#captain shirasu

[l1ttlem1ssy]

HELLO WORLD!!!

Uhmm, this is BD speaking.. this is my first ever post on tumblr, I REALLY have no idea how to kick this off. I've sorta been scooching around this place for quite some time, and after hearing about people's art sorta getting more attention here, I FINALLY decided to join in late to the party! Hooray!!!

I don't think I'll post much, but when I do, expect to see Rumic content!! (Especially MAO.. for now at least)

I also really like Legend Of The Galactic Heroes!! Theres that too..

I hope this works out well for me, I'll throw in some of my art here.. and hopefully people like it! YAY!!!

[tracingdreams]

“What, you actually won at janken? I had aaabsolutely NO expectations of you!” “You didn’t use up all today’s luck on that, right?” “Isn’t the Captain of Sankou a bit too feeble?”

...Nothing like the support of your  teammates to boost a Captain right before a big match.

[kunikame]

a short fic about blasting songs in miyukis room (which later becomes the cafeteria) with the seidou boys written for my linked playlist bc i felt i needed to write this. hope you enjoy <3

i only wrote the things i imagined! feel free to imagine any other scenarios for other characters with the songs! if you do, let me know in the comments! id be happy to read them <3

warnings: i betaread this while listening to enstars songs. fem pronouns. lowercase. probably nothing more but lmk :)

ㅡ！tags: @toges-wife / fill form/pm/ask/comment to be added! (if you’re in bold i can’t tag you)

after the boys secured a spot at nationals you figured it called for a celebration or something, so you grabbed kuramochi and eijun - who in turn grabbed furuya and haruichi - and raided miyukis room. he really didn't want to let you guys in, koushuu disagreed aswell, but too bad because majority wins. kuramochi set up the speaker and the playlist you now and the previous 3rd years threw together started playing.

the others were of course alarmed by this because, loud upbeat music? from miyuki and koushuus' room? seto takuma has never run so fast in his life. everyone sprinted over in worry, only to see the blame lay on you - which made way more sense.

they also wanted to join the celebration but the room was too small to hold all of you, so eijun proposed the - for once - brilliant idea to move to the cafeteria, which you did, after a moment of stunned silence. the previous 3rd years who were still hanging out there with some of the 2nd and 1st years also joined the party, as they should.

the song that started through shuffle was where them girls at. thanks to it you found out the kominato twins listen to nicki minaj - as they should. you and the pink haired twins along with seto, kawakami and yui were screaming the nicki songs at the top of your lungs.

the guys really got into cruisin for a bruisin, it was their favorite song from when you all watched teen beach movie together! the whole reason you added it to the playlist. surprisingly, shirasu and aso took the spotlight for this one!

jalebi baby and shut up and dance were entirely yours and kuramochis songs. he asked you to dance with him for both, how could you refuse? neither of you would be caught alive admitting to be flustered with the other so close to you, though. You could swear you saw ryousuke recording and snickering, but it might've just been your imagination.

big time rush didn't even a need a voting, everyone knew who the big 4 were for that one. koushuu (unwillingly), miyuki (unwillingly but he got really into it), eijun (willingly, got too into it) and furuya (he had fun?). it was a precious sight. you all had a great laugh over their perfomance, but it was great. their voices meshed together unexpectedly well.

the greatest show started playing exactly when coach kataoka came to check what the commotion was. miyuki and yuuki, as the captains, took the lyrics for this one. they switched each line, and it worked really well. all the background vocals were done by the rest of you. it was a sight to see. you all working together. almost like during matches. rei placed a camera in the cafeteria to record and commemorate the whole thing. her and kataoka chose to stay with you, while ochiai decided he'd rather not. thank heavens.

after the boys had their moments, you figured it was the girls time to shine, and the playlist seemed to agree with you. the moment you heard the intro to girlfriend you ran to get whatever you could use as a microphone and got ready to sing your heart out, fellow manager and close friend takako joined you soon after. the guys clapped after your perfomance, enjoying it to the fullest just as you enjoyed theirs.

this is what you adored about the seido baseball club. you were like family. a huge family with its ups and downs that always came back together. everyone supported everyone, but there was still friendly competition.

die young. "i hear you heart beat to the beat of the drums" *everyone bangs a fist on the nearest surface* "oh what a shame that you came here with someone-"

dj got us fallin' in love. jun shone with this one. his voice cracked while screaming "CAUSE BABY TONIIIIiiiiGHT". continued like nothing happened. professional

of course, some songs passed without any screaming as you get tired and so do your vocal cords, but the music never stopped. volume lowers and people sit down to drink and talk a bit, then when another screamable song comes up the volume goes back to max and it's like you never stopped. you were peacefully laughing with seto when kuramochi called out to you, pushing the volume higher on the speaker. immediately recognizing the intro you grabbed your bottle and it's like you were waiting for this moment your entire life, except everyone else was confused. ryousuke didn't remember this song being in the playlist.

"once upon a time, a few mistakes ago-"

ryousuke walked up to kuramochi after you got into your singing. "dude, what's this about?" kuramochi while never once breaking his fond gaze off you simply shrugged, "reminds her of her past crush on narumiya- or was it sanada? i dunno, some guy she met through us.. always played this song when she realized who the guy was, so she added it here i guess." ryousuke just hummed in understanding then moved his gaze over to you, surprised to see you now standing on a table with the guys around you sweatdropping but cheering you on nonetheless.

when memories by conan gray came on, someone moved to lower the volume only to stop at the death glare they received from you and miyuki kazuya himself. For someone who was so against this, he sure got mad over that song, huh. It became a heartfelt duet, but noone understood why a duet with you 2. It was a secret.

"so there's no good reason in make-believing that we could ever exist again. I can't be your friend, can't be your lover, can't be reason we hold back eachother from falling in love, with somebody other than me."

after that, the night continued in this spirit. everyone was enjoying themselves, everyone got a chance to sing their song be it alone or with someone, even coach and rei! as the playlist was slowly running out of songs to play, the one song you put on 'hide in playlist' begged to be played. you, of course, granted it's wish, as it was a song you left for last on purpose. you called out to your co-organizer, kuramochi, who looked at you and based off your sparkling eyes instantly knew. a loud "hey!" came out of his throat, and the idle chatters volume slowly went down.

"everyone, if you would please look over here," you said waiting for them to switch their gazes over to you, "yeah, thank you. so, uh, first of all congratulations on todays win! i never for a second thought we wouldn't make nationals. i knew if anyone, you guys would do it. with the 3rd years there to support you, with the field players and us in the dugout, with coach kataoka, the pitchers, all of you. i knew you'd make it, and i'm so endlessly proud of you! of your hard work, will to fight, endurance.. i can't wait to see how far you - we - can go. let's aim for the top. now, if you would all please rise for the 2010-2014 seido baseball club anthem!"

coach kataoka and rei nodded along with your speech, as they felt the same way - proud of how far the boys have come - and though confused, stood up along with everyone else. most people stood in silence and slight confusion, looking toward kuramochi for answers, only to be left disappointed when the man wouldn't give any. he simply continued staring at you with a very warm and fond look in his eye.

the nights - avicii

Once upon a younger year

When all our shadows disappeared

The animals inside came out to play

Went face to face with all our fears

Learned our lessons through the tears

Made memories we knew would never fade

everyone instantly recognized the intro, smiles and grins lighting up their faces. the joyous screaming resumed, only this time it was everyone, not just a couple people. You ran over to kuramochi and miyuki, grabbing each hand, motioning to them to keep the chain going. soon, everyone was holding hands and jumping around together, screaming at the top of their lungs.

One day, my father, he told me

"Son, don't let it slip away"

He took me in his arms, I heard him say

"When you get older

Your wild heart will live for younger days

Think of me if ever you're afraid"

He said, "One day, you'll leave this world behind

So live a life you will remember"

My father told me when I was just a child

"These are the nights that never die"

My father told me

each time a "Hey" was yelled in the song, it was also yelled by the group (jun was having the time of his life). eijun encouraged everyone to jump along for emphasis, an idea many supported.

though miyuki and koushuu were originally against this, you think this might be the first time you've seen kazuya genuinely happy, and koushuu coming out of his shell. your party was probably heard all the way to the other dorm buildings but you didn't care. that was a problem for tomorrow, for now you decided you'll just live in the moment.

[luckycheesefoodie321]

A FEW THINGS FROM A WHOLE CHUNK OF DAIYA NO A (Diamond no Ace) ch 247-252

IM SORRY DID SOMEONE ORDER SOME MOCHI-MIYUKI ACTION (not pictured is the maddest lad to ever baseball, my true love Shirasu (´༎ຶོρ༎ຶོ`) )

They really did that to me huh

THEY PLAYED TETSU’S WALK UP SONG FOR OUR BOI MIYUKI BC THEYRE NOW EQUAL POWERHOUSES AND THE SHIVERS THAT WENT DOWN MY SPINE LOOK HOW FUCKING HYPED TETSU IS JUST FROM HEARING HIS SONG AND KNOWING ITS BEING PLAYED FOR THE GUY HE PERSONALLY VOUCHED FOR TO BE CAPTAIN, AND LOOK AT MIYUKI BEING SO FUCKING HONOURED THAT THEY WOULD PLAY HIS CAPTAIN’S SONG FOR HIM I CANNOT I ADORE THIS, THIS IS MY EVERYTHING

AND NOW THE MIYUSAWA

What’s this? SAWAMURA teasing Miyuki from afar but really he’s just conveying how much he believes in him and chooses to warm up his arm bc he knows Miyuki’s not gonna let this end here and wants to also be visible and cheering him on?

MIYUKI CALLING SAWA HIS PARTNER?!?!

Him knowing that Sawa’s been the one holding down the fort with his pitching and now it’s on him as the captain, clean-up and his catcher to get the team ahead and hit that damn pitch like he promised Sawa before...

AND THEN WHATEVER THE FUCK THIS IS

Excuse me?!

EXCUSE ME

LOOK AT MIYUKI TURNING TO SAWA AND THEM BOTH HAVING A MOMENT WHERE MIYUKI HAS FULFILLED HIS PROMISE AND SAWA IS SAYING HES ALWAYS BELIEVED IN HIM AND THEYRE JUST SMILING AT EACH OTHER AND THEN SAWA, COMPLETELY SATISFIED, TURNS AROUND AND HYPES UP MIYUKI TO THE CROWD

Look I’m not ordinarily this crazy a MiyuSawa shipper... I’ve come to appreciate the ship bc I love the friendship and genuine partnership Miyuki and Sawa have formed, and how much it has evolved over time... but they’re just straight up shoving it in our faces this past lil bit huh? Like fuckin how else am I supposed to interpret this except as a super intimate moment of recognition between two close partners?!?!?! BUT GAYER.

Anyway I was in my feelings about all this so thanks!

[kaaytea]

You made a post of Miyuki dating coach Kataoka’s daughter and can you make some hc’s of everyone’s reaction to them dating

Oooo ok I'm gonna try my best to include everyone...forgive me if I don't. Also, I wrote for some of the new first years but their's is more of how they would act around Kataoka's daughter

OG post is here incase anyone missed it KDAU Navi

Third years

Ok so

It's already been established in the OG post that the third years love Kataoka's daughter and are very protective of her

So a select few are like >:( "if you even make her sneeze weird I'll rip you to pieces"

Cough Jun and Ryo cough

I feel like all of them would warn Miyuki to be carful with her

Some are just more audible about it

I feel like they would find out during practice? Like Miyuki kisses her cheek after she helps him with his catchers gear

They all kinda just look at them and go silent

Like it takes a few moments for them to process what just happened

Then Jun starts yelling and freaking out

I feel like out of everyone Chris and Tetsu are the ones most likely to congratulate the two maybe Masuko as well (but Tetsuya would definitely nod along to Jun's rant about how he's gonna kick Miyuki's ass)

Second years

Ok so!!

Kuramochi

The relationship is old news for him 🙄 he figured the two of them out a few weeks into their whole secret relationship thing

He just literally never told anyone

Zono's brain is absolutely boggled by the news

Mans is just so confused and doesn't know what's going on

Nori and Shirasu probably wouldn't react much to it

Their under the impression that what Miyuki does isn't their business so they kinda stay out of the whole thing

BUT!

I lOve when Nori is sassy and I can see him teasing Miyooks on the rare occasion

Like say Miyuki arrives to practice a bit late Nori would look him dead in the eyes and just

"you know arriving to practice late with your girlfriend can give people the wrong idea"

First years

GOD I LOVE FURUYA

He's so awkward 😭

Following what I said in the original post he finds them making out in the bullpen

I kinda envisioned him walking in and just 🧍🏻‍♂️

He's blushing and and says "sorry I interrupted......I won't tell anyone"

THEN JUST LEAVES!! AND DOESN'T MENTION THE ENCOUNTER EVER AGAIN

Sawamura is probably screaming about it

Like baby is in complete disbelief that Miyuki Kazuya could get someone to like him romantically

He deadass would ask Kataoka's daughter if Miyuki was manipulating or blackmailing her 😭

Haruichi would just pull Eijun away and mutter a quiet ignore him/congrats

New first years

I honestly think the first years would find Miyuki a bit intimidating

Like he's the Captain, Catcher, Clean up, AND dating the coaches daughter?!

If that's not a power move 😶

Sweet angel Yui would be very respectful 🥰 bc not only is she his senpai, she's directly tied to his captain and the coach

Yui would be the person who always offers to help her clean up or carry heavy things

Okumura is kinda like Eijun where he's like how tf did Miyuki manage to convince the coaches daughter to like him??

Ok Asada is terrified to talk to the coaches daughter bc he doesn't wanna accidentally say something that could upset her bc he thinks Miyuki would hate him and Kataoka would kick him off the team 😭

[loveeijun15]

🥎⚾🥎⚾

We didn't get update for last week and this week they give us a cliffhanger 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

To sum up this chapter, Amahisa kinda off having hard time to control his pitch. After letting Haruichi hit his pitch, he give a walk to Shirasu

Now it's a battle between him and Miyuki Kazuya then cliffhanger *drum sound🥁🥁🥁🥁

We need to wait another week guysss

Btww.. lookkkk!!

Eijun cheering for HIS captain🥺🥺

and look at how HOTT MIYUKI KAZUYA ISSSS!!!!

From DaiyanoA Act 2 chapter 237

[windupdumbass]

DnA Volleyball AU Interhigh Lineup >:3

I have an obsession...

So quick explanation bc... idk I just wanted to discuss it a bit ig... I don’t really know Volleyball positions at all. All my knowledge really just comes from Haikyuu... so I apologize for my ignorance. Nevertheless, I came up with how the team more or less works... :D OPH means opposite hitter and OH is outside hitter. TBH i don’t really understand well enough... Either way here’s the list:

#1 Ace/WS/OH - Tanba Koichiro #2 Setter - Miyuki Kazuya #3 Captain/OH - Yuki Tetsuya #4 Libero - Kominato Ryousuke #5 Vice-Captain/MB - Jun Isashiki #6 WS/OPH - Kuramochi Youichi #7 WS/OH - Masuko Tooru #8 WS/MB - Furuya Satoru #9 MB - Shirasu Kenjirou #10 Pinch Server - Kawakami Norifumi #11 Libero - Kominato Haruichi #12 WS/OH - Sawamura Eijun

Does this matter? probably not to anyone but me, lol. 

im posting these to my instagram too >:3

[ilchohand]

Terajima Yuji: Master of Parallels & Foreshadowing

As I've said I'm going to write about the things I found & liked/disliked about the way TJ-sensei wrote Daiya.

How he creates characters

To be very honest, once TJ introduced the new first years, I felt like he was getting stagnant and just recycling the traits we have come to like. Basing the current teams quirks with the graduated batch:

Tojo - a pitcher turned batter (basically a toned down Isashiki Jun)

Kanemaru - another baby Isashiki. He's literally as loud as Jun-san.

Zono - a mixture of Masuko & Jun (who is Zono's favorite senpai). He's loud as Jun, and as soft & caring as Jun! Heck, even the fact that you see Zono & Haruichi always together is reminiscent of Masuko & Ryo oni-san.

Okumura - Furuya/Miyuki mashup (i mite throw a lil bit of Chris upfrontness)

Yui - he's smol but soooper strong like Ryo-san!

Seto - Miyuki/Kuramochi mashup

Takatsu - soon to be Shirasu

Kukki - toned down Sawamura Eijun

Asada - he's literally a baby Tanba!

So what?

This is the scary thing I found though. TJ-sen, instead of having our leads have internal monologues, chose to project it to his other characters. And sometimes, he uses character parallels to foreshadow what would happen in the future.

Miyuki/Okumura

Why did Okumura went to Seidou? He's interested w/ the teams' two interesting pitchers. But why? Because he saw Miyuki smiling. He's asking if it's possible to play baseball while having fun. This basically confirms, Miyuki is having fun most w/ Eijun. You'll see the one match Okumura recalls is with a MiyuSawa battery. (Nah, I just really wanna flaunt that Miyuki's favorite is Eijun, haha).

Tojou/Kukki & Furuya/Sawamura

This is why I actually wrote this post. There was a conversation between the two when Kukki was placed in the second string. The funny thing is, their conversation is basically projecting Furuya & Eijun. Now, Tojou is sort of a 'prodigy' if you count him as a pitcher coming from a nationals level team. He's the Furuya. Meanwhile, we have Kukki who has the same strong heart with Sawamura.

Doesn't it sound so much like what Furuya is going through? And the fact that Tojou (Furuya) is talking to Kukki (Eijun). It gave me goosebumps when this thought sank in. TJ is a fuckin genius.

And remember that at this point, Furuya's in a slump while Eijun is on a roll.

This scene takes the cake.

'Let's see who gets to stand on the mound.' This is basically same as Furuya declaring that he hasn't given up the ace title.

Eijun/Miyuki/Chris & Okumura/Eijun/Miyuki

Eijun came to Seidou for Miyuki but ended up looking up to baseball jesus chris-senpai. And now we have Koshu who came for Eijun but is not chasing Miyuki before the time runs out. (Also, Koshu needs to meet Chris for real 🤣)

Itsuki/Mei & Okumura/Eijun

Wolf boy literally declared he's going to catch up & play at Eijun's level. Isn't it like our baby Itsuki when he started catching for Mei?

MasaMei & MiSawa

At this point, we know Seidou's gonna win against Inashiro this time. (Cause if they don't, then what's the point?) But there were so much hints/teasers that I just love it.

Recall this night before Inashiro beat Seidou in Act 1 (Chap 141)

Now look at what happened after the Ichidai San mess in Act 2:

Add to the fact that Tetsu & Kataoka literally groomed Miyuki to be like Masa-san (a captain-catcher-clean up). Buckle up folks cause we're really getting the Golden Age of Seidou.

This is why I ain't forgiving TJ if we don't get something (or even better than) like this sunset moment of MasaMei for Miyuki & Eijun.

[terriblesportsimagines]

Heya, Can you write a scenario about the Seido Club learning about and meeting Miyuki's girlfriend? Miyuki's already captain. Thanks!

Miyuki Kazuya

He knew it was going to be a disaster long before it happened.  It was practically written in stone, and the major reason he worked so hard to keep you separate from the team.  It was a hassle he didn’t need.  He had more than enough on his plate, and he liked keeping you all to himself.

Kuramochi had found out early, but that was only because the boy was nosy and way too keen for his own good.  Plus, being his best friend, he demanded to know these sorts of things.  He teased, of course, cackling that stupid cackle, but his knowing wasn’t that bad.  At least if Miyuki ignored the conspiring the shortstop and you managed.

But now you were demanding to be introduced to the rest of the team.  You pointed out that baseball was important to him, and so was his team, and shouldn’t you be at least familiar with such a huge part of his life?

Miyuki knew you were right, but that didn’t make him any less grumbly.  He sighed heavily as he led you towards the baseball grounds, your smaller hand tucked in his.  Unease swirled in his gut as he steeled himself for the chaos.

“Ah!  Miyuki Kazuya has a girlfriend!”

Miyuki’s eyes rolled skyward and he sighed yet again as Sawamura’s shout.  All of a sudden you were surrounded by curious baseball players, inundating you with questions.  How long had this been going on?  Is he as annoying to you as us?  What do you see in him?  You were one brave lady to put up with the tanuki!

Okay, so the last one had come from Kuramochi, who earned the glare Miyuki sent him.  He, of course, just laughed.  You met the fervor with a bright smile and a squeeze to his hand.  You barely blinked at all the questions, or the exclamations of disbelief.  Your blush was adorable, however, and he could already see that his teammates softening towards you.

“Be sure to take care of our captain, _____-san!” Zono near-shouted, grinning and blushing.  “He definitely needs it!”

Nori, Shirasu and Nabe nodded sagely, while you giggled and sent Miyuki a fond look.

Miyuki just huffed, hiding his genuine smile behind a smirk.

[catcherkazuya]

✨💎 daiya no ace liveblogging, episode 23 💎✨(pt.1)

(this boi is looooongg,, if you read to the second part then ur a real one 🤘🏾)

- WHY DO THEY KEEP TORTURING ME WITH THE MIYUKI SWING SCENE - like fuuuuckkk okay - we know he's hot - gosh madhouse calm down - PRACTICE GAMES LETS GOOOO - omg hongou masamune 

- y u always looks angry bro lmao chill out - nice to see you again, knockoff miyuki - WHOA 

- HIS NOSE - WHAT RHE FUCK - I'm not lying when I said I paused and rewinded back to see this boy - WHY DOES HE LOOK LIKE PINOCCHIO - damnnn terajima did him DIRTYYY 😂😂 - (I really don't remember him looking like that but okay?) - CARLOSSS my love 

- uh when is this seidou-inashiro game bout to happen bc I need it QUICK - tbh I feel like I bad daiya stan - I don't remember half these teams - like yoshinaga ?? shogakukan ???? bruh my memory is horrible

- @4:59 WELL FUCK ME - miyuki didn't need to look that good catching that ball like 😤😤😤 - yessss REI 💞 - ilysm 

- thank you for coming back and contributing actual intellect back into the coach admin 👀👀 - yo this coach out here digging a field, lecturing these kids bro - that's why hongou so angry 

- he's giving that "when I was your age" speech and hongou is like "DONT TELL ME WHAT TO DO B*TCH I GOT THIS" - sorry I'm just bs-ing right now it's prob no true 😂 hongou just angry to be angry - YES KURAMOCHI SLIDEEEE 

- keystone is looking fiercee 🔥🔥🔥 - SHIRASU MY SON HIT THAT SH*T - yo I'm sick of this,, y'all see @8:45 ?? 

- THAT SIDE EYE ??? That SMIRK ?? - mmHMM J E S U S - EVEN WHEN HE GETS WALKED HE LOOKS GOOD 😤😤 - (marry me im beggin u) - okay maezono let's get it you got thissss - his little third year speech I'm in tears 😭

- OKAY I SEE YALL THIRDS YEARS DID THAT - to the back of the field, ALL THE WAY HOME !!! - OMG MAEZONO I CANNOT 💗💗 - his victory pose - HE DESERVES THIS 

- bruh I always talk about how they play maezono dirty bc he never gets any hits when he's up to bat DESPITE being a whole ass power hitter - DONT TALK TO ME ABOUT MAEZONO I BEEN HYPING HIM FOREVER - maezono is dedicated af and he brings all the emotion and passion to the vice captain squad (not saying mochi doesnt) - I am so happy rn I c ould and will cry 

- and haruichi is so proud of him bc he knows that his work payed off when they was practicing their batting together omg someone hold meeee - yes I agree kanemaru the third years are LOOKING FCKIN GOOD

(♦ pt. 2 here ♦)

[tracingdreams]

Daiya no Ace: The Dramas. Special Drama 3: “Onward, to Jingu!”

So I know I haven’t finished part 3 of the service station one yet - but I will - and this one inspired me more this evening. 

Featuring Eijun, Furuya, Haruichi, Miyuki

Summary: The team are heading to Jingu for a practice game. Theoretically. What’s actually happened is that Miyuki, along with the usual three first year suspects, have a bit of a travel problem, thanks entirely to Eijun…

Miyuki: Furuya, are you here? Furuya: Yes. Miyuki: Kominato? Haruichi:  Yes, I’m done.

Miyuki: Sawamura? (Before he can quite finish speaking, Eijun replies with…) Eijun: SAWAMURA EIJUN PRESENT AND CORRECT!

Miyuki: Annoying… Eijun: I, Sawamura, am always ready to do my part in a game! Miyuki: (Clearly weary): And why is it that, if you have that level of conviction, do you suddenly decide right before getting on the train that you have to go to the restroom?

*Eijun: One’s hands and ones stomach aren’t bound by the whims of time, you know! And it wasn’t just me. Furuya and Harucchi also came with me! (*Note: I am unsure about the first part of this line because he gets incoherent when he’s excited. But it conveys the sense anyway)

Miyuki: Yes, but you were the one who got lost finding the restroom, weren’t you? Eijun: Ack..

Miyuki: (Sighs): On a day when we have a game at Jingu, and this is what happens. Are you all right?

Haruichi: But it’s unusual that we weren’t able to hire our usual bus this time. Miyuki: Well, we can get there easily by train. It’s a good thing that it’s not a major problem. But I never thought that we’d get separated from the others because of a toilet crisis! Furuya: (just catching up with the conversation) It’s not my fault, you know. Eijun: (Angry): You went to the restroom too, didn’t you?! Haruichi: Eijun-kun. Don’t yell on the train.

Eijun: Ah, good point. Furuya: But it’s a while since I’ve been on a train. Eijun: Is it? Haruichi: Now I think about it, the last time was when we went to the Tokyo Dome to see Glay, live. (Translator’s Note; !?!!?!! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN So many questions…) Eijun: Ah! Kanemaru and Toujou were with us too, weren’t they? Miyuki: You guys almost got swept away by the wave of people at Shinjuku, though. (Translator’s note: It is LIKE THAT at Shinjuku station. >< OMG the memories!)

Eijun: (Gasping): How did you know that?! FURUYA! You blabbed, didn’t you?! Furuya: I didn’t say anything. Eijun: Then, Harucchi!

Haruichi: It wasn’t me (he sounds hurt). Eijun: Then who leaked? Was it Kanemaru? Toujou? No, Toujou’s a good guy. So it was Kanemaru? It must have been Kanemaru! That wretch, Kanemaru! Haruichi: And he’s convinced himself.

Miyuki: Sawamura. I heard it from you. Eijun: Me?! (He sounds genuinely shocked). Miyuki: The night you went to the Tokyo Dome, you came to my room to tell me about it, remember? And then there was Chris-senpai. You went specifically to his classroom to report to him about it, too. Apparently you were being a nuisance.

Eijun: Gnngh…Ah…now you mention it, I did… Miyuki: (Amused): Don’t get swept away this time, huh? Eijun: I, Sawamura Eijun, am a man who learns from experience! I won’t make the same mistake again! (The train announcer announces the next stop is Shinjuku). Miyuki: There. We’re at Shinjuku. Eijun: I got it already!

(There is the sound of a lot of people).

Eijun: Ah, here it comes! As if I’m going to be defeated! Haruichi: Hey, Eijun-kun! Eijun: Harucchi! Don’t get swept away! If you get swept away it’s the end of everything! Haruichi: That’s not what I meant… (There is the sound of train doors closing. Eijun sighs in relief).

Eijun: Ah, that was dangerous.

Miyuki: It wasn’t a bit dangerous. Eijun: Huh? Furuya: Hey, there’s Maezono-senpai. Eijun: Huh? Outside the window of the train are the many faces of the Seidou Baseball Club members…Kuramochi-senpai, Kanemaru, Toujou…Shirasu-senpai and Nori-senpai. Even the boss. Are they looking this way?! Furuya: Even though we were meant to change trains at Shinjuku… Eijun: What?!

Miyuki: You were making such a fuss we didn’t manage to get off the train in time. Eijun: Wait, Shinjuku wasn’t a station to avoid getting off at, then?

Haruichi: Today’s game is at Jingu Stadium, so we needed to change at Shinjuku… Eijun: What?! Furuya, did you know that? Furuya: I knew. Eijun: What is this madnesss!!!!!!

Miyuki: (Entirely calm, probably because he’s now got such an Eijun-madness-tolerance level this doesn’t even register): What’s done is done. Never mind. If we change at Yotsuya, we can get a train back quite easily. Eijun: Geeeuuhhh! Miyuki: And after, you’ll have to apologise to the coach. Eijun: Why just me?! You were the one who told the coach it’d all be fine, you’re just as guilty, aren’t you?

Miyuki: Huh? Why me too? Although I suppose if I hadn’t agreed to come with you, you wouldn’t have had permission [I assume to go to the restroom].

Eijun: (Crushed): I’m sorry. Miyuki: Hey, now. We’re gonna change at the next stop, Yotsuya, so be prepared, okay? This time there won’t be many people, so there’s no risk of being swept along by the crowd. Eijun: Yes! I, Sawamura Eijun, will not make the same mistake twice! Haruichi: He probably will though. Furuya: Mm. (The scene changes. They have arrived, finally, at the station for the stadium).

Eijun: Ah, for a while there I didn’t know what was going to happen. Miyuki: Don’t be so complacent! (Translator’s Note, Miyuki actually says ‘aah ja nee yo, which literally means it’s not “ah!” but that didn’t really mean much in English, so I used the intent rather than the actual words here). The train we had to change onto was late, and that was definitely a problem. Look! At this rate we’re only just going to make it to the start of the game preparations!

Eijun: That just means that the Captain’s leadership skills weren’t very good. Miyuki: (Annoyed now): And after we got off the train, you kept stopping to look at this and that on the way through. Are all the food stalls really that interesting? (Note: He is more specific, but food words are my nemesis and I can’t make it out).

Eijun: Ah, well, (he laughs), I wanted to buy some delicious noodles. Miyuki: Don’t eat right before a game! Haruichi: Honestly. Maybe Eijun really needs a collar and lead. Eijun: Am I a dog? Do you think I’m a puppy? Furuya: I’m already pretty tired out… Miyuki: Hey, the game is after this, you know! Eijun: Look! That’s…! Miyuki: Now what? Eijun: They’ve got a batting centre here! Look! There! It says you can hit pro level fast-balls! Furuya: (Suddenly energised) Professional fast-balls… Miyuki: Hey, hey, now what are you doing getting all fired up before the main event? The thing you guys should be getting excited about isn’t the batting centre, it’s that over there, isn’t it? (Presumably he means the stadium). Haruichi: That’s right. When we’ve got this game at Jingu Stadium waiting. Eijun: Ah! So we do! Furuya: Oh. Haruichi: What’s up, Furuya-kun? Furuya: The Jingu Stadium is over there, right? Haruichi: Mm, it is. Why? Furuya: For some reason it seems to be surrounded by people. Haruichi: You’re right. I wonder what’s going on. It can’t be the crowd for the game, surely? It wouldn’t be like that just for a practice game? Eijun: (Starts laughing slightly maniacally). Haruichi: What? Why are you suddenly laughing like that? It’s creepy. Eijun: It’s surely the female fans of I, Sawamura Eijun, and the passionate fans of High School baseball! There’s no mistaking it! (?!!!?! Translator’s Note: This is the guy who can’t even notice that Wakana and Nishino, and probably Haruno are all interested. Facepalm groan). Furuya: It’s probably for me. Eijun: What did you just say? Furuya: I won’t give up the mound. Miyuki: You guys! I already told you not to get all hyped up! Although it is strange. When you think of who comes to the games, these people don’t look like they’re associated with school baseball… Haruichi: I’ll go ask. (He leaves) Eijun: That’s Haruichi for you. Always perceptive! (Soon Haruichi returns). Haruichi: I asked someone. At the Jingu stadium, today, they’re apparently holding an all star game for some anime called Daiya no Ace. (Translator’s Note: LOL, fourth wall collided with at speed). Eijun: Daiya no Ace? All star? Does that mean that I’m also now an all-star? Miyuki: Obviously not! Then, in that case, we’re not playing at Jingu? Surely…the game isn’t at the Second Jingu stadium instead? Haruichi: In that case, the entrance is on the other side, isn’t it? Furuya: Ah… Miyuki: What’s up, Furuya? Furuya: That guy over there is the coach, isn’t it? Eijun: Ah! The Boss is looking over this way! (He starts yelling), BOSS! I, Sawamura Eijun have arrived at Jingu Stadium! Haruichi: The coach…looks like he’s saying something. Hang on…”You lot, what are you doing! If you’re even a minute late I won’t put you on the field!”…he’s angry… Miyuki: Huh…Ah, shit! There’s only a minute before the pre-game gathering. RUN! (and he takes off). Haruichi: Wait, Miyuki-senpai! Furuya: Ah, no fair!

(they both set off running after Miyuki)

Eijun: Are you guys going to just leave me behind?! Ah! Dammit! (he starts running) Why me?!

Miyuki: If you come to that, it’s all because you had to go to the restroom!

Furuya: And wouldn’t get off the train.

Haruichi: And kept taking diversions.

Eijun: Dammit! Next time I will definitely get on the train properly! Although, one day I am definitely going to play in a stand-out all star game!

Furuya: Me too.

Haruichi: In that case, me also.

Miyuki: You lot! Hurry!

(The first years): Yes sir!

(The end)

[justamidnightfantasy]

Graduation

It was the finally here. Graduation day. Sawamura was saying his good byes to his third year team mates. Shirasu patted him on the back, Nori wished him luck and gave him his ‘energy’, Zono engulfed him in a hug and they both cried ugly tears, and Kuramochi… Well Kuramochi wrestled him for the last time of course. But he also told him I know you’ll take the team to Koushien again, Ace. Just keep playing our baseball.

He sobbed into the other’s uniform at that. Kuramochi was not impressed but Sawamura thought he saw the other’s eyes glisten. It was probably just his imagination.

He proceeded to say his good byes to the rest of the third years. There was just a particular one that he couldn’t find. Their captain. His catcher.

Miyuki Kazuya was nowhere to be seen. He probably slipped out somewhere during all the commotion. That bastard. But Sawamura had an idea of where he’d be.

He found Miyuki near the field.

“So you were here, Miyuki Kazuya.”

Miyuki turned around to face him. He was wearing his trademark nasty smirk. But there was something in his face that almost looked…sad.

“Oh. Were you looking for me Sa~wa~mu~ra?” Miyuki teased in a tone that would usually annoy him.

It didn’t this time though. Because all he could think about was that, after today, he would be gone. It was over. No more annoying smirks and evil grins. No more taunts and teases from the four eyed bastard. No more. Their time together was over.

"I couldn’t find you after the ceremony. Have you been here the entire time, Miyuki-senpai?” Sawamura tried to keep his voice even. He was already an emotional wreck from having to say good bye to Kuramochi and the other third years. But he had to do this. He had to.

“Pretty much.”

“You no-good four eyes.” Sawamura said but it held no heat. “This is your last day here and you’re hiding away from your team mates. How can we say good bye to you properly huh?”

The catcher moved closer. “Well, you found me didn’t you?” Miyuki’s eyes were soft when he looked at him. It was almost uncharacteristically warm. Sawamura didn’t know what to make of that.

“I needed to talk to you.”

Before Sawamura could even say another word, he could already feel his eyes burning, tears building and threatening to fall. Miyuki didn’t say a word. He let the other boy compose himself and carry on.

Taking deep breath, Sawamura straightened up and did a 90-degree bow.

“THANK YOU MIYUKI KAZUYA!" He yelled. Tears were definitely streaming down his face now but he pushed through. He needed to say these things when he still had the chance.

He got back up to face the catcher. Miyuki looked quite shocked, like he didn’t know what to do with Sawamura suddenly crying right in front of him.

“I’ve never told anyone this until now. I guess you could say that I hadn’t realized it myself until a little later. But I want you to know that you are the reason I came to this school. It wasn’t just about Seido being a national level school with a great coach and good equipment.

I’m here because I couldn’t forget what I felt when I pitched to your mitt that day. You said that the best pitches are works of art produced by a pitcher and a catcher working as one. To trust your mitt and throw my best pitches. I’ve lived by those words ever since. I wanted to pitch my best pitches with you. If you didn’t already know, I have 100% faith in you. No matter how risky your calls may seem, I trust you because I know that you trust me to always give you my best shot no matter what.

Chris-senpai helped me to become a good pitcher. To become someone valuable to the team. I will always be grateful to him for that. He’s my most respected mentor. And you, Miyuki Kazuya, helped me to become the ace that I always dreamed of becoming. My reliable partner. And one of the reasons I fought hard was because I always wanted you to acknowledge me.

You’re the reason I was able to have the best two years of my life. I never once regretted coming here because I got the chance to pitch to you. And I just wish we had more time. I want to play with you more. I want to pitch to you more. I just want to be with you more because you continuously drive me to be the best version of myself. And I guess, all I’m trying to say is that I’ll miss you Miyuki Kazuya. You mean more to me than you’ll ever know. I hope throughout these two years, I became someone worthy of being your partner.”

Sawamura took a deep breath again. His face was stained with tears that couldn’t seem to stop but he was happy. He got to tell Miyuki everything before he left.

Miyuki was speechless. He definitely wasn’t expecting this. Sawamura poured his heart out in front of him and he didn’t know what to do. His chest was tight and his head was spinning. The words wouldn’t come. He didn’t think he even had the words to remotely reflect what he was feeling right now. He was never good with words in the first place so he let his actions speak instead…

Miyuki grabbed the crying boy’s arms and held him against his chest. That was all he could do. He wanted to tell Sawamura how proud he is and how much he’s enjoyed watching him grow into someone deserving of the ace number. Sawamura considered him to be the reason he was able to grow so much and it made him happy but honestly, it was all Sawamura. Even without Miyuki, the pitcher would’ve shined because that was who he is. He wanted to tell Sawamura that he also wished they had more time. He wanted to tell him so many things. He just hoped that his rapidly beating heart would be enough to replace the words that he couldn’t say. He hoped he would be able to tell him…someday.

Sawamura sobbed even harder in Miyuki’s chest.

“Sawamura… You really are an idiot. Why are you telling me this now? ” He was finally able to speak but his voice was hoarse. He didn’t want to cry. It wasn’t like him at all. He liked to think he had a good grip on his feelings but with Sawamura saying those words to him, telling him how much he meant to him, he was rapidly losing control.

“I didn’t know if you’d even want to hear it in the first place.” The other said quietly.

“Stupid.” Miyuki laughed weakly and held Sawamura tighter in his arms. “You’ve done nothing these past two years but surprise me. You know I’m not good with words and feelings. If you followed me all the way here then I guess…I’ll be waiting for you…partner.”

~fin

A self indulgent mini fic. I absolutely suck at writing but I just couldn't get this headcanon out of my head even if it is angsty. Don't kill me for all the grammar/spelling errors 😂

[rayrayswimusic]

Daiya no Ace S3 Ep. 28

Good morning lovely people! Hope you’ve all had a wonderful week?

Haha the episode literally starts at 4:20 😂

Why did Eijun wake up that early anyway??????

I genuinely hope Furuya understands what Kataoka meant.

Lol he didn’t even managed to stay fully awake haha

Mochi and Miyuki discuss the team together on their morning walks to the field??? That’s adorable!!! ZONO YOU RUINED THE MOMENT OMG

Why is Eijun the comic effect again??? Like this is genuinely excessive. Idk it seems more and more that as he improves his baseball the more they have to compensate with his personality??

Omg Furuya!! SO PROUD BB!

Lol the anger towards Miyuki for being able to hit Furuya’s hit HAHAHAHHAHA

Hahah Furuya is actually angry Miyuki hit off him lol. GO YUI! Press your luck until you actually get what you want!

Zono....you’re a smidge annoying but I do like you.

Mochi, don’t let Ochiai into your head you dork!!!

Shirasu is just standing in the dark????

Toujou...that’s not a baseball?????

Asada...when running, please keep your mouth closed and you’ll be able to breathe in a more controlled manner lol

Eijun you got this!!!!!!!

Furuya, you’ve grown so much. Don’t let something like your battle against Hongou get in your head.

Wait what just happened?!?!! FURUYA OMG ARE YOU OKAY??

Okay...the scene is serious but the animation of their faces...is a bit sketchy???

I seriously hope he’s okay. WHAT IS WITH THAT DOCTOR’S FACE?!

Maybe the doctor will get through to Furuya? Or at least to Kataoka...

The team looked like they were going to beat them up with their bats and such lol. Especially in the dark.

Miyuki...

ZONO I LOVE YOU FOR THIS MOMENT!!! This is the reason you were chosen as Vice-Captain.

Hello awkwardness my old friend~

That scene started so awkward between Eijun and Furuya. But like damn their rivalry is always so strong???

Filler episode sorta but I liked it!

Ohhhhhhh different preview style???! Told me nothing lol

[musicprincess655]

This was written for a commission! Commission me!

When Seidou lost in the deciding match of the Spring Tournament, it felt like an indictment. After their victory in the Fall Tournament, after a journey of blood and sweat and tears that sent them on their way to Senbatsu, their loss when it counted left everyone howling with frustration at the top of their lungs.

Loudest of all was Youichi. If he listened hard enough to that frustration, sometimes it even drowned out the doubts.

He’d never been the most conventional captain. He was never going to be. It was a fact everyone accepted without complaint when he was offered the damn position in the first place. He didn’t ask for perfection, or precision, or anything else a captain was supposed to want. He called for blood, and his team delivered, and it worked.

Until it didn’t.

Youichi grit his teeth, swinging his bat onto his shoulder after an independent practice session that just made him feel worse. Blame could be laid at Furuya’s feet, blame could be laid at Kataoka’s for leaving him in long past the point of no return, but the fact remained that one pitcher having a bad day shouldn’t have decided the game for them. Youichi had long since learned that there were nine players on the field, and all of them played a part in that loss. It put a stark spotlight on where their team was most lacking – when it mattered most, their batters didn’t deliver.

When Youichi noticed Miyuki spacing out, clearly coming off a practice session of his own, he really couldn’t be blamed for venting his frustrations on someone who was contractually obligated to listen to him.

“You really hate letting people see you making an effort this much?” he asked, like he had any room to talk, like he hadn’t just stopped doing the very same thing.

“Maybe I just wanted to be alone,” Miyuki shot back, already molding his face into something smug, something perfect for yelling at. “I’m sure you noticed Sawamura watched that game by himself.”

“Feeling dumped by your favorite pitcher?” Youichi asked, because he couldn’t help himself.

“Nori’s my favorite,” Miyuki said. Youichi let the blatant lie slide.

“Think he’s mad at just you, or all of us?” Youichi asked. “We really left him hanging when we didn’t score any runs.”

“It’s a real kick in the ass, isn’t it?” Miyuki agreed. “Pitching, batting, there’s nothing I can complain about. It’s irritating.”

“Right?” Despite it all, Youichi felt a little better. “If I had just gotten one hit, maybe we could’ve turned it around.”

“Don’t tell me you interrupted my valuable alone time just to complain?” Miyuki’s smirk bled into his voice, but that was just how their friendship worked. If either of them got too close to a genuine emotion, they’d both break out in hives.

“Like hell!” Youichi snapped.

“Well, as your supportive vice-captain, I’ll patiently listen to your frustrations.”

“I will fire you and make Nori vice-captain.”

“Please. He’d quit.”

“You’ve got me there.” Youichi sighed, swinging his bat to the other shoulder. “Hey. Do you think you would’ve been a better choice for captain?”

After all, their victory in the fall could be mostly attributed to Miyuki. It was his wild idea to keep Kataoka from retiring by winning the whole thing, and he was the one that played through an injury so bad it got him benched the second they’d won. Youichi hadn’t even been able to force him off the field, knowing if he did, he’d seal their fate.

“No,” Miyuki scoffed. “First of all, I didn’t want the job. You did. Besides, as vice-captain I get all the glory and I don’t have to do any of the work.”

“Your personality is seriously shit, you know that?”

“You chose to befriend this.”

They walked into the team meeting to see Sawamura and Furuya playing a rousing game of Whose Fault Is It Anyway?

“Nabe-chan, what happened?” Youichi asked, already resigned to more stupidity in his life.

“Don’t worry, I took care of it,” Nabe assured him.

Youichi’s feelings of doubt only roared louder in his chest as the meeting started up. Even as Kataoka gave them a fair and brutally honest look at both their successes and failures in the game, it really came down to one thing – the batters failed to score. In a block with so many monster pitchers, that wouldn’t cut it in the summer. The batters fell flat, Youichi chief among them. As the leadoff man, if he couldn’t get on base, his fast legs meant nothing, and his team only had to work harder.

He couldn’t even bring himself to be truly disappointed when all the jersey numbers were revoked.

“Miyuki Kazuya!” Sawamura’s volume was something Youichi really should have gotten used to by now. “Can I stop by your room later?”

“Uh,” Miyuki hedged obviously, “maybe tomorrow?”

“I’m not going to the match tomorrow! I’ll be too busy swinging my bat!” Sawamura drew himself up to his full height. “I have been made all too aware of how my batting is lacking!”

“Right,” Miyuki said. ��Fine, I guess.”

“I’ll swing by at eight!”

“So just pissed at you, then,” Youichi said.

“Fuck off,” Miyuki replied. “Wonder what kind of earful I’m in for.”

“He wants to learn about game calling,” Nabe said. “He was asking me about it earlier. I think that’s what he was thinking about when he watched Narumiya and Mukai pitching. He’s trying to understand so he can compete on their level.”

It was almost scary, Sawamura’s insatiable fight to improve. But like Miyuki said, it was the kick in the ass Youichi needed. Moping wasn’t solving any of his problems, anyway.

“Well, I can’t lose to an idiot like that,” he declared.

“None of us can.” Miyuki’s shit eating grin was back and on full display. “We can’t let him get too far ahead.”

It was almost silent on the field the next day, like the team was holding its breath. Then again, plenty had gone to watch the final match. Youichi knew what he had to work on, though, and it wasn’t at the stadium.

After his appalling practice from yesterday, he had to take a new tactic, one he usually didn’t give much credit to. Rather than just swing, just to build the muscle and the motion into his body, he slowed down, closing his eyes, imagining Amahisa standing on the mound in front of him. If Youichi was back at that plate now, how would he swing? How would he react to the pitches? He’d seen them enough to remember them, so how would he hit them now?

He swung carefully, slowly at first, working through the motion piece by piece. What would make the bat work the way he wanted it to? What would make the hits he’d missed?

When he moved to working with a ball, he took that new awareness with him, swinging with more precision than he’d ever managed before. He didn’t bother looking around at everyone else. Right now, if he wanted to lead the team, he had to focus on himself first.

“Good practice.” Youichi looked up from his trek off the field to see Shirasu.

“You too,” Youichi replied.

“Did you do something different with your swing?” Shirasu asked. “It looked cleaner. Sharper.”

“I’m just doing my best,” Youichi said, because it was true. He was learning the difference between practice makes perfect and practice makes permanent, and deciding what it was he wanted to make permanent.

“Still, it really got me fired up,” Shirasu said. “Seeing you work so hard makes me want to work harder.”

“You’re fired up?” Youichi couldn’t help but ask. If Shirasu was telling the truth, Youichi couldn’t spot the difference.

“It happens.”

That was almost more gratifying than the way Youichi’s head ached as much as his muscles when he laid down to sleep that night.

An intrasquad game might be just the medicine the team needed. Especially with all the jersey numbers revoked, everyone on the second string and all of the first years were chomping at the bit for the chance to move up. It would put pressure on the first string, and it was a sweet pain they desperately needed.

“Hey.” Kanemaru waved Youichi down on his way to the field. “Your partner’s swinging himself into the ground trying new batting styles.”

“Good,” Youichi said, not bothering to slow his roll. “Let him.”

So Mr. “I Just Hit It Back” finally can’t coast on that attitude anymore.

Much as Haruichi was a batter to be feared, he was lacking, and it had shown in that game. Youichi wasn’t the only batter that had failed to get a hit. He would step in if it looked like Haruichi was just hopelessly spinning his wheels, but he doubted he’d have to. Haruichi had more sense than that.

The match was vicious in a way few had been in a long time. There was obvious hunger for blood on both teams. The first years had so much to prove, and everyone on second string was running out of time to do so. There were a few that Youichi could see as serious competition. Rather than let the pressure drag him to the ground, he let it wash over him, strong and harsh and exactly what he needed to pick his head up and keep running. They might be serious competition, but he’d worked too hard to give up his position so easily.

With so many incredible players, Youichi couldn’t afford to stay the same as he’d been.

He threw his all into fielding practice, and when that was over, he threw his all into independent batting practice, forgoing practicing with balls for his image training, carefully molding his batting form into something more polished, sharpening it like a blade. He only quit and went back to his room when he felt his eyes going crossed from the effort of concentrating.

All he wanted to do when he got back was collapse, but instead of Sawamura, Asada was there.

“Sawamura still hanging out at Miyuki’s?” Youichi asked. He hoped they’d moved past whatever issues they were having. With Furuya still in a spiral, there was every chance they’d have to rely on Sawamura.

“Yes. Were you doing independent practice?”

“Yeah.” And truthfully, he should still be going, but he was ready to pass out. “Everyone else is still going, but my attention span is out.”

“You’re always practicing so late.” Youichi looked up. Asada was looking down, smiling wryly at the floor.

“Your curveball was really cool in the intrasquad match,” Youichi told him. “Keep at it, and it’ll be scary.”

“You were watching?” Asada looked up with wide eyes.

Youichi knew Asada was nervous at his core, and he had no clue how to help with that when he wasn’t sure what Asada was so nervous about in the first place. He was much better at dealing with idiots with more confidence than sense. Still, Asada wasn’t the only nervous player on the team, and Youichi had to lead all of them.

Although…now that he thought about it, Asada reminded him a lot of Nori in their first year, back when Nori was scared of his own shadow. Nori had hit a wall too, and had pushed and pushed at it until he’d stopped trying to be the ace and had tried to be the best pitcher he personally could be. Once he stopped trying so hard and let himself develop at his own pace, he’d improved rapidly. Nori still wasn’t an ace, but a reliever was just as important, and on their team, no one was better than him.

“Don’t rush it,” Youichi advised. “It must be frustrating to not be chosen for second string, but for now, just eat a lot and build your body. You’ll get to where you want to be before you know it.”

Youichi wasn’t sure if that was exactly what Asada had needed to hear, but something in the set of Asada’s shoulders released, and he thanked Youichi on his way out to the bath. Even if Youichi was struggling with this whole captain thing, at least he could still do the senpai thing right.

No amount of sleep would ever be enough to reset Youichi from all the mental training he was doing, but at least he seemed to be getting used to thinking on his feet. Fielding practice was getting easier, and Youichi could feel himself moving faster, moving smarter.

He’d always known how to use a lead to put pressure on a pitcher, but now, with a partner like Haruichi coming in behind him, they could take it to a whole new level of annoying. As the pitcher and fielders watched Youichi more and more, Haruichi was free to bat as he wished to the trickiest places he could.

On some level, Youichi had always been expecting Haruichi to grow into the second coming of Ryou, and that, as it turned out, hadn’t been fair to anyone. Even though they had similar play styles, Haruichi didn’t have the careful precision and sheer elegance of Ryou, but he did have an explosive power all his own. All it had taken was Youichi accepting that he couldn’t just keep up his old patterns, learned with hours of practice and insults. Instead, he had to learn new ones with Haruichi to make the new style work. It was so much better to use that explosive power than to strain against it.

“Nice play,” Haruichi told him after practice ended. “With you drawing their eyes, it’s so much easier to do what I want.”

“Your batting is getting better too,” Youichi replied. “More than mine is, anyway.”

Haruichi frowned.

“I think that depends on what you mean by better,” he said. “If your goal is to be a power hitter, then yeah, you aren’t one. But I don’t think you should have to be.”

Youichi shrugged.

“It’s not like we really have one in the wings,” he said. “Unless you want to count Miyuki, and he only just learned how to get on base when someone else isn’t there first.”

“You don’t have to be Tetsu-san, you know,” Haruichi said. “No one ever expected you to be. You’re not a power hitter, but you get on base and lead the rest of us there by making it easier to bat after you. That’s your own strength that I respect.”

“Is that so?” Somehow, it was hard to accept such sincere praise from Haruichi. Neither Kominato was in the habit of doling it out like that, free of charge.

“I’m trying to learn how to meet that strength,” Haruichi said. “But I think…maybe you should stop trying so hard to be a different person?”

“How do you mean?”

“Everyone already respects you,” Haruichi said. “You don’t have to prove your skill to us, or learn some new one to impress us. Isn’t playing like you always have enough?”

Youichi considered. It was a tempting proposition, one he couldn’t just dismiss outright. Play like I always have?

It would remove so much pressure from his shoulders, allowing him to grow and develop as he pleased. He could be free to just focus on himself, and whoever his partner on the field would be, and that could be it.

But…

“I don’t think I can be that selfish,” Youichi said. “I agreed to be captain. That means I have to worry about more than just myself.”

Even though Haruichi had suggested the opposite, Youichi felt like he’d passed some kind of test when Haruichi smiled.

“That’s why we all respect you,” he said.

The conversation with Haruichi had reminded Youichi of one very important thing, though – he did have someone he could ask for advice.

“Hello?” Tetsu sounded sleep deprived, and Youichi winced when he remembered that Tetsu probably didn’t get up at the crack of dawn anymore.

“Hey Tetsu-san, sorry to bother you,” Youichi said, hoping Tetsu wouldn’t just hang up on him. He didn’t have a ton of time he could spend making calls. “I was hoping I could get some advice on being captain.”

“At 6:30 in the morning?”

“Please?”

Tetsu sighed, and Youichi heard him shifting over the line.

“Okay. What do you want to know?”

“I just…how do you…do it?” Youichi asked, cringing at his own phrasing. “You always seemed like nothing bothered you, like you were calm and we could just bring everything back around. You were like…this ideal to aspire to.”

“That was my goal, yeah,” Tetsu said. “I wasn’t always calm on the field. I wouldn’t even say I was calm a majority of the time. But I couldn’t let that show.”

“You just…hid it?” Youichi asked.

“Of course,” Tetsu said. “As the captain, I could never let what I was feeling show on my face. Even if we were losing, even if I was scared or in despair, no one could ever know, because you all took your cues from me.”

“Oh,” Youichi said. “I don’t know if I can do that.”

“Kuramochi-kun, do you know why I recommended you for captain?”

“Because the coach knew Miyuki didn’t want the job.”

“No,” Tetsu said. “Actually, he thought I was serious when I suggested Miyuki.”

“You were joking?!”

“Obviously?” Tetsu seemed affronted that no one got it. “Miyuki wouldn’t have been the worst choice for captain, but besides not wanting the job, he would’ve turned the team into a pitcher show. There’s more to the team than the battery, and Miyuki forgets that.”

“Tell me about it,” Youichi said, though he privately agreed that Miyuki was so much happier focusing on his pitchers than he would’ve been in Youichi’s position.

“But anyway, I recommended you because you’ve never been the type to demand unreasonable things of people,” Tetsu continued. “You’re the kind that asks people to follow you. You’ve never asked someone to do something you wouldn’t do, and you work hard to make sure you can deliver.”

“That’s why?”

“That’s why,” Tetsu agreed. “Seidou needed someone who’d ask everyone to follow them into battle. That’s what you are. I hear the team has become a little like a gang since you took over, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”

Someone to follow into battle? Youichi could manage that.

“Alright, listen up!”

After a grueling golden week packed with practice matches, heading into the hardest one against Hakuryuu would have everyone’s spirits shaky. A good captain’s speech would perk everyone up.

Unfortunately, Youichi didn’t have a good captain’s speech. He only had this.

“Right now, they’re looking at us and wondering why we’re putting Sawamura in instead of Furuya,” he growled. He could already see the manic grins growing on everyone’s faces. “They’re looking at us and thinking we’re tired. They’re looking at us and thinking we’re throwing away this game just to collect data on ‘em. Are we?”

“No!” everyone chorused back at them.

“Are we gonna let ‘em take us for fools?” Youichi shouted.

“No!”

“Go out there and give ‘em a good thrashing!” Youichi shouted, to the violent cheers of those around him. It wasn’t conventional, but it worked.

Now all that was left was for Sawamura to throw the first pitch. Youichi couldn’t pretend he wasn’t on his toes, waiting for it to go south. He hadn’t had a lot of attention to pay to the pitchers and catchers, and it was better to leave that up to Miyuki anyway. He could only hope Miyuki and Sawamura had fixed whatever problems they had with each other.

The pitches were sharp, though, and even though the first batter hit, it was obviously jammed. Youichi didn’t even have to think before running forward, placing himself perfectly to throw out at first base. All that mental training really had paid off.

Rather than cheer, as he might have a year ago, Youichi only held up one finger. It was one out, and it was his job to get them in this way. Right now, he was just doing his job.

Youichi hoped a successful first pitch would set them on the right track, but the game wasn’t without its hiccups. For one thing, when Mima stood up to bat, he managed to send the ball into left field. Hakuryuu was a team known for base running, so obviously the runner on first tried to make it all the way to third. But that shouldn’t have been a problem. Furuya was in left field, and he had a cannon for an arm.

“Throw to third!” Youichi called. Furuya had the ball, they would make it in time, and…

Furuya threw high. The runner made it.

Youichi bit down on a yell so hard he swore he tasted blood. The metallic tang smacked of frustration. Furuya was so much better than this, and Youichi had no clue why he’d self-destructed in the last month, but right now, yelling wasn’t going to help anything.

What mattered now was playing on.

And when Youichi let go of his frustration, he couldn’t help but lean into the tension, feeling his blood rise to the challenge of a strong team. For the first time since they lost to Ichidai, Youichi found himself truly enjoying a game. He could practically feel his team calling out for blood around him, and maybe that was his influence, or maybe they were all just as thirsty for a win against a powerhouse as he was. Whatever the reason, this game was fun.

Miyuki and Sawamura had clearly settled whatever issues they were having, because the pitching left nothing to be desired. The batters were going down without any interference from the fielders, and the few that managed to hit didn’t manage to score. Haruichi did his job calmly, playing in his own way, and Youichi had finally learned to move with him correctly. They closed the first inning without a fuss.

And when Youichi got up to bat, he was able to review what Nabe had told him about this pitcher, and when the ball came, he was ready for it, sending it far enough to take him all the way to second base.

Follow me, Youichi thought to his team. Follow the path I’ve laid for you.

Haruichi did. His double sent Youichi running home, and Youichi felt so much pride that Haruichi had learned to do more than just send the ball back that he might as well have done it himself.

The errors were almost too few to mention. By the end of the game, it was clear who had won. The last run from Miyuki was only the icing on the cake. All of the team’s bloodlust had paid off, all their hunger for victory and the backbreaking effort they’d put into practice.

“That was good,” Youichi said in an undertone to Miyuki on the way to the bus. “We really needed that.”

“We did,” Miyuki said. “I can’t believe how far Sawamura has come.”

“Think we’re ready to take on all the strong pitchers in the summer?” Youichi asked. “Our batters really have improved.”

“I think we won’t go down without a fight,” Miyuki said. “This time, we’re not going in as kings. We’re challengers.”

Youichi stared at him in disbelief.

“How long have you been sitting on that line?” he asked. Miyuki pouted.

“It’s a good line.”

“Well, fine. Let’s be challengers,” Youichi said. “It’s always suited me better anyway.”

“You’re always spoiling for a fight.” Miyuki tried to make it sound like a complaint, but it was so obviously not. “Fine. I’ll follow you into battle, captain.”

The title was heavy on Youichi’s shoulders, but he had grown stronger for having carried it. The team had turned completely around from demoralized to dauntless, and they were all ready for a good fight. Youichi could feel pride swelling in his chest at the thought of it.

He couldn’t wait for summer.

[shrapnelsong]

@museguided​ asked:  [ TOUCH ]: just for the sake of the contact, the sender reaches out and gently touches the strands of the receiver’s hair. [ from miyu~ ]

[ hair prompts ]

     Living so close to the school allowed her to stay a little later than the other managers, and the fact that, somehow, she and the Captain had an easy time discussing strategies had her lingering a while longer as well. She’d always admired the quiet, confident trust Fujiwara-senpai had with Tetsu-san and Alice idly wondered if she and Miyuki-san looked that way to the others. They were probably far too chaotic with each other to convey that sort of wholesome feeling, she thought with a tiny chuckle to herself. Still, hopefully, their reliability spoke for itself.

With all the info Watanabe-kun gathered on their next opponent laid out before them, Alice fell into a contemplative silence after they’d discussed the best possible line-ups to face them, weighing pros and cons in her head. As Seidou’s cleanup, Miyuki-san was poised to do the most damage at once, but his skills are so well-rounded that he’ll be seen as a menace regardless of where he’s placed. He was truly the SSR of the deck. Oh. That’s a good idea.

Taking her notebook, she drew nine rectangles at the top of the page and nine more under them with plenty of space for notes inbetween. His was, of course, the first name she wrote down, sitting pretty right at fourth batter position. Mochi and Kominato-kun followed as the starters. Being such a balanced hitter, Shirasu-kun also earned the third batter spot. Then she filled out the opposing team’s most likely lineup before returning to the spot that directly followed the Captain. 

Maezono-kun was certainly passionate and hardworking... but. Unfortunately, he wasn’t as reliable as they all hoped. While her pencil tapped against the fifth square, her face started scrunching up. Maybe she should actually make little baseball cards for each of them? It would certainly help her visualize things better than writing down all the best choices. Hmm...

The thought of having a secret crafts project in her near future did distract her from the task at hand enough for her to start noticing that feeling in the back of her head that told her she was being watched. The lightest touch along her hair had her looking up to find that her companion had indeed stopped looking at what she was writing and was looking at her instead.

If meeting his piercing gaze wasn’t enough, the fact that those deft fingers of his were still casually playing with a lock of her hair had a hint of warmth rising along her cheeks. The question in her own eyes must have shown, because he let out an airy chuckle while pointing out how there’d been a steadily growing crease forming between her brows the more she stared at the paper and that he didn’t want her to get wrinkles so young.

Alice couldn’t come up with a witty response in time, so she changed the subject instead, even if it did provide him a free glimpse into her nerd brain without her actually meaning to. “If you get a baseball card of yourself in the future, what kind of little trivia would you like printed on the back?”

[ballingwithbangtan]

concerned mochi (&zono&shirasu) is the best mochi (both of them will never admit it but they’re the best of friends, in fact he’s the model vice captain for not taking miyuki‘s shit but still being supportive)