Coach Kataoka was right. Even if their control training wouldn't affect tomorrow's condition, over time, it could unconsciously make a pitcher overly obsessed with precision—causing the body to sacrifice other strengths like speed and spin rate in exchange for control.
Yang Shunchen, however, was different. His ball speed wasn't particularly fast; his greatest weapon was that mechanical, almost robotic precision.
Realizing this, Kanzaki Ryou bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Coach!"
Seeing that, Kataoka nodded with satisfaction. Being able to listen was one thing—but truly understanding what was said was far more important.
"Continue practicing."
"Yes!"
After Coach Kataoka left, Miyuki exhaled in relief and said with lingering tension,
"Good thing the Coach showed up. Otherwise, we might've gone down the wrong path."
"I got too impatient," Kanzaki admitted, rubbing his neck. "Sorry about that."
Miyuki shook his head with a smirk.
"Come on, throw a couple of changeups to calm me down."
"Heh, catch them properly then."
That night, after training, Kanzaki and Miyuki's coordination was put to the test against the first-string players. They threw a total of 51 pitches, with only 7 being hit.
Among those, Azuma Kiyokuni managed to crush one straight ball for a long hit.
The rest were either grounders or foul balls.
That pitching performance further confirmed Coach Kataoka's decision—to let Kanzaki and Miyuki take the field in tomorrow's semifinals.
"Tomorrow is the semifinals against Ichidai Third High," Coach Kataoka announced. "I want everyone here to give their all."
"Yes, sir!!"
"Now, I'll announce tomorrow's starting lineup."
The moment he said that, the atmosphere grew tense. Pitcher Nanjo Taishi and catcher Tanaka Wataru looked especially nervous.
They already suspected something when Coach Kataoka had Kanzaki and Miyuki pair up earlier. Though reluctant, they knew the lineup change would be for the team's good.
However, when Kataoka finished reading the list, everyone realized—the starting lineup was the same as before.
Nanjo instinctively glanced at Kanzaki, worried the freshman would be disappointed… only to see him smiling calmly.
His worry was unnecessary. Kanzaki didn't look discouraged at all.
"Kanzaki!" Coach Kataoka suddenly called.
"Yes, sir!"
"You'll take the mound in the fifth inning tomorrow. Be ready."
"Yes!"
Kataoka nodded. "Miyuki, same for you."
"Aye…" Miyuki replied weakly, muttering, "Feels like I'm the stepchild here."
April 18th, Meiji Jingu Second Stadium.
The Spring Tokyo Tournament semifinals were about to begin.
The four participating teams arrived one after another—Seidou High, Ichidai Third, Inashiro Industrial, and Teito.
Tokyo's four giants once again dominated the top four, much to no one's surprise.
For years, they had stood like immovable walls. Some fans even found it boring—hoping that someday, an underdog might finally break through.
"Ryou, look over there," Miyuki said, tilting his chin forward.
Kanzaki followed his gaze. "Inashiro Industrial. Their game's the second one today, right? They're here early."
"They're probably here to scout," Miyuki replied. "Whether it's us or Ichidai Third, one of us will advance to the finals."
Kanzaki squinted at him. "Kazuya… why do I feel like you believe they'll reach the finals more than Inashiro themselves?"
Kuramochi burst out laughing. "Oi, Miyuki—are you Inashiro spy or something?"
Miyuki chuckled. "No, I just have my reasons."
"Narumiya Mei?" Kanzaki said, spotting a small blond figure among the Inashiro group. "He's talented, but he's still a bench player for now, right?"
"Same as you," Miyuki teased.
"Nope, I'm taller than him."
Just then, the Inashiro players noticed Seidou's arrival.
The blond boy's sharp eyes lit up, and he shouted, "Kazuya! Kazuya!"
Miyuki immediately ducked his head, pretending not to hear.
"Your old flame's calling you," Kanzaki said, shoving him lightly. "Go on, don't keep him waiting."
Miyuki's toes curled in embarrassment—especially under Coach Kataoka's sharp gaze.
Kataoka turned to the team. "The game starts in one hour. Everyone, make final preparations. Meet in the locker room in thirty minutes."
"Yes, sir!!"
As soon as they were dismissed, players scattered around—some went to the restroom, others started chatting. The four powerhouse schools were all familiar with each other by now.
"Kazuya, why didn't you answer me?"
Narumiya Mei ran up, frowning.
"Oh? I just didn't see you." Miyuki lied effortlessly with a straight face.
Narumiya tilted his head, unconvinced. Then his eyes lit up again.
"Hey, I heard Seidou's got a super amazing first-year pitcher. Who is it?"
His big golden eyes blinked like a curious puppy.
"Oh, you mean Ryou?" Miyuki replied.
"Ryou? That's his name?" Narumiya perked up.
Before Miyuki could answer, a hand suddenly reached out, blocking the space between them.
"Oi, Little Blondie—what business do you have with our catcher?"
"...Little Blondie?"
Narumiya froze. Was that directed at him?
When it hit him, he immediately bared his teeth. "Huh!? Who are you!?"
"Oh? You even have tiny fangs." Kanzaki's teasing grin widened. "Cute."
Miyuki backed away with a chuckle, leaving the two to their little standoff.
"Hey, Kazuya! Who is this guy?" Narumiya demanded, still glaring at Kanzaki.
But before Miyuki could reply, Kanzaki grabbed Narumiya's hand and shook it enthusiastically.
"I'm the super amazing Seidou first-year pitcher you were talking about, Little Blondie—Kanzaki Ryou."
"Huh!?" Narumiya blinked. "You!?"
"What? Don't believe it?"
Narumiya snorted. "What's your top pitch speed!?"
"Not telling."
"Then it's definitely slower than mine!" he barked.
"So what? I'm taller than you."
"Your control can't be as good as mine, either!"
"I'm still taller than you."
"I can—"
"Mei."
A low, calm voice cut through the air.
A tall, broad-shouldered upperclassman walked over and placed a firm hand on Narumiya's shoulder.
"Mei, what were you about to say?"
Narumiya stiffened instantly and turned his head slowly.
"H-Harada-senpai! I didn't say anything!"
It was Harada Masatoshi, Inashiro's current second-year catcher.
He shot Kanzaki and Miyuki a polite nod before grabbing Narumiya by the collar and dragging him away.
Good thing he came when he did—if he'd arrived a few seconds later, that loudmouthed brat might've spilled all their secrets.
As Narumiya was hauled off, Kanzaki and Miyuki exchanged a glance—then both burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Little Blondie!" Miyuki pointed, watching Narumiya get dragged off.
"Right?" Kanzaki smirked. "He really does look like one."
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