Not long after the game ended, recordings of Seido vs. Inashiro quickly made their way into the hands of coaches from powerhouse schools across the country.
As one of the strongest contenders for this year's Summer Koshien championship, Seido had already become the primary target of analysis. Any team that made it to Koshien would study them relentlessly. Otherwise, if they met on the field unprepared, defeat would be inevitable.
Far away in Hokkaido, a bald coach had just finished watching the broadcast. Unsatisfied, he immediately went online to gather more information about Seido High School.
He had a strong feeling—
They would meet at Koshien.
Meanwhile, the Seido team remained blissfully unaware of the attention they were drawing.
Still immersed in the joy of victory, the players sang their team song and school anthem again and again on the bus ride back.
"This is amazing… I still can't believe I'm going to Koshien three times in a row," Isashiki Jun said, lying lazily across his seat.
"It's not over yet," Yuki Tetsuya replied with a small smile. "Winning three championships in a row would be even better."
"Three Koshien championships…" Kominato Ryosuke echoed.
Hearing that, Isashiki's eyes lit up—before he suddenly sighed.
"Only three… what a pity."
"…What's a pity?" Yuki asked, genuinely confused.
"If we were in the same year as Kanzaki," Isashiki muttered, "we could've won five."
The third-years froze.
Then—
They actually started imagining it.
Three Summer Koshien titles. Two Spring Koshien titles.
It sounded ridiculous… yet strangely possible.
All because of one person.
Their gazes slowly shifted toward Kanzaki Ryou and Miyuki Kazuya.
There was admiration in their eyes… but also unmistakable envy.
"Heh, Jun-san," Miyuki turned around with a smug grin, "jealousy won't help you."
"You brat—just wait!" Isashiki roared.
"I do have an idea," Kanzaki suddenly said, not even looking up from his manga.
Everyone turned.
"What idea?" Isashiki asked eagerly.
Kanzaki flipped a page calmly.
"Repeat a grade."
"…Get lost!! You're as annoying as Miyuki!"
The bus erupted in laughter.
After returning to school, Coach Kataoka dismissed the team, giving them time to rest.
Kanzaki quickly returned to his dorm, took a shower, changed clothes, and sat down.
Not even five minutes later, his phone rang.
"Ni-chan, Reina and I are at your school gate!"
At the entrance of Seido High School, Kumiko stood hand-in-hand with Reina, peering inside.
"Wait there," Kanzaki replied before hanging up.
He slipped his hands into his pockets and headed out.
Ten minutes later, he appeared in front of them.
"Ni-chan!"
Kumiko immediately ran forward and leaped into his arms. He caught her effortlessly.
"Congratulations on winning," she said, looking up at him with bright eyes.
"Thanks for cheering for me," he replied, gently pinching her cheek.
Then he turned to Reina.
She was blushing slightly but still smiled.
"Ryou… long time no see."
Kanzaki smiled and opened his arms.
"Yeah. Long time no see."
Reina hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and hugging him.
Their relationship had grown much closer during the last holiday. Back then, she had practically visited his house every day to play music with Kumiko.
After chatting for a while, the three headed to the commercial district.
Reina walked in the middle, holding Kumiko's left hand and Kanzaki's right.
Internally, she was celebrating.
Double victory.
The next day, the first-string members were given a short two-day break.
Most didn't go home. At Kanzaki's dorm, Arima Kazusa and Chris stayed behind.
"Senpai… do you think I'll get cut?" Arima finally asked after holding it in all day.
Kanzaki didn't even look up from his manga.
"How would I know? That's up to the coaches."
Chris chuckled and turned around from his desk.
"You're just a first-year. Even if you're cut this time, you'll have plenty of chances in the future."
Arima nodded, reassured, and went back to his work.
That evening, Kanzaki received another call.
"Ni-chan! Teacher Gaio Shoichiro said I'm really talented!" Kumiko said excitedly.
"That so? As expected of my sister," Kanzaki replied proudly.
"Hehe! I'm going to meet Reina now. Talk later!"
"Alright. Don't forget—we're meeting at the school gate later. We'll head to the Budokan together."
That night, Kanzaki, along with his older sister, younger sister, and Reina, arrived at the concert venue.
Looking at the packed crowd, Kanzaki raised an eyebrow.
"Pretty popular."
"Of course!" his older sister said proudly. "They're the hottest girl band right now!"
"Come on, come on, our seats are over there!" Kumiko grabbed Reina and rushed ahead.
Not long after they sat down, the concert began.
Five girls stepped onto the stage.
"Wow… they're actually really cute," Kanzaki admitted.
"Right?!" his sister leaned closer, excited. "Let me tell you—Yui's always spacing out, Mio looks cool but she's super shy, Ritsu loves teasing her, and Tsumugi? Total rich girl!"
"And my favorite—Azu-nyan! She's the cutest!"
Kanzaki listened quietly as his sister enthusiastically explained everything.
Then the music started.
For the next two hours, something unexpected happened.
The so-called "Overlord" of the mound…
Sang along to every single song.
By the end of it, his voice was completely hoarse.