Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes infielder Kotaro Kobayashi (24) showed a positive attitude on the 27th as he aims to break his career high. He played in three practice games during the Miyazaki training camp, which concluded that day, but hit hitless in five At Bat. Far from being bothered by the numbers, his voice and expression were extremely cheerful.

"For the first time in seven years, I didn't get a hit in Miyazaki. Every year around this time, I've had a sparse hit record in both the first and second teams..." His record of hit at training camps, which he had continued since his rookie year in 2020, came to an end. "Look at it as a positive," he said, not feeling down at all, because he is still in the process of improving.

With his sights set on playing in every game as the starting short stop for the first time in the pro league, he spent January training in the mountains. He has been training independently for over 10 hours a day, starting with classroom sessions at 6am. "Until now, I'd just be happy when I get results at camp," he says, proving he has grown both physically and mentally. "My batting has improved. I'm trying new things, so I'm actually looking forward to that," he says, remaining positive.

Miyagi, a close friend and classmate, will be competing on the big stage of the WBC. He kept the regret of not being selected for the final team to himself and cheered him on, saying, "He's really going to do it, and I think closer. I'm looking forward to it." His batting average of .275, 10 Home Run, and 48 RBI are personal bests. The grown-up Kurebayashi will surpass his past self. (Osada Toru)