95 Aftermath 2 (S2 End)

Outside the Stadium, where the team busses were parked. Outside Seido's bus stood Kataoka and a crowd of reporters trying to ask him various questions. While the rest of the team was sitting inside the bus. "How did you think the players did in this match?", questioned a reporter. "I think the players played well and they all did their best", Kataoka replied. Nodding the reporter asked another question, "Do you think you led the team well?". Kataoka hesitated to answer this question a little bit calming his inner turmoil he replied, "My decisions might have impacted our loss". The reporter's eyes widened hearing this and they immediately wrote it down on their notepads.

Meanwhile inside the stadium, after the match. The halls were crowded, and a certain group of friends discussed about the game.

"Wow! Rei-San was so cool! How can he pitch like that?".

"Yeah, but Raichi was also great. I loved his home runs they were so exhilarating!".

"Anyways, I was rooting for Yakushi".

"Oh, did you guys see Amahisa, he was in the stands".

"Yeah, I even asked for a picture. I also took one with Narumiya".

"So cool! Why didn't you tell me?".

A new batch of graduates from middle schools lurked in the halls and discussed the match. For them, High School baseball was a whole new world. Some were arrogant thinking they could be in the lineup on the 1st day. In contrast, some were very observant and keen about the teams. Well, we will get to see their skills in the future.

In Seido's bus. Each player was sitting in their respective seat while sobbing. There wasn't a single person who didn't have tears on their cheeks.

Sawamura sat in his seat remembering the last home run and how he couldn't do anything at that moment. 'Is everything going to end just like this? All our effort went to waste', he wondered. The next second, he felt tears on his cheeks. All the held-up stress and anxiousness were released through these tears. 'Why! Why!', he thought clenching his hands. But he remembered the words Rei said to him and calmed down.

Footsteps were heard by the players as Kataoka climbed the bus stairs. All the players looked at him giving him attention. But the next second the players were shocked to see their coach bow at them. "Forgive me if I showed any recklessness while coaching you guys", said Kataoka.

The players panicked and told him to stop bowing.

"I may have made some not-so-favorable decisions and I should have trained you guys harder so you wouldn't have to face this today", said Kataoka guilty.

"It's ok, coach", said Haruichi. Hearing him some other players nodded agreeing.

"I have a question", said Miyuki.

Kataoka nodded.

"Why did Rei leave this team?", asked Miyuki. He saw Rei leaving the dorm and he didn't fully know the story, so he asked curiously.

Kataoka remained silent at this question. He knew he had to let them know the decision, he and Ochihai Coach made even though they might not like it. Thinking back to the moment he told Rei that he would not be the ace, he regretted it. He really regretted it, but he couldn't do anything now what was done is done. Taking a deep breath he said, "Rei left because he wanted to be the ace but since I and Ochihai coach chose Furuya he left".

The only thought Miyuki had while hearing this was, 'Selfish. The coaches were selfish and adamant about their decisions', thinking back he knew and trusted that Rei wouldn't leave for a stupid reason.

The other players were confused as they heard what Kataoka said. Were the coaches stupid? Couldn't they clearly see that Rei had more skills and potential than Furuya?

When Furuya heard this news, he was shocked he couldn't believe Rei had left because of him. Overall, the players were incredibly stupefied and confused by the coach's decision.

Outside Yakushi's Bus. Stood 4 people congratulating each other. The directors of Yakushi High had come to watch the match they were fully supportive of the team. Raizou kept bowing toward them and thanking them for the praises he was receiving. It was safe to say Raizou's ego had shot through the roof after the win against Seido in the finals.

Inside the Yakushi Bus. Everyone was laughing as they praised Rei for his pitching skills, after all the wins would have been impossible without him.

"Aren't you glad I came to this school?", said Rei grinning as he received the praises.

"Put that stupid grin away. It's annoying", said Sanada.

"So, you're not. Fine I'll transfer back", said Rei getting up from his seat.

"Stop! I was just kidding, and we all are glad", said Sanada. 'If you leave the coach and the directors are going to kill me', he thought grabbing him.

Rei looked at Raichi who had drool overflowing from the side of his mouth. He tugged Sanada thinking something was wrong with Raichi.

"What are you doing? Raichi!", asked Sanada seeing Raichi's state.

"I was just remembering the time that damn father promised me barbeque for the night, but he forgot!", said Raichi as he explained the injustice he had been through.

"Oh, then do you guys want to have a barbeque congratulations party tonight", said Rei. Immediately Raichi's face brightened.

"Who will be sponsoring?", asked Sanada.

"Of course, someone's damn father will be", said Rei smirking.

Sanada chuckled upon hearing this. He was going to love the expression Raizou was going to have when he learns of the party he's sponsoring tonight.