any moment. The batting lineup sometimes fell apart. Against weaker opponents, these problems never appeared. In the early rounds of the Spring Tournament, Seido had crushed every team they faced, ending games early with mercy rules.
They looked overwhelmingly strong.
But once they met a team of equal or greater strength, their issues exploded. Either the pitcher imploded, or the batters lost their rhythm. Especially the pitcher—the chance he would shine or self-destruct was about fifty-fifty.
Could such a team actually reach Koshien? Coach Kataoka couldn't say yes. Not honestly.
With the current First-string, reaching Koshien would be a miracle. If it were easy, Seido wouldn't have been blocked from it for so many years.
After evaluating his team from top to bottom, Kataoka came to one conclusion:
They had no chance at all.
Even if they got lucky and won one big game, the next strong opponent would crush them. Luck alone couldn't carry a team through Tokyo.
"Changes must be made."
Until now, Seido had always prioritized third-year students. Talented second-years and first-years were gradually promoted, but the main spots belonged to seniors. This system was practiced by almost every baseball school in Japan. It was considered fair.
Talents got their early opportunities. Seniors who worked hard got rewarded.
Kataoka had upheld this tradition for years. But now he realized the tradition was outdated. He needed to learn from Coach Kunitomo of Inashiro:
Promote based on strength alone.
Age doesn't matter.
If a first-year is good enough, use him.
As the saying goes, "A kind general cannot command an army." A baseball team wasn't an army, but the principle was similar.
With that, Kataoka made up his mind. He summoned Manager Ota and Vice-principal Takashima Rei.
"That's the plan," he said. "Our current third-years had potential. But they've grown used to their positions. Even worse, they've grown used to mediocrity. We need to set a new goal and build a brand-new system."
This idea had been forming in Kataoka's mind for a long time. But he never had the right moment to propose it.
Their crushing defeat to Ichidai created the perfect opening.
"After this reform, we will either collapse completely… or be reborn from the ashes."
His words left no room for doubt.
Manager Ota nervously rubbed his hands. As a traditionally minded man, he struggled to accept such a drastic change. He couldn't pinpoint what was wrong, yet instinct screamed that this went against everything they had known.
Third-years had trained the longest. Their talent had been superior. Giving them the main positions felt natural. Why overturn that now?
Takashima Rei folded her arms and thought deeply. Then she nodded.
"This isn't working. The potential and ability of our players—compared to those from Inashiro and Ichidai—aren't even close. Even if our training is stricter, their training isn't lagging behind. The gap won't change much. Even if it does, it won't change the balance of power."
She looked directly at Kataoka.
"If we want to reach Koshien, we must choose an unconventional path. I support Coach Kataoka's strategy."
Her support sealed the decision.
Manager Ota was torn. Tradition said the third-years should lead. After all, Coach Sakaki had reached Koshien and even won the championship with that system. Why abandon proven methods?
But reality was harsh. Traditions that couldn't win were useless.
And Ota, despite being the Manager of the Baseball Club, knew his actual role. Kataoka handled all training and team matters. Takashima handled recruitment and external affairs. Ota mostly managed second-team logistics.
With both Kataoka and Takashima in agreement, he had no room to object.
He could only accept.
"How do we start?" Ota finally asked.
"We begin with the rookie welcome game," Kataoka said. "Bring down the First-string substitutes who aren't strong enough—including Hidezawa and Tanba. Let them join the second team and play against the new students."
"But the rookie game is usually held in May…"
"We can't wait that long."
************************************
Remember 1 Chapter For Every 50 Power Stones. Do Support.