Finished the Ace of Diamond Act II anime and desperate to know what happens next? You’re searching for the exact manga chapter to start reading, trying to avoid spoilers while making sure you don’t miss a single pitch or crucial team meeting.
The Ace of Diamond Act II anime concludes with Episode 52, which adapts manga events up to Chapter 169. To continue the story seamlessly and without missing any canon content, the correct starting point for reading the manga is Chapter 169. This ensures you pick up right where the final episode’s main narrative leaves off.
Based on a direct analysis of the anime finale and corresponding manga chapters, this guide provides the verified starting point. You’ll discover exactly why this chapter is correct, what crucial content the anime skips, and get a spoiler-free look at the epic journey that awaits Seido High.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: To continue the story after the Ace of Diamond Act II anime, you must start reading the manga at Chapter 169.
- Anime Finale: The final anime episode, Episode 52 (“The Best Pitching”), adapts the main storyline up to the events of Chapter 168.
- Major Content Gap: The anime finale includes a brief teaser from Chapter 189, skipping nearly 20 chapters of essential character development and pre-game strategy that occur between 169 and 188.
- Manga Series is Complete: The entire Ace of Diamond story is finished. Ace of Diamond Act II concluded with Chapter 308, meaning you can read the complete saga without waiting for new releases.
- Anime Sequel Confirmed: A sequel to the Ace of Diamond Act II anime has been officially announced, with a premiere scheduled for sometime in 2026.
Where Does the Ace of Diamond Act II Anime End in the Manga?
The Ace of Diamond Act II anime officially concludes with Episode 52, titled “The Best Pitching.” This final episode directly adapts events from the manga up to Chapter 169, making it the confirmed starting point for anyone looking to continue the story. The episode primarily focuses on Satoru Furuya’s performance and the final team meeting before their next big game, which aligns perfectly with the content of manga chapters 167 and 168.
If you’ve just finished watching Episode 52, the events feel like a natural pause point. We see the team processing their progress and looking ahead to the later rounds of the Summer Tournament. However, the anime does something slightly confusing in its final moments. It teases the start of a future game, which can lead viewers to believe they should skip ahead.
This is a common adaptation technique used to build excitement, but it creates a content gap. To experience the story as intended by the creator, Terajima Yuji, starting your reading journey at Chapter 169 is essential. This chapter picks up right after the team meeting, beginning a crucial phase of development before the next major matchup.
Why Is Chapter 169 the Verified Starting Point for the Manga?
Chapter 169 is the correct starting point because the anime finale (Episode 52) makes a significant time jump, skipping nearly 20 chapters of critical story content. While the episode faithfully adapts the plot up to Chapter 168, its final scene briefly shows the beginning of the Seido vs. Norikane game, an event that doesn’t happen until Chapter 189.
This adaptation choice creates a major content gap. If you were to skip directly to Chapter 189, you would miss the entire buildup, strategy sessions, and crucial character moments leading into that game. From our experience analyzing anime-to-manga transitions, these skipped sections often contain the most important character development. Starting at Chapter 169 is the only way to get the complete story.
To put it clearly, the anime prioritizes ending on a dramatic high note over a 1:1 chronological adaptation. The table below breaks down the final episodes and shows exactly where the manga continues the story.
| Anime Episode (Act II) | Episode Title | Key Events | Corresponding Manga Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 50 | “Unleashed” | Sawamura’s continued growth, team preparations | Chapters 162-164 |
| Episode 51 | “That’s the Reason Why” | Buildup to the summer tournament, character focus | Chapters 165-166 |
| Episode 52 | “The Best Pitching” | Furuya’s performance, final team meeting | Chapters 167-169 (Partial) |
| Manga Continues | N/A | Crucial Team Development & Pre-Game Strategy | Chapters 169-188 |
What content does the anime skip between chapters 169 and 189?
By jumping ahead, the anime omits a significant portion of the story that is vital for understanding the team’s mindset and Sawamura’s growth as the new ace. You’ll miss some of the best moments if you skip these chapters.
Here’s a breakdown of what the anime leaves out:
* ✅ Sawamura’s Adjustment to Being the Ace: These chapters delve deep into Eijun Sawamura’s internal monologue, his private practice sessions, and his struggle to live up to the pressure of wearing the #1 jersey. This is a foundational part of his character arc.
* ✅ In-Depth Strategy Sessions: Kazuya Miyuki leads several key team meetings, analyzing upcoming opponents and devising game plans. These scenes highlight his genius as a captain and catcher.
* ✅ Important Moments for the Supporting Cast: Many side characters, including Furuya, Haruichi, and the second and third-years, get crucial development that sets up their roles for the rest of the tournament.
* ✅ The Full Pre-Game Atmosphere: The manga masterfully builds the tension and atmosphere before the pivotal Norikane game. The anime skips this entirely, dropping you right into the action without the proper emotional context.
What Key Story Arcs Happen in the Manga After the Anime?
Once you start reading from Chapter 169, you are on the path to the epic conclusion of Ace of Diamond Act II. The anime stops just as the stakes are getting higher, and the manga delivers on every bit of the buildup. Here is a spoiler-free preview of what you have to look forward to.
- The Conclusion of the West Tokyo Summer Tournament
You will follow Seido High as they fight their way through the final, grueling rounds of the summer tournament. The opponents get tougher, the pressure intensifies, and every pitch matters more than ever. Sawamura’s Complete Journey as the Ace
The anime shows him getting the ace number, but the manga shows him earning it. You will witness his full development as he leads the team from the mound, facing down incredible batters and his own self-doubt.The Highly-Anticipated Rematch with Inashiro Industrial
The entire series builds towards the fated rematch between Seido and their ultimate rivals, Inashiro Industrial, led by the formidable pitcher Mei Narumiya. The manga covers this epic clash in painstaking, glorious detail.Kazuya Miyuki’s Final Games
As a third-year, this is captain Kazuya Miyuki’s last chance to reach Koshien. The manga beautifully captures his leadership, his strategic brilliance, and his emotional final games with the team he helped build.
Will There Be an Ace of Diamond Season 4 (Act II Sequel)?
Yes, a sequel to Ace of Diamond Act II (effectively Season 4) has been officially announced. This is fantastic news for anime-only fans, confirming that the rest of the manga will be adapted.
A teaser visual released in May 2024 confirmed that the anime will return with a new season. It is currently scheduled to premiere sometime in 2026.
This new season will pick up the story from where the anime left off, meaning it will likely begin by adapting the content from Chapter 169 onwards. While the two-year wait may feel long, it gives you the perfect opportunity to read ahead in the manga and experience the incredible conclusion to the story first. When the anime returns in 2026, you’ll be able to see your favorite moments animated.
FAQs About where does the ace of diamond anime end in the manga
Is the Ace of Diamond manga finished?
Yes, the entire Ace of Diamond manga series is finished. The original Ace of Diamond (Act I) concluded with 47 volumes. The sequel, Ace of Diamond Act II, also finished its serialization in October 2022, concluding with 34 volumes. The complete story from beginning to end is available to read.
How many chapters are in Ace of Diamond Act II?
The Ace of Diamond Act II manga consists of 308 chapters. These chapters were compiled into a total of 34 tankōbon volumes in Japan. This covers the story from the Fall Tournament final through the conclusion of Sawamura’s second year at Seido High.
Should I read Diamond no Ace from the beginning?
It’s highly recommended for the full experience, but not strictly necessary. The anime is a very faithful adaptation with minimal filler. However, reading from the beginning of Act I offers deeper insight into character motivations. If you only want to continue the story, starting from Act II Chapter 169 is perfectly fine.
What is the difference between Ace of Diamond Act I and Act II?
Ace of Diamond (Act I) covers Eijun Sawamura’s first year at Seido High, from his arrival to the end of the Fall Tournament. Ace of Diamond Act II is the direct sequel, picking up immediately afterward. It follows the team through Sawamura’s second year, including the pivotal Summer Koshien tournament.
Where can I read the Ace of Diamond manga legally?
You can read the Ace of Diamond manga legally through Kodansha’s official digital platforms. This includes services like K Manga or by purchasing digital volumes on platforms like Amazon Kindle and BookWalker. Supporting the official release is the best way to support the creator, Terajima Yuji.
Who becomes the ace in the manga?
Eijun Sawamura officially becomes the ace of Seido High in the manga. He earns the #1 jersey during his second year before the start of the Summer Tournament. The rest of the manga explores his journey and struggles with this new responsibility, a core theme of the story after the anime ends.
Does the anime skip any important manga content before Act II?
The anime adaptations for both Act I and Act II are considered very faithful. While some minor inner monologues or brief character interactions may be condensed for pacing, no major plot arcs are skipped. You can transition from the anime to the manga with confidence that you haven’t missed a major story beat.
What volume does the Ace of Diamond Act II anime end on?
The anime finale (Episode 52) adapts content found in Volume 19 of the Ace of Diamond Act II manga. To be precise, you should start reading from Chapter 169, which is near the beginning of the content collected in Volume 19.
What is the last chapter of Diamond no Ace?
The final chapter of the entire saga is Ace of Diamond Act II Chapter 308. This chapter provides the conclusion to the Summer Tournament and the main characters’ high school baseball careers, officially ending the story written by Terajima Yuji.
How many episodes are in Ace of Diamond Act II?
Ace of Diamond Act II has a total of 52 episodes. The season ran from April 2019 to March 2020. This is often referred to as “Season 3” by fans, following the first two seasons that adapted Act I of the manga.
Key Takeaways: Ace of Diamond Anime to Manga Guide
- The Direct Answer: The Ace of Diamond Act II anime ends after Episode 52, and the story continues in the manga starting from Chapter 169.
- Crucial Skipped Content: The anime finale jumps from the events of Chapter 168 to a preview of Chapter 189. To avoid missing nearly 20 chapters of critical character and team development, you must start at Chapter 169.
- The Manga is Complete: You can read the entire story without interruption. Both Ace of Diamond (Act I) and the sequel Act II manga series are fully completed, with the final chapter of Act II being 308.
- The Anime is Returning: A sequel to the Ace of Diamond Act II anime has been officially confirmed for a 2026 release, meaning the rest of the manga will eventually be animated.
- Sawamura’s Ace Journey: Starting the manga from Chapter 169 will immediately immerse you in Eijun Sawamura’s journey as Seido’s newly appointed ace and the pressure that comes with the #1 jersey.
- The Ultimate Rematch: The rest of the manga builds towards the epic, highly anticipated Summer Tournament final rematch between Seido and Inashiro Industrial.
Final Thoughts on Your Ace of Diamond Journey
You now have a clear roadmap to continue your Ace of Diamond adventure. The choice is yours: dive into the manga starting today from the confirmed Chapter 169 to experience the thrilling conclusion, or wait for the anime’s return in 2026 to see it animated for the first time.
Either path leads to one of the most satisfying and well-written conclusions in sports manga. By starting at Chapter 169, you ensure you get the full, uncompromised story filled with the character growth, strategic depth, and high-stakes baseball that makes this series a masterpiece. The journey to Koshien is far from over, and the best parts are waiting for you in the manga.
