"Now, all 12 teams, along with Japan's entire baseball media and fanbase, know about your 'championship declaration.' To be honest, Koji, I've known you for 20 years, haven't I? While I must admit this kind of thing is quite your style, it's only the end of April and you've already claimed victory. If we don't pull it off in the end, you'll be repeatedly dragged out and criticized as a coach..."
By the training field of the SoftBank team, Guo Taiyuan whispered to his old friend and teammate, Akiyama Koji.
In response, Akiyama Koji laughed lightly, showing indifference, "Anyway, I'm stepping down after this season, and I don't plan to coach anymore. If we don't succeed, let people say whatever. During my player days, wasn't I criticized by the media numerous times for various outrageous acts?"
