Miyuki and Kanzaki Ryou stood side by side, swinging their bats at a steady rhythm.
"I have to play in the next game!" Miyuki declared, his tone full of determination.
"Oh? That depends on the Coach's lineup, doesn't it?" Kanzaki replied casually.
"I don't care!" Miyuki snapped, gritting his teeth. "It pisses me off seeing you showing off on the field by yourself—especially when I'm not the one catching your pitches!"
Kanzaki stopped mid-swing and turned toward him with a teasing smirk. "Oh? Are you… jealous?"
"Huh?!" Miyuki's expression froze.
"Hahahahaha!" Kanzaki burst out laughing, bending over as he clutched his stomach.
Today was truly a great day — his adorable sister had called to shower him with affection, he'd teased Chris to his heart's content, and now he'd managed to fluster Miyuki.
Satisfied, Kanzaki thought, I'm definitely having sweet dreams tonight.
A few days later, the Spring Tokyo Tournament Round of 16 arrived.
Seidou's opponent this time was Horikoshi High School, a private school in Tokyo famous for nurturing entertainers — often called the cradle of Japanese idols.
Despite being a school focused on the arts, their baseball club had miraculously reached the top 8 of the tournament. While luck played a part in their favorable matchups, it was still a sign that they weren't completely without skill.
Before the game, Seidou's players couldn't help but feel annoyed as they looked across the field. Their opponents looked too good. Every movement, every smile, looked like it belonged in a commercial.
In contrast, the Seidou players looked wild and intense — battle-hardened warriors compared to pretty boys.
"Seriously, does Seidou even need me to save its reputation for good looks?" Kanzaki said smugly, brushing back his hair.
"You're not even playing today," Azuma Kiyokuni said flatly. "So stop showing off. You've got no chance to steal the spotlight this time."
The night before, during the strategy meeting, Coach Kataoka had made it clear — Kanzaki wouldn't be pitching this game. Whether it was to protect him or to keep his pitching style hidden, no one knew.
In contrast, another first-year, Miyuki Kazuya, had earned his first start.
The smug grin Miyuki wore afterward had lasted all night, especially when he made sure Kanzaki saw it.
Besides Miyuki, other players getting starting opportunities included second-year pitcher Tanba Koichiro and second baseman Kominato Ryosuke.
Kanzaki understood Coach Kataoka's intent. Against a team like Horikoshi, this was the perfect chance to give the younger players experience.
"Spring Tokyo Tournament, quarterfinals match — Seidou High School versus Horikoshi High School!"
As the announcer's voice echoed across the stadium, the game officially began.
Seidou took the field on defense in the top of the first inning.
Walking toward the plate, Miyuki turned to Tanba. "Let's do our best together, Tanba-senpai."
Tanba gave a curt nod. He wasn't great with words, but his presence was steady.
"Mm."
Miyuki smiled confidently and walked toward home plate. This was his first official game as Seidou's starting catcher — and he was ready.
After warm-up pitches, the first batter stepped into the box — a tall, well-built, and painfully handsome boy. The moment he appeared, the crowd erupted in screams from the stands.
"See? This is exactly the kind of situation where I should be playing," Kanzaki sighed dramatically. "I'd crush the guy in both skill and looks."
"Oh? If it's about looks, I think I could join in too," said Nanmu Fumiya, a second-year whose handsome face could rival a model's.
Kanzaki immediately nodded in agreement. "Right? Senior Nanmu gets it! You understand me perfectly."
Nanmu laughed heartily and patted Kanzaki's back. "Don't worry. You'll have plenty of chances to show off later."
While the two of them chatted, the game on the field was already underway.
Miyuki narrowed his eyes at the batter. Long grip, standing far forward… expecting an outside pitch?
Or perhaps… they'd already researched Tanba's pitching tendencies.
After all, Horikoshi wouldn't come this far without doing their homework.
Tanba's greatest weakness was no secret — his fragile mentality.
Miyuki shifted slightly, raising his glove high and inside. Four-seam fastball inside. Let's make him flinch.
On the mound, Tanba took a deep breath and nodded.
Whoosh—!
The ball flew out like a bullet, darting toward the batter's chest.
Slap!
"Nice ball!"
The umpire's call echoed. Miyuki didn't relax. The batter hadn't even blinked — he really was waiting for the outside pitch.
For the second pitch, Miyuki signaled another fastball — low and inside.
The batter didn't swing again.
Two strikes.
Miyuki's eyes sharpened. Alright, let's confirm this once and for all.
He called for an outside pitch — a perfect setup. Tanba's throw sliced through the air, landing just on the edge of the strike zone.
The batter reacted instantly, swinging hard—
"Strike three! Batter out!"
"Nice, Tanba!"
"Great job!"
The Seidou bench erupted in cheers.
But Miyuki's gaze remained cold and analytical. The next batter stepped into the box — same stance, same forward positioning.
Confirmed.
Horikoshi's plan was clear — they were baiting Tanba, daring him to throw outside pitches.
"I'm ready for your outside corner. Do you dare throw it? If you do, I'll hit it."
It was a simple tactic — but against someone like Tanba, whose confidence wavered easily, it could be deadly.
"This is going to be tough," Miyuki thought, his expression serious.
Still, a small smile tugged at his lips.
When the pitcher struggles… it's the catcher's time to shine.
From the dugout, Kanzaki muttered, "This guy's definitely excited right now."
"Oh? What did you see?" Chris asked curiously, glancing at him.
Kanzaki's eyes stayed fixed on the field. "Horikoshi's not that strong. They're just trying to exploit Tanba's mental weakness by forcing him to avoid his comfort zone. This kind of matchup tests both the pitcher and the catcher. For Kazuya, it's a chance to prove himself."
Chris smiled faintly, impressed. "You've got a good eye."
And on the field, Miyuki's sharp game-calling soon proved Kanzaki right.
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