Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 303: Miyuki's Decisive Judgment

"Two outs, runners on first and third. With two outs, Komadai Fujimaki High has launched an aggressive assault, utilizing a hit-and-run tactic without hesitation. Now, with a prime opportunity, their cleanup batter steps up. Will Komadai Fujimaki High deliver a stunning comeback performance here?"

"Komadai! Komadai! Komadai!"

"Wow, no way! I thought it was going to be three up, three down."

"This is what a final game is all about!"

"The momentum has shifted to Komadai. Will Seidou make a pitching change here?"

"The issue is probably Sawamura's stamina and focus, right?"

"Pitching this deep into the game, especially in the eighth inning of the finals, must be exhausting for him."

"Tsk, Coach Nitta must have picked up on that. But it's not like Seidou doesn't have a chance—they've already got two outs, after all."

"A reliever could work, but in this critical situation, bringing in someone as a closer would be a tough call. Even their ace among the seniors would feel immense pressure."

"Yeah, this is where Seidou's decision-making will be tested."

...

After back-to-back hits, Komadai Fujimaki High finally found a golden opportunity in the top of the eighth inning to tie the game—or even stage a comeback.

The intense atmosphere gripped the audience, their hearts racing as the tension escalated.

Komadai was determined, gritting their teeth and refusing to let this chance slip away.

On Seidou's side, players wore worried expressions. Many clasped their hands together in silent prayer for their team.

In the dugout, Coach Kataoka, Chris, and others looked grim, their solemn expressions reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Even Ota paced back and forth, visibly anxious, his demeanor revealing the nerves of a man pushed to his emotional limit.

"Timeout."

Miyuki didn't hesitate. He called for a timeout, lifting his mask as he jogged toward the mound.

As Miyuki approached with a serious expression, Eijun couldn't help but recall certain scenes from the past, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips.

Noticing that subtle smile, Miyuki was momentarily taken aback before returning the gesture with a grin.

"You can still smile like that? Looks like you're totally fine, huh?" Miyuki said with a light chuckle.

"Yeah, pretty much."

"What do you mean 'pretty much,' you little punk? Don't you realize the situation we're in? Runners on third, man! You know what it means when the coach hasn't signaled anything, right?" Miyuki scolded playfully before turning serious.

Eijun glanced toward the dugout, where Coach Kataoka's calm yet stern expression met his eyes.

"Yeah, I understand." Eijun nodded firmly, his tone carrying a newfound determination.

"With two outs, their options are limited. They'll go for an all-out attack. So don't overthink it, Sawamura. Just throw your best pitch into my glove."

"Yes, Miyuki-senpai."

"Alright then, let's do this, partner."

"Yeah!"

...

"Third batter, left fielder, Iguchi-kun."

With a heavy presence and resolute demeanor, Iguchi stepped into the batter's box, gripping his bat tightly.

Each measured step radiated an intense aura that seemed to envelop the entire stadium.

This could very well be the final showdown.

Both Eijun and Iguchi faced each other, their spirits clashing in the charged atmosphere.

Neither intended to leave any regrets behind, betting everything on this moment.

Their eyes locked, and an unspoken intensity erupted between them.

Hiss… Haah… Eijun exhaled deeply, releasing the tension in his chest.

"First pitch, high and outside. Expand the horizontal plane, Sawamura."

With a small arc, Eijun swung his arm, each motion heavy with strain. The burning ache coursing through his arm was undeniable, but he pushed forward.

He shifted his weight onto his right leg, leaning forward as much as possible.

This helped add a sharp downward motion to the ball, enhancing its force and late break.

Whoosh

From a high release point, the ball shot low. The streaking white light flashed across the field.

In the batter's box, Iguchi's pupils narrowed, locking onto the ball's trajectory. He raised his arms and swung with all his might.

Swish

Ping!

A sharp, piercing sound echoed through the stadium.

Whoosh

Thud!

The ball ricocheted off the ground with a sharp, clear sound, flying forward as a streaking shadow, its speed undeniable.

"Foul ball!"

"Tch..."

Eijun gritted his teeth, his eyes darting slightly, but his expression remained forcibly calm.

"Second pitch!"

Whoosh

As his hand rose, another flash of light burst forth—a low outside pitch aimed at a tricky angle from the side.

Swish

Another dark shadow lunged forward.

Ping

The bat connected with a sound that resonated like a giant bell.

Whoosh

The ball streaked away as a blurred shadow.

Thud

"Foul ball!"

...

What's wrong, kid? Are you already done? Where's your power? Your finishing pitch? Don't bore me here!

Iguchi's face twisted into a menacing grin, his red-tinged eyes shining with a terrifying intensity.

His presence on the field was overwhelming, his aura almost suffocating.

...

You dare underestimate me!? You bastard!!!

Whoosh

Ping

Thud

"Foul ball!"

Whoosh

Pop!

"Ball!"

Whoosh

Pop!

"Ball!"

Whoosh

Ping

Thud

"Foul ball!"

...

What's the matter? Can't handle it anymore? Come on, show me the same power you had before! Finish me off if you can!

Whoosh

Ping

Thud

"Foul ball!"

"The seventh pitch—another fastball. A head-on battle. Komadai's third batter, Iguchi, is holding Seidou's pitcher in a relentless grip!"

...

This guy… He's completely locked onto the fastball. Have they really abandoned breaking balls altogether? Or are they baiting us into throwing one?

After Iguchi sent another fastball into foul territory, Miyuki furrowed his brow tightly.

If this drags on, it'll only put Seidou at a disadvantage. Sawamura's stamina is already nearly drained, probably down to less than 30%, and we still have the ninth inning to get through.

Miyuki clenched his teeth.

There's no room for hesitation anymore. This is the moment to make a decision.

Even if it's bait, we'll go for it.

...

Miyuki-senpai, you really trust me this much, don't you?

A spark of determination flashed in Miyuki's eyes as his fingers subtly signaled the call.

On the mound, Eijun's pupils contracted sharply. His left hand, hidden behind him, clenched the ball even tighter.

A five-seam fastball...

Let's do this!