The Seidou High School Baseball Team checked into the hotel their school had arranged for them long ago.

For most schools, this kind of expense would be shouldered by the players themselves. But Seidou never once brought it up—everything was free.

Once settled, they quickly located the training grounds nearby and began their adaptive practices. On the third day, they attended a pep rally.

It wasn't anything complicated—just a parade of people carrying flags, followed by speeches from leaders.

But speeches were speeches. No matter where you went, they were painfully boring.

The blazing sun, over thirty degrees Celsius, bore down on them, and more than a few players stifled yawns as their eyelids grew heavy.

At last, the ceremony ended. The main event—the live lottery draw—was about to begin.

The Seidou players gathered around the hotel television. Representing their school at the draw was Director Ota, along with the team captain.

Everyone's eyes were locked on the screen.

The results of this lottery would directly shape their journey at Koshien.

"Osaka Kiryu High School—"

"Seiho High School—"

"Byakuryu High School—"

"Kagoshima High School—"

One by one, schools were drawn into groups. Some players from other teams slumped in despair, while others grinned with relief.

When it was Seidou's turn—about the twentieth—Director Ota nervously reached into the box.

He pulled out a ball. On it was the number 1.

Instantly, the entire venue erupted. Gasps. Groans. Even laughter.

Because Osaka Kiryu High School had already drawn number 2.

Which meant—Seidou would face them first.

"This year's most talked-about dark horse, meeting the Osaka Kiryu Team in the very first round!"

"This matchup is going to be insane!"

Ota froze, staring at the ball in disbelief. His face turned pale. At that moment, he wished he could chop off the hand that drew it.

This wasn't just bad luck—it was cruel.

Through the television, the Seidou players wore equally grim expressions.

Their very first opponent… was Osaka Kiryu High School?

And worse—the game was scheduled for that same afternoon. There would be no time to prepare.

"Everyone, meeting. Now."

Though they couldn't adjust training in time, they could at least analyze the opponent.

When Ota returned to the hotel, he was still clutching his right hand, muttering curses under his breath.

"It's my fault… it's all my fault…"

"What's done is done. Don't dwell on it," Coach Kataoka said firmly.

The draw wasn't what he wanted either, but fate had handed them this matchup. All that was left was to face it head-on.

"And besides… it's not certain we'll lose."

His calm, steady words carried weight. Kataoka had great faith in this version of Seidou.

In the past, their biggest weakness was the lack of a true Ace.

But with Zhou Hao's arrival, that hole was filled.

Seidou finally had an Ace pitcher worthy of the title.

Even against Osaka Kiryu, there was no reason to bow their heads.

The players, after the initial shock, slowly began to steady themselves. They couldn't change the draw. All they could do was fight.

Still, Osaka Kiryu's reputation was overwhelming. The online polls before the tournament had rated them as the only S-rank team in Japan. Their strength was unquestionable.

When everyone gathered in the hotel conference room, Takashima Rei laid out her research.

"Osaka Kiryu has long been considered the benchmark of national powerhouses. To this day, they've won more Koshien championships than any other team. Their history is so dominant that people call them the Cosmic Team."

Even the nickname carried an intimidating weight.

"Their Ace pitcher is Kuroda. His fastest pitch clocks at 155 kilometers per hour—a true fireballer. His control is excellent, and he mixes in a forkball and a curveball as well."

Gasps rippled through the Seidou players.

"One fifty-five?!"

"That's the fastest in all of high school baseball right now!"

Takashima Rei continued, her tone steady despite the murmurs.

"And he's not just a pitcher—he's also a solid hitter and possesses sharp game sense. Their catcher, Kitamura, is equally dangerous. He's quiet, but his on-field reactions are razor sharp. His arm is strong, and he doubles as their leadoff batter."

"Their second hitter, Kujo, has a unique batting style that constantly disrupts pitchers—"

One by one, she went down the lineup. With each name, each skill set revealed, the Seidou players felt the weight pressing on their shoulders.

For once, they weren't the overwhelming favorite.

They were the underdogs.

But Kataoka's voice cut through the rising tension.

"The opponent is the only S-rank team in the country. Of course their strength looks terrifying on paper. But listen to me—once you're on that field, you are not inferior to anyone."

His words struck home. The players' eyes sharpened. Their fighting spirit, buried under awe, reignited like wildfire.

Strong or not, Osaka Kiryu was still human. The game hadn't been played yet.

And no matter what anyone said, victory would be decided on the diamond.

Coach Kataoka's gaze shifted.

He fixed his eyes on Zhou Hao, his voice stern but resolute.

"As the Ace of this team… do you have the confidence to defeat the Cosmic Team?"

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