After the final game, news of Seido's championship victory spread rapidly across the country. Along with it came the title of Koshien Champion Pitcher, a title that instantly pushed Kanzaki Ryou's name into the national spotlight and drew unprecedented attention and expectation.
Professional team scouts soon began contacting Seido through official channels, hoping to reach Kanzaki Ryou ahead of time. However, every single inquiry was firmly rejected by Coach Kataoka.
Kanzaki Ryou was still only a first-year. Entering the professional world this early was far too premature. Exposure to the complexities of adult society would do him more harm than good.
On the night the team returned to school, Seido's senior staff—along with a large group of students—lined up from the school gate all the way to the baseball field to welcome the champions home.
After the grand celebration banquet, the first-string members were far too excited to fall asleep. As a result, nearly everyone slept until noon the next day.
"It still feels like a dream."
Azuma Kiyokuni climbed out of bed, sat down on a chair, and let out a deep sigh.
"Senior Azuma, stop showing off already. Go wash up—you didn't even shower last night." Kanzaki Ryou sat at his spot, carefully wiping down and maintaining his beloved baseball bat.
"You little brat, what do you know?"
Seeing that no one was praising him, Azuma Kiyokuni snorted and stormed out of the dormitory, clearly intent on finding someone else to show off to.
Kanzaki Ryou chuckled, then turned to Chris, who was already seated at his desk, diligently studying.
"Senior Chris, we've got three days off. Aren't you going home?"
Chris shook his head. "No. My house is nearby. I can go back anytime."
Kanzaki Ryou nodded. He had almost forgotten—Chris's family was well-off, and buying a place close to Seido was nothing difficult.
"When are you leaving, Ryou?" Chris asked.
"At noon."
Kanzaki Ryou smiled. After Koshien ended, Coach Kataoka had given the brass band members three days off. Taking advantage of the moment, Kanzaki Ryou had shamelessly asked for two additional days.
Coach Kataoka hadn't objected at all and approved the leave without hesitation.
"When you go back, give my regards to your parents," Coach Kataoka said.
On the day the tournament ended, Coach Kataoka had also briefly spoken with Kanzaki Ryou's family, expressing his gratitude for entrusting him to Seido.
At noon, Kanzaki Ryou left Seido carrying his luggage.
During the five-day break, he rested properly at home. On August 25th, he accompanied his sister Mami—who was also on summer vacation—to watch the Kansai Brass Band Competition.
Kitauji High School's brass band delivered a performance no less impressive than that of the powerhouse schools. In the end, they won the gold medal and, in a stunning upset, edged out one of the traditional top three to secure a spot in the National Tournament.
After the holiday ended, Kanzaki Ryou returned to Seido and resumed his familiar, monotonous training routine.
As September arrived, the third-year seniors who had already retired from the first-string were rarely seen on the field.
That was, of course, with one exception.
Azuma Kiyokuni—who had already received a professional offer—clearly had no understanding of what "studying" meant. Whenever he had free time, he would wander onto the field just to show off in front of his juniors.
"By the way, we're still participating in the National Sports Festival next month, right?"
Several third-year seniors sat on the grass outside the field, watching the ongoing training as they chatted.
"Yeah. All third-years are participating," Nanjo Taishi replied.
"That part's fine," Shida Shota said, frowning slightly. "What worries me is the Autumn Tournament. So many days have passed, and the first-string lineup still hasn't been finalized."
"Well, the Coach must have his plans," Araki Keita said lazily, sipping from a can of iced cola. "Besides, there's Kanzaki."
Not having to train while drinking cold cola in front of the hardworking juniors felt incredibly satisfying.
"With Kanzaki pitching, there's nothing to worry about," Nanjo Taishi added. "After being baptized by Koshien, that guy's getting more terrifying by the day."
"As for the batting order," Araki continued, "Kominato should still be second batter, and Yuki will probably take fourth."
"Oh?" Shida Shota raised an eyebrow. "What about Kanzaki? He'd make a great fourth batter too."
Kanzaki Ryou's batting performance was more than enough to qualify—six home runs at Koshien, the most of anyone.
"Being both Ace and cleanup would be too exhausting," Nanjo Taishi said. "I doubt the Coach would burden him unnecessarily."
"Fair point," Yoshikawa Junpei nodded. "But then who'll bat first and third? And who makes the first-string and starting lineup?"
"Leadoff should be Kusunoki Fumiya," Shida replied. "First-year Kuramochi is fast, but still too raw. He probably won't start this Autumn Tournament."
"And third batter should be Isashiki Jun."
The group continued chatting, completely unaware that Azuma Kiyokuni had appeared behind them.
"Who's the captain?"
His sudden voice startled them. "Who do you think should lead the new team?"
They exchanged glances, then answered in unison.
"Yuki!"
Azuma Kiyokuni's grin widened.
"When the retirement game comes, let's smash the new first-string led by Yuki and Kanzaki."
The next evening, all first- and second-year players gathered in the indoor training facility.
After observing them over the past few days, Coach Kataoka had finalized the first-string candidates for the Autumn Tournament.
With the tournament approaching next month, there was no time to wait until after practice games. The team had to be formed immediately, followed by nonstop training and refinement through matches.
The second-year first-string members were Yuki Tetsuya, Kominato Ryosuke, Isashiki Jun, Tanba Koichiro, Kusunoki Fumiya, and Masuko Toru.
Among the first-years, only Kanzaki Ryou, Miyuki Kazuya, and Kuramochi Yoichi were selected.
Coach Kataoka soon finished announcing all promotions. As expected, the majority were second-year players.
Additionally, first-year pitcher Kawakami Norifumi and catcher Ono Hiroshi were promoted due to their outstanding performances on the second-string.
From that moment on, Seido officially began preparations for the Autumn Tournament.
In mid-September, the day after the retirement match against the third-years, training had just ended when Kanzaki Ryou was called to the Coach's office by Takashima Rei right after finishing his meal in the cafeteria.
"Boss, Rei-chan, you wanted to see me?" Kanzaki Ryou asked.
Coach Kataoka lifted his chin slightly, signaling him to sit.
"Take a look at this."
Takashima Rei placed a thick stack of documents in front of him.