After last summer, although Kanzaki Ryou's batting remained extremely threatening, many sharp-eyed observers had already noticed a hidden flaw—his swing speed and explosive power still had room for improvement.
Because of this, Kanzaki Ryou strengthened his physical training even further. However, those monotonous, machine-like exercises could never compare to the satisfaction of directly swinging a bat.
"This bat is good," Chris said after testing it. "You can use it during regular training. But three days before a game, you must switch back to your original bat."
Kanzaki Ryou nodded. "Mm, I know."
Chris smiled faintly.
This was something he truly appreciated about Kanzaki Ryou—no matter what he did, there was never a need to worry. He understood limits, timing, and self-control.
Still… a junior who could handle everything on his own made Chris feel a strange lack of accomplishment.
A little lonely, even.
If Kanzaki Ryou knew what Chris was thinking, he would definitely laugh out loud. After all, today's real troublemaker was arriving—Chris wouldn't be idle for long.
"Alright," Chris reminded him, "clean up the dorm. Your junior will arrive later."
"Oh—right!" Kanzaki Ryou suddenly remembered and quickly walked to the door, checking the nameplate. He hadn't paid attention earlier.
First-year: Arima Kazusa.
So this was his new roommate.
"Not bad," Kanzaki Ryou nodded secretly. "At least this kid seems to understand human language."
If it were Sawamura… he really wouldn't know how to handle it.
The two of them cleaned the dorm briefly, then Kanzaki Ryou sat down and waited.
As night fell, around eight o'clock, a startled scream suddenly echoed from the neighboring dorm.
Hearing it, Kanzaki Ryou slapped his forehead.
Damn it—how did he forget this?!
He missed the best part!
He immediately pushed open the door and stuck his head out.
Sure enough, he saw Sawamura Eijun sprawled on the ground, completely flustered, his face pale with fear.
Kuramochi's loud laughter followed instantly.
Click!
After snapping a photo with his phone, Kanzaki Ryou smiled and walked over.
"Aniki!" Sawamura shouted in surprise. After months of online interaction, his favorability toward Kanzaki Ryou had already maxed out.
"Hey, hey," Kanzaki Ryou said helplessly, "I told you not to call me that. I'm not a gangster."
He didn't even know when this guy had started using that title.
"Hahaha! Kanzaki, look at him—he's scared stiff!" Kuramochi said, his face painted like a ghost as he turned off the flashlight, laughing wildly.
Beside him, Masuko Toru, who hadn't been demoted to the second string this time, also wore a cheerful grin.
"Ugh…"
Sawamura struggled to his feet, still shaken. These two seniors didn't look like good people at all.
Would they bully him?
Before he could think further, another voice rang out.
"Kanzaki-senpai!"
Kanzaki Ryou turned around and saw Arima Kazusa, dragging a suitcase with a guitar case slung over his shoulder, waving excitedly.
"Why are you so late?" Kanzaki Ryou asked. "What were you doing?"
The Arima family lived close to Seido, yet he still chose to stay in the dorm.
"Hehe, because it's close, I came later," Arima Kazusa replied honestly.
Kanzaki Ryou nodded. "Come on. You're in my dorm."
"Eh?! Really?!" Arima Kazusa froze, then his eyes lit up. All his worries vanished instantly.
"Mhm. Let's go."
Back in the dorm, Chris turned around upon hearing the movement.
"Hello, senpai!" Arima Kazusa bowed deeply.
Chris returned the greeting politely. He had heard Kanzaki Ryou mention this junior many times.
After introductions, Arima Kazusa began unpacking.
Half an hour later, Kanzaki Ryou removed his headphones.
"Once you're done, go take a shower. Sleep early—you can't be late tomorrow."
"Okay, Kanzaki-senpai!" Arima Kazusa replied obediently.
The next morning, Kanzaki Ryou was already up at five and running on the field.
At six, Seido's official morning practice began.
The newcomers gathered at Field A, looking around nervously. No seniors were in sight.
Then—
Through the morning fog, footsteps approached.
From Field B, all the second- and third-years entered together, led by Coach Kataoka.
The freshmen immediately straightened, forming two neat rows.
"I am Head Coach Kataoka," Coach Kataoka said in a deep voice behind his sunglasses. "Are these all the new members?"
"Yes!!"
The voices were loud and unified.
"Good. Begin self-introductions."
"Hello, Coach! I'm Takemoto Atsushi from Nanchu! I want to play left field! Please take care of me!"
"Next."
Coach Kataoka stood with arms crossed, expression cold and distant.
"I'm Oshima Hiro from Miyagawa Youth Baseball. I want to play shortstop. I'm confident in my defense!"
Behind Coach Kataoka, among the upperclassmen, Kanzaki Ryou sighed.
Miyuki…
Late last year, still late this year. Definitely intentional.
And Sawamura—of course, he couldn't escape his fate.
Kanzaki Ryou glanced toward the corner of the wall.
Sure enough—a sneaky figure.
"Poor kid," Kanzaki Ryou sighed. "I'd better keep my distance, or I'll get punished too."
Self-introductions continued.
"Arima Kazusa, local! I want to be a pitcher! But Kanzaki-senpai said I have talent at third base, so I want to be a third baseman! Please take care of me!"
Assistant coaches immediately wrote his name down.
Third base… if Kanzaki Ryou said so, that deserved attention.
"Kanemaru Shinji, from Matsukata Youth Baseball! I want to play third base!"
…
"Furuya Satoru, from Hokkaido. Pitcher."
A calm voice echoed through the crowd.
Kanzaki Ryou looked at the poker-faced boy—who yawned immediately after speaking.
Interesting.
Just then—
A figure rushed out from behind the wall.
Kanzaki Ryou's eyelid twitched.
This idiot…
Did he really think Coach Kataoka wouldn't notice?
"Someone was late—and even tried to sneak into the team!!!"
Perfect.
Miyuki was also an idiot.