As soon as the words fell, everyone simultaneously swallowed.
"First up, wearing jersey number 1, Kanzaki Ryou!"
Boom!
All eyes turned to Kanzaki Ryou, who stood at the very front. He glanced at Nanjo Taishi, who was smiling slightly at him.
"Good luck," Nanjo Taishi mouthed.
Kanzaki Ryou's heart trembled. Though silent, he understood the encouragement in Nanjo's lips.
Composing himself, he stepped out of line and walked toward Coach Kataoka.
"Kanzaki, your strength is enough to bear this number. Don't hesitate—use your pitching to forge a new path for the team!"
Coach Kataoka took the jersey from Takashima Rei's hand and handed it to Kanzaki Ryou.
"Yes, Coach!"
The large number '1' stared back at him.
Is this the Ace's number? It feels heavy.
Back in line, Kanzaki Ryou stared blankly at the jersey. When he first joined Seido, the Ace number seemed just cool, impressive, almost unreal. But after nearly three months with the team, he now deeply understood its significance.
Coach Kataoka began distributing the remaining numbers.
"Number 2, Tanaka Wataru!"
"Number 3, Yuki Tetsuya."
"Number 4, Kominato Ryosuke."
"Number 5, Azuma Kiyokuni."
"Number 6, Shida Shota."
"Number 7, Yoshikawa Junpei."
"Number 8, Isashiki Jun."
"Number 9, Araki Keita."
"Number 10, Nanjo Taishi."
Though he gave up the Ace number, Nanjo showed no disappointment. He steadily walked to Coach Kataoka and took the number 10 jersey.
"Nanjo, use your strength and experience to be a pillar for the younger players."
"Yes, Coach." Nanjo understood. Kanzaki Ryou might be strong, but in crucial moments, Nanjo's experience and stamina could support the team while his junior adjusted. Perhaps cruel, but necessary for the team's success.
"Number 11, Tanba Koichiro."
"Number 12, Miyuki Kazuya."
…
"Number 20, Kuramochi Yoichi."
Kuramochi walked forward excitedly, but Coach Kataoka added, "Be serious during your make-up exams."
Kuramochi's hand froze mid-air.
"Yes!"
"Haha, Kuramochi, I heard you failed three subjects," Miyuki laughed.
"Well, that's barbaric."
"A guy with strong limbs."
"If you don't pass, you can't play in the games."
The teammates seized the chance to tease Kuramochi mercilessly.
Seeing Kuramochi return to the team, Coach Kataoka turned to Chris.
"Chris, you will serve as the scorekeeper."
"Yes." Chris smiled, content to contribute. Once his injury healed, he hoped to wear Seido's uniform again.
Coach Kataoka then handed several new uniforms from Takashima Rei to the baseball club managers.
"Next, for our managers. During this time, you've worked so hard for the team—thank you."
Picking up a jersey, he added, "This summer, you will wear these uniforms and cheer for all players as members of the team."
Upon hearing this, third-year Mita Yuka and second-year Fujiwara Takako burst into tears.
Being a team manager is impressive in name, but they received no pay or glory. Their daily routines aligned entirely with the team, and even during Seido's near non-stop baseball schedule, the managers had no holidays. They worked tirelessly, motivated purely by passion and love for baseball, dedicating their youth to the team.
Their position in the players' hearts was immense. Anyone daring to bully them would face the collective wrath of nearly a hundred players.
"Thank you, Coach," the managers said, hugging their uniforms tightly.
"Hey, senior, want to exchange uniforms?" Kanzaki Ryou suddenly asked.
"Eh?"
The managers looked at him in surprise.
"Kanzaki, I…"
"I want to!"
Mita Yuka almost mentioned the four of them, but Fujiwara Takako, still tearful, immediately agreed.
"Senior Mita, I'll trade with you!" Kuramochi shouted.
"I'll trade!"
"Trade with me!"
Once Kanzaki Ryou started, the field turned lively, like a bustling marketplace.
Nanjo Taishi watched the exchanges, a slight smile on his face. You must bear the future of Seido, Kanzaki.
In a blink, it was July.
Jingu Stadium, East-West Tokyo Tournament Opening Ceremony.
Under the scorching sun, over five thousand people from 260 schools gathered. In less than three weeks, only two schools would remain to represent East and West Tokyo at Koshien.
"What a devilish schedule," Kanzaki Ryou muttered. With a game roughly every two days, he wished for a cheat code for infinite stamina.
"Well, don't complain. At least we start from the third round," Miyuki teased.
"Is it unreasonable to complain about an unreasonable schedule?" Kanzaki Ryou replied.
Japanese high school baseball was brutal—especially for pitchers. Many schools treated them like consumables, pushing them to their limits. Players' futures often meant nothing; only immediate results mattered.
"Yes, yes, you're right. We can only cooperate," Miyuki said, helpless.
"Just a little venting… this heat makes me irritable."
"Wait until Koshien," Miyuki said.
The two continued chatting as the opening ceremony dragged on.
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