Chapter 1: Encountering Ancient Knowledge 【Meeting the Team for the First Time】
The baseball team’s practice field. Players are tossing balls back and forth on the field while Misaki and team captain Shota Yamada sit on the bench.
Misaki stands in front of Shota, her expression tense as she clutches a copy of the Taketori Monjo and her notebook. Shota, with his arms crossed, regards her with a wary expression.
Misaki: “Yamada-san, I’d like to test a new strategy in our next practice game. It’s a scientific approach to optimizing player positions.”
Shota Yamada: (smirking) “Scientific? You’re talking about that ancient triangulation stuff, right? There’s no way something like that could work with our team.”
Misaki: (stepping forward with determination) “But this method has potential! By turning player movements into data, we can visualize the strategy and make it more precise.”
Shota shrugs and lets out a sigh.
Shota Yamada: “Misaki, our team values results above all else. If we try something new and it doesn’t work, who’s going to take responsibility? In Japan, failure is the end of the road.”
Misaki: (leaning in, passionately) “That’s exactly why it’s worth the risk! Only those who take the first step forward can discover new opportunities. That’s how we gain a first-mover advantage!”
Shota frowns slightly and responds, his tone skeptical.
Shota Yamada: “That logic doesn’t work in real life. Who’s going to take the blame if it fails? And honestly, trying something no other team is doing… it’s scary.”
Misaki: (cutting in) “You’re right, there’s a risk. But if we do nothing, we’ll stay exactly where we are. I believe that by taking on this challenge, we can find new possibilities!”
Shota remains silent for a moment, studying Misaki’s earnest expression.
Misaki: “In Japan, people are often too cautious about accepting new ideas. But how can we create change with that mindset? This strategy gives us a chance to get ahead of other teams!”
Shota Yamada: (reluctantly) “Hmph… so what exactly is this strategy?”
Misaki: (smiling) “Thank you! Specifically, I’ll use AI to simulate player positions and movements to optimize our defense and offense. We’ll test it in the game and adjust based on the results.”
Shota’s expression softens slightly, showing a hint of curiosity, though doubt still lingers.
Shota Yamada: “Alright then. Show me results in the next practice game. If what you’re saying actually works, I’ll think about it.”
Misaki feels a wave of relief at Shota’s words but is also keenly aware of the pressure to deliver results.
Misaki (inner voice): “I can do this. I’ll prove that this strategy works… no matter what!”
As Shota heads back to practice, Misaki watches him, clutching her notebook tightly.
Misaki (inner voice): “This is the starting line. If I’m too afraid of failure to take a chance, nothing will ever change.”
To be continued...
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