（Seidō Kōkō）
Inside the baseball field of Seidō High School.
A group of newly recruited members stood in two neat columns, waiting for the head coach's inspection with serious expressions.
After about a minute, head coach **Kataoka Teshin（片岡鉄心）** arrived, leading a group of second- and third-year players. Their presence was overwhelming, like a squad marching onto the battlefield.
All the freshmen immediately straightened their backs, eager to show their best spirit.
But in the crowd, there was one person who stood out for his calmness and composure.
**Hayashi Sora**.
His looks were outstanding—like a noble young man straight out of a manga.
Even in simple training clothes, he exuded a unique charm.
If he were to walk down the school road, he would surely attract the attention of countless girls.
Hayashi Sora listened as head coach Kataoka began his introduction:
"I am head coach Kataoka. Now, let's take turns introducing ourselves."
Sora's face was full of disbelief.
"I… transmigrated?"
"And… I've arrived in the world of Ace of Diamond?!"
A hint of bitterness appeared on his lips.
It wasn't that he hated transmigrating. After all, he'd been alone in his previous life.
And Ace of Diamond was one of his favorite anime before becoming an office worker.
Like countless fans, he had once fantasized about entering the world of Ace of Diamond and becoming a member of Seidō High School.
But…
He had never played baseball before.
[Ding! Sign-in system activated!]
[Ding! Sign in every day to get rewards. The more days you sign in, the better the rewards!]
Sora's eyes widened.
A system?
Can I get stronger just by signing in?
Isn't this the golden finger from so many web novels?
"Hah! I spent over ten years inactive in my previous life, and now I have a chance to reach the pinnacle!"
"Hahaha~~~"
The self-introductions continued.
"I'm Minami Takeshi. The position I want to defend is left field. Please take care of me!"
"Next."
"I'm Miyagawa Hiroshima. The position I want to defend is shortstop. I'm very confident in my defense!"
"Next."
"I'm…"
Sora glanced at the new students ahead of him. Seeing that there were still more than a dozen before his turn, he focused inward and pressed the [Sign in] button in his mind.
[Ding!]
[You have completed sign-in for Day 1!]
[Reward: World-Class Four-Seam Fastball!]
In an instant, the knowledge and experience of a world-class four-seam fastball flowed into Sora's mind!
The four-seam fastball is one of the first and most controlled pitches a pitcher learns.
The first ball every child throws in baseball is often the four-seam fastball, so it's a standard skill for most pitchers.
The technique is simple:
Gently place your index and middle fingers across the widest part of the seams…
Make the seams perpendicular to your fingers…
Release with a bottom-up spin from the fingertips…
Simple in motion, but it's the fastest pitch in baseball!
At his peak, the "Cuban Missile" Aroldis Chapman could throw a four-seam fastball at 168.98 km/h!
"In the original story, Komiya Takashi, who was famous nationwide, even in his second year of high school, his fastest pitch was only 156 km/h."
"But now, even if I'm not as strong as Chapman, with world-class skills and experience, I can throw a straight fastball over 156 km/h!"
"In other words, my current strength is already above Komiya Takashi's in his second year!"
Excitement flashed in Sora's eyes.
With this golden finger, he now had the ability to compete at the national level—and the strength to challenge the best!
---
"Kanemaru Shinji, from Songfang Junior Club. The position I want to defend is third base. Please take care of me."
Hearing this, Sora snapped back to reality. His turn was next.
But just as he was about to introduce himself, Sawamura Eijun, the protagonist of the original story, came running at full speed—late because he'd overslept.
Clearly, he wanted to sneak into the freshmen lineup while coach Kataoka was looking at Sora.
But the mischievous Miyuki Kazuya, hiding in the corner, shouted:
"Ah! Someone's not only late, but trying to sneak into the team!"
Sawamura Eijun froze.
He'd planned to sneak in together, but was betrayed by his crafty senior!
Meanwhile, Miyuki quietly slipped into the second- and third-year lineup.
But Sora knew—coach Kataoka had already noticed Miyuki's trick.
On the other side, Sawamura was sweating nervously, stumbling as he tried to explain:
"Um… I… this is…"
He noticed Miyuki had already blended in with the upperclassmen.
"When did he get in? Wait—did he use me as bait?!"
Realizing this, Sawamura was filled with resentment. He'd trusted Miyuki, but…
Before Sawamura could protest, coach Kataoka strode over.
"You! Late on the very first day—how dare you!"
Sawamura's face froze. His resentment instantly turned to anxiety, sweat pouring down his face.
"Uh…"
He swallowed.
He could sense something bad was about to happen.
Coach Kataoka glared at him.
"And you tried to sneak in! You've got some nerve!"
deep breath
"Run! Run until the end of morning exercise!"
Sawamura's worst fears came true.
Seidō High School is a baseball powerhouse.
Morning exercise lasts a full half hour.
Even adults would collapse after that—let alone a freshman like Sawamura.
At that moment, Sawamura felt like the world had lost all color.
"This was supposed to be a high school life full of hope… How did it turn out like this from the very start?!"
As Sawamura despaired, coach Kataoka's voice boomed again.
"And the two upperclassmen who share a dorm with this guy! And the big idiot who snuck into the team during the chaos—you all run too!"
At those words, the three upperclassmen—Kuramochi Yoichi, Masuko Toru, and Miyuki Kazuya—who had just been gloating, were all stunned.
Especially Kuramochi Yoichi, who regretted not dragging Sawamura out of bed.
Of course, his regret was only because he was being punished.
If he hadn't been, he'd have been proud of his trick!
---
**End of Chapter 1**
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