Upon returning to school, as soon as the bus came to a stop, Kanzaki Ryou saw the chubby Principal and the raspy-voiced Director of Student Affairs standing outside with smiles on their faces.
"Oh, Coach Kataoka, congratulations on making it to the Top 8."
As soon as Coach Kataoka stepped off the bus, the Principal came forward and said.
"Thank you, Principal," Coach Kataoka said indifferently. It was only the Top 8—nothing worth celebrating.
"Our team this year is incredibly strong; we might even have a chance to go to Koshien," the Director of Student Affairs said in a high-pitched voice.
Coach Kataoka glanced at him. "It's not 'might have a chance.' We will definitely go to Koshien."
"Yes, yes, definitely."
"Alright, Principal, the players are already tired, and I still have things to tell them."
"Okay, okay, Coach Kataoka, go ahead and do what you need to do. We'll just watch from afar," the Principal said.
Coach Kataoka nodded. He was grateful to the Principal. Since he had taken over the Seido Baseball Club—even after leading the team left by the former Coach to Koshien in his first year—they hadn't made it back in the following years.
Logically, for a powerhouse like Seido, their results weren't enough to satisfy the board. The reason he wasn't held accountable was largely due to the Principal and Takashima Rei's efforts in mediating.
Knowing this, Coach Kataoka set very high standards for himself and his players. The Top 8 meant nothing to them; the goal, as always, was one thing—the championship.
All first-string players got off the bus and lined up.
"The next game, the quarter-finals, is in three days. Everyone rest up and recover. Over-training is strictly forbidden."
There were only three games left, and all of them required Seido to give everything. Any physical issues caused by unnecessary extra practice would do more harm than good.
As he spoke, his gaze lingered on Kanzaki Ryou for a moment. After seeing Chris's past injury and Zaizen's collapse today, Coach Kataoka had become terrified that Kanzaki Ryou might get injured as well. He was his treasure.
"Yes, Coach!" × ∞
Kataoka nodded with satisfaction. "Kanzaki! Nanjo! Tanba!"
"Here!!!" the three responded in unison.
"After we dismiss, go back, change clothes, and head to the hospital after dinner."
The three named were all first-string pitchers—the most injury-prone positions. If any of them got hurt, Coach Kataoka would be heartbroken.
"Yes, Coach."
Kanzaki Ryou looked at Nanjo Taishi and Tanba. After witnessing Zaizen's injury, both were heavy-hearted. Even if Zaizen wasn't their teammate, pitchers all understood each other. Anyone who loved baseball understood.
No one would object to the Coach telling them to get a physical examination; it was his concern for them.
"For the others, it's not mandatory. But if you feel uncomfortable anywhere and want a check-up, go with them. The baseball club will cover the cost."
"Yes!"
"Dismissed!"
The first-string players left, while the remaining players took the chance to train on the field—especially the first-years, who felt fired up watching Kanzaki Ryou and Miyuki play earlier.
Kanzaki Ryou, Miyuki, and Kuramochi walked together, but Ryou's eyes drifted toward where Chris-senpai was speaking with Coach Kataoka.
Back in the dorm, after a refreshing shower, Kanzaki Ryou, on a whim, did his arm exercises and stretched his shoulders before heading to the cafeteria. He cherished his body.
That evening, Coach Kataoka gathered everyone for a meeting.
What was supposed to be a normal meeting turned into a full-game critique by Coach Kataoka.
Logically, the players had performed very well, but to the Coach, it was easy to find flaws. He criticized nearly every position by name—with some praise sprinkled in. His goal was to rein in their swelling pride. Only criticizing wouldn't work; a balance was needed.
The next morning.
Seido Baseball Club – Coach's Office.
Ota excitedly pushed the door open.
"Coach, look at this." Ota placed a document on the desk.
Takashima Rei leaned over. It was an interview request.
"So many?" Coach Kataoka said in surprise.
Normally, the three powerhouses always received interviews at this stage. But for Seido to receive over a dozen requests at once—it had been years since such treatment.
"There are more. These are just the ones I filtered," Ota said eagerly.
Coach Kataoka nodded. Media interviews were hard to refuse now.
If possible, he would have preferred to wait until they secured their Koshien ticket. But the board wanted publicity—Seido's influence needed to grow.
Since he couldn't refuse, he reluctantly accepted.
"Accept the interview request from Baseball Kingdom. If they ask for player interviews, limit it to three."
"Okay, I'll arrange it now," Ota said.
Accepting Baseball Kingdom was exactly what Ota wanted. It was one of the top three baseball media outlets in Japan, and in Tokyo, almost unmatched.
After Ota left, Takashima Rei adjusted her glasses.
"Who does the Coach plan to have interviewed?"
Coach Kataoka thought for a moment.
"Azuma, Yuki, Kanzaki."
"One from each grade? But… wouldn't Kanzaki be unsuitable? He's only a first-year, and he doesn't seem willing to accept interviews," Rei said.
Baseball Kingdom had previously requested to interview Kanzaki Ryou, and when Rei asked him, he refused.
Coach Kataoka smiled.
"That kid doesn't dislike interviews. He just finds them troublesome. Didn't you see the previous Baseball Kingdom issue? That bat engraved with his sister's name has already become famous."
"Hehehe…" Takashima Rei laughed.
"Just tell him that appearing in the news will make his sister happy. He'll agree faster than anyone."
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HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! 🎉 🥳