It was obvious that everyone present had already prepared themselves for a long discussion with Kanzaki Ryou.
Understanding his personality, they knew very well that convincing him to become captain would not be easy.
"Besides," Takashima Rei continued patiently, "ever since you joined Seido, haven't you already been doing a captain's job?"
"Not only your teammates in the same year, but even the first-years have received your guidance and care."
Kanzaki smiled bitterly.
"But being captain isn't just about those things, right?"
"I can guide juniors, sure… but handling interpersonal relationships and all that is troublesome."
"No," Takashima Rei shook her head gently. "You only need the title of captain. That alone is enough."
Kanzaki turned toward Coach Kataoka.
The coach nodded calmly.
"That's right. The team doesn't need you to personally handle every responsibility. Just having you as captain is already the greatest support for this team."
Silence filled the office.
Kanzaki naturally understood what Coach Kataoka meant.
His role as captain was more symbolic than administrative.
"You really won't make me deal with other things?" Kanzaki still asked uncertainly.
"Train well. Play well. Lead the team to victory."
"That is your responsibility," Coach Kataoka answered.
Kanzaki thought about it seriously.
If that was all, then becoming captain didn't seem impossible.
What he truly hated was dealing with complicated interpersonal matters—especially within such a large team. If conflicts broke out between players, he genuinely had no interest in mediating them.
"Besides," Coach Kataoka added, "there will also be two vice-captains to help share the workload."
"And," he continued with a faint smile, "Yuki also recommended you."
"Oh? Really?"
Kanzaki immediately sold Miyuki out again without hesitation.
"Then I recommend Miyuki!"
"Hm? So you're agreeing?" Coach Kataoka asked with amusement.
Kanzaki nodded heavily.
"If I don't go to hell, who will?"
"I'll accept the captain position without hesitation!!"
Hearing this, everyone in the office finally let out a sigh of relief.
"So it's decided," Coach Kataoka declared.
"For the new team, you will serve as captain."
"Miyuki and Kuramochi will become vice-captains and assist you."
Then Coach Kataoka's expression became serious.
"Kanzaki."
"The captain is the core of the team. Just like the Ace, the captain represents leadership itself."
"As both Ace and captain, you must lead the team forward through your actions and results."
"You understand?"
His words carried deep encouragement.
Ace.
Captain.
And perhaps soon, cleanup hitter as well.
Such overwhelming responsibility being placed onto one player also reflected just how much faith Seido had in Kanzaki Ryou.
"Yes!"
For some reason, Kanzaki himself felt a little excited.
After all—
Leading through strength was exactly what he excelled at.
...
After Kanzaki left the office, Coach Kataoka and the others immediately began discussing the formation of the new first string.
With the retirement of the third-years, the current first string only had six second-years and four first-years remaining.
The Autumn Tournament allowed twenty registered players.
Which meant—
There were still ten vacant spots.
These final ten players would be selected from the rest of the team.
At the same time, media outlets and fans across the country were closely watching Seido's every move.
Everyone wanted to know:
What kind of lineup would Seido field in the upcoming Autumn Tournament?
Could the newly promoted first-string players continue Seido's dominance?
Could they eventually surpass the retired third-years?
Even if they couldn't yet match them in ability, they at least needed to show enough potential.
Especially regarding the batting lineup.
The previous Seido lineup had included monsters like Yuki Tetsuya, Kominato Ryosuke, Isashiki Jun, and Masuko Toru—
Alongside second-years like Kanzaki and Miyuki.
This lineup had been recognized nationwide as the strongest batting lineup in Japan, possessing absurd on-base percentages and scoring ability.
So naturally, everyone was paying attention to whether the new first string could continue upholding that reputation.
...
The next day during training, Kanzaki's workload was noticeably lighter.
Coach Kataoka had intentionally reduced his training intensity and even ordered him to undergo a full medical examination within the next three days.
"Everyone's really desperate," Kanzaki commented while casually swinging his bat and observing the others training nearby.
"They're acting like their lives depend on it."
"Of course," Miyuki replied from beside him.
"There are only ten spots left. Who would willingly give up?"
"This is a huge opportunity."
"Haha, who do you think will make the first string?" Kuramochi asked while practicing swings on Kanzaki's other side.
Among the remaining first-string players, only the four first-years were still undergoing separate training.
As for the second-years, they mostly focused on individual practice while waiting for the new team formation.
"Tojo and Kanemaru from the first-years," Kanzaki answered thoughtfully.
"Asou from the second-years too…"
He rubbed his chin.
"Kanemaru's training as a third baseman has been pretty solid. Making the first string shouldn't be a problem."
"But if he wants the starting position…"
"He'll have a hard time competing with Arima."
Kanzaki had paid close attention to the first-years during regular training.
Kanemaru's defense was reliable—
But compared to Arima Kazusa, his batting ability was clearly lacking.
Among all the first-years, Arima undoubtedly possessed the best batting talent.
"Well, it doesn't matter how much we discuss it," Miyuki shrugged.
"The coaches have probably already decided."
"Talking here won't change anything."
...
That evening, after training ended—
More than sixty members of the baseball club gathered in front of the dugout.
At the very front stood the ten existing first-string players.
Meanwhile, everyone behind them wore tense expressions, and the atmosphere felt incredibly heavy.
Because everyone knew what was about to happen.
Coach Kataoka would announce the final ten players promoted to the first string.
Koshien.
With Seido's current strength, as long as someone entered the first string, there was a very high chance they would eventually stand on the Koshien stage.
Faced with such an opportunity—
Who could stay calm?
Coach Kataoka held a list in his hand as he looked at the players before him.
"After several days of observation and discussion with Coach Ochiai, we have finalized the list of players promoted to the first string."
"Everyone understands that the Autumn Tournament is approaching."
"We do not have time to waste."
"For those whose names are called next, I hope you can shoulder this responsibility with proper resolve and fighting spirit."
"Work together as one team and strive for even greater results."
"As for those who were not selected—do not lose heart."
"This is not your final opportunity."
"Only through hard training can you continue moving forward."
"Yes!!!"
The players answered in unison.
Coach Kataoka stepped forward and slowly opened the list in his hand.
"The players promoted to the first string are…"
"Maezono Kenta."
"Asou Takeru."
"Yamaguchi Ken."
"Kijima Reo."
"Seki Naomichi."
"Tojo Hideaki."
"Kanemaru Shinji…"
Only after the full list had been announced—
Did the reality finally settle in.
Some celebrated with joy.
Others lowered their heads in despair.