Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, the characters go with their respective creators of diamond no ace and I do not claim ownership of the characters or the world. English is not my first language so I do apologize for spelling/grammatical errors, Thank you!

A/N: Omg! the long awaited inning... I would honestly say I had fun working on this... Let us all cheer for Eijun! (cough) I mean SEIDO! Go SEIDO!

Chapter 22

Bottom of the fourth inning and it was Saotome's turn to bat. As Itsuki was looking closely towards the field, he watched as Miyuki made aggressive calls. He went close to Jinguuji who was still on the dugout near there coach. "Tsukasa san" Itsuki called out there left fielder, as the latter turn to look at him curiously. "Ahm… if by any chance when you are at bat, if the first pitch would be breaking ball, and next is a fast ball, the third pitch would most likely be an out low fastball… owh but I am only guessing…" he commented. Not noticing Narumiya's wrinkled forehead upon his remark.

"Huh… what do you mean guessing that is a big help Itsuki… don't worry we will get another run" as Jinguuji smiled and give a thumbs up.

Itsuki nodded in agreement as he watched Jinguuji went into the next batter's position. "Good job Saotome!" he greeted when the other batter returned as he was striked out. "That Furuya sure is not holding back one bit…" he complained earning a bit of a laugh from the other players in the dug out.

"We already figure that one out… I guess he is in full swing huh" Carlos added.

"Huh… I am still the best pitcher though!" Narumiya proclaimed earning a bit of groan from the other players.

"Sure owh great king… just make sure to not give them any runs at all…" Shirakawa commented making Itsuki laugh for a bit.

"Huh! What do you think of me… those Seido batters don't know what is coming… By the way Itsuki… how did you figure out Kazuya's game calling?" Narumiya asked curiously making all the other players turn to look at Tadano oddly.

"Ehhh… I did not figure it out… I was just guessing…" Tadano commented while avoiding everyone's gaze.

"Owh… really?" Narumiya does not seem conviced. Lately he also did notice that Itsuki's catching has change drastically ever since the off season, pitching to him was more comfortable now compared to before. It was like he was a different catcher, the same thing with the game calling too and now this is the first time he found out that his catcher can also bat for power. Though as he looked at their coach who was looking out the field, he could see that he does not seem surprised in the sudden change of Itsuki for one bit. Narumiya was about to comment something again, when he noticed that Jinguuji did make a long hit towards left field making Yabe run back home and Jinguuji securing second base. That was there second run. "Owh… we actually scored again…" Narumiya said surprised, as the other players in the dug out started cheering. Narumiya turn to look at Itsuki and he could see the confident smile on his face in a well played game.

"He read there game calling…" Tohru commented as he watched the 8th batter of Inashiro hit the out low fastball from the Seido pitcher.

"Huh… what?" Maki asked confused.

"Who read who?" Towa added as he was also curious in regards to Tohru's remark.

"I mean Tadano… it was obvious that Inashiro's 8th batter was waiting for something and when he step in for that out low fastball, that is when it could be clearly seen he was sure that it would be a out lowpitch" Tohru tries to explain.

The other BJ players all look towards the field as they could clearly see that the Seido catcher asked for a timeout after that run. "Tohru, how can you be so sure that Tadano predicted that pitch?" Sagato asked curiously, making the other BJ regulars turn to look at Tohru baffled.

"Ahhh… well remember that first time Eijun was able to hit a home run, I asked him how he knew that it was going to be a outside pitch. He mentioned Tadano was the one who told him what it might be, though probably around that time Tadano was just guessing" Tohru informs seeming proud of the young catcher.

"Owhhh… well that is interesting, if Tadano can actually predict game calls like Kohata, he would be a problem the moment he goes pro…" Miro commented.

"Maybe… but with Seido's catcher I highly doubt it would work again" Tohru remarked looking closely at Miyuki who was now back to his catching position, and was able to strike out Inashiro's 9th batter. It was already 2 outs, but the next batter was none other than Inashiro's leadoff man Kamiya.

"Why the hell would you think that Tohru? Are you saying that Sawamura's captain is a more capable catcher than our Tadano?" Maki asked as he cannot seem to figure out Tohru's attitude towards the Seido catcher.

"No… Tadano is a different kind of catcher compared to Seido's catcher. Miyuki Kazuya game calling is complex, he can change call's in a beat and the most interesting part of that is that the pitchers he work with tends to deliver accordingly. That game call guessing that Tadano did could probably work now but it cannot work the next time, since that catcher does not follow a simple track of mind. Like I said he is complex and aggressive," as Tohru could remember the quarter final game against Sankou, "He does not shy away from challenge and honestly speaking, he is a league far beyond Tadano's capabilities"

"Uhuh…" Maki seems bewildered in regards to Tohru's remark with the Seido catcher. "You know Tohru you should just make up your mind… you can just hate the kid or not… but praising him while being hostile is like a freaking hot and cold water…" he added earning a bit of laugh from the other players around them.

Tohru wrinkled his forehead as he turn to look at Maki, "I never said I hate him… I just don't like him…" he commented.

"You do realize that is close to the same thing right?" Miro commented making Tohru look away.

"Dang it… I wish the captain was here… It would be more fun teasing you about this…" Maki added.

It was the top of the 5th inning and Seido was on offense. The first batter was Furuya who was unable to touch any of the three pitches that was thrown to him by Narumiya earning another strike out. Tojou on another hand was able to get a walk after keeping on a 3balls – 2 strike count. Now it was Kanemaru's turn to bat and as Eijun was looking out the field the awkward tension in the dugout of Seido could be felt. "Sawamura…" Coach Kataoka called out as Eijun look towards his coach curiously including the other players.

Kanemaru tried to hit the pitches that Narumiya threw to help Toujou move a base, however on the second pitch, an inlow fastball, it went directly towards the right fielder earning there second out though Tojou was able to get on third base due to having an early run. That was when the announcer made an announcement of Seido sending in a pinch hitter. Ryosuke wrinkled his forehead as he recognized that the pinch hitter that was being sent it was none other than Seido's ace Sawamura Eijun. "Ehhh… what is the coach doing sending in Sawamura?" he asked confused.

"I think it is because they would try to do a squeeze, though he may not look like it but Sawamura san is good at bunting…" Masuko commented making the other Seido alumnus player nod in agreement.

"I guess that would also mean that Coach plan to use Sawamura on the next inning then…" Yuki commented making Chris and the other graduate smile on the thought.

As Eijun was preparing to get on bat, he could see Furuya's frustrated look. The boss already called him out and for the first time sent in as a pinch hitter to make sure that Tojou would have a successful squeeze play. "Hey Furuya…" as Eijun walked towards the other pitcher who was now sitting, head bowed down. Upon his remark the other players on the dug out also turn to look towards there direction including Miyuki who was curious as to what there ace was about to say. Honestly he was feeling kind of frustrated, he knew he can hit Mei san changeup, yet when it was time to do it he failed, then he gave up 2 runs after, which add to the fuel of his annoyance. Though as he look at Sawamura, who seems to be quite confident standing in front of Furuya, his intrigue was awaken. "Make sure to keep your shoulders warm… I will make sure you will get back up there again…" Eijun confidently remarked and then he walked out the dugout with head held up high. "Ehhhh… what the hell did he just say?" Kuramochi asked, but the other players who overheard him also show confusion in regards to Sawamura's words. Furuya looked up watching Eijun walk out the field, he stood up moving towards the dugout railings and stare at Eijun's back that has the big number 1 written on it.

The moment Eijun step on the batters box, Itsuki could sense that something was different with him. He looked at Mei and he could clearly see that he was grinning wide. Mei we need to be carefull, Eijun is not the same old player that you knew… he gravely thought, though he is pretty sure that Mei would just scoff on that idea since he had never informed him that Eijun has the capability to actually hit his pitches now. He knew deep down that Eijun may look tame, or stupid most of the time however those things are far from the truth, since he knew first hand that his BJ partner is not someone to mess with. He turn to make a quick glimpse towards their dugout and he saw coach Kunimoto nod once as if giving him the freedom to do what ever play he would choose. He inhaled deeply, as he prepare and make a sign for Mei.

Eijun knew that Itsuki was observing him closely the moment he got out of the dugout. It was a no brainer that he was wary of him making him smile. I guess this battery thing could be two way huh Itsuki, since you knew me it also prove the other way… I pretty much know how your brain works he thought soundly. His instructions from coach Kataoka were pretty much simple, make a successful bunt in order to help Tojou make a squeeze play. Honestly he wanted to laugh on the idea that they just wanted him to bunt, plus with the way how the game is going and Narumiya's performance he doubt his seniors could be able to have a decent hit. This only proves that Narumiya is a pitcher that is in a different league, though on that way of thinking, Eijun grinned, if he never had the chance to play with BJ, or have the opportunity to actually play head on with strong players a few years older than them, then he might be overwhelmed as well, but now he is extremely calm. He knew deep down he could hit Narumiya Mei's pitches in full confidence, not just because he is Seido's ace, but because he knew he is BJ ace not just in the mound, but in batting and in the dugout as well. As he positions his bat for a bunt, he watched as Narumiya did his windup and threw the ball directly towards the plate. Though he did try to hit the pitch it only fell down towards the foul line near the plate. So that is his cutter huh… it's angle drop is close to his changeup… hmmm… Eijun blew a bit of air out as the umpire called out Foul. He positioned his bat for another bunt but this time Narumiya threw his inside fastball, and Eijun was unable to hit the pitch as it sailed past him landing directly towards Itsuki's mitt. He inhaled and exhaled for a bit as he watched Itsuki threw the ball back towards Narumiya. So I guess this is an all out war huh Itsuki… Eijun thought as he smirk. He took a step back in the batter box and raised his bat high, creating a wider stance and focusing towards Narumiya looking seriously.

Narumiya flinch the moment he noticed Sawamura's demeanor and batting position suddenly change. Something was off about him that Narumiya could not seem to pin point. As he looked a little puzzled he noticed Itsuki was looking wary in regards to Sawamura's stance. Based on there data Sawamura is only good in a slash bunting stance, or bunts thus the name bunt master was given by Kazuya. But now as he look at Sawamura he was standing there like a freaking batter ready to hit a long pitch. For some reason he was getting chills, which was weird, he only feel this kind of pressure when he was going against strong batters, like Kazuya or Todoroki for example, but now to Seido's ace was a little bizarre. Narumiya took a deep breath in as he calms his mind, getting ready for the kill.

Itsuki noticed when Eijun stance change. Ehhhh… what are you thinking Eijun? Don't tell me you planning to go head to head with Mei san, Itsuki thoughts are going wild in Eijun's sudden change of stance. He took a slight glimpse in the Seido dugout and he could see the obvious confusion from his Seido teammates, and they seem to be talking to one another as if unsure what is going on . As he look at the runner on third base, he could clearly see the perplexed expression as if he was not sure what to do next as the latter was also looking at the dug out obviously asking what was going on. I don't like this… As he gave a sign for an outside fastball, he was suddenly rejected when he saw Mei shake his head to his sign. Ehhhh… Mei san… now is not the time for this… he thought annoyingly.

What the hell are you thinking Itsuki… that is an obvious bluff… we can just take that guy out already… as if Mei was shouting the words towards Itsuki making his catcher flinch.

Mei… it is not what you think… I need to figure out what he needs to do… Itsuki tries to argue with Mei however the other shake again for the sign he asked making him sigh.

Huh… what is there to think… common… let us end this… as if a mere bunt master can take us out… worst thing he can do is get a successful squeeze which is impossible with my pitches. LET US TAKE HIM OUT!" Mei insisted as if totally rejecting the call Itsuki was asking.

The moment Eijun notice Narumiya shake his head twice in what ever sign Itsuki was asking, he grin widely. You see Itsuki… this is the difference between me and Narumiya Mei… I admit he is a well superb pitcher than me, but I have gain more experience when facing powerful pitchers and I have learned early on to trust my catcher, and have an open communication with them. You might have change, but Narumiya Mei have not, he is still the stubborn king of the mound who thinks he can control the game. I won't go down without a fight Itsuki… As Eijun could remember the intense pressure being on top of the mound during the promotional games, and the pressure from every strong batters he faced including his BJ captain Daiki Koji and WK clean up Sagara. Those pressures are not the same compared to him… I already know what it feels to be choked in and have no where to go… so… this is nothing to me… I am no longer the old Eijun, I will stand up again and again even if I am knocked out… because I have the courage to go way and beyond, as Eijun reminisce the time he first got the yips from the inside pitch to Shirakawa, the time he was pulled out of training due to being unable to pitch inside, when he was ignored during the whole process of trying to recover, as he was asked to be a practice pitcher instead by the assistant coach Ochiai, and the time when coach Ochiai told him he can never be ace since Furuya was there, when he was pull out during the fall tournament last inning since he was not the ace, the inability to play again in the fall Koshien after he messed up and lastly the spring tournament quarter finals, all of those experienced has fueled him to strive better not just a pitcher but as a player. Eijun smiled inwardly as he remembers Yukime face asking him to play for them, the time he met the whole BJ team, the process of learning new fastball techniques, the feeling of belonging and having a team that actually cares. I am not just Seido's ace pitcher, more importantly I am the Black Jaguars ace player, Eijun thought determined as he glare towards Narumiya Mei gripping his bat in a wide stance. Eijun watched as Narumiya smiled and nod in whatever sign was given. He then started counting the moment Narumiya raised his feet for his windup and as Narumiya threw his wellfame winning pitch - changeup, Eijun was able to pause for a whole count before swinging his bat as hard as he could in a 30-35 degree angle, directly hitting the ball.

"CLANK!" the loud sound of the bat connecting to the ball could be heard in the field, Itsuki remove his catchers mask as he immediately stood up and watched the ball sailed out the field towards the outer bleachers and a few fans were scrambling to actually catch the ball. He watched as Narumiya surprised expression could be seen as he also looked shocked that his changeup was hit, by none other than Sawamura Eijun. Itsuki immediately turn to look up the bleacher noticing his BJ captain who was standing obviously surprised as well with Eijun's hit and a homerun. When the latter notice his piercing gaze he immediately raise both his hands as if a sign of surrender, making it clear to see that he did not made any sign to inform Eijun about the angle drop of Narumiya's changeup. He was annoyed and surprised as he look back to the field and see Eijun grinning towards him the moment he reach home plate.

"It is a homerun! With his first RBI and first homerun of the season, Seido's ace just tied the game, we are now back to the starting point as Seido's ace hit a homerun letting the runner in third come home! We have a 2-2 game between West Tokyo's power houses!" the announcer yelled on the speakers earning loud cheers within the stadium. Eijun easily raised his right hand as he jog around the field, as he could clearly hear the cheers on the stadium. So this is what it feels like to have a home run with actual people watching huh, dang it… I am so gonna tease Hero sempai and captain Daiki about this… Eijun thought as he made his round around the diamond field. The moment he step in home plate he could clearly see the annoyed look of Itsuki making him grin from ear to ear.

"You do realize this is war Eijun…" Itsuki commented softly making sure the others did not notice.

"Huh… and here I thought we are at war already" Eijun answered hushly as well as he walk pass Itsuki moving towards the Seido dugout.

Itsuki smiled the moment he heard Eijun's response. He knew deep in his gut that Eijun was already studying Narumiya's pitches since the first inning. Honestly speaking he was proud that Eijun was able to have a homerun, however right now is not the time to show his glad, since they both are in the tournament. So I guess this is what Tohru sempai mentioned that I should not let my guard down with Eijun huh… as he could remember the call he got from Tohru the night before the finals at the same time he was glad that Eijun still has not noticed there BJ captain was just sitting near the field sits.

"What the hell Sawamura!" Kuramochi kicked Sawamura the moment he got near the dugout while Asou and Zono run towards him hugging him like they already won the game. Miyuki on another hand was baffled and standing stiff beside Furuya. He was so surprised and it could be noticed as well in the coaching staff of Seido especially coach Kataoka's and Ochiai's faces.

"Hehehehehe…" as Eijun walk towards his coach who seems quite surprise on what he did, "Sorry boss… it seems I cannot pitch the next inning…" Eijun commented somberly, as he carefully remove his batting gloves.

"Huh… what do you mean you cannot pitch?" Miyuki asked confused. Coach Kataoka also looked baffled in Sawamura comment, however the moment Sawamura raised both his hands, it was obviously starting to swell and it was already turning bright red, creating a big panic within the dugout.

"The fucking Hell… what the HELL Sawamura… get some ice packs!" Kanemaru yelled out.

"Eijun… quick… let me help you with that!" Haruichi grab Eijun's arms trying to pull him back inside the dugout.

"It is fine… get some packs Sawamura…" coach Kataoka commented seriously as he turn his gaze back to Furuya who was obviously waiting and ready to go back on the mound.

Eijun nodded in agreement, and as he went in the dug out he notice Furuya was looking at him worriedly, making him smile broadly. "See I told you… I would make sure you get back up there… now go and destroy them with your Bazooka Furuya…" Eijun said beaming brightly. At the moment, he does not feel like monopolizing the mound unlike his BJ games, because the moment he had decided to take the advancement exam, he whole heartedly accepted the fact that the mound in Seido does not really belong to him alone, and with that though, he was able to stop struggling to be accepted by the team.

Itsuki notice a bit of commotion within the dugout the moment Eijun returned, I guess he was guessing the angle drop again… the same with Sagato sempai pitch… Ugh dang it Eijun… why are you so complicated at time like this. As Itsuki turn to look at Mei he could notice he was mad yet he was only giving off a cool face expression, based from his months of being his catcher, he already knew that Mei was fuming with anger now. And as if the expression was not enough, Narumiya Mei strike out Seido's lead off Kuramochi as if denying them the chance on gaining the momentum of the game.

"What the hell are you even saying… get yourself checkup!" Miyuki ordered upon seeing Eijun grin and remark to Furuya and he pushed Eijun towards the back end of the dugout. Furuya on another hand looked more firm and resolve in going back up on the mound. It seems that Sawamura has lit a fire in Furuya making the other look like he was ready and hell bent in pitching it out in the bottom of the 5th inning. Miyuki on another hand looked back at the dugout worried in regards to Sawamura's confidence at the same time his demeanor. He does not seem to be like the Sawamura Eijun he knew, and at the moment he felt he was being left behind, making him fist his right hand. "Miyuki…" coach Kataoka called him out, making Miyuki turn towards his coach all serious. "Don't let the other team gain back the momentum, Sawamura gave us this opportunity, make use of it…" he ordered making Miyuki nod in agreement as he jog towards his catching position.