Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 17: Expected Restraint

Tojo Hideaki could no longer hold on. The most telling moment came when Coach Kataoka, observing Tojo's performance, frowned slightly before decisively changing pitchers.

However, even after the pitcher change, the first-year team remained powerless, struggling to fend off the relentless onslaught from the upperclassmen. The new pitcher, too, was utterly overwhelmed, giving up three runs in quick succession. The sheer brutality of the situation left this first-year pitcher as pale as a sheet.

"Whoosh"

A flash of white light streaked across the outfield sky. It wasn't a particularly high fly ball, nor was it difficult to catch.

Fortunately, Eijun had positioned himself correctly in advance. As he sprinted to the approximate landing spot, he extended his glove and securely caught the ball.

"Smack"

"Out!"

"Three outs, inning change!!"

Thanks to Eijun's lucky catch, they managed to secure the third out, ending the top of the second inning. However, the first-year team still conceded six runs in that inning.

In total, the first-years had given up eleven runs in just two innings, their morale plunging to rock bottom.

"Tap, tap..."

Finally, it was over...

Once again, the first-year players displayed expressions of relief, though they were tinged with despair, gloom, and heaviness—all negative emotions engulfing the entire first-year team.

After enduring two consecutive innings of such a beating, these players, who once considered themselves baseball prodigies in high school, had their spirits shattered beyond repair.

"The game has only just begun. Don't get so discouraged! At the very least, let's score a run to prove we have the ability to fight back!"

Back in the dugout, Eijun couldn't bear to see the atmosphere deteriorate any further. While some of the foolish behavior from the original story wasn't worth repeating, Eijun felt it was necessary to step up and offer some encouragement. After all, baseball is a team game, played by nine people. What good is it if only he has the will to fight?

"Yes, it's only the second inning. Don't give up," added Kariba Wataru, who had become quite close with Eijun recently, backing him up.

Eijun's face was full of determination, trying to inspire his fellow first-years to not completely give in to despair.

However, Eijun had underestimated the emotional toll on his teammates and overestimated his own influence. His so-called encouragement, rather than lifting spirits, ended up having the opposite effect.

Those who hadn't yet played might have been slightly better off, but the starting players, as well as those who had recently been substituted in, only looked even more dejected.

"Fight back? Hmph." A first-year outfielder who had been a cleanup hitter in middle school scoffed, the sarcasm in his tone unmistakable.

"The difference in skill is too big. A comeback? That's impossible," another first-year shortstop muttered, his head hanging low in defeat.

"Their baserunning, their hitting speed, their defensive coordination, their pitching level—you were on the field too. These seniors are leagues ahead of us!" Kanemaru Shinji leaned back in his chair, completely dispirited.

Tojo Hideaki, who had been pulled from the mound after the second inning, sat in the corner of the dugout, draped in a towel, his head bowed in silence.

"Don't be so naive, Sawamura. Everyone wants to score a run, but stop dreaming," a third baseman, who clearly wasn't in the mood for motivational speeches, retorted sharply. When everyone is feeling down, who are you to try and play the leader? Do you think you're some kind of savior?

He might have been just a basic player in terms of defense, but did he really think he was the ace or the captain of this team? The third baseman, who had also been a key player in his middle school team, couldn't help but think irritably to himself.

It wasn't that they were specifically targeting Eijun, but it's human nature to feel worse when someone tries to stand out during a low point. It made them feel even more humiliated, and naturally, they had no fondness for someone who highlighted that feeling.

Especially since the third baseman and the center fielder had both been core players on their middle school teams, this crushing defeat in the Red-White game was particularly painful for them.

The other first-years didn't say anything more or directly mock Eijun, but their expressions and demeanor made their feelings clear.

"..." Eijun found himself at a loss for words, blocked by his own teammates.

It was obvious to him now that his earlier words had caused some discontent. He had indeed tried to play the hero, but he had failed to consider that these guys had their own pride.

Eijun couldn't help but laugh at himself a bit in his mind.

Words had proven powerless, so he would have to prove himself through action. He might not be able to pitch just yet, but the third inning—yes, the third inning—was his turn to bat.

Eijun was well aware of his own batting abilities, but this time, he was determined to at least show his resolve.

On the other side, both Furuya and Haruichi found their gazes lingering on Eijun for three or four seconds, a flicker of an inexplicable emotion passing through their eyes.

"I knew it. I was against this Red-White game from the start. It's too hard on the first-years," Oota remarked with a displeased expression as he sat alongside Takashima Rei in the command room.

"I understand your concern, Oota but the players who can still show their true abilities under these circumstances are the ones worth nurturing," Takashima Rei responded, her tone solemn as she adjusted her glasses.

"I get that, but isn't it too soon? These kids have been in high school for less than a month," Oota  replied, a look of conflict on his face. "This could end up breaking them."

"High school baseball isn't kindergarten. If they've come this far, they need to be prepared for what's ahead. Otherwise, they'd be better off leaving now," Takashima's eyes flashed with a cold determination as she spoke in a firm voice.

The sudden chill in her words made Oota shudder slightly, a wry smile crossing his face as he watched the field where the first-year team had once again been effortlessly retired by Tanba and Miyauchi.

Inwardly, Oota couldn't help but shake his head. Ultimately, this was Kataoka's decision. All he could do was voice his concerns; he couldn't actually change anything.

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