Ace of Diamond: Return of the Pitcher

V6_Chapter 48: Pay Back

Points were lost!

This impact was significant for Seidou High School, especially with Sawamura Eijun as the pitcher, making the impact even greater.

Miyuki walked up to the mound, ready to discuss strategies with Sawamura.

Having led Akagi Middle School for three years and experienced many failures, Sawamura’s experience is unparalleled for his age. Miyuki wasn’t worried that Sawamura’s loss of points would negatively affect his pitching.

‘But the current situation was indeed grim.’

Miyuki needed to consult with Sawamura to revise their previous strategy.

Miyuki removed the catcher mask on his helmet and covered his mouth with his Mitt, preparing to speak.

Sawamura did the same, covering his mouth with his mitt. “If you’re here to comfort me, forget it. I’m not that fragile!”

There was a storm in his eyes that promised pain to his enemies.

Miyuki understood that Sawamura was angry.

“I’m not that naive. I’m not worried about your pitching, but the situation just now didn’t seem right!”

Sawamura nodded. “It’s been thoroughly studied!”

He then glanced specifically at Inajitsu’s bench.

Kunitomo Hiroshige!

Tokyo, as the country’s capital, is home to the most talented and elite individuals. It’s a place of exceptional people.

In fact, more than half of the baseball stories in manga occur in Tokyo.

Not only are the players outstanding here, but many excellent coaches are as well. Among these coaches, Kunitomo Hiroshige stands out as one of the best, if not the best.

Before his regression, Sawamura didn’t fully grasp this. When playing against Inajitsu, he only needed to follow Coach Kataoka and Miyuki-senpai’s orders. He didn’t need to question why.

Now, looking back at Inajitsu and Coach Kunitomo, Eijun’s perception was entirely different.

The ability to command on the spot and plan tactics is not something every coach can do, even among active Superintendents.

‘What a terrifying person!’

This kind of individual made Sawamura shudder. Given his past experience, Sawamura could barely match Miyuki and Chris in some respects.

But compared to Coach Kunitomo, even if Sawamura were regressed again, he likely wouldn’t catch up.

It’s not about effort; Sawamura simply wasn’t born with that kind of talent. Miyuki and Chris are but not Sawamura.

This however did not diminish Sawamura’s determination and confidence to defeat his opponent.

In the Major Leagues, where the highest-paid coaches earn millions, each one is a cunning schemer who has mastered the game. Even facing them, Sawamura Eijun has never been intimidated.

Kunitomo has his own strategic brilliance, and Sawamura has his own fighting methods.

The highest-paid in the Major Leagues are never the old coaches but the pitchers and batters on the field.

Being challenged like this, Eijun’s fighting spirit ignited.

“Don’t be so obvious. I know what you’re trying to do. But it’s clear that our previous tactics have been thoroughly analyzed. We need to change our approach.”

Miyuki ignored Sawamura’s intense aura and offered his advice calmly.

Sawamura nodded.

Although he believed he wouldn’t lose to the opponent even in a direct confrontation, this game was not just about him but the entire team. He wouldn’t disregard the team’s interests for his own selfishness; that’s not Sawamura’s style.

Sawamura wouldn’t mind following safer advice if given.

His mature and rational response pleased Miyuki. If Sawamura were stubborn at this moment, it would make things difficult for Miyuki.

Deciding strategy based on the game situation or letting the pitcher fight recklessly with the opponent were both poor choices.

“Don’t rush to showcase your strength. There will always be opportunities to do so. For now, let’s focus on getting Outs,” Miyuki advised.

“…Okay.”

Sawamura, though reluctant, agreed.

This was essentially abandoning their original strategic approach.

In terms of data preparation and analysis, they were outmatched by Inajitsu and Kunitomo Hiroshige.

The score was 1-0.

The situation was two Outs with no one on base.

Now, Inajitsu’s fourth batter, Yamaoka Riku, was up.

‘With no one on base, let’s focus on getting this batter Out,’ Miyuki suggested. A solid strikeout of the opponent’s fourth batter could help regain some momentum.

Sawamura on the mound nodded slightly.

Miyuki’s suggestion aligned with Sawamura Eijun’s feelings. After conceding a point, he had a burning frustration that needed to be released.

It is something instinctive, he was now facing his friend and rival in a pitching duel, and he loathes being the first to lose points.

‘Now was the time to let it out.’

Sawamura raised his right leg high and then brought it down with force.

He seemed to channel all his strength into this pitch.

At the Batter’s Box.

Yamaoka Riku’s facial muscles twitched slightly.

‘He is collecting power! There aren’t many types of pitches Sawamura needs so much power for.’

‘There’s only one: the Straight-Fastball.’

Knowing what Sawamura was about to pitch was a rare opportunity, and Yamaoka Riku was determined not to miss it.

He watched Sawamura throw and swung his bat without hesitation.

BUZZ!!!

As Inajitsu High School’s newly selected fourth batter, Yamaoka’s strength was undeniable.

Unlike batters like Tetsuya and Harada, who combine power and skill successfully, Yamaoka Riku’s technique wasn’t perfected.

But that didn’t stop him from being a powerful hitter. He has unique strength.

As long as the baseball touches his bat, it will fly far, without needing to hit the sweet spot.

As he swung, the air around him seemed to be sucked away.

Such a powerful swing would definitely send the ball flying if it made contact.

But this time, he missed. The small white ball arrived only after he finished his swing.

Snap!

“STRIKE!”

Yamaoka’s face was full of astonishment.

‘A Change-up?!’

‘How is this possible?!?!?’

He couldn’t understand how Sawamura had the nerves to throw a Change-up at this moment.

‘And the earlier momentum…’

On the mound, Sawamura smirked.

‘Feints can be used in all kinds of sports, who told you I can use it in pitching.’

‘A pitcher like me who isn’t fast can’t thrive in the Major League with just breaking balls.’

“STRIKE!!”

“STRIKE BATTER OUT!!!”

After conceding a run, Sawamura wasn’t discouraged and swiftly struck out the new fourth batter of Inajitsu.

He managed to save his reputation as the Maou.

With three Outs, the teams switched sides. The score remained 1-0, with Seidou High trailing.

In the stands, Wakabayashi, known for his mushroom haircut, glanced thoughtfully at the scoreboard. Although the game had just started, their information suggested it would be a pitching duel. That single run could prove crucial in determining the outcome.

“It’s our turn!” Tadano stood up in the Inajitsu High dugout.

“Since when did you become so energetic?” Narumiya looked at his Kohai with a questioning eye that said ‘Who are you? And where is our Itsuki?’.

“Mei-san, you see, we are in the lead against the Maou an-” Tadano was explaining himself but Narumiya grabbed his face.

“And you called him the Maou?” Narumiya’s questioning glare intensified, being triggered by Itsuki calling Sawamura’s nickname.

“Meo-san, puease, tha gome, we have to go!” Tadano pleaded.

He had forgotten how prideful his Senpai was and regretted causing trouble.

After handling his Kohai, Narumiya Mei put on his mitt and hat, leading his team out of the dugout.

“Let’s go!”

Behind him, Inajitsu High’s main players walked out, one by one. The noon sun made them shine brightly. At that moment, they were supremely confident they would win.

“Win this game, and the next one is a week away!” Kunitomo said as Narumiya and the others prepared to take the field.

“Do you understand what that means?”

“Yes!!!!” Inajitsu players responded in unison. They could give their all in this game, as long as they won in the end.

In the bottom of the inning, Seidou was up to bat.

“First Batter, shortstop, Kuramochi-kun!”

Kuramochi stepped into the Batter’s Box, his eyes fixed intensely on Narumiya Mei on the mound. Images of Carlos’s performance flashed in his mind.

‘Sawamura’s claim that only speed was unbeatable in this game was accurate.’

‘In baseball, as in life, speed can overcome many obstacles.’

‘If it’s about speed, I won’t lose!’ Kuramochi decided to steal bases.

Returning to the dugout, Sawamura sat on the bench, covering his face with a towel. Kuramochi had never seen him so helpless.

As a Senpai, Kuramochi felt obligated to avenge his junior’s struggles on the field. He didn’t mind bullying his own teammates, but others interfering was unacceptable.

Kuramochi’s gaze sharpened with resolve.

In Seidou’s dugout, Sawamura, with his eyes slightly closed and a towel over his head, appeared to be in isolation. If he knew Kuramochi’s concerns, Sawamura would have been both amused and exasperated.

‘You’re overthinking it.’

Sawamura was simply recharging. Unlike football or basketball, baseball involves alternating offense and defense, with plenty of downtime. To perform well, players need to use these breaks to optimize their performance.

Few high school players can do this. Sawamura is among the rare few who can adjust his state during these breaks.

Returning to the field, Kuramochi had complete trust in his teammates.

‘Kominato, Sawamura, and Miyuki. Each was an exceptional player, capable of getting me home if I reached base.’

‘Inajitsu’s defense wasn’t advancing; their infielders moved only a few steps forward.’

This distance gave Kuramochi a chance.

The key was whether his bunt would be well-placed.

Whoosh!

Before Kuramochi could think, the ball was already coming. It was incredibly fast, like a white flash appearing instantly.

Without hesitation, Kuramochi executed a bunt.

Ping!

The ball rebounded high after hitting the bat. Kuramochi’s face showed astonishment.

‘So fast!’

‘So powerful!!!’

The impact of the ball made Kuramochi’s hands tingle slightly.

The ball’s speed and power were remarkable. Narumiya Mei’s pitching had clearly improved since Inajitsu’s team formation, making the ball’s force too much for Kuramochi’s bunt to handle.

The ball soared away, landing in Narumiya’s mitt.

“OUT!”

One Out, no one on base. The bunt had rebounded a full 18 meters solely due to Narumiya’s pitching power, leaving players and spectators in shock.

On the mound, Narumiya Mei stood with his usual condescending look.

The former Tokyo prince had matured, and the title of ‘prince’ no longer fit.

He had ascended to become the King of Tokyo baseball.

…

T/N: Although Sawamura also plays in Tokyo, he is not from Tokyo. It is unsuitable to say that he is the King of Tokyo