Chapter 3

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.

Miyuki Kazuya, the captain of the Seido Baseball team, was currently sitting on top of a hill, under the shade of a tree, overlooking Seido's baseball field. He took in a deep sigh as he observed a few of his teammates still doing their personal practices on the field, while the others moved towards the indoor field since it was almost sundown. He was in deep thought when he heard someone calling out to him, thus he made a quick look at his side not moving from his spot, and noticed Watanabe Hisashi walking towards his position. "Hey, Nabe" he greeted as he slowly stood up from his sitting position and dust out his practice uniform.

Nabe looked at his captain vigilantly, and he could already notice the haggard look of the Seido captain. No one had really talked about it, but it could be felt in the whole Seido field, the absence of a certain pitcher. He slowly pulled out a folded piece of paper from his back pocket, and handed it to Miyuki, "Sorry Miyuki, it took me a while to actually find the right details. Miss Takashima and Coach Kataoka seem to be on guard all the time, ever since he…" but before Nabe could finish his sentence, Miyuki slowly took the folded paper and opened it, showing a certain address in the prefecture of Nagano.

"Thanks Nabe… I will get him back, even if I have to drag him…" Miyuki added as looked at the address that was written on the paper.

"Are you sure about this Miyuki, you know the coaches said that they would handle it…" Nabe informs worriedly.

Miyuki smiled grimly, hearing Nabe, "Handle it my ass… something is going on… and no one is saying anything about it… Why did I even become a captain if I am left out in the dark… Today is supposed to be the day that his pitching hand will be checked, "he complained. He could hear Nabe trying to console him, but his thoughts went back 5 days ago, after they secured their Koshien position, and came back to the dorms. They were all planning to have a grand celebration, together with their previous seniors, when everything came as a blur.

It had been a few minutes when a few first years and second years left to look for Sawamura, and Miyuki was already getting impatient waiting. He knew his patience is one of his strongest suits, but now it was growing thinner every second that passed. As he stood up, he also noticed Kuramochi standing almost the same time as him, and a few senior eyes were on them as if sensing his edginess.

"I think we have waited long enough, don't you think so Miyuki?" Kuramochi's tone is obviously annoyed for some reason.

Miyuki grinned as if in agreement, then he heard Kominato Ryosuke, calling them out, "Hey… what is going on… I noticed this for a while now, but why are you guys so anxious for some reason. I also have not seen Haruichi since he left with some first years"

"They went out to look for Sawamura, Kominato senpai…" Furuya informs honestly as he seems to be also joining Miyuki from leaving the cafeteria.

"Sawamura? Now that you mention it, I have not seen him since we came here…" Yuuki Tetsuya said as he looked around the now crowded cafeteria.

"Huh… Then how can we celebrate when the main man is not around?" Masuko Tōru curiously asked, as a few Seido managers looked at one another including the players.

"Relax… he might just be loitering somewhere, we are about to get him…" Miyuki informed as he walked towards the exit.

"Wait up Miyuki, I will come with you!" Takigawa Chris called out as he followed Miyuki. But as the group was about to exit the festive cafeteria, the door suddenly bursts open, where Asada emerges followed by Seto and Okumura.

"Kuramochi senpai! Sawamura senpai is… Sawamura senpai is…" Asada notified the room, not noticing that he just passed his Seido captain and went towards Kuramochi, while also trying to catch his breath.

"Huh… What? What about Sawamura?" Miyuki asked, as he then turned to the other first years who came not far behind the out of breath first year pitcher.

"I am not sure, Miyuki senpai…" Seto answered honestly as they all turned to look at Asada trying to get his breath back.

"Hey! I saw you guys running back here, have you seen Sawamura?" Tojou appeared at the side of the now opened door, followed by Haruichi and Kanemaru looking confused, as they noticed that the loud ace was not around.

"Ok… what the hell is going on?" Kuramochi asked, irritated now as he clutched the shoulders of the first year pitcher, still out of breath.

Asada had never run that fast in his entire life, at the same time he had never been the center of attention within the room. But as Kuramochi shook him, he immediately noticed that all pairs of eyes in the room were on him, making him sweat buckets and feel more dizzy. "I… ahhh… wait… what was I about to say?" he asked Kuramochi, making the latter face morph to displeasure.

"What the hell Asada, what about Sawamura?" Kuramochi asked, not bothering to lower his tone, and trying to shake the first year harder.

Asada was having a hard time collecting his thoughts as he felt the hard shake his senior roommate was giving him, making him more tense and nervous. He was about to puke, when he felt someone smacked Kuramochi on the head, causing the shaking to stop. He took a few steps back, still dizzy, when he noticed both Seto and Okumura were automatically on his side.

"Ouch! What the hell Ryo san!" Kuramochi complained as he tried to rub his head where Ryosuke hit him.

"Will you stop shaking him! How could he explain himself if you keep doing that?" Ryosuke complained, making the room seem less tense, while the others nod in full agreement.

"Owhhh… ok… fine!" Kuramochi informs still rubbing his head.

"Anyways what do you mean by Sawamura Asada?" Nabe asked in a low tone, making the tense first year pitcher relax for a bit.

Asada looked around, as his thoughts went into overdrive. Oh No! I was panicking that I had not really thought of what to say to everyone. As he could recall his promise he made with the BJ catcher Tohru Hero in terms of Sawamura's involvement and taking it to his death bed. Asada clutched his chest, as he looked at both Seto and Okumura that were both on his sides as if trying to shield him. He took deep breaths then looked at his Seido seniors seriously, "Sawamura senpai… Sawamura senpai just left.." he informs somberly. It was a bit of a minute of complete silence, then all of a sudden, an explosion of loud voices erupted, asking questions all at the same time. Asada was not sure who to answer first, as he noticed Kuramochi was about to grab him again, but Okumura was quick enough to move in his front, and the other senior Seido players were able to hold Kuramochi down.

"Huh! Wait what?"

"That's impossible"

"What about the Koshien games?"

"What do you mean Sawamura left?"

"He was just here a while back!"

"Sawamura would not just leave…"

"Common… don't exaggerate…"

"Sawamura is our Ace! What the hell is going on"

"When did he leave!"

"Why did you not stop him!"

Asada was overwhelmed with all the questions and statements, seemingly directed at him as he took a step back. He did not notice the quiet Seido captain Miyuki Kazuya in the side corner, with blazing eyes and fisted hands.

"It seems there is something more that is happening here, Miyuki" Takigawa informs slowly, as both him and Miyuki were quietly standing on the sidelines, as the Seido players bombard questions one after the other making the whole room more chaotic.

"I know Chris senpai… I knew something was off before the summer games, but I never bothered addressing it since it is Sawamura we are talking about. I figured he would talk sooner or later." Miyuki said in fisted hands. He was confident Sawamura would at least approach him, or if not Chris senpai if something was troubling the pitcher, Damn it! Was I too confident that I knew Sawamura or did I trust him way to much… I should have just pressured him when we were on the bus. Or maybe before that… Miyuki was in his thoughts when all of a sudden they all heard a loud voice.

"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?" Coach Kataoka asked, he had heard some commotion when they were walking towards the cafeteria with his staff, but he had assumed that everyone was just celebrating. But the moment they came into view, they saw the players, seemingly all in a panic state and ganging up on some first years.

"Coach!" Everyone quiets down, as they slowly move away from the newcomers, at the same time look at one another.

"Everyone seems to be excited about something" Miss Takashima informs, seemingly smiling, yet it was not reaching her eyes.

"Hahahaha… of course… This is a big celebration! How about we go all out tonight!" Mr. Oota added trying to act happy.

Coach Ochiai did not speak, but he did notice as the players became more rigid and looked at one another yet again. He was about to comment something to Coach Kataoka, when he noticed the Seido captain stepping up, with fierce looking eyes.

"Coach… it seems that Sawamura has left" Miyuki said while observing his coaches.

"Ahhhh… so that is all the ruckus is about… It is not such a big deal" Coach Ochiai said boredly as he rubs his chin, earning more glares from the Seido players and the stun look of both Miss Takashima and Mr. Oota.

"Our ace just left without informing anyone… after a game… I repeat without informing anyone…" Miyuki's tone was low, but the stress in every word could be felt, making the other players feel edgy.

"Miyuki… watch your tone" Yuuki informs as he was about to reprimand his junior captain.

Coach Ochiai sighs, as if feeling the years catching up to him. "Look, Sawamura is currently with…" but before coach Ochiai could finish what he was about to say, they all heard coach Kataoka speak in a commanding tone.

"Sawamura seemed to have a sudden emergency at home and needed to leave. It seems there was a problem with his family. He will be returning soon, so everyone should not worry about it." Coach Kataoka said seriously, looking straight at Miyuki. " I told him to go since he was short on time, and I would be the one explaining to the team," he added.

"Sawamura would never leave without informing any one of us," Miyuki stood on his ground as he looked back at his Seido coach, as if sensing a lie.

"It is about his family Miyuki, you or any one should not worry since he will be back before the start of Koshien. I am personally seeing into it…" he informs confidently.

Miyuki was not convinced one bit, he could feel in his gut that there is something more in the story they are not telling, but he just cannot pressure his head coach, since he has no proof. Plus he was right, considering if it's a family emergency, there was a possibility anyone would drop anything, even an official game. But still… he fisted his hands more when he heard Chris talk, seeming to ease the building tension.

"It is fine Miyuki, we can just message Sawamura later, or call him…" Chris informs gently.

"It's probably his grandfather… I remember him skipping practice before due to his grandfather's health, I would too if in case" Kuramochi said thinking deeply.

"Owhhhh… and here you were a while back trying to wring over an innocent first year…" Ryosuke remark while grinning, making Kuramochi feel bad for Asada.

"Hey… I was just tired of waiting." Kuramochi defended as he moved towards and put his arms around the first year pitcher, as if he was not shaking the latter, "right Asada… no hard feelings right?"

Asada grew pale, and nodded violently as if not wanting to feel the wrath of his senior roommate.

"See… no big deal…" Kuramochi grins as he walks up to Ryosuke.

"Well, since that is settled… I guess we can start celebrating right? Right?" Asou asked cheerfully, while the other Seido players seemingly agreed.

"Everyone should enjoy tonight, because after this… We are going to return to our spartan training." Coach Kataoka ordered.

"Yes sir!" Almost all players answered except for a few, including Miyuki, Furuya, and Haruichi.

Miyuki could still remember that night as if it was like yesterday, at the same time he could still remember when he noticed Coach Kataoka talking to Coach Ochiai in whispering tones in the far end corner of the room, making him feel irritated. And to add more fuel to the fire, Sawamura has yet to reply nor even read anyone's messages. Despite his recollection, he heard Nabe's worried call, making him snap out of it.

"Miyuki… Miyuki… are you even listening?" Nabe asked worriedly as he could see Miyuki absently looking out towards the Seido field.

"Huh… what? Owh… sorry about that Nabe…" Miyuki answered, giving his boying smile.

"You know Miyuki, I think before you even go to where Sawamura is, you should take a rest yourself." Nabe informs as he could see the haggard look of his captain. Miyuki has been practicing more than usual and it would soon take a toll on one's body.

"Hahahaha… I will rest once I get that guy back…" Miyuki said while waiving the paper containing Sawamura's address in Nagano.

"Why don't you take a break right now? Miyuki"

Both Nabe and Miyuki went stiff when they heard a very familiar voice. As Nabe turned he saw Miss Takashima walking towards them. "Miss Takashima… this is" as Nabe tries to make an explanation, he notices the lady smiling moving past him towards Miyuki.

"What are you doing here Rei san…" Miyuki asked bitterly.

"Making sure you boys don't do something dumb." as Miss Takashima pulled the paper from Miyuki's hands, and put it in her pockets, not even bothering to even look at what was written on it.

"What do you mean dumb? We all know we need Sawamura, but for some reason he is not yet back, nor bothered to even respond to any of his teammates, which was not like him at all." Miyuki informs looking at the Seido scout.

"We have already informed everyone, he had a family emergency, he would be back by…" Miss Takashima informs but was cut off by Miyuki's scoff.

"Huh… can you please stop with those lies? We are not stupid you know… we know something is going on with Sawamura, and the coaches. If you guys are really trying to go for a Koshien title, then whatever is going on between your end and Sawamura, it would need to be resolved ASAP. He had already missed five days of practice. I don't even know if he is good at pitching with his inju—" Miyuki was ranting, while Nabe and Miss Takashima kept silent looking at him worriedly, then he suddenly stopped when he realized something, wait… wait… Sawamura's check up was supposed to be today… it means that he was suppose to meet with Doctor Nafumi… which could only means his in Tokyo now… at the same time Miyuki hit his forehead, and realized how could he be so stupid, he had known Sawamura's injury and the timeframe for his recovery, plus that well famed doctor was only working in one place, which means he can just go there.

"Miyuki?" Nabe called out worriedly.

"Kazuya?" Miss Takashima got concerned when Miyuki suddenly went silent while ranting, then his expression morphing from displeasure to realization, making her feel nervous.

"How can I be stupid… I know where he is… I know where Sawamura is right now!" Miyuki looked at both Nabe and Miss Takashima grinning. "I got to get him…" as Miyuki tries to move past Miss Takashima and Nabe who all look surprised, he felt Miss Takashima grabbing his arm, which annoyed him, "What… did you not hear me… I know where Sawamura is…"

Miss Takashima felt bad as she could see the desperation in the Seido's captain's face, but now is not really the right time. "Kazuya… please… I know you to be a patient person, and I need that patience now. We promised we would be getting him back. We are already trying our best to get him back, so please wait a bit longer." Miss Takashima informs.

"Huh… so there is something going on with Sawamura…" Miyuki answered bitterly as he turned to look at the Seido scout.

"I cannot really explain everything right now, but once everything is settled, I… no… we on the coaching staff would explain everything to the whole team. So please wait for a bit longer ok…" as Miss Takashima pulls out a different folded paper from her other pocket and handed it over to Miyuki.

Miyuki was unsure what to do, but he trusted the Seido scout, considering she was one of the reasons he joined Seido, then he took the new folded paper from her and opened it. As he read the contents, it was a detailed report in regards to Sawamura's condition and full body checkup. It further indicates that there was no longer inflammation in any parts of his arm up to his hands and he was good to go and pitch. He looked surprised while uttering, "this is Sawamura's…"

"Coach Kataoka and I went to their office this morning, sadly Sawamura was no longer there but instead we were personally handed and given the report in regards to his condition. Once he is back, he can pitch in his full strength again" Miss Takashima smiled, though it never really reached her eyes. "That is why… please Kazuya… you are Seido's team captain, we need you to be patient and calm about everything in order to not affect everyone's practice at the same time keep the team in check. I want you to trust us…"

Miyuki sighs as he handed the paper report back to Miss Takashima, then looks back at the Seido field where only a few remaining people are doing their personal practice. "I am tired… I think I would get a bit of shut eye. Nabe wake me up before dinner ok…" as Miyuki waves and walks away from the other people, not really bothering to answer Miss Takashima's request to trust them.

"Ahmmm ok…" Nabe answered shortly, as he watched Miyuki walking away while waving.

"Thank you Nabe… If you have not told me where you and Miyuki would meet, I might have more problems than I wanted" Miss Takashima smiled at the Seido player, with sincerity.

"I don't mind, it is just that… Everyone could notice that Miyuki has been forcing himself lately. Plus… I know no one is really talking about it, but I am sure they are all worried about Sawamura. Will he really be back?" Nabe asked the Seido scout.

"Yes… if everything goes well… I hope" Miss Takashima answered unsurely.

On another side, the moment Miyuki got inside his room, he threw his mitt on top of his bed, at the same time lay on top of it not even bothering to remove his practice uniform. He felt tired all of a sudden, like all the tension that was in his body, just disappeared. He is fine… he can pitch again… Miyuki thought as he tries to grab his phone and check if Sawamura had responded to any of his message, but nothing has changed, it was not even marked as read, making Miyuki grip the phone hard, and throw it somewhere in the bed. It's ok… everything will be ok… we still have five more days before the start of Koshien, if Rei san does not get Sawamura back by then, I would personally go knocking at his front door. As Miyuki could clearly remember what was written in the paper that Miss Takashima took from him. He took a deep sigh then closed his eyes, as darkness took his fleeting mind to rest.

"Interesting, so that is how your splitter works…" Tohru was in a crouching position while holding his mitt and throwing the ball back to Sawamura. They were in his backyard doing a light pitching session, since he felt bad seeing Sawamura in their living room looking like a dead fish with books scattered all over the floor.

"Yes… that was what I used during the Ichidai match and the Inashiro finals game. But I think my sinking pitch is still better though…" as Sawamura looked at the ball grips he was doing. He was so excited that morning when sister Nina and Coach Shoji accompanied him in his last check up. He was ready to practically beg them to let him get back to at least holding a baseball for starters in order not to feel bored.

"Maybe… common give me your best sinking fastball then…" Tohru ordered as he positioned himself to receive a pitch.

Eijun grinned devilishly, as he fixed his grip in his mitt, and go into a pitching motion, the moment he released his sinking pitch, it could be noticed the ball moving fast enough in a downward motion, still within the lower left corner of the plate, and landing directly towards Tohru's mitt, making a loud sound.

"Nice… it seems that you can control that pitch properly now…" Tohru informs as he throws the ball back again to Sawamura.

"Really… Hahahahaha… I just think that sitting for five days straight and being able to at least hold the baseball again made me so excited, Hero senpai…" Eijun grinned happily as he showed his grip to his BJ catcher.

"I wonder how you could be so good at pitching and bad at studying…" a sweet angel-like voice suddenly commented.

Both Eijun and Tohru stood still as they looked at their sides and saw Nina holding a baby in her arms. "Hey… we were just about to get inside…" Tohru explains as he moves towards Eijun and gives him his catching mitt, at the same time nudging him to enter the house, making Sawamura look up at his BJ senior in surprise.

"Huh… But I have not yet shown you my other improved pitches…" Eijun complained as Tohru moved towards his wife and took the sleeping baby away from his wife's arms.

"We can do that tomorrow Sawamura…" Tohru answered while rocking the still sleeping child.

"But tomorrow you would be staying at the BJ facility, since it's your playoffs games against Red Hawks…" Eijun informs sadly, but Nina instead took Tohru's mitt from Eijun then smiled.

"Then what about if I try catching for you then? You can teach me how this works.." Nina answered happily, making Eijun turn pale, as he could imagine Sister Nina missing to catch a few of his pitches, resulting in bruises and Sister Yukime giving him the talk, making him more nervous than ever.

"On second thought… it is so late right now… it's dark… time for a bath… yes a bath…" Eijun answered as he immediately walked inside the house as if running away from someone.

"Hey… What did I say?" Nina looks surprised as he watches Sawamura run away from her, then she turns to look at her husband who seems to be trying not to laugh from the exchange. "What was that about?" she asked unsure.

"I have no idea…" Tohru answered, trying hard not to laugh as he put one of his arms the shoulder of his wife while the other was holding the baby carefully and guide her inside to follow Sawamura, though he already had a inkling why Sawamura does not want to let his wife try to catch for him as he could imagine Tadano's bruised body despite the catcher protection gear, making him try to hide his laughter more.