Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 309: The Return Journey, Heated Discussions, and Preparations

Although they had claimed the championship, the third-year students of Seidou High School didn't simply wash their hands of the team and focus solely on their own futures.

As Coach Kataoka had mentioned, the team relied heavily on its third-year players. Compared to other powerhouse schools of the same era, this was a unique trait. Both the coach and the players understood this dynamic clearly.

"Once we get back, we'll make sure to whip you guys into shape," said Isashiki Jun, cracking his knuckles with a mischievous grin. "We'll be watching your training, so don't even think about slacking off."

"Ha, you'd better work hard!" added Yuuki and the others with a light chuckle.

"Yes, sir!" replied Miyuki, Kuramochi, Eijun, and the rest with loud enthusiasm.

"Miyuki, Kuramochi, you two go without saying. But Eijun, Furuya, and Haruichi—you guys especially have to step up. The future of this team is in your hands," continued the captain.

"Yes, sir!" This time, the three first-years shouted in unison.

It was no surprise that these three, who had already secured spots in the starting lineup as first-years, were destined to become key players in the new team.

Their talent and potential were undeniable, and their future roles were certain.

The new team would undoubtedly be built around these seven core players.

While some positions remained uncertain, others were already locked in—like Eijun's role as the ace pitcher and Haruichi's spot as the second baseman.

Furuya's role, however, required more deliberation from Coach Kataoka. His exceptional pitching talent and batting skills made his position flexible and open for strategic consideration.

As he looked at this remarkable group of players, Coach Kataoka couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

"Coach, everything is ready," said Takashima Rei, pushing open the conference room door with a gentle smile.

"Good work," replied Kataoka with a calm nod.

"Everyone, pack your things and gather downstairs. We're heading back," he announced firmly to the team of 18 players from Seidou's first-string squad.

"Yes, sir!" came the collective response.

With the tournament concluded, the curtain had closed on one era and opened on another—the dawn of a new team and the journey toward the next competition.

Loaded with honors and achievements, Eijun and the others embarked on their return journey.

...

"The Reign of the Champion"

"The Underdog Stopped Just Short"

"Summer Glory: The Rise of a True Ace"

"A Miracle That Didn't Quite Happen"

"The Future King of Tokyo: Sawamura Eijun's Path"

"Hokkaido's Pride and the Struggles of a Prodigy"

"A Generation Crowned: The Soulful Ace and the Iron-Blooded Coach"

"The Road to Championship Glory and Professional Aspirations"

"National Buzz: Can Seidou Defend Its Title with a New Team?"

The day after the national championship final, media outlets and sports magazines across the country were abuzz with reports on the match, its progression, and the outcome.

As the winning team, Seidou High School received widespread praise, with the media and general public alike showering them with admiration.

Among the players, Eijun became the focus of nationwide attention.

As a first-year, he had already established himself as a core member of the team.

Over the course of the summer, he had been the backbone of their defense.

Despite not wearing the ace number, his consistent performances in critical moments, especially in the final game where he pitched a complete game and hit a walk-off home run, solidified Seidou's victory.

Eijun's feats made him a star player on a national scale. As the ace pitcher and a key contributor to Seidou's championship run, he had become a symbol of hope and excellence for the future.

Even as just a first-year student, Eijun had already caught the attention of professional baseball scouts.

Over the next two years, his development would undoubtedly be closely monitored, and his growth would determine how professional teams evaluate his worth when the time comes.

Paying attention to him this early was far from premature—after all, a pitcher with both exceptional throwing and batting abilities was exceedingly rare.

It wasn't just Eijun, though. Other promising pitchers like Furuya and Hongou had also entered the radar of scouts. For these professionals, keeping an eye on such players early and gathering detailed information was invaluable.

Two years would pass quickly, and for a truly exceptional player, it was worth placing early bets.

For now, however, the focus remained on the graduating third-years.

Across the board, they were the center of attention.

At Seidou High School, the immovable cleanup hitter, Yuuki Tetsuya, became one of the most sought-after players immediately after the tournament's conclusion.

Rumors suggested that several professional teams had already extended offers to him.

With the draft just around the corner, a player like Yuuki Tetsuya was a rare gem that every team desired.

However, Yuuki hadn't yet revealed his preferences about which team he might join.

Eijun, who was familiar with the original storyline, knew that Yuuki had chosen to join a university league instead of going directly to the pros.

In the original series, Yuuki had received professional offers but ultimately decided to attend Coach Kataoka's alma mater as a gesture of gratitude.

In this alternate timeline, things seemed a bit different, and Eijun couldn't be sure what Yuuki would choose this time.

Seidou High School had gained national recognition, its players had achieved glory, and Coach Kataoka had proven his worth.

For Kataoka, this championship was also a way to repay the kindness of his own mentors.

Deep down, he felt a sense of relief, knowing that leading the team to national victory meant he hadn't let down his former coach's expectations.

This summer tournament had been a season of triumph for everyone at Seidou High School.

However, as the champions returned in glory, their rivals in the West Tokyo area—and even across Tokyo as a whole—were gearing up.

They understood that Seidou had claimed the championship, but the grueling journey at Koshien had undoubtedly drained their energy and stamina.

Historically, it wasn't uncommon for summer champions to be swept aside or dominated in the autumn tournament.

The powerhouses of Tokyo knew Seidou's strengths and weaknesses well.

Losing their nationally-renowned batting core made Seidou a prime target.

Many teams were eager to use the autumn tournament to knock Seidou off their pedestal and secure their own ticket to Koshien.

Among them were the teams that Seidou had defeated during the summer: Inashiro Industrial, Sensen Academy, and Yakushi High School. With players like Narumiya, Raichi, and Maki at their core, these teams were ready and waiting for their chance to face Seidou again in the upcoming autumn tournament.

Each of them was determined to reclaim their pride and settle the score against Seidou High School.