Chapter 84: Rising Fame

Kataoka now looked at the reporter from America with displeasure.

But to get the matter going, Kataoka suppressed his anger and responded indifferently.

"Relying on the players' effort and a bit of luck We were able to navigate through this game."

This response was standard, not underestimating himself or the opponent.

However, that insufferable reporter was somewhat unyielding.

"Since you admit it's luck, does that mean you think this victory was a fluke?"

Kataoka's gaze turned sharp, almost like he was about to devour the reporter.

"Calling it a fluke will be an insult to the opponent as they have also done their best."

"Alright, we are tight on time! The next person please!" Robert can't let the unruly reporter go on like this so he refuses to indulge him anymore

Afterward, the questions returned to normal.

The American reporters mainly asked Sawamura and Kataoka for their opinions on American baseball and the Dream Team players.

There was nothing to say.

Both Kataoka and Sawamura gave the opponents high praise. At this moment, criticizing the opponent would benefit neither party.

On the contrary, praising the opponent would also elevate Seidou High School's position.

They were sure when the New York team was asked, they would give similar answers.

If they belittled Seidou and called it worthless, what did that say about them, who tied with Seidou?

Sure enough, when the Japanese reporters raised the same question...

Allen and Bill both gave high evaluations of Seidou High School's baseball team.

Before entering professional baseball, these two were quite straightforward, usually not bothering to hold back when it came to the competition.

But now, things were different. They each had their own agents.

Even if they didn't care, their agents would never allow them to speak recklessly. After all, it directly affected their income.

No one has a grudge against money, and besides, this was just about avoiding unnecessary words.

Seidou's problems didn't need to be pointed out by them. The audience could already see them.

By now, everything was going perfectly.

Everyone was playing by the book, and there was no deviation from the routine.

For the media, this game itself was big news.

They weren't necessarily expecting some extra shocking headlines. Of course, it would be great if there were any, but if not, it was fine.

Just when it seemed like the press interview would conclude uneventfully, a Japanese reporter stood up and tossed a question to Coach Walter.

In the reporter's imagination, Walter's answer would probably be similar to Allen and Bill's.

Many player statements are written by their coaches.

Coaches are more experienced and know what's best for themselves and the team.

For example, Allen and Bill's statements had that kind of tone.

Standard, polite, and enthusiastic, but the actual content was empty.

No one expected that, in the final moments, Walter would provide a huge scoop.

"What is your impression of Seidou?"

Walter first repeated the reporter's question, thought for a moment, and then gave an answer that completely surprised everyone.

"They're all very hardworking!"

Anyone in the sports world knows the true meaning of this phrase. When someone praises their opponent and uses the word "hardworking," it means they couldn't think of a better word.

When you say your own players are hardworking, that's a good thing. When someone else says it about your players, what does that mean?

Clearly, the first is talentless, and the second lacks ability.

The Japanese reporters were all awkward and uncomfortable.

Some who are digging for scoops directly brought it up.

"Does that mean you think players like Sawamura and Miyuki are just hardworking, nothing more?"

At this moment, if Walter had given a positive answer, the reporter would probably have asked if he thought the New York team's players were also hardworking.

"Not at all!"

Walter was sharp. He understood what the reporter was doing, and of course, he didn't let him have his way.

There was a reason why he said that, and it had its own purpose.

"Let's talk about Miyuki first. His skills are fully qualified to challenge the Minor Leagues, and he has the talent and the spirit to improve more…"

Finally, the conversation returned to normal.

The Japanese reporters were satisfied and sat back down.

The next day, news about Miyuki being admired by Major League scouts flooded the media.

Of course, there was still one question left.

If he gave such a high evaluation of Miyuki, what did he think about Sawamura, who single-handedly took on the entire Dream Team in this game?

What did he think of Sawamura?

"What about Sawamura?"

Without hesitation, the reporter asked the question.

"I don't think there is anything that is needed to comment on Sawamura, talent, skills, experience, and insight are all excellent with even a huge area to improve. In my opinion, Sawamura is the most outstanding baseball player at his age or at least one of the best!"

Boom!!!

It was like a thunderclap suddenly exploding above everyone's head.

Sawamura's performance during the American tour had already been very eye-catching. However, no major baseball figure had given him a public evaluation yet.

So, while everyone was shocked, Sawamura's evaluation was still very unclear.

Until this moment, everything was finally settled.

That night, all the online media quoted this statement.

The next day, newspapers were flooded with it.

Half a week later, all the baseball weeklies wrote articles with Sawamura as the headline.

In Japan, America, South America, Taiwan, South Korea...

In all the baseball-enthusiastic regions, Sawamura became famous overnight.

In short, Sawamura became a sensation!!!

This young man, who had never participated in any major international tournaments, had made his debut on the world stage.

Because of Walter's words, Sawamura Eijun was inevitably thrust into the spotlight.

Previously, due to never having participated in any international competitions, Sawamura's fame was not particularly widespread.

Outside of Japan, even among the most passionate baseball fans, there were not many who knew his name.

To become famous, one still needs a stage.

Without a proper stage, even the best performances are unlikely to attract attention.

But now things are different.

Sawamura, with his own efforts, led the Seidou High School baseball team to a tie against the most famous young team in the world, Team USA's "Dream Team."

It was like standing on the shoulders of giants, allowing him to reach new heights.

Even without Walter's affirmation, people would eventually have heard of Sawamura.

They would know that, among players of his age group, a new genius had emerged.

As for how far this genius' abilities have truly gone, that's still an unknown.

After all, the player's condition and performance are variables; just because Sawamura had one great game doesn't mean he's already at the top of the world.

But with Walter's endorsement, the meaning is different.

It essentially provides a position for Sawamura's abilities.

Among players of his age, Sawamura is considered the best—at least one of the best!

Such an assessment is like crowning Sawamura with a crown.

It clearly announces his strength and status to the world.

A true sensation!!

Even though most people find this judgment hard to believe, thanks to the facts and Walter's support, at least one thing is clear.

It means that, at certain times, Sawamura can stand on equal footing with Allen, the ace of Team USA's Dream Team.

Sawamura is a player comparable to the Holy Son of Baseball Allen.

This is the conclusion of most people.

With this judgment, and their previous endorsement of Allen, a vague outline begins to form.

This outline represents Sawamura.

Nearly all baseball media and websites around the world mentioned his name.

And, at this moment, almost no one was speaking ill of him.

Everyone was unanimous in their praise.

In Japan, this wave is even more overwhelming.

The "Demon King" Sawamura Eijun is already one of the most famous players in Japan.

His fame even surpasses that of some professional baseball players.

By now, Sawamura has clearly become one of the most notable figures in baseball.

These changes in the outside world have caused an enormous stir.

Eijun, inevitably, has been deeply affected by it.

First of all, his phone was almost overloaded.

At first, he hadn't noticed, as his phone had been relatively quiet. Although he had many contacts, everyone was busy.

No one really had the time to call or message him, especially with the time difference in America.

But today was different!

He had already received over a dozen calls, and the messages were overwhelming.

They included friends from Akagi Junior High School, his Seidou High School teammates, classmates, and his most dedicated fans.

Plus, there were those friends he had met in Tokyo.

Narumiya, Renji, Mishima, Mima, Inui, Umemiya…

There were too many to count.

Heck, even Amahisa sent him a message.

'How the hell did he get my number? Is it Hoshida-san?'

Even Yoh Shunshin sent him a sticker.

It took a few megabytes of data, but Sawamura opened the sticker, which was a flashing, colorful thumbs-up.

No words or messages followed.

It was very much in line with his personality.

The only friend who didn't send Sawamura congratulations was Raichi.

But was understandable, as Raichi had no interest in phones.

Narumiya's message to Sawamura wasn't so much a congratulations but more like a challenge.

He wrote over a thousand words, with the central message being for Sawamura to "clean this neck and wait to be slaughtered" come summer.

"Just say it like it is!!"

There are also nice and polite messages like Renji and Inui. The tone was exquisite and classy, there were even some kanjis that he had trouble reading.

Sawamura was now famous, and the Seidou High School baseball team was famous too.

Originally, after the game, they had planned to catch a flight back after a banquet with Chris.

However, the media and reporters blocked the entrance because of the excessive attention.

Robert, too, was feeling the pressure from all sides.

Previously, he had used personal favors to help others, but now, others were using favors to help him.

The hardest debt to repay is personal favors.

Robert had no choice but to consult Coach Kataoka.

Kataoka had a good impression of Robert, and their cooperation this time had been quite pleasant.

Eventually, Coach Kataoka reluctantly agreed to Robert's suggestion. They stayed behind and accepted a few interviews. Later that evening, they would board the plane back to Japan.

"Couldn't you stay just one more day?"

Robert was almost begging Coach Kataoka.

There were too many people who owed him favors. The time Coach Kataoka had given him was already a lot, and if he asked for more, it could backfire.

Coach Kataoka shook his head vigorously.

He, always serious, rarely showed such an expression.

"The Summer Tournament is coming up soon. We simply can't afford to delay any longer."

With the Summer Tournament approaching rapidly, the lottery was only a few weeks away.

Seidou High School had no time to waste—they couldn't afford to delay even a moment.

In the end, Robert had no choice but to compromise.

At least Coach Kataoka had agreed to delay for a few hours, and Robert was very grateful for that. Asking for too much could harm their future cooperation.

He knew he still needed something from Coach Kataoka later on.

For now, Robert still had that contract with Sawamura, but not a true Agent contract.

Originally, Robert had high hopes for Sawamura's potential, but after this trip to America, this had grown beyond mere hope.

Even Dawson Jr., the owner, called Robert and insisted on signing Sawamura at all costs.

If necessary, he was willing to meet with Sawamura directly.

This showed just how much Dawson valued and favored Sawamura.

Robert's confidence began to swell.

As long as Sawamura hadn't decided on a permanent Agent, there was still a chance for him, right?

Robert saw that Sawamura was far more mature than most players his age. Sawamura could make decisions on his own.

As long as he can arrange all of Sawamura's affairs, Robert believes that Sawamura should be willing to give him the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Sawamura was visited by an unexpected guest.

"Hello, let me introduce myself, my name is John Walter."

None other than Walter, the Coach of the Dream Team.

…