As soon as Azuma Kiyokuni and Nanjo Taishi set their things down, Azuma immediately slung an arm around Kanzaki Ryou and started grinding his fist into his head.
"Ow, ow, ow!"
"That's what you get for acting so smug, you brat!" Azuma laughed loudly.
Kanzaki struggled free and immediately patted Azuma's round belly.
"Senior, maybe suck that in a bit. If Coach sees it, you're dead."
Azuma froze—then quickly sucked in his stomach.
Because sure enough… Coach Kataoka Tesshin was already looking over.
"Cough! We're not done unloading yet! Everyone, give us a hand!" Azuma shouted, trying to change the topic.
With everyone helping, the supplies from the truck were quickly moved onto the field.
The first-years training nearby whispered among themselves:
"That's Senior Azuma, right? Isn't he playing pro now?"
"And that's Nanjo… Seido's former ace!"
"They feel so intimidating…"
Ignoring the murmurs, Azuma and Nanjo walked straight toward Coach Kataoka and Takashima Rei.
"Coach, Manager—long time no see!" Higashi grinned.
Nanjo gave a calm nod.
"Azuma. Nanjo," Takashima Rei smiled. "It's been a while."
Coach Kataoka, however, didn't smile.
"Why are you here?"
The two froze instantly.
"Uh… we just missed the school," Azuma said awkwardly. "So we came back to visit."
Nanjo's lips twitched.
Coach Kataoka's eyes narrowed.
"…Nanjo. You explain."
Nanjo didn't hesitate.
"Azuma gained too much weight. His team suspended him from games and training so he could lose weight."
"…Hahahahaha!"
Nanjo burst out laughing.
Azuma's face turned bright red.
Coach Kataoka's gaze turned icy.
"…Is that true?"
"…Yes," Azuma admitted weakly.
"How many times have I told you to manage your diet?"
"I…"
"If you had listened, would you be in this state now?" Coach Kataoka cut him off. "Use this time properly. Lose the weight and return to your team as soon as possible."
"…Yes, Coach!"
Azuma straightened up and shouted.
Honestly, he had expected a brutal lecture.
Getting off with just that… was already mercy.
Meanwhile, not far away—
Kanzaki Ryou had already opened the boxes Azuma brought, surrounded by a crowd.
"Oh! Food and drinks!"
"And all brand-name stuff!"
"Pro players really are different…"
"Senior Azuma's rich now!"
Hearing that, Azuma turned and shouted:
"Eat up! Don't hold back! If anyone doesn't eat, I'll get mad!"
"Senior Azuma is so generous!"
They said that…
…but no one actually ate. Training was still ongoing.
After chatting with the coaches and meeting Ochiai Hiromitsu, Azuma and Nanjo moved to the sidelines to catch up with old teammates.
"Oh right," Azuma suddenly said. "There are two first-year pitchers in the first string now, right?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Haha, since I'm here, bring them over. I want to see if these juniors have real skill."
Nanjo smirked.
"What about Kanzaki? Isn't he your junior too? Want to test him?"
Azuma stiffened.
"Kanzaki and I go way back! We lived in the same dorm! I know his level already!"
Nanjo raised an eyebrow.
"…Or are you scared?"
"Scared?!" Azuma shot up. "Me?!"
Before things escalated—
Kanzaki immediately waved his hands.
"Nope. Not happening. We've got the finals tomorrow. If something goes wrong, that's a huge loss."
Azuma paused then quickly caught on.
"Right, right! What if it affects your condition!"
Kanzaki was clearly giving him an out.
After all, if a pro lost to a high schooler…
That would be a disaster.
Not far away, three first-years huddled together:
Sawamura Eijun, Furuya Satoru, and Arima Kazusa.
"What are they talking about?" Sawamura asked. "Professional player?"
"That's Senior Azuma," Arima explained patiently. "Former captain and cleanup. He's a pro now."
"Really? That strong?"
"Of course."
"…How does he compare to Aniki?"
Arima hesitated.
"…About the same. In batting."
Sawamura nodded seriously.
"But… he's kinda fat. Can he still hit?"
Silence.
Then—
"WHO SAID THAT?!"
Azuma's roar exploded across the field.
Kanzaki burst out laughing.
Arima froze and immediately stood straight.
Furuya blinked, expression blank as ever.
Azuma pointed straight at them.
"You brat! Was that you?!"
Arima shook his head frantically.
It wasn't him!!
"Miyuki! Go grab them!" someone shouted.
"Haha, got it!"
Miyuki Kazuya happily jogged over, grabbed Sawamura and Furuya by the arms, and dragged them back.
"Senior Azuma," Miyuki said with a grin, "these are the first-year pitchers you wanted. Please take good care of them."
"DAMN YOU, MIYUKI! LET ME GO!" Sawamura struggled wildly.
Miyuki stepped aside, hands on his hips, laughing.
The show… was just getting started.