"These reporters are really something!"
How fast was the internet these days? Less than two hours after the interview, Tokyo Television's official website had already published the post. The post was pinned to the top, and in less than half an hour, there were already thousands of replies.
The audience, who had not been optimistic about this final, suddenly felt their eyes light up. Beyond their expectations, the two teams' tempers were flaring intensely. Did that mean that tomorrow's final would not just be a formality, but a genuine clash between two powerhouses?
If it was just a formality, with only substitute players on the field, many people would not be interested in watching the game. But if the main players were on the field and the two teams played a fierce game, the watchability of this game would be completely different.
This was a strong showdown between the quarter-finalists of last year's Summer Koshien and this year's Spring Koshien. Not to mention, both teams were powerhouses in West Tokyo, and their strength was outstanding. When they collided, sparks were bound to fly.
To enjoy such a Koshien quarter-final level game at Jingu Stadium would be an immense pleasure for fans. Fans who were originally hesitant about whether to watch the game live now solidified their decision to go to the stadium.
Of course, there were also fans who scoffed at this, believing it was just a gimmick by the production team, and they certainly wouldn't fall for it. Although they didn't believe the production team's publicity, they still planned to go to the stadium to watch tomorrow's game. Not to enjoy the clash between the two quarter-finalists, but to see how the television station would be embarrassed.
This was probably also the law of "it smells good when it's real."
Although many people didn't believe it, and more people were skeptical, they were still intrigued by the television station. The people who replied all expressed that they wanted to go to the stadium tomorrow.
The Seido High School Baseball Team players might not have known what was going on at first, but now that the mystery was out, if they still didn't know, their IQ would be too low.
Kuramochi, upon seeing the newspaper, was filled with emotion. These reporters who made money with their mouths were truly amazing. They had silently stirred up conflict between the two teams. Even for the sake of face, tomorrow's Seido High School Baseball Team and Ichidai Third High School Baseball Team were bound to have a fierce battle.
Moreover, the reporters used an open and honorable strategy, not at all afraid that the Seido High School or Ichidai Third High School players wouldn't fall for it. Powerhouses not only had excellent resources, but sometimes they were also burdened by their reputation.
Just like now, if it were a team with no reputation, they might not care and just give up the game. After all, there were more important Kanto Tournament and Summer Tournament ahead, and one had to learn to make choices in life.
But as powerhouses, avoiding a confrontation was simply not an option. They would definitely play well, because they simply could not afford to lose face.
Besides, the reporters had also piqued the audience's curiosity. Presumably, the number of live spectators and the program's ratings would also be very good. Killing two birds with one stone, all with just a few words.
Kuramochi deeply felt that he should just stick to playing baseball; he was clearly more suited for this line of work. If he were to play mind games, he might be sold out and still help count the money.
Several second-year players gathered together, discussing Nitta, the Tokyo Television reporter, and one by one exclaimed that they had misjudged him.
"That guy has thick eyebrows, big eyes, and looks like a talent, but I didn't expect his personality to be so bad..."
"Exactly."
Originally, when they discussed these topics, the younger students would usually stare at them with shining eyes, wanting to see what the First string players usually talked about. Everyone had vanity.
These First string players in their second year at Seido High School Baseball Team were no exception. Normally, when they were talking loudly and the younger students around them watched with admiring gazes, that feeling was excellent.
But today was very strange. The younger students didn't pay attention to what they were saying. Each was sitting upright and staring at the food in front of them, eating slowly and methodically.
"Something's not right."
Asou scratched his scalp, unable to understand what had happened to the new students.
"If you're curious, why don't you just ask?"
Miyuki suggested.
Asou quickly shook his head. Normally, when they talked, it was fine for the younger students to gather around and listen. Now that they weren't listening, if he actively asked them why, it would be too embarrassing for a senior.
Zhang Han shook his head inwardly. On the surface, Asou seemed to not care about anything, putting on a very strong senior act.
"Kanemaru, come here!"
Zhang Han actively waved. Kanemaru scurried over. In his eyes, there was tension and excitement. These two emotions were very difficult to combine, but both were clearly present. Something must have happened.
"What's wrong with everyone today? Is something up?"
Zhang Han asked curiously. Several second-year players all pricked up their ears, even the usually calm Shirasu.
"The coach just came to inform us to be prepared. After the team's final tomorrow, while the First string is resting, we will play a game against the second and third-year seniors."
Welcome match.
Upon hearing this news, Zhang Han and his companions immediately understood what Kanemaru was talking about. But their eyes were filled with disbelief. Although the welcome match usually happened around this time, there was no need to be so rushed. They had just finished the Spring Final and now they had to play a welcome match, with only a day's notice?
What exactly did the coach and coaching team want to do?
"Then you have to work hard. Go back."
"Yes!"
Kanemaru obediently went back. The surrounding companions all had undisguised envy and jealousy in their eyes. It wasn't that they didn't have younger students from their own schools who came to Seido, but none of their younger students could be like Zhang Han's, who would come when called and leave when dismissed.
The two first-year students from Matsukata Little League truly respected Zhang Han. It was precisely because of this that others were even more jealous.
"What benefits did you give those two younger students before?"
"No benefits. Aren't younger students all very respectful to their seniors?"
Zhang Han, on the contrary, was very surprised. Since he started playing baseball, except for that oddball Sawamura, he had never seen a younger student who disrespected or challenged him.
Even players his own age, many preferred to use polite language when interacting with him. Zhang Han might have been a bit awkward at first, but when this continued for several years, he got used to it.
And not only him, many people had similar situations.
************************************
Upto 50 Chapters In Advance At: P@treon/Vividreader123