Chapter 5
The night passed and the sun rose, illuminating the corridors of the team's dormitory. Today was the day of the finals, and the first future change the new Sawamura planned to make. Of course, he planned to win the tournament and go to Koshien with his team.
Sawamura, sitting on his bed, was in total thought.
He got up, stretched, and headed to the bathroom to get ready. The atmosphere in the dorm was electric, a mix of excitement and nervousness palpable among the players. Third years, like Yuki Tetsuya and Masuko Toru, were focused, mentally preparing themselves for what could be their last high school baseball game.
The first years, like Sawamura, Furuya, and Haruichi, were also under pressure, but determined to prove their worth.
Sawamura joined the others in the dining room for breakfast. The staff had prepared a hearty and balanced meal, including rice, grilled fish, vegetables and miso soup, to give the players the energy they needed for the day.
"Eat well, Sawamura-chan," Masuko advised as she sat down next to him. "We need all our strength today."
Sawamura nodded, trying to calm his nerves. "I know, Masuko-senpai. I'm ready."
Around him, the team chatted quietly, exchanging words of encouragement and advice. The atmosphere was both tense and united, with each player understanding the importance of the day. After breakfast, they returned to their rooms to finalize their preparations. Some were listening to music, others were checking their equipment one last time.
Around 10 a.m., Coach Kataoka brings the team together in the meeting room for a final strategic discussion. "Today we are fighting for our place in Koshien. Remember everything we have worked for this season. Play as a team, support each other, and never lose your determination."
The players nodded, absorbing their coach's words. Sawamura felt a rush of adrenaline rush through him. It's time to show what I'm worth, he thought.
At 10:30 a.m., the team began to gather their belongings and prepare to leave for the stadium. The excitement was palpable as they left the dorm and headed to the bus. The third years led the way, displaying a determined calm.
Sawamura, holding his gym bag, made his way through the crowd of players, looking for a spot next to Miyuki. "Miyuki-senpai, how are you feeling today?
Miyuki smiles, confident. "Normally it would be me to ask you this question. Anyway, I feel good I just want to do my best to win."
"I see." Said Sawamura smiling.
"He looks more mature than usual, is it the weight of responsibility that makes him like that. I prefer him to be like that, he looks ready to fight for victory, it's interesting." Miyuki thought with a creepy smile on her face.
What is he still thinking about? Honestly, what a scary teammate. Sawamura thought with a sigh.
At 11 a.m. sharp, the team boarded the bus, everyone taking their usual seats. The engine purred as they pulled away from campus, heading toward the stadium where the finals awaited them. The players exchanged nervous smiles, some listened to music to concentrate, while others closed their eyes, visualizing the upcoming match.
Sawamura stared out the window, his thoughts focused on the field and the challenges that lay ahead. I won't let this chance slip away. We will win this match and go to Koshien.
The bus drove leisurely through the streets, carrying with it the hopes and dreams of an entire team, ready to fight for victory.
Upon arrival at the stadium, Seidou's team got off the bus under a bright blue sky. The heat of the day was already palpable, the summer sun beating down hard. The air was thick with excitement and tension as the players headed to the locker room.
Outside, the stadium was in full swing. The stands filled up quickly, fans poured in, creating a colorful human tide of banners, flags and t-shirts displaying the colors of their favorite teams. Seidou's fans, recognizable by their blue and white clothing, sang and shouted encouragement, their voices mixing with the general cacophony. Fans held up signs with messages of support, some bearing the names of their favorite players.
On the other side, Inashiro Industrial's supporters were just as loud and enthusiastic. Their songs echoed in the air, rivaling those of Seidou. The atmosphere was electrifying, each shout, each applause resounding like a drumbeat, accentuating the intensity of the moment.
The food stalls were crowded, whole families lined up to buy typical game day snacks: yakitori, takoyaki, bento, and cold drinks to counter the heat. The smell of food hung in the air, mixing with the scent of freshly cut grass from the field.
Above the field, the stadium speakers played lively music, further heightening the excitement. Team mascots walked the aisles, taking photos with kids and fans, adding a festive touch to the event.
On the field, the preparation teams were busy finalizing the final details, checking the lines of play, the bases, and the condition of the mound. Television cameras were positioned to capture every moment of this crucial day, sports journalists prepared to cover the match, microphones in hand.
In the locker room, Seidou's players changed in silence, each lost in thought, mentally preparing themselves for the battle to come. The atmosphere was tense but determined, with each player knowing the importance of this match. Kataoka, the coach, circulated among them, distributing words of encouragement and strategic advice.
[The Tokyo West championship final will begin at 1 p.m. The temperature today is very high. Make sure you have enough water to prevent heatstroke. The temperature today is very high. Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid excessive sun exposure. ]
In the stands, a group of three people were trying to settle down. There was an old man, a middle-aged man and a young girl. Of course, three people are among those close to Sawamura who came to encourage him. There was his grandfather, his father and his childhood friend Wakana
"Grandpa, the place you are heading is Inashiro's side…" Wakana said
"It's okay, I can see Seidou's bench better from here." Said the old man with a big laugh.
"But you are surrounded by the enemy." Sawamura's father declared.
"Gahahah, it's good I tell you!" Said the grandfather.
Meanwhile, backstage at the stadium, the referee stood in front of the two captains, looking serious. The captains of both teams, Yuuki and Harada were in deep concentration. After tossing a coin to determine who would go first on offense, the referee spoke.
"Seidou will start on offense. Inashiro on defense. Is that good? I'm expecting a great match worthy of the finals," the referee declared with authority.
The two captains, staring at each other with a cold and determined look, replied with one voice: "YES SIR!"
Back in the locker room, Seidou's players felt the energy rising within them. Coach Kataoka's words still echoed in their heads. Sawamura, still seated, watched his teammates prepare with renewed intensity.
The time had come. The locker room door opened, and a wave of excitement ran through the team. The players stood up, ready to face their destiny on the field. As they filed out in single file, the cheers from the fans grew louder, enveloping them in a roar of support.