While the crowd was still buzzing in surprise, Kanzaki Ryou walked over to the umpire, spoke briefly, bowed politely, and then jogged toward the stands.
"Huh? What's he doing?" someone muttered.
Up in the Seidou cheering section, students began to cheer even louder when they saw Kanzaki approaching. Moments later, a commotion broke out as a small white baseball was tossed down from the crowd. Kanzaki caught it perfectly with one hand.
Everyone immediately understood.
His first at-bat, first swing, and first home run in his high school career—three "firsts" that made this ball a memento worth keeping.
Even the umpire allowed it. Who could blame him?
Returning to the dugout with the ball in hand and a bright grin on his face, Kanzaki was quickly surrounded by his teammates offering congratulations.
"Thank you, senpai! Thank you, Manager! Thank you, President!" Kanzaki said dramatically, as if giving an acceptance speech.
Coach Kataoka—normally the strict type—actually smiled faintly as he placed a firm hand on Kanzaki's shoulder.
"You played well. Keep this ball safe—it'll mean even more in the future."
Kataoka truly believed that if Kanzaki Ryou continued to grow like this, his potential was limitless. And when he finally reached the top, this ball would become a priceless reminder of his beginning.
After receiving everyone's praise, Kanzaki sat down next to Miyuki, clutching his baseball.
"Congratulations," Miyuki said grudgingly. "You really did hit it out."
Even though he didn't want to see Kanzaki's smug face, there was no denying that the home run was impressive.
"Hehehe," Kanzaki laughed, slapping Miyuki on the back. "Don't be jealous. I believe in you—you might manage one someday."
Miyuki groaned, biting his tongue to keep from snapping back.
Fine, he thought. I'll just practice harder. One day, I'll hit one farther than you.
On the field, Seidou's seniors carried on the momentum from Kanzaki's homer, piling on three more runs in a row.
The game was called early—12–1, Seidou wins!
Spring Tokyo Tournament, Quarterfinals:
Seidou High School vs. Horikoshi High School — Game ended in the 5th inning.
Seidou had advanced to the semifinals of the Spring Metropolitan Tournament!
Back at school, however, Coach Kataoka didn't let the team rest. Instead, he called the first-string players to the strategy room for a meeting.
Advancing to the semifinals wasn't the end—it was only the beginning.
Their next opponent: Ichidai Third High, Seidou's long-standing rival.
Last year, when Yuki Tetsuya was still a first-year, Seidou had lost to Ichidai Third High in the summer preliminaries, 4–5. The standout of that game had been a then-first-year pitcher—
Manaka Kaname.
After that summer, Manaka became Ichidai's Ace, and his performance in the Autumn Tournament proved he was no fluke. Now a second-year, Manaka was at his peak—skilled, confident, and dangerous.
And fate had drawn them together again in the semifinals of this year's Spring Tournament.
Kanzaki sighed. "Fate sure loves to repeat itself."
In his mind, he remembered how things were supposed to go—Seidou would lose to Ichidai Third High this spring, missing the Kanto berth. Then, they'd fall to Inashiro, led by Narumiya Mei, in the summer, and once again to Ichidai in the autumn.
But not this time.
Not with him here.
"What are you thinking about?" Miyuki asked, leaning closer as usual.
"I was saying," Kanzaki said with a grin, "Ichidai Third's gonna lose to us this time. It's fate."
"Well said!" Azuma Kiyokuni turned from the front row, clenching his fist. "We'll avenge last summer's loss!"
"Shhh!" Kanzaki and Miyuki both hissed, putting their index fingers to their lips.
But it was too late.
Azuma's booming voice had completely derailed Coach Kataoka's speech. The entire room went silent—dead silent. You could practically hear the clock ticking.
"Azuma!" Kataoka barked.
"Y-Yes, Coach!" Azuma jumped to his feet, shaking the desks around him.
Kataoka's cold eyes narrowed. "Why aren't you paying attention? You think we've already won?"
"I—I—" Azuma stammered, cold sweat trickling down his back.
Then, in a moment of pure betrayal, he blurted out,
"It was Kanzaki! Kanzaki said Ichidai Third will definitely lose to him this time!"
Kanzaki:ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
He wanted to kick the big oaf across the room.
"Kanzaki!" Kataoka's icy stare turned on him. Kanzaki immediately broke into a sweat.
Before Azuma's broad back could fully block him, Kanzaki suddenly stood up and shouted,
"It wasn't me! It was Miyuki! He said he'll knock Manaka Kaname's pitch right out of the park!"
Miyuki froze.
Miyuki:You traitor! I thought we were best friends!
Kanzaki:Best friend? That's just another word for scapegoat.
Kataoka pinched the bridge of his nose. "You three… Write a 1,000-word apology each. And tomorrow—500 extra swings."
"Yes, sir!" all three groaned in unison, their faces pale.
Nearby, Tanba turned to look at Miyuki, his expression complicated.
Manaka Kaname had been his best friend in junior high—and Miyuki declaring he'd hit his pitch didn't sit well. The kid was talented, sure, but way too cocky.
After the meeting, as the players began to disperse, Miyuki grabbed Kanzaki by the collar.
"You… you sold me out!"
Before Kanzaki could respond, Takashima Rei appeared.
"Kanzaki, the Coach wants to see you."
"Eh? Is he going to make me the starting pitcher next game?" Kanzaki asked eagerly, tucking the home run ball into his pocket as he followed her out.
Trailing behind, he muttered to himself, "Starter… starter… starter…"
Takashima smiled faintly. "Who knows? That's not for me to say."
"I don't believe that," Kanzaki teased, lowering his voice playfully. "Come on, Rei-chan, you definitely know something, right? Tell me~"
Rei's lips twitched as she resisted a smile. "Nice try. The next game's against Ichidai Third. Even the Coach's being cautious about the lineup."
Kanzaki grinned. "Then I'll just have to give him a reason to pick me."
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