Return of the ACE {Adapted Ace of the diamond}

Chapter 1

Sawamura POV: 

Today is the big day! After spending five years as a minor league pitcher, I'm finally making my Major League debut. It's been five years since I moved to America to pursue my dream of playing Professional baseball. After graduating high school, I received multiple offers to go pro, and one of the teams was the Chicago Cubs. I knew I wanted to go pro and face a variety of opponents, so I chose the Cubs. Convincing my mom took some effort, but fortunately, my dad and grandpa managed to persuade her. Moving to the States was challenging, especially when it came to communication, even with a translator. So, I began learning English while honing my pitching skills. I'm grateful to have Animal, my mentor Chris's father, guiding me through this journey.

After playing in the minor leagues for the Cubs, I signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers to play in the Major League. When I received the offer, I was over the moon because I finally had the chance to form a battery with none other than Chris Senpai. Chris was two years ahead of me in high school and also my mentor, teaching me the intricacies of baseball and showing me how it can be both challenging and awe-inspiring. In high school, we were unable to form an official battery due to his injury. He is a catcher, but more accurately, an all-rounder. His father was a professional baseball player, so he literally grew up around the sport. Without a doubt, I wouldn't be in the position I am today without him. 

We were on our way to Dodger Stadium for the first game at our home field. Chris Senpai sat beside me and remarked, "Hey! You look pale. Did you sleep at all? and You're spacing out." I admitted that I couldn't sleep and had been reflecting on how everything began. He simply nodded in understanding and continued listening to music. Today, we were up against the Rangers. I struggled to find my rhythm in the first inning, but I managed to catch up. After two hours of play, the game ended with the Dodgers winning 5-3 over the Rangers. After Series of games our last opponent is Yankees. we lost the game by 1 run and Yankees won the MLB Season.

We're heading back to Chris Senpai's place, where I'm staying for now since it's convenient. Chris asked me why I wasn't using my catchphrase anymore, and I replied that I had stopped doing it a while ago. The next day, we met up with a few team members for dinner, and Chris was telling them about how I used to have a hotheaded and loudmouthed personality. Mike, the leadoff batter, remarked that I'm still a loudmouth.

Time skip for 5 years:

Today is the final game between Dodgers and Yankees. Standing on the mound for the final game of the MLB World Series, I could feel the intensity coursing through the stadium. The Yankees struck first with a solo home run in the second inning, and the pressure was palpable. Determined to keep my team in the game, I focused on each pitch, delivering fastballs and curveballs with precision. In the fourth inning, our team finally broke through with a two-run double, and the energy in the dugout surged. Every inning felt like a battle, with both defenses making incredible plays to keep the game tight.

By the eighth inning, the tension was at its peak. With the bases loaded and two outs, our star hitter delivered a clutch single, driving in two crucial runs and giving us the lead. I knew the ninth inning would be our final test. The Yankees managed to get a runner on base with a double, but I dug deep, focusing on every pitch. With the crowd on their feet, I threw a blazing fastball to strike out the final batter. The stadium erupted in cheers as we clinched a 3-2 victory. The sheer intensity and elation of that moment will forever be etched in my memory.

After the season ended, we all had some free time before training began again. I called Chris Senpai to see if he was free for lunch, and we decided to meet at Hayato Restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised to find Tanba Senpai and Yuki Senpai with Chris. Seeing them filled me with joy, as I had played baseball with them and Chris in high school. They were in the same year as Chris. It had been a decade since I'd seen any of my teammates. My seniors and classmates after graduating joined college teams or went pro. After moving to the States, I stayed in touch with them initially, but eventually lost contact due to my busy schedule. Occasionally, I hear about them from Chris Senpai.

Yuki asked us when we would visit Japan for a reunion. Excitedly, I mentioned that we have a guest match with one of the NPB teams in a few months, although the club hasn't been decided yet. When I heard the news from my coach, I was thrilled because I might get to play against one of my high school teammates. Both Tanba and Yuki Senpai play for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in the NPB. After graduation, they joined college baseball to gain more experience before going pro. While we were eating, we received an email revealing which club we would be playing against. We're going to face the Yomiuri Giants. 

Tanba laughed and joked that one of the best high school battery duos would now be facing each other as opponents. It's been over a decade since I last saw Miyuki. After graduation, he got drafted and went pro. He's the reason I joined the Seidou High School Baseball Team. I missed him a lot after he graduated, as I always stuck around him in high school. Just the thought of seeing him again made me smile unconsciously.

My heart raced with every passing day, not just from the excitement of the upcoming game, but from the realization that I'd finally see Miyuki again.