On the evening Kanzaki Ryou returned to school, Coach Kataoka immediately gathered all the team members in the meeting room.
Even the retired third-year seniors were present, though unlike the first and second-years, they were no longer wearing uniforms.
"Senior, over here, over here!"
Kanzaki shoved Kuramochi aside and cleared a seat for Chris.
As Chris sat down, more and more players entered the room.
A few minutes later, Coach Kataoka arrived together with the Seido Big Four.
"Is everyone here?"
Coach Kataoka swept his gaze across the room.
Good.
Not a single person was absent.
"Coach, everyone is here."
Still wearing Seido's JK school uniform, Fujiwara Takako instinctively counted everyone the moment she entered the room.
"Thank you for your hard work," Coach Kataoka said with a nod.
After Fujiwara Takako took her seat, Coach Kataoka stepped forward and addressed the team.
"This summer, we achieved victory and successfully defended our Summer Koshien title. That is something worthy of celebration."
"However, I hope none of you become complacent because of this success."
"I'm very pleased to see that this short break has not dulled your fighting spirit."
His gaze shifted toward the third-years.
"For the third-years who have retired, this may be the last time all of you gather here together."
"No matter where life takes you in the future… no matter your circumstances or profession… I hope you continue to uphold your original aspirations and move forward bravely."
"You will always be students I am proud of."
As his words fell, the third-years below were visibly moved.
Coach Kataoka took a deep breath.
Looking at the familiar faces before him, his eyes carried a trace of reluctance.
"As for the remaining first and second-years—you still have battles ahead."
"It's already the end of August. The Autumn Tournament is only a month away, and the selection for the new team will begin soon."
"Show your fighting spirit during training."
"This autumn, if the reigning Summer Koshien champions fail to achieve good results, we will become the laughingstock of all Tokyo!"
"Yes, Coach!!"
Led by Kanzaki and Miyuki, the second-years shouted loudly, with the first-years quickly following behind.
"Very good."
"As for the November National Sports Festival, any third-year who wishes to participate may sign up voluntarily."
"But during these next six months, you must also work hard academically."
"Winning Koshien may earn you recommendations, but your grades still cannot be too poor."
At this point, Coach Kataoka looked toward several players.
"Isashiki, Masuko… you especially need to improve your studies."
The named players immediately wore bitter expressions.
They were notorious academic underachievers, usually barely scraping past exams thanks to the lower passing standards granted to baseball players.
Study?
Study my ass.
That perfectly described Isashiki and the others' usual attitude toward academics.
"Hahaha, Jun-san definitely has the worst grades, right?" Kanzaki mocked mercilessly.
"You bastard, Kanzaki!!"
"Hahahahaha~"
After the meeting ended, the players headed back toward the dormitories in groups, casually throwing arms over each other's shoulders.
"Ryou."
Suddenly, Takashima Rei called out.
"Rei-chan, what's up?"
Kanzaki turned around in confusion while chatting with Miyuki.
"Come with me. Coach wants to see you," Takashima Rei said.
Watching Kanzaki leave alongside Takashima Rei, the others immediately became curious.
"What could it be?"
"Every time Coach calls Kanzaki alone, it's always something major!"
"Bullshit, how would you know?"
"Heh, want to bet?"
Then someone suddenly spoke up.
"Speaking of which… with the new team forming, aren't we missing a captain?"
The surroundings instantly fell silent.
"No way?!"
"Could Coach really be calling Kanzaki for that?"
"Very likely."
"Come on, who do you think will become captain?"
The remaining second-years in the first string quickly gathered to discuss.
"I think it'll be Kanzaki-san," Kawakami said.
"Me too," Maezono Kenta agreed.
"Ya haha, why can't it be me?" Kuramochi laughed while pointing at himself.
Everyone immediately rolled their eyes.
Not just the first string—even the second string players and first-years began discussing the captain candidates.
"Kanzaki-senpai or Miyuki-senpai, right? There's nobody else."
"Both Ace and captain?"
"And cleanup hitter too?!"
"Hiss… that pressure would be insane."
"That's why I think Kanzaki-senpai becoming captain is unlikely."
"Hm?"
"Think about it. Coach has always tried to protect Kanzaki-senpai and reduce his pressure whenever possible. Why would he suddenly add even more responsibility?"
While the team was busy speculating, Kanzaki followed Takashima Rei into the coach's office.
Inside, Coach Kataoka, Coach Ochiai, and Ota sat around a table drinking tea.
"Kanzaki, you're here. Sit down," Coach Kataoka greeted warmly.
Kanzaki didn't bother being polite.
As soon as Takashima Rei sat down, he casually took the seat beside her.
"How was your vacation?" Coach Kataoka asked.
"Pretty good."
"Is that so? I heard you slept in every day at home, and someone even played music for you."
Coach Kataoka smiled faintly.
Kanzaki froze.
"Coach… h-how do you know that?"
"As the coach of the team, isn't it normal for me to check on my Ace through his parents?"
Perhaps after winning three consecutive Koshien titles, even Coach Kataoka had started learning how to joke around.
"Hehe…"
Kanzaki could only laugh awkwardly.
Coach Kataoka shook his head.
In truth, he completely approved of Kanzaki properly resting during vacation.
Especially for Seido's Ace—
Protecting both his physical and mental condition after Koshien was extremely important.
"The team is about to be restructured," Coach Kataoka suddenly said.
"What are your thoughts regarding the next captain?"
"Miyuki!!"
Kanzaki immediately sold out Miyuki without the slightest hesitation.
"Oh?"
Coach Kataoka looked amused, unsurprised by the answer.
"Why? Even if Miyuki is suitable, you're clearly the best candidate yourself."
"I'm lazy, Coach."
Kanzaki answered seriously.
"I can't handle captain duties."
"Even though I talk a lot and like messing around, I'm actually very introverted."
"I don't even dare talk to strangers."
"How could someone like me possibly shoulder the heavy responsibility of being captain?"
Kanzaki rambled endlessly, clearly determined to avoid the position at all costs.
"Kanzaki, no one is more suitable than you," Ota persuaded.
"Ryou," Takashima Rei added gently while pouring him a cup of tea, "a captain doesn't necessarily need to handle everything personally."
"More often, the captain serves as the spiritual pillar of the team."
"With your contributions and influence within Seido, if you become captain, nobody would object."