Diamond No Ace: Life As Sawamura Eijun

While Eijun was still muttering to himself, the taxi had already arrived at its destination—the entrance to Tokyo University Hospital.

...

Once inside, Coach Kataoka and Miyuki remained in the lobby.

Takashima Rei took Eijun in for the necessary examinations.

To Eijun, it all felt a bit excessive—he hadn't felt like it was anything serious.

Even after Dr. Yoshino's brief post-game treatment, the swelling had already begun to go down.

But with Takashima insisting—and more importantly, Coach Kataoka's single, commanding word—

"Go!"

—all of Eijun's resistance crumbled in an instant.

This was Kataoka after all.

When Coach Kataoka got stern, it was scary.

...

"Hmm… no bone damage. It's basically just a one-month rest, and there won't be any lasting effects. No need to worry."

In the orthopedics office, Dr. Miyamoto glanced over the X-ray, then smiled faintly as he spoke.

"Thank you, Doctor," Eijun nodded, bowing slightly.

"We appreciate your time, Dr. Miyamoto," Takashima added with her own polite bow.

Only now did Takashima's expression truly relax.

As long as there was no damage to the bone or tendons, it was fine.

Bruises and swelling could heal quickly—but fractures or tendon injuries could mean months out of action, or worse, permanent effects.

"But remember—no throwing with your left arm for the next month. Even after the swelling is gone, keep it rested to prevent relapse. It should fully subside in about a week, but even during training, go easy. Absolutely no strain on the left arm. Understood, Sawamura-kun?"

Dr. Miyamoto turned to him, now serious.

"Yes, I understand, Doctor."

Eijun's heart tightened as he nodded firmly.

One act of recklessness was enough—he had to take responsibility for his future.

High school was just the starting point, the beginning of the dream—not the end.

He still had a bigger stage waiting.

A brighter future to reach for.

"We'll make sure he follows orders," Takashima said seriously.

This time, she'd keep a very close eye on him.

Eijun scratched the back of his head helplessly—looked like his freedom for the next month was about to be heavily restricted.

"Also, remember to apply the medicine regularly and keep the area clean."

"Got it. Thank you, Doctor."

"Well then, we'll be on our way."

Eijun stood, bowed together with Takashima, and pushed open the office door.

"…Huh?"

"…Uh…"

As they left, intending to head straight to the lobby to meet up with Kataoka and Miyuki before returning to school, Eijun spotted something odd in the orthopedic ward's second-floor hallway.

At the corner—

A suspicious yellow figure was peeking into rooms one by one, opening doors slightly and glancing inside.

Trailing behind was a much smaller figure.

Just as Eijun noticed them, the yellow figure turned away from one door, disappointment written all over his face—

And the next second, their eyes met.

When Eijun finally saw him clearly, the corner of his mouth twitched.

Even Takashima's expression stiffened.

It was none other than Narumiya Mei, Inashiro's ace—

And beside him, wearing an awkward smile, was his small catcher, Tadano Itsuki.

"Narumiya-senpai… what are you doing here?"

Eijun eyed him suspiciously, glancing past Narumiya's shoulder.

He didn't see any sign of an injured teammate.

He gave Narumiya a once-over—no visible injuries either.

So… why was he at the hospital?

He couldn't have come here just to hang out, right?

That would be ridiculous.

...

When Narumiya's eyes met his, there was a flicker of embarrassment—

But it was gone in an instant.

With a small huff, Narumiya said:

"What? I can't come to the hospital? What, do you own the place? I was bored, so I came to look around. Problem?"

The tsundere tone was so blatant Eijun nearly sprouted a vein on his forehead.

Seriously… what the hell?

Was he really trying to say he came to the hospital for fun?

Come on, Narumiya-senpai—if you're going to lie, at least make it believable.

And quit puffing yourself up with that sparkly-eyed, chin-lifted act.

Eijun sighed inwardly.

Most likely, he'd come to visit someone—probably a certain girl—and got caught in the act.

Yes… that must be it.

Wait a second—eh?!

Wait a second… something's off here.

If he was here to visit some girl, then why on earth would he bring his pint-sized catcher along?

Eijun's suspicious gaze slid over to Tadano Itsuki, who was still forcing a stiff, awkward smile.

Yeah… this didn't add up.

Then—like a lightbulb switching on—the realization hit him.

Combining this with what he knew about Narumiya Mei's personality…

"Don't tell me… this guy…"

Eijun's face twisted into a mischievous, knowing grin.

The moment Narumiya saw that expression, his face flushed bright red—almost pig-liver purple.

The ever-sharp Tokyo Prince instantly knew—

Eijun had figured him out.

And that… was incredibly awkward.

"Heh… well then, Sawamura-kun, I'll just go on ahead and wait for you in the lobby."

Takashima Rei, having clearly read the situation herself, gave a faint, knowing smile.

With a polite nod to Narumiya and Tadano, she stepped away gracefully, leaving the three boys alone.

The instant Takashima left, the air somehow became even more awkward.

Sensing the tension, Tadano quietly shuffled back a few paces, instinctively seeking the safest distance from the blast radius.

"Just so we're clear—" Narumiya suddenly raised a hand, his chin tilted upward in classic tsundere defiance.

"I'm not here to see you. This ace just happened to come to the hospital. It's a coincidence! Got it?!"

Eijun couldn't help but chuckle internally.

Yep—same old Narumiya-senpai.

"Mm, I know, Narumiya-senpai."

Eijun smiled warmly.

No point in exposing him—the truth was already obvious.

And this was, after all, the Prince's last shred of dignity.

"…And, uh… well, I'm just asking casually, but… your injury—the left arm—it's nothing serious, right?"

Narumiya's voice faltered just slightly, his eyes darting away as if unsure where to look.

Eijun was taken aback for a moment—then broke into a quiet laugh.

Narumiya-senpai…

…you really are kind of adorable.

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