Home / Diamond no Ace: Coach, I Want to Be a Batter, Not a Pitcher! / Chapter 200: The Eve of the Koshien Battle

Read free on Ficlyn

Diamond no Ace: Coach, I Want to Be a Batter, Not a Pitcher!

Chapter 200: The Eve of the Koshien Battle · Nov 12, 2026

Prev Chapter Novel Info Next Chapter

Chapter List (248)

Page number / 5

151 Chapter 151: Seido’s Specialty — Brothers Home Run 2026-11-12
152 Chapter 152: The Match Ends — New Record 2026-11-12
153 Chapter 153: Before the Finals! Slider Evolution 2026-11-12
154 Chapter 154: The Showdown Before the Finals 2026-11-12
155 Chapter 155: The Post-Finals Debriefing Meeting 2026-11-12
156 Chapter 156: The Strategies of Both Sides 2026-11-12
157 Chapter 157: The Legend of Seido 2026-11-12
158 Chapter 158: The Shock of the Fatty Senior 2026-11-12
159 Chapter 159: Head-On Confrontation! Overwhelming Suppression 2026-11-12
160 Chapter 160: Don’t Be Selfish! Let’s Shoulder This Together 2026-11-12
161 Chapter 161: The Final! Seido vs. Inashiro 2026-11-12
162 Chapter 162: King vs. King: A Fiery Opening 2026-11-12
163 Chapter 163: Mutual Recognition 2026-11-12
164 Chapter 164: Seido’s Relentless Offense! Inashiro Under Pressure! 2026-11-12
165 Chapter 165: Last Year’s Grudge! An Eye for an Eye! 2026-11-12
166 Chapter 166: A 150 km/h Two-Seam! A Shocking Opening 2026-11-12
167 Chapter 167: An Overwhelming Strikeout!!! 2026-11-12
168 Chapter 168: The Shock of the Cutter! Shirakawa’s Fury 2026-11-12
169 Chapter 169: Cutter Establishes Authority! Three Consecutive Strikeouts to Open the Game 2026-11-12
170 Chapter 170: Complaints from Two Catchers 2026-11-12
171 Chapter 171: Inashiro’s Cleanup Batter 2026-11-12
172 Chapter 172: The Man Who Got Outs Complains About Everyone Else Striking Out 2026-11-12
173 Chapter 173: Untitled 2026-11-12
174 Chapter 174: The Resolve Behind a Single Hit 2026-11-12
175 Chapter 175: Defensive Mistake 2026-11-12
176 Chapter 176: Inashiro’s Counterattack 2026-11-12
177 Chapter 177: A Unique Approach 2026-11-12
178 Chapter 178: A Chain of Mistakes 2026-11-12
179 Chapter 179: Shirakawa’s Resentment 2026-11-12
180 Chapter 180: Untitled 2026-11-12
181 Chapter 181: Kominato Leaves the Game Due to Injury 2026-11-12
182 Chapter 182: The Little Brother Opens His Eyes! 2026-11-12
183 Chapter 183: The Best Way to Motivate Furuya 2026-11-12
184 Chapter 184: A Friendly Reminder 2026-11-12
185 Chapter 185: Narumiya Mei’s Winning Pitch 2026-11-12
186 Chapter 186: Narumiya’s Evolution 2026-11-12
187 Chapter 187: The Fallen Emperor Refuses to Yield 2026-11-12
188 Chapter 188: Inashiro’s Captain 2026-11-12
189 Chapter 189: Three-Pitch Strikeout — Narumiya Mei 2026-11-12
190 Chapter 190: Inashiro’s Counterattack 2026-11-12
191 Chapter 191: Using the Rules to His Advantage 2026-11-12
192 Chapter 192: Gradually Unsealing 2026-11-12
193 Chapter 193: The Two Aces Dominate 2026-11-12
194 Chapter 194: The Final Inning 2026-11-12
195 Chapter 195: The Quick Forkball Shocks the Entire Stadium! 2026-11-12
196 Chapter 196: Happy Graduation 2026-11-12
197 Chapter 197: Summer Continues 2026-11-12
198 Chapter 198: The Silent Narumiya Mei 2026-11-12
199 Chapter 199: Gold-Level Home Run 2026-11-12
200 Chapter 200: The Eve of the Koshien Battle 2026-11-12

August 1st.

The excitement within Seido Baseball Club had yet to die down.

During the team meeting, Coach Kataoka went over the day’s schedule, most notably the celebration banquet that would be held that evening.

Just as the meeting was about to end, Ushijima Wakatoshi raised his hand.

”Coach, may I say a few words?”

Coach Kataoka looked at him curiously.

”Of course. Come up.”

Although he didn’t know what Ushijima intended to say, he trusted him enough to hand over the floor.

Ushijima walked to the front of the room and faced the entire team.

”The Koshien opening ceremony will be held on August 7th.”

”The tournament schedule should be announced soon.”

His gaze swept across the second-string players.

”I have a question.”

”When Koshien begins, are you all planning to come and watch the games?”

”Of course!”

”We’ll definitely be there!”

The second-string players immediately responded with enthusiasm.

However, Ushijima’s next words stunned everyone.

”Then I hope you don’t come.”

Silence fell over the room.

The players stared at him in disbelief.

Not come?

The Ace was actually telling them not to cheer for the team?

Even Coach Kataoka looked surprised.

Nearby, Takashima Rei quietly adjusted her glasses, waiting to hear his explanation.

Ushijima continued calmly.

”The Koshien Final is scheduled for August 27th.”

”From the opening ceremony to the championship game, there are nearly three weeks.”

”Except for the third-year players, I don’t recommend that the first and second years spend that time following us around Koshien.”

Many players frowned in confusion.

Ushijima didn’t pause.

”Because once Koshien ends, the Autumn Tournament will begin almost immediately.”

”Our preparation time will be extremely limited.”

”If we make a deep run—or even reach the Final—then after Koshien we’ll still need time to recover before preparing for the Autumn Tournament.”

”At the same time, the third-years will retire and begin focusing on their studies and university entrance exams.”

As he spoke, he glanced toward the third-year members of the first string.

”By then, nearly half of our starting lineup will be gone.”

”Kominato-senpai.”

”Isashiki-senpai.”

”Yuki-senpai.”

”Masuko-senpai.”

”The core of Seido’s lineup will disappear all at once.”

The room gradually grew quieter.

Everyone understood what he meant.

”When that happens, the team will need capable players from the second string to step up and fill those vacancies.”

”So for the second-years, you only have one year remaining.”

”Theoretically, every minute you spend now should be used to improve yourself.”

”Your support means a lot to us.”

”But you shouldn’t sacrifice your final opportunity to earn a place on the first string just to cheer from the stands.”

The second-year players lowered their heads in thought.

Ushijima then turned toward the first-years.

”The same applies to my fellow first-years.”

”If you believe you have the ability to join the first string, then you should continue training during these weeks.”

”When the third-years retire, you’ll need to be ready to step into those empty positions immediately.”

”Only then can Seido maintain its strength.”

His expression softened slightly.

”As for the third-years who were unable to make the first string...”

”You don’t have another chance.”

”If you come to support us, we’ll be grateful.”

The room fell silent.

The joy that had filled everyone’s hearts moments ago had completely faded.

In its place was a newfound sense of urgency.

Because Ushijima was right.

This year was different.

Last year, Seido had failed to reach Koshien.

The team had begun rebuilding in early August, giving everyone plenty of time to train and prepare for the Autumn Tournament.

But this year was different.

This year, they had reached the national stage.

They could spend nearly an entire month competing at Koshien.

While that was an incredible achievement, it also meant sacrificing precious preparation time for the next generation of the team.

If Seido truly made it all the way to the championship game, then the Final would be held on August 27th.

After that, the players would still need time to recover.

Wouldn’t that push the start of the new team all the way into September?

If that happened, newly promoted first-string players would have far less time to develop and adjust.

For the first and second-years, those missing weeks could make a huge difference.

And Ushijima’s words had forced everyone to realize it.

”The next few weeks will determine who earns a place on the first-string roster for the Autumn Tournament.”

”So if you believe you have a chance, stay at school and train.”

”Use this opportunity to become stronger.”

”Of course, if there are second-years who simply want to experience Koshien or support us in person, then we’ll gladly welcome you.”

”But don’t come because you feel obligated.”

”Come only after you’ve considered your own future.”

”That’s all I wanted to say.”

With that, Ushijima stepped back.

The room remained silent for several seconds.

The third-years looked at him and smiled.

Once again, Ushijima had proven why he was worthy of being Seido’s Ace.

Coach Kataoka himself felt a trace of embarrassment.

These were matters he should have considered as the team’s leader.

Yet in his excitement after qualifying for Koshien, he had overlooked them.

Instead, it was Ushijima who had reminded everyone first.

The coach stood and faced the team.

”Did everyone hear what Ushijima said?”

He nodded approvingly toward his Ace.

”Those were exactly the things I should have told you.”

”To be honest, Seido hasn’t reached Koshien in six years.”

”Yesterday’s victory made me so happy that I forgot something important.”

”I forgot that this year’s rebuilding period would be much shorter than usual.”

The players were startled.

It wasn’t often they heard Coach Kataoka admit a mistake.

”So I owe all of you an apology.”

He bowed his head slightly.

”First-years. Second-years.”

”Continue your training throughout August.”

”Work hard and prepare yourselves for the future of Seido.”

A determined smile appeared on his face.

”And when we reach the Koshien Final...”

”Then come cheer for us.”

The room erupted into applause.

”Don’t worry.”

”You’ll definitely have the chance to go to Koshien and cheer for us.”

A confident smile appeared on Coach Kataoka’s face.

”This may be Seido’s first trip to Koshien in six years, but we’re not going there just to participate.”

”We’re going there to reach the Final.”

”So when that day comes, you can all be there to support us.”

”But before then, train harder than ever.”

”Fight for a place on the first string.”

”Be ready to fill the vacancies left behind after Koshien.”

”Understood?”

”UNDERSTOOD!!!”

The first and second-year players responded in unison, their voices echoing throughout the room.

Standing beside the coach, Ushijima suddenly spoke again.

”Also, I’d like to hold a Red-White Game later.”

”Huh?”

Miyuki’s eyes widened.

A Red-White Game?

They had just finished the Summer Tournament Final yesterday.

Even Coach Kataoka looked surprised.

”You have a reason for this, I assume?”

Originally, he had planned to let the players rest.

”It’s simple.”

Ushijima looked toward Furuya.

”Yesterday, during the fifth inning, I made a promise.”

”I told Furuya that however many bases he earned with that hit would equal the number of games he’d be allowed to start at Koshien.”

The players quickly recalled the conversation.

It had indeed happened.

”Furuya hit a double.”

”So according to our agreement, I’ll give him two starts.”

The room instantly became noisy.

Even Furuya himself was surprised.

He hadn’t expected Ushijima to actually bring it up with the coach.

At the same time, a trace of excitement flashed through his usually expressionless face.

Ever since Ushijima had become Seido’s Ace, opportunities to pitch in official games had become extremely limited.

Not because Furuya lacked talent.

But because Ushijima’s performances had been too stable.

There simply wasn’t an opportunity to take the mound away from him.

”Hold on.”

Isashiki immediately objected.

”His velocity is great, but his control is still shaky.”

”You’re seriously thinking about letting him start at Koshien?”

The other third-years also looked concerned.

”This is Koshien.”

”None of us know what kind of opponents we’ll face.”

”Isn’t this a little too risky?”

Even Coach Kataoka frowned.

He clearly wasn’t convinced.

”Ushijima, I can’t agree with this so easily.”

”You’re taking too much of a gamble.”

Ushijima had expected that reaction.

After all, nobody would casually hand over a Koshien start.

Still, he had made a promise.

And promises were meant to be kept.

Furuya remained silent, but his eyes never left the coach.

He wanted this opportunity.

Very badly.

”I understand the risk.”

Ushijima nodded.

”But Koshien will be a long and difficult tournament.”

”If Furuya can start two games, it’ll reduce the burden on me.”

The room quieted.

”The deeper we advance, the stronger our opponents will become.”

”If I can rest during the early rounds, it’ll help me maintain my condition for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and Final.”

He paused briefly.

”Of course, that assumes we make it that far.”

”If we lose in the first round, none of this matters.”

Several players couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

That was true.

”But I’m not asking you to let him pitch an entire game.”

Ushijima continued calmly.

”Just let him start.”

”If he allows multiple hits, creates a dangerous situation, or shows signs of giving up runs...”

”I’ll take over immediately.”

His tone remained steady.

”A starting pitcher doesn’t have to finish the game.”

Those words caused Coach Kataoka to fall silent.

Because Ushijima was right.

A starter was simply the pitcher who began the game.

Nothing more.

If Furuya struggled, they could make a pitching change at any moment.

And if Seido had already built a comfortable lead, allowing him to work through some mistakes would also help his development.

Most importantly—

Ushijima’s value to the team was immeasurable.

Koshien’s schedule was even more demanding than the Summer Tournament.

The further they advanced, the stronger the opposition would become.

Managing physical condition would be just as important as preparing for opponents.

Giving Ushijima two extra games of rest could make a tremendous difference later in the tournament.

After all, Seido’s greatest weapon was their Ace.

And that weapon needed to be protected.

Finally, Coach Kataoka nodded.

”...Alright.”

The room immediately brightened.

”We’ll give Furuya an opportunity.”

His eyes shifted toward the first-year pitcher.

”But his performance will determine how long he stays on the mound.”

Furuya straightened immediately.

”Yes!”

Coach Kataoka continued.

”With his velocity, it’s unlikely he’ll be completely overwhelmed from the very first inning.”

”If things start going wrong, Miyuki will call a timeout.”

”And if necessary, we’ll make a pitching change immediately.”

The decision was made.

For the first time since the Summer Tournament ended, Furuya felt the possibility of standing on Koshien’s mound with his own hands.

And deep within his eyes, a fire quietly ignited.

Prev Chapter Novel Info Next Chapter

Recommended Novels

The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era Tyramisu

Rebirth: The Courtyard Bride Is Cool and Radiant Spring Splendor in the Garden

Supreme Warrior in the City River Handsome

The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated Ruqing Rusu

My Silly, Sweet Wife Bu Fei

Library of Heaven’s Path Heng Sao Tian Ya

The Divine Urban Physician The Wind Laughs

King of Gods Fast Food Resturant

Hogwarts: Even Voldemort Can't Stop Me From Studying Yamaha

Prodigal System in the Flourishing City Wind and Thunder Brewing Wine

The Lovely Heiress Is Actually A God Beast Have a Bowl of Noodles

Sect Recruitment: I Can See Attribute Entries joyce_4070

Master Of None 1King_Rep1

The King's Avatar Butterfly Blue

D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad Vongrak