Kanzaki Ryou took the documents and examined them carefully. They were all profiles of well-known third-year middle school players from the Tokyo area—detailed statistics, scouting notes, and brief evaluations.
"…Is this for recruitment?" Kanzaki Ryou asked as he looked up.
"Yes," Takashima Rei replied. "We want to hear your opinion."
Hearing this, Kanzaki Ryou smiled wryly.
"Boss, shouldn't this kind of thing be decided by you and the Coaches? Even if you're asking for opinions, wouldn't the captain be more appropriate?"
"We just want you to take a look," Takashima Rei said calmly. "If there are pitchers among them, see if there's anyone you like."
"…Huh?"
Kanzaki Ryou was momentarily stunned.
What do you mean, 'someone I like'?
Is this some kind of blind date?
"You're our Ace," Coach Kataoka said evenly. "There's nothing wrong with hearing your opinion on pitchers. Don't overthink it."
Kanzaki Ryou fell silent.
What incredible trust.
The Coach was actually asking for his opinion on recruitment matters. Was he worried that next year's pitchers wouldn't get along with him?
Nodding, Kanzaki Ryou flipped through the files. After going through them carefully, he realized something—
There wasn't a single familiar name.
Closing the folder, Kanzaki Ryou thought for a moment before speaking.
"Boss, Rei-chan… I know where there are some truly good pitchers."
"Oh?" Coach Kataoka looked up. "What do you mean?"
Takashima Rei also turned toward him with interest. During Koshien, Kanzaki Ryou had already pointed her toward Arima Kazusa. After personally investigating, Takashima Rei had been pleasantly surprised—and Arima Kazusa's enrollment at Seido for next year was already confirmed.
"Hokkaido."
"Hongo Masamune. Furuya Satoru."
Kanzaki Ryou calmly spoke the two names.
If one were to talk about elite pitchers among next year's freshmen, aside from Mukai Taiyo who had already been secured by Teito—these two were the most outstanding.
Kanzaki Ryou had never even considered Mukai Taiyo. That boy came from a Teito baseball family; several elders were former Teito members. Having grown up watching Teito's games, Teito wasn't just a school to him—it was his faith.
There was no chance he would go elsewhere.
As for Hongo Masamune and Furuya Satoru…
Emotionally speaking, Kanzaki Ryou felt that Hongo Masamune's temperament would be difficult to deal with. That guy was far too hot-headed.
"Hokkaido?" Takashima Rei frowned slightly. "That's quite far. How do you know?"
"Hehe," Kanzaki Ryou chuckled. "Actually, I've never told you this, but I can tell fortunes."
"Hmph."
Takashima Rei sneered outright.
Coach Kataoka, however, nodded slowly.
"Since Kanzaki says so, Takashima, please gather information on these two."
"…Alright."
Takashima Rei agreed.
Kanzaki Ryou then casually added,
"Hongo Masamune is from Aoba Middle School in Hokkaido. Furuya Satoru is from Tomakomai Middle School."
"…Huh?"
Takashima Rei stared at Kanzaki Ryou in disbelief.
Where did you even get this information?!
"Ahem," Kanzaki Ryou coughed lightly. "They're both fastball pitchers. Once they develop properly, they'll definitely become top-tier Ace candidates. Rei-chan, you'll need to move fast—or they'll be taken by other schools."
Takashima Rei and Coach Kataoka exchanged looks.
They hadn't expected that Kanzaki Ryou, on top of his training and matches, had been paying attention to middle school pitchers as well.
This child truly worked hard.
"Alright," Takashima Rei said decisively. "I'll personally go to Hokkaido in a few days. If nothing unexpected happens, this should go smoothly."
After all, with Seido winning Koshien, recruitment had become far easier than before.
"Oh?" Kanzaki Ryou raised an eyebrow. "Rei-chan, where are you heading?"
"I've been busy in Tokyo these past few days," Takashima Rei replied. "Next, I'll check nearby prefectures."
"Really?" Kanzaki Ryou's eyes lit up. "When?"
"Leaving tomorrow."
Takashima Rei suddenly remembered that Kanzaki Ryou had once said he wanted to accompany her if she went to Nagano.
However, Kanzaki Ryou merely smiled.
"I'll be looking forward to your results."
"…You're not coming?" Takashima Rei asked subconsciously.
Coach Kataoka turned his gaze toward Kanzaki Ryou.
"You're not thinking of taking leave again, are you?"
"Can I?"
"No."
Coach Kataoka rejected him without hesitation.
"The Autumn Tournament is approaching. What sense would it make for you to take leave now?"
Kanzaki Ryou spread his hands helplessly.
"Rei-chan, looks like I can't go with you."
"Who asked you to come with me?!"
Takashima Rei was speechless. This guy's skin was way too thick.
After leaving the Coach's office, Kanzaki Ryou returned to the dormitory and saw Chris preparing to head out for his hospital re-examination.
"Senior."
"Ryou, what's up?"
"I'll go with you," Kanzaki Ryou said. "I also want a physical check-up."
He was still worried about Chris's injury. Although the doctor had allowed him to resume training, the intensity still couldn't be too high.
Just imagining Chris competing with Miyuki for the starting catcher position next year made Kanzaki Ryou feel excited.
As long as Chris fully recovered and maintained his level, Coach Kataoka would definitely name him the starting catcher in their third year.
As for Miyuki…
That guy was truly pitiful.
"Alright," Chris said with a smile. "Then go change. I'll wait for you."
A week later, Takashima Rei returned, her face glowing with excitement—as if she had just picked up a fortune.
The moment training ended, she immediately sought out Kanzaki Ryou.
"Rei-chan," Kanzaki Ryou smiled. "Judging by your expression, it looks like you had quite the harvest."
"Of course!" Takashima Rei said smugly. "With me personally handling it, how could there be any surprises?"
"Oh?" Kanzaki Ryou raised an eyebrow. "Tell me."
"Hongo Masamune has already been approached by a local school," Takashima Rei said. "And he has no intention of leaving Hokkaido for Tokyo."
"…Then why are you so happy?" Kanzaki Ryou rolled his eyes.
"Don't rush me!" Takashima Rei said triumphantly, tapping the file in her hand.
"I got Furuya Satoru."
"As expected," Kanzaki Ryou smiled.
Originally, Furuya Satoru would have entered Seido through self-enrollment. With Takashima Rei personally recruiting him, he would likely receive a special recommendation—saving both time and money.
"This kid's pitching is insane," Takashima Rei continued. "His fastball is already nearing 150 kilometers per hour."
"Really?" Kanzaki Ryou's eyes brightened. "That's great. Even after I graduate, Seido will still have a monster fastball pitcher."
"You really think far ahead," Takashima Rei said.
"I should."
Pushing up her glasses, Takashima Rei added,
"I didn't come to see you just because of Furuya Satoru. There's someone else."
"Someone else?" Kanzaki Ryou asked.
"Before going to Hokkaido, I stopped by Nagano Prefecture," Takashima Rei said, her glasses flashing with excitement. "And there—I found a boy."
The moment Kanzaki Ryou heard this, he understood.
Sure enough—
That fool's destined connection with Seido had finally arrived.