When Kanzaki returned to the dugout, the four pillars of Seidou—excluding Coach Kataoka—were waiting with gentle smiles.
"Kanzaki."
"Boss."
"You pitched well." Coach Kataoka turned toward him. "From now on, you don't need to overdo your pitching practice. Just maintain your form. The main focus should be on stamina—this is very important."
"Understood!"
"Also, start practicing defensive techniques for the outfield positions."
"Eh?" Kanzaki blinked in surprise.
For a moment, he thought Coach Kataoka wanted to make him an outfielder. But he quickly realized the meaning behind those words—Coach Kataoka valued him. By learning outfield defense, Kanzaki could be rotated to the outfield to rest his arm, adjust his condition, or even serve as backup during games when other pitchers needed to take the mound.
Understanding the coach's intentions, Kanzaki nodded firmly.
"Yes, Coach!"
"Go train," Kataoka said simply.
After Kanzaki left, President Ota couldn't help but ask, "Coach, why not let Kanzaki focus more on batting?"
"Too many focuses will only dilute his growth," Coach Kataoka said, eyes still following Kanzaki's back. "What Seidou needs most right now is a pitcher who can withstand pressure when it matters most."
Because the Spring Tournament was approaching, the first string's training had recently focused on maintaining condition. It was more relaxed overall, yet even so, the two new members of the first string—both known for their stamina—were thoroughly exhausted after practice.
"Kanzaki, pitch to me again next time, okay?" Kominato Ryosuke-senpai said warmly.
Kanzaki smiled wryly. "Ryosuke-senpai, you're too good at reading pitches."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Kominato Ryosuke chuckled. Kanzaki had thrown him three pitches, and Ryosuke had hit all three cleanly. It wasn't that he was stronger than Azuma-senpai or Yuuki-senpai, but rather that his skill set was perfectly suited to that type of limited pitch practice.
Time flew, and soon it was the night before the fourth round of the Spring Metropolitan Tournament.
As members of the first string, Kanzaki Ryou and Miyuki Kazuya had already been registered. Tomorrow, they would wear their uniforms and officially join the team.
Coach Kataoka entered the meeting room with a lineup sheet in hand.
"Now, I will announce tomorrow's starting lineup."
First batter: No. 6, shortstop — Shida Shota
Second batter: No. 1, pitcher — Nanjo Taishi
Third batter: No. 3, first baseman — Yuki Tetsuya
Fourth batter: No. 5, third baseman — Azuma Kiyokuni
Fifth batter: No. 12, catcher — Tanaka Wataru
Sixth batter: No. 8, center fielder — Isashiki Jun
Seventh batter: No. 9, right fielder — Araki Keita
Eighth batter: No. 4, second baseman — Yanagiya Ikki
Ninth batter: No. 7, left fielder — Yoshikawa Junpei
(A/N: Btw I made Yuki as a captain)
"That's the lineup," Kataoka said firmly. "Everyone else, be ready to play at any time, understood?"
"Understood!!!"
Satisfied with the team's energy, Kataoka nodded.
"Then—Kanzaki Ryou, Miyuki Kazuya."
"Here!" The two stood straight.
"Come and get your jersey numbers. You'll travel with the team tomorrow. If the opportunity arises, you might enter the game. Be ready."
"Yes, Coach!"
Miyuki Kazuya — No. 19
Kanzaki Ryou — No. 20
As they received their back numbers, both couldn't hide their excitement. Around them, a few upperclassmen who weren't starting eyed them with mixed feelings—especially Tanba and Kominato Ryosuke.
Tanba's emotions were visible and honest. Ryosuke-senpai, on the other hand, wore his usual pleasant smile—the kind that somehow felt more dangerous.
After the meeting, Kanzaki was about to return to the dormitory when several managers stopped him.
"Kanzaki, let me help you sew on your jersey number," Fujiwara Takako-senpai said, approaching with a needle and thread.
"Ah, thank you, Takako-senpai."
"Me too, me too!" Miyuki chimed in immediately.
"I'll handle yours," Mita Yuka-senpai interrupted, snatching Miyuki's jersey number. She grabbed him by the collar and dragged him to a corner with the other first-year managers, leaving Kanzaki and Takako in peace.
A few minutes later, Takako finished sewing. Kanzaki held up his uniform and smiled—it was perfectly aligned.
"Takako-senpai, your stitching is amazing. So neat!"
"Thank you," she said softly. "If you get a chance to play tomorrow, don't be nervous. Just relax and play like it's practice. I'll be cheering for you."
"Cheering?" Kanzaki's eyes brightened, and the corners of his lips lifted in amusement.
"Eh-hehe~"
"W-what's wrong?" Takako asked nervously.
"Cough, cough." Kanzaki coughed lightly, hiding his grin behind his hand. "Takako-senpai, actually, I have a small favor to ask. It's like this… like this…"
Takako's eyes widened. "Ehh?! That kind of thing?!"
"Please, please—it's really important to me." Kanzaki clasped his hands together like he was praying.
Seeing his pleading eyes, Takako couldn't bring herself to refuse. "Alright, alright… I'll try."
"Yes!" Kanzaki pumped his fist. "If it works, I'll be grateful to you for life!"
"A whole life? That's exaggerating," she said with a blush.
Meanwhile, in the corner, Miyuki—still being held down—was dying of curiosity.
What were those two whispering about?
"Don't move!" Yuka-senpai snapped, keeping him pinned. "Stay still!"
The atmosphere over there was so good; this kid shouldn't go ruining it.
The next morning — April 11th.
During breakfast, Miyuki noticed Kanzaki occasionally letting out a strange chuckle.
"Hey, did you take the wrong medicine?" Miyuki asked, suspicious.
Kanzaki smirked. "You wouldn't get it. I'm just… happy."
"Your family's sow had piglets?"
"Tch, how vulgar."
They bickered as they ate, while Kuramochi sitting beside them silently regretted joining their table.
Why am I here…
After breakfast, the team assembled on the field. Three large buses, reserved exclusively for Seidou's baseball club, waited at the gate.
After Coach Kataoka's final pep talk, all first-string members and managers boarded the main bus. The rest could take the other two if they wanted to watch and cheer.
"Hah, Seidou really lives up to its name as a powerhouse," Kanzaki said, looking around the luxury bus.
"A noble school like ours can't fall behind," Miyuki said, leaning against the window.
"It's not just that, you know," Mita Yuka-senpai said, turning around in her seat. "For major games, the school even organizes the teachers and students to come cheer in person. And the buses they take are also ours."
"Generous!" Kanzaki gave a thumbs-up, then leaned forward to tap Takako-senpai's shoulder.
"Takako-senpai, did you manage to sort out that favor I asked for?"
Takako smiled helplessly. "It's all ready—just in case you get to play."
"Thank you!" Kanzaki said sincerely, making Miyuki beside him raise an eyebrow in surprise.
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