Daiya no Ace Act II Chapter 73: Individual Strength and the Shape of the Team
The title is a mouthful, but it’s fitting for this chapter.
Because it’s not just about Eijun, or Miyuki, or Furuya, it’s about the team.
Starting from the ever reliable…
SHIRASU!! With his quick reaction and laser throw from the outfield.
Resulting in excellent 7-2 play. Miyuki smoothly takes out the runner to home. YESSSSS!!! I’ve been waiting for the spotlight to land on Shirasu. His growth and improvement have been noted, but more like a side note compared to others who are more flashy. ‘bout time! (even his triumphant mode is so modest)
Then we see the whole team move to support Eijun.
Understandably this has positive effect on Eijun.
He no longer hesitates, pitching more aggressively in second half of the game. Eijun never ceases to make me proud throughout this match. He lets himself be comforted and assured by his team. He allows himself to rely on his teammates. He draws strength from them.
He reflects on his every action, and figures out his mistake on his own without needing Miyuki to tell him. He performs admirably under pressure, throwing a pitch he’s not good at. He acknowledges his mistake, taking half of the blame as a the half of the partnership. He communicates with his catcher.
But most of all, his resolution is strong and his gaze is clear.
He wants to win for the team, and for his last summer with Miyuki.
He is as aware as Miyuki of the clock ticking down to the end of their battery. He has lost his chance with Chris, he undoubtedly doesn’t want to lose his chance with Miyuki, especially when he has been his reason and goal since he joined Seidou and yet… he manages to curb down his impatience, his anxiety and his worry, to work slowly, carefully, diligently.
There’s so much to learn from Eijun, if only Furuya could see that.
Right now it seems Furuya is just realizing that he’s being left behind. For so long, they have been at each other’s heels, not too far from each other. For some time, he has been ahead when Eijun’s getting back on his feet. This time the roles are switched. His response to this realization will be important. If he keeps going on the way he is, he won’t be able to catch up. He has to change.
I still have no idea how Furuya is going to do it. Although it’s interesting to note that Furuya and Yui’s reaction are particularly highlighted in this chapter. Yui is in the right mindset, admiring and thinking at the same time, but how about Furuya?
At this rate, Eijun is the ace. This is Seidou’s best lineup.
It feels like witnessing the team fully coming together, gears connecting together, individual strength combining and turning them into a strong, solid team, not unlike the old team we sorely miss.
I really, really want to see them go far and beyond with Eijun as the ace. Urgh, it feels still so far away. How will this match end? However it ends, it’ll likely to shape the team this summer.
jacobvanloon
germansingergirl
2087
origamiaround
theartofmadeline
stormborns
discoholicmusic
tangentwithtanner
