Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 275: The King on the Field

"When it comes to tomorrow's starting pitcher," Coach Kataoka began, his voice steady.

At that moment, Tanba immediately sat up straight, his eyes fixed on the coach with a mix of anxiety, hope, and anticipation.

This was the final game, and as the team's ace, he didn't want to leave any regrets.

Starter, starter, starter... Please let me be the starter, his eyes seemed to plead, reflecting his inner desire.

Coach Kataoka's expression turned heavy as he glanced at Tanba. However, in the next moment, his gaze hardened with resolve.

"The starting pitcher, batting seventh, will be Sawamura!"

As Coach Kataoka delivered the announcement in a calm yet firm tone, a flash of disappointment crossed Tanba's eyes.

So, I'm still just a nominal ace? he thought bitterly, a hint of self-mockery in his heart.

"Yes!" Eijun responded loudly, his tone steady and composed.

This decision was something everyone present, including Tanba himself, had somewhat expected.

Eijun's performance throughout the summer tournament had been outstanding.

He had been consistently improving, growing stronger with every pitch, and proving himself to be a reliable presence on the mound.

He was the pitcher Seidou could trust in critical moments.

Among the four pitchers on the Seidou roster, Eijun was undoubtedly the No. 1 choice.

While he didn't wear the ace's jersey number, he was the team's de facto ace, much like Sanada Shunpei from Yakushi High during the summer tournament—a pitcher without the ace number but undeniably the heart of the team.

This reality was clear to everyone at Seidou.

Yuuki, Jun Isashiki, Ryousuke, and Masuko, the third-year players, also understood this. While they felt a sense of regret for Tanba, they knew that for the sake of victory and the team's overall success, this was the best choice.

"The championship is just one step away. All your hard work, your swings, and your practices have brought you here. Slogans mean nothing without effort, but your sweat hasn't betrayed you. Now, to claim the title of national champions, give it everything you've got. Fight with all your strength and prove your greatness through your baseball!"

"Yes!" the team shouted in unison.

The morning's cool air was quickly dispelled by the fervent atmosphere surrounding them.

Even before 7 a.m., Hanshin Koshien Stadium was already bustling with energy.

The stands were packed with people, and the stadium was surrounded by a sea of fans who couldn't enter but wanted to feel the atmosphere of this grand summer finale.

This was the most anticipated and spectacular event of the season—the final fireworks of summer.

Two hours before the game was set to begin, the area around the stadium was already overcrowded.

Scouts from professional teams were present, eager to observe the standout players from both Seidou High and Komadai Fujimaki High.

Many of the third-year players on these teams were undoubtedly on their radar.

These scouts were here to finalize their evaluations ahead of the professional draft in October, deciding on the rankings and treatment for these players.

This final game was the best—and last—opportunity to assess them.

This wasn't just an ordinary high school baseball game.

As Japan's most beloved sport, this final represented the pinnacle of high school baseball, with millions of viewers across the nation tuning in.

Many of these players, especially the key members of the teams, had already reached a skill level comparable to professional players.

Some of them were expected to become mainstays in professional teams almost immediately after joining.

Even in past cases, players like Seidou's legendary slugger, Azuma, who didn't even reach Koshien, were highly valued in professional baseball.

Now, with this being the finals, the spotlight on Seidou's captain and cleanup hitter, Yuuki, was immense. If he led the team to victory, his stock would rise even higher.

As time ticked on, the anticipation grew.

Suddenly, a wave of cheers erupted near Hanshin Koshien Stadium, echoing like a tidal wave.

"They're here! The northern champions, Komadai Fujimaki!"

"Iguchi! Hongou!"

"Nitta-sensei, bring home the victory!"

"And here they come, the kings of Tokyo—Seidou!"

"Kataoka-sensei, we're counting on you! Just one more step to the top!"

"Sawamura!"

"Sawamura-kun, Miyuki-kun, work your magic today and take down Komadai!"

"Komadai, you've come this far, so keep going as the ultimate dark horse. Become a team that defies all odds to the very end."

"Seidou, the reigning champions!"

"Yuuki-kun, Isashiki!"

"Akito-kun, Kanemoto!"

"Go for it!!"

"The final battle—this must be a victory!!"

The arrival of both teams ignited an eruption of cheers from the crowd.

As the players stepped into their dugouts at the grandest stage of this summer, the atmosphere turned electrifying, and the passion of everyone present soared.

A vast stage, the spirit of battle, and an unforgettable scene of determination.

On the first-base side stood Seidou's dugout.

On the third-base side stood Komadai Fujimaki's dugout.

Coach Nitta, Iguchi Gakuto, Kanemoto Tano, Masamune Hongou, and Enjou Renji cast a calm yet resolute gaze toward the first-base side.

Similarly, Coach Kataoka, Yuuki, and the rest of Seidou's team responded with the same steely determination.

Even before the game began, the atmosphere at the stadium had reached an explosive peak.

Eijun took a deep breath, then slowly opened his eyes.

A faint golden glow flickered in his pupils as he glanced toward the Komadai Fujimaki dugout, his hands instinctively clenching into fists.

At that moment, the entire Seidou team instinctively gathered in a circle in front of their dugout.

The gesture sparked excitement among Seidou's loyal fans, who knew exactly what was coming.

Standing at the center of the circle was Yuuki.

Eijun, Miyuki, and the others bent slightly forward, their determined eyes locked on their captain.

Behind them, Coach Kataoka stood with his hands clasped behind his back, a gentle smile on his face as he watched his players.

Captain Yuuki pointed at his chest, his eyes filled with unshakable resolve.

"Who are we?!"

"Seidou, the champions!!!"

"Who has worked the hardest?!"

"Seidou!!!"

"Who has shed the most tears?!"

"Seidou!!!"

"Are you ready to fight?!"

"YESSSSSSSS!!!!!"

"Carrying the pride of our school, our one and only goal is to conquer the nation!"

"Let's go!!!"

"YESSSSSSSS!!!!!"

In August, at Hanshin Koshien Stadium, the final glory of the national championship was about to unfold.

It was the summer of passionate youths, the dominance of the dark horse, the vow of the Tokyo kings.

The final battle had begun!

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