"That's impossible!"
Takashima Rei was not blind. Why would she need Miyuki and Zhang Han to recommend someone like that?
As the successor to the Tokyo Prince and currently the strongest pitcher in junior high, Mukai Taiyou had already been on her radar long ago. Before the Summer Tournament, she had personally visited his home. After Seido made it to Koshien, she went again.
Both times, the answer was the same.
"Thank you for your appreciation, but I already have a school in mind."
Mukai's entire family was directly affiliated with Teitou High School. From his father to his uncles, they had all worn Teitou's uniform. There was no possibility that he would consider another school.
This kind of situation was not rare.
Seido had similar cases.
Some alumni families treated Seido like a sacred institution. Their children grew up watching Seido's games, memorizing the school anthem, and dreaming of wearing the white and blue uniform. Joining Seido High School Baseball Team was not simply a choice. It was a belief.
For such players, persuading them to change schools was almost impossible.
The same phenomenon existed across the country.
Many young players tied their childhood dreams to a single team. Once that belief formed, outside persuasion had little effect.
"That's truly a shame," Zhang Han said lightly.
If it was not someone of Mukai Taiyou's caliber, his interest dropped immediately. A player who could not contribute quickly held little appeal for him.
Whether someone could only develop after three years or needed long-term nurturing did not excite him much.
They might never even stand on the same field.
"Besides Mukai Taiyou, is there no one else in this group that interests you?" Takashima Rei asked.
"There is," Zhang Han answered without hesitation. "Tadano Itsuki is good. As a catcher and as a hitter, he's rare talent. By next summer, he could contribute. By autumn, he might become a regular."
Takashima Rei's eyes brightened slightly.
"However," Zhang Han continued calmly, "unless he's out of his mind, he wouldn't choose our school."
"Why?"
"Because we have Miyuki."
Zhang Han spread his hands.
"How could a genius like him accept sitting as a substitute for a year and a half?"
Takashima Rei fell silent.
Although his answer was not what she hoped for, it forced her to confront reality.
Recruiting elite catchers at this stage was nearly impossible.
Top-tier players did not simply wait to be chosen. They also chose their schools carefully. No ambitious catcher would willingly spend a year and a half behind Miyuki on the bench if other powerhouse schools offered immediate starting roles.
Unless they were deeply affiliated and did not care about personal opportunity.
Unfortunately, Seido's direct affiliates in recent years had not produced extraordinary prospects.
If they had, she would not be traveling across regions for recruitment.
"You're from Matsukata, aren't you?" Takashima Rei asked. "Are there any strong prospects in your Little League?"
Zhang Han paused.
He had indeed overlooked two names.
Compared to Mukai Taiyou and Tadano Itsuki, their ceilings were lower, but they were still promising.
"Toujou Hideaki. Kanemaru Shinji."
Takashima Rei quickly noted the names.
"What about their future potential?"
"That depends on your expectations," Zhang Han replied seriously. "If you want someone who can immediately strengthen the team, they're not ready. But in terms of potential, both have good growth prospects. Especially Toujou."
Zhang Han and Toujou had shared the same field often. When one pitched, the other covered the outfield. He understood Toujou's temperament well.
"Then who on our current team do they resemble?" Takashima Rei asked.
She wanted a clearer projection.
"Honestly, there's no exact comparison," Zhang Han said after thinking. "Toujou's innate qualities are excellent. His hitting instincts and defensive awareness are strong. But what stands out most is his pragmatism. He understands his limits and what needs to be done at each stage."
Zhang Han's tone held genuine respect.
"If everything develops smoothly, he'll become one of Seido's important forces."
"And Kanemaru?"
"His fundamentals aren't as polished as Toujou's, but they're solid. More importantly, in critical moments, his focus sharpens. That's an essential quality for a strong hitter."
The evaluation was balanced.
Takashima Rei nodded slowly.
They were not astonishing talents.
But they were worthy of cultivation.
"I'll visit Matsukata in a few days," she said. "You're coming with me."
"If you go personally, they'll definitely accept," Zhang Han replied confidently. "They already wanted to join Seido."
Back when Seido had not made Koshien for years and its reputation was uncertain, those two had still expressed interest.
Now that Seido had reached the top eight nationally, there was no reason for hesitation.
"It never hurts to show sincerity," Takashima Rei said. "And Matsukata has strong ties with Ichidai Third High School."
She gave Zhang Han a meaningful look.
Top Little Leagues like Matsukata produced promising players regularly. Maintaining good relationships was strategic.
"Understood," Zhang Han said.
Just like that, he unofficially became the image spokesperson of Seido High School Baseball Team's admissions efforts.
Takashima Rei even applied for a small reward for him, though it was modest.
The next day, far sooner than she originally suggested, Takashima Rei took Zhang Han to Matsukata.
Their meeting with Ono Binchi went smoothly.
Ono promised that after every Summer Tournament, Takashima Rei could visit to offer encouragement to players.
When Toujou and Kanemaru received Seido's invitation, they agreed immediately.
They had already admired Seido. After witnessing Zhang Han's performance at Koshien, their desire intensified.
Before the new team officially gathered, Zhang Han received yet another assignment as Seido's unofficial recruitment representative.
This time, he was to help welcome a young player arriving from Nagano Prefecture.
Another piece in the future puzzle was about to arrive.
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