CHAPTER 63: CHAPTER 63: ARAKI RETURNS

"To all the audience at the venue and in front of the TV, welcome to the live broadcast of the 8th day of the 92nd Championship Tournament’s 3rd match. Today’s live commentary is brought to you by me, Tanaka Shuji, and beside me is the familiar Mr. Takumi Tanchisha." Facing the live broadcast camera, Tanaka Shuji greeted the audience from the commentary seat.

"Hi, viewers, I’m today’s guest commentator, Takumi Tanchisha."

"The next match is between the defending champion Chukyo University and the prestigious team from West Tokyo showing impressive form in the first round, Waseda Industries. Mr. Tanchisha, what are your thoughts on today’s match?"

Takumi Tanchisha didn’t directly answer the question but instead laughed heartily:

"Well, Tanaka-san, you’ve given me a tough question again! We all understand Koshien tournaments; high school players’ competitive states are often unpredictable, so I wouldn’t be surprised by either team’s victory—"

But he then added: "Although commentators shouldn’t be biased, I must admit that as a regular audience focusing on Takayama, I’m truly looking forward to seeing Lin Guanglai from Waseda’s performance on the mound today."

Tanaka Shuji nodded in agreement: "Indeed, he’s a super rookie pitching in Koshien as a first-year student; it’s exciting!"

As if responding to the commentators’ conversation, the live camera shifted towards the bullpen near Waseda’s dugout on the first base side—where Lin Guanglai was practicing pitches before the game.

"Pop—!" The baseball flew from his hand, swiftly entering Tsuchiya Ryota’s mitt.

"Great throw, Guanglai!" Tsuchiya Ryota caught the fast, sharp-angle fastball, tossed it back with a flick of his arm: "It’s almost game time; don’t throw too many, just three more and that’s it!"

Lin Guanglai nodded, then threw the ball again.

"Pop!"—this time it was a slider.

Watching the trajectory and position of this pitch near home plate, Tsuchiya Ryota nodded in satisfaction—he was clearly pleased with Lin Guanglai’s throwing form today; a well-controlled pitcher makes a catcher’s job much easier.

Near the stand aisles next to Waseda’s bullpen, a small group of fans had gathered; before the game starts, many of Takayama’s fans who came to watch often choose to stand by the bullpen, watching players practice through the net. Some even had very professional photography equipment, showing they came prepared.

Akane Kujo held a camera, standing at the front of the crowded group, snapping photos relentlessly of Lin Guanglai pitching in the bullpen—as a university girl long devoted to Takayama, she differed from the hardcore Showa era fanatics, treating Takayama fandom as a stardom pursuit.

Every summer, Akane Kujo loved to browse reports from various tournaments, picking out the promising youngsters either in looks or skills, and followed them like idols. As Akane herself put it: "Seeing my favorite young ones make their mark in Koshien or perhaps in professional baseball in the future brings a satisfying sense of them growing up."

With a tall build, handsome face, outstanding aura, and impressive skill, Lin Guanglai naturally topped Akane Kujo’s list, becoming one of her main focuses this summer.

Moreover, to her surprise, her mother specifically reminded her to take more photos of Lin Guanglai after learning about her plan to watch Waseda’s match.

Taking out her newly bought iPhone 4, its screen displayed the conversation records from last night between mother and daughter:

[Mom]: Akane, if you’re going to watch Waseda’s match, remember to take more pictures of Lin!

[Me]: Huh? Mom, you follow Koshien matches too? You’ve never mentioned it before?

[Mom]: What kind of statement is that? I was into Koshien before I even knew your dad!

[Mom]: Seeing Lin in the news instantly reminded me of the bygone Araki—all first-year starting pitchers, all equally handsome—it feels like coming of age all over again...

With warm-up almost finished, Lin Guanglai and Tsuchiya Ryota conversed briefly, then took off their gloves and prepared to return to the player area, waiting for the match to start.

Seeing her photo subject moving away, an anxious Akane Kujo couldn’t help but shout:

"Lin, could you turn around for a photo?"

Hearing his name called from behind, Lin Guanglai was momentarily stunned but then turned his head towards Akane Kujo’s direction—once eye contact was confirmed, Lin Guanglai smiled and gave a peace sign towards the camera.

Akane Kujo initially hesitated, but then frantically surged the camera’s shutter; she wasn’t the only one—other fans nearby mirrored the same actions.

Staring at the charming smile in the photo, Akane Kujo was a little enraptured: "Lin is really handsome..."

She then shook her head, resolving: "After today’s match, I must hurry to develop this photo!"

"I hope Waseda wins today; I really want to see Lin continue, but seeing him cry wouldn’t be entirely unwanted either... No, no, Akane, what are you thinking..."

Unaware of the girl’s thoughts, as he walked back to the player area shoulder-to-shoulder with Tsuchiya Ryota, Lin Guanglai got an envious comment: "It’s good to be handsome—having a cute girl photographer focusing on you—ahhhh I’m so jealous!!!"

Pre-game preparations steadily ticked away and soon, it was almost game time.

The referee team signaled both teams to line up for pre-game greetings.

With warm-ups concluded, team members from both sides took positions on the empty spots by first base and third base, led by the referees, they ran towards the home plate area, settling on either side.

"Ready—"

"Please guide us!!!"

The 92nd National High School Baseball Championship Tournament, 8th day, 3rd match, second round, West Tokyo representative Waseda Industries versus Aichi representative Chukyo University.

First base side, Waseda Industries, strikes first.

Third base side, Chukyo University, strikes second.

As Chukyo University’s defensive players positioned themselves on the field, the venue began announcing the players—the highly anticipated showdown officially began!