Ace of Diamond: Return of the Pitcher

Kuramochi and Sawamura leaned their heads together had the look of looking at a trash in a person's clothing and muttered something.

Nishiyama, who shared the same dorm room with them, simply couldn't accept the scene in front of him.

You must know that just two hours ago, these two Senpais of his were so worked up over a text message that they ended up having quite a physical clash.

The 'epic' scene of brutal fists and kicks exchange from the marital arts movie made Nishiyama shudder just recalling it.

He had originally thought that no matter how close these two were, after such a big falling out, they would at least need a few days to cool off, right?

But unexpectedly, as soon as they got into the car, it was as if they both suffered from amnesia, completely forgetting what had just happened. Instead, they huddled together, pondering how to defeat their next opponent.

Their intimacy was like that of comrades who entrust their lives to each other. The unpleasantness from earlier had completely disappeared.

Through spending time with them, Nishiyama naturally knew that these two Senpai were definitely not like that in private.

They didn't immediately make up after every fight with someone else.

It was only with each other that they shared this kind of bond.

A very strange feeling, one that was hard to express in words.

"What exactly was written in the text message?"

Even Nishiyama was curious.

However, both of them were extremely secretive about this topic, and naturally, Nishiyama couldn't get an answer.

When Kuramochi opened the chat, he saw the whole conversation and was sure Sawamura was hiding something.

He instantly felt a surge of jealousy and frustration.

Feeling unhappy, he naturally needed to vent.

So, after Sawamura came back from training, Kuramochi had a good, 'friendly exchange' with his Kohai.

Ever since Sawamura Eijun entered high school, his name has become legendary among all the players.

At first, Kuramochi had assumed this Kohai would be the 'I am a big shot' type.

But after getting to know him, he realized that wasn't the case at all, and The two quickly became close.

They communicated well through their physical interactions, which felt quite satisfying. (For Kuramochi)

Sawamura was, of course, no match for Kuramochi, but over the past year, after suffering repeated defeats, he had slowly started to show some signs of being able to fight back.

"This guy called Senzo is really a golden spoon sonuvabitch, huh?"

Kuramochi muttered jealously.

Sawamura shared the same sentiment.

In the past life, Sawamura and this person named Senzo had never had any direct interaction.

He just knew that such a person existed.

He knew that Senzo had been admitted to the best university, worked as a part-time model, released singles, acted in movies, and even starred in TV dramas…

If that was all, the opponent would have just been a multi-talented celebrity.

Sawamura's social circle was completely different from this guy's.

But the most interesting thing was that Senzo was also a baseball player, and he had achieved impressive accomplishments.

It just so happened that Sawamura went directly to the Major Leagues after high school, while Senzo stayed in Japan's professional baseball league.

The two had only met a few times and had never had a deep conversation.

Usually, when talking about Senzo with his friends, Sawamura would have his cat eyes and grit his teeth in jealousy.

Look at him, that's the golden spoon sonuvabitch is.

Not only was he first-class in fame, but he also married a beautiful and wealthy woman and reached the pinnacle of his career…

Although Sawamura had done well at the time, compared to Senzo, it was clear he was far behind even after all the hardship he faced.

It's not about not recognizing value; it's about comparing yourself to others.

In comparison, Sawamura felt ashamed.

At this point, Kuramochi sighed, and Sawamura unconsciously brought up the emotions.

Unexpectedly, he was immediately met with a big eye-roll.

"What right do you have to say that?"

Kuramochi stared fiercely at Sawamura.

His gaze was like a bucket of cold water poured over Sawamura's head.

Sawamura suddenly realized.

From the perspective of others, his current achievements probably already made him a golden spoon sonuvabitch.

There was really nothing to be jealous about.

In the afternoon, the Seidou's baseball team's dedicated bus arrived at Tobuyasu High School.

It was the first day of Golden Week, and the students in the school were already on vacation.

With a whole week as a vacation for the whole family, vacation trips were the most common arrangement.

Even if they didn't travel during the holiday, many people still chose to return to their hometowns to visit their parents.

In any case, schools during the holidays were generally very quiet.

Like now, during Golden Week, if you were to visit Seidou High School, other than the baseball field, the rest of the school was very quiet.

But Tobuyasu High School was obviously different. While it wasn't crowded, there were voices everywhere.

On the Football field, many players were running with enthusiasm.

In the basketball hall, cheers could be heard continuously.

So different, really different.

Tobuyasu High School truly deserves its reputation as a famous sports school in the country. They had many sports programs, all of which had the potential to travel nationwide.

The athletes naturally worked hard.

Originally, these athletes were all doing their own training. However, when they saw the Seidou High School bus enter the school, they suddenly fell silent.

"Seidou High School Baseball Club!"

"Is that Seidou?"

"It should be."

"I heard from a friend in the baseball club that they were going to play against the Seidou High School baseball club. I didn't believe it at first."

"I didn't expect them to really come!"

"Does that mean that person is also on this bus?"

"Who?"

"Maou, Sawamura Eijun! Haven't you heard of him?"

"I've heard of that name, but I didn't know before that he played baseball…"

The athletes were discussing animatedly.

Although many of them didn't know much about baseball, it didn't stop them from hearing the reputation of Seidou High School's baseball club.

"Senzo vs. Sawamura!"

"I can't wait to see it."

"Let's wait until our training is over."

Kuramochi clung to the bus window and looked at the chattering figures around him.

"I didn't expect us to be so popular!"

"A Champion of any major event would definitely have this kind of treatment, not to mention that we play baseball," Maezono said proudly.

Baseball, Koshien!

This sport had a unique appeal for all athletes in Japan.

It's not that other sports aren't attractive, it's just that the big tree casts a long shadow.

Compared to the victory of Koshien, other national champions inevitably seem less influential.

"Welcome!!!"

The Coach of Tobuyasu High School was a middle-aged man in his 50s.

He warmly shook hands with Coach Kataoka, showing great enthusiasm.

The host was treating him like a big guest, politely inviting the Seidou High School players.

You don't hit a smiling hand.

Even the usually serious Kataoka opened his lips, showing a few small arcs as he greeted the opponent.

After the conversation between the two ended, the players from both sides met.

Seidou, as the guest, acted very casually.

The players were all laughing and discussing the lineup and tactics.

On the other hand, Tobuyasu High School's team had a more serious atmosphere.

"Seidou!"

The players from Tobuyasu stared at Seidou's team.

Any ambitious high school baseball team, any ambitious high school baseball player, could not possibly feel indifferent toward Seidou High School's team.

At this stage, Seidou High School represented the best.

King Seidou, these two words were definitely not empty.

Playing against such opponents always made the players feel like they were not playing a practice game, but rather the strongest competition in the country.

"Just thinking about it makes my blood boil!"

Tobuyasu's second baseman, stared eagerly at Seidou High School, eventually unconsciously focusing on one person in the middle of the team.

That person stood like a moon surrounded by the stars, right at the center of Seidou's players.

At that moment, he was smiling and talking to his friends.

He seemed very relaxed, not at all like someone preparing for a game.

It almost felt like he was on an outing.

"As expected of the Maou, he doesn't take us seriously at all."

"Bring me the battle table!"

One of the players handed over the lineup and player list from Seidou High School to their coach.

At the same time, the Coach of Tobuyasu also handed over their arrangements to Seidou.

Considering that the two teams might face each other in the Kanto Tournament later, they should reserve some strength.

But looking at the battle tables arranged by both sides, neither of the coaches seemed to have that intention.

Seidou High School's starting lineup was as follows:

1st batter, shortstop, Kuramochi Youichi. 

2nd batter, second baseman, Kominato Haruichi. 

3rd batter, left fielder, Sawamura Eijun. 

4th batter, catcher, Miyuki Kazuya. 

5th batter, pitcher, Furuya Satoru. 

6th batter, right fielder, Shiratsu Kenjiro. 

7th batter, first baseman, Maezono Kenta. 

8th batter, third baseman, Higasa Shouji. 

9th batter, center fielder, Toujou Hideaki.

This lineup was slightly adjusted compared to Seidou High School's spring Koshien lineup.

But it was clear that the main force was being sent to the field.

The only thing that relieved people was that the Ace pitcher, Sawamura Eijun, was not on the mound.

But if you underestimate Seidou High School's baseball team just because of that…

You probably won't even know how you lost in the end!

In the previous spring Koshien, Seidou's baseball team defeated one of the Final Four, the powerhouse Komadai Fujimaki High School, with this very lineup.

So, this team's fighting power was definitely impressive.

On the other hand, Tobuyasu High School had also sent their best lineup.

…