Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 286: Komadai Fujimaki's Strategy for the Finals

"A brilliant hit! Seidou High School's No. 6 batter, Miyuki, read the trajectory of the slider perfectly and pulled the ball to right-center field for a single! Seidou High School scores another run, widening the lead to two!"

As Miyuki slid into second base with textbook precision, the announcer's voice boomed with excitement.

The crowd erupted into a thunderous cheer.

No one had expected the seemingly unstoppable defense of Komadai Fujimaki High School, which had been rock-solid in previous matches, to be chipped away like this.

Yet, here in the fourth inning, Seidou High had already scored two runs.

It didn't seem like much, but compared to earlier games, this was a significant achievement.

With more than half the game remaining, this performance validated Seidou's reputation as having the best batting lineup in the nation.

"Fantastic hit, Miyuki!"

"Kazuya, that was amazing!"

"Great job, Miyuki-kun!"

"Ha! I knew you wouldn't miss that chance!"

"Let's go, Seidou!"

"Seidou! Seidou! Seidou!"

On second base, Miyuki struck a triumphant pose, and the Seidou bench and supporters roared in approval.

Leading by two runs in the fourth inning against a formidable dark horse like Komadai Fujimaki, Seidou's performance could only be described as outstanding.

From the dugout, Coach Kataoka, as well as Rei in the stands, and even Ochiai watching from a discreet location, nodded in satisfaction.

They all recognized that this level of performance ensured the team's stability after the tournament.

Miyuki's exceptional display demonstrated that he was ready to take on the responsibility of being the core of the batting lineup.

Combined with the defensive brilliance of Eijun and the ever-improving Furuya, the future First String team of Seidou would remain a force to be reckoned with, far surpassing their contemporaries.

Eijun slowly stepped out of the on-deck circle, glancing at Miyuki on second base.

A faint smile appeared on his face. As expected of Miyuki-senpai—he was truly reliable.

This was also a great opportunity.

If they could deal the pitcher a decisive blow here, Eijun felt confident that their chances of winning this game would exceed 70%.

"Batting seventh, pitcher, Sawamura-kun."

With resolute steps and unwavering eyes, Eijun carried his bat and calmly walked to the batter's box.

The pressure emanating from him caused Iguchi, the Komadai Fujimaki pitcher, to grit his teeth. He knew he had been cornered.

At this critical moment, Komadai Fujimaki's dugout finally made a move.

Coach Nitta stood at the front, signaling a change that drew the attention of the entire stadium.

Even Eijun frowned slightly—he knew trouble was brewing.

"Komadai Fujimaki High School announces a substitution: Pitcher Iguchi will move to left field. Replacing him as pitcher is No. 6, Kumo-kun."

"They're switching pitchers now?"

"Yeah, it seems they had no choice. With a runner in scoring position and Sawamura coming up, who has the ability to hit for power, they had to make this move."

"Seidou High School has completely taken control of the game."

"But the lead is only two runs. It's still too early to call the game."

"Let's see how both teams respond next."

"Yeah, this final is just getting more and more exciting."

The heavy, thunderous footsteps echoed as Eijun stood in the batter's box, gazing at the imposing figure stepping onto the pitcher's mound.

He frowned slightly.

Frankly, facing a pure power-type pitcher like this was one of Eijun's most difficult challenges. In a contest of raw strength, he couldn't hope to match these kinds of monstrous players.

This was where someone like Furuya had the upper hand.

Despite his lean physique, Furuya possessed an almost otherworldly level of strength.

Eijun understood this well—when it came to raw power, Furuya was in a different league, a talent that occasionally allowed him to launch a home run from seemingly nowhere.

Such natural talent was something to admire but impossible to envy.

All Eijun could do was slowly refine and improve himself through hard work. But for now, the situation was tricky.

On the mound, Kumo gripped the ball and locked eyes with Eijun.

His gaze was sharp and predatory, exuding an aura of menace that made Eijun's breath catch.

A faint, bitter smile flickered across his face.

From the dugout, Coach Kataoka also frowned.

This pitcher was a nightmare for batters who relied on technique and precision.

With Eijun already pitching, engaging in a head-on power struggle against this type of pitcher wasn't advisable.

Realizing this, Coach Kataoka stepped forward and signaled a strategy to Eijun from the dugout.

Don't force it.

If you see a good opportunity, take it. Don't be afraid to strike out.

The game is under our control right now.

Seeing the signal, Eijun paused briefly before nodding in understanding.

Now wasn't the time to show off.

His energy and focus were better spent fulfilling his duties as a pitcher—that was his primary role.

"Let's do this, Kumo!"

"Stop them here!"

"Kumo, this is all you!"

"Take that kid down, Kumo!"

"Kumo!!!"

Wearing the No. 10 jersey, Kumo was a third-year pitcher-catcher hybrid.

In terms of pure ability, he was on par with their ace, Iguchi.

However, minor flaws in his temperament, control, and overall precision had kept him from securing the ace number.

Kumo's arsenal revolved around a ferocious fastball, with his out-pitches being a two-seam fastball and a cutter—tools similar to those of Sanada but with a distinct edge.

He was, without question, a formidable pitcher.

"Phew..." Eijun exhaled deeply, tightening his grip on the metal bat. His sharp gaze was fixed on Kumo.

While he wasn't going to force the issue, Eijun would never give up a chance to strike.

A newly-substituted pitcher often lacked stability, making it the perfect time to launch an aggressive attack—a straightforward yet effective strategy.

"!!"

The first pitch was fired.

The glint of red light streaked toward him, accompanied by an aura so intimidating it felt suffocating.

The ball shot from the mound like a roaring beast, piercing through the air toward the plate.

Before Eijun could react, it was over.

Bam!

The fierce sound echoed.

"Strike!!!"

The sheer force of the pitch, its overwhelming velocity, and its savage aura left Eijun momentarily stunned.

His pupils flickered with a hint of undeniable shock.

------------------

If you want to read 10 advance chapters ahead.

Visit my patreon: patreon.com/Leonzky