On the 12th, Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo (54) attended a celebration and pep rally for the team's victory in his hometown of Wakayama City. In response to Nippon-Ham-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (53) declaring war on the 7th, saying, "I'll defeat Hiroki Kokubo," Kokubo responded, "He named me by name. Not just in terms of the team name. I'll be his biggest rival. I'm serious about winning," showing his willingness to take on the challenge.

Regarding the opposing coach, who was in the same year as him and competed for the championship last year, he acknowledged that he was a comrade, saying, "We share the same desire to liven up professional baseball." That's why he took this performance-like challenge to heart. Regarding the plan to use starter every five days, he quipped, "We were the ones who publicly proposed it first, but... looking at the schedule, there are honestly few benefits to it in Japan."

In his speech at the celebration party, he reported that "We've lost Arihara. We're starting from scratch, with pitcher who has had the most wins for two consecutive years transferring to our biggest rival." The presence of a worthy rival further fuels his fighting spirit to win the league for the third consecutive year. (Shimao Koichiro)