” It had been three weeks since Kanzaki Yuto arrived at Seidou.
For him, these three weeks were incredibly rewarding—every basic training session piqued his interest.
During this time, he not only gradually adapted to the rhythm of high school baseball but also observed official matches—the Spring Tournament.
Seidou’s batting lineup left a particularly strong impression on him.
This was the first step on the path to becoming a formal, professional baseball player.
Kanzaki Yuto clearly understood the gap between himself and his peers.
Now was not the time to aim recklessly at surpassing second- or third-year seniors and joining the summer roster.
If I can’t fix my weaknesses and maximize my strengths, how could I possibly stand out among first-years and challenge the seniors?
After all, these were players who had survived one or two years of brutal high school baseball training.
Little novices like him, who had never even experienced a formal match, simply couldn’t compare.
In China, there weren’t proper high school baseball teams.
Only some universities had amateur teams, and they’d arrange friendly matches or regional competitions with other schools.
None of that had been accessible to Kanzaki Yuto.
So, these three weeks had been fulfilling beyond measure—a life completely centered on baseball.
Everything here was amazing.
“Ha!
Hah!” Kanzaki Yuto wiped the sweat from his forehead as he swung the bat.
Since arriving, he had deliberately adjusted his training plan to align with Seidou’s regimen, creating a schedule tailored to his own growth.
Tomorrow would be his first real chance.
Not to immediately shine and catch Kataoka’s eye for the first-team roster—he was realistic enough to know that.
No matter how others belittled Seidou’s ace, no matter the weaknesses of the second-year relief pitcher… To me, they were mountains.
With no official match experience, Kanzaki Yuto never imagined he could dominate them on his first day.
Tomorrow’s Red-and-White Game was more of a personal test—a way to see exactly where he stood.
To feel the atmosphere of high school baseball!
That is invaluable.
Whether it was a practice game or an official match, he would give his all.
“What?
No chance to play?” Well, don’t worry, rookie.
Kataoka himself said all first-years would get a chance—so long as you show that you have potential, that you’re worth developing.
That’s all that mattered.
“Huff… huff…” Kanzaki Yuto glanced at his watch.
Almost eleven at night.
He grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat from his forehead, shouldered his bat, and headed back to the dorm.
When he returned, Miyuki sat at his desk as usual, examining something like a ledger with meticulous attention.
Kanzaki Yuto had been here over three weeks, and this seemed to be Miyuki’s nightly routine after personal training.
Ah… that’s called a scorebook, Kanzaki Yuto later learned.
Catchers had to understand these things, but a glance was enough for him to admit he had no idea what was going on.
A catcher had to watch not only the field but also the players off it.
“Oh, back already?
Seems a bit late today.
Excited for tomorrow’s Red-and-White Game?” Miyuki tilted his head slightly, grinning mischievously at Kanzaki Yuto, who was changing clothes.
Kanzaki Yuto snorted.
Well, it’s my first proper showcase, isn’t it?
“Too bad you won’t be playing tomorrow, Miyuki-senpai.” When Kataoka announced the Red-and-White Game a few days earlier, Kanzaki Yuto had learned from Miyuki that most first-team starters wouldn’t be playing.
Only two former first-team players would appear: the ace, Tanba, and the former fifth batter, Masuko Tooruhru.
“Hmm, confident, huh?
Looks like you’re looking forward to tomorrow,” Miyuki remarked with a sly smile, eyes glinting.
“Confident?
I just give my all, no matter the opponent,” Kanzaki Yuto replied with a small smile, turning serious as he faced Miyuki, his expression solemn.
Then, he picked up his toiletries and left the room.
Watching him go, Miyuki stroked his chin, lips curling slightly, eyes sparking with something like flames.
====== The next morning, at the field, first-years gathered near first base, while second- and third-years lined up near third base.
Many spectators—local baseball fans and Seidou alumni—had come to watch.
Red-and-White Games were always a must-see event.
“There are so many people!
Can’t believe we get to play against seniors after just three weeks!” Kanemaru said nervously, glancing at the intimidating second- and third-years across the field.
“My stomach hurts… I couldn’t sleep all night!” Nearly all first-years looked exhausted and jittery, except four who remained calm—or rather, three calm and one grinning foolishly.
Those four were Kanzaki Yuto, Furuya Satoru, Kominato Haruichi, and the naive, big-hearted protagonist—Sawamura Eijun.
Kanzaki Yuto quietly wiped his bat with a white cloth.
His goal for this Red-and-White Game was clear: to measure my own strength.
A tall figure appeared before the first-years.
His thick sunglasses reflected the morning sun, glinting sharply.
“Now, I will announce the first-round lineup for the first-years.” “First batter, first base…” “Third batter, pitcher, Hideaki Tojo!” “Fourth batter, third base, Kanemaru Shinji!” “Ninth batter, left field, Kanzaki Yuto!” Kanzaki Yuto hadn’t expected to be called in the first round, as most names were well-known junior high stars, including the third and fourth batters from Matsukata.
But his name was called last.
He looked up slightly.
Perhaps it was his imagination, but Kataoka seemed to look him deeply in the eye before turning away.
Kanzaki Yuto smiled faintly.
The stage is set.
Let’s go.
He grasped his bat, lips curling into a confident smile.