Ace of Diamond Act II Episode 1: Beyond the Dream

The stadium lights signal a new day, but the voiceover from Coach Kataoka speaks of the present moment, reminding us that past failures and future worries are mere distractions. We see glimpses of the Seidou Baseball Team, poised and ready. Then, Eijun Sawamura stands on the mound, arms raised, proclaiming his readiness to face whatever comes. His jersey, for a fleeting moment, shows the coveted number '1', hinting at what is to come. His enthusiasm is palpable, a blend of youthful arrogance and earnest determination.

The scene shifts to a team meeting where Coach Kataoka reveals his plan: Sawamura will start tomorrow's game against Norikane, with the expectation that he pitches the entire game. The gravity of the announcement settles on Sawamura, his hands trembling, but his resolve remains unshaken. He shouts, 'Understood! I will definitely live up to your expectations, Boss!', cementing his commitment. This public declaration solidifies his position, observed by both seasoned teammates like Haruichi Kominato and the surprised first-years.

Coach Kataoka discusses with Coach Ochiai how Sawamura's pitching has carried the team while Satoru Furuya struggled. This thoughtful exchange leads to the team assembly where Kataoka announces a jersey swap, giving Sawamura the number '1' and Furuya the '11'. Sawamura's stunned reaction, followed by his trembling hands as he grasps the ace jersey, speaks volumes. Furuya's internal monologue confirms the shifting dynamic, acknowledging that for Sawamura, 'Your journey begins here.'

The sun rises over Meiji Jingu Stadium, marking the start of the National High School Baseball Championship Tokyo Tournament. Rival teams like Inashiro Industrial and Ichidai Sankou make their confident entrances. The Seidou team, led by Miyuki, Furuya, and the newly badged Sawamura, walks with purpose. Sawamura's voiceover expresses the immense significance of this tournament: his first as the ace, and the last for his beloved third-year teammates. His determination to win the national championship is absolute.

The game against Norikane begins with an immediate offensive explosion from Seidou. Haruichi Kominato hits a powerful home run on the very first pitch, stunning the Norikane pitcher. This is swiftly followed by Kenjiro Shirasu's three-run homer, piling on the runs. The Norikane pitcher drops the ball in frustration, his despair evident as Seidou's lead grows quickly. The crowd and the Seidou dugout erupt in cheers, celebrating the early dominance.

Norikane's pitcher struggles, throwing wild pitches and allowing walks. The journalists observe the Norikane defense's unease. Youichi Kuramochi capitalizes on the disarray with a strong hit. The strategic acumen of Haruichi Kominato is highlighted as he prolongs his at-bat, gathering information for the dugout. Shinji Kanemaru delivers a crucial hit, bringing in more runs. Miyuki praises Kanemaru's strength against fastballs, showcasing the team's understanding of their opponents and their own strengths.

With a significant 6-0 lead, Sawamura takes the mound. His teammates, including Kuramochi and Haruichi, offer vocal support, telling him, 'Tomorrow, we’ll back you up with our bats! Don’t strain your neck, Eijun-kun.' Sawamura, buoyed by their confidence and the comfortable lead, agrees with Miyuki that their primary goal is to prevent a hitting battle. His focus is clear, ready to control the game's flow.

Sawamura faces Yuuichi Shibukawa, Norikane's powerful fourth batter. Miyuki and Sawamura work together to test Shibukawa, with Miyuki observing his aggressive swing. First-years Yui and Okumura discuss the daily variability of pitchers' 'numbers,' acknowledging the challenge. Sawamura's split-finger fastball proves to be a formidable weapon, baffling Shibukawa as the ball seems to 'disappear.' Sawamura stands firm, unwilling to yield.

Sawamura dispatches another batter with a weak hit, securing the second out. He returns to face Shibukawa, who is visibly frustrated. The Seidou bench celebrates each strikeout, impressed by Sawamura's control. Yui notes Miyuki's strategy of setting up batters with high fastballs before finishing them with low split-finger fastballs, calling it an 'evil lead'. Miyuki’s voiceover confirms his deliberate strategy, highlighting his role in channeling Sawamura’s raw talent.

With Seidou's lead expanding, Sawamura continues to pitch fiercely. Miyuki walks to the mound, calmly explaining that while a solo home run isn't a threat, consecutive hits are. He then delivers a poignant message: 'Even if we give up 2 or 3 runs, it doesn’t matter, but…' Sawamura interjects, 'I don’t want to give up any runs. Not even one run.' Miyuki smiles, reminding him, 'Take it all on. That’s the ace you want to be.' This conversation empowers Sawamura to fully embrace the immense pressure.

Sawamura, invigorated by Miyuki's words, pitches with renewed intensity, striking out Shibukawa and another Norikane batter. His eyes glow with fierce determination, pushing his body to its limits. After the game, with a resounding 13-0 victory, Coach Kataoka approaches Sawamura, telling him, 'You threw too much.' But his hand on Sawamura's shoulder, and his next words, 'But today, that’s fine. I wanted you to pitch with all your might until the very end,' convey profound satisfaction. The defeated Norikane team bows, accepting their overwhelming loss.

As the victorious Seidou team leaves the stadium, Kawakami and Okumura discuss Sawamura's remarkable growth. Kawakami observes that Sawamura is now 'a true ace,' completely changed by his focus and maturity. Sawamura responds with humility and gratitude. Later, Sawamura and Miyuki walk side-by-side. Miyuki offers simple words of praise and encouragement, 'Nice win,' and 'I’m proud of you, Sawamura.' Their easy camaraderie and shared determination as they head towards the future underscore the powerful bond forged through their collective ambition.