Episode 22 - Hardball! For the pride of Seishun-kan!

[Fade into Seishun-kan's* front yard. Autumn leaves cover the lawn as a cool breeze blows. Drying clothes hang unattended on the line as no activity is apparent outdoors. However, behind the house, the sliding door to the manager's room is open to allow fresh air inside.]

*House of youth

Kasuga Narration:

With the fall season coming to a graceful end, we all looked forward to the first signs of the coming winter. However, Ooya-san* had other ideas. The other tenants and I found ourselves recruited to participate in the renters' baseball tournament, scheduled to take place during the last half of the local sports tournaments that started on Taiiku no Hi**. We were told that participation was...expected.

*Owner
**Athletics Day (October 10-Established to commemorate the Tokyo Olympic Games, which were held Oct 10-24, 1964.)

[Fade to Egami's room/office in the boarding house. Ledgers, papers, and receipts are carefully filed away on shelves and the normally cluttered desk is cleared of papers. Seated in front of the desk are Katsu and Kasuga.]

Egami:

[While pacing back and forth.] ...and finally we must because we are a team! [Meaningful tone as he stops pacing and faces Katsu and Kasuga.] I'm sure I can count on your best efforts!

Kasuga:

[Unsure.] But...I didn't play baseball in school. I mean...we're not athletes or anything.

Katsu:

[Nods.] We have classes too. Anyway I don't think either of us have the experience to guarantee success.

Egami:

[Interrupts.] Nonsense! I checked on both your backgrounds when you applied to rent last spring. [Turns to Katsu.] You were runner-up for your prefecture in the junior-high tournament!

Katsu:

That was tennis!

Egami:

[Turns to Kasuga.] And you're not supposed to be that bad an athlete yourself. Skiing, tennis "A" class...I understand you even once tried out for the karate class!

Kasuga:

[Protests die in his throat.] Aa ahh...[To himself as he remembers the bruises.] He's thorough with his research, that's for sure...

Egami:

So it's decided! With our team this year, we cannot lose! We will avenge last year's loss with triumph!

Katsu:

Last year's? But I heard you lost 17 straight tim...

Egami:

[Blusters.] Th-that's why we must build a new image! Our new team will blaze our team name to a trail of glory that will wipe out that humiliation!

[Cut to the main hallway downstairs. Katsu and Kasuga walk out quietly, trying to ignore the look Sakurai gives them. Fujimoto watches patiently as both Katsu and Kasuga sit down on the inside step.]

Sakurai:

Told you.

Katsu:

Urusai...*

*Be quiet...

Kasuga:

Taking it a little too seriously isn't he?

Sakurai:

He's like this every year.

Fujimoto:

This is the one time of year he extols "For the pride of Seishun-kan" over the rent payments.

Kasuga:

I thought Sakurai-san said it was "Yujou-kan."*

*House of friendship.

Sakurai:

He changed it this year. He figures the name is cursed or something.

Kasuga:

What?

Sakurai:

Egami-san calls it "The Curse of Takemoto". He was a former tenant, and some say the best baseball player we ever had. He was the one who came up with the name "Yujou-kan". After a while, there was a dispute over the rent money and Takemoto-san was evicted. The boarding house hasn't won a tournament since.

Fujimoto:

Isamu-san can be so superstitious. [Laughs.] I'm sure we'll do well this year.

Sakurai:

[Dubiously.] If you say so.

Katsu:

Come on, it's just a coincidence. There's no such thing as curses or spooks. [Smiles.] Right Kasuga?

Kasuga:

Sure. [To himself.] Although there was that time up in the mountains*. [Nervously changes the subject.] Fujimoto-san, how does this renter's tournament work?

*KOC Episode 10

Fujimoto:

Let's see...as I understand it, each rental property is to field a team from its tenants. In the event of a property that doesn't have sufficent renters like Seishun-kan or if a landlord is unable to get sufficient participation, friends and relatives of the tenants are eligible.

Kasuga:

Well...[Goes through the list of tenants in his head.] we don't have enough to field a team. So...

Katsu:

[Finishes the thought.] ...so we have to come up with friends and classmates to fill out the roster? Nine people total?

Fujimoto:

Isamu-san usually also wants to have a relief pitcher and a pinch hitter if he can get them. If you two have any friends that are athletically inclined, I'm sure he would appreciate it if you recruit them.

[At that moment, someone is heard coming up the steps outside. The door opens, nearly knocking Kasuga over, and a girl walks in.]

Kasuga:

Oi! Watch where you're going! [Turns around. Slightly surprised.] Akane...

Akane:

Hey Kyosuke! [Laughing.] What are you doing sitting there like that?

Kasuga:

[Somewhat annoyed.] I guess I wanted to get knocked down by the next person to come in the door. [Takes a closer look at Akane, who's wearing a tattered dress, covered with dirt.] Are you all right? What happened? Are you hurt?

Akane:

What? [Looks around.] Who are you talking to? When I knocked you down with the door, you must've banged your head.

Kasuga:

No, look at you! What happened?

Akane:

Oh this? [Smiles.] Ah, now I see. This is for the drama class I'm taking; I just got out and I thought I'd stop by.

Kasuga:

Oh. [Relieved and gets up.] How've you been?

Akane:

[Sighs.] Busier than I've ever been in my life. I think I've finally found what I want to major in and I've been studying like mad. [Frowns.] You look apprehensive...what's wrong?

Kasuga:

[Places his hand behind his head and laughs.] Nothing really. Egami-san has "allowed" us to volunteer to play for Seishun-kan's baseball team in the upcoming renters' tournament. Unfortunately, he didn't think to ask us how we felt about it.

Akane:

[Laughs sarcastically.] Oh come on Kyosuke, you're such an athlete. This is the perfect opportunity for you to show Madoka-san what an incredible baseball player you are. And besides...[Shrugs.] Baseball is fun.

[Suddenly, Egami dashes out of his office.]

Egami:

Did I hear someone say that baseball was fun?

Kasuga:

[Grins.] Yes you did Ooya-san. You remember my cousin Akane don't you?

Egami:

[Smiling.] Of course, of course. Yukimasa-san, I really appreciate that you've decided to play for the pride of Seishun- kan. We'll win with your help.

Akane:

[Startled.] Chotto matte kure!* I don't want...

*Wait a minute!

Egami:

[Interrupting.] Then it's decided. [Walks back to his office and slams the door.]

Akane:

But...[Turns and glares at her cousin.] Kyosuke! I'll get you for this.

Kasuga:

[Laughing.] But baseball is fun, right? [Akane fumes.] So, what have you been studying so diligently?

Akane:

[Beaming.] Well, I've decided to...[Looks down at her watch.] Oh no, I've been here too long! I have to run or I'll be late for practice. [Turns to go.] I'll fill you in later. Ja ne!* [Leaves.]

*Bye!

Katsu:

[To Kasuga.] What's with her?

Kasuga:

[Ruefully.] I never have any idea.

[Cut to the next day at the Butsumetsu undergraduate library. In one of the many cubicles for group study, Ayukawa and Kimura are finishing up their homework assignments.]

Kimura:

[Pencil flying.] ...by applying a Groebner basis to the system, we are able to observe that ax_1 + bx_2 + cx_3 = 0 if and only if the constants a, b, c all equal 0. Therefore, we clearly have that dX/dt = sinh(arcsec(x_1(t) + x(2(t))) and thus, the position vector must be linearly independent of the tangent vector and hence the acceleration is constant.

Ayukawa:

OK. [Jots down the proof and results.] I guess we're done ahead of schedule. Oh! Before I forget, are you interested in playing baseball with Kasuga-kun's boarding house team? He called me last night to ask if I wanted to join their team. They're short a few people.

Kimura:

Baseball?

Ayukawa:

Un! Have you ever played before?

Kimura:

[Thinks about it for a moment.] Hmm...well...no...

Ayukawa:

You know what baseball *is*, don't you?

Kimura:

Hmm...

[Fade to memory...]

Kimura Akiko:

[Irritated tone.] Anata! You're disturbing Keiko's studies!

Kimura Masaki:

[Pleadingly.] But the baseball game is on!

Kimura Akiko:

No! [Flips the television off.] Keep your priorities straight!

[Fade back to the present...]

Kimura:

[Nods confidently.] Un! I know about baseball!

[Cut to the school gymnasium. Miyasato Yoko finishes warming up in her karate gi. Her right hand is still wrapped in a stiff bandage, though the splint has long since been removed. After momentary consideration, she decides to forgo board-breaking and instead starts on the speed bag.]

Teacher:

[Watching.] You're still not going to go out for your qualification?

Yoko:

Ah...no. I'm going to give my hand a little more time to heal.

Teacher:

[Shrugs.] Suit yourself. If you don't take your belt test soon, your sister's going to catch you.

Egami:

[Watching from the gymnasium entrance.] Oi Miyasato-san!

Yoko:

[Irritatedly.] The rent's in the mail slot!

Egami:

Yes I found it. I'm here to talk about something besides your rent.

Yoko:

[Stops hitting the speed bag.] Eh?

Egami:

[Proudly and dramatically.] I'm here to recruit you and your sister to the boarding house team!

Yoko:

[Loses interest.] Oh that... Yuko told me she was going to ask Saito-san about that. "Yujou-kan" or something like that.

Egami:

[Irritatedly.] Seishun-kan!

Yoko:

[Waves off, clearly not paying attention.] Yeah sure whatever... What makes you think I'm the least bit interested?

Egami:

[Caught off-guard.] Wh-what do you mean?!? You have to play!

Yoko:

[Cooly.] I read your contract; it doesn't say anything about extracurricular activities.

Egami:

[Losing confidence.] Well...I mean...

Yoko:

[Sly tone.] Of course I *could* be persuaded to play...

Egami:

[Attracting attention with his exploding temper.] JOUDAN DAROU*?!? [Manages to cool off a bit to avoid making any more of a scene than he already has.] What makes you think I value your participation enough to pay you?!?

*ARE YOU KIDDING?!?

Yoko:

[Apparently nonchalantly.] Oh well...[Picks up a ten- kilogram dumbell and starts a set of forearm curls.] Good luck next year...

Egami:

[After he watches her finish three sets of fifteen repetitions.] O...OK. One hundred yen.

Yoko:

[Drops the free weight close to Egami's foot.] Don't be ridiculous! Five thousand yen!

Egami:

[Winces as the weight rolls over his foot and into his shin.] Ite*! [Frustratedly.] I'll double my offer to two- hundred yen!

*Ouch!

Yoko:

Twice nothing is still nothing! Four-thousand!

Egami:

One-thousand!

Yoko:

Two-thousand.

Egami:

Fifteen hundred and that's my final offer!

Yoko:

I accept!

Egami:

[Menacingly.] But if we don't win, I'll make your life a living hell...!

Yoko:

[Intimidated by Egami's manner.] A-ahh...gotcha...

[Egami turns around and huffs and puffs his way out of the gymnasium. After finishing her workout, Yoko walks over to the locker room and changes into street clothes. As she does, she mentally goes over her itinerary for the remainder of the day, reminding herself not to forget to drop by one of the school buildings for a special errand.]

Yoko:

[To herself.] Baseball... [Smiles a bit.] I guess I'd better tell him...

[Cut to the Butsumetsu computer laboratory later that afternoon. Several students are completing their class assignments. Others are engaging in less scholastic activities.]

Saito:

[Typing furiously while staring at the screen.] Kono, kono, kono...shi-ne*!

*<Netiquette violator>...die!

Kasamatsu:

[Despairingly as he watches a tank-shaped icon disappear from his screen.] Aaii...!

Saito:

[Gloating as his screen flashes the victory message.] So much for the "Red Ninja Armored Brigade..."

Kasamatsu:

[Defensively.] You...you cheated! Cutting off my supply platoon like that--

Saito:

Any port in the storm they say. [Ends his session of the game on the computer.] I have to get going. Oh, did you decide to play after all?

Kasamatsu:

Play what?

Saito:

[Irritatedly.] The baseball game I told you about! Katsu-san and Yuko-san told me they needed more players for the "Seishun-kan" baseball team.

Kasamatsu:

Oh that... I guess so...[Logs off his terminal.]

Saito:

Eh? [Notices the new mail flag pop up on his computer screen. He waits until Kasamatsu heads for the front of the room to retrieve his books so he can read it in private. He smiles as he calls the new letter up.]

From chun-li@ugrad.edu.butsumetsu.ac.jp Wed Oct 24 12:22:33 1988
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 1988 12:22:33 +0900 (GMT)
Subject: Re:  Baseball
To: baka@ugrad.cs.butsumetsu.ac.jp
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT

Baka-chan,

I think it's exciting that you are going to play baseball for your 
friends' boarding house team!  I'm sure you will distinguish 
yourself on the field of competition.

You know I'm also playing for my boarding house team!  We call 
ourselves "Yujou-kan", so if you play that team, please look for 
me.  Also remember, no matter what happens, I'll be cheering for 
you.  Even if we are competitors on the field, we'll always be 
friends at heart.

Gambatte!*
*Good Luck!

Chun-Li

[Cut to the next day at the Butsumetsu baseball team practice facility. Half the players are running sprints and practicing fielding. The other half are lined up behind a link fence cage closed in on three sides. On the mound, a pitching machine retrieves a baseball from the attached ball hopper and fires it into the open-end of the cage.]

Assistant Coach:

Full count. Choke up on the bat, open your stance and concentrate on putting the ball in play. Don't just pull it, utilize all areas of the field. Go!

Hayashibara:

Hai! [Turns his attention back to the pitching machine and hits a line drive through the left gap of the infield.]

Egami:

[Walking onto the practice field.] Hayashibara-san! Do you have a minute?

Hayashibara:

Egami-san? [Turns his attention back to practice.] I'm afraid I can't talk right now.

Egami:

[Almost drooling as he watches Hayashibara hit his next ball against the right field wall.] I'll be brief. Our boarding house is participating in the renters' baseball tournament. Since we don't have enough actual residents, I would like you to fill one of the open slots.

Hayashibara:

[His concentration not leaving the pitching machine.] Sorry, I can't. Since I'm not renting, it wouldn't be right for me to participate. Besides, practices and schoolwork keep me busy.

Egami:

Too bad...[Starts to leave.] Ayukawa-san will be there.

Hayashibara:

[Freezes.] A-Ayukawa-san? [Fails to swing at the pitched ball.]

Assistant Coach:

[Annoyed expression.] Oi! Pay attention to the ball! [Points to Egami.] You! Leave the field!

Egami:

[Speaking quickly as the athletic trainers home in.] She's agreed to play. [Thinks for a moment.] She said she hopes you'll be there! [To himself.] I'll make it up to him later...

Hayashibara:

Ayukawa-san said that? [Hesitates.] But...

Egami:

[Misunderstands the hesitation.] Don't worry, you're fully eligible according to the rules. [Thumps his chest jovially as trainers start to escort him out.] Trust your Isamu-ojisan!

*Uncle Isamu!

Hayashibara:

[To himself.] "Isamu-ojisan"? [To Egami.] Er, that's not the problem...[Another ball flies by.]

Assistant Coach:

[Irritated.] Stop talking and start swinging!

Trainer 1:

[Stops pushing Egami.] Is he your uncle?

Egami:

You wouldn't let all your friends down would you? Can I count on your participation?

Coach:

Swing!

Trainer 2:

[To Hayashibara as he points towards Egami.] Well, is he?

Hayashibara:

[To the coach.] Hai!

Egami:

Good! I'll call you with the details later. [Runs away as fast as his short legs can carry him.]

Trainer 1:

[Points to Egami as he leaves the field.] *That* was your uncle?

Hayashibara:

What? No, wait! I wasn't talking to you! I...[Sighs.]...I've been had.

---

[COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

[Cut to the open highway between cities. The heat of the high sun is making the air heavy with humidity. One lone man is walking along the highway, with sweat pouring down his face. He is obviously exhausted and scans the horizon for any hope of vehicular rescue. Just as he's about to give up all hope, a rising cloud of dust reveals an oncoming vehicle. His hope fades to disbelief as a miniature tank pulls up on the side road and the hatch opens to reveal a red-haired girl in a police uniform.]

Leona:

[Looks inquiringly at the man's trousers.] Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy Jeans you're wearing?

Man:

[Nods with shock and surprise.] U...un...

Leona:

San-kyuu! [Closes the hatch and drives away.]

[Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.]

[END COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

---

[Cut to the Ueno High School baseball field. Several groups of people are waiting as organizers point each group to their respective places. On the field, two of the other teams finish up their game.]

Umao:

[Running towards home plate.] Ushiko-san!

Ushiko:

[Wearing catcher's protective gear.] Umao-san!

[A cloud of dust rises as Umao slides into home plate.]

Umao:

Wherefore art thou Ushiko-san?

Ushiko:

Wherefore art thou Umao-san?

Umpire:

[Motioning with his thumb.] Out!

[As other teams prepare, Egami gathers his group together for last minute instructions.]

Egami:

[Going over a sheet of paper on a clipboard.] Yukimasa, first base. Sakurai, third base. Ayukawa, second base. Hayashibara, shortstop. Kasuga, pitcher. Kasamatsu, catcher. Katsu, center field. Kimura, right field. Miyasato Yoko, left field. [Makes an entry on his clipboard and turns to Yuko and Saito.] I want a strong bench for this game so I want you two ready to come in when you're needed!

Man 1:

[From behind the dugout.] So this is your motley crew this year?

Egami:

[Tenses up.] Hiroshi-kun...

[Walking up to the team dugout is a medium-height man with neatly groomed hair. He is wearing thin, black-rimmed eyeglasses and an opposing team's baseball jersey. His expression complements his cool confident manner.]

Igarashi:

[Smoothly and confidently.] I'm amazed you even had the courage to show up at this tournament after your humiliation last year. Then again, one often mistakes courage for foolishness.

Egami:

[Irritatedly.] You are not welcome here!

Igarashi:

[Ignores Egami.] Let's see...[Visually sizes up the team members.] Fifty-fifty boy-girl, all new team, [Glances at Sakurai, Fujimoto and Eiji.] well, almost all new...[Notices Hayashibara.] and even a college player. [Turns to Egami with amusement.] But even this desperate maneuver will not help you.

Egami:

This year your bravado won't avail you. We are prepared to take back our House's honor!

Igarashi:

Hahahah... [Smiles confidently.] Egami-san, you'd better be more prepared to meet me at the tournament winner's circle. [Straightens his glasses.] I expect you to honor your wager when you lose for the eighteenth time. [Leaves to rejoin his team.]

Egami:

[After muttering a profanity under his breath.] The time has come! For the pride of Seishun-kan, you must all play your best! You are warriors of destiny! Break this shameful streak, and let blow the winds of change! We will be VICTORIOUS!

[As the manager continues his oratory, some players begin to show their disinterest and whisper amongst themselves.]

Saito:

[Puzzled.] What exactly is he saying?

Kasamatsu:

[Equally puzzled.] I'm not sure, something about how us playing will enable him to break wind and assure victory.

Egami:

[Thrusts his face into the conversation.] ARE YOU TWO PAYING ATTENTION!?

Saito and Kasamatsu:

[Sweating.] H-Hai!

Kasuga:

[To Sakurai.] Oi, if this is a boarding house game, where's Tanaka-san?

Katsu:

He was probably too smart to get drafted.

Sakurai:

Actually, I don't think Ooya-san would ask him. For some reason, Fujimoto-san told me she doesn't trust or like him.

[As the umpire signals to both teams, the members of Seishun-kan leave the bench and take their positions on the field. The team members throw a few balls to warm up as Kasuga throws his first warm-up pitches.]

Fujimoto:

Where do you want me?

Egami:

You handle first base. [Turns to Yuko.] Miyasato-san, you'll be at third.

Fujimoto:

Hai. [Leaves the bench and assumes the first-base coaching position.]

Egami:

[Makes sure Fujimoto isn't watching, turns to Eiji and hands him a pair of binoculars and a walkie-talkie.] You know what to do.

Eiji:

[Holds out his hand with an expectant expression.] A-hem!

Egami:

Wa-wakatta*...! I'll give you a cup ramen when we get back to the hou--

*O-of course...!

Eiji:

Fork over the cash!

Egami:

[Belatedly as he slips Eiji a 500-yen coin.] Honor can be so expensive to defend... [To Eiji as he gets off the bench.] Remember, this is just between you and me. Mariko-san, well, she probably wouldn't approve.

Eiji:

[Nods.] Un. [Leaves.]

Saito:

[To Egami after Eiji leaves.] Oi jiisan...*

*Hey old man...

Egami:

[Grits his teeth.] ...

Saito:

Do you know where "Yujou-kan" is? They're a renter's team aren't th--

Egami:

[Angrily.] How dare you mention that loser's name to me?!?

Saito:

[To himself.] Ouch! I guess that must be some hated rival...

[Cut to the top of the first inning. Kasuga stands on the mound and studies the first batter as he digs in.]

Kasuga:

[To himself.] OK...here's my chance! I can impress Ayukawa and my friends! [Tries to remember everything he can about the basic pitching motion.] A pitcher's first pitch can determine the tone he sets for the game so...[Winds back and delivers.] let's make it a good one!

[Everyone watches as the pitched ball flies out of Kasuga's hand and hits the seventeenth row stands behind the umpire. Both Kasamatsu and the batter look at each other as Kasuga tries to lower his cap bill to hide his embarrassment.]

Umpire:

[After taking a moment to blink with disbelief.] Ball!

[Kasuga tries to settle down, but surrenders two walks and a single to load the bases. Bearing down, he manages to get the next two on pop flies.]

Igarashi:

[Confidently to the rest of the lineup.] Let them have their little victories. [To the next batter.] Takayuki-kun, show them what it's like to play in the big leagues.

Itasaka:

[Nods confidently as he finishes his warm up swings and walks up to the plate.] Un.

[Kasuga receives the sign from Kasamatsu, kicks and fires his pitch. Itasaka sneers slightly as he rears back...]

<Crack!>

Kasamatsu:

Su-sugoi...!*

*W-wow...!

Kasuga:

[Watches with dismay as the baserunners hoot and jeer as they clear the bases.] Shi-shimatta*... [Imagines Ayukawa looking at him from behind with just a trace of disappointment. As the next batter steps to the plate, he finds himself unable to turn around to confirm or deny Ayukawa's opinion.] I gotta get this strikeout! [Rears back to throw and concentrates as he does. The batter at the plate watches helplessly as three straight pitches dipsy-doodle past him with surprising speed, power and spin.]

*Oh shoot...

Umpire:

Strike three! Batter out!

Akane & Ayukawa:

[Stunned expressions.] Aa...!

Igarashi:

[Smiles confidently as his players take the field.] Well, if things continues like this, Egami-san will be wishing for a repeat of last year's result. [Frowns a bit.] But those last few pitches were so strange...

[As the members of Seishun-kan get ready for their first at-bats, Ayukawa walks over to Kasuga.]

Ayukawa:

[Whispers harshly.] What do you think you're doing?!?

Kasuga:

Well I...[Looking down with some shame.]

Akane:

[Craftily.] Kyosuke, yaru ja nai no!*

*Kyosuke, way to go!

Ayukawa:

Akane! [Turns back to Kasuga.] You're not only risking discovery, but you're cheating too! How could you do that for just a game? If we're going to win, we should win honestly. I can't stop you from using your power, but if you do, you're doing it on your own.

Akane:

Come on Madoka-san, lighten up! It's only a game, let's have some fun. [Grins.] Ne Kyosuke?*

*Right Kyosuke?

Kasuga:

A...Ayukawa...[Stops as she turns away and ignores him.]

Kasuga Narration:

Ouch...coming from Ayukawa, that hurt. The last thing I wanted to do was upset her, but I couldn't let the other team walk all over me. Not with Hayashibara around...

[Cut to the bottom of the first inning. With one out and Akane waiting on second base, Ayukawa stands on the plate with Hayashibara on the on-deck circle.]

Catcher:

[Deliberately suggestive manner.] You know you'd look so much better if you wore a looser shirt...

Ayukawa:

[Coldly as she waits for the pitch.] Pay attention to your own uniform.

Catcher:

[A little disappointed.] Sheesh...what a cold- hearted...

[Ayukawa hits a sharp grounder through the left-field gap and overruns first base for a single as Akane advances to third. Egami comes out from the dugout as Hayashibara gets ready to go to the plate.]

Egami:

Oi, before you go out, here's what I want you to do ...[Whispers into Hayashibara's ear.]

Hayashibara:

Isn't that being rude?

Egami:

[Indignantly.] Of course not! It's psychological warfare!

[Hayashibara shrugs and walks up to the plate. As he does so, he points to the left field bleachers in a dramatic and unmistakeable fashion.]

Pitcher:

[Foaming at the mouth.] Why that...impudent...young upstart! [Deviously rubs one side of the ball with a hidden dab of oil.] I'll show him experience and treachery will overcome youth and skill every time...! [Rears back and fires a pitch. Hayashibara watches the pitch without taking a swing.]

Umpire:

Strike 1!

Pitcher:

Ha! He's afraid to swing at my pitches. ["Reloads" his fingers and fires again.] Guess he's not so hot after all--

<Crack!>

Catcher:

Sugoi...that's gotta be at least 150 mete--

Pitcher:

[To his catcher as he watches with dismay as the ball sails into the trees behind the school grounds.] Urusee...!*

Shut up...!

[Hayashibara circles the bases behind Ayukawa and Akane scoring three runs. After obligatory congratulations, they all return to the dugout, passing Kasuga on the on-deck circle on the way. He watches as Hayashibara gets the congratulations of the rest of the team.]

Kasuga Narration:

He's always the hero. Ayukawa... [Watches as Ayukawa is also being congratulated.] probably thinks he's great right now...

[Cut back to the Seishun dugout.]

Ayukawa:

[To Hayashibara as everyone sits back down and turns their attentions back to the game.] That was great! You really slammed it!

Hayashibara:

[Smiles with gleaming teeth.] The least I could do. [Perfunctorily.] But, the pitcher is cheating.

Ayukawa:

Eh? [Watches Kasuga take a strike.]

Hayshibara:

See how he's bringing his hand to his glove? He's got something hidden; probably something oily. I've known a few other pitchers who resort to throwing illegal pitches and he's doing it too.

Ayukawa:

Can't we tell the umpire? [Watches Kasuga ground out to shortstop.]

Hayashibara:

It's very tough to *prove* an illegal pitch. The pitcher will deny it and those pitches don't leave any evidence for the umpire to find.

Ayukawa:

[Watches Kasuga return with dejection to the dugout.] S-sou ka...*

*I see...

[Cut to the bottom of the second inning. The score is 6-3 in favor of Igarashi's team, with Katsu waiting on first base. Kimura steps up to the plate with uncertainty.]

Catcher:

[As the pitcher sets.] Oi, your shoe's untied.

Kimura:

Eh? [Looks down.] Hontou desu ka?* [Fails to see the ball fly past her.]

*Really?

Umpire:

[As the pitched ball hits the catcher's glove.] Strike 1!

Egami:

[Unable to believe what he's seeing.] Wh-what are you doing?!?

Catcher:

[Throws the ball back to the pitcher.] Just kidding! [Deliberately suggestive manner.] You know you'd look so much better if you wore a looser shirt...

Kimura:

[Blushes.] Yada...!*

*Stop it...!

Umpire:

[As the pitched ball hits the catcher's glove.] Strike 2!

Egami:

[Yelling from the dugout.] Neboken-ja neeyo!*

*Are you half asleep (rudely)

Kimura:

[Turns to look at Egami.] Eh?

Umpire:

[As the pitched ball hits the catcher's glove.] Strike 3! Batter out!

Kimura:

[Very disappointed.] S-sonna*...! [Returns to the dugout.]

*Can't be...!

Catcher:

[To himself.] Too bad about her...[Watches as the next batter comes to the plate.] It's another kawaiikochan*! Maybe she'll fall for the same stunt... [Clears his throat and prepares for the next pitch.] Aren't you warm? How about wearing a looser shirt...?

*Cutie!

Yoko:

[While keeping her eyes on the pitcher.] How about I break your knees?

Catcher:

...

Egami:

[First makes sure Fujimoto is occupied talking to Katsu at first base, then starts talking into the walkie-talkie as he watches Yoko dig in.] Well, have you deciphered them yet?

[Cut to the far side bleachers. In the relief pitchers' area, Eiji is looking at the opposing catcher with his binoculars. On his knee is a clipboard with a set of crudely pencilled drawings of hand motions and scribbled notes with each diagram.]

Eiji:

[Talking into the walkie-talkie.] He's signalling for a fast-ball!

Egami:

[To Yuko who waits for his signal at third base.] Oi! [Signals in the expected pitch, which Yuko relays to Yoko.]

Yoko:

[Notes the sign to herself.] Fast ball...[Rears back as the pitch comes towards the plate and hits a screaming line-drive down the middle.]

Pitcher:

[Barely manages to duck as the ball flies past his head.] Ikkene*...! [By the time he manages to get back to his feet, Yoko is standing ready on first base and Katsu is at third. Mutters under his breath.] Yaro**...! [Walks over to his catcher as Akane comes to the plate and whispers harshly into his ear.] You're supposed to distract them!

*Oh shoot...!
**<Netiquette violator>

Catcher:

[Pointing towards Yoko at first base.] But I didn't want to go around on crutches for...

Pitcher:

Baka*! Don't you remember what the losing team's supposed to do? Do you want to have to spend the whole day painting?

*Idiot!

Akane:

[Suspiciously to herself.] What was all that about...?

[Cut to the top of the fifth inning. The score is now 8-5 in favor of Igarashi's team. The runners lead away from first and second with no outs.]

Kasuga:

[To himself.] This is hard work...[Wipes the sweat from his brow and checks the runner at first. After making sure the runner isn't taking too liberal a lead, he throws his pitch at the batter. The batter takes a 2 and 1 count and rips a line drive grounder towards left field. Hayashibara scoops the ball on the run. Seeing that the runner at second has already reached third, he one-hands it to Ayukawa for the force at second. Ayukawa proceeds to gun down the runner at first to complete the 5-4-3 double play.]

Ayukawa:

[To Hayashibara.] Sugoi...you're a great fielder!

Hayashibara:

[Teeth gleam.] You're very good yourself. Do you and Kasuga practice a lot?

Ayukawa:

[Coldly as she remembers the incident during the first inning.] No...some things come easier to some people.

Kasuga:

[Listening from the mound.] Ai yaa...

Hayashibara:

[Nods.] Un. Well, we should all do our best. It's the least I could do since you asked me to be here.

Ayukawa:

[Somewhat surprised.] Eh?

Kasuga:

[Shockingly surprised.] Eh?!? [To himself as he freezes in mid-pitching motion.] Ayukawa...asked *him* here...?!?

Umpire:

Balk! [Motions the runner at third home. Kasuga watches with forlorn as the score ups to 9-5.]

Egami:

[Calls time and storms out to the pitcher's mound.] What was with that inexcusable pitch!?!

Kasuga:

I couldn't help it. A...[Looks down.] a bug flew in my eye...

Egami:

[Harshly.] If you're going to pitch our house to glory, you're going to have to catch them with your mouth!

Kasuga:

...

[Cut to the bottom of the sixth inning. The score is 10-6 as the members of Igarashi's team head back out to the field.]

Igarashi:

[Accepts a small box of baseballs from a delivery boy, then offers a ball to his pitcher.] Here, use these.

Pitcher:

Are these the...?

Igarashi:

[Nods confidently.] Un. These are the ones that just came out of our freezer. They're as hard as a rock; not even Isao Harimoto* himself would be able to hit these out of the infield.

*504 career home runs in Japanese professional baseball.

Pitcher:

[Noting that he's about to face the middle of the batting order.] Un!

[Cut to the Seishun dugout. Sakurai steps to the plate as Ayukawa gets a batting helmet from the rack on her way out to the on-deck circle.]

Akane:

...then said something about the losing team having to spend the afternoon painting.

Ayukawa:

Did he really? [Ties her hair into a tail then puts the helmet on.] Kasuga-kun, what's that all about?

Kasuga:

[Shakes his head.] I have no idea. Ooya-san, what's this about a...

Egami:

[Nudges Ayukawa out to the on-deck circle.] Make sure to get a hit!

Akane & Kasuga:

[Beginning to get suspicious.] Hmm...

Sakurai:

[Grips his hands as he comes back to the dugout after popping up to the second baseman.] Ite-te-te-te-te...!

Ayukawa:

What's wrong?

Sakurai:

Something about the ball. It's like hitting a rock!

Hayashibara:

Eh? [Thinks for a moment, then has an expression of realization.] They're using a "refrigerator ball?" [Shakes his head.] These guys will apparently resort to anything.

Ayukawa:

Can we do anything about it?

Hayashibara:

[Nods.] You can't hit these kind of balls very far, but see if you can beat out a bunt. Since they can't bounce well, you should be able to put one right on the basepath. The pitcher won't be able to field it fast enough when the ball just sits on the ground. [Turns to Ayukawa.] I'll try to work the pitcher to 3-2 count; you see if you can steal a base so you can get to a scoring position.

Ayukawa:

[Nods.] Un.

Kasuga Narration:

At that moment, I was really feeling awful about what I did earlier. I was also feeling a bit jealous that she turned to Hayashibara for baseball advice and at the same time ashamed that I felt that way. It was only natural after all; he was the experienced one. But...

[Cut to the relief pitchers' warm up area. Eiji is talking in his walkie-talkie while looking through his binoculars. He checks his clipboard to verify a sign then notices that something is blocking the sun.]

Eiji:

[Looking up.] Ahh...ahh...

Reserve field umpire:

[Menacingly.] What are you doing here...?

Eiji:

[Nervously.] Ahh...ahh...help me please! I lost my parents in the crowds!

Reserve field umpire:

[Suspiciously examining the equipment and drawings.] Then why aren't you looking for them?

[Cut to the seventh inning break. Both teams are in their respective dugouts as the groundkeepers go over the field, shoring up areas that are showing signs of wear from running. The score is 10-7 in favor of Igarashi's team and in the Seishun dugout, the players take the opportunity to appraise their game situation.]

Katsu:

It's looking pretty bad.

Sakurai:

[Nods.] Un. I told you we'd be smeared.

Kasuga:

But we can't give up now! I mean, they're only up by three runs.

Kimura:

[Watches the opposing pitcher wind and throw a warmup pitch to prepare for the upcoming inning.] How does he know which pitch to throw?

Sakurai:

He doesn't, the catcher is the one calling the pitches.

Kimura:

Eh? Hontou desu ka?

Katsu:

[Nods.] Un. The pitcher is reading the sign the catcher gives him. That tells him what pitch to throw.

Egami:

[Trying to cheer everyone up.] Alright everybody! We're down, but not finished! We will be trium...!

Igarashi:

Are you still clinging to false hopes of snatching victory from destiny's arms?

Egami:

Hiroshi-kun! [Turns to face Igarashi.] Have you come to witness the end of your winning streak?

Igarashi:

You apparently haven't been looking at the scoreboard. I'll admit you've done quite a bit better than last year, but inevitably even valor must give way to destiny. [Turns to leave.] I still expect you to honor our bet when you meet me in the winner's circle.

Ayukawa:

[Eyes narrow.] What exactly is this about a bet?

Igarashi:

Oh? [Noting the players' expression of confusion.] Yada-na*... Didn't Egami-san explain the bet? The losing team's tenants have to paint the winner's rental property.

*Oh my...

Everyone else:

NANI*??!!?

*What??!!?

Egami:

[To his team as he holds up his hands defensively.] I was going to tell you I swear!

Kasuga:

Chotto matte! You can't make that kind of wager without the consent of the people involved! Why didn't you tell us about this bet earlier?

Igarashi:

[Noting Egami cowering in the corner.] Obviously because he knew he couldn't win. [Looks towards the team.] I'll tell you what; why don't you just save your manager the humiliation and concede the game? Since the bet was obviously made without your consent or knowledge, I'll even agree to forgo the wager. [Smiles with satisfaction.] Egami-san's eighteenth straight defeat is worth more to me than simple material reward. [Turns to leave again.] I'll await your decision at the pitcher's mound. [Leaves.]

Fujimoto:

[Quietly to Egami, as he stares at the dugout floor, resigning himself to the coming defeat.] Baka-ne*...Isamu-san. [To everyone else.] Mina-san**...what Isamu-san did was wrong. He should have told you about the wager. No one would blame you if you decided to concede this game. But...I ask you to consider something first. [Looks to Egami.] To some people, there comes a time when a house becomes more than just a building. This game, means more to Isamu-san than just a wager. To him, this year and all the years past, it really does represent the "Pride of Seishun-kan." It symbolizes the house he has called home for most of his adult life. Isamu-san, well, he's sometimes stubborn and short-tempered, but he's never forgotten where his heart lies. If you've ever known what it was like to strive for something you once thought unattainable, then I'm asking you to do this; if not for Isamu-san, then for the pride of victory for yourselves.

*Idiot (politely)
**Everyone

[Cut to the bottom of the seventh inning with a score of 10-7. On the pitcher's mound, Igarashi and the pitcher talk briefly as they await the game to resume. Igarashi's expression reflects the confidence of imminent victory as he watches Akane walk out of the dugout and towards the pitcher's mound.]

Igarashi:

[To his pitcher.] See Ryo-kun? I told them if they conceded the unjustified bet, they could walk away without disgrace.

Matsui:

[Nods.] Un. But what about the paint job?

Igarashi:

[Straightend his glasses.] Don't worry about it. [Smiles with satisfaction.] With this eighteenth victory in hand, I'll gladly hire a professional to do it. It was Egami-san who needed the dressing down. [With an expecting expression to Akane as she approaches the mound.] Well what's the good word?

Akane:

[Coldly with determination.] We accept the terms of your wager! [Walks towards the plate to await the first pitch of the bottom of the seventh inning.]

Igarashi & Matsui:

[Stunned expressions.] Ahh...!

[Akane comes up to the plate with Ayukawa on the on-deck circle.]

Akane:

[Sighs.] Well, seeing how Kyosuke's performed so far, it's up to me to regain some of the family honor. More importantly, I don't want to paint any boarding house...[Bears down.]

Matsui:

Too stupid to know when to quit eh? [Smiling.] Well that's fine with me. She doesn't have a chance. [To himself.] Maybe a brush-back fastball pitch. It'll scare her so much that I'll be able to strike her out easily.

[The pitcher winds up to through the pitch. As he is halfway, through his motion, Akane shimmers and appears as Matsuda Seiko*, scantily clad in a string bikini.]

*Japanese idol singer, popular at this time.

Matsui:

Nani...!? [Looses his concentration as he releases a floater.]

[Akane smacks the ball into right field and reaches first base easily.]

Igarashi:

[Irritatedly.] What on earth are you doing?! Pay attention!

[Ayukawa stands on the plate with Hayashibara on the on-deck circle.]

Akane:

[To herself.] OK. Madoka-san's up now. If I can get into scoring position, maybe we can get a run. I have to steal this base.

[As the pitcher begins his motion, Akane shimmers and appears as the second baseman and takes off for second. Ayukawa swings at the ball in hope of a hit-and-run but fails to make contact. The catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher as if nothing happened.]

Matsui:

Baka! What are you doing? She just stole second base?

Catcher:

[Perplexed.] What? Watanabe-san was just moving over towards second.

Matsui:

[Shakes his head.] Just pay attention...

Ayukawa:

[To herself after realizing what just happened.] Well, Akane will be Akane. I suppose if the other team's cheating.... [Smacks a curveball off the left field wall for a single. Akane reaches third by the time the ball is returned to the cut-off man.]

[Hayashibara steps to the plate, and once again points to the wall.]

Matsui:

Kono*...I'll get him this time for sure. [Begins his windup but fails to notice the catcher signalling wildly for an intentional walk. Hayashibara steps into the swing and hits the ball well over the centerfield wall to tie the game at 10-all.] Masaka**...not again. [Hangs his head.]

*<Netiquette violator>
**Impossible

Catcher:

[Angrily as he goes up to the mound.] Intentional walk! Intentional walk! How many times do I have to tell you not to wave off my signs!

Matsui:

H-hai...

[Matsui bears down as Kasuga and Kasamatsu both go down swinging. Katsu manages to draw a walk as Kimura comes to the plate.]

Catcher:

[Notices Kimura is looking at him and not the pitcher.] Wh-what are you looking at?

Kimura:

[Wide-eyed.] I want to see the pitching signs!

Catcher:

[Decides to have a small measure of sympathy.] All right...what pitch to you want?

Kimura:

[Thinks for a moment.] Hmm...fastball!

Catcher:

Alright! [Signals in the next pitch. The pitcher winds and fires a fast ball right down the pipe which Kimura watches all the way into the catcher's glove.]

Umpire:

[Watching with slight disbelief.] Strike 1!

Kimura:

Make the next one a curve ball!

Egami:

[From the dugout.] What are you doing?!?

Catcher:

Hai! [Signals in a curve ball. The pitcher winds and fires a curve ball that lands just inside the strike zone.]

Kimura:

Sugoi! How does he do that?

Catcher:

He grips the ball a certain way. [To himself.] This is too easy...like shooting fish in a barrel.

[Egami shakes his head with disappointment as he watches Kimura go down looking. He waves off the entire affair with disgust as the inning comes to a close.]

[Cut to the top of the eighth inning. With the rest of the team out in the field, Fujimoto and Yuko are with Egami in the dugout.]

Fujimoto:

You really should be grateful. If you had just laid everything out to them in advance, things probably would have turned out better.

Egami:

[Nods reluctantly.] Un... [Looks up with resolution.] But I will remember! Next time I'll remember to play fair and honest with everyone!

Fujimoto:

[Smiles.] I'm glad to hear tha...

Reserve field umpire:

[Looking in the dugout with Eiji in tow.] Oi! Is this your kid?

Fujimoto:

[Look of concern.] Eiji! Where have you been?

Reserve field umpire:

I found him in the relief pitchers' warm-up area. He was stealing pitching signs from one of the teams.

Fujimoto:

Eiji! [Looking ashamed.] You know you shouldn't do that!

Eiji:

But...[Points in Egami's general direction, but is interrupted as Egami grabs his hand.]

Egami:

You heard your mother! Honesty, good sportsmanship, those are qualities that deserve to be nurtured! Your actions, while laudable for their efforts, are misguided by their lack of honor!

Eiji:

[Indignantly.] O-OI! [Points at Egami.] YOU TOL...!

Egami:

[Whispers harshly as he clamps Eiji's mouth.] Urusen dayo*! Here! [Surreptitiously slips Eiji another 100-yen coin.] We'll talk about it later!

*Be quiet (rudely)

[Cut to the bottom of the ninth. The score is tied at 10-all. Matsui notices Yoko in the on-deck circle and motions his catcher to the plate.]

Matsui:

Oi, that's the girl who almost took my head off with the line drive at the beginning of the game. I'm counting on you to distract her!

Catcher:

[Shakes his head with fear.] No, not me! She's got a bat in her hands and last time I said a thing to her, she threatened to break my knees!

Matsui:

Coward! Very well, I'll handle it! She can't do anything to me from the batter's box anyway!

[Yoko comes up and digs in. Matsui wastes two pitches throwing high and inside hoping to intimidate her but doesn't get the slightest reaction other than Yoko moving her head out of the way.]

Matsui:

[To himself.] Sheesh, nothing scares her... [To Yoko as he throws his pitch.] You really are an otemba* aren't you!

*tomboy (rudely)

Yoko:

[Angrily tenses up as the pitched ball flies towards her.] Nante ittan-dayo*?!? KONO...! [Swings with all her strength.] <CRACK!>

*What did you say?!? (rudely)

Matsui:

[Freezes with momentary terror as a searing line drive hits him square in the protective cup, which causes him to collapse in gasping agony.]

Umpire:

[Harshly to Yoko as she runs for first base.] You! You're gone!

Yoko:

NANI?!? DOUSHITE*?!?

*Why?!?

Umpire:

You hit him with that ball intentionally!

Yoko:

IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!!

Umpire:

YOU'RE GONE!

Yoko:

[To the umpire as she is bodily carried away by Egami, Sakurai, and Akane.] Saitei-dayo!*

*You're the worst (rudely)

Catcher:

[Running up to the pitcher.] Dai-daijoubu*?!?

*Are you alright?

Matsui:

[Gasping with determination as he lies on the ground.] H-h-hai...!

Catcher:

[To Igarashi.] Oi! We'd better warm up the relief pitcher!

Matsui:

[Gasping as he grips his catcher's sleeve.] No! I...must pitch for the pride of Daidai-sou*!

*House of bitter orange/generations.

Catcher:

[Deadpan.] You just don't want to spend the afternoon painting.

Matsui:

[Nods weakly.] Hai, that too...

Egami:

[To Yuko after stuffing Yoko into the team locker room and locking the door leading to the dugout.] Go out there and pinch hit!

Yuko:

Un! [Pulls off her hair ribbon, puts on a batting helmet, and runs out to the plate.]

Umpire:

[To Yuko.] What are you still doing out here?!? You're gone!

Yuko:

[Tries to get the umpire's attention.] But...

Umpire:

[Stubbornly points to the dugout.] GONE!

[Egami grits his teeth as he watches Yuko walk off the field with dejection. He turns around and looks with a belated expression when he sees who's left on the bench.]

Egami:

[To Saito.] Come here! Don't worry about a thing; I've got an unbeatable plan to win the game! [Clenches his fist dramatically.] You will score the winning run for the pride of Seishun-kan!

Saito:

[Nods as he is taken in by Egami's dramatic speech.] Un!

Egami:

Here's what I want you to do. [Whispers in Saito's ear.]

Saito:

[Recoils.] But I don't want to get hurt!

Egami:

BAKA! [Pokes him in the ribs.] Take one for the team! [Pushes him into the on-deck circle.]

Saito:

[Protesting.] Is this your "unbeatable plan"? What happened to your house's "honor"?

Egami:

The house doesn't care how we win! It'll get you on base!

[Saito walks up to the plate. On the very first pitch, he leans in close to the plate.]

Saito:

[As the ball strikes him in the ribs.] ITE!

Umpire:

[Points to first base.] Take your base!

Matsui:

[Silently to the umpire as he watches Saito limp his way to first base.] Kuso...!* Blind idiot...! That guy didn't even try to get out of the way...!

*<Netiquette violator>

[Akane goes to the plate, but this time fails to reach base safely as she is nipped at first on a short hopper to right field, moving Saito to second base. Sakurai pops out. Ayukawa hits a single to center field, which moves Saito to third. After a brief discussion between Matsui and the catcher, Hayashibara is intentionally walked to bring up Kasuga with two outs and the bases loaded.]

Kasuga:

[To himself.] This is it! My chance to win it all for everyone! [Grips the bat tighter in anticipation.]

Matsui:

[Digs in, checks the runners on base and grips the ball tighter.] This is it! I've got to stop them now!

Ayukawa:

[To herself on second base.] Kasuga-kun, please don't yield to temptation. If this is a game for honor, then let's win it honorably!

[Matsui kicks and fires...]

<CRACK!>

[...DRAMATIC PAUSE...]

[The dust clears with Kasuga lying on the ground. The ball is flying straight up above the plate, it's trajectory coming from a ricochet off Kasuga's batting helmet.]

Ayukawa:

[Gasps with surprise and concern.] Ah...!

Matsui:

[Gasps with shock and dismay.] Ahh...!

Kasuga:

[Clutching his head with pain.] I...TAI...!

[The ball lands on the ground amid the small cloud of dust. The umpire officially motions Kasuga towards first base, which forces Saito home.]

Egami:

[Comes charging out of the dugout.] VICTORY...!

[The rest of the team comes running to congratulate Saito for scoring the winning run. Ayukawa helps Kasuga pulls his helmet off as the scoreboard officially registers the final score. The members of Daidai-sou leave the field with dejected expressions on their faces.]

Igarashi:

[Frustratedly to himself.] It was so perfect...! We were *meant* to win...! How...!?!

[Cut to outside the school grounds. The final results are posted on the boards with Seishun-kan marked for continuation for the next day's finale. As the rest of the team heads to Chez Kooun for celebration, Ayukawa and Kasuga lag behind.]

Ayukawa:

[Checks his bruise.] Looks like it's just a minor bump thanks to your helmet. You're going to be OK.

Kasuga:

[Smiles and nods.] Un. [Smile slips some.] Ayukawa...I'm sorry about...the way I acted during the game.

Ayukawa:

Well, they were cheating too...and you did...what you thought you had to do. I guess it's sometimes hard to not use your powers when it's easy to change things.

Kasuga:

Ayukawa...about the dinner date last week...I...

Ayukawa:

[Tersely.] Don't worry about it. All we did was talk and...I'm sure you had something important.

Kasuga:

No, I mean...it wasn't that important. I really should have been there and...I'm sorry about how things turned out. [Tries to steer away from the subject.] I guess it was a good thing you asked Hayashibara to play. He was...really something today.

Ayukawa:

No, I didn't.

Kasuga:

Eh?

Ayukawa:

Kasuga-kun...I'm sorry I acted so coldly during the game. It's because...I like you the way you are. I'm not asking you to change or be someone you aren't. In the past, you've always tried your best, without using the power. That's one of your best points...and one of the reasons I love you. Please don't try to force yourself for me. Besides, [Points at Kasuga.] that *was* some pitch you threw! I guess Hayashibara isn't the only one who can play baseball! [Runs away towards Chez Kooun.]

Kasuga:

[Surprised.] A-Ayukawa! [Smiles as he chases after her.]

[Slowly pull back from the frozen scene. The ballpark can be seen behind them as Ayukawa and Kasuga run to join the victory celebration at Chez Kooun.]

Kasuga Narration:

We looked back on that game with fondness for quite some time. Egami-san called us "A team of destiny" and insisted we were something special. I look at the friends we made these last eight months and I sometimes think he's right. Friendships...are something special.

END CREDITS

New Characters Designer/Writer  Stephen Tsai
Co-writers                      James Holman
                                Quincy S. Huoh
Doujinshi Artwork               Tony Jung
Pre-readers                     Harold Ancell
                                Bob Carragher
                                Doug Eckhart
                                Brian Edmonds
                                Jim Ramberg
                                Lisa Richardson
                                Ben Taylor
                                Jeff Williamson
Very special thanks to          Hitoshi Doi

A tip of the hat and a deep bow to      Matsumoto Izumi for starting 
the whole thing

If I left anyone off, my apologies. Any mistakes/embarrassing faux pas are entirely my own. If there is anything here you must flame, aim them at me and me alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my series. I have the next episode in the works.

Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!