The two of them were simply on a different level from everyone else. Even if anyone felt dissatisfied, they couldn't voice a single complaint.
Aside from Kanzaki Ryou and Miyuki, several other first-year players were beginning to draw attention.
Kuramochi Yoichi, who could switch-hit and possessed unmatched speed, was already making a name for himself as Seidou's fastest runner.
Kawakami Norihiro's sinker, though still a work in progress, had also caught the coaching staff's attention—much to President Ota's immense relief.
After a few days of training together, Kuramochi's relationship with Kanzaki and Miyuki had gradually warmed up. Now, wherever they went, the three were practically inseparable.
This was mostly thanks to Kuramochi's growing confidence. Once he realized that no one at Seidou could match his speed, he started believing he was no worse than any of the so-called geniuses around him.
During dinner that evening, Kanzaki had just finished his third bowl of rice when he caught sight of Miyuki's sly grin. Taking advantage of Kuramochi's distraction, Miyuki quietly dumped his remaining rice into Kuramochi's bowl.
"Hehehe."
Miyuki's movements were swift. When he noticed Kanzaki watching him, he gave a mischievous smirk and gestured for him to stay quiet.
Kanzaki could only sigh helplessly. No way Kuramochi won't notice that much extra rice, right?
But just as he thought that, Kuramochi—who had just finished talking with someone—turned back and started wolfing down his food without hesitation.
"…He seriously didn't notice?" Kanzaki muttered, dumbfounded.
After dinner, Kanzaki made his way to Coach Kataoka Tesshin's office.
Knock knock~
"Come in," came Takashima Rei's voice.
When Kanzaki entered, he found the three Seidou leaders gathered around a table in deep discussion.
"Kanzaki, is something the matter?" Takashima asked.
"I came to ask the Boss for a short leave of absence," Kanzaki replied with a smile as he sat on the sofa.
"Leave?" Takashima blinked in surprise. "School's barely started, and you already want time off?"
"Yes. I want to go to the hospital after class tomorrow."
The moment he said that, the atmosphere in the room changed drastically.
Their expressions stiffened—after all, this was their ace pitcher. If he was injured, it could spell disaster.
The three of them stood up almost simultaneously, startling Kanzaki.
"Where do you feel unwell?" Coach Kataoka's tone was laced with concern.
"I just want to get a full physical examination. I'm not injured or anything."
Phew~
All three exhaled audibly in relief.
"Don't scare us like that," Kataoka muttered, rubbing his temple. "Tomorrow morning, you're running ten kilometers for that stunt!"
Kanzaki froze. Wait, what? I just earned ten kilometers for asking a question? That's a new one.
"Um… about the leave—"
"Approved," Kataoka said. "But make sure to make up for any missed training when you get back."
Kanzaki nodded with a grin. "Understood! Oh, and—Chris will be coming with me."
"Chris?" Kataoka tensed up again. Chris was the team's main catcher. If something happened to him, the upcoming Spring Metropolitan Tournament would be in jeopardy.
"Chris said he knows a doctor and wants to introduce me."
Phew~
Once again, the three exhaled in relief. Their hearts had taken enough shocks for one conversation.
"Fine," Kataoka said, narrowing his eyes. "Let Chris get a check-up too."
Kanzaki almost laughed. Wow, I was going to suggest that anyway. Didn't expect the Coach to be so cooperative.
"Hm. How have you been feeling lately?" Kataoka suddenly asked.
"Huh? Oh, pretty good. Just a little tired," Kanzaki replied.
"Get used to it. Once official training starts, the intensity will ramp up even more. Chris should've told you—your current focus is stamina."
"I understand, sir."
Leaving the office, Kanzaki returned to the dorms and informed Chris about the approved leave.
The next day, after school, Kanzaki politely declined Miyuki's invitation to hang out. Under Miyuki's surprised gaze, he and Chris left the school together.
At the hospital, accompanied by Chris, Kanzaki completed all the physical examination procedures before taking his report into the consultation room.
"Ryou, this is—"
"Wait… Doctor Guata!?"
Kanzaki's eyes widened in disbelief. That face—it was unmistakably frog-like!
Chris and the doctor both looked at him in confusion.
"I—I'm sorry!" Kanzaki blurted out.
"Haha, how'd you know my name?" the doctor asked, scratching the back of his head.
"Huh?" Kanzaki's gaze dropped to the name tag on his chest.
Naito Guata.
Oh, come on… this doctor's name really is Guata? How unscientific!
"Chris, is he your junior? He's quite energetic," Doctor Guata said with a chuckle.
"Yes," Chris nodded. "Ryou, this is the sports rehabilitation doctor I mentioned."
"It's an honor to finally meet you, Doctor Guata!" Kanzaki said earnestly. "I've heard a lot about you!"
"Alright, alright," Guata said, waving him off. "Let me see your report."
Kanzaki handed it over, then turned to Chris. "Senior, you should get checked too."
"I—"
"This is the Coach's order," Kanzaki interrupted quickly.
Chris frowned at him. Kanzaki turned away, whistling and pretending to study the wall.
"…Ryou, you noticed, didn't you?" Chris said quietly.
"Hehe, yeah," Kanzaki replied with a knowing grin. "During catch practice last night."
Hearing this, Doctor Guata immediately put down the report and pressed a hand to Chris's shoulder.
"Hiss—!"
Chris winced in pain.
"Senior!" Kanzaki quickly moved to support him.
"Chris! I told you before to rest properly, didn't I?" Guata scolded, his expression turning serious.
Chris gritted his teeth. "I know my limits."
"No, you don't. You're getting an exam—now. As your doctor, I won't allow you to ruin your arm," Guata said firmly.
He glanced back at Kanzaki's report. "Ryou, your body is in excellent condition. But remember—whether it's dreams or glory, your health is the foundation that supports it."
"Yes, Doctor. Thank you."
"Good. Now go keep an eye on your senior. Make sure he actually follows orders."
With no other choice, Chris silently walked out with Kanzaki.
"Come on, Senior. Let's get that exam done."
"Ryou… you know the team can't afford to lose me right now," Chris said, stopping in the hallway.
"No, Senior," Kanzaki replied firmly. "Even for the team's sake, I'll tell the Coach if I have to. You need to take care of your shoulder."
Chris stared at him for a long moment before muttering, "You don't understand."
Half an hour later, after finishing the examination, the two returned to Doctor Guata's office.
After scanning the results, Doctor Guata's brows furrowed into a deep frown.
"Chris," he said solemnly, "you must rest. If you keep pushing, your shoulder could give out at any time—and when it does, it could mean the end of your baseball career."
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