At B Field, the first-string players watched the freshman scrimmage with relaxed smiles.
"Kanzaki, you and Miyuki haven't experienced the baptism of a real scrimmage yet. Your high school baseball careers are full of regrets," Isashiki said, sounding like an old veteran.
"Heh, Jun-senpai just wants to watch us make fools of ourselves, right? That might be a little difficult," Kanzaki Ryou replied with a grin.
"Hmph."
Exposed instantly, the tsundere Isashiki turned his head away.
"Speaking of Miyuki—where did that kid run off to? He's not even here to watch."
"Over there."
Kanzaki pointed to the second-string dugout, where Miyuki sat next to Chris, absorbed in discussion.
"Is that brat planning to drain Chris completely dry?"
"He's anxious. The Summer Tournament qualifiers begin in about a month."
"Oh right, Kanzaki—how's your slider coming along?"
Kanzaki stretched his shoulders. "I can throw it once in a while to scare someone, but my consistency is still garbage. Needs more work."
"Ahaha, keep it up. When you finally master it, throw the first one to me so I can send it flying," Azuma Kiyokuni said as he walked up, his belly leading the way.
"I heard Senior Azuma is on a diet recently?" Kanzaki teased.
Hiss—
The seniors froze.
How bold. He really said it to his face.
Azuma's face turned red. "Shut up! Who said that?! Where am I fat?!"
"Well, well, Senior, do your best. Losing weight is good for your health. Want Chris-senpai to help make you a diet plan?"
"Chris is too busy—"
Azuma cut himself off too late.
Kanzaki smirked.
"Eh~hehe."
"Kanzaki, you brat… just wait!"
At that moment, the sharp whistle on A Field signaled the end of the freshman scrimmage.
The first-years, exhausted in body and mind, collapsed to the ground. The upperclassmen had crushed them thoroughly—technique, mentality, teamwork, all one-sided.
"Gather!"
Despite their fatigue, the freshmen forced themselves up and jogged toward Coach Kataoka.
The second-string seniors also lined up.
Coach Kataoka nodded with satisfaction, then received Chris's small notebook.
"Kuramochi Yoichi."
"Here!"
"Shirasu Kenjiro."
"Here."
"Kawakami Norifumi."
"Here."
After looking them over, Coach Kataoka announced:
"Starting today, the three of you will join the second string."
The three froze for a second—then excitement hit them hard.
The rest of the freshmen felt the sting.
Only those who performed well earned opportunities here, and today, these three stood out the most.
"Yes!"
The three shouted in unison.
Coach Kataoka nodded again.
Kuramochi's breathtaking speed was the biggest highlight.
Even in Kataoka's long coaching career, few players ran faster than Kuramochi—especially since he was still growing.
Placed before the heart of the lineup, he would be a nightmare for opponents.
Shirasu Kenjiro wasn't flashy, but Kataoka valued his consistency.
Being able to reproduce your usual performance in a game was a talent on its own.
Kawakami, meanwhile, was worth fostering. Kataoka originally feared he was another glass-hearted pitcher like Tanba had once been, but his performance today exceeded expectations.
Letting these three enter the second string would allow them to accumulate game experience in upcoming practice matches.
But for every newcomer promoted, someone in the second string had to be cut.
The atmosphere turned cold.
Even the three selected freshmen suppressed their excitement.
"Let's go. Time for training," Kanzaki said, leaving the field.
He didn't like oppressive atmospheres like this.
That night.
After strength training, Kanzaki and Miyuki rushed straight to the dining hall.
The three newly promoted second-string members—Kuramochi, Shirasu, and Kawakami—approached with trays loaded with huge bowls of rice and side dishes.
"Ya-ha! Kanzaki!"
Kuramochi dropped his tray and grinned like a maniac.
"You're in a good mood," Kanzaki said.
"Not bad, not bad. I'm only 40% happy."
"Heh."
Kanzaki looked toward the two sitting with him.
"Shirasu, Kawakami—congratulations on joining the second string."
"I still have a long way to go…" Kawakami said shyly.
"Thank you, Kanzaki-kun," Shirasu replied politely.
Miyuki swallowed a chunk of pork cutlet and spoke:
"Kawakami, you did well today. Your pitches were sharp. Your slider location was especially solid."
"R-Really?" Kawakami blinked.
He'd pitched entirely according to catcher Ono's signals, barely thinking, wholly focused on reciting his mental chants.
"Of course," Miyuki said. "Though toward the end, your pitches rose a bit."
He continued, "Oh, right. Chris-senpai also praised your pitching."
For Kawakami, whose confidence was fragile, praise was gold.
Hearing that even Chris acknowledged him nearly made tears form in his eyes.
After Kawakami calmed down, Miyuki turned to Shirasu—then paused.
What should he say to this guy?
Kanzaki suddenly spoke up.
"Hey, Shirasu."
"Hm?"
"From now on, when Miyuki and I do independent pitching practice… want to try batting against me?"
"Me?"
Shirasu froze.
Being invited by the pitcher who was guaranteed to become Seidou's future Ace…
He didn't know whether to panic or feel honored.
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