Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 276: Explosive Start to the Finals

In a district of Tokyo, the meeting room at Inashiro Industrial High School was filled with its main players, all gathered and intently watching the live broadcast of the Koshien finals on TV.

The usually proud "Prince," surprisingly, had a calm expression on his face.

"We've come this far, so go and bring back the championship, Seidou, you bastards!!!"

Meanwhile, at Yakushi High School's cafeteria, their players were also gathered. Sanada had his usual gentle smile, while Raichi, with no regard for appearances, happily devoured a banana.

"Listen up, guys," Coach Todoroki said, legs crossed casually. "Seidou made it to the finals, but they've probably burned out this summer. Autumn will be our chance. We'll take them down and avenge ourselves properly!"

"Yes, sir!" came the unified reply from his players.

At Sensen High, Ichidaisan High, Teito High, Hakuryuu High, Kiryuu High, Yamamori Academy, Yokohama Kouhoku, and nearly all the nation's powerhouse schools, teams had gathered to watch the final game of this summer's national high school tournament.

For them, it was both a learning experience and a unique opportunity.

They wanted to witness how these two teams, representing the highest level of high school baseball this summer, would perform on the grandest stage.

"The National High School Baseball Championship Summer Tournament—final game! The two teams taking center stage are the dark horse champions of the north, Komadai Fujimaki High School, and the Kings of Tokyo, Seidou High School. Both teams are the strongest representatives of their regions and have defeated countless powerhouses to stand on this final stage. One championship, two teams—the returning Koshien kings, Seidou, after six years, and the rookie powerhouse Komadai, storming their way to the finals in their debut. Which team will lift the championship banner? The battle is about to begin. Let's find out together!"

The stadium's atmosphere grew more intense with the roaring cheers and the passionate voice of the announcer.

Now, the final showdown begins!

"Line up!"

"Salute!"

"Let's do our best!!!"

The buzzing anticipation filled the air.

"In the top of the first inning, Komadai Fujimaki High School's attack begins. Leading off, second baseman Nishi-kun."

Komadai had made two lineup changes.

Their captain from the second season in the original work had taken a key spot, and their ace had moved to bat third.

It was clear Komadai had come prepared.

Standing tall on the mound, Eijun brushed his fingers lightly with white powder and glanced toward the Seidou dugout.

Coach Kataoka nodded slightly, while Chris beside him wore a serious expression.

It was evident Komadai planned to disrupt the pace early, which caught Seidou off guard.

"Don't overthink it. Stick to the original plan and stay calm," Coach Kataoka signaled from the bench.

On the field, Kuramochi, Masuko, Yuuki, and the others nodded firmly.

"Go for it, Sawamura! Don't be scared; we've got your back!" Kuramochi shouted loudly.

"Stay cautious with your pitches," Yuuki directed, showing a hand signal from first base.

"One batter at a time, Sawamura," added Masuko with a smile.

"Don't hesitate, Sawamura! Bring your energy—it's the key! Remember, we've got your back!" shouted Isashiki Jun from the outfield, his voice and commanding presence drawing everyone's attention momentarily.

This reliable "third batter" of Seidou looked like he was ready to take on anything.

"Yes!!" Sawamura responded with a confident smile, pounding his chest as he turned to face his teammates.

With such reliable seniors by his side, Sawamura Eijun feared nothing!

And from behind his mask, Miyuki's subtle smile hinted at their shared understanding.

The final battle.

A pitcher's duel.

The game begins with perfect synergy!

Nishi Hideo stood firmly in the batter's box, assuming his batting stance with a determined expression.

His gaze was fixed on the pitcher's mound, locking onto Eijun.

His resolve was clear—he had to get on base.

If they could shake this left-handed pitcher early in the game, the flow of the match could fall under Komadai's control.

On this grand stage of the finals, it was evident that both teams' managers shared a similar strategy: an aggressive start to seize the early momentum.

By taking control early, they could dictate the rhythm of the game heading into the later innings.

After all, they both knew that in a high-stakes match at this level, a single run could determine the outcome.

Thus, in the first inning, both teams opted for an all-out attack as their shared objective.

Eijun, slightly crouched on the mound, exhaled slowly.

His focused demeanor brought a slight smirk to Miyuki's lips.

With a subtle motion, Miyuki signaled a pitch, fingers sending a coded message.

Eijun gave a small nod, then straightened his posture. His right leg lifted high, arm raised, ready to release.

Nishi's face grew solemn, and his focus sharpened to the limit.

Whoosh!

As Eijun stepped forward, his arm swung down with full force, releasing the ball.

A flash of light streaked toward Nishi, and in that instant, his pupils contracted instinctively.

The pitch was a straight, icy beam of light.

Nishi stepped forward, his small frame coiling with immense power. His foot planted firmly as he swung with all his might.

Whoosh!

The metallic bat cut fiercely through the air, emitting an intimidating sound that hinted at the raw strength hidden in Nishi's compact build.

But no matter how powerful a swing was, if it didn't connect with the ball, it meant nothing.

The ball zipped past the plate before Nishi's swing could reach it.

A split second later, the bat arrived, but by then, the ball was already snug in Miyuki's glove, producing a crisp and clean sound.

Pop!

"Strike!" the umpire called out.

Nishi frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

So this is the famed pitching form I've heard about? You can't even see the release point.

The motion is so clean and smooth.

The actual speed is just 134 km/h, but visually, it feels closer to 140 km/h.

Just this fastball alone makes this lefty a real challenge.

Nishi glanced briefly at the electronic scoreboard displaying the pitch speed, his thoughts racing.

Without showing any emotion, he adjusted his stance, stepping slightly forward to counteract the disadvantage caused by Eijun's pitching form.

Miyuki noticed the subtle adjustment, a faint and unreadable smile flickering in his eyes.

Hidden behind his mask, his fingers signaled another pitch, their meaning clear and precise.

On the mound, Eijun's understanding was immediate. He gave another slight nod.

The battle continued.