Chapter 16: XI. Who is Your Daughter?

"Get away from our daughter."

Nanairō

I stared in disbelief from beside Miyuki as we both stood up to face my parents and snarky sister. Miyuki pushed me behind him gently. "All due respect, Mr. Nakatomi and Mrs. Nakatomi, I distinctly remember Chibana-san declaring that she was disowning the Nakatomi name." My father must've been drunk, because he only got violent when drunk. He stumbled forwards and grabbed Miyuki by the collar. "Does it look like I care? Don't meddle in family business." His words were clearly slurred. I stepped forward and pulled my father off of Miyuki. "Don't touch Miyuki-kun." My father grew angry and wound his hand back to slap me, but was stopped by Miyuki catching his wrist.

"You shouldn't hit her." My father glared at Miyuki before jerking his hand away and stumbling a bit. "Mind your own business kid." I felt anger, fear, and anxiety building up in my chest. "I already disowned the family what more could you want?" My sister laughed. "We're going to send you to Omyojī school, where you belong." I backed away in disbelief but Miyuki supported me from behind. "Over my dead-"

"That's enough! All of you! You three better get out of here and stop harassing my baseball players unless you'd like a negative connotation to the Nakatomi name. Clearly this is Chibana, not your daughter so leave Chibana and Miyuki alone." Hope built up in my chest as Coach Kataoka's booming voice made my family flinch. "This is ridiculous!" Coach came closer. "No, you're ridiculous. Harassing someone who is clearly not your child. I mean, look at Chibana. Does Chibana share any attributes with the likes of you three?" Coach was right. I knew my father was my birth father but I didn't take after him. I took after my mother. The ones who called themselves my family stood speechless, rooted to the spot. "Leave. Now." The two females scurried off, dragging my estranged father with them.

"Thank you, Coach Kataoka." I bowed respectfully in thanks to the man. "You two should get to your dorms. I'd like to speak to you tomorrow morning, Chibana. Be there before morning practice." I nodded. "Yes sir." Miyuki and I left Coach as he recommended.

We walked side by side in a comfortable yet awkward silence. "I'm sorry. About this morning... I mean-" I shook my head at my catcher with a tight-lipped smile. "No, don't be. I shouldn't have lied. You catch for me every single day and I should have known better than to try and hide something like that from you." He sighed, and I knew he was still frustrated with the events of the day that transpired between the two of us. "Say it, Bakazya, I can't read your mind.'' He stopped walking and looked at me, so I returned his action. "Doesn't what happened earlier... y'know, bother you at all? With your parents.. and me and what happened-" I should've known that it would bother him. "Miyuki, I've dealt with my dad and his witch of a wife's antics for years. At this point, nothing bothers me with them anymore, because quite honestly they haven't felt like family since my mom died. My family for almost two years has been Seido, and Ji YÅ«ko, and Shunpei. And regarding what happened earlier between the two of us, if it truly bothers you like it seems like it does, then let's pretend it never happened. I don't want an awkward environment every time we practice so lets just agree to keep it to ourselves, yeah?" He opened his mouth to argue but nothing came out. Of course it hurt to pretend that the personal moments we shared never happened, but I was willing to forget it if it meant getting to continue having a friendship with the person I never would've expected to mean so much. "Look, that's not what I meant-"

"Then what did you mean, Miyuki? If it bothers you then forget it." He sighed in frustration and took a step closer. "You don't get it do you? It bothers me that I have to call you Chibana because I don't know what to call you, because thus far we clearly don't have the established trust in each other we thought we did. What bothers me is that I don't even know your name and I've been your catcher for two years," he stepped closer so that he was in my face, "You can't seriously tell me that it wouldn't bother you if you didn't know the first name of the person you have played with and sat in a classroom with for nearly a year and a half." I could feel his anger and frustration rising in the atmosphere. "I don't know, Miyuki, I really don't. I won't pretend to even know what its like, but you do know my name. My name is Nanairō." He sighed and I could see through his eyes that my comment wasn't helping the situation. "If that's supposed to make me feel better, it really doesn't. If anything, it only pisses me off more. What parts of your personality are real? Can you at least honestly tell me that?"

My bruised pride decided to rear its head. "You know what Miyuki, I don't want to hear anything about my personality becoming a problem when your personality is so twisted no one can tell when you're joking and when you're being serious. You literally provoke Sawamura-san on a daily basis, and expect him to respect you. This is exactly why none of the third year batteries like you." He laughed humorlessly. "Right, because you're one to tell me anything about being liked. There's a reason they only have jumped you thus far. And maybe they're right to hate you. Maybe you deserved it." Instantly regret crossed his features. "You know, thanks for that reminder, Miyuki. That cold splash of water was just what I needed to know just how much of a twisted prick you are. Don't worry about meeting me in the Bullpen tomorrow morning, I'll pitch with Miyauchi-sempai." I left Miyuki swimming in his self made pool of regrets.

• • •

3rd Person POV

About a week had passed since the last encounter between Chibana and Miyuki. She had avoided the megane catcher at all costs, finding it very difficult to even talk about him with Kuramochi or Kawakami. She had decidedly taken a step back from first string to second string, which prompted an additional spot being open. Miyuki grew frustrated with her for just giving up her spot, only to learn from Kuramochi that Furuya was promoted in her place. "Why would Sato do that? He's earned his spot on the team." Kuramochi grinned, knowing why the megane was so interested in his former pitcher's self-demotion. He was a lot more observant than he let on. "You sure are invested in Sato's activities, sure you're not gay? Kyahaha!" Miyuki wrestled with his painfully mischevious friend. Eventually the two settled down and Miyuki trained his eyes on the running Ace who had herself demoted. "He told me that Coach demoted him because his secret about... falsifying documents, got out. I think he demoted himself, personally. I wonder if it has anything to do with what happened last week."

Kuramochi knew what had happened because he overheard the two arguing just outside of the indoor practice center. He knew what Miyuki had done and he was far from agreeing with it, but it wasn't his place to interject when he didn't know what exactly had prompted the situation. He himself had been hiding the truth about 'Satoshi' in order to help preserve the team, but it seemed that Miyuki had no qualms about almost having his pitcher and the Ace thrown off of the team. Kuramochi noted how Miyuki was eyeballing Sawamura, who had recently been bumped up to second string, begging Satoshi (or Nanairo) to catch for him. Kuramochi saw Sato nonchalantly nod and follow the bouncing Sawamura into the bullpen. He turned to his friend and saw the trace of a slight frown ghosting his features. Miyuki was to blame, of course, for taking his remarks about the unspeakable event of their Sophomore year too far. He felt bad for saying what he did, but at the same time had no regrets for telling his pitcher how he felt about some of the things she did.

Nanairo (or Satoshi), however, felt no remorse for the things she said. She knew that both she and Miyuki had escalated something minor into complete radio silence, but she knew that it was better if she stayed away from the catcher who always seemed to distract her in the key moments. It was nothing new, she and Miyuki having negative feelings towards each other, but for some reason since this argument happened a week ago, it wasn't faux hatred or dislike she felt towards him. For some reason that didn't occur to her, she felt anger towards him, but something else entirely indifferent to her anger. This argument, which was among the many that they had within the nearly two years they had known each other, felt like something else entirely to the both of them. It felt like a lovers' quarrel, which bothered them both to no end. How could two people who at one point only harboured hate for each other have a lovers' quarrel? And the rest of the team noticed it too. They knew something was going on between the two Juniors, but didn't know the positive or negative connotations to the situation.

Several of the First and Second string members had approached who they knew as Satoshi but found it to be a complete dead end. Satoshi told no one with the exception of Kuramochi and Kawakami about the complexity of the demotion. Kuramochi, of course, told Miyuki that it was only her punishment, but Miyuki had found out in his own way how she truly was demoted. Of course, he wasn't the only one to find out, and most of the baseball team became frustrated with both members of the broken battery. Though Nanairō would never say it, she knew that the dirty looks and 'accidental' shoves were getting to her. It was like her First year all over again, but this time it was entirely on her, and not some strained grudge. Of course, she'd never let some shit head, mouthy underclassman know that every little effort they made to exclude her or push her around effected her in such a way that she had considered quitting entirely. So she wore a fake smile and a peaceful façade. She knew eventually they'd try to jump her again like what happened the year before, but she was fully prepared this time. She had taken martial arts self defense classes during her time out, so even if they managed to over power her, she had a few tricks up her sleeve.

Of course, it was mostly Sophomores considering jumping her, most completely unaware of the situation and were angry because someone so 'lazy' could go wherever they wanted in the baseball team while they worked hard and couldn't even make 2nd string. The coach and coaching staff were completely aware of the situation, but knew you would handle it yourself, and kept their hands off. If the first years and upperclassmen wanted a lesson on underestimating players they didn't know or had never faced off against, Coach Kataoka had confidence you would put anyone in their place, including Miyuki. It was your job alone as the secret Ace of Seido. But without your knowledge, he made and opening for you in the first string for whenever you found yourself once again. You may never have worn the ace number since your first year when the older players jumped you (which he knew about), but certainly you were the secret weapon. And despite your desire to monopolize the mound much like the other pitchers, you never once had an obsession with the Ace number. You were the selfless Ace who knew when you would cause more problems than you would solve. Kataoka was truly surprised when you asked him to promote someone in your place.

"Coach Kataoka-kun, may I talk to you a moment?" The coach turned his head to face the small baseball player standing in the doorway.

"Close the door." The baseball player quickly followed instructions and stood politely, fumbling with their hands.

"Coach-kun, I'd like to give up my spot to Furuya or Sawamura." His eyes widened behind his glasses and turned around to face the short player.

"Why is that, Chibana?"

"Well, I can't seem to be able to reign in the argument between Miyuki-kun and I, and I believe if I stay in the first string I'll cause a lot of problems among the upperclassmen. I would rather be demoted than cause tension amongst the rest of the team due to the weakening relationship of the battery." The Coach had a growing respect for the prospective Ace. He knew the player's selflessness would ultimately be overlooked by his teammates, but the Coach was prepared to see how Chibana would handle it.

"Alright, consider this your 'punishment' for falsifying documents. And Chibana," the player stood up straighter.

"Y-yes sir?"

"I want to see how you handle the issue of the growing tension amongst your teammates. I'm looking to make you Captain next year. And you're already on the path of reinstatement as Ace."

The boys face darkened. "Sir with all due respect, I have no interest in being the team captain nor do I have an interest in the Ace number. I just want to play baseball. That's all I've ever wanted." The Coach felt the corners of his mouth curl.

"Very well, you're dismissed." The player bowed respectfully before leaving.

The Coach smirked, thinking about the event of a few days before. Doesn't want to be the Ace, huh? Chibana doesn't even realize that despite everyone disliking her, she has all of their respect. The Coach watched the short player catching for Sawamura off in the distance, arguing loudly when he wouldn't throw what the prospective Ace asked. That player was someone everyone looked up to, despite their envy or irritation.

Miyuki

It bothered me, seeing those two idiots getting along so well. How could Haru reign in Sawamura so well and Miyuki couldn't? How could Sawamura respect someone who quite literally could shut out anyone from the mound without even realizing it. It was ridiculous, wasn't it? I was jealous of a first year, just because he got to play with Satōshi and I couldn't. Who told that idiot to quit first string?

I found myself subconsciously stalking towards the entrance of the bullpen. I came to a stop in the door way and watched as Satōshi casually shifted and caught every pitch of Sawamura's, irritation building by the look on his face. "Oi, oi, Sawamura. You can see my glove can't you? Or do you need glasses? It's getting ridiculous. I keep having to jump higher and higher, it's no wonder Miyauchi and Snake won't catch for you." Sawamura dropped his head at Satōshi's scolding. Wait a second, how come he'll listen when Satō says it but not when I say it-

"Miyuki Kazuya!" Sawamura pointed at me and shouted my name from the mound, causing Satōshi to drop on both knees and lean back to sit on his calves, irritation evident on his face. Or should I say her face? It was too confusing.

"Oi Bakamura, where's my respect... Don't call me by my full name, I'm your senpai too." He came running over and started bouncing around.

"Did you see my pitch? It looked great right! I've been working on-"

"Sawamura-kun, your pitch would be well above the batter's head. Don't brag about that!" Sawamura took Satōshi's jab at his misplaced brag and grunted.

"Bakamura, go find Chris-senpai. He said he needed to talk to you." Sawamura winced visibly, before turning to Satōshi, who was now standing, for help but found none.

"Do as he instructs you Sawamura-kun. He knows what's best." Sawamura begrudgingly left. Now it was just me and Satōshi in the bullpen.

"Why?" He looked up at my sudden question.

"Why what, Snake-kun?"

"Don't play dumb. Why did you demote yourself to Second string? You're wasting your talent and your putting the team at risk with your petty bullshit." He scoffed with a hidden laugh.

"Hmm let me think. Maybe because I know when I'm being a burden unlike someone else who sure likes to accuse others of things. Miyuki-kun, I left first string because I knew that whatever the hell is going on within our battery, didn't belong in first string. The tension it would cause would be more disrespectful to everyone's efforts than me leaving." I felt angry. Of course he would take the blame. Of course. For once why couldn't he just explode in anger rather than just being the responsible one. I desperately wanted him to just tell me off for being an ass, because at least then I'd be able to decipher what he's thinking.

"Really? How Noble of you! What's next, you gonna donate your family's fortune for the team? Go on and do it then. And while you're at it, donate your uniform to someone who actually cares about the game, since you're clearly above the rest of us now." I saw the look on his face darken. I knew I had pushed him too far. Or maybe it was just far enough. I saw a satirical smirk play at his lips as he took off his catcher's gear.

"I don't care about the game? Okay. Before you make such bold claims maybe you should back them up. If I truly don't care, then you wouldn't mind pitting yourself against me in a scrimmage amongst first and second string. You catch and I'll do the same." He roughly shoved the helmet into my chest as he walked past. He stopped and turned his head slightly with a smirk. "This is a baseball field, you better not disappoint me. We fight in baseball not words. Hope you're ready, Snake-kun, because it won't be a breeze." He walked out, leaving me standing there.

Before I even realized what I was doing I was laughing with a smirk. Donate his uniform my ass... I really did underestimate him. I turned and watched his retreating back, suddenly feeling excited. Damn, I guess he really is Ace material. He's even got me riled up.

I hadn't realized that a crowd of players had gathered to watch our showdown in the bullpen until I felt an arm over shoulder. "That shithead! He leaves the first string and now he's challenging us! Miyuki! Teach him a lesson!" Jun put me in a headlock and I turned to see the rest of the first string. They all looked extremely motivated. It seems he's really good at leading people... Maybe that's why I always struggle to keep pace with him. A grin sprawled across my face.

"Tanba, you should watch out if you want to keep your number. Whether he realizes it or not, he's the perfect Ace. So all of you, defend your honor tonight against Chibana!" We all turned to face Coach with slightly shocked expressions. It felt like the air around us was sucked away. I felt a grin spreading across my face. No matter how angry with each other Satōshi and I could be, he never ceased to amuse me.

"HAI!" We all shouted in unison, all of us completely filled with motivation to kick Satōshi's ass. Perfect Ace huh, Tanba! Show him that there's more than just proving himself as a catcher!

I turned to Tanba with a grin. He was more fired up than anyone else, his motivation exuded in his aura. "Tanba-san, let's put second string in their place." He nodded.

• • •

Satōshi

I walked up to the other second string players I had called together. "Oi, oi, Chibana-sempai what's this about? We all have practice to attend." I grinned.

"I got us a scrimmage against the First String later. Coach told me to fill you guys in. Listen up! There's three spots on the first string! We're not fighting for those spots tonight, but remember that you should definitely put your best foot forward regardless! I'll be catching this game, so I'll need to see the pitchers in the bullpen once we finish here. Depending on how our Fielding looks, I'll decide how the batting order goes-"

"Oi, oi, oi! Who the hell out you in charge?!" I looked around until I spotted the player who said it. I calmly stepped over and I saw him stumble back startled. I stopped a step away with a glint in my eyes begging for him to challenge me.

"I did." They all gasped slightly at the Coach, some flinching. I smirked at the shocked expressions. "I suggest you listen to what he has to say and not mouth off at him. If you can't act as a team under one head don't ever expect to make First String!" They all flinched at his blunt words. I looked at the Coach and we shared a nod. I'm shocked he insisted that I lead the second string in this scrimmage.

Flashback

"Chibana."

"Yes sir!"

"You wanted a scrimmage to help motivate First and Second string, didn't you? Provoking a reaction?" I was a little surprised that he saw my motivations. To anyone else, it would have looked like a direct challenge to Miyuki, but I was trying to provoke First String into acting like a Varsity team. "Right?"

"Y-yes sir..."

"I see. And you said you didn't think you were suited to lead this team, yet right now you're their prime motivator. I want you to lead Second string in the right direction tonight. They're going to lose, but I want them to lose with motivation to improve." I understood at that moment that he would use me to help everyone improve.

"But what about the third years?" He glanced over his shoulder at me.

"Will it be a problem putting them in their place on your own?" I felt a fire sprout in my insides. Underestimating me?

"NO SIR!" He smirked before facing forward again.

"Lead them well, Chibana."

"Yes sir!"

End Flashback

"Are you going to listen? Or are you going to fail?"

"WE'LL LISTEN SIR!" The Third years who had played with me before grinned, which is one I shared with them.

"What's that? I couldn't hear you!"

"WE'LL LISTEN SIR!" We had the attention of the entire baseball team as we shouted.

"Good!" Coach left me to handle the now motivated boys who were shouting at the top of their lungs. We shared a passing look as he left. "I trust you, Chibana." I nodded with a grin.

• • •

After a briefing on the game plan, we practiced on Field B. I was giving batting tips to everyone. They were in a giant circle swinging their bats. Maezono swung and left a shockwave of air. "O-Oh! That was a really good swing, Zono!" He gritted his teeth.

"Oi! Satō who told you to call me that!" I started laughing at his frustration. "Hey! It's not funny shithead! We don't even know each other that well!" I progressed into cackling in laughter as he chased me around the batting circle, with everyone laughing or grinning at our exchange.

"But we're the same age and I let you call me Satō!"

"Doesn't matter!"

"There are other things I could call you!" I cracked a shit-eating grin.

"Y-You're worse than Miyuki! You're a devil!"

"Damn right!" Everyone was doubled over laughing as I turned the tides and put Maezono in a headlock. "Now that you're swinging with power, level your bat." I whispered my advice to him while rubbing my knuckles against his shaved head with a grin. I let him go and his eyes widened. Not the first time you've heard it huh?

"H-how-" I grinned.

"A magician never reveals his secrets. Though it is kinda obvious when the tip of the bat drops." He nodded, seeming to have respect in his eyes, so I put him in another headlock. "Oi, Oi, don't look at me like that! Let's all get back to work you damn slackers! Haha!" They all immediately did as I requested and I released Maezono.

"Zono~" He turned around with an annoyed look as he went back to practice his swing and stopped.

"What is it?" I grinned.

"I meant it. That was a good swing you had earlier Zono-san. You had your bat level, so remember what that felt like." He nodded with a slight embarrassed blush.

"Aw! Zono-senpai is such a softie!"

"S-shut it Sawamura!" I cackled in laughter. "N-not you too Satō-san!"

"Alright, everyone stop for a moment." I was holding my bat with a 36 ounce weight on it. "Watch my swing closely. I want you to tell me what you notice." I noticed Chris watching from the fencing beside the dugout. He knew what I was up to, so he nodded.

"Fastball-sempai, all due respect but aren't you supposed to be the one helping us with our swings not the other way around?" I sighed and cut my eyes over at Sawamura, making him jump. "Eii-"

"Sawamura. Pay attention to what Satō does when he swings. You suck at batting so I suggest you pay attention, loser pitcher." Ah, is that what the other catchers are calling him now?

Sawamura opened his mouth to say something back but I stopped him. "Sawamura, put a sock in it." He gulped at Zono, who interfered and nodded to me.

I crouched into my stance while they all watched. I made it a point to make sure my leg placement was perfect. And then I slammed my foot forward and swung with all the power I had. As I stood back up I noticed the shocked look of the other second string players. "So, what did you notice about my stance?"

They all stood speechless. "Well?" No one spoke, so I volunteered the answer myself. "Foot placement matters, shoulder placement matters, everything matters. If you ever plan to hit a home run at high intensity moments, you need to learn to make that position second nature. This team and it's legacy is on your shoulders! Wear it with pride or don't at all! Everything counts! Even simple Fielding errors can cost a game! So no matter what, you better be diving for the ball when Fielding and swinging with your heart when batting! Half-assed efforts will never be enough!" To my surprise they all cheered. And that was when I realized that my calling was never to be a national baseball star like everyone else. It was to Coach it.

Later we moved to Fielding practice and I took the pitchers into the bullpen, including Sawamura to my surprise. I caught a few pitches from each pitcher, working future plays around their breaking balls and speed. It wasn't long though, because I needed everyone in Fielding practice. I finally got to Sawamura and I signalled for a pitch on the inside but he frowned. He's still new and get he's still afraid of pitching to the inside corner. He shook his head in refusal, but I insisted. So he ignored me and pitched down the middle, but the ball curved up. I caught it and popped my mask off quickly, making quick stride towards the pitcher. He jumped nervously and tried to back away but I stopped him by grabbing him by the collar and pulling him down to my height.

"Listen right now, and listen well because you'll never get better if you don't. You may not listen to Chris-senpai or Miyuki, but you're going to listen to me tonight or you won't pitch. I'll tell you what I have to say in two standpoints. From a pitcher to another pitcher, you don't have any purposeful breaking balls yet, so an inside pitch is your best bet. From a catcher to a pitcher, don't ignore my calls. I have a reason for giving them so don't go so far as to disrespect me and question my judgement. I've been playing baseball since I've been able to hold the ball, so I suggest you pitch where I ask you do and trust in me and your teammates supporting from behind. This isn't the first time you've heard this, so get it through your head. Go outside and do Fielding drills with everyone else, you're done in here for now."

I let go of his collar and he quickly scurried off. "S-sorry Senpai..." He left the bullpen and I turned to watch him join the other pitchers doing the drill.

"Wow, don't think I've ever seen you take the aggressive approach, Satō." I rolled my eyes at the megane.

"Shut it snake. Shouldn't you be on Field A anyways?"

"I just came to tell you to watch your ass, everyone is gonna be after your head tonight." I raised an eyebrow.

"That was the point of provoking everyone." He sweat dropped.

"I-I know. By the way, I saw you coaching their batting earlier. Where do you keep all that power, in your d-" He stopped and turned red, seeming to realize his mistake.

"Sure, I keep it there." I was cackling with laughter so hard my sides hurt.

"S-shut it!"

I settled down with a grin. "Oi Miyuki." He looked up at me as he exited to Field A while I was exiting to Field B.

"Hm?" We both paused and I gave a mischievous grin.

"Be ready to get a reality check on who's the better catcher tonight." He grunted as I jabbed at his pride and fled to Field B before he could say anything.

Everyone was participating in Fielding practice so I walked over to home plate. I had my gear on as I directed practice. Spirits were higher than ever, and I hated that they would be crushed by First String in less than an hour, but it was necessary to show their efforts as they were.

"First String! Second string! Line up!" It was time, for everyone to face up.