That night, inside Coach Kataoka's office—
Takashima Rei and President Ota sat opposite him, both looking tense.
After a long silence, Coach Kataoka finally pulled out a player's profile from the stack of documents.
"Coach… you've made your decision?" Takashima Rei asked carefully.
"Yes," Coach Kataoka said. "It's him."
The next day, after a full training session, all members of the Seidou Baseball Club gathered inside the indoor practice field.
The atmosphere was completely different for each grade level.
The first-years were confused and curious—they had never experienced this before.
The second and third-years, however, wore solemn expressions.
They knew exactly what was coming.
This was the day—
the final twenty roster for Summer would be announced.
Coach Kataoka stood in front of everyone, his serious gaze sweeping across the rows. Even the established first-string players felt a knot in their stomachs.
Before the practice games began this month, two players had already been demoted to the second-string.
With one more spot open, three players would be promoted today.
In the first row, Kanzaki Ryou stood straight, unable to see the seniors behind him—but he didn't have to. The pressure rolling off them was unmistakable. The second-string seniors radiated nervousness, hope, and especially the third-years… desperation.
For many of them, this was their last chance. If they weren't selected today, their high school baseball journey would end before summer even began.
Coach Kataoka looked at the faces of his players—new and old. After spending so much time with them, he knew each one deeply. They were all his disciples, all precious.
"After this period of training and the recent practice matches, every one of your performances has been evaluated."
"The spots are limited. I'm sorry… but I cannot take all of you onto the field."
A suppressed sob broke out among some of the seniors.
"Today, I will announce the three players who will join the first-string."
The indoor field became silent enough to hear the players' breathing.
"Second-string—Masuko Tōru!"
A ripple of shock swept through the room.
"Second-string—Sakai Ichirō!"
Some players shut their eyes as if bracing for impact.
"Second-string—first-year… Kuramochi Yōichi!"
The names echoed through the room like thunder.
The three selected players didn't celebrate.
They were stunned—part joy, part disbelief—quickly crushed under heavy pressure.
Kuramochi clenched his fists so tightly they shook.
Of course he was happy—but why him?
The seniors were stronger. Their hitting, their fielding—everything.
He only had speed. Compared to seniors who had endured years of brutal training, what was he?
Was this what it meant to be in the first-string?
Was this the burden a regular carried?
He remembered what Kanzaki Ryou had warned him:
"If you lose a game because you show off… how will you face the seniors? How will you face the coach who trusted you?"
Kuramochi secretly glanced at the seniors.
What were they thinking?
For many of them… it was over.
They had given everything—every morning practice, every night session.
But sports were cruel.
Effort didn't always mean reward.
After a long silence, Coach Kataoka continued:
"Those who were selected—I hope that whether in daily practice or during games, you will show your best. You represent far more than yourselves!"
"Yes!"
The players answered loudly, but Kanzaki Ryou didn't feel excitement.
Only a suffocating heaviness.
He understood now more than ever—
He must reach Koshien.
He must win.
He must carry the hopes of those who could no longer stand on the field.
"Third-years who weren't selected, stay behind. Everyone else—dismissed," Coach Kataoka said.
The first-years left with confused expressions.
The second-years walked slower, their mood heavy.
The third-year first-string members hesitated—then, with complicated emotions, gave their unselected seniors one last look before walking out.
Kanzaki Ryou and Miyuki followed them.
Just outside the training room, they saw Kuramochi standing alone in the hallway, head lowered, forehead pressed against the wall.
"He's taking it hard…" Kanzaki Ryou muttered.
He and Miyuki had been promoted shortly after entering Seidou, but Kuramochi had clawed his way up.
And now, he had taken what was essentially a senior's final chance.
"Let him think," Miyuki said calmly. "He'll figure it out."
"You trust him that much? Aren't you worried he'll spiral?" Kanzaki Ryou asked.
Miyuki shook his head.
"Giving up switch-hitting shows his resolve. Today's pain won't last. A burden like this might be exactly what pushes him forward."
Kanzaki Ryou smiled faintly. "You're right. Even so—"
He placed a hand on Miyuki's shoulder.
"As his friends, we should still do something."
"That's true."
That evening, in Kuramochi's dorm room—
"MIYUKI, YOU BASTARD!!"
Kuramochi's shout shook the entire Seidou dormitory.
"Haha! I won." Miyuki smirked, holding a controller. Through shameless tricks, he had defeated Kuramochi—a self-proclaimed gaming expert—for the first time in history.
"Cheating! That's cheating!" Kuramochi roared.
"A loss is a loss. Remember what you promised me," Miyuki said smugly.
Kuramochi glared at him. "Fine! Studying! Bring it on!"
Kanzaki Ryou, who had been watching with amusement, laughed loudly.
"Good luck, you two idiots. If you don't pass exams, Coach Kataoka won't spare you. You might even lose training time—and then you definitely won't be playing any games."
Miyuki instantly changed tune.
"Kanzaki! You're smart. Teach me!"
"No."
"I—!"
"Denied."
"You—!"
"Don't even try." Kanzaki replied, deadpan.
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