After the announcement, training for the day concluded. The seniors immediately surrounded Chris, asking about his injury with worried expressions.
Two days later, Seidou High School Baseball Team's first official game of the year began.
As a seeded team, Seidou entered the tournament starting from the third round.
Although Chris's absence weakened them slightly, Seidou still secured an easy victory.
That evening, after the game, Kanzaki Ryou and Miyuki Kazuya, who had been studying defensive tactics with Chris, were suddenly called to the Coach's office.
"Coach."
"Boss."
The two greeted politely after entering and stood before the desk.
Inside the room, Seidou's three key figures — Coach Kataoka, Takashima Rei, and President Ota — exchanged glances before Kataoka began to speak.
"Kanzaki, Miyuki — starting tomorrow, you two will join the first string for training."
"Huh? The first string?" Miyuki blurted out in surprise.
"What, are you unwilling?" Coach Kataoka's sharp eyes swept toward him, and Miyuki instantly froze.
"Coach, don't we usually wait until after the Welcoming Match?" Kanzaki asked, puzzled.
Currently, Seidou's first-string roster, including the injured Chris, consisted of eighteen players. The Spring Metropolitan Tournament allowed twenty, meaning there were still two open spots — typically reserved for freshmen with potential to gain early experience.
Even so, many second- and third-year players still longed for those positions.
However, directly promoting two first-years mid-tournament would no doubt cause a stir among the seniors.
"I can't wait until the Welcoming Match," Kataoka said firmly. "Although our next opponent isn't strong, the games will only get tougher as we advance. Kanzaki, I want you to get used to the pressure early and experience the tournament atmosphere before we face the stronger schools. Do you understand what I mean?"
Kataoka's voice was steady but commanding, his gaze hidden behind his sunglasses.
"Understood!" Kanzaki replied loudly.
Opportunities like this couldn't be wasted. He hadn't expected to be chosen to play in the Spring Tournament so soon. Perhaps Chris's injury had opened the door, but it was still proof of his own strength.
Next, Kataoka turned to Miyuki.
"Before the Summer Tournament, I want you to take over Chris's position. Do you have confidence?"
"I can do it," Miyuki said firmly.
"Good. I'll make the announcement tomorrow. But remember—joining the first string doesn't mean you can relax. From now on, your training will be even harsher."
"Yes, Coach!"
Leaving the office, Kanzaki quickly noticed that Miyuki's mood was off.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Miyuki stayed quiet for a moment before muttering, "I came to Seidou to surpass Chris-senpai. I can't accept being promoted like this."
Kanzaki sighed. "You're the biggest beneficiary of his injury, huh?"
Miyuki's shoulders tensed. Kanzaki continued calmly, "If you really want to prove you're stronger, then lead Seidou to Koshien—with me."
That last part made Miyuki stop for a moment, before a smirk spread across his face. "Heh, fine. Let's go. Come with me to take some swings."
The next afternoon, before practice began:
"Kanzaki Ryou, Miyuki Kazuya — starting today, you'll both train with the first string!"
As soon as the words left Kataoka's mouth, a stir ran through the team.
Two first-years? Joining the first string?
The second- and third-year players, especially those still waiting for their chance, clenched their fists in frustration.
"Didn't you hear me?!" Kataoka barked.
"Yes, Coach!" everyone shouted in unison.
"In this Spring Tournament, I expect you two to contribute to the team. But if you can't perform, be ready to ride the bench!"
"Understood!"
"Training starts now. First string—A Field. Don't overwork yourselves, but maintain focus. Everyone else—B Field!"
On the way to A Field, Isashiki Jun slung an arm around both Kanzaki and Miyuki's shoulders with a grin.
"You two brats, you've barely been here and you're already in the first string."
"Senior Isashiki, are you jealous?" Miyuki teased.
"Huh? Me? Jealous? Why would I be jealous? I'm already a starter!" Isashiki shouted dramatically.
"Amazing, amazing," Kanzaki said dryly, trying not to laugh.
In the previous lineup, only three second-years were starters—Chris, Yuki Tetsuya, and Isashiki himself.
"Hmph!" Isashiki huffed and stomped off.
At that moment, Yuki Tetsuya and Kominato Ryosuke approached.
"Congratulations, Kanzaki, Miyuki," Yuki said calmly.
"Thank you, Senpai!" they both replied.
Yuki nodded slightly. "Do you play shogi?"
"...Tetsu, now's not the time for that, right?" Ryosuke said with a smile, then looked toward Kanzaki. "During batting practice later, pitch with everything you've got."
That voice made Kanzaki's spine tingle. The aura around Ryosuke was terrifying.
"I won't let you hit it, Senior," Kanzaki replied.
"I'm looking forward to it," Ryosuke said with a grin.
Batting practice soon began. Four pitchers, including Kanzaki, took turns on the mound. Each batter faced three pitches before rotating, and pitchers switched after every five batters.
The liveliest moments came when Azuma Kiyokuni and Isashiki Jun stepped up to bat—the two loudmouths filled the field with shouting.
"Tanba!"
"Tanba!"
Watching Tanba get scolded by Azuma until he looked completely defeated, Kanzaki couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him.
After Azuma's turn ended, Kanzaki finally stepped into the batter's box.
He tightened his grip on the bat, giving it two light swings. Since joining Seidou, he hadn't had much chance to bat outside of evaluation tests—this was his first real opportunity.
Facing Tanba, Kanzaki's fighting spirit ignited.
He had already observed that Tanba's key pitches were a four-seam fastball and a curveball. That diagonal-breaking curve was his lifeline, his signature weapon.
But against a first-year like him, Kanzaki doubted he'd use it right away. Breaking balls only worked well when set up with straight pitches.
First pitch—if it's there, I'll crush it.
Kanzaki's eyes gleamed with determination. Across the mound, Tanba adjusted his glove and took a deep breath.
For Tanba, things were complicated.
Their generation was once called Seidou's "lost year." From the day they enrolled, they'd lived under the disappointed eyes of others. In their first Summer Tournament, not a single player from their class—aside from Chris—had made it onto the field.
Even Yuki Tetsuya, now a powerhouse, only earned his chance after the seniors graduated.
And now, a first-year who'd joined barely a few days ago was already standing in front of him—on equal footing.
He couldn't lose.
He wouldn't lose.
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