Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 341: Pre-Battle Meeting

October: The Arrival of Golden Autumn

This is also the season when the Tokyo Fall Tournament officially begins.

Among the three most important high school baseball tournaments of the year (with the Summer Koshien being the first and the Spring Koshien the second), the Fall Tournament holds significant value.

Winning it not only establishes a team as the dominant force in their region but also plays a crucial role in securing a spot in the following year's Spring Koshien selection.

Essentially, the champion of the Fall Tournament is almost guaranteed a place in the Spring Koshien.

This is why the tournament carries such high stakes.

For teams that suffered setbacks during the summer, this fall season represents a chance for redemption.

Old grudges resurface, and facing familiar rivals from the same region adds to the intensity of the competition.

At Seidou High School's dormitory, Seishin Dormitory, on the eve of their first official match in the tournament, the atmosphere was tense.

Inside the Seidou High School cafeteria, a solemn pre-battle meeting was taking place—one that had not been held with such seriousness since the Summer Tournament had ended over a month ago.

The entire first-string roster of twenty players sat together, their expressions grave and focused.

For thirteen of them, this would be their first-ever official game in the main tournament—a battle of utmost importance.

They were representing the reigning powerhouse, Seidou High School, and they absolutely could not let the honor and glory fought for by their seniors be tarnished.

Their preparation extended beyond just the field. Every player was determined to give 200% effort in their off-field battle preparations as well.

This was their chance to prove themselves.

For second-year players like Maezono, Asou, and Shouji, and first-years like Toujou and Kanemaru, the desire to play was burning strong.

"I want to get on the field. I want to start. I want to play."

That was the overwhelming energy radiating from these players, unfiltered and intense.

"Teito High School—one of East Tokyo's powerhouse teams. Since its founding, they've made it to Koshien twenty-three times in both spring and summer, even winning a national championship in the past. This summer, they successfully advanced to Koshien once again."

"They are best known for their rock-solid defense. No matter which generation of Teito's team you look at, they are renowned nationwide for their defensive prowess."

"After the Summer Tournament, five key players remained in their starting lineup. Their core player is the cleanup hitter and team captain, catcher Inui Kengo. He took over as the starting catcher last fall, and his defensive skills, as well as his batting power, make him a player we cannot underestimate."

"Their ace is first-year pitcher Mukai Taiyou. Back in junior high, he led his team to a national championship and is particularly known for his exceptional control. During this summer's Koshien, he wore the No. 18 jersey and fought alongside the team."

"The biggest threat Teito poses is their synchronized defensive system—one of the very best in the nation. Infield hits are nearly impossible to succeed against them."

"In my opinion, breaking through Teito's defense will require a perfect combination of raw power and precise timing."

The speaker was Watanabe, a second-year student who had stepped up as Seidou's new scouting captain, taking over from former team leader Chris.

Though Watanabe appeared mild-mannered, his passion and dedication to baseball were second to none.

Originally a second-string player with almost no chance of making the first team, he refused to quit.

Instead, he chose to contribute in another way—through in-depth scouting and analysis.

In the original series, he was one of those supporting characters who left a deep impression on fans.

Now, standing in front of the whiteboard, Watanabe provided a detailed breakdown of Teito High School, analyzing their playstyle and offering strategic insights on how Seidou should respond.

Every single member of Seidou listened with unwavering focus.

Even Ochiai, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but glance at Watanabe. It wasn't just the completeness and thoroughness of the information presented, but also the depth of Watanabe's personal insights and analysis that caught his attention.

Ochiai couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"This boy has an extraordinary talent for baseball strategy and analysis. It's just a shame that when it comes to actual playing ability, he's missing that little something."

While Ochiai pondered this fleeting thought, Watanabe remained completely immersed in his presentation, meticulously breaking down Teito High School's lineup, defense, and key players.

He emphasized the most critical points multiple times, ensuring nothing was overlooked.

Compared to his predecessor, Chris, Watanabe's performance in this role was every bit as impressive—perhaps even more thorough and refined in certain areas.

Seidou's players, including Eijun and Miyuki, couldn't help but reveal expressions of astonishment.

This scouting report was incredibly detailed—so complete that they were genuinely in awe.

"As fellow Tokyo representatives, we're quite familiar with Teito High School, whether from practice games or official matches. This is a formidable team, not to be underestimated. When attacking, we must go all in—no hesitation when swinging the bat! Aim for your target and see it through to the end. We will break through their defense using our own rhythm. Understood!?"

As soon as Watanabe finished his report, Coach Kataoka stepped forward, his steady voice echoing throughout the cafeteria.

"Yes!"

Eijun, Miyuki, and the rest of the team responded in unison, their expressions serious.

"Good. Now, let's go over tomorrow's starting lineup."

Coach Kataoka gave a satisfied nod, and with his next words, the atmosphere in the room instantly became tense. Almost everyone sat up straighter, their focus sharpening.

Seidou's Starting Lineup

"Batting first, shortstop—Kuramochi!"

"Yes!"

A forever-undisputed leadoff hitter—Kuramochi's position at the top of the order was never in question. As long as he stayed healthy and didn't do anything reckless, the No. 1 spot would always belong to him.

"Batting second, second baseman—Kominato Haruichi!"

"Yes!"

Following in his older brother's footsteps, Haruichi possessed batting skills on par with Ryousuke's, along with an even greater natural feel for the game. His place in the starting lineup was also firmly secured.

"Batting third, pitcher—Sawamura Eijun!"

"Yes!"

Eijun's expression remained unchanged as he responded in a steady voice, but the other Seidou players couldn't help but glance at him.

After all, the difference between lineup choices in the preliminaries and the official tournament was significant.

With this being his second consecutive game batting third, it was now evident that Eijun was solidifying his place in this crucial spot.

As both the ace and the No. 3 hitter, Eijun's presence within the team was growing stronger than ever.

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