The training ground of Seidou High School's baseball team was shrouded in a thin morning mist.
There was no morning run today.
Since it was the first day of the new school year, training focused mainly on warm-ups and basic drills.
When Zhou Hao stepped onto the field, a group of people immediately surrounded him.
"Zhou Hao!"
"Zhou-san!!!"
"Heh, so you're not that tough either. First day of training and you're already late—some of the freshmen arrived earlier than you!" Kuramochi Yoichi grinned as he spoke, completely unrestrained.
"So what?" Zhou Hao replied calmly. "It's not like anyone here wouldn't recognize me."
Kuramochi felt a surge of blood rush to his chest.
"You, can't you be a little more humble?!"
Even as he complained, Kuramochi knew Zhou Hao wasn't wrong.
After the third-year seniors had graduated, many of the players who joined Seidou out of admiration didn't actually recognize most of the team's members.
But Zhou Hao was different.
No matter what, they would never fail to recognize him.
Despite the many rumors surrounding his injury, Zhou Hao's existence had long since become legendary in high school baseball.
Anyone who chose Seidou High School could not possibly be ignorant of Zhou Hao.
And sure enough—
The moment he appeared on the field, the first-year newcomers subconsciously turned their gazes toward him.
"Is that… Senior Zhou Hao?"
"The Ace who only allowed one run at Koshien."
"I heard that if he hadn't been injured, Seidou could've won both Summer Koshien and Spring Koshien…"
"That's only natural—"
"It's a shame Inashiro got ahead of them. Second place nationally…"
This year's representative of Tokyo in the Spring Koshien qualifiers had been Inashiro Industrial.
Led by Narumiya Mei, they were widely acknowledged as the strongest version of Inashiro yet.
If not for their relief pitcher giving up a crucial run after replacing Narumiya, they might have even won Koshien.
Had that happened, the West Tokyo tournament would've turned into a clash between two reigning national champions—a true collision of titans.
Although Inashiro ultimately fell short, losing to the dark horse Kagoshima, their reputation still spread across the nation.
Coupled with rumors of Zhou Hao's injury, many believed Inashiro remained the strongest team in West Tokyo—if not all of Tokyo.
As newcomers to Seidou, it was impossible for the freshmen not to be affected by such talk.
But the moment they saw Zhou Hao standing there—
It was as if they had swallowed a reassurance pill.
From what they could see, Seidou's Ace didn't look injured at all.
"Has Chris-senpai arrived yet?"
Judging by the timeline, Chris's rehabilitation should've been nearing completion.
Zhou Hao used to stay in frequent contact with him, but after returning overseas, he hadn't spoken to the team for over a month.
"I'm here."
Chris's voice sounded behind him.
Zhou Hao turned around in surprise. "You're fully recovered?"
Chris's injury had been caused partly by overtraining—but Zhou Hao knew he also bore responsibility.
If Chris hadn't caught the Spiral Ball so frequently, his wrist wouldn't have been damaged so badly.
"Don't worry," Chris said with a faint smile. "I still plan on catching your pitches."
He understood Zhou Hao's guilt.
They had prepared. They had taken precautions.
But accidents still happened.
Chris didn't regret it.
He had played through the Summer Tournament and won the national championship alongside the third-years.
That alone was enough.
An injury was just a temporary setback.
With proper rehabilitation, he would return to the field.
Zhou Hao, on the other hand, had developed a subconscious resistance to the Spiral Ball.
He barely used it in regular training anymore.
Chris and the others noticed—but Zhou Hao himself refused to confront it.
They could only wait.
"The Coach and the managers are here."
As they spoke, Coach Kataoka, President Ota, and Assistant Manager Takashima Rei appeared on the field.
"Everyone, assemble!"
Yuki Tetsuya's voice rang out.
The second- and third-years gathered together, while the freshmen formed their own group.
"All players present: 122 out of 124."
Kuramochi, now a second-year, smirked.
"Do we really not need to worry about that guy? Late on the very first day."
Masuko Toru, a third-year from Room 5, looked uneasy.
No one understood Coach Kataoka's strictness better than him.
He'd once been demoted to the second string for a single mistake.
He really didn't want to relive that nightmare.
While they were talking, the freshmen finished lining up—around fifty to sixty people, standing in three neat rows.
Seidou's national championship had become the best advertisement imaginable.
Talented prospects flocked in, some even stolen from other powerhouse schools.
"This year's freshmen are on a completely different level," someone muttered.
"I see quite a few dangerous ones…"
Being noticed by Seidou's regulars already said everything.
"I'm Kanemaru Shinji, first-year. Graduated from Matsukata Junior Baseball—"
Murmurs immediately spread.
"Matsukata?"
"National Top Four."
"He was their Ace…"
When the current second- and third-years first joined Seidou, the team had been far from glorious.
But this generation of freshmen was different.
Kanemaru and Tojo had real achievements—and they played hardball in junior high.
Their talent would show itself soon enough.
And then—
"Hello everyone, my name is Oshima Shin—"
The name alone caused gasps.
"Oshima?"
"The cleanup hitter from the national champions?"
"One of the Nine MVPs?"
"He joined Seidou?!"
As Seidou rose to national prominence, its recruitment structure fundamentally changed.
The days of being unable to attract top prospects were long gone.
Not only could players make names for themselves here—they'd receive nationwide attention.
Just like Azuma Kiyokuni and Yoshida had.
Watching the freshmen shine, many second-years—and even some third-years—felt the pressure.
"That junior's fast," Zhou Hao remarked lightly. "Better work hard, or you'll get replaced."
Kuramochi snorted.
"Relax. My number six isn't going anywhere."
Relying on his overwhelming speed, Kuramochi had secured the starting shortstop position.
For six months straight, he hadn't relaxed even once.
Seeing his confidence, Zhou Hao smiled.
"Worry about Miyuki instead," Kuramochi added.
Chris had returned.
Miyuki's position was once again uncertain.
While they talked, a sharp voice rang out.
"Someone's late and trying to sneak back in!"
Sawamura Eijun froze mid-step.
Over a hundred pairs of eyes locked onto him.
Zhou Hao sighed inwardly.
This guy's in trouble…
Back when Seidou lacked pitchers, Sawamura had a chance.
Now?
They had Zhou Hao, Tanba, Kawakami—and talented newcomers.
Standing out wouldn't be easy.
"Late—and unrepentant."
Coach Kataoka's voice was cold enough to freeze blood.
"Run. Until morning practice ends."
Sawamura's first day ended in punishment.
He wasn't alone.
Miyuki—and two unlucky roommates—were dragged along.
As they ran, Zhou Hao's gaze shifted to a tall, quiet freshman.
"Furuya Satoru…"
Some things, no matter how much Seidou changed—
Remained the same.