Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 26: Eijun's Brilliance!

"Safe!"

When Coach Kataoka paused briefly before shouting those words, the surrounding crowd was stunned. A wave of disbelief washed over everyone, not just Miyauchi at home plate, who wore an expression of utter shock.

Most of the people present couldn't believe their eyes.

"No way! He made it back to home plate?"

"An audacious swing, a daring dash for home—this kid is something else."

"Given the timing, it should have been an easy out."

"He only made it to third because of a lucky hit. I can't believe he had the guts to go for home."

"Even if the hit was well-placed and the outfielder made a mistake, the odds were at least 80% against him making it home. How did this kid dare to take that risk?"

"Fearless youth."

"What a terrifying kid."

"Haha, looks like the first-years finally got a run back."

The onlookers, after a brief moment of shock, began to express their admiration. They didn't hold back their applause for the young player who managed to score a run all on his own.

In baseball, while the process is important, the outcome matters even more. And Eijun had won over the crowd with his performance.

At home plate, even Coach Kataoka's eyes flickered with a hint of approval.

"He actually did it..." Miyuki muttered in slight amazement. Not far away, even the usually stoic team captain, who rarely showed emotion, was visibly moved.

In the announcer's booth, Director Oota's jaw dropped in disbelief. Beside him, Takashima Rei was also deeply impressed. She hadn't expected Eijun to perform beyond anyone's expectations.

Although luck played a significant role in this, it couldn't overshadow Eijun's brilliance and exceptional qualities.

"We scored! We finally scored!" Eijun stood up from home plate, brushing off the dust, his face beaming with joy. His risk had paid off.

"One run! This is just the beginning of our offense!" Eijun struck a victorious pose and shouted to his teammates over at first base.

"Yeahhhh!!!"

"Well done, Sawamura!"

"Nice, Sawamura-kun!"

"Great hit, and even better base running, Sawamura!"

"Haha, the counterattack has begun!"

The cheers from the first-year bench were in stark contrast to the bewildered expressions on the faces of the upperclassmen. Everyone watching felt a shiver run down their spines, seeing Eijun standing on the field, glowing with brilliance and determination.

They had lost a run. The upperclassmen, who had hoped to retire the first-years in order, were stunned to find themselves giving up a run instead.

Shock, anger, and a mix of emotions were written all over their faces.

None felt this more acutely than Kawakami on the pitcher's mound. He couldn't believe that a single hit to the outfield had cost them a run. Even with the perfect placement and the outfielder's mistake, it wasn't a home run.

Yet, they had lost a run—on his watch.

Kawakami's face reflected a whirlwind of emotions, as he grappled with what had just transpired.

A certain senior, already completely consumed by anger, was furiously insisting that he be put in the game to teach those kids a lesson. But at this point, it wasn't clear who exactly needed to be taught. Poor Kuramochi was using all his strength just to hold back this senior, who was on the verge of transforming into a fully-fledged wild beast.

"One run! This shows that they're not unbeatable. This is the start of our comeback. Let's go!!!" Eijun shouted, standing in the middle of the first-year circle.

"Yeahhhh!!!" In that moment, the first-years' morale peaked. What? There's still a double-digit score difference?

Sorry, but this game's outcome is almost certainly decided.

Yet, Eijun had ignited a fire within these young players, tapping into their deepest pride. At the very least, they were determined to show their upperclassmen that they couldn't be underestimated. This was the silent scream from the hearts of every first-year at that moment.

Eijun's hit not only galvanized the first-years but also dealt a blow to the upperclassmen.

Following Eijun's run, the eighth batter hit an infield single toward first base, successfully reaching the bag.

The ninth batter then cleverly executed a bunt, advancing the runner to second with one out, bringing Haruichi to the plate.

At this critical moment, Haruichi didn't disappoint, pulling an outside fastball for a hit.

Luckily, after a brief lapse in focus, the upperclassmen regained their composure. With excellent teamwork, they managed to tag out the first-year runner charging for home.

Finally, they struck out the second batter, bringing an end to what was almost a storm-like onslaught by the first-years in that inning.

"Not bad! We almost scored another run. Keep up this pace, and let's show them our fighting spirit!"

"Yeahhhh!!!"

The first-year bench was now a far cry from the gloomy, subdued atmosphere it had been before. The baseball world is that simple—those with the skills rise to the top. At that moment, Eijun had clearly become the core of the team.

A loud bang rang out.

"I won't let you keep this up, Sawamura-kun."

Just then, a towering figure appeared before the first-years. As Eijun stepped onto the pitcher's mound, he felt his breath catch slightly. The overwhelming pressure made Eijun's face grow serious.

Gazing at the figure standing before the dugout, vigorously swinging a metal bat that echoed with a resounding "bang bang," Eijun's inner alarm bells went off—maximum alert!

From Seidou High's nationally renowned lineup, here was the cleanup hitter from the first-string team—Tooru Masuko!

Wielding a hefty metal bat, he was a pure power hitter.

In a sense, it wasn't just his skill—Tooru Masuko's very style countered Eijun's moving ball. In every way, he was Eijun's biggest challenge.

"Gulp..." As Tooru Masuko's massive figure stepped into the batter's box, Kariba at home plate felt the intense pressure emanating from him most directly.

This man's power is on a completely different level from those before him!

In that instant, Kariba was confident in his judgment.

Masuko swung his bat with tremendous force, the powerful whoosh of it cutting through the air like an explosion in the ears of everyone present.

All eyes were now locked onto this moment.

"Sawamura-kun, I won't hold back!!!"

"That's exactly what I want, Masuko-senpai! Let's have a fair and square showdown!"

Their eyes met, a declaration of battle between two brave souls.

The fight between dormmates was about to begin, and the curtain had just been raised!

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