Early the next morning, Zhang Han left home and headed straight to the team.
He was a key member of the Matsukata Little League team, serving as the primary backup to the ace pitcher.
Upon arriving, he encountered the second-year rookie duo: Hideaki Tojo and Shinji Kanamaru.
Matsukata Little League's reputation extended beyond Tokyo; it was renowned nationwide.
Even in professional baseball, numerous talented players had emerged from Matsukata.
In such a competitive team, third-year junior high school players typically held the main positions.
They were older, more experienced, and their performance in the third year directly impacted their future prospects.
Therefore, under equal conditions, coaches and supervisors prioritized giving opportunities to third-year players.
Yet, despite these challenges, Tojo and Kanamaru had managed to stand out and become core members of the team.
This highlighted their exceptional abilities.
Tojo, in particular, was one year younger than Zhang Han but had already become the team's ace.
While other factors played a role, his outstanding skills were the primary reason Coach Ono entrusted him with the ace position.
"Han-san!"
"Senior Zhang!"
The two greeted Zhang Han warmly upon seeing him.
Having recently secured the national runner-up title, the team's atmosphere was upbeat.
However, Zhang Han wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment and proceeded directly to Supervisor Ono's office.
"Is Senior Zhang Han upset?" Kanamaru asked, frowning.
Though somewhat aloof, Zhang Han was always polite. If greeted, he would usually respond.
His silence today was uncharacteristic.
"No, we just achieved the national runner-up position. Although we fell short of the championship, it's our best result in recent years. Han-san has no reason to be upset," Tojo replied.
"It's probably about that incident," Kanamaru speculated.
"What incident?"
"I'm obviously stronger and a third-year senior, yet you took the ace's number. Even if Senior Zhang Han didn't express it, he must be bothered."
Tojo rolled his eyes. "If he cared, he would have addressed it earlier. The competition is over; there's nothing for Han-san to dwell on. Besides, who says my strength is inferior to Han-san's?"
"You pitchers are all so self-centered," Kanamaru muttered.
In the supervisory office of the Matsukata Little League Baseball Team:
"Coach!" Zhang Han greeted, shedding his usual cold demeanor.
Ono Binzhi looked up, saw Zhang Han, and gestured for him to sit.
Zhang Han took a seat opposite Ono.
"What's the matter?"
The national competition had just concluded, and third-year players had completed their tenure.
With the team achieving national runner-up status, there was a surge in attention.
As the team's supervisor, Ono Binzhi was swamped.
He had to handle media interviews and plan the new team's composition.
Matsukata's main team primarily comprised third-year players. Among the core members, only ace pitcher Tojo and third baseman Kanamaru were second-year students.
The rest were third-years.
With many players graduating, reorganizing Matsukata Little League was a daunting task for Ono.
It wasn't just restructuring; it was rebuilding from scratch.
Additionally, he had to consider the future of these third-year players, as various high schools extended invitations.
Matsukata Little League was one of the most prestigious leagues, recognized nationwide.
Players who had the opportunity to play were highly sought after by major universities.
Moreover, with Matsukata's recent success, the players became even more desirable.
High schools were eager to recruit these talents.
As Ono Binzhi's favored student, Zhang Han, though a backup pitcher, had ample playtime and performed well.
"Coach, you mentioned earlier that some teams are interested in me. I'd like to know which ones and what offers they have."
"I knew you wouldn't visit just to see me," Ono remarked.
"Come on, Coach. Of course, I came to see you and discuss my future."
"Wait a moment, you rascal."
Ono turned around to search for some documents. Zhang Han watched him, lost in thought.
Their acquaintance was serendipitous.
When Zhang Han first arrived in Tokyo, he was unfamiliar with the city.
One day, a group of adults was playing baseball, and Zhang Han was merely a spectator.
Due to a shortage of players, they invited Zhang Han to join.
After the game, Ono Binzhi, the ace of the winning team, patted Zhang Han on the shoulder.
"Kid, your baseball skills need work! Keep practicing!"
Zhang Han was infuriated.
Even though he was a temporary addition, the feeling of failure was bitter.
"I'll defeat you next time!" he declared.
"It's good to have determination, but with your current skills, you're a hundred years too early to beat me! By the way, how long have you been playing baseball?"
"One month!"
Those three words prompted Ono Binzhi to persuade the Matsukata Little League boss to let Zhang Han train for free.
He told his boss:
"This young man might not bring immediate economic benefits, but he'll bring victories. In two years, he'll be an indispensable asset to the team."
Although Zhang Han didn't secure the ace number, he significantly contributed to Matsukata Little League's achievements over the past two years.
"Found it!"
Ono Binzhi returned with a thick stack of documents and sat opposite Zhang Han.
"Many teams are interested in you. I've received 31 invitations for exemption from entrance exams. Twenty-seven are from Tokyo, and four are from outside."
"I didn't expect to be so popular!"
"Don't get cocky! Xingtian and Miyakawa received even more invitations, including ones from City University's Third High School, Daocheng Industrial, and Teito High School."
"Isn't Teito in East Tokyo?"
"So what? If you're strong enough, you can choose any prestigious school you want."