Chapter 2 - Second Update: Need Money, People, and Opponents

"I announce that the Akagi High School Baseball Team is officially established from now on!"

The young members of the Akagi High School Baseball Team gathered together as Sawamura enthusiastically made the announcement.

To welcome everyone, Sawamura generously treated them to a good meal.

"How much pocket money do you have left?"

When it was time to pay, Sawamura's childhood friend, Wakana, worriedly asked. Today's expenses were quite significant for students.

"Don't worry, don't worry, it's just pocket change. I will apply for activity funds from the principal!"

Sawamura believed that the establishment of the Akagi High School Baseball Club was a great event, and he thought it was necessary to inform their school principal and make him cough up some money.

"Haha, no problem, no problem."

Principal Takada, in his fifties, with a kind and benevolent face, spoke slowly, just like a grandfather next door.

Upon hearing Sawamura's request, he readily agreed and quickly handed over a check for 10,000 yen.

After giving the money, he remembered to ask, "Have you found a coach for your team?"

The school had a rule that any club should have its own supervising teacher, and the newly formed baseball team was no exception.

Sawamura took the money and left, not realizing that 10,000 yen might seem like a lot to him, but it was barely enough for a baseball team that had nothing.

Even basic equipment like uniforms, bats, and gloves would be more expensive.

Despite facing some obstacles, the Akagi High School Baseball Team was stubbornly established. It was like a wild weed waiting for a chance to sprout new life.

With the activity funds secured, Sawamura's next step was to find a coach.

He already had someone in mind for that role.

"Mr. Sano, you look so handsome and dashing. If you can't lead a baseball team to victory, how can you display your infinite charisma?"

In the teacher's office at Akagi High School, Sawamura was passionately persuading his homeroom teacher.

Sano, who was being pestered by Sawamura, was 165 centimeters tall and weighed 120 kilograms, with a slightly receding hairline that made him look older than his actual age.

As a single teacher without a partner, becoming the coach of a newly established baseball team seemed like a waste of time, as he wanted to find his significant other.

However, no matter how much he wanted to refuse, he couldn't bring himself to say no to his student who praised him non-stop.

The young lad had a good eye, at least.

"I..."

Before Sano could say anything, Sawamura grabbed his hand excitedly and said, "I knew it! Mr. Sano is the best! Let's decide it this way. I've found some practice opponents. Please contact them quickly. Our buddies are itching for a match."

With the paper handed over by Sawamura in his hand, Sano opened his mouth a few times, but eventually, he could only force a bitter smile.

He had wanted to say that he didn't have time. But forget it, since he had such a discerning student, he might as well lend a hand.

Sano then looked at the list of schools written on the paper: "Tendo High School, Nagano Municipal High School, and Arata Academy..."

What on earth were these three schools?

Feeling skeptical, Sano decided to call these schools.

After making the calls, Sano calmly hung up the phone, but his face twisted in frustration.

"What the hell, who do they think they are? They say we're not worthy, but what are they?!"

Tendo High School, a well-known powerhouse in Nagano. Nagano Municipal High School, the runner-up in the Nagano regional tournament last year.

Arata Academy, a regular top-four contender in Nagano.

In Nagano Prefecture, with just over forty high schools, these three were the top schools.

Of course, Sawamura didn't mention any of this. He had no idea about baseball and had no concept of these schools.

"What's so great about them? I don't believe we can't find a suitable practice opponent."

Sano was annoyed by the arrogance of these schools.

So, he decided that he must find a decent practice opponent for the Akagi team.

"Mr. Heta, you're a baseball fan, right?"

Mr. Hetatani, a teacher in the same office as Sano, was a big baseball enthusiast. He could name every player in Koshien and professional leagues.

"Sure, Mr. Sano, you're also interested in baseball."

"Of course~"

Sano replied with a smile, not knowing how to explain. He knew nothing about baseball, but he had just become the coach of the baseball team.

"I want to ask, Mr. Heta, are there any famous baseball teams around here?"

As soon as the topic of baseball came up, Hetatani's eyes lit up, and he exuded a different kind of radiance.

"Yes, there is one right next door."

Next door?

Sano was puzzled. There was indeed a school near Akagi, but were they strong in baseball?

"You may not know, but Shinjuin High School reached the third round."

The third round? What does that mean?

Sano, who didn't understand baseball, found it hard to follow Hetatani's enthusiastic explanation.

He tried to understand the words of a baseball enthusiast, but it was quite challenging.

"Let me put it this way. If all high schools in Nagano are divided into four equal parts, Shinjuin High School is in the top tier. Last year, they eliminated 75% of the schools. If they hadn't faced the powerhouse Tendo High School, they would have had a chance to reach the top four..."

Hetatani spoke with great confidence, but Sano didn't quite get it.

However, he felt that Shinjuin High School seemed more impressive than the schools he called earlier.

Great! Let's choose them then!

"Shinjuin High School?"

The news brought back by Sano left Sawamura speechless. He didn't know much about this elderly neighbor.

The only information he had was about their practice match results, which he overheard while jogging in the morning, mentioned by students from Shinjuin.

It seemed like they had won 11 out of 16 games.

Based on this, Sawamura inferred that Shinjuin High School might be somewhat formidable.

Although they couldn't face their ideal opponent, if it was Shinjuin, it would still be acceptable.

"Thank you, teacher. With your handsome and dashing appearance, you are simply unparalleled as a baseball coach."

Hearing Sawamura's flattery, Sano felt that the young man had a good eye for talent and knew how to talk.

Meanwhile, Hetatani, who was listening on the side, stared with wide eyes, trying to find any trace of the handsome and dashing qualities that Sawamura spoke of from Sano's plump figure and receding hairline.

Well, he had to admit that he might be a bit emotional about not being chosen as the coach himself.

...

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