At the 98th High School Baseball Championship, Captain Kirato Teshirimori of Hokushou began his oath by referencing a speech given by a senior 16 years prior at the same venue. Teshirimori, who has drawn inspiration from past leaders, expressed his pride in representing the 120-year-old school in its sixth appearance at the tournament. His emotional connection is particularly strong, having been coached by Akihisa Nishida, a former captain who now serves as an external coach for the team.

In his speech, Teshirimori conveyed that dreams are not solitary ambitions but are shared across generations, stemming from past players who once aspired to compete at Koshien. He recounted how watching Hokushou participate in the 100th National Championship ignited his own passion for baseball and the tournament. His hope to give the players' oath during this year’s competition was realized after being selected in a draw alongside other captains, marking a significant personal milestone in his baseball journey.

As he recited the oath, Teshirimori emphasized gratitude toward those who paved the way for future players, vowing to fight honorably and to inspire the next generation of athletes. His powerful delivery resonated with the audience, earning him a thunderous round of applause, and signified the importance of unity and legacy in high school baseball, encapsulating the essence of Koshien's enduring spirit.