Ace of Diamond: Return of the Pitcher

In Takeda's Coach's lounge.

An elderly man and a younger man were talking.

The older man was naturally the Coach of the Japanese team, Takeda.

The younger player was the team's catcher, Renji.

Originally, the primary catcher for the Japanese team was Miyuki.

Although there were many excellent catchers across the country,

Even among these top catchers, Miyuki's position was extremely prestigious.

Before the Japanese team was even formed, he had already been recognized as the most highly regarded catcher in the country.

However, Coach Takeda wanted to make use of the depth of the team, that's why he wanted to talk to the young man in front of him.

Usually, with an already solid plan, Takeda won't consider something like that, but…

Just thinking about Mima lying in the hospital and hearing the doctor's words,

Takeda's hands still shook.

It was just so close—just that tiny bit—that Mima's career might have been in jeopardy.

As Mima was one of the players with the highest promise for the Pro Baseball, suddenly having him out of the draft because of an injury is equivalent to a sin for Takeda.

Winning the World Championship is cool and dandy, but if they lose a few once-in-a-decade talents, for that is not worth it.

And Miyuki, too, would be one of the most sought-after in the draft; if something happens to him, he wouldn't forgive himself.

Even if this experiment failed, and they didn't win the championship, Takeda could deal with it.

Once again, Takeda discovered how deep the risk involved by inviting talents from all over Japan.

So, Takeda, after consulting with the coaching staff, decided to give more opportunities to the other players.

This way, he will give them a chance to shine, disrupt the opponent's strategy, and he won't risk his players.

Therefore, Takeda will use Renji as his starting catcher.

The catcher is like a coach on the field.

Before the game against America, Takeda was really looking forward to Renji as the coach.

Previously, he had discussed strategies with Miyuki,

But now, he just had a new partner to work with.

Renji didn't act overly surprised or nervous about being selected as the main catcher.

He remained calm and composed.

Takeda was very satisfied with Renji's demeanor.

"You've trained with Sawamura before. What do you think of his ability? How does your partnership with him compare to your partnership with Hongou?"

In a situation like this, even though Sawamura's skills were a bit superior,

Takeda wasn't sure if the pairing of Sawamura and Renji would be the best choice.

Renji and Hongou were a golden duo, having worked together for many years, and their combined strength was proven.

Although Sawamura was stronger, he had only practiced with Renji privately,

They hadn't yet formed a partnership on the field.

How effective would their synergy be?

That was still an unknown.

Given this, Takeda was very curious to hear Renji's thoughts.

Renji's response, however, exceeded Takeda's expectations.

"I think Sawamura is better suited to be the pitcher in the finals."

He didn't even suggest that both players were equally good—he directly said Sawamura was the best fit.

"Why? I thought you would say Hongou, or at least both could work."

"Masamune is fine, but if I had to choose, I'd pick Sawamura."

"Can you give me a reasonable explanation?"

"I've worked with Sawamura before, even if it was just a simple pitching exercise. But from that experience, I saw a lot."

"Also, based on the intelligence we've gathered so far."

When Renji spoke of this, his eyes were different.

"I believe there is no one more suited to the role than Sawamura. In terms of pure ability, I don't think I'm stronger with Sawamura than with Masamune. Personally, I might work better with Masamune. But with our team shifting more players suddenly. I believe the only one like our Captain Sawamura is suitable. None of the other players have it."

After hearing Renji's explanation, Takeda felt both comforted and surprised.

The kids today were truly impressive.

Renji had noticed things that Takeda and the assistant coach hadn't even seen.

The team definitely needed a strong leader.

Otherwise, they'd be at a disadvantage against America.

Would the players have the will to win?

That was a big question.

"Very good!"

After discussing with Renji, Takeda asked one final question.

"Do you think Hongou isn't suitable to lead the team?"

As a friend and long-time partner, Renji clearly found it difficult to answer.

He pondered for a moment, then nodded.

"Masamune has a strong ego, even when working with his teammates, he has many issues. Let alone now, in this new team."

If things didn't go wrong, that would be a miracle.

If the team had smooth sailing without any conflicts, it would be one thing.

But if they were caught in a deadlock or facing a crisis, Renji could already imagine what would happen.

He silently apologized to Masamune in his mind.

Though Renji was thinking of the team's best interests,

He still felt guilty toward his friend.

But there was nothing he could do but quietly apologize.

This situation wasn't suitable for Hongou to pitch.

Not for the team, and not for Hongou himself.

Later that night, Takeda called a meeting with all the players.

He didn't mention the earlier accident.

What needed to be said had been said, and what needed to be decided had already been decided.

For the Japanese team, it was now in the past.

Their most important task now was to win the final.

"Tomorrow's game against America, the starting pitcher is…"

The next day, at 9 AM.

In the largest baseball stadium in Taipei, the World Youth Baseball Championship final officially began.

A large number of fans filled the stands.

There were about four to five thousand fans who traveled from Japan alone.

In professional baseball, this might not be a big deal.

Every team represents a city, and the city's residents even consider the team their faith and family.

Naturally, they would come to celebrate.

In contrast, student baseball is more subdued and doesn't attract too much attention.

But this time, it was clearly different.

Just looking at the support in the stands, the atmosphere was completely different!

...