Diamond No Ace: The Strongest Hitter

Chapter 33: Changes and Memories from the Past

"I'm back!"

"Welcome back, Sen-chan!"

"So, did you find any quick way for us to get stronger?" Sawamura immediately asked.

"Nope!"

"But, I did get a lot of help. You'll find out soon! Keep studying. I need to think for a bit!"

Sendo entered the house, casually throwing himself onto the sofa, closing his eyes in thought.

"Let's keep practicing bunts as we've been doing. Looks like these guys have found some tips, and there's nothing more I can help with. I don't have anything like that in my arsenal. Eijun's explanations sound like alien language to us mere mortals."

"The old guy already helped me with distinguishing good and bad pitches in the batter's box and figuring out the timing for base running."

"Now, what's left is defense. The explosive strength training menu will have to come from them. While it may not show much effect in the short term, at least they'll get used to the intense energy drain. By next summer, we should see some results, right?"

"I've made up my mind! I may just be a half-baked player, but I have no choice but to push forward."

...

Sendo lay on the sofa for a long time, finally making up his mind to change the training plan.

"Eijun!"

"What's up?"

"Starting today, we're adding a new training! When you're doing the explosive strength training in the evening, bring everyone along!"

"Why don't you join us too while you're at it?"

"I'm fine on my own."

"Why be so shy!"

"Shut up!"

"Tch, fine, I won't say any more!"

"Don't forget!"

"Got it!"

That night's self-practice remained the same, and even Takeda's catching was starting to look impressive.

The next day...

"Today we're going to rearrange the positions. But there won't be many changes. Takada, you'll swap positions with Wakana. The rest stay the same."

The swap between Takada and Wakana meant that the chubby Takada, the left fielder, and Wakana, the first baseman, were switching places. Takada's physique wasn't suitable for an outfielder.

Wakana, on the other hand, could track the ball, and since modern baseball strategies often target right field to avoid double plays and buy time to handle the ball, left field doesn't demand as much defensively. However, there are still fly balls that go that way, so you can't have a slow player stationed there.

"We can't really practice outfield defense here, but middle school outfield standards aren't that high anyway. Mostly it's about catching high fly balls and line drives, which we can still practice a bit. Just stand outside the infield to practice catching and positioning."

"The main focus is infield defense. Starting today, we'll work on coordinated plays. Also, someone will be arranging some practice games with middle schools in Tokyo for us. The number of games before we leave will depend on your training results. Keep reminding yourselves to make your body remember the moves and turn your technique into instinct!"

"Yeah!!!"

"Let's get started!"

.....

"Let's start with a runner on second base!"

Crack!

The sound of Sendo's voice constantly echoed across the field as training began!

"Second baseman, cover third base!"

"One more ball!"

"Left field!"

"Nice catch! Another ball!"

"Shortstop!"

"What are you doing? Ohno, quickly cover second base, then throw to first!"

"Right field!"

"Keep your eyes on the ball at all times, or you'll miss the catch!"

"One more ball!"

"Good, just like that!"

"Left field, third base is wide open. In this situation, you need to cover third. The same goes for the other outfielders. If the ball lands in the infield and you're not playing deep, you have to come in and cover as well. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!!!"

And so, the defense practice continued: break, bunt practice, break, and repeat until evening, when the team finally began their running exercises, marking the end of the day's official training.

…

During the evening's self-practice, the others carried on with their regular hitting and swinging routines.

Takeda Shin, after several days of practice, was now able to catch balls thrown at 130 km/h.

(A/N: From now on, I will change the name Takeda to Shin because the name Takada, the chubby one, might cause confusion.)

So, he and Sendo began the next stage of their training. Sendo resumed his one-on-one guidance, in his usual lecture-filled style, seemingly enjoying it, though how Asahi felt about it was unclear.

"Don't scoop the ball when you catch it!"

"Except for grounders, always keep your elbow outward!"

"Don't flip your wrist over!"

"The only reason you're scooping sideways is because you're being lazy and not keeping your body in the strike zone!"

"Your stance is too low!"

"Your reaction is too slow! Are you tired already?"

"Don't miss the ball! Use your body to block it. Never let it roll behind you!"

…

"Let's take a break."

"Ugh! I'm exhausted!" Shin said as he removed his mask.

"Hey, Sen-chan."

"Hmm?"

"I've been meaning to ask… Is this pitching machine broken? It hasn't thrown a single good ball, they're all way off target!"

"Of course it is! I set it that way on purpose. Eijun's pitches will dodge even more! Though, for now, he's holding back. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to catch his full-strength pitches. The goal is to have you catch his fastest throws by your final year, or at least get close!" Sendo wasn't entirely confident, but he had to give some encouragement.

"Uh…"

"Tired?"

"Actually, I'm alright."

"No need to act tough! Back then, I couldn't even catch half the balls you're catching now before running away!"

"Ran away?"

"Don't sweat the small stuff!" Sendo quickly changed the subject, realizing he'd slipped up.

"The more you tell me not to worry, the more I want to know!" Shin thought to himself, fearing Sendo might take revenge. And there was no doubt—he was that kind of person.

"You must be tired too! Your hands are shaking. Catchers use muscles that aren't usually activated, including those in the waist and legs, so it's really exhausting! Like I mentioned earlier about flipping your wrist—it's already uncomfortable just holding the catcher's position. It's a tough spot to play!"

"Were you a catcher in Little League? I heard from Eijun that you were a pitcher, an ace, and a cleanup hitter?"

"Who do you think I am? Besides second base, third base, and shortstop, I've played… a bit of every position! But I know a little about all of them!

"They had a rotation system to avoid tiring out the pitchers, and since I was the cleanup hitter, they couldn't take me off the field. When the other pitchers were on the mound, I'd be behind the plate, in the outfield, or even at first base, though we had a regular first baseman. But those were just practices. In actual games, I only played one exhibition match!

"What was the name of the opponent again?… I've forgotten. It was so boring that I didn't pay attention to any details. We won easily, and I wasn't interested enough to remember."

"…"

"Actually, Shin, you've been working much harder than I ever did. You've been putting in ten times more effort. Back then, all I could think about was how to skip practice…"

"Damn it, I didn't mean to let that slip out!" Sendo cut himself off mid-sentence, realizing his mistake.

"Alright, since your hands are already shaking, we'll call it a day!"

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