Diamond No Ace: Echoes Of The Ace

Chapter 12: Seidou High School

In the following days, Eijun's life became increasingly busy.

Alongside the daily fundamental training he had to complete, he also focused on his studies to pass the graduation exams.

Despite the exhaustion that left him with barely any time to dream after hitting the bed, both Eijun and his friends found joy in their busy lives.

It seemed as though they were trying to make up for the days of separation that lay ahead, spending even more time together as a close-knit group.

Thanks to the efforts of Wakana and Shin leading the study sessions, Eijun successfully passed his graduation exams.

Perhaps the pressure of these final tests spurred him on, as his academic performance improved significantly.

Following this milestone, Eijun began to cherish his last moments of playing baseball with his friends in Nagano.

Grandpa Tanaka gradually added more to Eijun's training regimen, helping him refine a new pitching form with assistance from Shin.

The pitching practice still consisted of 200 throws, but Eijun also began exploring new techniques.

Though he stumbled at times, the lack of school assignments during the break made things more manageable.

Concerned about his readiness for high school academics, his friends even initiated early study sessions at his house.

Exhausted from baseball practice, Eijun could only tearfully thank his friends as he stared at the towering pile of study materials.

Eijun also received a call from Seidou's coach, Kataoka, though technically it was facilitated by Rei Takashima.

On the phone, Coach Kataoka thanked Eijun for his discovery, which allowed them to prepare in advance and ultimately saved Chris's baseball career.

However, what truly delighted Eijun was a message from his idol, Chris:

"Congratulations on graduating, Sawamura. I'll be waiting for you at Seidou. I'm excited to see the changes you'll bring to our team."

The sense of being eagerly awaited reignited Eijun's fighting spirit.

His training improved significantly, and he even stopped making silly mistakes for a brief period—a small but meaningful victory for him.

Finally, under the fluttering cherry blossoms, the day of farewell arrived.

With his family and friends accompanying him to the station, Eijun rejected Takashima's offer to pick him up.

Declaring himself a true man, Eijun insisted on traveling alone.

Although no one fully trusted Eijun's confidence, his persistence, coupled with Grandpa Tanaka's support, led to the decision.

Reluctant and emotional goodbyes followed, yet the inevitability of parting pushed Eijun to move forward.

Watching his friends running alongside the train until they were stopped by barriers, Eijun couldn't hear their shouts anymore but felt the weight of their emotions.

As the train smoothly advanced, Eijun gazed at the receding scenery with an inexplicable sense of calm.

Even he found it surprising—there was no sadness or nervousness, only clarity about the journey ahead, and a fearless determination.

Upon arriving at the station, Eijun followed the map and boarded a bus, only to end up at an unfamiliar terminal.

Surveying the unfamiliar surroundings, he muttered to himself:

"Wait... is this what the area around Seidou looks like?"

A passerby who overheard Eijun's self-talk almost tripped.

"It seems you've taken the wrong bus. To get to Seidou, you should've boarded the bus from the opposite platform where you got on."

A gentle breeze blew past the now-petrified Eijun.

"Also, this bus doesn't go directly to Seidou. You'll need to travel five kilometers to catch another bus."

"Is that so?"

"Do you want me to take you there? You look a bit lost," the kind stranger offered, visibly worried about Eijun.

"Ah, thank you, but no need. I can handle it," Eijun replied with determination, despite the situation.

Eijun was utterly dejected.

After thanking the kind stranger who had given him directions, he took off running in the indicated direction.

Why didn't he just take another bus?

Eijun wouldn't admit it, but he was afraid of making the same mistake again.

Meanwhile, at Seidou's main gate, Rei Takashima was rapidly losing patience after waiting for so long.

The seniors in Dorm Five, who had prepared early for their traditional prank, were also frustrated by Eijun's tardiness.

"When that kid gets here, he's definitely going to pay!"

Eijun, sprinting with all his might, sneezed multiple times in a row.

But no matter what, he had to finish this—he had brought it on himself, after all.

Running across a bridge, he noticed someone below practicing their swings.

Even from up on the bridge, he could hear the sharp sound of the bat cutting through the air.

Eijun paused briefly, captivated, before resuming his run.

"As expected of Tokyo. Strong players are everywhere," he thought. Staring at the road ahead, a smile unknowingly spread across his face.

"I want to play baseball… Right now."

Finally arriving at Seidou, Eijun was greeted by Rei Takashima, who looked at his slightly disheveled state with a mix of worry and exasperation.

Though initially annoyed at his delay, her anger had long since faded, replaced by concern.

"Sawamura-kun, what happened? Why are you so late?"

Scratching his head awkwardly, Eijun admitted, "I got on the wrong bus after leaving the station and had to run a bit when I switched buses." His cheeks flushed with embarrassment over his mistake.

Rei sighed deeply.

She already knew Eijun could be unreliable, but she hadn't expected something like this to actually happen.

"Alright, Sawamura-kun, follow me. I'll take you to the dormitory. Our school houses all three grades together, so you'll be rooming with two upperclassmen. Make sure to get along with them. Also, regarding Chris-senpai's case, I want to thank you again. I'm looking forward to your contributions at Seidou, future ace."

Hearing her words, Eijun's heart swelled with anticipation for the life ahead.

"Got it! Leave it to me!"

"One more thing, Sawamura-kun. At school, remember to call me 'sensei.' If you forget, I'll have to use Grandpa Sawamura's signature slap to educate you."

Pushing her glasses up as they glinted ominously, Rei raised her right hand slightly, her calm tone laced with an undeniable sense of menace.

Startled, Eijun shrank back.

"Yes, Takashima-sensei." So scary!

After she left, Eijun turned and entered the dormitory. Walking down the corridor, he noticed clothes hanging out to dry.

"This feels more like an apartment than a dorm," he muttered.

Exploring further, he saw training equipment and baseball gear scattered everywhere, evidence of the hard work put in by the students.

The thought of joining such a diligent group filled Eijun with excitement.

Soon, he found the door labeled "Room Five."

"Ah, here it is. Hmm… Masuko Tooru and Kuramochi Yoichi, huh? These are my seniors. Hope we get along."

Standing in front of the door, Eijun felt a strange nervousness.

Swallowing hard, he knocked lightly.

He could hear someone approaching from inside.

The door creaked open slowly, revealing a ghastly pale figure, covered in blood, with a long tongue sticking out and soulless eyes.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Eijun screamed in terror, stumbling back and collapsing onto the floor as he watched the "blood" drip onto the ground.

"Yahahaha, don't blame me! It's a tradition in Room Five. I was scared out of my mind by this when I first arrived, too!" Kuramochi laughed, though internally he admitted, I might've exaggerated the makeup because of this kid's lateness.

It wasn't until the "ghost" spoke that Eijun realized it was his senior in disguise.

Even so, he remained frozen on the floor, too shaken to get up.

Kuramochi smirked but extended a hand to help him up.

"I'm Kuramochi Youchi, a second-year. That guy behind me is Masuko Tooru, a third-year, though he recently got demoted to the second string for messing up and decided to punish himself by staying silent. Weird guy, right?"

Eijun looked at the eerie, heavily made-up Kuramochi and the silent Masuko holding a sign that read,

Welcome to Seidou!

Please take care of me.

Overwhelmed, tears welled up in his eyes.

"Hey, don't cry, kid!" Kuramochi exclaimed, panicking.

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