Title Trust
Characters Tatsuya, Shige, Kojima, Katsuro, Seiji, Souichiro Kirihara, Mariko Mizuno, Yuriko Mizuno (others will appear briefly, and Sho will appear via e-mails between he and characters)
Summary Two families are about to be torn apart due to illness, and two players are about to be pushed to their limits – physically and emotionally. Friendships will suffer, and families will be tested.
Author Notes This takes place a few months after volume 24 – so the main crop of characters are now in their third year of junior high, and Sho is currently in Germany where he's doing rehab on his knee. I have decided to take some artistic liberties with Musashinomori. It's not just a private junior high – there is also a senior high school portion as well. Every student who is at the school on a sports team lives in the athletics dormitory – irregardless of age. Also, the senior soccer team coach decided to retire right before the start of the new school year, so Kirihara is currently filling in that role until the school hires a new coach for the senior boys.
I also wanted to mention one more thing – I have decided to not use any Japanese honorifics in my writing (san, kun, senpai, etc). Seeing Japanese words used in English language stories has always bothered me, so I'm not doing it myself.
"Coach Kirihara? I was wondering if I might have a word with you," Katsuro Shibusawa stood in the office doorway, determined to get through this without flinching or appearing weak. If he had to leave, he wanted to leave with respect.
The older man looked up from his papers, his eyes falling on the backup keeper for the senior boys soccer team. Something about Shibusawa looked a little off today, and it set him wondering what the problem was. He'd always respected that about the keeper – the boy never backed down from admitting his opinion, and he never kept his thoughts secret. He had a way of expressing disagreement without being disrespectful. It was a skill he sorely wished the boy would pass on to his teammates. "Of course, come in," he gestured to the chair in front of his desk.
Katsuro entered the room with his head held high, his back straight, and his face set with a determined expression. He sat down and didn't hesitate before launching into his story. "I don't believe I will be able to play for this school anymore. There are problems at home, and those problems will impact my ability to stay here." He didn't bother explaining right away – Coach would either accept his decision, knowing that he'd thought it through, or he would ask for an explanation. Katsuro wasn't sure which option he wanted more right now. As much as he liked to believe that he was important to Musashinomori, and as much as he wanted Coach Kirihara to demand an explanation before accepting his decision, he didn't want to have to explain his situation. It was hard enough thinking about it on his own.
Of all the things the coach had expected his favourite player to say, this had not been on the list. He was quiet for a moment, contemplating the boy. Katsuro Shibusawa was not the type to make rash decisions. Even though Souichiro was thinking of the team (and his job) he was also thinking of the boy, and was concerned about his situation. "Could you please explain to me what this problem is?" If it were anyone else on the team, he probably wouldn't be going about this question so diplomatically. This boy was deserving of his respect, though, so he was prepared to give it.
Katsuro braced himself for the need to answer, hoping he could get through the words without showing too much emotion. "I have a younger sister, Coach, and she has fallen very ill. Due to some unfortunate circumstances regarding my parents, they are unable to pay her medical bills. As my sister's health is more important than my education, I have spoken with my parents and am prepared to leave the school so my tuition money may be used on my sister."
Coach Kirihara looked at the boy quizzically, his thoughts racing. He knew the parents, the boy's father was a very wealthy businessman who could have afforded anything. There must be some other problem he had neglected to mention. He would not pry too deeply, though. Not yet. "That is unnecessary, the school offers tuition programs for students, and with your grades and athletic contributions, you would qualify for full scholarship coverage." He was silent a moment, studying the boy sitting in front of him. There was definitely something else he was not telling him. "I know you are aware of the scholarships, Katsuro. Is there something else that impedes your ability to remain here?"
He'd feared this would come up, and there was no easy way to say it. How much would the coach question? How few details could he give and still have his answer accepted? "Even with the money saved from not paying my tuition, there is still not enough to cover my sister's bills. Though I still wish to continue my studies, I must also work when possible to help my parents pay for everything. I cannot possibly have a part-time job and keep up with everything here. I also did not think the school would allow me to work."
The coach nodded when the full truth was revealed – something was definitely going on with the boy's father. Perhaps he'd fallen into troubles with a debtor? His business had been self-built after all, if he recalled correctly. But that was all of little importance to him right now. Would he be willing to help this boy out further? While he was correct, and the school's board of governors would not allow for students to work outside of the school, they could be persuaded to allow special cases. He would plead for Katsuro, if the boy agreed. "There are options for you, Katsuro. You are right, this is a special case, and will require special permissions to be granted. I am willing to help you achieve this, because I believe in your ability. Will you accept my help?"
Katsuro almost didn't believe the offer when he heard it. Special permissions? He knew right away that it would prove to be an extremely tough struggle on his part to balance school with family matters. But could it be done? Did he have it within himself to fight for his future? "I am interested in hearing more, and I appreciate your willingness to help me."
The older man smiled and felt a tiny flare of affection for the boy. When things got hard, he was not going to settle on taking the easiest path. He would not run from the problems, but tackle them head on. He would do all he could to help him. "Good. For now I will inform the board that we must put you on scholarship access straightaway. I will speak with the dean of the school, and this time tomorrow we will meet again to discuss your full options."
Katsuro nodded, glad that he might not have to give up everything he'd fought hard to attain at the school. He was a little surprised at the willingness of the coach to help him, but then again, Coach Kirihara had never been as hard on him as he'd been on the others. Katsuro knew it was because of the way he conducted himself, because of his hard work and maturity, his respect for his elders, and his willingness to take on responsibility and keep his life in control. He rose from his chair, sensing that they were through. "Thank you, Coach Kirihara. I would like to offer you thanks on behalf of my parents, as they will no doubt be grateful to you for any help you are able to provide me with," he bowed his head in respect.
Kirihara smiled and stood up, clapping the boy lightly on the shoulder. "It would be a waste for you to leave the school, Katsuro, because of a situation you have no control over. Your willingness to put your family before your own future shows a strong maturity about you, an enviable respect for those surrounding you, an indispensable sense of selflessness, and those are all things we cannot afford to lose. You are an exemplary role model for your peers, Katsuro." With that he bowed his own head, indicating the boy was free to leave. He watched him go, and finally a look of worry creased his brow. He would have to find out what the deal was with the boy's father. Some problems could be dealt with, while others were simply not worth getting involved in. He hoped the boy's family would not prove to be too detrimental to the situation.
The older man moved out from behind his desk, walking over to close his door. He stood behind it for a moment, closing his eyes. He could not lose Katsuro. He had an unusual bond with the boy, an unusual understanding. Not once in his years coaching him had he ever felt the need to reprimand him, or lecture him. Katsuro had always been respectful, diligent, and hard working. He was a master both on and off the field, commanding his teammates with an unequaled respect.
Katsuro was everything he'd wanted his own son to be, and if Tatsuya was going to continue to reject his offers of peace, then Kirihara simply could not stand to lose the only boy who was truly like a son to him now. No, Katsuro could simply not be allowed to leave Musashinomori. He would do whatever it took to ensure the boy remained.
"Hey Sho,
How is your rehab going? We all miss you a lot, training just isn't the same. Good news on that though – Shige has decided to stay in Tokyo! He said he had a lengthy discussion with his father, and after explaining to him that he felt he owed it to the rest of Josui to remain here for now his father agreed. Can you imagine that conversation? It's still strange to think of Shige having a serious discussion with anyone, let alone his father.
I'm certainly not complaining, although I may start to in the coming weeks. You see, I talked it over with my mother, and he's actually staying here with us. My aunt Takako has moved to Hong Kong for a job, and my other aunt Yuriko will probably be away a lot this year. Mom always liked Shige anyway, so now he's here living with us. It's pretty cool so far. We've been talking a lot about things, mostly about our families.
It's kind of strange. When we first became friends, we never talked about our families at all. We both knew there were problems, but I guess we were so used to never having anyone to talk to about them that we just never bothered. I always felt more comfortable around him though, so I guess it's not too surprising that we're talking now. I guess playing against each other at the tournament made us realize how much more we enjoy playing with each other. He just reads me so well on the field, the same way you did. It really is a shame you're not here. I honestly believe we have a strong chance of actually going far in the tournament this year. We could even beat Musashinomori, I bet.
But that's enough about me, how are you? Have you had a chance to see your friend yet? Ryoichi, I think? I know you were looking forward to seeing him again, so I hope you've had the chance. I also hope you're working hard at your recovery. I know it's going to be tough, but you can do it. You can do anything, after all.
Well that's all I have to say for now. Make sure you write me back and keep me updated on your progress. Don't ever give up on it, you'll be better soon.
Your friend,
Tatsuya"
After reading over the e-mail a few times (and being shocked every time at how open he was regarding the situation with Shige), Tatsuya sent the e-mail off to his friend. He hadn't lied – it was strange, being at practice without the short boy around. He'd been worried at first, before Shige had made the decision to stay in Tokyo. How would they possibly manage without those two? How would he manage without them, his two best friends? It had been a slightly depressing thought at first, having to go on playing without the two people he enjoyed playing with the most.
"Tatsu-bon, let's go, I'm getting anxious sitting around and doing nothing," Shige appeared suddenly, leaning against the frame of his door. Tatsuya looked up at his friend, still a little shocked that Shige had actually accepted his mother's offer to stay with them. He watched as Shige's expression turned from one of boredom to an amused smirk. "Are you ever going to stop looking at me like that? I know it's exciting for you to have me around all the time, but you're starting to weird me out," Shige grinned as he saw the other boy blush.
"You're an idiot, Shige." Tatsuya turned off his computer screen before getting up. "I just e-mailed Sho, I told him that you're staying here."
Shige suddenly stood up straight, the grin softening a bit more into a smile. "How's he doing? I should probably send him one too, I keep putting it off."
"He's doing well, I think. He said he was starting his rehab today, so I asked him how it was going," Tatsuya grabbed his training jacket from the hook on his door, pulling it on as he followed his best friend down the stairs.
"Good, the sooner he's able to walk properly again, the better for him."
Tatsuya poked his head into the living room where his mother was sitting, watching a television program. "Mom, Shige and I are going for a run. Do you need us to pick anything up while we're out?"
She glanced at him and looked thoughtful for a moment. "Maybe you could stop at the grocery store and pick up something quick for dinner? I feel pretty tired, I don't know if I'll feel up to cooking anything while you boys are out, sorry."
Tatsuya nodded, going to her purse to take some money. "Do you need me to pick anything up for you? Some medication or something?" His mother had not been feeling well for a few days, and it was starting to worry him a little.
"No dear, I'll be fine. I'm sure this will pass soon, don't you worry." She waved him off, but not before calling him over for a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for worrying about me, dear, but I'm fine. Go have fun with Shige, and let me get some rest."
"Ha," Shige laughed sarcastically from the door, "If running every night is your son's idea of fun, Mariko, then he's been a very deprived child," he grinned and laughed as Tatsuya rolled his eyes at his comment.
"Well then, Shige, be a darling and introduce him to exciting things, would you?"
Tatsuya blushed while being ganged up on. "Mom! Don't encourage him."
Shige laid an arm around Tatsuya's shoulders and guided him from the room. "I will!" They headed for the door, and were soon standing outside in the crisp evening air. "Alright, you heard your mom."
Tatsuya shoved away from Shige and started stretching. "You know part of the deal of you staying here is that you have to train with me, so don't even start."
Shige grinned and joined Tatsuya, "Oh come on, you know I'm joking. Besides, I could run you into the ground any day of the week."
Tatsuya looked over at the other boy, not amused. "Maybe when it comes to sprinting, but I'll murder you in long distance." He grinned slightly, as he began rotating his ankles.
"Like hell you will! I'm not losing to you at anything," Shige followed suit, and soon they were nearly ready to begin their evening run.
Tatsuya looked back at the house, seeing the lights from the television program brightening up the living room. "Shige, do you think she's really okay?"
Shige glanced at his friend, looking a little pensive. "Your mom? I'm sure she's fine, Tatsuya."
The other boy looked worried, frowning slightly. "I don't know, I've never seen her sick before. It just seems weird, that all she does is sit around all day. She's never been like this."
Shige moved a little closer to him, able to hear the worry in his friend's voice. While Mariko Mizuno's health did seem a bit fragile these days, there were many explanations for it, and frankly Tatsuya had a habit of making mountains out of molehills. "Well of course she hasn't, if she's never been sick. I'm sure it's just a little virus, she'll be over it soon. Don't worry about her," Shige slung his arm back around the other boy's shoulders.
Tatsuya sighed and nodded. He did have a habit of worrying about things too much. Besides, if his mother really was that sick, she'd go and see her doctor, and he'd make her better. He needed to trust that his mother would take care of herself, instead of worrying about her so much.