The scene Kanzaki Yuto saw at the corner of his eye made the corner of his mouth twitch slightly.
There was no doubt—it was Miyuki Kazuya and Sawamura Eijun.
He had wondered when exactly they would show up, but it had to be around the time of the first-year introductions.
Truth be told, after spending more than a decade in this world, some memories of his previous life had already become a bit hazy.
While he could remember the general facts and sequences, many details were starting to fade.
If not for a coincidence, Kanzaki Yuto might not have even recalled what happened that morning.
Hmm, I guess this is the usual script: the clueless, pure-hearted kid getting tricked by the schemer and suffering along with him, Kanzaki Yuto thought, quietly amused.
However, events unfolded slightly differently than he had anticipated.
Before the scene from his previous life even played out, the cold-faced coach—the one called the “demon”—adjusted his sunglasses, reflecting the morning light slightly.
Coach Kataoka spoke coldly: “Those two idiots over there—aren’t they coming out?” His words cut through the air like a bitter winter wind, chilling everyone’s hearts.
The two in the corner were especially frozen.
After Kataoka’s words, two figures stepped out awkwardly from their corner—exactly as Kanzaki Yuto remembered: the naive, wide-eyed protagonist—Sawamura Eijun!—and the scheming catcher—Miyuki Kazuya!
Both stood before Kataoka, guilty expressions plastered across their faces.
“Good.
The first day of reporting as a freshman, and you’re late?
And you, Miyuki Kazuya… this isn’t your first time being late for morning practice, is it?” Kataoka’s cold voice left them trembling.
“Uh…” Miyuki rubbed his forehead, trying to say something.
“Haha!
That idiot is late on the first day!
And Miyuki, you got what you deserved!” Kuramochi held his stomach, laughing mischievously.
Nearby, Masuko shook his head helplessly.
He had planned to wake Eijun up but was stopped by Kuramochi, who wanted Eijun to remember this lesson well.
“Hmph.
Both of you, go run!
Until morning practice is over!” Kataoka said coldly.
The frost-like expression on his face made Eijun and Miyuki break out in cold sweat.
“And!
Your dormmates from second and third year will run with you!” Kataoka turned to glare at Kuramochi, who had been grinning, and Masuko, who looked helpless.
The two froze, their faces saying “No way!” Kanzaki Yuto froze for a moment, a bad premonition rising in his chest.
No way… would he and Takeru-senpai also have to suffer alongside Miyuki?
Fortunately, after a moment, Kataoka didn’t say anything about “Miyuki’s dormmates running with him.” Makes sense.
Miyuki was a habitual offender; otherwise, Takeru-senpai would have found a way to wake him up.
Kanzaki Yuto quietly patted his chest, relieved.
Thank goodness.
Really, thank goodness.
Seidou’s morning training was more diverse, with both routine and specialized drills.
In essence, everything still followed a training plan.
New students focused primarily on physical training.
During morning practice, Kanzaki Yuto kept his attention on the ace in his heart—Sawamura Eijun!
Perhaps in his previous life, this prestigious school had many regrets in Kanzaki Yuto’s eyes.
But his biggest regret was the rocky path of Sawamura’s ace journey.
Pure, honest, optimistic, energetic, never giving up!
Sawamura Eijun was that kind of person: carefree, without a trace of scheming.
Kanzaki Yuto had a dream.
To become the strongest batter!
To bring the ace in his heart to a bigger stage and show the world their true talent!
“…Sawamura Eijun.” Okay, that was a bit off-topic.
Watching the training of the second- and third-year seniors, Kanzaki Yuto realized there was a bigger gap than he had imagined.
Originally, he thought he only lacked experience and proper guidance.
But looking at his peers… well, leaving aside the upperclassmen, his own year… Strength might be my only advantage.
Other than that?
Advantages?
Kanzaki Yuto felt he had none.
Their disciplined, professional swings, their precise throws—it all made his heart sink.
He had a lot to learn!
If he had previously hoped to shine brightly, get noticed by Kataoka, and make the first team to change the summer regrets… he now realized he needed to revise his goal.
Even Tojo and Kanemaru—famous from little league—only made the first team in autumn.
What right did he have to think he could make the main roster this summer?
Kanzaki Yuto took a deep breath.
“Miyuki Kazuya!
You bastard!
If it weren’t for you, how could this have happened?” “Haha, it’s the same everywhere!” “And you—you definitely tricked me earlier to act as bait, right?” “Haha, don’t sweat the small stuff!” Two energetic voices echoed from the track beside the field.
Kanzaki Yuto smiled faintly.
As expected, the clueless meets the schemer—they really do suit each other.
He grinned mischievously in his mind.
The early morning passed quietly as over a hundred team members sweated through their training.
Then came breakfast.
Though mentally prepared and having eaten more than his peers in elementary and junior high to build his physique—baseball was a grueling sport after all—Kanzaki Yuto faced the enormous portions with a drooping expression.
Not only were the servings enormous, almost overflowing, but the bowls were already a third larger than normal—and he had to eat three bowls!
BOOM!
His stomach churned violently after the high-intensity morning practice.
From the side came a retching sound.
Kanzaki Yuto didn’t even need to look to know it was that naive kid—and of course, accompanied by a certain schemer’s gloating laugh.
Facing the cafeteria’s banner demanding “Three Bowls Must Be Finished,” Kanzaki Yuto closed his eyes, sighed, and resigned himself to picking up the giant bowl, mumbling as he began to eat with determination.