Takashima Rei's expression turned serious at the mention of Ichidai Third High. In recent matchups between the two schools, Seidou had lost more often than it had won — and now, they were about to meet again in the semifinals. The pressure weighing on Seidou's "Big Three" was immense.
The two soon arrived at the Director's office. This time, however, only Coach Kataoka was inside; President Ota was nowhere to be seen.
Kataoka Tesshin sat on the sofa, flipping through a file containing information about Ichidai Third High's players. On the very top page was the name Manaka Kaname.
"Coach," Takashima Rei greeted.
Kanzaki Ryou stood respectfully before the desk.
"Sit down," Coach Kataoka said calmly, eyes still focused on the papers before him.
Time passed in silence. Takashima Rei sat quietly beside him, waiting. After several minutes, Kataoka finally put the file down and looked up.
"Kanzaki," he began, his tone low but steady, "get ready to pitch in the next game."
"Eh? Really?" Kanzaki blinked, surprised.
"This time, you're allowed to use your special two-seam fastball." Kataoka's deep voice carried both command and trust. "Do you have confidence?"
Kanzaki felt a spark ignite within him. That tone — the confidence in his coach's voice — stirred something fierce in his chest.
"With your speed alone, it'll be difficult for Ichidai's batters to keep up. And just when they start adjusting to your four-seamer…" Kataoka's lips curved slightly. "That two-seam of yours will finish the job."
Kanzaki smirked. "As long as I'm on the mound, I guarantee Ichidai's lineup won't stand a chance."
Ichidai Third High had never faced him before — that element of surprise, combined with his raw power, would make their batters' lives hell.
"Good." Kataoka nodded. "Adjust yourself well over the next two days. Don't overdo it."
"Yes, Coach!"
After Kanzaki left, Takashima Rei glanced at Kataoka. "That kid's got a strong drive. He's proactive in both training and games."
Kataoka didn't reply right away. He walked to the window, gazing at the moonlight filtering through the glass.
"Facing Ichidai Third High… will he perform to expectations?" he murmured. "When the game turns dangerous and the pressure mounts — will he have the courage to fight back?"
Turning around, he said quietly, "His pitching technique is already solid. But a true ace isn't defined by technique alone."
Takashima Rei smiled faintly. "A true ace, huh…"
What is a true ace?
A pitcher might shine for a moment with skill alone, but they wouldn't last long.
Even the strongest players are still human. They stumble, they get hurt, they fall into slumps. Without mental strength — without unshakable conviction — they'd eventually sink into the mud.
Recalling Kanzaki's confident grin before leaving, Takashima Rei couldn't help but worry.
Ryou… how will you perform when the time comes?
Completely unaware of Kataoka's thoughts, Kanzaki returned to the dorm — only to be dragged to the cafeteria by Miyuki and Kuramochi.
After dinner, the trio grabbed their bats and headed under the streetlamps for their nightly self-training.
"Hey, Kanzaki, Miyuki," Kuramochi suddenly called out mid-swing.
"Hm?" Kanzaki grunted without looking up.
Kuramochi stopped swinging and turned toward them, his face serious. "You guys might be ahead right now, but this summer, I'm definitely making it to the first string!"
"Difficult," Kanzaki replied immediately.
"Unrealistic," Miyuki added at the same time.
The two said it in perfect sync. Kuramochi's face twisted in frustration, ready to blow up, but Kanzaki continued before he could.
"Your biggest weapon is your speed. But right now, you're training as a shortstop. Are you planning to challenge Shida-senpai for his spot?"
"Or Nanmu-senpai?" Miyuki added with a teasing grin.
Kuramochi deflated, his confidence crumbling under the weight of reality.
Among the first-years, Kanzaki Ryou and Miyuki Kazuya were undoubtedly the most dazzling — everyone knew they had the potential to become regulars this summer.
After them, the next standouts were Kuramochi Yoichi and Kawakami Norihiro.
Kuramochi's speed was his greatest weapon, and his baserunning training was on another level. He was loud, energetic, and always noticeable.
Kawakami's sinker, though still rough, was a valuable sidearm pitch with great potential.
"Honestly," Kanzaki said casually, "even if you make the first string this summer, you probably won't get much playtime. You'd be better off aiming for the second string. You'll get more actual games there — more chances to polish yourself."
"Huh!? Kanzaki, are you looking down on me?" Kuramochi roared.
"Kuramochi, calm down," Miyuki said, putting down his bat. "Think about it. Sitting on the bench in the first string, or playing full games in the second — which one's better for you?"
Before Kuramochi could respond, Miyuki continued, "The current shortstop is third-year Shida Shota-senpai. He's got you beat in batting, experience, and defense — and his speed isn't that far behind. If you really want a realistic target, go for Nanmu-senpai instead."
Miyuki chuckled mischievously, and Kanzaki couldn't help sighing. "If Nanmu-senpai hears that, don't expect me to save you."
"Ahh, Nanmu-senpai's gentle! Not like Azuma-senpai!" Miyuki grinned.
"…Forget it, you're hopeless," Kanzaki said, shaking his head.
Kuramochi, though frustrated, had calmed down. After a short silence, he suddenly shouted, "Fine then! I'll swing ten thousand times tonight!"
Kanzaki and Miyuki exchanged a laugh. For guys like Kuramochi, all it took was a little push — once you laid out the facts, he'd work himself to death trying to prove you wrong.
The next morning.
When Kanzaki opened his shoe locker, several pink envelopes fell out again. He walked to class in a great mood, only to find everyone staring at him.
Yesterday's home run hadn't made him famous overnight, but it had made him one of Seidou's most talked-about first-years. His classmates were especially fired up — some even asked for autographs and selfies.
"This guy's getting way too much attention," Kuramochi muttered, lounging on his chair, legs crossed, glaring at Kanzaki.
"Hehehe," Miyuki smirked. "You're just jealous. Admit it — you want to be popular too. That's why you're desperate to make the first string, right?"
"Got a problem with that!?" Kuramochi snapped, leaning in until their faces were inches apart.
Miyuki chuckled. "Maybe Kanzaki's popular not just because he's good… but because he's good-looking too?"
"Damn it!" Kuramochi yelled, veins popping on his forehead.
At that moment, Kanzaki finally walked over — and froze when he saw the two of them practically nose-to-nose.
"Hey, you two," he said flatly. "Are you gonna kiss or what?"
"Hmph!" Kuramochi scoffed and turned away.
"Hehehe," Miyuki laughed, unfazed.
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