Miyuki was still looking at Tanba with a sincere expression, awaiting his response. In his opinion, misunderstandings should be resolved. For a pitcher and a catcher, the best way to communicate is through pitching and catching.
"Hmm, if I throw a few more pitches, Tanba-san will definitely realize I'm actually a nice boy and get along with me."
"Alright, Miyuki."
At the critical moment, Coach Kataoka spoke up.
Standing before the two, Coach Kataoka looked left and right. Miyuki met his gaze, while Tanba slightly lowered his head.
"Tanba!"
"Yes, Coach." Tanba shivered.
"For tomorrow's practice, you and Miyuki will be in the same group!"
Tanba's pupils constricted. He glanced at Miyuki, then shouted, "Yes!"
Then Coach Kataoka looked at Miyuki. "As a catcher, knowing how to communicate with your pitcher is also very important."
Miyuki nodded. He understood that Coach Kataoka was expressing dissatisfaction with the way he had just spoken. "I understand, Coach."
"Good. Go back and get some rest." Coach Kataoka nodded with satisfaction. If there was a conflict between a catcher and a pitcher on the same team, it would be very troublesome.
Seeing that the matter was resolved, everyone dispersed. Kanzaki Ryou stepped forward and put his arm around Miyuki's shoulder.
"You, why couldn't you have talked to Tanba in private? You're too impulsive."
"Was I? That was fine just now. I just wanted to clear up a misunderstanding," Miyuki said.
Kanzaki Ryou was helpless. Miyuki was such a smart person, yet he seemed so foolish in matters like this.
Never mind, it wasn't a big deal. He would keep a closer eye on Miyuki in the future to prevent him from speaking so directly to a senior again.
"Let's go, let's eat first." Kanzaki Ryou pushed Miyuki forward.
The next day, it was still dawn.
Many people were already jogging on the Seidou Baseball Club field, with Kanzaki Ryou yawning at the back of the group.
"Kanzaki, keep up!" Yuki Tetsuya slowed down and came to his side.
"Senior, I'll be pitching this afternoon. Could I trouble you to bat?" Kanzaki Ryou asked.
Yuki Tetsuya nodded. "Of course. What kind of pitch do you want to throw?"
"Changeup."
"Oh?" Yuki was a little surprised. They had all experienced Kanzaki's Changeup—difficult to hit, especially when combined with his straight fastball.
"Hmm, I need to find my rhythm. I don't usually throw many Changeups."
"Okay, I'll hit it."
After a few laps, more and more people arrived at the field.
"No way, they just finished a game yesterday, and these guys are already up so early running?"
"That's why they're in the first string."
"Quick, let's go run too!"
A group of first-years chattered as they rushed onto the field and joined the running team.
After school that day, just as Kanzaki Ryou was about to return to the dormitory to change clothes and head to the field, Takashima Rei appeared at the classroom door.
"Ryou, Coach is looking for you."
"Oh? Now?"
"Yes, come with me to the office."
The two arrived at Coach Kataoka's office—yes, the teachers' office.
"Coach, you were looking for me?"
Kanzaki Ryou walked in and stood at the desk. The other teachers in the room also looked over.
The Coach and the Ace of the Seidou Baseball Club meeting here? Rare.
Could it be that the Ace failed his exam?
"Kanzaki, sit." Coach Kataoka pointed to a chair.
Kanzaki sat. Coach Kataoka handed him a document. "Take a look at this."
"Okay."
Kanzaki opened it and examined the content carefully. His eyes gradually lit up.
A scholarship?
"Coach, this…"
"Heh, it's a scholarship, but it has nothing to do with baseball. You earned this with your academic performance," Coach Kataoka said.
After so many years of coaching, he had never seen anyone receive two scholarships before.
But thinking about it, there was no problem. In the Baseball Club, Kanzaki Ryou was now the undisputed Ace. The generous scholarship Takashima Rei had offered was well deserved.
In class, Kanzaki's grades were also outstanding.
"Isn't this inappropriate?" Kanzaki asked, setting the document down.
"You received it because of your good academic performance. What's inappropriate about it? Besides, the money isn't much—it can't compare to the Baseball Club's. Just accept it and study hard," Coach Kataoka said.
Upon hearing this, Kanzaki nodded. "Then I'll accept it. Thank you, Coach."
"Good. Go get some rest. You'll be playing in the game the day after tomorrow."
"Okay, Coach."
Leaving the office, Kanzaki Ryou whistled. Unexpected surprises always brought joy.
After changing clothes in the dorm, Kanzaki Ryou went to the bullpen.
"Kanzaki, you're late," Yuki Tetsuya said while swinging his bat.
"Coach needed me for something. Senior, have you already warmed up?"
"Just waiting for you," Yuki replied.
Kanzaki nodded and looked toward the bullpen. Miyuki and Tanba were practicing.
Oh, very proactive.
Kanzaki waved to the two, then glanced at the other group—Tanaka Wataru and Nanjo Taishi. They were also training seriously.
"Aren't we missing a catcher?" Kanzaki said.
Yuki grunted. Both looked toward the field. Just then, players were scattered doing their individual drills.
Kanzaki immediately spotted Ono Hiroshi, who was practicing his batting.
Hmm, he's the one.
Dragged into the bullpen by Kanzaki Ryou, Ono Hiroshi was nervous. Hearing that he'd be catching for Kanzaki—the team's Ace—made him excited. Being chosen meant recognition.
In terms of pure catching technique, Ono believed he was no worse than Miyuki. He could catch anything Miyuki could catch.
"Alright, today's pitching is fastball and Changeup. I'll leave the pitch-calling to you. Together, let's strike out Yuki-senpai," Kanzaki Ryou said.
Ono Hiroshi's eyes lit up. Pitch-calling is up to me?
"No problem!" he said loudly.
This was trust—the Ace's trust. How could he not be excited?
"Mmhmm. Oh, and remember—Yuki-senpai is very focused when he bats, so don't get intimidated."
"Okay, I understand."
At this moment, Yuki Tetsuya walked over, smiling. "Kanzaki, hurry up and warm up. Ono, go get your gear."
"Yes, Senior!"