Chapter 6

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 was yawning as he stepped out of his room at the same time doing some light stretching as he was getting ready for his morning jog. Despite not being in the Seido dorms, he still makes it a habit to wake up a bit early in order to do his morning run, though to be honest, having an early run while sleeping late needed more effort than usual. He released another deep yawn, as he recalled the previous night when sister Nina practically made reviewers of subjects based on his baseball signs and terms. As he could recall the chaos they left in the living room, after making a reviewer of every subject, he could not be more thankful since he could practically understand every topic more easily than ever. He was on the doorway, putting on his running shoes, when the main door opened, making Eijun jaw drop the moment he realized who was the person stepping in the entryway. "Sister Yukime?"

Yukime slowly opened the door of Tohru's place and was a bit surprised seeing Eijun putting on his running shoes in the entryway. "Eijun? Where are you going?"

The moment Eijun heard the familiar tone, his shock turned into excitement, "Oh my gosh! Sister Yukime!" Eijun greeted so happily, however his happiness was cut short, when he noticed Yukime was neither smiling nor thrilled seeing him. Her expression was more like a silence before a storm. "Sister Yukime? Are you ok?" he asked somberly, unsure how to approach.

Yukime noticed Eijun's expression from excitement to seeing her all of a sudden to wariness in a blink of an eye since she did not respond to his happy greeting, ahhhh he must have noticed I am a bit tired… she thought as she took a deep sigh, then carefully pulled in her luggage inside the entryway. She noticed Eijun immediately taking her bag and pulling it away from the entrance. "Sorry Eijun, I know you are about to take your morning run, but we need to go now…" she commented tiredly.

"Huh? Going where?" Eijun asked, confused, as he was holding Doc Yukime's luggage, at the same time Nina came out from the other room holding her youngest child, "Eijun? I thought you already left for your morning…" Then she noticed Yukime standing near the door, with a solemn look. "Hey… when did you come back?"

"About thirty minutes ago, I came directly from the airport. Do you know how hard it is to get inside your own country… so many people…may you please handle that for me" as Yukime pointed to her luggage, and motioned for Eijun to follow her. "We need to go somewhere… I'm taking Eijun with me…" as Yukime stepped out of the door, leaving a baffled Sawamura.

Nina smiled as she motioned for Eijun to leave the luggages, and follow Yukime out the door, "Ok… have fun…"

"Huh… but we were supposed to study" as Eijun turned to look at Nina unsure.

"Owhhh… we can do that anytime, go… you can't make her wait… Eijun… you know her mood swings…" Nina beams as she motioned towards the door.

Sawamura felt chills, as he could recall the somber look on Doc Yukime's face, thus he ran out the door, and noticed the familiar sports vehicle not far from the Tohru's family gate. "Sister Yukime wait up…" he called as he immediately moved towards the front seat and got in, making sure to put on his seatbelt tightly. He was not sure he should ask if she was capable of driving safely despite her looking tired, but he kept quiet as he closely felt the vehicle move out towards the main street.

"How was school Eijun?" Yukime started, as she was unable to bare the complete silence in the vehicle. She was driving slower than she normally would, more so to get accustomed to the busy streets of Tokyo once again.

"Ahmmmm… Ok I guess…" Eijun was unsure how to answer, as he slightly took a quick glimpse of Doc Yukime, who he had not seen for a few months. He wanted to tell her a lot of things, but he was unsure how to approach it, especially with his current situation now. "Ahm… sister Yukime… how was work?"

Yukime could sense and feel Eijun's hesitation from his demeanor and his tone. The usual happy go lucky and confident pitcher she once knew was gone, as she carefully observes him. Shoji… imma kill you for what you did… she thought grimly, gripping the steering wheel tighter, not noticing Eijun seeing her sudden shift. "Tiring…" she finally answered, "But it's ok I guess, I did set up a few practice games here and there. By the way Nina and Shoji sent over videos of your games," as Yukime smiled remembering watching Sawamura's videos in his Spring and opening Tokyo games.

Eijun immediately brightened up, hearing she was able to see his games, "really! Well I did not perform well in the Koshien game, but I believe I performed great during my Spring games!" Eijun started giving his usual grins.

"Owhhh… tell me about it… Especially your pitches…" Yukime encourage, as she could see the cheerful Eijun she knew coming back.

"Ahhhhh… It was so exciting!" As Eijun started to inform Doc Yukime about his games for the past months, it seems he totally forgot about the uncomfortable feeling he had when they met again and even put in jokes in between his recollection of events during his games. He was so cheerful to inform Yukime about his games, and seeing her reaction, that he totally did not notice when they were already pulling up beside the parking space of Seido High dormitory. "I know I messed up during the last innings for the finals, that's why I got injured… I am sorry about that," Eijun informs, when he felt that the vehicle was starting to slow down and made a complete halt. As he looked out, that is when he noticed a very familiar place, he did not really want to see, but was excited to get back to. "Ahm… sister Yukime, why are we…" But before he could even finish his question, Yukime was already out of the vehicle, as he immediately follow suit.

"I think your decision to catch that bounce pitch was not bad, nor your decision to use your batting style, however, I think it would not hurt to have trust in your teammates a little, don't you agree?" Yukime casually said as she carefully stepped out of her vehicle, and locked it the moment she noticed Eijun stepping out, ignoring his surprised look and unfinished question.

"Ahm… Ok… but sister Yukime, why are we…" As Eijun tries to ask again, he notices she started walking, seeming to know where to go, making him nervous as he looks around. It is early morning, so I am guessing everyone should be in the field right now. He thought as he slowly followed Yukime, who seemed to be oblivious of his uneasiness.

"As for the injury, it could not be helped, it would change in the future, and I highly appreciate it if you wont get injured anymore. Good thing it was just a minor thing, but since I am back, I will make sure that won't happen again… Ok?" as Yukime looked back to check if Eijun was following him. She noticed the uneasiness in the southpaw pitcher, but he nodded as an agreement.

"Sister Yukime… why are we…" Eijun tries to ask again, but Yukime keeps on walking, going up straight up the stairs, directly stopping at a very familiar office. Eijun never wants to go in again, as he stops not far behind the BJ owner, This is not good… I don't want to be here… he thought grimly, at the same time as if on cue, he heard Ms. Takashima called out to him, since she was just right behind them, with a pile of papers in her hands.

"Sawamura!" Ms. Takashima called out, as she immediately noticed the pitcher standing in front of Coach Kataoka's office. She immediately walked fast towards him, then she noticed a woman, not far standing close, making her halt her approach and look up at the woman she immediately recognized, after all they were expecting her since a few days ago. She immediately put on her business face, and greeted the well famed sports doctor, "Doctora Harashi Yukime, Good morning" she said, in her most serious tone she could muster, as she carefully checked on Sawamura, who seemed to be avoiding looking at her.

"Good morning, please just call me Yukime, I know about our customs and all, however I have been working abroad for a while, so I find it uncomfortable with all the formalities." Yukime answered, as she noticed the discomfort from the Seido scout and Eijun's edginess. "Eijun, why don't you help her get those papers she is holding…" Yukime added as she softly touched Eijun's shoulder.

Eijun looked at sister Yukime's smiling face, making him feel a bit comfortable, as he approached the Seido scout, "Sorry miss Takashima, Ahm… can I help you with that?" as Eijun points towards the pile of paper Miss Rei was holding.

Miss Takashima smiled, as she easily handed the stack of papers to Sawamura, and passed both the BJ owner and Eijun and immediately opened the office door, letting the latter two inside. "Thank you Sawamura, I do apologize for the mess, but we are making last minute adjustments, and data gathering in preparation for the Koshien games." she explains as she motions for them to come inside, she also immediately pulls out her phone, as if messaging someone.

"I don't mind, I am sure a lot of teams are busy during this time." Yukime casually answered as she moved towards the sofa, and motioned for Eijun to sit beside her. Eijun looked at Miss Takashima, who seemed to be smiling, thought it was not reaching her eyes, motioning for him to just put the pile of paper on the desk close to the windows. Eijun nodded as he carefully put down the stack of paper, and walked towards Yukime, where for some reason he finds, to be comfortably sitting casually waiting for someone.

"Do forgive my rudeness…" Miss Takashima started as she put down two cups of hot drink in front of them, "I have not introduced myself… I am…" But before Miss Takashima could finish what she was saying, Yukime cut her off, while smiling, "It is alright, I am aware who you are, Miss Takashima, including all the coaches involved in my Sawamura's development. You don't have to be wary of me…" Yukime answered. Miss Takashima nods slightly, lifting an eyebrow as she noticed how the BJ owner used the term "my" in addressing Eijun, making her feel unsure, at the same time she notices Eijun seems to be fixated on the hot drink that was in front of the BJ owner. "Is something wrong? Sawamura?" Miss Takashima curiously asked.

"Ahm… is that coffee?" Eijun asked nervously, pointing at the hot drink in front of Yukime.

"Yes?" Miss Takashima informs, "Owh, but if you prefer to have…"

"No it's alright… Thank you" Yukime interjected again, as she made a motion to take the cup, Eijun immediately grabbed it, drinking it in one gulp, making Miss Takashima look in astonishment, while Yukime hid her laughter with a cough.

"Sorry… I was just so thirsty…" Eijun answered, at the same time standing up, and walking towards the water dispenser to drink cold water, totally ignoring his own drink that was put in front of him. Oh my gosh that was close! He thought he was not sure how he was able to gulp the hot drink in one go, but he sure could blame his adrenaline for it. As he notices the slightly laughing Doctor at the side, and Miss Takashima's surprised look. It was not that he was thirsty, or he liked coffee, in fact he never liked coffee, it was bitter for his taste, however he also knows Sister Yukime never liked coffee too, especially if she was tired. She would prefer an energy drink, or a simple natural juice. He could recall the time when his BJ seniors told him to never let a tired Doc Yukime drink coffee since her mood swings would be much worse, and that is something he does not wish to witness ever, especially inside a Seido office. He took a deep breath, as he let the cold water do its thing, and casually walked back to his seat, carrying a paper cup of water instead, and placed it in front of Yukime, making Miss Takashima raise an eyebrow again, and Doc Yukime hid her fit of laughter more. They were in that situation when the door opened, and Eijun sensed the entrance of a very authoritative person he had not seen for a couple of days.

"Good morning! Sorry for the wait…" Coach Kataoka greeted as he walked by, and went directly towards his desk. Coach Ochiai also bowed down, at the same time walking towards the other single sofa sit. Mr. Oota slightly walks towards the back, obviously a bit nervous and sweaty at the same time. "It has been a while Sawamura… It seems your hand is ok?" Eijun heard Coach Kataoka talking, making him turn towards his Seido head coach.

"Ahm… Yes… it's fine now…" He answered shortly then looked away. He was not sure how to talk to the man. Especially with everything that happened between them.

"Well, I would like to introduce everyone to one another," Miss Takashima started, obviously to break the sudden tension in the room, however Doc Yukime interrupted her easily, as she casually took a slight glimpse in the older Coach sitting beside a single sofa.

"No need Miss Takashima, I believe everyone knows everyone within this room. As you all know, I am a very busy person, and I handle business on a fast track, so I don't think casual pleasantries are necessary. In fact I am surprised how you people were able to pass my team and get in touch with me directly… I commend you for your effort Coach Kataoka…" Yukime said sweetly, however Eijun knew better than be fooled by such a tone as he looked up and looked at her surprised. Yukime looks pleasant and smiling, but to those who have known her for long, would already know her false facade, especially when she was annoyed at someone, and right now she was in that state, making Eijun start to sweat.

"Ahmmm… the Boss called you? Sister Yukime?" Eijun asked nervously as he tried to get her attention. But instead of her answering, it was Coach Kataoka who answered instead, making Eijun look at his Seido coach in awe and disbelief at the same time.

"Yes… I did… I was kind of desperate. Though I would say it was not that easy, but I guess it was all worth it, since we are able to talk right now" Coach Kataoka informs seriously, not seemingly affected by Doctor's Harashis demeanor.

"Hmmm… you mean, with Eijun? Right?" Yukime smiled as she looked at Eijun who seemed to be a fish out of water, unsure what to do, looking at her and back at his Seido coach. "I will say it to you straight Coach Kataoka, I stand with whatever Coach Mihashi has said… whatever it maybe… I have yet to be informed of everything though"

"Ehhhhhhhh…. Wait… You don't know yet?" Eijun asked in belief, at the same time a look of surprise from people around the room was obvious.

"I see… well it involves…" Mr. Kataoka started, but Yukime intervened with what ever the Seido Coach was about to say, while giving her sweetest smile, making Eijun fear for his coach's life.

"I do know that this is something between you and my BJ head Coach, Coach Kataoka, especially with the history the both of you have. You do have an interesting history I do say, being a pitcher yourself, and the only pitcher that was able to strike out Shoji during your highschool days, however I don't really appreciate it that my Sawamura is getting mixed in your personal matters. Especially in regards to making game decisions, which put me to a question, how is your team doing? I heard you are all making adjustments for this coming Koshien games, right? Coach Ochiai?" Yukime then turns to look at the much older Coach, who seems to be a bit surprised with her attention.

"Of course, though we have not yet solidified the team performance for the incoming Koshien matches. But we are already better than ready to take on whatever team they may be. We have the best players available on the field, at the same time, we have players that would stand out in terms of…" Coach Ochiai started, Yukime interjected again, making Eijun feel that she was doing it intentionally now.

"Hmmm… I see" Yukime answered, as she casually took the cup of water Eijun put in front of her, and took a little sip. "So I am guessing, you have the best players picked out for the Koshien then?" she asked looking back at the older coach.

"Yes… But it seems that not everyone agrees with the line up…" Coach Ochiai explains.

"Well then that's great! Since you all have that figured out, I don't see the reason why we could not have an intersquad game." Yukime smiled gleefully, putting the cup down and looking at Coach Kataoka.

"I am sorry, however what we want to talk about is…" Coach Kataoka informs but was cut off when the BJ owner stood up, uninterested in whatever he was about to say.

Yukime stood up, motioning for Eijun to follow her. "Ahm… Sister Yukime… I don't think your talk is over yet," Eijun whispered but Yukime just smiled. "Owh… of course it's not" she answered normally, making the people in the other seem offended with her remark. "I came here not to talk with them, I came here to inform them of my plans. I would be returning later this afternoon, to check on your second string, to see how they perform, and I would also have Eijun pitch for this intersquad game."

"Miss Harashi… we are about to go into Koshien… I do not think…" Coach Kataoka was obviously mad, but was trying to talk casually and seriously.

"And that is the reason why we should have this small intersquad game head coach. You see, in this small game, I can show you what your team lacks, especially in regards to your so-called best players pick…" as Yukime mentioned that last words she was looking at Coach Ochiai bitterly.

"Then if we are going to have this intersquad game… can I suggest a catcher for Sawamura, he maybe a first year player, however he has talent…" Coach Ochiai informs.

"Owhhh… don't bother about the catcher, I will be borrowing someone outside." Yukime answered as she started to move towards the doorway.

"I am sorry… but what do you mean by that?" Coach Kataoka asked curiously as she looked at the BJ owner.

Yukime smiled, as she looked back at the Seido head Coach, "There is no catcher in Seido who has the ability to pull out Eijun's real talent on the mound. Don't worry, I won't bring an adult to a child's game, however I would be borrowing a catcher from a different team. In that way, I can show you what your team lacks, and at the same time show you how to destroy a power pitcher that you are all so proud of…" as she looked at Coach Ochiai meaningfully. "Do forgive me for leaving abruptly, since I just arrived a few hours ago, and still lacking some proper rest, but I would be returning later this afternoon, to talk more and check on the children later…" as Yukime turns her attention towards Seido's head coach and bowing respectfully.

Coach Kataoka seems dumbfounded, he had heard about the mood swings of the BJ owner from Shoji himself, but experiencing it in a span of a couple minutes was an understatement. He took a sigh of defeat as he nodded once. "I understand, I do apologize for the short notice, and thank you for your guidance…" he answered.

Yukime smiled again, as she pushed Eijun out of the door and walked out herself, the latter unable to properly say his goodbyes to his Seido coaches. Leaving all the baffled and surprised looks of the Seido management team. "What was that… I have never met a rude, self centered…" Coach Ochiai was not sure how to describe the BJ owner, "she is much like her team… full off…". While on another hand, Miss Takashima was in awe, as she have never seen a woman take command of a room full of alpha energy men, at the same time she look at Coach Ochiai who seems to be offended by the BJ owner, and Coach Kataoka who seems to be pleased with the outcome of the talk.

"I don't know what just happened…" Mr. Oota honestly commented as he was just watching the whole event.

"I think we will be having a game soon…" Miss Takashima answered, unsure what to do next.

Coach Kataoka took another deep sigh as he then looked at this coaching team, totally understanding Coach Ochiai displeasure as well. He squared off his shoulders as he informed them in a commanding tone, "We should get ready for the intersquad, we would be using our regular players against the second string team. I understand Coach Ochiai that the second string is your team, however at this moment, we would need to prepare for what would happen. Tell the players, I would be following behind…" Both miss Takashima and Mr. Oota nods in agreement as they both walk out the room, while Coach Ochiai was about to complain more, but Coach Kataoka turned his back as he moved towards the window pulling out his own phone, leaving the much older coach frustrated as he walked out the door. The moment Coach Kataoka felt Coach Ochiai leave the room, he pulled out a number in his phone directory and called it, "It's me… she came over as what you expected…" There was brief silence while the other person on the line seemed to be talking, making Kataoka smile a bit, "Yes… it was a bit of a gamble, but thank you… Are you sure you would be fine… she seems to be not pleased with you especially. I think she knows where I got her number", while Coach Kataoka took another sigh as he listened to the other person on the other line. "I understand… I guess I owe you now… when your season is over, I will take you out for drinks… Good luck in your games…" Coach Kataoka listened for a brief moment on the other line, then he looked at the screen as the busy tone was heard. He took another sigh, as he turned and took his Seido cap he placed on top of his table as he moved towards the door.

"Sister Yukime? What was that all about?" Eijun was so confused, he was not sure what was going on now, he thought that she knew the reason why he was staying with Tohru's family, especially him, being dropped out of the players participating in the Koshien games, but based on the talk a while later, it seems that she has no clue what is going on.

"Hmmmm… Owhhh… I know… But I have no idea what your BJ head Coach and your Seido Coach talk about… that is what I mean…" Yukime casually answered as they were walking back to the car.

"Huh… Then what is really going on? I am so confused right now…" Eijun asked, obviously unsure. "Are we going back to Sister Nina's place?" he also added, as he opened the car door, not noticing the calls of his name from far away.

"Owhhh no… We are going to get your catcher… since you will be playing a game tomorrow." Yukime answered cheerfully as she stepped in the vehicle.

"Huh… wait… the intersquad game? I thought you were joking… who are we going to get?" Eijun asked as he also got in the vehicle, totally oblivious of a group of first years, running towards their direction. Yukime just smiled, as she easily backed out of the parking space and drove away, noticing the Seido first years, out of breath in her rear view mirror, not bothering to stop.

"Wait… Is that Sawamura senpai?" Seto asked casually as they were walking back towards the field. He together with Asada and Okumura took a small break, and went to get something to drink, when Seto noticed in his peripheral vision a glimpse of Sawamura's back walking out of the dorms, heading towards the parking area.

"Huh… wait… really… where?" Asada asked hurriedly as he looked around.

"I think I saw him heading that way…" Seto motioned towards the parking area, and as if on cue, Okumura ran out, not waiting for his friend, immediately moving to the parking area. "Sawamura senpai!" He called out yelling, obviously seeing the southpaw pitcher, casually getting in a red sports car.

"Sawamura Senpai!" Seto called too, following Okumura behind, getting the attention of some Seido third years, who were also getting a quick break in the indoor gym.

"Sawamura Senpai! Wait up!" Asada added, as he was also running, lagging behind Okumura and Seto. However, the moment the three of them reached the parking space, the vehicle was already moving away. "Hey… did you see that woman who was with Sawamura senpai?" Asada asked curiously, out of breath. I think I saw her before… but where… he thought tiredly.

"I don't know… But he ignored us… I know he heard us…" Okumura said bitterly, obviously fisting his hands.

"Don't say that Koshu… I think he was talking to that other person. That was why he did not notice us… I think…" Seto defended, also trying to catch his breath.

"Hey… First years? Did you just say Sawamura was here?"All three first years turn, and notice a group of Seido third years had followed them, making Seto feel unsure. "Ahm… I am not sure about that senpai…" Seto answered, as he looked back at Asada and Okumura. Asada obviously looks away, while Okumura seems annoyed. "Really, but you guys were calling out to Sawamura right?" Seki asked, curiously, noticing Okumura's annoyance.

"He was here… but he's gone now…" Okumura answered bitterly as he walked pass the third years, heading back towards the field.

"Ugh… common Koshu, don't be difficult about this…" Seto complained as he followed his friend. Asada took a quick bow to his seniors while following Okumura and Seto. On the other hand, the other third years looked at one another carefully, "someone needs to tell Miyuki…" one of them whispered, earning a unanimous nod of agreement.