Seraphic Charm
Summary: She's was an elite that seems to attract a lot of strangers. First danger then Seido's assistant coach, lots and lots of players, her school's rival team's ace but what about Koshien? Fem!Sawamura.
Pairing: Undecided.
Warnings: Alternate universe, OOC, canon similarities, unbelievable pitches, Fem!Sawamura and lots of cliché scenes.
A/N: Three months and no update, I'm such a failure. Go ahead and scold me guys. I have no excuse as usual. Well we had exams but that doesn't really count because I didn't study or anything. I promise something though. I'd be updating at least once every two weeks. If that doesn't work then I'll be posting once every month at the most. I'd be very diligent this time. I know that some promises are empty but believe me I never break promises because that's my way of being a ninja— /gets slapped. Okay.
XxDarkCrimson97xX - "Awesome. New chapter. I want MiyuSawa please. I am curious about her injury since it has to do with Furuya and Yamato. Please update soon. Question: Will she ever play with her left hand? Did Seido know about her injury? Also, she's famous. Won't there be some reporters following her? I'm curious."
Will she ever play with her left hand? Well, hmm… yes she will be able to play with it but not for a long time. She'll be using that as a weapon to prove something to Chris. Her whole injury history will be revealed in this chapter. And Seido does know about her injury. They'll know about it in this chapter. And reporters? Well not yet. The word still hasn't gotten out from Seido. Only some of the scouts know that she's in Tokyo but well in the next chapter perhaps that'll happen.
Naliyu - "Please update soon. I'm really curious on what is going to happen. I didn't expect furuya to be the one who caused it. So she's a right hander now? She won't be able to glare at the first base anymore. Sad"
Yes, yes, Furuya is the one who caused it and everything is revealed in this chapter. Is she right handed now? Well she's ambidextrous which means she uses both hands. How did she become ambidextrous though? She trained herself. It's also in this chapter. And don't worry. Sawamura is still Sawamura, she'd be able to glare at first base.
Guest - "When is Chris going to appear? Is her injury going to affect him or..."
Ahh, good question. When is Chris going to appear? Well basically now, in this chapter. And yes her injury is going to affect him. It'll make them closer and have better relations.
KokoroJuuden - "Hey, hi, i just wanted to tell you that your story is awesome! A little question for the next chapter though. Does Eirin's injury affect Furuya in any way?"
Yes it does, her injury affects Furuya the most. This chapter shows Furuya being all regretful and worried about her. He's also kind of in guilt because he's the one who caused it. It won't affect their rivalry though. Eirin would punch him in the face if it did.
SaphiaSkyress9623 - "I really want to see if Ojou will take her back. And I have noticed that Eirin haven't declared that she will be the ace. Is that a coincidence or something you've purposely written?"
I can't reveal anything about whether Ojou's going to take her back or not. It would be revealed in the future chapters. And yes, Eirin still haven't declared that she's going to be the ace. It's not a coincidence. Why she still haven't asked? In the next chapter you'll find out XD
So yeah, that would be all! Furuya is kind of OOC in this one and if you don't know what OOC means, it means out of character. It's because of something though. It's kind of reasonable why he's acting like this… I think. Anyway! Eirin is going to end up with Miyuki so yeah, that's all I wanted to say. Ciao~!
And forgive the grammar mistakes, I tried to proof read this but it I missed a few please inform me and I'll edit it as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: I do not own Diamond No Ace or any of its characters. This story is purely fan made and no profit has been made.
Chapter Three: You're Always Worth It
Eirin grinned as she marched towards the mound. It was in the middle of the fourth inning when she was finally allowed to pitch after playing outfield, a position which in her whole life she had never played before. The female pitcher glanced at the first year catcher, a couple of meters away from her who seemed to be hesitant on his call. It seemed like he knew who she was along with a couple of people in the audience outside of the fence. The individuals around them started to mutter and whisper to each other that Eirin couldn't help but frown when they got too loud and it reached her position. She could even feel the stares she was getting from the regulars and most especially from the prodigal bastard of a tanuki, Miyuki Kazuya. She even bets her entire collection of Samurai pins that he was grinning right now.
"What in the world is Sawamura Eirin doing here?"
"Do the other schools know? Man, Yakushi is going to be in deep trouble,"
"I bet Inashiro won't even know what'll hit them. She was the MVP Pitcher of the whole Junior High Baseball league in our nation! How did Seido get a hold of her?"
The catcher's expression seemed shaken up with fear and anxiousness. He looked up to her catcher, Yamato Takeshi, for he was a role model to those who admired to be well in such position. To be able to catch the pitch of the person he formed a battery with is unbelievable. The male positioned his mitt up and out in the open. He pulled his hand back and forth before looking at the girl's expression. Yep, that was definitely calling for a change up and by the look on her face she definitely got what he meant.
Miyuki whistled low from the sidelines, looking amused, "Well that catcher sure is brave. I wonder how he's going to receive such throw from her though. My arm almost fell off last time I received her pitch."
Kuramochi who was near him raised a brow before turning his attention back to the field, "She's a girl Miyuki. Even if she is a prodigy, there's no way in hell that she's— "
Clang!
The catcher was on the ground, his posture already broken by the ball that threw him off balance with his mitt still in the air. The third year batter and the umpire also looked stunned. The referee took a couple of seconds before recovering and called a foul. The audience also looked baffled. Some were already talking about what they saw. The scouts were taking notes and pictures, most especially observing her. Eirin huffed and kicked the soil underneath her feet.
"Slow, still too damn slow," Miyuki didn't know what that meant but all he knew was that she was not satisfied with how she pitched.
Before they knew it, she had already scored two runs from them and everyone in the first year dug out was cheering for her. Though the third years led by more than a five point margin, they looked pretty frustrated. What was up with her? That throw, that pitching style. They've never seen anything like it before. But pretty much Rei and Kataoka expected her to raise the freshmen's spirits, which she did. Now they don't look as dead anymore. The assistant coach sighed out of relief.
The female pitcher couldn't help but somehow gap when Masuko took the batter's box.
Kuramochi blinked before grinning, "Hyahahaha, that's great! Battle between the roommates. What's Masuko-san's batting average up until now?"
"At his best, three hits and five runs batted in. He's getting fired up to get back to the regular position," the fixed team pitcher replied to his question. "I'm guessing that that guy has realized Sawamura's pitching style already. We'll be able to see her true skills with this match up," with that grin of his, he almost seemed excited to see the outcome of their face off.
"Sawamura-chan," her roommate and upperclassman started off with a pretty serious tone.
"I'll definitely get into the regular's position. Come at me with your best!"
Almost looking amazed, Eirin immediately answered, "H-Hai!"
When Kataoka crossed his arms from the bench, it was as if automatically everyone went unto their position.
Bam!
Another miss.
"You must be kidding me. The catcher missed a straight head on ball?"
"W-What?"
"Maybe a sign difference, did the ball curve?"
"S-Sorry!" the first year catcher immediately picked up the ball that rolled to his side. Eirin grinned at him showing a peace sign and he slightly blushed at the sight making Miyuki raise an eyebrow from the fence. Kataoka and Masuko on the other hand, looked focused on analyzing her pitch. The third year batter held the bat short before practicing a couple of swings to adjust.
"H-He's holding the bat short and moved to the front of the batter box!?"
"It was a ball so fast that he had to shorten his grip?"
Miyuki smiled, "As I thought, Masuko-senpai realized the characteristics of Sawamura's pitch." Shortening the swing and hitting the ball before it moves, huh? Eirin grinned once more before starting off her wind up. Yes, it was this feeling of tension. She just couldn't get enough.
Cat-like eyes flashed before the throw was made and Masuko somehow flinched before hitting the ball.
Clang!
"Foul," everyone grimaced at the call. The ball was hit pretty far but still… She looked pretty shocked herself. Her pitchers were hit a couple of times before but never that far. The female pitcher wiped the sweat off of her forehead. This was getting exciting.
"Oi! Catcher-san, be sure to catch what I'm going to pitch next," she pointed unto him with her left hand while flexing her right. "Keep your eyes wide and never blink, got that?" her voice was rather loud and he couldn't help but nervously agree. When everything was assured, Eirin grinned before getting into position. Her upperclassman also waited for her to throw.
Clang!
"I told you not to blink didn't I!?"
Miyuki grinned, "Did she just cross fire a first year catcher?"
But Kuramochi was already laughing.
The sky was tinted in marmalade and the match between the third and the first years just ended a couple of minutes ago. The audience and a couple of reporters who watched the match were already heading out of the school with scouts, especially excited about Seido's new prodigal pitcher. If you looked closely inside the fence, you would be able to see the score board with the numbers four and fourteen flashed on total ends. Who would have thought that the expected MVP pitcher ace would go to Seido and cause a storm? Sooner or later, other schools would definitely know.
"Kami, have you seen their line up? It was amazing even though the third years flattened the first years in the end. Kominato, Furuya and Sawamura… damn, those three are a scary bunch for a couple of freshmen,"
"Yeah, that… Furuya kid is kind of good, isn't he? He just threw one pitch and he's already going to practice with the first string members. He just might become Seido's savior since they have such weakness in pitching. They can't just rely on Tanba every single time, can they?"
"Haha, if that doesn't happen then they're definitely in deep trouble. They've been getting further and further from Koshien these fast five years,"
"Well, let's see about that. That pitcher named Sawamura, even though she let in a lot of runs, she pitched till the very end. I wonder how a former White Knight would fit into Seido's team since her last school was a fortified winner in the nationals. Let's also not forget that she was expected to be the ace,"
One of the scouts chuckled, "She never gives up, does she? I don't hate the pitchers of that kind."
On the other hand, back at the Greenhorn dorm, a certain someone was kind of troubled. Kuramochi smirked as he looked at the text that flashed on the screen. It was from Eirin's friend, Sanada, and the female pitcher was insistent that she read the text in private because he would definitely tell the other members of the club that she was texting some random guy. Though that was what she wanted, her damned Kuramochi-senpai wouldn't let her have her phone as he read her text out loud for everyone to hear.
[05:39 P.M., March 22, 2016] [SANADA SHUNPEI]
-How was it? Did you pitch well today?
What was the score anyway? It can't be that bad since you were with the other first year students, right? Ahh, I bet everyone was startled when they saw who you were. Seido is a very strong school so you better do your best or they'll improve too fast for you to keep up, Ei-chan.
Everyone in my team is looking forward and aiming for Koshien as well, we'll be training non-stop this whole summer. I'll still be cheering for you even if were on different teams so just keep moving on forward and let's play against each other next time. Don't overwork yourself okay! Take breaks in between your practices if possible.
Kuramochi's eyes almost popped out of their socket, "S-Sanada!? Who in the world are you texting, Bakamura! He's from a rival school! How did you get his number anyway? Are you feeding him our team's secret information or something? Rei-san and the coach are going to kill you!" With that, he grabbed and locked her in his infamous arm lock. The scene was seen a couple of times yesterday during their golf game night with the short stop losing to the girl every single time. Masuko on the other hand, picked up the fallen phone on the floor and watched them argue from the corner of the room. Really, what did he do that he deserved such rowdy roommates? Not that he was complaining though. It was kind of fun.
"H-He's just a friend, senpai!" Yep, he was choking her so hard that the last thing she wanted him to do was to tighten his grip around her. Ever since she arrived in the dorm, he had been telling her to respect him because he was her upperclassman. Obviously, Eirin, with her brash personality forgot about that sometimes. Not when she's being crushed by a wrestling move that her senpai learned though. She valued her life too much so not today. He can just choke her to death after she goes to Koshien because by then, she'd have no regrets whatsoever.
"Yeah, a 'friend'! A friend from a rival school! He's Sanada Shunpei!"
"He doesn't even play baseball!" But it definitely was the topic of their conversations for most of the time. And she didn't really ask which school he went to or where he lived. Baseball was far more important so she lost attention.
"Bakamura! You're such an idiot! He's the ace of the freaking Yakushi team, you dimwit! They're always in the top three!" Well it wasn't like Kuramochi was lying or anything, it was true. Sanada Shunpei was a second year student in Yakushi High. Moreover, he was the ace of the baseball team. The female pitcher stopped struggling for a second before becoming quiet and reflecting. Now that you mention it, he kept mentioning for them to meet on the mound as rivals someday. Now wasn't that hinting something?
At that, Eirin blinked, "What… Ehh?"
"The guy you've been texting! He's from Yakushi!" Kuramochi exclaimed as he released her from his hold. Eirin looked confused and puzzled at the sudden announcement. She honestly was shocked and amazed at the same time. I mean, she met him on the train because his cousin was lost. Who would have thought that the guy she encountered was actually a big shot of a baseball boss- "And Yakushi is known to be rivals with Seido! They've been blocking our way to Koshien for years!" he gave her a chop on the top of her head, only hard enough for her to snap out of her thoughts.
"So he was an enemy all this time!?"
"That's what I've been trying to tell you since earlier! Bakamura!"
"Listen up! There's still two months until the summer tournament. We can't be training aimlessly these coming days. Day after day, you have to put your lives on the line to achieve your goals! As long as you have high spirits, your training for the days ahead will never falter!" the coach looked as stoic as ever despite the passionate words he exclaimed. The assistant coach along with the managers stood behind him while the members were lined up in strings in front of him like soldiers.
"Yes sir!"
Before the lineup, Haruichi had trouble convincing Eirin to join because she was already ahead on the field, running with tires. He had no idea when it started or how it did but he knew that it was out of determination and perseverance. If not, then it was probably something she picked up or heard somewhere. Perhaps the second one made more sense. Yep, it was definitely more like Eirin. One thing he had learned on the other hand was that the female pitcher was terrifying when she was in full concentration mode. He had trouble catching up with her and it took him a lot of time for his words to actually get through noticed.
Eirin scratched her nape which has been itching for a while, "Haruchii, they won't stop staring at us." The younger Kominato sweat dropped as the girl muttered things about 'Boss, treating us like military soldiers', 'Why do we have to stand still and not move' and a couple of 'Damn it, my face itches already'. But that wasn't the main case, people from outside the fence has been staring at them… again.
Perhaps it was Eirin's popularity and mysterious charisma that she stood out. Not to mention, she was the only girl lining up with almost half a hundred boys behind her. Or was it her elevator height? Well her height didn't really matter because the other members were also tall. It must be due to her standing next to Haruichi because he definitely did stand out because of his hair color which was brightest color among the bunch. Pushing those aside, people have been watching her for weeks or in Eirin's case she calls 'Haruichi and I' because they've been together all the time since she realized that the batter was so shy to make friends.
"E-Ei-chan, I think that it's only you," Haruichi was thankful that his fringe covered his eyes or he might have turned blind to all those camera flashes from behind the fence. There were about seven to ten reporters who were taking dozens of photos per second and he wasn't even exaggerating. "I-I think you should talk to them. They've been trying to have a word with you since Monday," he continued when their line was dismissed and everyone went to their places. In their case, they were running with their fellow second stringers.
"Do you think so Haruchii? Okay, I'll talk to them later then," Eirin seemed to be convinced with everything that the younger Kominato said. Haruiichi simply nodded and they both went in front of the group with Eirin grinning as she ran. "But I'm going to kick their asses if they don't stop because they've been freaking annoying," she added on, noticing the glances she received whenever she passed their side of the fence.
"T-That's going too far, Ei-chan,"
"With all the new first years, we have a total of ninety three members. Do you think that we'll be able to reach Koshien this year?" Coach Kataoka asked the Headmaster and other teachers who went to observe the club practice. "Our goal has been the same; to conquer the nation," if it wasn't for his unchanging expression, one wouldn't be able to believe that the same person said those words. Rei who was standing beside him nodded and pushed her glasses up. She was confident that she scouted a couple of capable players this year.
"My, my… But in these five years, Koshien has always been a goal far from our reach. I just don't think our team would be able to make such uproar at the nationals," one of the school staff commented while wiping his sweat off which was due to nervousness upon being next to the coach. "We lack in a lot of aspects and there's also Yakushi and Inashiro on the way," he continued even though intimidated but still honest.
"There's no need to worry about," Kataoka stated as his attention turned to the regulars who were practicing in medleys. "The abilities of the athletes here far exceed those of last year's four best teams. Our iron wall defense is something to brag about," the assistant coaches were amazed at the show the regulars put up. They looked like professionals. They even moved and played their positions like veterans.
"First off, Kuramochi, second year. Position, short stop,"
"Second baseman, Kominato, third year,"
"Third, there's the strong throwing arm of our center field, Isashiki, third year,"
"The steadfast player fixated on playing number four, the first string captain, Yuuki, third year,"
"The one who hit the ball over the fence, a returned regular, the super heavyweight third baseman number five, Masuko, third year,"
"Lastly, the one who became the pivotal part of the team, number six, catcher, Miyuki, second year,"
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaa! Miyuki-senpai!" the girls from outside the fence called and he grinned from afar. "You're looking fine as always!" they rambled onwards, earning a couple of looks from the new members who were still not used to his popularity. Most of his audience were female, mostly admirers who had their phones out and were snapping dozens of photos. The regulars shrugged it off, used of it already while Eirin raised a brow and Haruichi laughed awkwardly.
"There are no fixed members for the left and right field. These are the players that will be known and feared throughout the nation," Kataoka commented and the two who were with him laughed a bit while looking at each other. Well now, wasn't that amusing? Especially since their school didn't have a star pitcher now.
"But the former ace pitcher, Tanba-kun is nowhere into regaining his sharpness," with that, the coach remained quiet and merely observed the said player who was pitching into the net. "What will you do about him? He's the pitcher that you brought here yourself. Now there are pitchers who can be used in different ways," he added with his nose stuck in the air and Kataoka couldn't help but turn to his direction with his eyebrows ever so slightly knitted.
The person twitched in his place and took a step back, intimidated by the coach's expression. "I-I'm not the only one with this opinion. Even though we are a school with a long baseball tradition, there are people outside the school nagging at us. In fact, there are people all over the place who doubt your coaching abilities." For a second, the coach seemed a bit astonished at his last remark while the other teacher tried to laugh his colleague's remark off to calm him down.
"Y-You're just one step away from leading the school to national domination. Besides, you turned down the invitation to go professional in order to return to your former school as a coach. We appreciate the sacrifice that you've made for us,"
"I just wanted to return the favor to my Alma matter. That is why whatever responsibilities I have I will see them to the end. The next time you are on the field, please refrain from talking about irrelevant matters," the two grimaced at his terrifying intensity. "I will now take my leave," the coach started to walk towards the players, leaving the two dumbfounded and scared half to death. Well at the very least they learned a valuable lesson, to never piss off Coach Kataoka.
"Does that person understand anything at all? If there aren't any good results this year, he will be fired," one of the pair muttered under his breath only loud enough for those near him to hear.
"I highly doubt that would happen," they turned around to see Rei with the most assured expression they have seen. "If you look closely on the field, there's someone who definitely stands out. She's from Nagano's elite private school, Ojou Academy with their team the White Knights. They've been known to be the reigning team of Koshien, yes?" the two immediately scanned the field and their eyes landed on the girl who was running ahead of the second string group, racing with Furuya.
"S-Sawamura Eirin!?"
"But she's a girl!"
Rei smirked and her glasses flashed, "If I were you, I wouldn't say anything about her gender."
"She doesn't like being underestimated,"
"First years Furuya and Sawamura are to gather at the bench as soon as possible,"
"First years Furuya and Sawamura are to gather at the bench as soon as possible,"
"First years Furuya and Sawamura are to gath-"
"We get it already, mou!" the female pitcher huffed and walked towards the dugout where Miyuki, Coach Kataoka and Rei who had followed just seconds ago were. Furuya silently trailed behind her, making sure that there was a meter of distance between the two of them because apparently, Eirin hasn't changed since their last meeting and she's still as loud and obnoxious as ever. He wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing but one thing was for sure, he was going to play it safe. The girl was muttering something under her breath seconds ago before her eyes landed on the gathered bunch.
"What is it?"
Rei smirked and Miyuki who was behind her grinned as usual, "From now on, you two will be getting a pitcher's practice menu. The amount of practice you will be getting will be twice as much as everyone else so good luck." At that, Eirin's eyes widened along with Furuya's. She was about to say something when the assistant coach continued speaking, "Furuya-kun, since you might be a starter for the Kantou tournament next week you will have to confirm the signs with Miyuki-kun."
"Yes, maam,"
"Wait a second, pitcher's practice menu, what does that mean —"
"Rei-chan, that guy already has perfect control in his pitches. We just have to increase his stamina by making him throw a hundred of balls a day," it was Miyuki who cut her off to continue the topic regarding the other pitcher's case. "And he's running now anyway, we'll just have to make sure that he'll last a full inning," he added on as if it was a challenge. Eirin scoffed and Furuya narrowed his eyes, it was as if Miyuki was looking down on the first years with that grin on his face.
"My, well Furuya-kun, do you accept the proposal?" the female pitcher was looking back and forth from the pair. Seriously, wasn't anyone going to explain things before they get decided? Aren't there orientations about stuff? What was she doing here anyway?
"I will accept Miyuki-senpai's directions," Furuya started and she raised her brow, he wasn't really the obedient type before. He hasn't heard it in a while, the sound of his pitch in a catcher's mitt. The last one who caught his throw in full power was Yamato and now there was Miyuki, he wasn't going to pass this chance. It wasn't a mistake to choose this school. "Please take care of me," he slightly bowed his head and Eirin gapped with the catcher in the background smiling. Wasn't this bad news? If Miyuki was going to be teaching Furuya then who was going to instruct her?
"Sawamura-san is with the third year, Chris-kun. Face reading and preparing for the mound is what he's going to teach you," at that, the third year stepped forward. Eirin didn't even hesitate to waste a second before complaining.
"Hold on! That's unfair! I also want Miyuki-senpai!" Of course she wanted someone from the first string to catch for her despite her slight displease towards the player. What better way was there to improve? Chris simply stared as she continued on why she should be with Miyuki. Reimshook her head and told her to get to know her new instructor before she walked away to be followed by Miyuki and Furuya who were headed to the bullpen.
"Why," Eirin gritted her teeth before accepting the handshake that the catcher offered. His grip on her hand tightened and she slightly winced. There was definitely a difference in strength between the two of them. "I wanted to be with that stupid tanuki. Why does Furuya —" she muttered under her breath, not noticing that it was loud enough for the one if front of her to hear.
"I also want to be with the other pitcher. I hope we get along," her eyes widened and she looked up to face him. She almost took a step back, the guy was taller and stronger than her and those eyes… they were dim and lifeless. He was so intimidating that her hands were shaking. "Nice to meet you, clumsy pitcher," Chris was looking down on her and she could tell.
He was one of those guys she hated the most.
Clang!
"First base!"
"Furuya, catch!"
The pitcher raised his mitt but before he knew it, everyone was looking at him dumbfounded because it was such a simple throw and the ball was rolling away. "Ah, don't mind, don't mind," he said to his co-players and one by one they exclaimed remarks towards him such as 'What do you mean, don't mind!?' He was getting scolded by a fellow first year but he just nodded with his deafness to comments not even slightly obvious. Well that was a great strategy.
"Haha, what a guy. He throws a nasty pitch but is rather poor at defense," one of the third years said and Ryousuke smiled that dangerous smile of his.
"You're too focused on stepping on first base. If you're not covering parallel to the line, your legs will get cut by the runner. Once the ball is pitched, you are an additional infielder. Do not forget this," the former ace Tanba stated and the pitcher nodded, taking in his advice. Kuramochi and the other third years grinned at the scene while Eirin was pouting from afar while doing her stretches.
"Your face says that you envy him. You want to be there with them soon, don't you?"
"Say, how much more time are we going to waste stretching!? It's been thirty minutes already! It has been a long time since we got into the bullpen! Let me pitch!" their pair has only been assigned yesterday and they were already on bad terms, not that both of them minded. "What are you taking notes for!? Seriously, this guy," she gritted her teeth when he turned around and started to scribble on his memo. Kami, what the heck was wrong with her partner? His voice was so soft that he could barely even hear him.
"You've got flexible joints on your wrists, shoulders and elbows. Your fingers are also long and slender, that adds to the character of a good pitcher," If there were things that worked against her, they were compliments. For a second, she forgot her hatred and inched forward to hear him better. "However, you won't be the ace in the future," well that was a first. Eirin frowned and crossed her arms above her chest, no one had ever said that to her before. And shouldn't he be supporting her? Not bring her confidence down!? Because what he was doing right now, it was the complete opposite!
"During the match between the third years and the first years, you choose to ignore the catcher's signs and went ahead with your own pitches. Do you take us catchers as your pitching target?"
Eirin's eyes narrowed at his remark, "No, I pitched differently because he obviously couldn't take a curve with how confident he was. I pitched straight so he can catch it and not drop it like he did on the first throw. Seriously, I would have thrown a curve if it was Yamato catching but no, he's not him—"
"Seido is not the same as Ojou Academy. And this is high school, you won't be able to catch up to the regulars with that attitude nor become the ace. If only it was your body structure that puts you in a disadvantage but no, you also lack resolve and you're hardheaded, you won't stand a chance,"
The female pitcher gasped and exclaimed, "Who said anything about being an ace?" Everyone in the field turned their head to the scene. Almost instantly, everyone became quiet and observed, letting Eirin speak. "Look, I'm not here because I want to, it was my last resort. And don't even tell me that I lack resolve when you haven't even caught my pitch yet," Miyuki whistled when he saw her walk away from Chris and join Haruichi on the field.
"Ei-chan, are you okay? Just don't take Chris-senpai's words to heart, okay? We know you can do better," Haruichi along with Furuya were probably the only ones in the team who didn't take her gender as an issue. They have played with her before so obviously, they would know. "A-And, give him a chance sometimes. I know that he's trying to help you," he tried his best to remain neutral and she only nodded at him, staring at Furuya who was pitching to Miyuki. Kami, she missed pitching to Takeshi. At least, he was a catcher that took her talent into key.
It was sundown when the team manager, Haruno approached her with muffled breaths, "Chris-senpai told me to give you this. He said something about your training menu and that you should do this today." She almost scoffed at the name as she took the scroll from the girl's hands. "I know that he's slightly hard on you but I'm sure you can do it!" she clapped her hands together and smiled at Eirin who gave her thanks.
"Sawamura-san," someone called her from afar, it was the assistant coach Rei.
"Rei-san," she whispered under her breath and wondered what she was going on here.
"Can you come with me for a second?"
Eirin looked at Haruno who nodded at her and waved goodbye. The female catcher then went towards the older woman and asked, "Is there something wrong, Rei-san?" she was being led to the school gates where a car was waiting. Looking at Rei, she didn't react when the door was opened by the assistant coach. "Where are you taking me to?" she didn't take a step into the car and simply waited for an answer. She has been in this situation too many times already. Perhaps she was going to escort her back to the train station to go home or something else which she has no clue about.
"You'll be talking to Chris," it wasn't a request. It was a command from the assistant coach. Eirin hesitantly nodded and stepped into the car which was shut by the woman who followed inside. "You two have a lot of things to sort out," she crossed her legs and sighed at their situation when the car took off. The girl remained silent but if you looked closely, you could see how her eyes slightly widened. Why would they need to ride a car if Chris-senpai lived in the dormitory? Nevertheless, she just followed her orders.
"In middle school, the only team Miyuki lost against was led by Chris. His father is active in the professional baseball scene so we hoped that with his extensive baseball knowledge, he would be able to lead the team into victory," Eirin at first didn't seem affected by what she heard. She had met many people with the same circumstance, it was not just him. "But the expectations of the people around him seemed to form an invisible pressure. He repeatedly hid his shoulder injury and played in games. Although injuries are something every sportsman has to deal with… us trainers did not realize before it became too serious," the car halted in front of the building and Eirin frowned when realized that they had to enter.
The female pitcher followed Rei inside and they halted in front of a door which was half open.
"He tore a shoulder and wrist tissue. Just before the summer tournament, he was diagnosed and informed that he would need to take a year off for rehabilitation," Eirin watched in awe and her heart pounded loudly against her chest as Chris' father barked commands everywhere. "In a large team such as Seido's, leaving the team for a year is as good as announcing one's retirement but Coach Kataoka always asked Chris to stay in the position of manager to guide the team," the student could not tear her eyes away from the scene.
"As long as a single strand of hope remains, he will never give up on baseball," Rei added on and glanced at Eirin who became silent since she has seen his situation. "Coach Kataoka thought that you two would make a good battery because you'd be able to understand each other," the assistant coach pushed her glasses upwards. They have been digging into her history as they do to each member of the club. It was just a coincidence, really, but the coach decided that it was time to fix everything and bring light to each side.
"Right, Sawamura?"
Eirin could still remember how much she screamed and cried each night due to the pain as if it was just yesterday. She was heavily clutching her left arm, not being able to put force on her shoulder which was also in what she felt like torture. It was as if half of her body was paralyzed. They were sitting inside her hospital room a week after her surgery when the added anesthesia went off and everything came to her like blazing fire. Even Furuya was there. Even he looked worried and apologetic. Yamato patted her on the back worriedly and gently pulled her right arm away from the other because it had the IV line attached to it.
She was only thirteen, a first year in junior high, when she had a grade three bicep tear and a shoulder joint tear only because the ball went unto the wrong direction and she wasn't able to dodge it. If only she remained standing after she was hit then her injury could've been lessened but her fall was pretty nasty. She lost her balance and her left arm slid on the mound resulting to a rip of muscle.
"E-Ei-chan, calm down you're hyperventilating,"
Furuya stood up from his seat with an anxious expression and asked, "Should I call the nurse?"
Rei grinned and pushed the dazed Eirin inside the room. At first she looked shocked and glanced at the assistant manager who was smiling before noticing Chris' and his father's attention on her. "Uhh… Hi, Chris-senpai," she awkwardly smiled and rubbed the back of her neck. She wasn't really sure what to say or what to do. "Rei-san told me about what happened to you," she decided that being honest was the best way to deal with this. Kami, she was such an insensitive idiot. And why didn't even Chris-senpai say something? She was stuck up and she didn't believe anything from him all this time.
"Why didn't you say anything after being maligned by a first year like me?" her voice was soft and her head was hung low. Chris wasn't able to see what expression she was making but continuously, her words started to stun him. "Won't that make me a big idiot for not even noticing?" he could now see how water started to circle her eyes but were kept unshed.
"Sawamura…"
An arthroscopic surgery was made for her shoulder joint. The doctors had to reattach her tendons with wires, absorbable tacks and sutures. Her bicep tore required almost more than a dozen stiches because they had to sew the tear back. Yamato who just got back from their school trip was almost crying when he saw her lying on the hospital bed days after the incident. She looked bad. She wasn't able to move or feel her left hand. Her eyes were the same as those which Chris had, lifeless and dim.
"I made the wrong call… forgive me Ei-chan,"
Furuya who tagged along with Yamato from Hokkaido also looked like in pain when the doctor came in and gave them the news. He said that recovery for her was nearly impossible because she got injured while she was still young, her muscles were still underdeveloped. She wasn't allowed to play again. And even if it heals, just because she had a surgery and her arm and shoulder are back in shape doesn't mean that she couldn't tear them again. They become more fragile because everything is now artificial and there's a possibility that if she tears them again, everything might be over this time.
Eirin had to blink her tears away when she saw Furuya crying and blaming himself for the first time.
The next day, everyone went to the Kanto Preliminary matches and she remained in the dorms alone again. This time, even Furuya went because apparently, the coach wanted him to have his debut in that match. She didn't bother to come with them because she had that regime to complete anyway. It took her a while to finish everything but when she did, she took a long bath in the girl's bath in order to congratulate herself. It has only been a few days over a week since she was assigned to Chris and they weren't already talking because of what she did the last time they met.
She pouted and sank lower into the water, "Way to go, Eirin."
When she got back to her room she heard her phone ring and when she checked,
Yamato Takeshi.
The female pitcher gulped before answering the call, "H-Hello?"
"Meet me outside Seido's gate, now,"
Eirin tried to walk as slow as she could but the male that was standing near the gate had already spotted her. He looked the same as she remembers and he was in his Ojou uniform. She wore the same uniform a couple of months ago but she had forgotten what it felt like to carry that heavy crest on her shoulders. The symbol of the White Knights, their Alma Matter, it almost made Eirin frown because being one required great responsibility and pressure which she wasn't able to oblige. It was already sundown and there were no classes yet until next week. She could already see the female students in various clubs of Seido looking at Yamato with those adoring eyes and flattered smiles.
"You're in Tokyo," she grinned at him with her signature and acted as if they had no problems with each other at all. Well they didn't really have any problems nor have a fight, they just haven't talked to each other for such a long time and that was a first.
"You applied for Ojou's summer camp again, didn't you?" she always knew that Yamato was such a bookworm due to his parents. Study and practice was what he had been doing all his life. It was the same case last year. He even went to school during break after graduation just so that he could study in advance. Studying ahead of time would give him more time for baseball, or so he thought.
"Yeah, it's more hectic now that were in high school," he gave her a smile at the end of his sentence and she wondered what it was like for him in Ojou now that she transferred schools. Does he actually have friends that he can hang out with? Is he in a new battery? Eirin doesn't know anything. "It's kind of different. The academy, I mean, without you. It became pretty quiet and there wasn't anyone to represent the first years in the high school baseball club division," the female pitcher laughed at his remark. Yes, they were talking about that last year. They agreed that when they became high school students, Eirin would be the one to represent their year.
"Are you in a battery with anyone now?" Eirin asked and he looked at her for a second before nodding.
"Yes, yes I am,"
The female pitcher grinned and exclaimed, "Well that's great. Good for you, Takeshi."
She didn't know if it was anger or sadness that his face was showing but he definitely did not like her reply. Did he expect something else? "What about you? You're with Miyuki Kazuya, I'm sure," so it seems like he did some research regarding Seido and Eirin just assumed that he knew everything. Wasn't it always like that? Yamato was always updated when it came to his friends. "Are things even going well with you all over the place?" it was sarcasm and Eirin knew so she scoffed.
"Yeah right, Satoru is paired up with the four eyes and I messed up with the catcher I was assigned with. I'm in big trouble right now and I don't even know what to do. Kami, guys are so complicated,"
"Have you pitched these days?"
"I'm not allowed to, I have a regime to follow," he could see the pout that was on her lips and he laughed when she crossed her arms. It was true; she hasn't thrown a pitch since the game which was a week ago. "And I haven't asked Chris-senpai to catch my pitch before," so that was his name, Yamato took note of. He must have been someone really high that even Eirin, the most unpredictable pitcher in the world was shy to ask for him to catch.
Yamato grinned and ruffled her hair, "Well then, as your partner, I should make sure that your skills haven't gotten rusty these past few days. Show me to the way to the mound, Eirin-hime."
Eirin grinned at the honorific he was using, sure she could play this game, "Please do not heed and follow my steps, Takeshi no kimi."
The team won the preliminary round in Yokohama and were walking back to the field when Miyuki decided to ask, "So have you been catching Sawamura's pitches, Chris-senpai?" He was grinning playfully so it sounded like a taunt. But he's Miyuki, he's a full-fledged bastard and he himself knows.
"There were rumors with the managers that she went to see you during your rehab," Perhaps some of the players or managers saw and simply assumed or there's that possibility that Rei already told them. Honestly, no one knows how the news traveled so fast. Nevertheless, everyone turned their attention towards Chris who was sitting on the bench.
"Well Bakamura is an idiot so she obviously doesn't know anything. Just don't mind her, Chris-senpai," Kuramochi commented and assured the upperclassman. Eirin was loud and too hyper for their third year catcher and clearly, they were incompatible. "She'll realize it all in the end," he added as he stretched and placed both of his arms at the back of his neck. They were still in their uniforms after the game and everyone was tired. Even Furuya who pitched a single inning was drop dead tired. He'll have to work on his stamina training with Miyuki later on.
"W-What do you mean by that Kuramochi-senpai," the younger Kominato tried to ask in the most respectful was as possible. He just couldn't stand that they were talking things behind his friend's back, it seemed so wrong. "I-I'm sure Ei-chan doesn't mean any harm to Chris-senpai. She'll surely change!" he insisted and his brother stared at him with a smile that didn't seem positive or negative. Honestly speaking, he had no idea what that grin was about. All he knew was that it made him nervous even though they were siblings.
"Nah, it's just that Sawamura is being an idiot for not noticing Chris-senpai's efforts," the female pitcher's roommate started and the two first years turned their attention to him. "Last year, Chris-senpai injured his arm so he's not going to be able to play," he only added on when the third year was way ahead of them, afraid that he might receive a negative reaction. He really didn't want to make him recall any bad memories when his eyes were already looking grim.
Furuya blinked, "Is that why the Coach paired him up with Eirin?" Almost everyone paused on their tracks and turned to look at Furuya. Even Chris who was almost a meter ahead of the first years halted and slightly turned. Miyuki gave the pitcher a curious look before he decided to answer, "Chris-senpai and Eirin are the same. The coach must have realized that they'd be able to understand each other the best." That was a lot coming from Furuya but they seriously had no idea what he was talking about. Why was the female pitcher similar to Chris? Kami, his words were making them all confused.
"In what way are they similar — "
"Oi! You guys have to see this! Come to the field immediately!" Seido's center fielder, Isashiki Jun who went ahead the bunch along with Kawakami, Yuki, Rei and the coach called out from afar. Apparently, the baseball field had gathered a lot of attention when they were gone. It was already five so they had no idea what the ruckus was all about. "Especially Chris! Your prodigy is making a show!" at that, Chris glanced at him, a bit curious at what exactly she was doing. All he knew was that earlier, she didn't want to come with them and offered to be left behind. And his prodigy? Sawamura was his prodigy?
"What is it about?"
"Just hurry up and go to the field!" Isashiki was already sprinting back to the field and the others curiously followed. They weren't exactly running. They were all walking fast except for Haruichi who got alarmed when he heard that Eirin was putting up a show. He wasn't exactly sure what show. A fight? Was she getting bullied!? What in the world was happening? Seconds later, Kuramochi also started to run along with Miyuki who just wanted to see what everything was about.
"Where's Ei-chan— "
Bam!
"That curve ball doesn't curve as much before. Wedge it down between your thumb and forefinger," Yamato told Eirin who was in front of him a couple of meters away as he threw her the ball. The girl nodded before getting back into position. The two were on the mound with Eirin pitching. Coach Kataoka and Rei were near the dugout observing them along with Kawakami and Yuki. The outside of the fence was crowded with adults, mostly scouts who received the news a couple of minutes ago and students who stayed in the dorm.
"What," Miyuki almost gasped out of character when he saw who was catching for Eirin. It was Yamato and by the look of it, they have been doing this for a long time already. His hair was a mess and he already took off his uniform's jacket. It just irked him how one could be so good looking, talented and rich at the same time. "What is he doing here?" he asked to his co-members who just shrugged as they entered the fence. Haruichi followed the regulars to the dugout while Furuya stepped closer to the pair.
"Long time no see, Satoru," the catcher grinned at Furuya who was walking towards the mound.
"Long time no see my ass! Go away Satoru! Ask Miyuki Kazuya to catch for you or something! I'm not sharing the mound with you!" Eirin complained. She was definitely possessive with the field now that she's allowed to pitch. "And why are you guys here anyway?" she asked her co-pitcher, throwing occasional glances at the bench. Furuya explained that they just came back from their match and that they heard something was happening on the field which made Eirin twitch.
"What do you mean causing a scene!?" she questioned his explanation and Furuya slightly took a step backwards.
Yamato laughed at the two's antics before he continued with his own statement, "Go put your brace on already, Eirin."
"I'll be throwing with my left arm?"
"You want Chris to acknowledge you right?" Yamato said as he took off his glove because Kami, putting on braces took quite a lot of time. Unfortunately, his voice was loud enough for everyone even the coach to hear and it made the female pitcher blush. She was muttering things under her breath while Miyuki nudged Chris on the side while grinning. The injured catcher looked astonished for a second. Acknowledge? Eirin groaned as she walked towards the dugout where Yamato's things were. The two guys only followed, talking about something on their way.
It was then when Kuramochi pulled Eirin closer for a question, "Bakamura! What is Yamato doing here? You have something to do with this don't you!" The third years also looked interested on how Eirin was going to answer. The coach and Rei glanced at her direction, also expecting something.
"I don't know! He's only here because his family is in Tokyo and he just dropped by to give me something," she shook her head and opened the catcher's bag. Kuramochi in the background was almost complaining about why she was opening other people's things. "Ahh, here it is," it was a white shoulder brace and by the look of it, it was difficult to put on. Rei stood up from her seat and started to help Eirin assemble.
"Take off your shirt," the assistant coach said and the girl obliged. The third years almost had to look away when they saw Eirin only clad in that tight blue compression shirt. The pitcher slightly groaned when Rei started to attach the straps around her left shoulder.
Chris on the other hand looked a bit concerned knowing what it was like to be injured.
"Do the others know?" she silently asked the girl who shook her head in return. The assistant coach sighed because the members had to be informed one way or another. Yes, it would be better for them to be informed sooner. At least that way they could avoid accidents from repeating.
"Well, I haven't exactly told them but — " Eirin groaned when Rei tugged on the straps a little too tight. Furuya who was watching the two flinched while Yamato looked a bit nervous. "I-If it's what it takes to prove to Chris-senpai that I'm not a loser then be it!" her voice was louder than usual when she gritted her teeth for the final tug. Her former catcher doesn't even know anymore, she was such a hard headed person to advice no matter how intelligent one was.
Yamato chuckled when he saw the grim look on Furuya's face, "You'll be the one attaching the brace to her next time, Satoru." The said pitcher turned to him with a baffled face, even the other members of the club looked shocked that he had that much emotion in him. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. You've done it before right?" at that, Furuya groaned in resignation while Eirin on the other side looked like she was suffocating from the idea.
"Satoru!? He nearly killed me last time — "
"And since you're already done, let's go to the mound and pitch," Yamato patted her on the back and pushed her to walk along with Furuya who was grumbling as they went to the diamond. The male pitcher kept staring at her shoulder while she silently cursed under her breath. Her former pitcher sighed before his eyes traveled and landed on two individuals, Chris and Miyuki. The catchers didn't react and simply looked back at him seriously.
Yamato openly grinned at the two he turned his head towards Eirin innocently, "Ei-chan! Get on position already!" She was trying to push Furuya out of the mound, he also wanted to pitch to him and it was funny how much persistence he was actually showing. By then, Yamato was already on his position, crouching with his glove on. "Start with warm-up pitches, don't throw that hard," he instructed her and she nodded, stretching out her left arm.
From the dug-out, Kuramochi gritted his teeth, "That idiot! She's injured?" It was not out of worry. He was more on the baffled side. He thought that it was kind of dumb to pitch while hurt. Well, there was an ounce of worry but he was mad that she didn't even bother to tell him in the few weeks they've been together. "And that Yamato! What kind of stupid plan is this!?" he clenched and gritted his teeth. No matter how much talent one had, an injury was an injury. Chris' eyes also darkened at what seemed to be a ridiculous plan.
Everyone almost frowned when they saw Eirin starting to warm up. She was seriously going to do this?
Rei shook her head, "She somehow reminds me of you Chris." If that didn't catch the attention of the female pitcher's mentor then what would? He looked at her with an unreadable expression along with the other regulars and first years that was near.
"Selfless and brave,"
Chris' eyes slowly turned focus on Eirin who was doing exercises for her shoulder. She beamed a smile at him when she noticed his attention on her. He sighed at her antics before showing a small smile. Perhaps that was the first time he did smile in a couple of months. The girl had some sort of charm to her, the sort of charm that affects you when she smiles or laughs, the sort of charm that makes her appear so serene and almost stellar.
So stellar that is almost seemed seraphic…
"But Sawamura-san unlike you is brash and too audacious. She's not scared to sacrifice anything even when it comes down to a fifty-fifty chance. Nothing is going to bring her down. She's too forward," Rei almost seemed worried with the way her eyes looked. "It might be a great asset to the team but for an individual, risking yourself for others is not good when it becomes too much… you'll be the one getting hurt," the former catcher wasn't looking at her, his eyes were still on Eirin but he was still listening. Kuramochi and the other regulars also had their gaze fixated on her, it has only been a couple of weeks and they were already learning a lot.
"What's her injury, Rei-chan?" Miyuki couldn't help but ask when Chris became too quiet for his own sake.
"A grade three bicep and joint tear," Furuya replied behalf of the assistant coach when he finally gave up on the mound because apparently, Eirin wanted to pitch so bad and managed to convince him. "It took her quite a while to recover from that sort of injury. After the surgery when the doctor told her the news, her eyes were just like yours Chris-senpai," he added on and his upperclassman couldn't help but somehow become disturbed.
"How long did it take for her to recover?"
"A week,"
"Just a week?" Kuramochi almost seemed a bit baffled by the amount of time. It was rather fast for such a complicated injury, even Chris' impairment which was a little more unsophisticated took quite a lot of time. "As if that would happen, grade three tears take years to heal—"
"Sometimes they never heal. Eirin's didn't," Furuya almost sounded a bit mad when he cut off the short stop's statement. The way his eye brows furrowed and how he gritted his teeth in frustration, he didn't seem like the Furuya they knew at all. "When she woke up from the surgery, the first thing they tell her is that she might never play again. That she should give up because she can't throw with her left arm anymore. She looked worse during those times than you senpai," he was practically throwing his words at them as if wondering why people are so pissed off at Eirin for not being able to understand Chris.
It was stupid.
It was ignorant.
It was such a dull-witted thing to do.
"Eirin, stop it! You're hurting yourself!" Yamato was literally shouting at her when she started to thrash around and ruin everything inside her hospital room. The monitor was somewhere near the side, flowers from her team and classmates were on the floor in petals and pieces. Those letters for her to get well were torn and that trophy was at the corner of the room all by itself, thrown and destroyed.
Eirin was just about to pull out her IV out when Furuya grabbed her hand and pulled her closer for a hug.
Yamato sighed out of relief.
Eirin started to cry.
"You guys think that Eirin doesn't know anything," he looked at the regulars with eyes that almost looked a bit teary but never unshed. She was his rival but she was also his friend, one of his very first and genuine ones. He knew that it was his fault and he was furious, pissed off even when she forgave him for that.
She was such an idiot.
So freaking stupid.
"One week is a very long time. Usually, she'd just brush it off and try again in a couple of minutes," he started off, everyone's attention now on him and not on Eirin who was asking Yamato about a couple of stuff she'd miss. "But for the whole time she stayed in the hospital, her eyes looked dead," when the catcher turned from his position on the mound, his eyes immediately landed on Furuya who looked a bit too serious.
"Satoru," Yamato silently whispered, knowing that the only thing that affected his friend was Eirin's injury. The female pitcher blinked before turning her eyes to where her former catcher's gaze was.
"But that's just for a week during her stay at the hospital. After that she was immediately fine, we even went to the field and she pitched at us," he wondered if he started to sound strange because his teammates were looking at him differently. "With her right arm," his eyes rose from the ground and stared unto Chris'.
"She became ambidextrous just for this. Chris-senpai, you still have both of your hands. When Eirin's on the field she can only use one with the risk of injuring the other again," Yamato smiled a bit sadly at him from afar, looking a bit proud that he would actually defend Eirin. "She's not that different from you," he sounded almost a bit sad to be Furuya who was always full or defence and hidden.
"Oi! Satoru!" Eirin called out from afar, waving her mitt in the air with the ball in the other. "What are you doing? You said you'd watch me pitch! See how much I improved over these years, princess!" it was more of a confident boast really, not something out of concern. Furuya turned to look at her with somehow wide eyes before putting his usual expression on. Yamato shook his head at her behavior but if you looked closely, you'd be able to see a small smile on his face.
Yep, that's definitely Eirin.
"Hmm? Why in the world do you look like you're about to cry?" she asked when she was finally near him, about a meter away. At that, Furuya's cheeks reddened and he furiously wiped against his eyes. "Hah! Satoru you're still a crybaby!" she taunted with that signature grin of hers.
"Am not," there it was, his usual stoic and calm voice.
"Is too!"
"Am not,"
"Is too—"
"Just get on the field already," by then he already had his back turned against her to hide his expression. She blinked at his sudden change of mind so she just went with in and nodded although a bit hesitant. "Eirin!" he called out to her when she was halfway towards her position. She turned to look at him and tilted her head to the side in question.
"Be careful, okay?"
She grinned at him before laughing, "Who do you think I am? Of course I'll be careful." He somehow felt at ease due to her words. "So stop blaming yourself already 'cause I'm never going to be injured again, got that?" she was pointing her mitt at him with the smuggest expression he had seen on her. Furuya looked somehow stunned. Of course she noticed…
"You'll get injured if you keep that confidence,"
Eirin looked baffled at his reply, "No, I won't!"
"Yes, you will,"
"I said I won't,"
"Yes, you will—"
"Ei-chan!" Yamato called from his position. He was already crouching, asking her to pitch. Furuya, Chris and the others immediately fell silent.
They held back their breaths when she started her wind up.
That left handed wind up.
Bam!
"Damn, that's fast," Isashiki commented and behind him Tetsu nodded in approval. That control, speed and power definitely belonged to an ace. Rei smiled before pushing her glasses up, this was one of the many reasons why she wanted her to join Seido. "But a curve ball, really?" he was kind of annoyed that Yamato actually let her pitch that kind of throw for her first one. What if her injury got worse? Isn't it obvious that they should start with easy pitches first before moving on to the more complicated ones?
Furuya's eyes somehow darkened.
Bam!
Miyuki's eyes narrowed when the catcher threw the ball back to the pitcher for another pitch. His hands clenched on his sides. What was he doing? "He's not giving her signals," he sounded obviously pissed and loud enough for everyone to hear. The first years and the regulars looked at him while Furuya didn't seem that surprised. "That bastard's just letting her throw anything she wants," he was kind of annoyed that even though Yamato knew that it was bad for her, he didn't say anything. Was he helping her or making her suffer? Miyuki doesn't know.
"What kind of battery are they?" he muttered under his breath, a bit annoyed.
Bam!
Curve ball.
Bam!
Down in the middle.
Bam!
Fast ball.
Bam!
Another curve ball.
Bam!
Masuko almost flinched backwards. He had never seen his roommate like this before. His ears were ringing. Those pitches sounded pretty nasty.
Bam!
She raised her left leg and shifted all of her weight to it when it landed on the ground. Her hidden left hand rose behind her and the ball suddenly showed spinning to all directions with fast moving speed. Yamato grinned catching it above his head with his eyes somehow scrunched up in pain. Kataoka's eyes for a second lit up while Rei immediately took her memo out.
"Man, that looks like a tough pitch to catch" Kuramochi commented when the coach looked a bit baffled at what he was seeing. "That's a modified slider right there," now he wasn't a catcher nor an expert in pitching but he definitely knew some when he saw them.
"Isn't it too fast to be a slider, senpai?" the younger Kominato asked and the short stop shrugged, looking at Miyuki so that they can get answers. It was hardly a slide with the pitch being unpredictable. How does she make it spin like that anyway?
Kuramochi laughed before asking Miyuki, "So? Think you'd be able to catch that?"
The catcher just grinned.
Bam!
Fast ball.
Bam!
Eirin turned around to stretch her shoulders and neck after the pitch. Yamato stood up from his crouching position while those in the dugout looked a bit concerned. Chris clenched his fists at not knowing what expression she wore. Rei looked at the coach who nodded at her. Kuramochi, Ryosuke and Haruichi on the other hand were talking about something regarding her injury.
"I figured. Eirin you're straining your shoulder way too much," her former catcher commented and she shook her head, turning the joints of her shoulder for exercise. "There's nothing to prove anymore," he continued but her ears were covered, she was not listening to him anymore.
"Your upperclassman, he acknowledges you already. You don't have to do this you know,"
The female pitcher simply shook her head at that and started with her wind up.
Bam!
Curve ball.
Bam!
A fast ball.
Bam!
Yamato almost winced when he saw her starting her wind up again. Everyone recognized that slow wind up. Her right handed cross fire was bad enough, what would be the outcome if she pitched with her dominant hand? Somehow, the assistant coaches looked interested.
"Eirin, stop it— " before Furuya was able to step in, Chris was already behind her grabbing her forearm before she was able to throw. Yamato stood from his position, took off his glove and sighed. He grinned a bright smile before he gave the pitcher a thumbs up. She blinked at him, not really aware for a second before she returned his encouragement with a smile.
"Sawamura, don't overexert yourself," his voice was pretty calm and kind now that she listened very closely. His eyes were somehow not that lifeless anymore and Eirin doesn't know why but she was somehow glad. "It's dangerous. You could get injured if you pitch like that," like a puppy that just found its long lost owner, her eyes lit up and everything around her shined.
Furuya took a step back.
Yamato awkwardly laughed.
Miyuki grinned.
"C-Chris-senpai," were those stars? In her eyes?
Kuramochi face palmed.