Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 304: Perseverance Amid Collapse

The true "magic ball" is one that can be controlled perfectly, entering a realm that no one else can reach.

The decisive pitch is the one that can be thrown at this crucial moment. A pitch that strikes here and now is the true game-winner.

Sawamura, I've always believed in you.

"Heh heh…"

Miyuki-senpai, you don't need to look so serious. That expression doesn't suit you. I understand my role well enough—I know exactly what I need to do now that I'm here.

A pitcher who lives up to the expectations of their teammates in the dugout and the supporters in the stands—that is the true ace.

That summit… it's not just mine. It's the peak we must climb together.

And now, here and now.

With this pitch, my ultimate pitch, completed to perfection, I will bring out its full potential.

Let's conquer the nation!!!

"Whoosh!"

The conviction roars, the willpower screams.

The unwavering form of an ace. The arm swings forward, and the power surges through the fingertips.

In this moment, at this singular point in time.

A dazzling beam of light streaks across the sky.

That speeding brilliance contains everything—a sharp, decisive strike.

In the batter's box, Iguchi's steady gaze doesn't waver. His foot steps forward resolutely. In the dugout, Coach Nitta's lips curl slightly upward.

The shadow flashes past.

The metallic shine flickers.

"Ping!"

In the blink of 0.5 seconds, the clash resounds through the heavens. The blinding gleam streaks upward, and on the mound, Eijun's face suddenly turns pale.

In unison, Miyuki and all Seidou's players widen their eyes in shock.

In the stands, tens of thousands of spectators erupt in an earth-shattering roar.

"Whoosh!"

The ball gleams brilliantly as it streaks toward the right-center outfield.

Below, on the grass, Isashiki and Shirasu sprint with everything they have, but their efforts seem laughably futile in the face of that dazzling white light.

The ball soars to an unreachable height.

"Bang!"

The ball slams heavily into the right-center wall with a loud, dull thud.

The rebound sends the ball flying back into play.

On the bases, Komadai's runners race forward, the triumphant cheers stacking one on top of another as the entire stadium explodes with overwhelming excitement.

"OHOOOOO!!! He hit it! He hit it! He hit it! After an intense eight-pitch battle, Iguchi Gakuto, the No. 3 batter, finally caught the decisive breaking ball, sending it flying straight into the right-center wall! A double! Clearing the loaded bases! The long-awaited additional runs! The third base runner returns home! And now the first base runner also crosses home plate! In the top of the eighth inning, the score is tied!!! The suspense of the game continues!!!"

"This was the hit that brought the game back to square one!"

"OHOOOOO!!!"

"Iguchi!!!"

"That was incredible!!!"

"You, kid, you did it!!!"

"Haha, I knew you could do it, Iguchi-senpai!"

"Komadai! Komadai! Komadai!"

The Komadai bench and stands were in a frenzy, a stark contrast to the dead silence on Seidou High's side. Everyone stared blankly at the figure of Eijun on the mound, his cap brim lowered to conceal his face.

"Sawamura-kun…"

At that moment, worry swept across everyone's faces like never before.

To be tied at this crucial stage of the game—this was the worst-case scenario for Seidou High.

In the stands, the Seidou supporters wore strained expressions. The usually cheerful manager and Wakana stared intently at Eijun's figure, their hands clasped together in silent prayer.

"Sawamura-kun, Eijun, hang in there…"

Hidden in the shadows, Ochiai squinted his eyes and stroked his mustache, his expression contemplative.

"Well, Coach Kataoka, what decision will you make in this situation?"

As if in response to Ochiai's musings, the atmosphere in Seidou's dugout grew heavier. Coach Kataoka and Chris both wore grim expressions, while Ota's nervous stammer made him unable to speak coherently.

Two outs in the eighth inning, with the score tied and a runner on second. The cleanup hitter was about to step into the box. This was the worst possible scenario for Seidou.

A moment passed—or perhaps just a second.

Coach Kataoka exhaled slowly.

"Send a message."

The three quiet words caused the three pitchers in the dugout to glance at him with mixed emotions.

On the mound, Seidou's infielders had gathered around Eijun.

"Haha, they even managed to hit that pitch. Looks like they were completely targeting my cutter," Eijun said with a faint laugh, glancing at Komadai's dugout.

His pale face betrayed no hint of disappointment, but no one noticed how tightly his left hand was clenched beneath his glove.

"Sawamura…"

"Sawamura-kun…"

Masuko, Kuramochi, Ryousuke, and Yuuki all had complicated expressions. They had placed the weight of the championship on the shoulders of this first-year pitcher, watching him pitch until now.

They didn't know what words to offer him at this moment.

Even Miyuki's eyes flickered with a hint of emotion.

Just then, movement stirred in Seidou's dugout. As Coach Kataoka gestured, Eijun's heart tightened.

No. I don't want to come off the mound. I can't leave now.

Absolutely, I must not leave…

His lips tightened in defiance, his stubborn expression resembling an eternity frozen in time.

Suddenly, Haruichi appeared, jogging toward the mound.

Then, the words he spoke made Eijun's eyes widen and his left hand clench even tighter. He stood momentarily stunned.

"You said you wanted to be the ace of this team, right? Then we'll leave this to you. Use your strength to meet your teammates' expectations. Show me your answer!"

Haruichi earnestly delivered Coach Kataoka's words, devoid of any tactical instructions.

On the mound, the infielders, including Yuuki, stared in astonishment.

Only Eijun's eyes moved.

At the brink of collapse, the most powerful encouragement had reached him.

The wavering in Eijun's heart vanished, replaced by newfound determination.

Trust. Recognition. This was the coach's response.

It was the team's expectations, the coach's approval, and the ultimate proof of belief. Amid the pressure, Eijun's golden eyes sparkled—a monarch's response!

Even in despair, the spirit of a king never yields.

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