Chapter 2

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! P.S apologize in advance if some of the characters move out of their characteristic traits.

Sawamura Eijun had never been in a troublesome situation, up until now. He was sitting on a couch beside two famous names within Nippon Professional Baseball, within a room of his Seido coaches who were not aware of his involvement with the latter two people. He could feel his sweat running down his spine as he looked silently and discreetly around. He notice that his BJ coach was calm as ever, and his BJ captain seems to be more professional that he had ever seen him, while he noticed Miss Takashima and Mr. Oota standing far back trying to look undisturbed, with their surroundings, and Coach Ochiai sitting comfortably on the couch he usually sees him on, he was about to look at his Seido head coach, when he heard him speak, getting the attention of the whole room, making him look up mustering all his confidence and calmness.

"It has been a while since I last saw you Mihashi" coach Kataoka said as he was sitting behind his desk looking straight at a man he has known since his highschool days, yet was not surprised to see. As he slightly looked at Sawamura, obviously fidgeting in his seat, and the head coach of BJ who seemed to be more comfortable in his position.

"Owh… why so formal Tesshin, it's not like we have not known each other for so long" Coach Mihashi Shoji smiled effortlessly as if he was just meeting an old friend, making Coach Kataoka wrinkle his forehead uncertain of what the BJ coach wants, considering he and the BJ coach was not exactly called friends in the old days, though he have a guess as he looked at the very tense southpaw pitcher.

"Hmmm… my name is Coach Ochiai Hiro…" as Coach Ochiai tries to introduce himself to the newcomers, but then was cut off abruptly by the BJ coach as if not caring who he was.

"Anyways… let us stop with the pleasantries, I am here to talk about Sawamura…" Mihashi intervenes with the introduction of one of Seido's coaches, while not bothering to even look at the older man, making Daiki cough to hide a bit of laughter, while Miss Takashima and Mr. Oota looked at one another nervously.

"I can see that, considering the situation, I am taking full responsibility in regards to Sawamura's actions and results in the field today" Coach Kataoka Tesshin informs seriously, noting the fact that it seems the BJ coach intentionally cut off one of his colleagues which was rude, making him fist his free hands under the table.

"Owhhoo… You seem to know Sawamura's involvement with me…" Shoji noted, while noticing the slight agitation in Seido's head coach face.

"I had figured it out the moment Sawamura was at bat. There is only one person within the league who bat's like that, with the posture, bat positioning, bat swing, though there are a few people who tried to copy such style, no one can really replicate the results, up until today… of course with some consequences" Coach Kataoka explained at the same time seemingly stressing the cause of the injury that the Seido Ace was experiencing at the moment.

"Hahahaha… true… he still has not gotten the hang of it, especially with the degree drops, but I am sure he will get there" Shoji laughed comfortably, though the tension within the room could still be felt, considering the other people were all tense. "Anyways, I am not here in regards to the outcome of the game, or in regards to Sawamura's injury as a matter of fact."

Coach Kataoka wrinkled his forehead again, looking at the fidgety southpaw, noticing he was already trying to look away, "I see… then what can I do for you?" he asked curiously, turning to the BJ head coach, noticing the seriousness in the latter's eyes. Though the BJ coach seemed to be smiling, it was obvious that he was annoyed about something, and he had known the batter to not notice the small details.

"Well, as you have guessed, I would like to tell everyone within this room that Sawamura Eijun had been training with our team for the past months now. I don't want anyone reprimanding him due to not informing any of you people, that decision falls under me and my team." as Coach Mihashi started, he fiercely look at Coach Ochiai as he stressed the words 'reprimanding', making the latter Seido Coach seems startled, then Shoji turn to look back to Coach Kataoka all serious, "I know how it would be difficult, especially having two coaches, that is mainly the reason why I ordered Sawamura not to inform any of his Seido Coaches, or teammates. But Seido is not really oblivious of his involvement with us, since based on my understanding, he is under a sports scholarship, that is why we have informed a few Seido school directors of his participation with us in case there would be future problems."

"I see…" As Coach Kataoka did not look away from the serious look of the BJ coach, he did notice that his cheeriness upon entering and greeting him was already gone, and he was now looking at the NPB Tokyo Jaguars head coach. "If you are informing me of these things, then I am guessing you need something involving Sawamura?"

"I'll get straight to the point Tesshin, since you know me, I would just say it straight to your face. I would like for Sawamura to be drop in joining the Koshien team of Seido" Coach Mihashi informed sternly, hearing a sudden gasp of surprise from his back, obviously from Seido's scout and President, however he noticed Coach Kataoka did not break his poker face look.

The moment that Sawamura heard Coach Shoji say those words, that he wanted him to be dropped from joining the Koshien team, he started holding his breath, waiting patiently for the violent reaction of rejection to his BJ's coach proposal. He was already fisting his hands, when he suddenly heard what coach Ochiai speak, making him look up at the man in utter disbelief.

"I think that would be a great idea…" Coach Ochiai informed calmly, making the people all turn to look at the Seido Coach at the same time noticing Daiki slightly choking from the cup of coffee that was offered to him by the Seido scout, and turning to look at the Seido coach in shock.

"Ahmm… what do you mean Coach Ochiai?" Miss Takashima asked, full of skepticism, not noticing Sawamura's reaction since he was not facing her.

"Well… having a young player join an official NPB team is a big opportunity that could not be passed. Being involved in such activities would definitely secure the player's future would it not?" Coach Ochiai explained.

"Well that is true… but" Mr. Oota added, seeming to be in agreement with Coach Ochiai's view, while Miss Takashima looked at the Seido President with wariness. "I understand too, it is just that…" but before Miss Takashima could voice out her opinion, a low voice cut in.

"So you mean… you people think, this is a once in a life opportunity, for your Ace that could not be passed? You think that there is no such offer, or chance in the near future?" Daiki asked seriously, as he slowly put the cup down on the table, and looked at Seido Coach Ochiai glowering. Eijun on another hand noticed the tone that his BJ captain used, it was the same one used when he was getting mad or annoyed, as he turned to look at his captain, he knew he was not wrong. His heart was already beating fast, as he tried to make a move to calm his captain, but then Coach Ochiai spoke again, nailing him on his spot.

"What I am saying is, Sawamura had truly improved since his first year here in Seido, and with BJ's guidance, I am definitely sure he could achieve more things in his life. We do not have to worry about anything, since Furuya is already back, then Sawamura being absent from the lineup is not much of a big deal, though I am sure we would need to make certain adjustments however…" As Coach Ochiai explains, he was abruptly cut short when Sawamura unexpectedly stood up from his seat looking down on the floor.

"Sawamura?" Miss Takashima called out softly, as he could notice the shaking of the south paw shoulders.

"I am sorry, it is getting late, and I am sure everyone is tired… I would ready my stuff" Eijun said, still looking down, as he promptly took a bow, and moved towards the door, not even looking back. There was a sudden deafness in the room, as Miss Takashima and Mr. Oota looked out the door where Sawamura exited, then they noticed the hard and serious tone from Seido's head coach, seemingly displeased with the situation.

"Shoji… would you reconsider… We are not just buying to be the Tokyo Representative, but to take home the Koshien title as well. As you would know, Sawamura is vital in our team for that to happen. He is a part of Seido and he is more important than you can imagine." Coach Kataoka was looking at the BJ coach soberly, while still fisting his hands under the table. He ignored Coach Ochiai's look of insecurity, and looked at the BJ people with full determination.

"Hmmm…" as Coach Mihashi took a sip from his own coffee, and slowly put down the cup, he turned to look at the Seido coach in full disdain. "Tell me… Tesshin, when did you decide that he is a vital part of Seido? Was it when you decided to pull him out of practice when he got yips? Or was it when you decided to pull him out in the finals fall qualifications, or maybe when you let him warm up the dugout during the Koshien games last fall. Ahhh… no… perhaps it was when he saved your heine during your spring tournament? Tell me… Tesshin… cause I am quite interested about it"

Coach Kataoka was speechless, as he could notice the look of disgust in the BJ coach's face. "How did you… Did Sawamura…" but before he could finish, he heard Coach Mihashi sigh as if trying to calm his demeanor.

"No… he did not… Do you really think I would just let a random highschool boy join my team even if he was scouted by none other than Harashi Yukime…" Mihashi informs as he tries to cool his demeanor while holding his right thigh. "I had him investigated the first month he joined my team, that is how I know how important he is to you Tesshin… considering you are a pitcher yourself." while Shoji smiled sadly.

Miss Takashima and Mr. Oota were all dumbstruck as they watched the turn of events in front of them, while Coach Ochiai seems to be unsure what really is going on now. "Then… Sawamura would stay?" Miss Takashima asked.

"No…" Shoji answered in a command tone, making Coach Kataoka look in utter disbelief as he immediately slammed his hands on the table.

"Shoji… I know this is something about me… however I would not let you punish the whole Seido team due to my mistakes." Coach Kataoka looked at the BJ coach in full determination.

Daiki sensed his coach slowly standing up, as he also stood up providing support as he noticed the shaky demeanor of his BJ coach posture, at the same time he noticed the sad look he was giving to the Seido coach, "I am not punishing you Tesshin, in fact I am jealous of you… Having such a child sitting in the corner, I never had the courage to quit baseball the way you did during our time, rules of coaching are quite strict. You decided you would pursue coaching instead of playing the game despite being a great pitcher yourself. I felt betrayed, you know… during that time, I thought we could meet again in the diamond field. But we have our own circumstances now. I am also coaching a team, and I intend to use any means necessary to make sure MY team stays on top… even if I have to topple any other team out there, even if it had to be a mere highschool team. This is not personal… this is pure business" as Coach Shoji slightly gave a bow as a show of respect, then slowly moved out of the room, Daiki quietly following behind, leaving the flabbergasted Seido management team to their own thoughts.

"Hey! Has anyone seen Sawamura?" Kuramochi asked loudly as they were all in the cafeteria getting ready for the full out celebration in winning the game.

"The last time I saw him was on the bus…" Nabe answered, as he was thinking deeply about where Sawamura ran out too.

"Huh… considering everyone is here… Why would he let our seniors wait for him!" Asou said in full party spirit, watching their former Seido seniors showing up in their celebration and talking to some players.

Haruichi turned to look around, obviously noticing the absence of their ace, "I would look for him" he finally informed as he stood up, about to step out of the cafeteria.

"Hey… I will come with you…" as Tojou stood up, at the same time the first years all stood up and expressed their wish to look for the Ace.

"Ugh… Imma strangle that…" Kanemaru complained as he also stood up, and joined the others to look for their Ace.

"Are you not going to join them, Miyuki?" Kuramochi asked as he saw a few second and first years move out silently.

"I am guessing that guy is trying to hide again… But he cannot escape forever. Let us watch for a bit…" Miyuki informed, while also looking out to the people, who exited the room. But for some reason, he had an ominous feeling that was starting from his gut and had hope it would not result in something bad.

Eijun was breathing heavily, catching his breath as he ran out of Coach Kataoka's office, he immediately went straight to his Seido room. As he took in deep breaths, trying to calm his beating heart, he realized he did not pass any of his teammates, which made him feel unsure if it was a blessing or curse. I am guessing they are all celebrating our win… I wonder if they would be checking up on me, Eijun thought somberly as he looked around at the quiet darkness of his room, not bothering to even open any lights. He walked slowly towards his desk, navigating the slight darkness, and dropped his Seido bag close at the same time removing his shirt and throwing it on top of his desk. Ahhhh.. I am guessing Captain Miyuki would be looking for me… I remember he wanted to talk about something… as Eijun recollected the serious look of his Seido captain calling him out before he jumped out of the bus. After putting on a fresh shirt, and a random jacket he got from his things. He also started to slowly pack some belongings inside his Seido bag. I guess this should be ok… he thought dejectedly, and stood up to turn to look back at his slightly dim room. He could imagine his senior Kuramochi nagging him sitting on top of his bed, and Asada trying to placate his senior, making him smile a bit. He took in another deep long breath in, as his eyes went towards the desk, and saw his Seido shirt with the big number 1 plastered at the back. Eijun walked slowly towards the desk and then fisted the number one that was on the back of the shirt. Did they even mean it… when they gave me this number, or was it all just lip service? I thought I had proven myself enough to actually earn this, making Eijun sigh but I guess it was not enough. Eijun remembered their spring tournament, when Coach Kataoka apologized when he cut off Sankou's offense, then the time when the same person handed him the ace number as he loosen his grip on the now crumpled back of the Seido jersey, 'Number 1, Sawamura Eijun!' Coach Kataoka called out, then turned to look at Sawamura seriously, "What? Do you want it or not?" he added, making Sawamura answer automatically "Yes sir!, I'm coming at mach speed!" Then he moved forward and held the ace number with shaky hands. "You have earned this number. Hold your head high and take it." Eijun smiled, finally realizing he did all he could but it was just a bit short, I guess it is time to finally put it to rest huh… Thank you so much for everything. I would have never been the person I am now, if not for your guidance, as he walked towards the door, taking one last look of his room and taking a bow as if finally resolved to close a certain chapter of his life. He could feel his emotions starting to stir again, thus he strongly recollects himself, lifted his bag and finally opened the door, but at the same time Asada Hirofumi was about to open the door as well making Eijun stop on his tracks.

"Sawamura sempai!" Asada yelped, when he recognized his senior the moment their room door opened up. "Everyone is looking for you!" he added.

Eijun was a bit surprised with the first year showing up, as he immediately checked if there were more people but noticed that he was alone, which was a good thing. He gave his most dubious smile as he lifted his bag strap. "Sup… Asada… Really! Hahahahaha… I was getting ready, I totally lost track of time" he said as he slowly stepped out of the room and closed it.

"Huh… getting ready for what senpai?" Asada asked more confused, then noticed the bag that Sawamura was carrying was a bit bulkier than it used to be. "Do you have a surprise for everyone? I will carry that for you senpai!" he added as he tries to reach for Sawamura's Seido bag, but Eijun slowly steps back and seemingly avoiding his reach but, still smiling, making Asada feel nervous all of a sudden.

"Ahhh it's fine… Thank you Asada." Eijun answered and took a step back, "Hey, do you think you could cover for me again Asada?" Eijun asked at the same time, gripping his Seido strap bag and started to walk towards the parking area of their dorms, moving towards the shadow making sure to avoid any more Seido players.

"What? What do you mean senpai?" Asada asked unsure as he followed his senior closely.

"Well… ahm you could say I had a family emergency or something." Eijun informs as he keeps on walking, not looking back. "The coaches are already aware this time, so you don't have to worry about that" he added.

"Ehhhh… wait senpai…. We are celebrating our win today. The other seniors who graduated are all here too. What is going on with Sawamura senpai? What do you mean the coaches knew?" Asada informs hurriedly, then he noticed not far from the parking space were two men standing in a parked vehicle as if waiting for Sawamura. When he looked closely, he noticed one of the men standing was the BJ captain, he met before the Inashiro finals game, making him stop on his tracks.

Eijun sensed that Asada had stopped following him, then as he turned he could clearly see the bewilderment in his junior's eyes. When he looked out where his junior was looking, he noticed Captain Daiki and Coach Shoji were standing not far away. Ahhhh… I guess he found that out fast… But I am glad it was you Asada… Eijun grinned, as he again looked at his junior "I have some stuff to do, Asada, so just cover for me ok?"

"But tonight is our celebration, senpai… Why are you leaving tonight of all nights… You have worked hard for this win. The others are also looking forward to this celebration with you" Asada said in a sad tone. He could feel a bit let down at the moment as he looked at Seido's ace, then it hit him, he noticed a bit of sadness in Sawamura's eyes, as his grin was not reaching them.

"It will be fine Asada, Seido can celebrate without me. It is not such a big deal." Eijun informs, half smiling.

"No… that is impossible… Sawamura senpai what is going on?" Asada was now adamant not to let Sawamura leave.

Eijun was about to say something, when he heard a few voices coming towards their direction. "Oh crap… I can't stay for long, Asada… I will explain later. I will call you ok!" as he immediately turned around and ran towards the two men who were waiting for the young pitcher.

"What… Wait! Sawamura senpai!" Asada called out, but Eijun did not look back. Instead, get in the vehicle, as the two men looked at Asada one last time and followed Sawamura inside the car. Asada watched as the car reversed and moved out of the parking lot at exactly the same time Okumura and Seto emerged from the corner of the building.

"Asada? I heard you calling out to Sawamura sempai?" Seto asked as they walked towards the pitcher, but as they looked around they did not see the loud ace around.

"Where is he?" Okumura asked as the only one standing was no other than Asada. Seto and Okumura noticed the dejected look of the pitcher, as he turned and looked at both of them, answering "I don't know…"

"What? What do you mean you don't know?" Seto asked, confused, while Asada seemed to avoid any more discussion and walked back in the Seido dorms, hurriedly towards the cafeteria. "Hey wait! Asada… what is going on?" Seto called out as he tried to catch up with the first year pitcher. Okumura on another hand took a look back, and noticed a backlight of a vehicle seemingly to disappear as it moved away, before following behind Seto.

Everything was already a blur for Eijun as Coach Shoji drove him towards Tohru's residence. He was gonna stay with his family for the meantime while healing from his injury, at the same time to get started for his review. He barely even noticed when Captain Daiki was dropped off in the BJ facility.

"I am sorry Sawamura…" Coach Shoji started as he could sense the cheerless atmosphere inside his vehicle. Moreso when Daiki left, making it just Sawamura and him left for the drive.

"Huh… what do you mean… It was not your fault, Coach. I guess that is how the world works in baseball anyways" Eijun answered boredly as he was looking out of the window.

"Sawamura… that is not how…" But Coach Shoji was cut short when his vehicle light reflected on a female standing on the side of the road, seemingly waiting for them. He slowed down, and made a complete stop exactly where the girl was standing. He noticed Eijun taking in deep breaths before opening the door, and greeting the female cheerfully.

"Sister Nina!" Eijun greeted, mustering all his cheerfulness, as he stepped out of the car and hugged the woman on the side of the road.

Nina hugged Eijun back, "Eijun… welcome home… go inside, the kids are all waiting for you, your family is also staying here for tonight. We would be having a grand celebration." She smiled as she tried to push Eijun inside the gate.

"Owhhhh… Grandpa and Wakana are here? Wow!" Eijun immediately pull out his back from Shoji's back seat and closed the door gently. "Good night Coach… see you soon!" Eijun bowed before rushing inside the house, not noticing the glare that Nina was giving to the BJ coach.

Mihashi Shoji smiled and nodded once as acknowledgement to Eijun's parting, and once the young pitcher was no longer in view, he turned to look at Tohru's wife who was pretty much glaring at him. If looks could kill, he was already murdered by now. I guess it runs in the family, as he recalls Yukime giving him the same look a couple of times already. "Ahmmm… Thank you for doing this… Nina, especially for the short notice" Shoji started, but he could see that the young woman did not seem pleased at all.

"This was not your call Mihashi… You may be Eijun's BJ coach, but he is still not yet officially in the team for you to take away his future like this." Nina started.

Shoji sighs as if trying to release some tension. "Look… I know I may look like the bad guy right now, however you should have heard what Ochiai Hiromitsu said about Sawamura"

"I don't care what he said, or will say in the future. Don't even think that you are off the hook for this. I will make sure she finds out about this. Then perhaps it would finally knock some sense back to your urgent decisions" Nina retaliated, as she kept giving a harsh look at the BJ coach, and took a step back towards her house gate.

"Wait… Nina… It is not an instant decision, I have been…" but Shoji was unable to finish his words when Nina's furious look made him choke.

"Save it Mihashi, I am not nice like my husband or Yukime for that matter. You are in season, let us hope your play off games would not be affected when Yukime is done with you. Good night…" Nina said, making a slight bow, then walking in and slamming the gate door in front of Shoji, making the latter exhale in disbelief.