Life As Sawamura Eijun Chapter 306: Because I'm the Ace! (2)

Yuuki’s surprised expression shifted to the mound, where Hongou’s visibly displeased face was on full display. Shaking his head in mild frustration, Yuuki dropped his bat and jogged toward first base.

"An intentional walk!?"

"They just walked the cleanup hitter without hesitation?"

"This shows how badly Komadai wants to win. They’re being incredibly cautious and logical, making the safest choice."

"Yeah, when you’re facing a monster who’s already hit a home run, and the score is tied in the ninth inning, you can’t be too careful."

"Besides, the batters after him should be easier to handle."

"Whoosh."

"Ping."

"Pop!"

"Out!"

The crowd’s murmurs grew louder as Masuko was swiftly put out in just two pitches. Komadai’s explosive yet calculated approach once again stifled Seidou’s offense, leaving a palpable sense of frustration hanging in the air.

"Batting sixth, catcher, Miyuki-kun."

Coach Nitta’s strategy was bold yet precise. In this crucial bottom of the ninth inning, there was no need to take unnecessary risks. Securing the outs they could was Komadai’s trademark style of play.

"Whoosh."

"Pop!"

"Strike three! Batter out!"

Damn it, all splitter?!

Miyuki swung and missed yet again, his eyes flashing with restrained anger as the realization set in.

In just five pitches, Komadai had taken two outs, leaving Yuuki stranded helplessly at first base. The spectators let out collective sighs of disappointment as Seidou’s chances seemed to slip away.

Komadai’s discipline and tactical execution were on full display, showing why they had earned their place as a dark horse team capable of reaching the finals. Their strength wasn’t just in skill but in sheer intelligence.

"Batting seventh, pitcher, Sawamura-kun."

...

Eijun stepped up to the plate, his pale face showing a faint smile. His light steps carried him to the batter’s box, his gaze locking onto the mound.

What a formidable opponent, Eijun thought to himself.

Masamune Hongou was undoubtedly a generational talent, a pitcher who had dominated the same era in which he stood. In the original story, Hongou had blocked Inashiro during the summer and Seidou in the spring.

And now, here he was—blocking Eijun’s path.

"!!!"

Hongou’s familiar grim expression hadn’t changed.

Eijun stood steady in the batter’s box, his faint smile barely visible at the corner of his lips.

"Whoosh."

A blazing pitch cut through the air, kicking up a swirl of dust as it hit the ground.

"Swish."

"Thud."

"Strike!"

The pitch, like a declaration of dominance, seemed to proclaim Hongou’s overwhelming power.

Hongou’s piercing gaze bore down on Eijun, his aura exuding an unmistakable sense of superiority.

You can’t beat me.

In every generation, there’s room for only one strongest player. And that’s me.

Hongou’s eyes widened slightly, a twisted smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His high-raised right leg and powerful arm swing exuded an unstoppable force.

So this is where you’ll fall! I’ll be the one to stand as the strongest!

“Whoosh!”

A streak of light flashed by, disappearing almost instantly.

Eijun’s expression remained calm, his eyes seemingly unfocused as he gazed ahead. It was as if he were looking past Hongou, through him, at the vast, clear blue sky above.

The sky is so blue... This is summer... Our summer...

I don’t understand complex things.

But what I do know is why I’m here—to become the ace, to reach the summit.

And I won’t let it end here. I can’t stop now!

“Swish!”

Eijun stepped forward sharply, his movements illuminated by radiant brilliance, his determination igniting the air around him.

The one who’s leaving the stage... is YOU!

With a silent roar from the depths of his heart, Eijun unleashed all the power he had left.

The echo of contact reverberated like a thunderclap, an explosion of light scattering across the sky. The scene froze, the massive Hanshin Koshien Stadium silenced as if time itself had come to a halt.

"PING!!!"

The ball soared through the air, a dazzling streak of light heading straight for its destination.

“Whoosh.”

All eyes watched in stunned silence as the ball flew, eventually striking the home run board with a deafening impact.

"BOOM!"

It was as if the sound resonated in the hearts of every person in the stadium. All they could do was stare in awe, captivated by the sight before them.

On the field stood a young pitcher, fist raised high in triumph, his voice echoing through the air in a nearly heart-wrenching cry of victory.

"Walk-off home run! In the bottom of the ninth inning, seventh batter, first-year left-handed pitcher Sawamura Eijun delivers a stunning hit! The run he gave up, he took back himself with an extraordinary, awe-inspiring strike, bringing this grueling tug-of-war to its final conclusion!"

"After 130 pitches of sheer determination, it was Sawamura Eijun’s final swing that crowned Seidou as the true champions!"

"The victors are... the kings... SEIDOU!!!"