Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

Chapter 364: Rising Ambitions, an Unordinary Heart

This led to an unavoidable situation—

No matter where Eijun appeared at school, he instantly became the center of attention.

Like right now.

Even though he was simply sitting at his desk, seriously studying the scoresheet, he could feel the countless gazes directed at him from all around the classroom.

Some were subtle, while others were anything but.

Especially from the girls.

Many of them blushed just from looking at his side profile or the way he focused on his work.

These were teenage girls, after all, at the age where they were just beginning to experience their first crushes.

And all their budding affections were directed toward Seidou's ace.

…Well, calling it love might be an exaggeration.

But a soft admiration? That was very real.

It was an incredibly common thing during high school.

After all, sports and music were the two surefire ways for guys to catch a girl's attention at this age.

Just look at those talented basketball players in high schools across the country.

As long as they weren't too unfortunate-looking, even a somewhat decent face was enough to attract a fan following.

Eijun was no exception.

In fact, he had it far worse.

If a certain wise and dignified Kuramochi saw this scene…

Well.

That would be the start of another spectacle.

Yet, Eijun himself remained completely unaware.

He was too engrossed in the scoresheet, oblivious to the heated discussions and strange looks surrounding him.

…That is, if he was truly focused.

Because honestly, even he was starting to feel weirded out by the situation.

After all—

Two very handsome guys were sitting way too close together.

It would be stranger if people didn't stare.

Especially Kanemaru and their slightly airheaded team manager, Haruno, who both had peculiar expressions on their faces.

Kanemaru, in particular, twitched at the sight of the duo in front of him.

"What the hell is this combination supposed to be?"

Eijun sighed internally before turning his head toward the expressionless figure sitting right beside him—

The Seidou High baseball team's No. 11 power pitcher, Furuya.

They were practically glued together.

It was impossible for this scene not to attract unwanted attention.

"...Hey, Furuya-kun, I already told you—I'll finish reading it this morning and give it to you in the afternoon. Can't you just wait?"

Eijun cast an exasperated glance at Furuya, his headache growing.

"Mm."

Furuya simply gave a short nod.

But he made no move to leave.

Eijun could feel his patience wearing thin.

He had no idea how Furuya even found out he was learning to read the scoresheet from Miyuki, but ever since this morning, the guy had been camping outside his classroom during every break.

Eijun could already guess what Furuya was thinking.

But still.

As he subtly glanced around the room, a chill ran down his spine.

If this continued much longer…

He wouldn't be surprised if rumors started spreading about him and a certain someone having some sort of unspeakable secret relationship.

That was a nightmare scenario.

Just thinking about it made his stomach turn.

But then again…

Eijun took another look at his airheaded, baseball-obsessed teammate and let out a deep sigh.

How was he even supposed to reason with this guy?

The only things in Furuya's head were baseball and more baseball.

He never considered anything else.

"Sigh…"

Eijun let out a long sigh in his heart.

Maybe… this was just his fate.

While he was busy feeling troubled, he didn't notice the peculiar look in Furuya's eyes as he gazed at him.

That gaze was different from before.

It was no longer just admiration or the look of someone chasing after a role model. There was something deeper hidden within it.

As Furuya stared at the side of Eijun's face, memories of the night after their victory against Teito surfaced in his mind.

...

"You want me to coach you?"

Ochiai looked at the first-year pitcher standing before him, his lips curling into a knowing smile.

"Yes."

Furuya nodded firmly.

"And why is that?"

"I want to pitch more," Furuya answered plainly, but there was no mistaking the determination in his voice.

"Pitch more?" Ochiai narrowed his eyes, a glint of amusement flashing through them. "Isn't Coach Kataoka already giving you rotation opportunities?"

His words carried a subtle implication, one that would have been clear to anyone else.

But this was Furuya.

A baseball-obsessed natural airhead.

If it wasn't directly related to the game, he simply didn't get it.

Furuya hesitated slightly at Ochiai's words, falling into brief silence.

Then, his eyes flashed with unshakable resolve.

"It's not enough. I want more—more power, more chances to pitch. And…"

Furuya clenched his fists.

"I want that number!! The number that means recognition from everyone!!"

His voice carried a rare intensity, his determination leaving no room for doubt.

Ochiai met his gaze, his sharp eyes briefly glinting with intrigue.

"That won't be easy, you know?"

"Sawamura Eijun—he's the most talented pitcher I've ever seen in my life."

"And not just as a pitcher. If you take away his mound presence, he'd still be a starter as an outfielder. His batting is strong enough that he could very well be Seidou's cleanup hitter. Your gap with him isn't just in pitching—it's in every aspect of the game. Do you understand that?"

Ochiai stroked his chin, speaking with an indifferent tone.

Furuya's grip tightened.

Of course he knew.

Of course he understood.

The difference between them was clear.

And that was precisely why he felt so frustrated.

Hearing it spelled out so bluntly only made his desire burn stronger.

It was a feeling he had never experienced before joining Seidou.

Eijun's presence on the field, the way he commanded the spotlight, the way the crowd cheered for him—

For the first time, Furuya admitted it.

He envied him.

He was jealous.

He wanted to take his place.

And ever since Eijun became the team's ace, that desire had never burned stronger.

Furuya refused to be anyone's shadow.

He would not be anyone's background character.

"I understand," he said firmly.

"That's why I'm going to surpass him!!"

Ochiai chuckled.

"Interesting."

Eijun was undeniably a once-in-a-decade talent.

But Furuya—

He was also a future star pitcher in the making.

If developed properly, perhaps one day he could truly stand on equal ground with Eijun.

A pitcher with overwhelming velocity. A natural-born power pitcher.

And on top of that, he had batting talent as well.

A player with limitless potential.

"Since you're that determined, I'll train you properly."

Ochiai tapped his fingers on his chin, thinking.

"Now, where should we start… Ah, I know. We'll begin with lower body stability training. Strengthen your base first."

"Then, I'll teach you the slider."

"With your height and speed, that pitch could become your greatest weapon. We'll start with a vertical slider. Training will be harsher than anything you've done before."

Furuya's eyes burned with determination.

"I'm ready for it."

Ochiai smirked.

"Good."

Under the deep night sky, Furuya had taken the first true step in his evolution—not just in mentality, but in action.

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