Inside Takashima Rei's office, Kanzaki Ryou sat comfortably on the sofa, a stack of documents spread out before him — all related to Seidou's special admissions.
Ryou flipped through the contracts carefully, while Takashima Rei sat opposite him, her posture calm but her expression slightly tense. She was afraid the prodigy in front of her might find something unsatisfactory.
A few minutes later, Ryou looked up with raised brows.
"Six million yen in scholarship? That much?"
Takashima blinked. "Is that… a lot?"
"Isn't it?" Ryou said, genuinely surprised. "For a special admission, that's quite generous. Seidou really is rich."
Takashima smiled faintly, regaining her composure.
"We're a prestigious school — a powerhouse in baseball," she said. "Of course, we don't waive tuition, accommodation, or other fees. You can use the scholarship to cover those."
Ryou nodded in understanding but couldn't hide a hint of regret.
"So that's how it is. I thought I'd still have six million left after the fees were waived."
Even with Takashima Rei's usual composure, she nearly lost it.
Trying to maintain professionalism, she added, "This is already the best treatment Seidou can offer a special student."
"Mm, thank you," Ryou replied, satisfied. After paying what was necessary, he'd still have enough left for pocket money.
His first goal was clear — buy his little sister a new euphonium.
Once everything was settled, the two quickly finalized the paperwork. By the coming spring, Kanzaki Ryou would officially become part of Seidou High School.
Smiling brightly, Takashima Rei led Ryou to his physical examination.
That night, he stayed at a hotel arranged by her. After receiving Chris's contact information, Ryou lay on his bed, casually chatting with his soon-to-be senior.
"Senpai, why didn't you call for any changeups today?" he asked.
During the earlier tryout, Ryou had thrown eight pitches in total — all four-seam and two-seam fastballs.
Chris, sitting in his dorm and studying while texting back, smiled slightly at the message.
"You were already too high-profile today. There's no need to reveal everything. When you officially take the mound, surprise your opponents then."
Ryou chuckled. "Senpai, you're more cunning than I expected."
After meeting the Seidou members earlier, Ryou had come to one conclusion — everyone there had a bit of cunning in them.
Of course, the most cunning of them all wouldn't arrive until next year.
Meanwhile, in Coach Kataoka's office, the man himself examined Ryou's physical report.
"No physical issues… his flexibility and coordination are far above average. That must be why he can throw at such a high speed," Kataoka said thoughtfully, setting the papers down.
Takashima Rei, standing nearby, smiled faintly.
"I really can't wait for spring," she murmured. "To finally see him wearing Seidou's uniform."
The next day, Ryou spent his time in Tokyo, buying souvenirs for his family before taking the evening Shinkansen back to Kyoto.
"I'm home!"
He had barely stepped through the door when a small figure came running toward him—
"Ni—ah!"
His little sister Kanzaki Kumiko slipped and nearly fell, but Ryou reacted quickly, catching her with ease.
"As clumsy as ever, Kumiko," he said with a grin, helping her stand upright.
"Ni-chan!" she puffed, lightly punching him in the chest.
"Ouch," Ryou said, pretending to fall dramatically.
At that moment, another familiar voice called out,
"Why is it you again, brat?"
Ryou turned toward the voice and pouted. "Tsukamoto Shuuichi!"
Their childhood friend, who grew up with the Kanzaki siblings, stood at the doorway with a grin.
"Come in, quick. Auntie's made dinner — everyone's waiting."
"Tch."
Changing into his slippers, Ryou grabbed Kumiko's hand and walked inside.
"Dad, Mom, Sis — I'm home!"
His father turned from the newspaper. "How was it?"
Taking the glass of water handed by his older sister Mami, Ryou took a long sip — letting the suspense build.
"If you keep us hanging, I'll knock some sense into you," Mami threatened playfully, raising a fist.
"Hehe, what kind of brother do you think I am? Of course I passed."
He pulled out Seidou's signed agreement and placed it on the table. The family immediately gathered around, though their father still pretended to act calm.
"Wow!" Kumiko gasped, eyes wide as she pointed at the scholarship section.
"Six million yen!" Mami exclaimed in disbelief.
Their father put down his newspaper and took the document, reading carefully.
After a moment, he sighed. "If you've decided, then be ready for what's ahead. Seidou's competition is fierce."
Ryou nodded, his gaze firm. He knew exactly what awaited him — but he also knew he'd outshine everyone there.
"Alright, enough serious talk. Ryou brought home good news — time to celebrate!" his mother said cheerfully.
"You even made red bean rice?"
"Of course! I believe in my son the most," she said with a proud smile.
Ryou hugged her with a laugh, and the family enjoyed a joyful dinner together.
Time flew quickly, and soon it was April 1st.
At the station, Ryou stood with his older and younger sisters — and of course, Shuuichi.
"Ni-chan, call me when you get there, okay?" Kumiko said, holding tightly onto his sleeve.
Ryou smiled, patting her head. Despite being twins, there was almost a twenty-centimeter height difference between them.
"Don't worry. Your big sister's also in Tokyo. As for you, Kumiko, make sure to study hard at Kitauji High and make good friends, alright?"
Kumiko nodded tearfully. "I'll practice my euphonium and win the national gold prize for you, Ni-chan."
Ryou's eyes softened. "Then I'll win Koshien for you, Kumiko."
Their heartfelt exchange made Mami sigh from the side, slightly jealous — when she left for university, these two weren't half as emotional.
Turning to Shuuichi, Ryou said, "Take care of Kumiko for me. Don't let anyone bully her."
Shuuichi nodded seriously. "I will. You take care too."
They had known each other since childhood — and Shuuichi knew well, if Kumiko ever got bullied, Ryou would storm into Kitauji and start swinging before anyone could stop him.
After one last goodbye, Ryou and his sisters boarded the Shinkansen bound for Tokyo — the start of his new chapter at Seidou High School.
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