Diamond no Ace: My Sharingan

In the days leading up to the big game, the Seidou High School Baseball Team focused all their efforts on preparing for Inashiro Industrial.

After several days of analysis, Coach Kataoka made a surprising strategic adjustment—one that caught everyone off guard.

On the day of the semifinals.

The Seidou players arrived at Jingu Stadium half an hour early to change in the locker room.

"Whoa! As expected of Jingu Stadium. This locker room is even bigger than the one at Hachioji!"

—Isashiki Jun exclaimed, his small mustache twitching in excitement.

Some third-years had been here before, so they weren't surprised.

But for many of the first- and second-years—and even a few seniors—it was their first time stepping into Jingu, one of the country's most iconic stadiums.

Everything felt brand new and exciting.

"This is a professional team's locker room. Of course it's different,"

—Chris said with a smile.

As one of the homes of pro baseball, Jingu Stadium boasted top-tier facilities.

"Just changing here has my blood boiling!

Once we step on the field, we'll make those Inashiro guys run for their lives!"

—Azuma Kiyokuni bellowed, laughing boldly.

Normally, Azuma wasn't the type to spout such bravado.

But today was different.

Their opponent was Inashiro Industrial—the team that had stood in Seidou's way for years.

This wasn't just a game.

It was personal.

Seidou had failed to reach Koshien for several consecutive years—and more than half those losses were because of Inashiro.

For veteran players like Azuma, who had faced Inashiro multiple times since their early days on the First String, the grudge ran deep.

Now that they finally had the chance to strike back, the fire in their hearts burned brighter than ever.

"Just you wait, Senpai. We'll win this for sure!"

"Inashiro might be strong, but they're still a step behind us!"

The other players rallied behind Azuma's enthusiasm, hyping each other up as they exited the locker room.

But the moment they stepped out, the sheer magnitude of the crowd made them freeze.

In earlier rounds, their games had only drawn a few hundred spectators.

Even in the quarterfinals, total attendance was barely over a thousand.

But today?

Today was different.

The stands were packed.

At least a thousand Seidou students had come to support them, waving banners and cheering loudly.

An entire orchestra was present.

So was the cheerleading squad.

The atmosphere felt more like a school festival than a baseball game.

And across the stadium—

The students of Inashiro Industrial mirrored the exact same energy.

They, too, had brought a band and cheer squad.

Add to that the thousands of neutral fans who came specifically to watch this clash of titans—

And the stadium had become a boiling cauldron of noise and anticipation.

"Oh my god…"

—Isashiki Jun licked his lips subconsciously.

He had thought himself experienced in big games.

But even he felt his blood run hot at the sight.

"So this… this is the West Tokyo Semifinals!"

Meanwhile, the players of Inashiro Industrial were stepping out of their dugout.

And they, too, felt the intensity.

"This is where a genius like me belongs,"

—Narumiya Mei adjusted his cap, his face gleaming with excitement.

"He's the Tokyo Prince, after all. Of course he deserves this spotlight."

—Carlos, a fellow first-year, grinned beside him.

"The Seidou guys are already here."

"Today's going to be a hell of a match."

—Shirakawa added with a calm smile.

The trio didn't look nervous.

If anything, they looked eager.

Because only in matches like this—where legends clashed—could newcomers like them earn their place.

They were ready.

As per tradition, twenty players from each team lined up at the center of the field and bowed.

"Please guide us!"

"Please guide us!!"

The air was thick with tension.

As Zhou Hao looked up, his eyes locked onto Narumiya Mei—who was smiling directly at him.

"I'm waiting for you,"

Narumiya mouthed.

Though his voice was soft, Zhou Hao could clearly read his lips.

"That's Narumiya Mei,"

—Miyuki Kazuya leaned toward Zhou Hao.

"The best pitcher of our generation. Maybe even the best in all of Kanto."

He then turned, expecting some kind of reaction from Zhou Hao.

But Zhou Hao remained expressionless.

"Tch… Can't you at least pretend to care?"

"As a fellow pitcher, you should say something!"

Zhou Hao gave him a blank look.

"Then what do you want me to say?"

"I dunno—something like 'If I beat him, I'll be the best in Kanto!' or whatever!"

—Miyuki replied, mock-serious.

Zhou Hao sighed and gave him a light pat on the forehead.

"Stop watching so much shounen anime."

"Today, I'm the starting pitcher. He's the reliever."

"We probably won't even face each other."

Simple logic.

"You're really something, huh?"

—Miyuki smirked, but the light in his eyes sparkled.

He was truly starting to enjoy fighting alongside Zhou Hao.

And as that thought crossed his mind, his gaze flicked toward Chris.

"I will surpass you…"

Chris, as if sensing Miyuki's resolve, turned his back with a cool composure, as if to say:

"Try it, if you can."

With everything ready, both teams returned to their dugouts.

The announcer's voice echoed across the stadium:

"Welcome to the West Tokyo Tournament Semifinals, Game One—Seidou High School vs. Inashiro Industrial High School!

The match… officially begins!"

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