"Ryosuke, Haruichi, do you have any problems?"
At that moment, both brothers already understood the coach's intention. They glanced at each other, their eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Kominato Ryosuke concealed his emotions well, while his younger brother Haruichi was visibly moved.
"Yes, Coach!" Kominato Haruichi answered firmly.
"I have no problem either," Kominato Ryosuke added with a faint smile.
"Mm, perform well. Your parents will also be attending the game tomorrow," Coach Kataoka said.
"Really?" the brothers asked in unison.
"Of course. I just received a call from your mother a short while ago," Takashima Rei said, lightly shaking her phone.
Hearing this, the Kominato brothers grew even more excited. Not only would they stand together on the Koshien field, but their parents would also be there to witness it.
What kind of dreamlike development was this? It was simply too wonderful.
Coach Kataoka continued with the lineup announcement.
"Third batter, center fielder, Isashiki Jun."
"Fourth batter, first baseman, Yuki."
"Fifth batter, left fielder, Kanzaki Ryou."
"Sixth batter, catcher, Chris."
"Seventh batter, third baseman, Masuko Toru."
"Eighth batter, right fielder, Shirasu."
"Ninth batter, pitcher, Tanba!"
Yes—that's right. The starting pitcher for the third game was Tanba.
Tanba was deeply moved. How long had it been since he last started a game? And now, he was starting at Koshien.
The first two games had been given to first-year pitchers. To be honest, Tanba had felt a bit jealous.
But now it was finally his turn. As expected, the Coach had not forgotten about him.
Coach… you really are a good person. A truly good person!
Time quickly passed, and the third-round game arrived.
Tanba, as the starting pitcher, performed valiantly. Over five innings, he allowed a total of seven long hits to the outfield, but only gave up two runs. Even with runners in scoring position, he no longer showed the emotional instability that had once affected his performance.
In the dugout, Coach Kataoka felt a deep sense of relief. A pitcher like this—while still some distance from the professional level—would undoubtedly develop into a reliable ace in university, with a bright future ahead.
After five innings, Tanba was replaced by Kawakami.
When the game finally ended, the score was 21:4.
Kanzaki Ryou blasted two more home runs in this game. In his own words, his luck wasn't great—it should have been four, since he had hit the wall twice, just barely missing additional homers.
Still, it didn't matter. He now had 52 home runs, and just thinking about it made him grin.
The Kominato brothers also delivered impressive performances, drawing significant attention. The "pink-haired brothers" quickly became a trending topic among fans.
After three rounds, Seido advanced into the Top 8.
The following day, all remaining matches concluded.
As expected, powerhouse schools such as Osaka Kiryu, Seiho High School, Hakuryu High School, Kokaidai Sugata High School, and Seishosha all advanced into the Top 8.
Additionally, the "Ice Legion" from Hokkaido—Komadai Fujimaki—also secured their place.
Soon after, the draw for the next round was announced.
Seido High School and Seiho High School were placed in the same half of the bracket.
And they would meet in the quarterfinals—the fourth round.
"Seiho High School's pitching staff isn't as strong as it was last year, but we must be especially cautious of their cleanup hitter, Sano Shuzo. He was injured and couldn't participate in last year's Summer Koshien, but even so, his career home run count has already reached 65. That alone shows how powerful he is."
"Kanzaki! I'm counting on you this time."
After discussing Sano Shuzo, Coach Kataoka turned to Kanzaki Ryou.
"Don't worry, Coach. I won't let him score," Kanzaki replied confidently.
He knew exactly who Sano Shuzo was—a monstrous batter. Not only was his swing speed and raw power terrifying, but his pitch recognition and discipline were also exceptional.
This was an extremely difficult opponent.
If Inashiro Industrial had possessed a batter like Sano Shuzo in the original timeline, Komadai Fujimaki might not have been able to defeat them.
"The rest of Seihou's lineup is also strong. We cannot afford to be careless. No matter who our opponent is, we must go all out to win."
"We've already reached the Top 8. Only three games remain before achieving our goal—the championship, and our second consecutive Summer Koshien title."
"From this moment on, give everything you have. Defeat every opponent in front of you!"
Coach Kataoka's voice rang with intensity, his expression filled with determination.
A second consecutive Summer Koshien title… a third consecutive Koshien championship overall—such an achievement was now within reach.
After the meeting, Kanzaki Ryou returned to his room and checked the date.
At this time, his sister Kumiko and Kosaka Reina should be at their summer training camp. A few days after Koshien ended would be the Kansai Wind Orchestra Competition—a crucial event that would determine whether they could advance to the national stage.
Not wanting to disturb them, Kanzaki sat by the window alone and quietly played games.
Soon, the day of the quarterfinals arrived.
The matchup between Seido High School and Seiho High School—two traditional powerhouses—drew massive attention.
In the locker room, Kanzaki Ryou casually warmed up his shoulders. He was the starting pitcher for today's game.
It was rare to see an Ace only getting his first chance to pitch in his fourth Koshien appearance. Whether it was due to Seido's deep pitching roster or the Coach's careful protection of him, no one could say for sure.
When both teams emerged from the tunnel and their starting lineups appeared on the big screen, the Seido fans erupted in excitement.
Their Ace—the undefeated overlord—was finally taking the mound.
"As expected, Coach Kataoka sent out Kanzaki Ryou."
On Seiho's side, their coach sighed softly after seeing the lineup. This outcome was not surprising. If Seido faced them and still didn't send out their Ace, that would have been far more shocking.
After all, Seido's goal this year was well known: a third consecutive Summer Koshien title.
A terrifying ambition.
But this year… things would be different.
Looking at his team's Ace, Kotaro Kuzuyama—who had also faced Seido last year—he could see how much he had matured. His pitching was now steadier, sharper.
Of course, the true core of this year's Seihou was their cleanup hitter, Sano Shuzo.
This time, they would definitely score off Kanzaki Ryou.
In Seido's dugout, Kanzaki Ryou locked eyes with Sano Shuzo across the field.
A cool, composed figure.
Perhaps the strongest batter he had ever faced.
Just wait.
We'll see whether your bat is stronger… or my pitching.
"Nice to meet you!!"
"Nice to meet you!!"
The Summer Koshien quarterfinal match between Seido High School and Seiho High School—
officially began.