Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

"Remember what you should be doing. Focus on where you stand now, and figure out exactly what your future goals are—and what you need to do to reach them."

Coach Kataoka's words were steady, not rushed, and his tone wasn't harsh.

But every single word, every sentence, landed like a hammer against the hearts of the players, making each of them stand even straighter, their expressions turning graver.

"We lost the game for one reason only—because we weren't strong enough. In the world of baseball, strength is the only standard that matters. Nine innings, four to five trips through the batting order, and we only managed to score a single run off Narumiya. Do you understand what that means? All that talk about having the 'strongest batting lineup in Japan'? Stop daydreaming."

"The summer championship? That glory wasn't yours—it belonged to the third-years who have already graduated. That was their honor. Their strength, their technique, their experience, their perfect timing. Yes, you've had moments where you shined, moments where you impressed. But that's nowhere near enough. The final made that perfectly clear."

"If you stay satisfied with where you are now, next year… the result will be exactly the same."

Kataoka's words made many of the players' faces twist with shame.

It was true.

Some of them were still basking in the glow of the summer championship.

When outsiders called them "champions," when they praised them as "the strongest lineup," they'd forgotten the most important truth—this Seidou was not the same Seidou that had won in the summer.

Especially for the newer members of the autumn-reformed batting order—Haruichi, Maezono, Tojo, Kominato, Kanemaru, Asou—each of them unconsciously clenched their fists.

They needed to be stronger.

Much stronger.

To learn from, and catch up to, the third-years who had paved the way.

Only then could they truly call themselves Seidou's batting lineup.

"From today until next year's tournament begins, all jersey numbers are void. The First String will only keep players who earn it—players with skill, not those who can only talk big. If you have the ability, step up. If you have the strength, I'll give you a chance. I don't care if you're First String or Second String right now, a first-year or a second-year—everything will be decided by ability alone. Remember—in baseball, the weak have no place. Weakness is the greatest sin!"

Kataoka's sharp gaze swept over the entire room.

The players who hadn't performed well in the autumn tournament felt a chill run down their spines.

Meanwhile, the Second String, and even those who weren't on either roster, suddenly felt a spark in their eyes.

This was their chance.

A raw, open chance.

"In the next month or so, there will be scheduled training and practice games. How you perform in those will directly determine your place and your number next year."

Standing a half-step behind Kataoka, Coach Ochiai stroked his small beard, speaking in his usual lazy tone.

Those words made most of the players tense with anticipation, ready to throw themselves into the grind.

Among them, Furuya's eyes blazed, his whole body seemingly wreathed in visible flames of fighting spirit.

The other players nearby were startled—he was radiating sheer intensity.

Even Eijun could feel Furuya's fierce, challenging presence.

"What an energetic guy," Eijun chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Heh… you're not worried, Ace? That guy's improving fast. Careful, or next year, he might just steal your number," Miyuki teased with a sly grin.

Eijun shot him an exasperated glare, then broke into a confident smile.

No—that's exactly how it should be. That's what makes him our Ace.

"Alright, next up…"

After Kataoka and Ochiai finished laying out the training and practice game schedule, it was Takashima Rei's turn to go over the rest of the notices.

As always, she was concise and to the point—never one to waste words.

In just a few minutes, she had gone over all the important matters up until the winter break, including the winter training camp.

After all, it was already late October.

It was important for the players to be ready—not like other students who could leave as soon as break started. Seidou's baseball club would hold a week-long winter training camp right up to New Year's.

It was similar to the summer camp before the tournament, and players needed to inform their families in advance.

"Alright, that's all."

"Miyuki, Sawamura—stay behind. Everyone else, you're dismissed."

Takashima's eyes turned back toward Kataoka.

The coach gave a small nod, and Rei delivered the final words of the reflection meeting.

"Yes, ma'am!"

The players' voices rang out in unison.

"So, what now? You guys gonna train more?"

"Yeah, I'll take a few swings."

"What about you, Asou?"

"Gonna get some weight training in."

"Oh? I'll join you."

"Me too, me too!"

"Hey, Ono-senpai, can you catch for me a bit?"

"No problem, Furuya."

"Ah, I'm beat. I'm gonna hit the bath and turn in early tonight."

"Ha, I'm with you on that!"

One after another, the players left the indoor training field in small groups.

"How's your arm feeling?"

Once the rest of the baseball club members and the managers had left, the indoor training facility was empty except for the four core members of the coaching staff, Miyuki, and Eijun—six people in total.

Coach Kataoka turned his attention to Eijun, his eyes carrying a trace of concern as he spoke.

"Mm. The swelling's already started to go down today. The medicine gave me yesterday worked really well. I think the swelling will be gone in less than a week."

Eijun answered respectfully, his tone quiet but earnest.

"Good. But don't let your guard down. The doctor already said no training for a week, so use that time to rest properly. One reckless incident is enough—there won't be a second time. Understand?"

Kataoka's voice wasn't harsh, but the gravity in his expression made it perfectly clear: if Eijun dared to push himself recklessly again, the consequences would be serious.

Eijun felt a chill in his chest and straightened instinctively, answering with a firm nod.

"Yes, sir. I understand, Coach!"

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