After comforting his seniors, Zhang Han finally had time to return to his own dorm room.
But just as he and Tanba crossed paths, Tanba suddenly spoke.
"I won't give up the Ace position to you. Nor will I stop and wait for you to recover from your injury."
The usually introverted Tanba suddenly spoke such domineering words, stunning everyone present.
"You finally have that ambition."
"That's the spirit, don't lose to the second-year juniors."
These seniors, who had just been so concerned about Zhang Han, almost instantly betrayed him and became Tanba's supporters. It must be said, they were quite adorable.
"Then you need to work harder!"
Only Chris spoke the plain truth. It was, of course, good that Tanba could regain his composure and develop a competitive spirit against Zhang Han. However, the gap in their abilities had already widened significantly.
If Tanba didn't make substantial progress, competing with Zhang Han would likely be unrealistic. A Light Speed Ball exceeding 155 kilometers per hour was not something just anyone could match.
"Don't talk about me, what about you? Are you content to be Miyuki's substitute like this?"
During this period, Chris had returned to the First string team and received his jersey number. However, his performance in competing with Miyuki had been less than satisfactory.
"I won't give up either!"
Chris clenched his fists and left first.
The half-year blank period spent recovering from injury was no joke. Compared to before his injury, Chris had not only not improved but was fortunate not to have regressed. In contrast, Miyuki, who had been the main catcher since joining the baseball team, had even made it to Koshien with the team last year. Even with a dazzling superstar like Zhang Han on the team, Miyuki Kazuya's brilliance was never overshadowed. Instead, it became even more resplendent.
The current Miyuki was absolutely a different person from the Miyuki Chris had known before. Compared to Tanba, Chris faced no small challenge either.
Yuuki, as the team captain, was very happy that Tanba and Chris could have such a competitive spirit towards their juniors.
"What about your hitting?"
He asked Zhang Han as he left.
Zhang Han's role at Seido was not just as an Ace pitcher. He was also a member of the team's core hitting lineup, the most powerful offensive force in Seido High School Baseball Team.
"It's just a minor finger abrasion, it won't affect hitting!"
Zhang Han had also asked Doctor Hara about this. Hara Shigemine had told him with great certainty that there wouldn't be much impact. If there was any impact, it would probably be on the healing speed of his finger wound. After all, in a game, friction between the hand and the bat and glove was unavoidable. Any friction would have some impact.
However, this minor impact was commonplace for true baseball players. If one couldn't overcome even this small obstacle, then a career as a professional baseball player would be too easy. So Doctor Hara's answer was to continue normal training.
In the dorm room, Kusunoki and Toujou were already waiting there. Besides the two of them, there were two uninvited guests: Kanemaru Shinji, Zhang Han's junior from middle school, and Jinguuji, who had been constantly pestering Zhang Han recently.
This was the first time Zhang Han had been surrounded and pursued by so many male friends. Although Zhang Han didn't feel too good when surrounded by girls before, at least it wasn't as exhausting as it was now.
The most infuriating thing was that these guys were genuinely concerned about Zhang Han and the future of the baseball team. Zhang Han couldn't speak harshly to them, and it was even difficult to say anything serious. Eventually, he had to patiently explain to them what Doctor Hara Shigemine had told him earlier.
Meanwhile, in Coach Kataoka's office at Seido High School Baseball Team, a top-level meeting was being urgently convened.
There were four attendees: Coach Kataoka, head coach of Seido High School Baseball Team; Ota, the manager of the Baseball Club; Takashima Rei, the vice-manager; and Coach Ochiai, who was specially invited.
Ochiai's contract with Seido High School was still a probationary one. Under this contract, their mutual obligations were very low. Ochiai didn't need to worry and exert himself for Seido at this time. This also meant that, strictly speaking, he was not qualified to attend this meeting.
But now, his attitude was very clear: as long as no major accidents occurred, Ochiai would choose to stay and work for Seido High School Baseball Team. The two sides were just one step away from making it official.
As a result, he was increasingly interfering in the team's affairs, and Kataoka and Ota showed an attitude of trust and delegation. In just a few days, Ochiai had become the fourth major figure in the baseball team's leadership.
This was also the reason he stayed for the meeting.
"Doctor Hara has made it very clear. I also checked the information on those two players online before, and it's pretty much consistent with what Doctor Hara said."
Ochiai kept fiddling with his smartphone. Clearly, his so-called research was done via his phone.
Takashima Rei nodded beside him. "I asked the coaches of those two teams through some connections. The answer I got was also similar to what was said online. They didn't make those two players Aces, not because the nearly 160 kilometer per hour Fastball was too powerful for catchers. The main reason is that such fast pitches have significant side effects on both the pitcher and the catcher."
So they could only serve as substitutes, with no way to become an Ace. They would only pitch when the team needed it most.
What about them? How should they arrange Zhang Han going forward?
Zhang Han's overall physical condition was stronger than those two pitchers. He didn't need to be completely prohibited from pitching. He could throw a certain number of pitches every day. As long as Zhang Han wasn't given every game, he had a chance to become an Ace.
But Seido would have to take a bit of a risk. After all, once Zhang Han became an Ace, his pitch count would inevitably increase. It would be impossible to truly maintain only thirty or forty pitches a day.
"Zhang Han is irreplaceable to us. Regardless of whether he can serve as a pitcher, he is one of our team's most important players, an irreplaceable presence."
Kataoka suddenly spoke. As he spoke, the expressions of the other three froze. They hadn't expected Kataoka's stance to be so resolute.
This also meant that Kataoka had given up the idea of Zhang Han serving as an Ace. He would only use Zhang Han as a closer or relief pitcher. This was also Zhang Han's most suitable position at this stage.
"For Zhang Han's pitching practice, let Miyuki, Chris, Miyauchi, and Ono take turns. One person per day."
Kataoka not only paid attention to Zhang Han but also to the other players on the team. After all, such fast pitches not only posed a risk to the pitcher but also put significant pressure on the catcher.
"Tanba's personality isn't suitable, Kawakami's skill isn't enough. If Zhang Han can only serve as a substitute and relief pitcher, then our team will need new pitching power."
Ochiai analyzed unhurriedly. His voice was not loud, but every word he spoke was impactful.
"Give me all the pitcher data, including the new students."
Seido High School was a powerhouse. Although on paper only Tanba and Kawakami remained, this did not mean that their team had no other pitching talent.
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