Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 311: Coach Kataoka and Coach Ochiai

Seidou High School, Seishin Dormitory, inside Coach Kataoka's office.

As the Seidou High School baseball team wrapped up their training and returned to their dorms, Coach Kataoka welcomed a special guest in his office.

After a brief introduction facilitated by the principal and director, the room was left with four figures—Kataoka himself, Rei Takashima, Ota, and one more.

The fourth figure sat lazily on the sofa across from Kataoka. With half-closed eyes and an inscrutable smile, his presence exuded a unique charm.

This man was none other than Hiromitsu Ochiai, a coach who, in the original storyline, was both admired and resented, yet ultimately earned everyone's respect.

"It is our honor to have Coach Ochiai join Seidou High School's baseball team," Coach Kataoka began, a smile on his face.

While maintaining the authority of a head coach, his tone carried respect and a warm welcome. "Our team has long needed a professional like you. With the new roster forming soon and the Autumn Tournament ahead, your expertise and skills are exactly what we've been lacking."

Kataoka understood well the significance of Ochiai's arrival.

As a coach with profound knowledge of baseball and a talent for developing players, Ochiai was an invaluable asset to any team aspiring to dominate the national stage, including the Koshien tournament.

Although young, Kataoka displayed considerable poise in his demeanor.

He had the wisdom to express the right attitude and choose his words carefully.

Leading Seidou to a national championship had added an undeniable gravitas to his presence.

After all, being the head coach of a nationally victorious team carried enormous prestige in a country like Japan.

This achievement not only elevated Kataoka's reputation but also positioned him as one of the most sought-after coaches in the nation.

Even if he were to leave Seidou someday, he would undoubtedly receive numerous offers from other schools.

Ochiai, a seasoned and sharp-minded coach, immediately understood the underlying meaning in Kataoka's words.

"Not at all. I'm merely here to assist Coach Kataoka," Ochiai responded with a faint smile, stroking his beard. "Leading a team to a national championship at such a young age is truly admirable. That's something I deeply respect about you."

His response, laced with subtle undertones, suggested a mutual testing of boundaries.

While the initial exchange of words seemed cordial, it carried a hint of tension, as if two sharp minds were measuring each other.

Standing behind them, Rei and Ota could feel the faint trace of rivalry in the air, almost like an invisible smoke of gunpowder spreading across the room.

However, it was merely an introductory exchange.

Both men were experienced adults who wouldn't resort to childish tactics.

Their words were more about establishing their respective positions.

Kataoka expressed his expectations candidly, while Ochiai responded with understated confidence.

Sometimes, the key to effective communication lies in speaking indirectly, ensuring mutual understanding without revealing too much.

On this front, both Kataoka and Ochiai proved themselves to be adept and measured.

"Then, Coach Ochiai, we'll be counting on you from here on," Coach Kataoka said solemnly, his tone steady and serious.

"Not at all. This is simply part of my duty," Ochiai replied with his usual calm smile. However, for those paying attention, it was clear that in this moment, he subconsciously straightened his posture, a glint of gravity appearing in his eyes.

...

The Next Day: Seidou High School Baseball Field

The Seidou baseball field was buzzing with activity.

Surrounding it were numerous reporters and baseball enthusiasts, drawn to the victorious return of the national champions.

Such media attention was bound to persist for quite some time, especially as it was still the summer vacation, and many people had the leisure to visit Seidou High.

In the original timeline, even Inashiro Industrial High School had experienced similar fanfare upon their return as runners-up. But for Seidou, who had claimed the national championship, the attention was even more overwhelming.

Many were eager to know what changes the team would undergo.

Who would make the cut for the new roster?

Could Seidou once again reign supreme in the upcoming Autumn Tournament?

While Seidou's current success seemed dazzling, those closely following the team were aware of the challenges it still faced.

Since it was a regular practice session, without the pressure of a major tournament, video recordings were prohibited.

However, Coach Kataoka did not stop reporters from taking photographs.

The cameras were primarily focused on players like Miyuki, Eijun, Furuya, and Shirasu—the remaining core members of the championship roster.

In addition, some reporters speculated about which second-string players might rise to the first-string team and made them the subjects of their photographs as well.

Amid all this, another figure caught the attention of reporters and spectators alike.

Standing beside Coach Kataoka, dressed in Seidou's team uniform and stroking his small mustache, was none other than Ochiai.

Rumors had long circulated that Seidou was planning to recruit a professional baseball coach following the Summer Tournament.

And now, Ochiai's appearance confirmed those rumors.

What intrigued the reporters even more was the fact that Ochiai wasn't just any ordinary coach.

He was a well-known figure in the baseball world, renowned for his deep knowledge of the sport and his ability to adapt his coaching style to suit the unique needs of individual players.

Ochiai, famously known as the "Red Ocean Strategist" during his time with Sagara, had built a reputation as one of the best in the country.

His mastery of tailoring guidance to players' strengths and weaknesses had earned him nationwide acclaim.

In the original storyline, Ochiai's expertise was evident through the significant impact he made on Seidou.

Naturally, the reporters were filled with curiosity.

How would Ochiai's addition change Seidou High School's baseball team?

What kind of chemistry would his arrival spark within the team?

These questions hung in the air, waiting to be answered.