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Pw: "December 31st, New Year's Eve." Pw: "I was invited aboard the Silver Star Special Express's maiden voyage." Mc: "We have kept you waiting far too long. Today's finally the day the super-luxury express Silver Star debuts. The Goldstruck Republic's multimillionaire with a deep love for Japan and railways, Hubley Richnande, poured his personal funds into creating a dream private railway. That is the Silver Star. Unfortunately, Mr. Richnande couldn't be here with us today, but regardless, we shall be departing very shortly." Maya: "Isn't this amazing? They made it a choo-choo train on purpose. How nostalchic." Pw: "You mean nostalgic." Maya: "All right. Let's go, Naruhodo-kun." Gum: "Huh? It's you two!" Pw: "Detective Itonoko?" Maya: "And the judge, too!" J: "Hello there." Gum: "We entered the postcard contest and won." J: "I'm going on a tour of the hot springs in the north aboard a retro train." Maya: "Ta-dah! We were invited!" Mc: "We depart!" Pw: "Cutting off our fun journey aboard the luxury express Silver Star, the train was taken over by fugitive Hubley Richnande. His demand?" Pw: "A retrial of the murder case in which he was found guilty one year ago in America. Mayoi-chan calls Detective Itonoko for help, but it turns out the car we're in has vanished without a trace. And now, the Silver Star has transformed into a court on wheels, raising the curtain on a truly unprecedented trial." J: "Court is now in session for the trial of fugitive Hubley Richnande!" Pw: "Are you okay, Mayoi-chan?" Maya: "Yeah, I let Itonoko-san know what was going on." J: "Prosecutor Saiga, your opening statement, please." Sai: "Let me be perfectly clear." Sai: "America's justice system is perfect. This retrial is nothing but a waste of time." Rich: "If that were true, I wouldn't have had to resort to such drastic measures." Pw: "Here's the thing. We know absolutely nothing about the case." J: "That is certainly true." Sai: "I didn't prosecute the case, but as a member of the United States Attorney's Office, I have a database of notable cases on me at all times." Sai: "Let me fill you in. One year ago, at the All-American Trade Federation's year-end ceremony, its secretary-general, Yendol Kanesky, was murdered. Mr. Kanesky saw the Goldstruck Republic's financial might as a threat and was trying to boot it out of America's economy. The accused, Hubley Richnande, wouldn't stand for that," Sai: "leading to the incident during the ceremony." Sai: "This is a map of the ceremony venue." Sai: "Here's where the victim was standing." Sai: "He was giving a year-end speech." Sai: "And this is where the shot was fired from. Upon hearing the gunshot, everyone in attendance looked in that direction and found the defendant, Hubley Richnande, standing there." Sai: "Nearby policemen restrained him. When they frisked him, they found the murder weapon, a pistol. The barrel was hot, as though it had just been fired, and only his fingerprints were found on it." Rich: "I didn't have a gun on me back then!" Sai: "A pistol was found in the defendant's inner coat pocket. That is the undeniable truth." J: "Everything does seem to indicate the defendant's guilt." Sai: "Of course." Pw: "No wonder an American court declared him guilty." J: "Defense? What do you say?" Pw: "I have my doubts about that pistol." Maya: "Yeah! Richnande-san says he wasn't carrying one!" Rich: "I wasn't. There was no way to sneak one into the venue, anyway." Sai: "As the ceremony's guest of honor, you had been exempted from the body search." Sai: "Besides..." Sai: "There is no doubt that the murder weapon belonged to the defendant. The pistol's registration proves that." Rich: "True, that was my gun. However... I know! Someone must have stolen it! To frame me for murder!" Sai: "Do you have proof?" Rich: "Th..." Rich: "That's..." Maya: "Ugh... He's leaving no openings at all!" J: "It appears there is no need to overturn the verdict after all." Pw: "Please wait. We should hear what the witnesses have to say first!" Sai: "Good grief. You Japanese don't know when to give up." Pw: "Uh, you're Japanese yourself!" Pw: "You were in attendance for that ceremony, yes?" Pist: "Indeed. I'm Edgar Piston of the All-American CRY Foundation." Pw: "Even the smallest detail will do. Did you notice something, anything when the incident occurred?" Pist: "I mentioned this a year ago too, but right before Mr. Kanesky was shot, he halted his speech. He seemed taken aback by something." Pw: "His speech? But why?" Cyl: "The tray." Cyl: "It must've been the tray." Pw: "You are?" Cyl: "I'm Allan Cylinder of the Council. You see, a waiter loudly dropped a tray to the floor." Maya: "A tray?" Cyl: "Mr. Kanesky was distracted by the sound, and the very next moment..." Rich: "Yes, a waiter did drop a tray right in front of me. The gunshot rang out right after that." Pw: "Where did you hear the gunshot come from?" Rich: "It was very close to me, but I don't know where exactly." Cyl: "Yes, I was nearby, too." Pist: "Who drops a tray in a moment like that? Some five-star hotel waiter he was." Cyl: "Well, it's understandable. He was hurt." Pw: "He was hurt?" Cyl: "His right hand was bandaged. That's why I..." Sai: "That's enough. It has nothing to do with the murder." J: "Well, I fail to see any problems with their testimonies." Sai: "Looks like this retrial will end long before dawn." Maya: "Naruhodo-kun..." Pw: "Um, Richnande-san..." Rich: "Yes?" Pw: "You were the ceremony's guest of honor, yes?" Rich: "Yes, that's right." Pw: "Then why were you all the way over in a corner?" Rich: "Oh, that was because..." Sai: "This is pointless. Quit trying to stall." Jam: "He was there for me." Cyl: "Madame Pantaberuno?" Jam: "I still remember. Richnande-san was such a gentleman." Pw: "What do you mean?" Jam: "Back then, I was listening to the speech." Rich: "Oh no! I'll bring you some napkins at once." Rich: "The napkins were on the table at the very end of the banquet hall." Rich: "That's why I was there back then." Pw: "And that's when the gunshot rang out?" Jam: "Yes. The terrible sound made me faint." Cyl: "Who spills champagne on a guest? Some five-star hotel waiter he was." Jam: "Well, it was understandable." Pw: "How do you mean?" Jam: "That waiter had an injured hand, after all." Maya: "Injured in what way, madam?" Jam: "He was wearing a bandage... On his right hand." Pw: "A waiter with his right hand bandaged?" Cyl: "Just like I saw." Sai: "Cease this pointless questioning at once!" Pw: "Objection!" Pw: "The same bandaged right hand... Which means the two of them must have seen the same waiter." J: "That would be the natural assumption." Pw: "That makes his behavior highly suspicious! Right after he spilled champagne on Missus Pantaberuno," Pw: "he dropped a tray in front of Richnande-san, who'd gone to get napkins." Pw: "It's almost like he followed him there." J: "He has a point." Pw: "And immediately after he dropped the tray and drew everyone's attention, the gun was fired from the same vicinity." J: "What is this waiter's name?" Sai: "According to the records, it's Gale." Pw: "Gale-san!" Pw: "Does anyone here know Gale-san?" Butter: "Come to think of it, there was an unoccupied table during dinner." Jam: "Oh, now that you mention it..." Sai: "Wait! Nobody move!" Pw: "What's going on?" Sai: "The Chrysanthemum Room. No doubt about it..." Pw: "Fire extinguisher!" Maya: "I'll get it!" Pw: "Man..." Pw: "Lots of fires tonight." Pw: "What's that?" Rich: "What's the matter?" Maya: "It's on fire!" Sai: "Give me that!" Maya: "A kn-knife?!" Pw: "Could it be..." Sai: "Stay away!" Sai: "He's already dead." Sai: "We have to preserve the crime scene." Rich: "Who's that inside?" Sai: "Gale. I'm sure of it. It seems he was murdered by someone." Rich: "What?!" Sai: "Tell the people in the dining car what's going on. Keep watch and make sure none of them leave!" G: "U-Understood!" Rich: "How could this be? He was an important witness." Pw: "Maybe he was murdered because he was an important witness." Rich: "Who was it? Who did it?!" Pw: "I have no idea." Pw: "But I do know the killer is on this train!" Reg: "I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to shoot." Gum: "Forget that. Where'd the dining car go?" Gum: "Don't tell me... Did you people kill them?! If anything happens to them, I swear I'll make you pay!" Reg: "Y-You're wrong! We promised our king we wouldn't hurt anyone!" Gum: "Your king?" Reg: "I mean Richnande-sama!" Gum: "O-Ow!" Reg: "I'm sorry." Gum: "If you're truly sorry, you'll help me out." Reg: "H-Help you? With what?" Gum: "I want to contact the outside." Reg: "No! We can't let the Japanese police know! King's orders, and we have to obey." Gum: "Then I promise I won't tip off the Japanese police. I'll keep it a secret." Gum: "I give you my word as a man! Hurry!" Reg: "The king's trial is currently being broadcast to a certain location. If you use that channel, you can communicate with the outside." Gum: "I owe you one, pal." Gum: "Done!" Gum: "Please! You're our only hope!" Gum: "Enter!" Me: "Detective Itonokogiri?" Me: "What?" Rich: "I'd like you to move out of the way." Sai: "In a murder case, preserving the crime scene is vital." Rich: "I remember that waiter's face very well. I must confirm if it's him at once." Sai: "Have you forgotten the position you're in? You're a fugitive. I can't have you messing with the crime scene." Rich: "You seem to have forgotten something as well. I'm the one who holds all the cards here." Rich: "The body..." Pw: "It's gone?" Sai: "What?" Sai: "I-It can't be!" Rich: "Didn't we see it here with our own eyes?" Rich: "Where is the body?" Maya: "Where did it go?!" Maya: "Huh? This window doesn't open." Rich: "The door's the only way out." Pw: "And we were standing right beside it." Pw: "The body couldn't have been taken outside." Rich: "Where on earth did it go?" Maya: "Oh, is this one of those locked-room murder mysteries?" Pw: "I don't think that's quite right." Sai: "Look, an ID." Rich: "There's no doubting it. That's the waiter." Maya: "Oh, this guy..." Gale: "Where is the Chrysanthemum Room?" Pw: "Yeah." Pw: "It was only for a moment, but we did see him." Pw: "Rick-san?" Rick: "I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help." Rich: "No, I'll be right back as well." Rich: "As for the trial... We must put it off for now." Me: "Hubley Richnande, huh?" Me: "This trial shows signs of information manipulation by the prosecution." Me: "Who was in charge of planning? "In charge of building the prosecution's case, Saiga Yusaburo."" Me: "Saiga?" Me: "It was him?" Mib: "Cease and desist. You will accompany us to the chief prosecutor's office right now." Me: "It seems you have a problem with my looking up Richnande's case file." Me: "What did this redacted testimony say?" Mib: "You are not allowed to ask questions. Quietly come with us, Mitsurugi Reiji." Me: "Very well. I'd like to ask the chief some things as well." Pw: "Ah... So you've been working in America." Sai: "I mainly work with major international cases, building the prosecution's case for indictment and trial." Sai: "I never stand in court myself." Pw: "So that's your role in the Attorney's Office?" Sai: "I took a vacation and returned to Japan for the first time in ages. That's when I received this invitation." Maya: "But, man, I'm kinda disappointed in America's courts." Pw: "Mayoi-chan..." Maya: "I mean, they totally overlooked Gale-san." Sai: "We didn't overlook him." Sai: "We just concluded a year ago that he had nothing to do with the murder." Maya: "But Prosecutor Mitsurugi definitely wouldn't have let the bandage thing go." Sai: "Mitsurugi?" Pw: "Yes. He's a prosecutor and my friend." Maya: "He's Naruhodo-kun's rival." Sai: "Rival..." Sai: "That argument doesn't explain the contradiction in the witness's testimony." G: "Th-That's..." Sai: "You must consider any and all possibilities. You lack insight, Senpai." Sai: "I was in my third year of law school back then." Sai: "My name had become famous among students and professors alike." Sai: "They called me the most brilliant pupil to ever grace the school." Me: "Objection!" Me: "You're overlooking a very real possibility." Sai: "What do you mean?" Me: "The possibility that the witness is lying." Sai: "What? Don't be stupid, newbie!" Me: "Among all the testimonies, this one sticks out like a sore thumb. You should consider it a trap set by the defense." Sai: "A-A trap? That'd break the rules of a mock trial!" Me: "A court debate must consider any and all possibilities. There are no rules to break." Me: "It seems you lack insight, Senpai." Sai: "I felt like I'd caught a glimpse of what real talent was like. After graduating law school, I practically ran away to America. And I made it this far while trying to escape his looming shadow." Pw: "Um..." Pw: "Prosecutor Saiga?" Sai: "Forgive me." Chief: "It seems you have requested a look at Richnande's case file." Chief: "Why is that?" Me: "My reasons aside, that trial is highly suspect." Chief: "What do you mean?" Me: "Strange cross-examinations, unnatural evidence... It's hidden very well, but I can see right through it. I don't want to believe it, but that trial shows signs of organizational malpractice." Guyb: "M-Malpractice?" Guyc: "You dare doubt America's justice system?!" Chief: "Sure, Hubley Richnande was a massive threat to our economy. However, that doesn't mean we would ever manipulate our courts to get rid of him." Me: "Then..." Me: "Why was I summoned here?! Declared guilty in a sham trial, Richnande will have to cry himself to death!" Chief: "Apparently, he's not much of a crier." Me: "What is this?" Me: "Naruhodo?!" Me: "Is this the court on wheels Detective Itonokogiri mentioned in his message?" Me: "Saiga?" Chief: "Richnande's taken over his train and is holding a retrial for himself." Chief: "He says he's going to shove the truth in our faces." Me: "The truth..." Gum: "Enter..." Gum: "It's not working! No response!" Reg: "The lightning's getting ever closer." Gum: "Prosecutor Mitsurugi, hurry up and pass along some info..." Gum: "He's dead." Gum: "Did he fall from up there?" Reg: "Wait, this man..." Gum: "You know him?" Reg: "Yes, that's Gale-sama." Gum: "Is he one of you?" Reg: "No, he's a passenger from Car 1. He should be at the trial in the dining car right now!" Gum: "Say what?!" Pw: "Objection! A murder, a missing body," Pw: "and the mystery of the missing train cars. Among one abnormality after another, the trial still rumbles on. But then, Mitsurugi butts in from America! The pieces fall into place, connecting the incident a year ago to the present time. The Turnabout Express finally rushes toward the conclusion!"

Pw: "The Silver Star Special Express was hijacked by the fugitive Avery Richman." Pw: "His demand? A retrial of the murder case in which he was found guilty. I happened to be on the train and took the role of defense lawyer in this unprecedented trial. But a passenger who could've been a crucial witness was murdered, and the corpse disappeared right before our eyes." J: "Court is now back in session for the trial of Avery Richman." Sai: "This trial can't go any further." Sai: "Mr. Gale was murdered, and he vanished. And there is no other new testimony to hear." Pw: "Our last hope is gone!" Rich: "How could this be?" Maya: "Mr. Richman..." Gum: "Hold it, pal!" Bo: "Detective Gumshoe?" Rich: "Regina?" Reg: "I'm so sorry, King! This man insisted..." Gum: "I heard everything. I'm Dick Gumshoe, a police detective." Rich: "A policeman?" Gum: "Gale Gaelic's body didn't vanish, pal!" Pw: "What?" Gum: "It actually just showed up!" Pw: "G-Gale?!" Maya: "How?" Pw: "The body teleported?" Maya: "What? That's impossible!" Gum: "But it showed up here just now. It fell through the ceiling." Pw: "The ceiling?" Gum: "Also, you guys are the ones who vanished!" Maya: "Huh? What do you mean?" Gum: "I'm in Car 3, and it's connected to the engine! Car 1 and the dining car disappeared somewhere!" Pw: "N-No way!" Maya: "We disappeared?" Gum: "Sheesh, first whole cars disappear, then a missing corpse falls from the ceiling, and then there was the flying human soul..." Maya: "Human soul?" Pw: "That's Maya's field." Maya: "My field is spirit channeling!" Gum: "Anyway, hear me out. It happened when the lights went out. Far away, I saw a raging flame drifting in the dark..." Sai: "A soul? Ridiculous." Gum: "I saw what I saw!" Maya: "A flame in the dark?" Maya: "Nick, didn't we see a flame, too?" Pw: "Yeah, that could be it." Gum: "What? You guys saw a soul, too?" Pw: "No. What we saw was a birthday cake." J: "A birthday cake? Ah!" Pw: "Yes. A little past 8 PM, a birthday party was held here in the dining car." Maya: "Oh, a show's beginning!" Maya: "Look, Nick!" Vegamytonbred: "Happy birthday, Grandmother." Mara: "My! Thank you so much, Vega." Mara: "Thank you all as well. I feel so fortunate to have made it to eighty-seven. Oh, my! You're putting on a wonderful show!" Pw: "O-Oh no! Get a fire extinguisher! Hurry!" Maya: "What now?!" J: "Yes, that did happen." Pw: "A raging flame in the dark... That might've been what Gumshoe saw." Sai: "Impossible! He couldn't have seen the fire in the dining car from Car 3!" Pw: "But if that was what he saw, that'd explain the disappearance of our cars." Sai: "Elaborate." Pw: "The cars didn't vanish. They were rearranged." J: "R-Rearranged?" Pw: "This railroad used to be a small local line. And it still has remains of old freight stations that were used for lumber transport. First, the lights were turned off, making it impossible for us to see what would happen. Then the train was slowed down before it reached the Point B, and the couplings in front of Cars 1 and 3 were disconnected." Maya: "The train split up!" Pw: "This was when the fire broke out, and that's what Gumshoe saw..." Pw: "Our cars running along a parallel freight line. And right when we fell behind Car 3, Point B arrived." Maya: "We switched!" Pw: "After that, the Silver Star came to a halt. Other than to let you board this train, that stoppage had one more objective. How was that?" Rich: "Yes, we needed to stop to reconnect the coupling between the cars. I knew I picked the right lawyer. I'm deeply impressed." Gum: "You really rearranged the cars? Why do something so crazy?" Rich: "You'll find out eventually." Sai: "It was just a rich man's whim? I knew it'd be something pointless." Pw: "No, there very much was a point." Sai: "What?" Pw: "Thanks to it, I've identified Gale's killer." Sai: "Killer?" Pw: "The answer is quite simple. If the body before Gumshoe right now is the real Gale, that'd obviously make the one we saw before a fake." Pw: "The killer murdered Gale right there and hid his body in the ceiling!" Gum: "Th-This is the crime scene?" Reg: "That lightning just now... that's what made the corpse fall out of the ceiling." Pw: "I'm sure the killer didn't expect that to happen." Gum: "Just when was this man murdered?" Pw: "It's quite likely that it was before the cars were rearranged." Gum: "But I've been here the entire time!" Pw: "There was a point in time when nobody was in the car, remember?" J: "That's right! Dinner!" Gum: "Ah!" Reg: "True. Nobody could've seen it happen if it was during dinnertime." Rich: "Then you mean the corpse we saw in Car 1 was..." Pw: "A fake. Gale had already been murdered and hidden in the ceiling by then." J: "But the victim was a Car 1 passenger, and nobody passed through the dining car while we were eating." Pw: "Still, Gale and the killer must have moved there." Sai: "Nonsense. Speak in facts, not conjecture. Is there anyone who can testify the victim went through the dinner car around then?" Maya: "Of course, nobody would remember everyone they passed in the train." Pw: "But in this case, just pointing out the possibility is enough. Because... There is only one person who could have done this!" J: "Wh-Who is that?" Pw: "The killer... is you, Tristan Turnbull!" J: "The killer is Prosecutor Turnbull?" Rich: "What?" Sai: "This isn't even worth arguing." Pw: "It could only have been you." Sai: "I rushed there after I heard a body had been found." Sai: "Later, the body vanished. That's all I know." Pw: "But that corpse was a fake." Pw: "In fact, that guy wasn't even dead!" Rich: "He wasn't dead?" Pw: "Someone dressed like the victim and played dead." Pw: "It was your accomplice!" Pw: "That would explain everything. You were the one who checked the body back then. You didn't let us get close to it and then closed the door to "preserve the crime scene." While you were buying time by the door, the "corpse" took off the victim's clothes" Pw: "and hid behind the door, where nobody would check." Pw: "When Mr. Richman eventually opened the door, the corpse was gone." Pw: "And while we stood there shocked, he sneaked out from behind the door." Rich: "B-But that's such a cliche!" J: "And just who was this accomplice?" Pw: "Back then, there was someone who wasn't nearby when we were outside, but suddenly showed up when we went in." Pw: "It was you, Rick!" Rich: "Is it true, Rick?" Pw: "Rick?" Rick: "I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help." Maya: "It was Rick?" Rich: "Why, Rick? Why would you do this?!" Rick: "I'm terribly sorry, King." Rick: "I've been cooperating with American law enforcement since a year ago." Pw: "What?" Rich: "A year ago...?" Sai: "Fool." Rick: "I was asked to procure a gun with your fingerprints on it for a large sum of money." Maya: "Gun? You don't mean..." Rick: "I did as I was told. And a few days later, Secretary-General Cashanova was shot during that ceremony, and you were arrested!" Rich: "That whole murder was a setup to get rid of me?" Rick: "Yes. The one who shot Cashanova was Gale Gaelic. He fired from near you on purpose, and the cops who frisked you planted the evidence on you..." Rick: "Calling the pistol I stole the murder weapon." Pist: "N-No way! The United States Prosecutor's Office hatched a conspiracy like that?" Cyl: "Do you have anything to say?!" Rick: "I'm truly sorry! I just couldn't tell you!" Pw: "And today, you were once again ordered to cooperate by Prosecutor Turnbull." Rick: "Yes. It was after we hijacked the train and just before the trial began." Rick: "He told me to do as he said if I didn't want the king to find out I betrayed him." Pw: "Before the trial began? I see! It was then!" Sai: "Give me twenty minutes." Sai: "I need to prepare." Pw: "In those twenty minutes, you approached Rick and forced him to help with your plan!" Rich: "So that was the trick behind the body's disappearance." Sai: "Do you have proof that I cut a deal with him?" Pw: "Th-That's..." Sai: "Of course you don't. Besides, why would I kill that Gale guy in the first place?" Sai: "I had absolutely nothing to do with him. Or this bizarre conspiracy that fugitive has conjured up in his mind." Me: "That's not going to fly." Pw: "Edgeworth?!" Me: "It's been a while, Turnbull." Sai: "Edgeworth! Why are you..." Maya: "Huh? You know each other?" Me: "This is Avery Richman's court record, and it contains your name. "In charge of building the prosecution's case, Tristan Turnbull."" Rich: "I-In charge? You were?" Me: "Now you can't hide behind the excuse that you were unrelated." Sai: "Why, you..." Me: "Anyway, according to this record, you canceled the summons of a witness at your own discretion one year ago. That witness's name... was Gale Gaelic!" Pw: "What?" Me: "Tonight's trial has made it clear that he was a crucial witness. Why, then, did you deliberately avoid calling that witness?" Sai: "I concluded that he wasn't important to the trial a year ago!" Me: "Are you trying to say you're that incompetent?" Pw: "Or maybe calling that witness would've been bad for other reasons." Rich: "And were those reasons really..." Pw: "You were afraid of the truth coming out in the trial one year ago." Pw: "Which proves you were at the center of that conspiracy!" Me: "Back then, you never set foot in court. But behind the scenes, you laid the groundwork to entrap Mr. Richman." Gum: "Those two are working together across the Pacific! I'm gonna cry, pal!" Chief: "You disappoint me, Turnbull." Sai: "Chief?" Maya: "Who's that?" Rich: "The chief prosecutor. The man at the very top of America's justice system." Chief: "Our courts are built on the motto of always doing the right thing. And Turnbull, you dragged them through the mud." Chief: "That deserves the harshest punishment." Sai: "Please wait!" Sai: "I was told to convict Richman so he could be thrown out of the country!" Sai: "I only did as the top brass ordered!" Chief: "That's exactly what I'm talking about. Fools who meekly follow unjust orders deserve the harshest punishment." Chief: "Your superior, who gave you that order, spilled the beans earlier. He said he colluded and conspired with the Commerce Council, who found Cashanova a pain." Sai: "What?" Me: "Gale Gaelic, who you let go, was an assassin hired by the Council!" Pw: "An assassin?" Chief: "There was no justice in this deal. Only blood money." Sai: "What?" Me: "Either way, you played a part in a conspiracy." Me: "You clearly broke the law!" Pw: "Mr. Turnbull, you have no right to judge anyone." Pw: "You are..." Bo: "...an enemy of the law!" Rich: "A year ago, I came to believe you were my enemy, but it seems I was mistaken." Pw: "Tell us... Everything." Sai: "It was soon after we departed." Sai: "You were invited, too?" Gale: "I was just as surprised." Gale: "But I sense the hand of God behind this." Sai: "What do you mean?" Gale: "This whole year, one thought has never left my mind. That there just wasn't enough hush money. Don't you agree?" Sai: "Are you threatening me?" Gale: "Being an assassin is hard work, so I've been thinking of switching to blackmail. Great idea, right?" Sai: "Just like him, I too felt the hand of God at play." Sai: "I thought it was the perfect chance to silence him forever." Sai: "Let's talk this over." Sai: "Car 3 should be empty right now. Let's move there." Maya: "Spikey, spikey!" Sai: "It was around 6 PM. We went at a time when lots of people would be going in and out of the dining car, which helped divert any attention from us, and we easily made it to Car 3." Sai: "And then..." Sai: "In one of the Car 3 compartments, I murdered that man." Gum: "Yikes. That's my room." Pw: "And you hid the body in the ceiling." Sai: "But..." Sai: "I never foresaw what was to happen." Pw: "The train was hijacked, and a trial was set to begin." Sai: "If people realized he was missing, the train would be searched, and the body found. I had to prevent that!" Me: "So you put on a miraculous show of the body vanishing in front of their eyes." Sai: "It was a bid to buy time!" Rich: "The room was in flames back then. What was that?" Sai: "I ordered him to set fire to it when he was found." Sai: "It was to make sure nobody approached him before me." Sai: "Edgeworth... I've always hated that look in your eyes." Sai: "It was to escape that very look that I went to America." Pw: "No matter how far you run, you can never escape yourself." J: "That's enough! Train crew! Restrain Tristan Turnbull and his accomplice, Rick!" Pw: "Thank you, Edgeworth." Pw: "You worked truly fast." Me: "I did it to find the truth." J: "I shall hereby hand down the verdict!" J: "Not guilty!" Pw: "Wh-What now?" Rich: "Everyone leave this car at once! A bomb will blow it to smithereens in three minutes!" Pw: "A b-bomb?!" Rich: "Not even I can stop it now." Pw: "Mr. Richman!" Rich: "Mister Wright, you have my deepest gratitude for proving my innocence. But as one who defiled the Richman name, I cannot live on." Pw: "You were planning on this all along?" Rich: "Whether the retrial declared me innocent or guilty, it wouldn't change anything." Rich: "Just in case, I set up a time bomb in this dining car!" Maya: "Just in case what?!" Me: "Oh, so that's why you rearranged the cars so the dining car would be at the end." Me: "So that you could disconnect its coupling and die alone!" Pw: "Say what?" Rich: "You people are far too good for me." Rich: "Hurry up, and get to Car 1." Maya: "The verdict was a mistake! We proved that, so why?" Sai: "America's justice system is perfect! That will never change, come what may!" Rich: "Exactly. They'll never admit their mistake." Pw: "I believed in you! So you believe in us, too!" Me: "You're misunderstanding the justice system." Chief: "Yes. Our justice system must always be perfect. That's why we must correct any mistakes we make immediately." Rich: "Chief Prosecutor?" Chief: "We apologize, Mister Richman." Chief: "I give you my word. We will give you a fair retrial, and we will make everything public." Maya: "Mr. Richman!" Pw: "Edgeworth... That guy must've talked him into it. Now's the time to save him." Maya: "Gotcha. Let's do this, Vanguard!" Gum: "I'm in the driver's compartment! Roger that!" Maya: "Nick!" Pw: "Come, hurry!" Maya: "All right! Full speed ahead!" Gum: "Roger that! Full speed ahead!" Maya: "Look, look!" Pw: "The first sunrise..." Rich: "How beautiful." Rich: "This is the greatest sunrise I have ever seen." Pw: "Yes. No objections here." Pw: "You embark on a new journey now." Pw: "Objection! Five years ago, long before I became an attorney, I took to the courtroom for a different reason. Back then, I was the accused in a murder case."

Pw: "My name is Phoenix Wright, attorney-at-law." Pw: "I fight for those who need my help. That is my duty. And at times," Pw: "the people who need my help happen to be ones I know very well." Pw: "Pearls?" Pearl: "Nick! I'm here today to ask for the favor of a lifetime!" Pw: "A seashell?" Pearl: "Yes." Pearl: "I want to find another one just like this." Pw: "Wait, did you..." Pearl: "Yes. It's very important to me, but I dropped it, and it broke." Pw: "I knew it!" Pearl: "And I can't hear the waves anymore!" Pw: "The waves?" Pearl: "Yes. I used to be able to hear the ocean when I put it to my ear." Pw: "That's a big hole right there." Pearl: "I couldn't find the missing piece." Pearl: "Please come with me and help me find a new shell!" Pw: "But I've never seen anything like this before." Pearl: "What is it?" Pw: "Oh, uh... What the heck? Why do I feel like I recognize it from somewhere?" Pearl: "I hear it's a special kind of seashell that you can only find at that beach." Pw: "And where is this beach?" Pearl: "I don't know." Pearl: "But I do have a lead!" Pw: "Is this..." Pw: "Maya's handwriting?" Pearl: "Yes. It's the directions to that beach." Pw: "Shall we ask her, then? Oh, but she's not here today. She said she had something important to do. But when she's—" Pearl: "Please, keep this a secret from Mystic Maya!" Pw: "A secret?" Pearl: "Also, it really has to be today!" Pw: "Wait, could this be..." Pearl: "Nick?" Pw: "All right, bingo. Pearls..." Pw: "Let's get going, shall we?" Pw: "It's important to you, huh?" Pearl: "Mystic Maya gave it to me. It's my treasure." Pw: "She did?" Pearl: "Yes." Pearl: "Mother, what bird is that?" Morgan: "That's a kite. They'll swoop down and try to steal any fried foods you might be eating. Watch out for them." Pearl: "You know a lot of things, Mother." Morgan: "It's almost time for lunch." Pearl: "Okay. I'll go get Mystic Maya." Pearl: "Mystic... Maya?" Maya: "Pearly!" Pearl: "Mystic Maya!" Pearl: "I'm sorry I entered your room without permission!" Maya: "It's fine. What are you looking at?" Pearl: "Um, what is this?" Maya: "A shell." Pearl: "Shell?" Maya: "Never seen one before? They're found in the sea." Pearl: "The sea?" Maya: "Look. This is what the sea is like. Sis took this picture for me." Pearl: "Wow, what is this? Blue water as far as the eye can see!" Maya: "Yup. I was amazed the first time I saw it, too. I had no idea the world could be so vast." Pearl: "The world?" Maya: "The world outside Kurain Village." Pearl: "Huh? But there's nothing outside the village. Only mountains. That's what Mother says." Maya: "The sea is amazing. It's where all life came from." Maya: "It gave birth to the mountains, the fish, and then humans. I heard this place was also part of the ocean a long, long time ago." Pearl: "What? I can't believe it!" Maya: "Say, Pearly. Do you want to see the ocean?" Pearl: "Yes, I do!" Pearl: "But..." Maya: "Leave it to your Maya!" Pearl: ""There's nothing in this world but Kurain Village and the mountains. So you mustn't ever leave the village." That's what I'd been told all my life." Pw: "That's kind of extreme." Pearl: "Wanting to see the ocean was a request that would never be accepted." Morgan: "Absolutely not!" Morgan: "Pearl will not take one step out of the village." Maya: "B-But, hey, it's almost time for this year's Dedication Ceremony. I could just take Pearly with me." Morgan: "Only the main family's head may leave the village, and only once a year. That is the Kurain's ironclad rule, and I shouldn't have to remind you." Maya: "Well, yeah, but Mom and Sis said it was important to learn about the outside world." Morgan: "This discussion is over." Maya: "Aunt?" Morgan: "If you wish to become head in the future, you'll never again speak such nonsense." Pearl: "Um, I think I don't want to see the ocean after all. I'm very sorry!" Maya: "Pearly!" Pw: "Now, if my theory is right..." Pw: "Nice. All right, let's go." Pearl: "Yes!" Pearl: "Is this really all right?" Maya: "Of course it is. I promised to show you the ocean, didn't I?" Pearl: "You did." Maya: "But don't tell Auntie, okay? It'll be our little secret." Pearl: "Our little secret!" Pearl: "That was on this day five years ago." Pw: "So today's the anniversary, huh?" Pearl: "Yes! That's why I wanted to come look for the shell today, no matter what!" Maya: "Look, we're almost there!" Pearl: "Look! We're almost there!" Maya: "And here we are!" Pearl: "This is... the ocean?" Maya: "I really wanted to show you this." Pearl: "Mystic Maya..." Maya: "I'll look here! Please search over there, Nick!" Pw: "Got it!" Morgan: "What is the meaning of this? As a head candidate, surely you're aware of the village's rules!" Maya: "Yes..." Morgan: "And how could you take her without permission? What if something had happened to Pearl?!" Maya: "I'm sorry, Aunt." Morgan: "Good grief. I see the rotten apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Morgan: "Just look at your mother! Remind me, what happened when she broke the rules and got involved with outsiders? Not only did she ruin the Kurain's reputation, she went and disappeared!" Maya: "But that was for the village's betterment—" Morgan: "And Mystic Mia, too. She left the village, saying she wanted to become a lawyer. Of all the selfish acts!" Maya: "No! Sis is trying to find leads on Mom's whereabouts!" Morgan: "You women of the main family are an embarrassment to the Kurain!" Pearl: "Mother! Mystic Maya did it for me!" Morgan: "Oh, don't you worry about a thing. You did nothing wrong." Morgan: "Her powers are superior to yours! It's only because of your blood that you stand above her! Never forget that!" Pearl: "Mystic Maya..." Maya: "Pearly?" Pearl: "I'm so sorry. It's all because I was so selfish." Maya: "Nah. I'm the one who invited you." Maya: "You have nothing to apologize for." Maya: "Oh, right. Hang on a sec." Pearl: "What's that?" Maya: "A special seashell you can only find at that beach." Maya: "Here. Try putting it to your ear." Pearl: "Oh, I hear something." Maya: "It's the waves. This shell is filled with the sound of that ocean." Pearl: "Wow, that's amazing." Maya: "Right? You can have it!" Pearl: "What? Really?" Maya: "Really. To remember this day. With this, you can hear the ocean whenever you want." Pearl: "Thank you so much, Mystic Maya." Pw: "Your special seashell is pretty hard to find." Pearl: "How could I drop and break it? I don't know how to face Mystic Maya!" Pw: "Actually, I'm sure she'll understand." Pw: "Is that a shrine?" Pw: "It looks really old." Pw: "Since we're here, why don't we ask the gods for help?" Pearl: "Okay." Bo: "May we find the seashell." Maya: "Oh, there it is!" Pw: "Maya?!" Pw: "Maya?!" Maya: "Wait, what? Nick and Pearly? What are you doing here?" Maya: "I'm amazed you found this place!" Pw: "U-Uh, well..." Maya: "I was just about to take a break." Maya: "Oh, right. What say we go get some burgers?" Pw: "What? Burgers?" Maya: "Yep! There should be a burger stand nearby right about now! It's a once-a-year treat for me! You come too, Pearly!" Maya: "Burgers, burgers, burgers!" Pw: "H-Hey wait..." Maya: "Huh?" Maya: "Why?" Maya: "No way! We'll have to wait for burgers, you two!" Pw: "Too bad, huh?" Maya: "All right! We'll wait as long as it takes!" Pw: "Is eating something else not an option?" Pw: "What are you doing here, anyway?" Maya: "Huh? Didn't Pearly tell you? Today's the day of the Dedication Ceremony." Pw: ""Dedication Ceremony"?" Maya: "Every year, on this day, the Kurain head visits this place and performs a rite to return the spirits they summoned to the sea." Pw: "Once a year?" Pw: "So five years ago, too?" Maya: "Yep. I brought Pearly with me that time. Maybe she doesn't remember it." Pearl: "I-It's not like that..." Maya: "But how did you find this place?" Pw: "This was the biggest clue." Mayo: "Hey, I wrote that a long time ago." Pw: "McSopp's Fables is that burger chain you love, right?" Maya: "Yeah! There's one near the office, too! The macs there are divine!" Pw: "That's how I realized... that this is a list of burger places on the way from the station to the beach. So I looked up coastal towns with these eateries in this order and found this place." Maya: "Wow, that's my Nick!" Maya: "All life comes from the ocean and ascends to heaven. That's why we built a village up in the mountains to call to the spirits." Maya: "Sis's words, not mine." Maya: "She told me that when she first brought me here." Maya: "That surprised me!" Mia: "Feels great, doesn't it?" Maya: "Yeah! The ocean is pretty amazing!" Mia: "I wanted to come here with you." Maya: "And she gave me a big seashell to remember that day by." Pw: "A big... seashell?" Maya: "Yep! When you put it to your ear, you can hear the ocean waves!" Maya: "Man, that sure takes me back!" Pearl: "U-Um, I have something to do! You two enjoy yourselves!" Maya: "Pearly?!" Pw: "Hey, Maya. Did you give that seashell to Pearls?" Maya: "Yeah, I did." Pops: "Here're your wave burger noodles." Pw: "Th-This is..." Maya: "Man, this aroma really hits the spot. You don't see a bowl shaped like a seashell very often, right?" Pw: "So that's what it was!" Maya: "That's what what was?" Maya: "I see. You came looking for a shell? Pearly could've just told me." Pw: "So this is what that shell was." Pw: "No wonder we couldn't find one." Maya: "Okay, now that it's cleared up, I'll give Pearly this..." Pw: "Hang on. Could you let me handle this?" Maya: "And she gave me a big seashell to remember that day by." Pw: "Pearls." Pearl: "Oh, Nick." Pw: "How'd it go? Did you find it?" Pearl: "Well..." Pw: "Here you go, then." Pearl: "Is this..." Pearl: "A new seashell?" Maya: "Isn't it cool, Pearly?" Pearl: "M-Mystic Maya..." Pw: "Maya found it just now." Maya: "He told me you were looking for one. That shell broke, right? But this new one will let you hear the ocean again." Pw: "Aren't you glad, Pearls?" Maya: "Pearly?" Pearl: "I'm sorry, Mystic Maya, Nick. I'm thankful that you found a new seashell for me, but I prefer this one." Pearl: "I didn't know that this shell was packed with so many important things. Mystic Maya's memories, and Mystic Mia's... Due to the hole, you can't hear the ocean from it anymore," Pearl: "but I love this seashell very much!" Maya: "Thank you, Pearly." Pearls: "Of course!" Maya: "Thank you... Pearly." Pearl: "Are you crying, Mystic Maya?" Maya: "I'm just so happy." Pw: "Thanks for the bowl, pops!" Pops: "No problem!" Maya: "Think Pearly will like it?" Pw: "Yeah." Pw: "A precious and memorable seashell, huh?" Pearl: "I can hear the ocean from this shell, actually." Maya: "Right." Pw: "Then I'll go give this one back. The waves have made a comeback, after all." Maya: "Man, that was yummy!" Mia: "Right? Mom brought me here a long time ago." Maya: "It's called burger noodles? I'd never eaten it before." Mia: "You know, this bowl is actually pretty incredible." Mia: "It looks like a seashell, right? If you put it to your ear, you can actually hear the ocean!" Maya: "What? Really?!" Mia: "H-Hey, Maya!" Mia: "Well?" Maya: "Yeah, I can hear the ocean." Mia: "Say, Maya." Mia: "Did you think about what I said?" Maya: "You mean becoming the head?" Mia: "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be asking this of you," Mia: "but I really want to leave the village." Mia: "I want to become a lawyer and learn the truth." Maya: "Okay. I'll take over the clan. So don't worry about a thing and become an awesome lawyer." Mia: "Maya..." Mia: "Thank you." Pw: "Memories, huh?" Pw: "Oh, I remember now!" Mia: "Write, would you find the files related to this case for me?" Pw: "S-Sure! Yikes..." Pw: "Er..." Mia: "Oh, that photo is a precious memory I shared with my little sister." Pw: "Huh... That's a rather big seashell." Mia: "Isn't it?" Pw: "Our memories are all linked." Pw: "And our thoughts and desires will continue to come together."

Pw: "The treasured Kurain Village heirloom, "Shichishito," or "Seven-Branched Sword."" Pw: "It is said that this sacred sword represents life itself." Pw: "Though the branches may appear to be infinite, the choices limitless... Like our destinies, the sword comes to but one end. It mercilessly severs the thread binding us to this world, impales us," Pw: "and lays bare the implacability of fate." Maya: "Man, if Hami-chan hadn't showed me this magazine," Maya: "I would've missed out on a chance to boost my spiritual powers! Thanks, Hami-chan!" Pearl: "I'm glad to see it pleased you." Maya: "N-Na-Nar-Naruhodo-kun! I-It-It's so c-co-cold here! I'm dying!" Pw: "Maybe you should've put on something warmer for a change." Maya: "B-Bu-But this too is training!" Pearl: "We're almost there, Mayoi-sama. Hang in there." Maya: "Yeah!" Pw: "As if winter wasn't cold enough already, we've come to the snow-capped mountains. We're accompanying Mayoi-chan on her training." Pearl: "Oh, we can see it now! That's Hazakura Temple!" Pearl: "Hazakura Temple here is a training spot for Kurain School spirit channelers." Maya: "W-We-We're finally here!" Bikini: "Come, come, come, come... Come this way!" Pw: "Thank you." Bikini: "No, thank you for coming all this way. Come, warm up." Maya: "It's so warm, Naruhodo-kun! Quit acting tough and get in here!" Pw: "Uh, I'm not." Bikini: "Now..." Bikini: "I should introduce myself. I'm the head nun here at the temple. My name is Bikini." Pw: "Bi..." Maya: "...ki..." Pearl: "...ni?" Bi: "That's right! It's my "temple" name. Bi! Ki! Ni!" Bi: "I'm too old for it, right? Not that it'd be any better if I were younger." Bi: "So who might you be?" Maya: "It's me! I signed up for your special course! My, my, my! Quite brave of you, considering how cold it is! Young people can be so reckless. Don't blame me if you die." Pearl: "Reckless?" Bi: "You have to sit on ice and chant Kurain spells thirty thousand times, all while dousing yourself in freezing-cold water." Bi: "You could freeze up in an instant, so take care." Maya: "And how am I supposed to do that?" Bi: "Well, make yourself at home. There's still time before dinner." Pw: "In that case, I guess I'll go take a nice, hot bath." Bi: "Oh, "nice, hot"? What a funny thing to say." Bi: "This is a training spot! What makes you think there'd be a hot bath here? All we have is a cool waterfall." Pw: "Cool waterfall..." Maya: "Purify yourself with me!" Pearl: "Naruhodo-kun is always willing to walk through hell and cold water for you." Elise: "My, what a cute little acolyte." Elise: "Greetings to all of you." All: "Hello." Maya: "Um, your outfit... Did you come here for the special course, too?" Elise: "Unfortunately, no. I'm actually..." Pw: "Harumi-chan?" Pearl: "C-Could you be T-Tenryusai Elise-sensei?!" Elise: "Oh, you've heard of me?" Maya: "Who is she, Naruhodo-kun?" Pw: "From what I can see," Pw: "a fortune teller?" Elise: "I write picture books for children." Pw: "O-Oh, picture books?" Pearl: "Your art always makes me feel as if my heart has been purified!" Elise: "It makes me feel very happy to hear you say that." Maya: "Maybe I should to try to write a picture book, too." Elise: "I'm sure you'll be able to write a most wonderful book." Maya: "All right! Please take me under your wing! Ouch!" Elise: "Oh no! Are you hurt?" Maya: "I-I'm fine." Pw: "That's what you get for trying to neglect your training." Pw: "I'm sorry." Elise: "Come to think of it, another man recently asked me to make him my apprentice." Pearl: "Apprentice?" Elise: "He calls himself Tenryusai Mathis. I believe he's off doing some landscape sketches now." Pw: "Um..." Pw: "Are you here to do research for a new book?" Elise: "Yes, something like that." Elise: "Well, you'll have to excuse me now. I have to go help with the dinner preparations." Pearl: "You mean you're cooking?" Elise: "That's right. We're having curry tonight." Pearl: "I'd like to help, too!" Elise: "My, thank you." Maya: "Then me, too!" Elise: "No." Elise: "The two of us will be fine. You should go see the inner temple, where you'll be training tonight." Elise: "Can you do that, Mayoi-san?" Maya: "Sure!" Pw: "Harumi-chan was completely taken with her." Maya: "Well, Elise-sensei is a wonderful lady!" Pw: "Oh!" Pw: "There's Dusky Bridge!" Maya: ""Dusky Bridge"? More like Decay Bridge." Maya: "What's wrong? Why is your face green?" Pw: "Uh, well, I'm just a little scared of heights." Pw: "If I fell from here..." Maya: "Just cross it quick!" Pw: "I thought I was gonna die." Maya: "Hurry up, Naruhodo-kun!" Maya: "Pardon us!" Pw: "This is some place." Pw: "That rock looks like it could crumble at any moment." Maya: "So this is the Inner Temple's Hermit Hall!" Maya: "Yikes, even the inside looks like it could collapse anytime." Pw: "Is this really where you're going to train?" Maya: "It's kinda creepy. Like a ghost might jump out!" Pw: "A spirit medium afraid of ghosts? How ironic." Maya: "Eek! A ghost!" Pw: "Ow..." Maya: "Thank goodness! It's a person!" Maya: "Hey, I'm going to train here tonight." Iris: "Oh, I'm Ayame." Iris: "I'm one of the nuns here at this temple." Maya: "I'm Ayasato Mayoi. It's a pleasure to meet you." Iris: "The pleasure is mine. Well, I have some chores to attend to." Pw: "H-Hey! One moment!" Pw: "A-Are you..." Maya: "Ah!" Maya: "N-Naruhodo-kun, this..." Pw: "What about this hanging scroll?" Maya: "Th-This..." Maya: "It's my mother." Maya: "Ayasato Maiko, the Master of the Kurain School of Channeling." Pw: "Are you sure?" Maya: "See the crest at the top?" Maya: "That's the symbol of a Kurain Master." Pw: "What is it?" Maya: "If it wasn't for that crest," Maya: "I wouldn't have known it was my mother." Maya: "I haven't seen her in over fifteen years, so I don't even remember her face." Pw: "Mayoi-chan..." Maya: "You okay? Your face is dark green now." Pw: "Y-Yeah, I don't think I'm okay." Lb: "Hey, you two!" Lb: "Don't stand around there! You're ruining my sketch—" Maya: "Wait, you're..." Lb: "Pleased to meet you. I'm Tenryusai Mathis!" Pw: "Pull the other one! You're just Yahari!" Lb: "Shut up! I'm Mathis! And I'm here to sketch Dusky Bridge!" Maya: ""Tenryusai"? Oh, are you the apprentice?" Lb: "I just realized I didn't like this guy known as Yahari Masashi. And that's when I came across Tenryusai Elise-sensei's picture books!" Maya: "Was your heart washed anew?" Lb: "Exactly! Washed anew!" Maya: "Whoa! So cool!" Pearl: "Dinner is ready, everyone." Iris: "Please come to the Main Hall." Maya: "Time for curry!" Pw: "Ayame-san..." Lb: "Ayame-chan!" Iris: "Here you are." Pw: "She really does look like her." Pw: "It can't be! There's no way she'd be here!" Maya: "All right! I had my curry! It's time to train!" Pearl: "Please don't overdo it, Mayoi-sama." Maya: "No pain, no gain." Pw: "That's a scary thought." Elise: "Good luck, Mayoi-san." Maya: "I will! See you later!" Biki: "Ayame, ring the bell at 10 PM for lights out, okay?" Iris: "Yes, Bikini-sama." Elise: "Harumi-chan. If you'd like, you can come to my room. We can read some books together." Pearl: "Really? Um... I'm not very good at reading." Elise: "We can practice together, then." Pearl: "Ah! I'd love to!" Pearl: "What does this say?" Elise: "That's "gravely."" Pearl: "What about this word, then?" Elise: ""Sunder." They're both difficult words." Pearl: "Thank you so much!" Pw: "What the heck is Harumi-chan even reading?" Lb: "See ya, Naruhodo. I'm going back to sketching. The snow ignites my artistic passion." Lb: "Don't try to stop me!" Pw: "Who would bother?" Pw: "Is it gonna snow even more?" Pw: "That tree has a real aura. Is it a weeping cherry?" Pw: "A-Ayame-san..." Iris: "Good night!" Pw: "Please wait!" Iris: "How can I help you, Naruhodo-san?" Pw: "Why does she know my name?" Pw: "I know this is rude, but could you take off your hood?" Pw: "Please." Pw: "This is no mere resemblance! She's clearly... But she should still be in prison!" Iris: "U-Um, what is it?" Pw: "Sorry for staring. Can we talk for a bit?" Iris: "Sure." Pw: "When did you come to Hazakura Temple?" Iris: "It's been my home ever since I was a small child. I don't have any family left, you see." Pw: "This is a training spot that boosts one's spiritual powers, right?" Iris: "Yes. I've heard it's a distant branch of the Kurain School of Channeling." Pw: "Sounds like a whole different world to me." Iris: "And that's how it should be." Iris: "Speaking with the dead doesn't help anyone. I hate the idea very much." Iris: "Look at the time. I have to go ring the bell for lights out." Pw: "Sorry for keeping you." Iris: "Um, Naruhodo-san..." Pw: "Yes?" Iris: "If you don't mind," Iris: "please take this." Iris: "This hood protects you from evil spirits. I pray for your safety on this dark night." Pw: "But what about you?" Iris: "Don't worry. I'll be fine." Pw: "Thank you. Uh, have you and I ever met before?" Iris: "I-I'm sorry! It's almost 10 PM!" Pw: "She really does know me." Pw: "I'll have to try talking to her again tomorrow." Bi: "Gyaaah!" Pw: "What the hell?!" Pw: "What's that?" Pw: "Elise-sensei?!" Pw: "E-Elise-sensei?! N-No..." Pw: "B-Bikini-san! Why were you lying there?" Bi: "I passed out, obviously! Anyway, call the police! Hurry!" Pw: "Got it!" Pw: "Shoot! I left my cell phone back at the office!" Bi: "Useless! There's a public phone by Dusky Bridge! Get over there!" Pw: "Understood!" Pw: "What the...?" Pw: "Mayoi-chan!" Lb: "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Pw: "Let me go, Yahari! I must go!" Lb: "Don't be stupid! The bridge is toast!" Pw: "Call the police, Yahari!" Pw: "There's been a murder at Hazakura Temple!" Lb: "What?" Pw: "The murderer might have fled across the bridge! And Mayoi-chan's in the Inner Temple!" Lb: "B-B-But..." Pw: "Please! Call the police! I've got to go!" Lb: "Naruhodo!" Me: "Hello?" Lb: "It's me! Tenryusai Mathis!" Me: "Yahari?" Lb: "He's... Naruhodo's..." Me: "Tell me what happened." Pw: "I'm reading the trial record of Chihiro-san's very first case. The kidnapping incident at Dusky Bridge eleven years ago," Pw: "the death row inmate who died, and Miyanagi Chinami..." Pw: "These files contained truths I had no idea about. Last night, after plunging into the river from the burning Dusky Bridge, I miraculously survived," Pw: "but I caught a nasty cold and was hospitalized." Pw: "But I can't just lie around in bed. I don't know what happened at Hazakura Temple, but the police investigated the murder of Tenryusai Elise-san and arrested Ayame-san for it." Pw: "Ayame-san is not a murderer." Pw: "And more than anything, I'm worried about Mayoi-chan. Because the bridge burned down, she's still trapped in the Inner Temple." Pw: "Damn... I don't have time to waste here." Me: "Looks like you're still alive." Pw: "Mitsurugi?" Me: "Yahari called me. He said you fell into a river and died." Pw: "I'm alive, as you can see. The hood probably saved my life." Pw: "Thanks for coming to see me, Mitsurugi." Me: "I just happened to be back in the country, is all." Pw: "I feel pathetic for being stuck here at a time like this. If only I had two bodies." Pw: "Mitsurugi, I have a favor to ask!" Pw: "Take this." Me: "What is this about?" Pw: "I want you to defend Ayame-san in court." Me: "D-Don't be silly! I'm a prosecutor!" Pw: "Yeah, I know." Pw: "I know better than anyone." Pw: "And I know you can do this." Me: "There's no going back now." Iris: "I'm Hazakurain Ayame." Me: "I'm Mitsurugi Reiji. I'm here on Naruhodo Ryuichi's request." Iris: "Um, is Naruhodo-san all right?" Me: "He's fine. He has a cold, but he's unhurt otherwise." Iris: "I'm so glad! I'd heard that he died!" Me: "Yahari, you moron! How could you say something like that?" Iris: "Thank goodness!" Me: "If you don't mind me asking..." Me: "I have a feeling that you and I have met before." Iris: "It must be your imagination. I hardly ever leave Hazakura Temple." Me: "I see." Me: "Are you training to boost your spiritual powers, too?" Iris: "I have no such powers. But I've committed some sins that I need to atone for." Iris: "That's why I train to purify my soul." Me: "Could you tell me about last night, the night of the murder?" Iris: "Of course. After dinner, I saw Miss Trainee and Bikini-sama off to the Inner Temple, and at 10 PM, I rang the bell for lights out." Iris: "After that, I stayed in my room until it happened." Me: "Answer me this simple question. You didn't kill Tenryusai Elise, did you?" Iris: "No, I'm not the one who took her life." Me: "I visited Naruhodo at the hospital before coming here." Me: "That's when he asked me. He asked me to defend you in the trial tomorrow." Iris: "Naruhodo-san did?" Me: "Ayame-san, you knew him from before, didn't you?" Iris: "Wh-Why would you think that?" Me: "Whenever you came up in our conversation, he acted a little strange. I could tell." Iris: "Mitsurugi-sama, are you his friend?" Me: "He is an irreplaceable friend." Iris: "I understand." Iris: "Five years ago, I deceived him." Me: ""Deceived"?" Iris: "Yes. Because I was a weak person." Iris: "And I heard that it caused him a lot of pain." Iris: "So I decided never to show my face to him again." Me: "If you ask me, he is still suffering. And he will continue to suffer until he learns the truth." Me: "It's not too late." Me: "You should tell him the truth." Iris: "Very well. I promise." Me: "In tomorrow's trial, I'll defend you with everything I have!" Me: "All right. That should do it. Now I need information about the murder." Me: "I think I'll do things your way in tomorrow's trial." Pw: "As I'm stuck in bed, the situation continues to develop." Pw: "And the Inner Temple remains cut off from it all." Pw: "Please be all right, Mayoi-chan!" Pw: "Objection! Ayame-san was arrested for the murder of Elise-sensei. And Mitsurugi, who's going to investigate the case and defend her for me..." Pw: "We still don't know if Mayoi-chan is okay, too. The stage of the case Chihiro-san once handled is linked to this one all these years later."

Pw: "My name is Phoenix Wright, attorney-at-law. When my clients are accused of crimes they didn't commit, I fight for them, believing in them to the very end." Pw: "That is my duty!" Time: "The time is 1:00 AM." G: "The announced time has passed. I'm glad the jewel is still safe." Gum: "It musta been our rock-solid security that scared him off!" Gum: "We've been had!" Mask: "Better luck next time, gentlemen!" Gum: "The phantom thief, Mask DeMasque! We shall meet again when the moon is next full!" Maya: "What, you're cleaning the toilet again?" Pw: "I've got nothing else to do. The cases have dried up lately." Maya: "How pathetic. I hope I never end up like you." Pw: "And what about you? What happened to training?" Maya: "It can take a backseat, since I'm so busy right now." Pw: "Says the girl who spent all of yesterday on the couch." Maya: "H-Hey! I know all about your "secret" game sessions too, you know!" Pearl: "I see you two are as close as ever." Pearl: "That makes me really happy." Maya: "Pearly?" Pw: "Pearls!" Pw: "I'm glad you're here. So what's going on?" Pearl: "Haven't you heard, Nick?" Pw: "Kurain Village? Isn't that...?" Maya: "That's right! It's my and Pearly's hometown!" Pearl: "The exhibition doesn't actually start until next week, but the promoter sent us some special VIP entry passes!" Maya: "That's why I dressed up extra special today! What do you think?" Pw: "Uh, you look the same as any other day." Pw: "This young lady here is Maya Fey... The younger sister of my friend and mentor, Mia Fey." Pw: "I first met her two years ago." Pw: "The case surrounding Mia's death brought us together." Pw: "Kurain Village is the home of the mysterious Kurain Channeling Technique." Pw: "And Maya's the daughter of the Kurain School's master. She's in training to become a proper spirit medium." Pw: "And... This is Pearl Fey. She's Maya's cousin, and another spirit medium in training." Mayoi: "I didn't know they'd finished the poster. That's a great shot of the sacred urn." Pearl: "I-I'm sorry I ruined it. I'm terrible at arts and crafts... and spelling, too." Maya: "D-Don't worry! I'm sure Mystic Ami's happy that you put it back together!" Pw: "One year ago, there was a murder in Kurain Village. And Pearls broke the urn which bore the name of the Kurain School's founder, Ami Fey, and contained her soul." Pw: "It turned out to be an important clue in that case." ews: "Breaking news. There's been a theft in the treasure exhibit set to be held at the Lordly Tailor." ews: "The Kurain's Sacred Urn, part of the exhibit, was stolen. The authorities have announced that they believe it was the work of the renowned phantom thief, Mask DeMasque." Pw: "Masque the Mask?" Pearl: "I've heard of him. He only targets rare treasures." Pearl: "He's a phantom thief who's been the talk of the town recently!" Pw: "Phantom thief..." Maya: "O-Our most valuable treasure... The Kurain's sacred urn..." Maya: "The urn!" Godot: "Richness that stimulates the throat, and a sourness that lingers on the tongue..." Godot: "It's exquisite. Life is nothing without stimulation. Getting too close to heaven or hell on earth will only leave a bitter aftertaste." ews: "Here at the Lordly Tailor, where the police are still investigating..." God: "It's time for the party to begin." Maya: "Curse that phantom thief! How dare he steal the Kurain's sacred urn!" Pearl: "Nick! Now that it's come to this, it's up to us to catch that villain!" Maya: "Yeah! Get the urn back for us!" Pw: "But I'm an attorney, not a private eye." Pearl: "That doesn't matter in the least! If you're a real gentleman, you'll do whatever it takes for your beloved!" Pw: "Man, oh man. There's no winning against Pearl's fairy tale image of love. But it won't be easy to get inside... Ack!" Maya: "Excuse me. Coming through." Cop: "Sorry, off-limits to outsiders." Maya: "I'm no outsider! I even have a lawyer! And that's my cousin!" Pw: "How does having a cousin help?" Aa: "Mr. Wright!" Pw: "Ms. Andrews!" Aa: "Thank you so much for your help back then." Pw: "I was so surprised to see you here. This is Adrian Andrews." Pw: "I came to know her on a case six months ago." Aa: "Life has changed. I'm now in charge of planning and promotion for Lordly Tailor." Aa: "Um... I'm truly sorry!" Aa: "I let a precious artifact be stolen. As the one responsible, I... I..." Maya: "No! Mask DeMasque is the one in the wrong!" Pw: "Yeah, so don't blame yourself." Aa: "Sorry... And thank you." Pearl: "Please tell us what you know about the theft." Aa: "Actually, that phantom thief sent a calling card ten days ago." Pw: "A calling card?" Aa: "It said he would steal the most valuable item in the exhibit." Pw: "Is that urn really so valuable?" Maya: "Of course it is! It's got Mystic Ami's soul in it!" Pw: "Nobody cares." Aa: "But the appraisal said it had zero financial value." Maya: "Zero?" Aa: "But I did my best to polish it so it'd look more valuable!" Maya: "But it's got her soul in it." Aa: "O-Of course, money isn't everything! I'm perfectly aware of how important it is to the Kurain Village! I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Aa: "The urn was being stored in here before the exhibit." Pw: "But this doesn't look like the scene of a robbery at all." Gum: "You guys again?" Pw: "Detective Gumshoe!" Gum: "Why is it that every time something bad happens, you always show up?" Pw: "I should be asking you that." Pearl: "Oh, look. It's Mystic Ami!" Pw: "Huh... Very impressive." Aa: "Why is it over there?" Pw: "Is something the matter?" Aa: "Oh, no." Aa: "That's a statue of the inventor of the Kurain Channeling Technique, Ami Fey. It was delivered here yesterday afternoon." Pearl: "As successor to the Fey family, you'll become a master just like her someday, right?" Maya: "Huh? I-I guess?" Luke: "Greetings, ladies and gentlemen!" Pw: "What's all this?" Luke: "Welcome to my private little Banquet of Chaos!" Luke: "Now I see. It's all becoming clear." Maya: "Wh-What do you see?" Pw: "Zvarri! The truth has once again been elegantly revealed to me!" Luke: "A lawyer, and a spirit medium. Neither very advanced at their trade." Maya: "How did you know that?!" Luke: ""How," you ask? To a universal skeptic, how is nothing but a question of why. I am a traveler of both time and space, and a swimmer of dreams." Maya: "What is he talking about? I can't make heads nor tails of it." Pw: "His rambling aside, the exhibit poster had information about you. And I'm wearing my attorney's badge." Luke: "Let me introduce myself. The name is Luke Atmey. Ace Detective." Pw: ""Ace Detective"?" Pearl: "I saw him on the news, in the "Great People of the Town" segment!" Pw: "I've never even heard of that." Luke: "Oh dear, Sir Lawyer. I had no idea anyone was left in this city that had not heard of me! Very well. Let my legend enthrall you!" Luke: "I am Mask DeMasque's arch-enemy, the Ace Detective Luke Atmey! At this moment, there are two mighty figures which loom large over this grand city! On the night when the veil of dark evil covers the capital, the curtain shall be raised on our duel!" Maya: "Boy, I'm really lost now." Pw: "Same." Luke: "I have been personally on the heels of this villain since his first crime. And I thwarted his very latest loathsome larceny! I stole his target back from him! And I did it all by myself!" Luke: "One could say Mask DeMasque is my arch-enemy and my greatest rival!" Pw: "I see. 1:00 AM... Hang on a second! You were here last night?" Luke: "Naturally! Wherever DeMasque goes, you will find Atmey laying his elegant traps." Maya: "And he out-eleganced you to make a beautiful getaway?" Luke: "I allowed him to escape with the illusion of victory." Pw: "But why were you guarding this place?" Luke: "That lady there requested my services. It was twenty days ago, ten days before we received the calling card." Maya: "Huh? You were hired before the calling card even arrived?" Aa: "Yes. I had a premonition that something bad might happen." Luke: "And her worst premonitions were realized!" Pw: "A calling card arrived." Luke: "Yes! And, Ace Detective that I am, I laid a trap and waited for him alone." Maya: "Why didn't you go to the police for help?" Luke: "Why would I seek help from a useless group of nincompoops?" Gum: "U-Useless?" Luke: "Don't forget that I retrieved the stolen treasure last time. As Ace Detective, I am the only one who can match up to him." Luke: "Meanwhile, he gave you cops a good runaround." Luke: "Sir Lawyer, it seems to me as though you're in serious pursuit of the phantom thief." Maya: "That's right! We're gonna find the urn, no matter what!" Luke: "Excellent! I permit you to take a look around while I investigate elsewhere." Luke: "Well, Sir Lawyer, if you'll excuse me, I have much to do!" Pw: "What was that all about?" Gum: "Useless nincompoops, my foot!" Gum: "Hello?" Gum: "Huh?" Gum: "Mask DeMasque turned himself in?!" Gum: "Hang on a sec." Gum: "The guard will bring him soon." Pw: "You sure are in a happy mood, aren't you?" Gum: "Yup. We beat that weird detective, after all! Well, I need to file the damage report. See you later!" Pw: "He surrendered, so I don't know if that really counts as winning." Maya: "That's right, Nick!" Pw: "What's gotten into you?" Maya: "If you think about it, we're the victims here!" Pw: "Well, I guess so." ???: "Um..." Maya: "We're always on murder cases, so I'm used to thinking of the victim as a dead person." ???: "Excuse me." Maya: "Damn it! We have to get the urn." ???: "Don't just ignore me!" Pw: "When did you get here?" Pearl: "Is that him?" Ama: "U-Um... I'm Ron DeLite. You know me as, uh, Mask DeMasque...?" Pw: "You're the phantom thief?" Ama: "Th-That's right. Wait, is it? I don't really know if I can say one way or the other..." Maya: "This guy is kinda lame, Nick." Pearl: "I didn't catch the last part." Ama: "D-Don't look at me like that! I don't need your pity!" Maya: "Anyway, give back our urn!" Ama: "Of course! I promise I'll give it back! Wait, can I? I shouldn't make promises I can't keep..." Maya: "Jeez, make yourself clear!" Ama: "D-Don't yell at me!" Ama: "I, uh, lost the Kurain urn!" Pearl: "Huh?" Maya: "Wha..." All: "What?!" Pw: "What do you mean?" Ama: "Y-You know, these things happen... You're on the train, you get distracted, and you forget your bag." Maya: "You forgot our urn on a train?!" Pw: "You went on the train dressed like that?!" Ama: "N-No... I was just speaking hypothetically. Anyway, I'm sorry!" Maya: "No way..." Des: "Ronnie!" Ama: "D-Dessie!" Mar: "Don't worry. I'll always stand by you." Ama: "Dessie." Pw: "Uh..." Mar: "Oh, sorry. I'm Desirée DeLite." Ama: "She's, um, my wife." Maya: "Th-The phantom thief has a wife?" Pw: "I'm Phoenix Wright, a defense attorney." Mar: "A defense attorney? Will you defend my Ronnie?" Pw: "Uh, I'm afraid I can't say yet." Maya: "Besides, we're the victims here!" Mar: "Wait, are you Maya?" Pearl: "You know her?" Mar: "From the exhibition poster. You're the Kurain master's daughter, right?" Maya: "Gosh, am I that famous? You're making me blush!" Pw: "What happened to being the victim?" Mar: "Ronnie did what? That's impossible! Why would he steal an urn?" Pw: "Hey, Desirée. You must know, right? About your husband and Mask DeMasque?" Mar: "Mask DeMasque? I know all about it. Ronnie's his biggest fan." Pw: "Fan?" Mar: "Yes, and he can be pretty delusional sometimes." Pw: "W-Wait a second. What do you mean, delusional?" Mar: "Poor Ronnie actually believes that he's Mask DeMasque. Well, that's part of what makes him cute." Mar: "He's so timid, he looks up to heroic figures." Maya: "Heroic figures? But Mask DeMasque is a bad guy." Mar: "Anyway, if he really had stolen the urn, wouldn't he still have it?" Maya: "W-Well, I suppose so..." Mar: "The one thing I won't stand for is illegal activity." Pw: "I had the feeling you didn't." Mar: "Somebody framed my poor Ronnie, I just know it." Maya: "Framed?" Mar: "I know I'm being presumptuous," Mar: "but could you defend Ronnie?" Mar: "There's more to this case than meets the eye!" Mar: "Please! I beg you!" Pw: "Desirée..." Pw: "I understand. First, we'll need to investigate." Mar: "Really? I'm so glad! Thank you, Phoenix!" Maya: "Nick..." Pearl: "I'm disappointed in you, Nick!" Pw: "Pearls?" Maya: "Yeah! How can you defend him? We're the victims here!" Pw: "But what if Ron isn't really Mask DeMasque?" Maya: "You mean how she said he was delusional? Come on! She could be lying!" Pw: "Or she could be telling the truth." Pearl: "I can't believe you'd defend this person after what he did to Mystic Maya. I'll... I'll never ever forgive you!" Maya: "Pearly!" Pearl: "I'm sorry, Mystic Maya." Pearl: "Because of me, you two are..." Maya: "Don't be. You did nothing wrong." Pw: "But what if Ron isn't really Mask DeMasque?" Pearl: "What should we do now?" Maya: "Let's go meet Desirée one more time." Maya: "I want to know more about Ron." Pearl: "Right!" Pw: "Excuse me. I'm coming in!" Pw: "Our ace detective is out, huh?" Pw: "I need information about Mask DeMasque, so I guess I'll have to wait." Tape: "Better luck next time, gentlemen!" Mar: "I'm so glad you came." Maya: "Sorry for showing up without notice." Mar: "It's fine. It was a pleasant surprise that you two came to hang out." Maya: "Anyway..." Pearl: "This is impressive." Mar: "Ronnie's a crazy Mask DeMasque fan. I don't know what to do with him. So, what'd you wanna talk about?" Maya: "Right, well..." Mar: "Sorry, give me a sec. I'll get us some tea." Pw: "I want to see what's inside. Wait, I'm not Maya. But what if she were here?" Maya: "Come on, Nick! Look inside!" Pw: "No way! An attorney can't do that!" Maya: "What are you talking about? Now's your chance!" Pw: "W-Well..." Pw: "I guess a little peek wouldn't hurt." Maya: "Come on, Pearly! Time to investigate!" Pearl: "R-Right..." Maya: "No doubt about it. This is a phantom thief's hideout, all right." Pearl: "Are you all right, Mystic Maya?" Mar: "Coming!" Maya: "That's..." Pw: "What is this? It's hard and smooth." Luke: "I have returned! My, Sir Lawyer, I'm shocked to see a servant of the court ignoring the law so fragrantly." Pw: "S-Sorry." Luke: "Well, it matters not. Anyway, I heard that you'll be defending the phantom thief in tomorrow's trial." Pw: "Where did you hear that?" Luke: "I'll be taking the witness stand tomorrow. And Zvarri... I shall put an end to you, minion of the phantom thief!" Pw: "Minion?" Luke: "It is not I that is your greatest enemy. There is a far more dangerous threat that you will face during the trial." Pw: "What?" Luke: "If you're a defense attorney, you must've heard of him. The prosecutor whose equal cannot be found in this country. The man Ace Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth acknowledged as the best in this country. His name..." Luke: "Godot!" Godot: "I must do battle with you." Godot: "That is why I've returned from the depths of hell." Pw: "Objection! The case of the stolen Kurain urn continues. The trial of Mask DeMasque— Ron DeLite—begins." Pw: "Standing before me is the self-proclaimed undefeated, legendary prosecutor, Godot!" Pw: "And the witness who takes the stand is... When something smells, it's usually the Butz!" Pw: "Everything about the mysterious detective Atmey's behavior is fishy, too. Where does the truth lie?" Pw: "Find the contradictions! Reach out to the truth!"

Pw: "A murder took place at Hazakura Temple, a mountain getaway for training. Edgeworth, who took to court as the defense in a one-off, showed that the crime scene may have been falsified, and that the truth was crazier." God: "You call Mia Fey your mentor? I'd say you've learned nothing. You robbed her of her life. And now, you're about to let her sister suffer the same fate!" Pw: "The real scene of the murder was the Inner Temple's courtyard. And there, I spotted the signs of a terrifying crime." Pw: "Maya..." Gum: "The analysis results are in. The victim wrote this in her own blood." Pw: "Elise wrote this?" Pw: "But why is it backwards?" Gum: "That's what proves she wrote it herself, pal. Cornered by the culprit," Gum: "the victim had her back to the lantern." Gum: "Now, if she wrote the culprit's name in this position..." Pw: "It would look backwards to us!" Pw: "You said "the culprit's name." You mean Maya did it?" Gum: "Th-That's what HQ is thinking." Pw: "Maya..." Pw: "I remember this." Pw: "Elise was wearing it." Pw: "W-Wait, this crest!" Pw: "I saw it in the Inner Temple!" Pw: "Doesn't this symbolize..." Pw: "Why is it here?" Gum: "Oh, right. Just moments ago, I found something curious over there." Gum: "Curious, are we?" Pw: "Looks like someone tried to burn this." Pw: "What is this? The entire plan is written down here!" Pw: "Are these... instructions?" Pw: "Gumshoe, can I keep this for a while?" Gum: "Take it in this bag." Pw: "Iris!" Iris: "Mr. Wright..." Pw: "Please, hurry up and save Maya!" Iris: "Of course. I'm going to the Inner Temple now." : "Not so fast!" : "You wait in the Main Hall." Pw: "Why? I'm going with you!" : "I can't allow that." Pw: "Is it because Maya is a suspect now?" : "So you do understand, Phoenix Wright." Pw: "I'm counting on you, Iris!" Pw: "This is something only you can do!" Iris: "Right." : "Get going." Pw: "Yeah, I need to focus on what I can do, too." Bik: "Talk about a surprise." Bik: "You're still alive! Oh, may the gods have mercy!" Pw: "Quit paying your respects! I only fell in the river and caught a cold!" Bik: "Oh? That's great to hear!" Bik: "I suppose I've made a terrible mess of things, haven't I? I let Mystic Elise die, and then there's Iris, too." Pw: ""Mystic Elise"? Sister Bikini, I noticed that you refer to her as "Mystic Elise." Why is that? She wasn't here as an spirit medium." Bik: "W-Well..." Pw: "Look at what she was wearing." Pw: "This crest can also be seen on the hanging scroll in the training hall." Pw: "Isn't it reserved for the Master of Kurain?" Bik: "Why do you know that?" Pw: "The Master's daughter, Maya Fey, told me." Bik: "The Master's daughter? You mean that trainee..." Pw: "...is the next Master." Bik: "Mystic Misty!" Pw: "So Elise really was Misty Fey?" Bik: "She came here about a week ago." Bik: "When she showed me the talisman with that crest on it, I nearly fainted!" Bik: "No one had seen her in seventeen years!" Pw: "Why did she choose to show herself now?" Bik: "Mystic Misty said..." Mai: "The Kurain School's main family bloodline is in danger of dying out." Mai: "And I'm here to stop that from happening." Pw: "The main family bloodline?" Bik: "The Kurain School only has one successor." Bik: "The Master and her daughters alone can be called the main family." Pw: "And all the others are branch families?" Bik: "Yes." Bik: "So the Kurain's history is dotted with... incidents. Assassination plots where branch families tried to wipe out the main family." Pw: "Assassination? One year ago," Pw: "the Master's older sister tried to frame Maya for murder." Bik: "Morgan Fey... I think she's now..." Pw: "In prison." Pw: "Morgan Fey tried to make her daughter, Pearls, the Master." Bik: "If you know about Mystic Morgan, then you must've already realized the truth about Iris." Pw: "Iris?" Bik: "Iris is her daughter." Pw: "What?!" Bik: "Mystic Morgan had identical twin daughters." Pw: "Twin?" Pw: "Then Pearls had two older sisters who were twins?" Bik: "Long ago, when Mystic Morgan's husband at the time learned she wouldn't become the Master, he left her and Kurain Village, taking their twin daughters with him." Bik: "He decided to give one of his girls up, to be looked after at Hazakura Temple." Bik: "That was Iris." Pw: "About those twins... Do you know the other one's name?" Pw: "Was it... Dahlia?" Bik: "Ah, yes. I believe that was it." Pw: "Iris is Dahlia Hawthorne's twin sister?!" Bik: "Wh-What's going on?" Bik: "E-Earthquake!" Bik: "Gods help us!" Pw: "It died down." Bik: "Those tremors were strong! Th-The Inner Temple! The Sacred Cavern might crumble down!" Pw: "What?!" Pw: "Iris escaped?!" : "Due to Scruffy here!" Gum: "I'm so sorry!" : "That earthquake happened right after I got here with that woman." Gum: "I came to pick them up, and when I took my eye off her for a second... I have no excuse!" : "Useless fool! I've had checkpoints set up all across this area." Pw: "That won't be necessary." : "What do you mean, Phoenix Wright?" Pw: "You'll find Iris is over there." : "The Inner Temple? Don't be silly! It's completely isolated! There's nowhere to run!" Pw: "The girl I know would never run away." : "What happened?" Pw: "Th-The trick locks..." Pw: "There are more of them!" Pw: "Iris." Iris: "I apologize for running earlier." Iris: "I was worried about the Sacred Cavern." Gum: "Who could have done this?" : "It doesn't matter. We'll just have to remove them at once." Iris: "I believe that might be difficult." Pw: "Why's that?" Iris: "These trick locks can only be opened by the person who set them." Pw: "I forgot about that." Iris: "There are hundreds of possible combinations. Try each one, and it should unlock. But..." : "It might take a while." Iris: "Yes." Iris: "A whole day, probably." Pw: "No way!" : "Better late than never. Can you get started right away?" Iris: "Yes. I'll do what I can." Pw: "One more day... Can Maya hold out?" Pw: "Please be okay!" Me: "What a reckless man you are." Pw: "Edgeworth!" Pw: "I'm just trying to do whatever I can, as best I can." Pw: "What brings you here?" Me: "I came to confirm whether this crystal sphere really was the victim's." Pw: "Wow, so hardworking." Pw: "This is heavy." Me: "Also, I wanted to check this area one more time. We haven't found the real murder weapon yet." Pw: "Are these..." Pw: "bloodstains?" Pw: "You were right." Pw: "The real murder weapon was out here." Me: "I'll take it to forensics right away. We need to analyze the blood." Pw: "Yeah." Pw: "Why was Misty Fey carrying that around?" Me: "I looked into Iris." Me: "Something was bothering me since I first saw her at the detention center." Me: "I felt that I had met her before." Me: "I remember now. It was my first appearance in court, and it was my worst nightmare." Pw: "Dahlia Hawthorne, huh?" Me: "Yes, Dahlia Hawthorne." Me: "A woman you could never forget, either." Pw: "I was so surprised when I found out you'd known her, too." Me: "It seems she had a twin sister. And that's Sister Iris." Pw: "Yeah, I know. You've already gotten that far? That's impressive." Me: "For a moment, I felt Dahlia Hawthorne's shadow looming over this case." Me: "I knew that it was an impossibility, of course." Pw: "What do you mean?" Me: "Dahlia Hawthorne is gone now." Me: "It was carried out last month..." Me: "She was executed." Pw: "What?" Me: "It probably comes as a shock to you, but surely you understand now. You won't find her involved in this case." Me: "The dead can never come back." Pw: ""The dead can never come back"?" Iris: "Is that you, Mister Wright?" Pw: "Yes." Iris: "I'm sorry. It looks like I really can't get the door opened until tomorrow." Pw: "Please keep going." Pw: "I'm here to ask you something." Iris: "What is it?" Pw: "It's about the night of the murder. After ringing the bell for lights out at 10 PM, you stayed in your room in the main temple, or so you claim." Iris: "Do you think I'm lying?" Pw: "I met you there myself just before you rang the bell." Pw: "I heard the bell, too." Pw: "But someone saw you in the Inner Temple at around the same time, 10 PM." Iris: "Sister Bikini?" Pw: "Yes. I hear she testified in court today that she not only saw you, but also spoke to you." Pw: "That would mean there were two of you that night." Iris: "What kind of joke is that? There was another of me?" Pw: "Dahlia Hawthorne..." Pw: "Your twin sister, who was executed recently." Iris: "Mister Wright..." Iris: "The dead can never come back." Pw: "Sadly, that basic fact of life doesn't apply here." Pw: "I don't need to explain myself, do I? The other "you" who showed up here that night" Pw: "was the spirit of Dahlia Hawthorne, channeled by a medium." Iris: "You never cease to amaze, Mister Wright." Pw: "So you did know after all. Why didn't you say so?" Iris: "As a traitor, I couldn't get in Sister's way." Pw: ""Traitor"?" Iris: "You know about it, don't you? The fake kidnapping from a decade ago." Iris: "That incident turned our destiny on its head." Iris: "Sister committed crime after crime, and lost her life due to it." Iris: "It was all because I betrayed her." Pw: "You betrayed her?" Iris: "It was no coincidence that Dusky Bridge was the location for the ransom handover." Iris: "In the original plan, I was supposed to help her." Pw: "What?" Iris: "But I was so scared. I ended up running away." Pw: "Of course! Nobody would want to be an accomplice to a crime! Especially if it involved stealing 2 million from their own father!" Iris: "That was Sister's way of getting revenge on the man who abandoned Mother because she couldn't be Master." Pw: "Your mother... Morgan Fey?" Iris: "Yes. I should have helped Sister back then." Iris: "Anyway, I should get back to the locks." Pw: "Can I ask you one last thing?" Iris: "What is it?" Pw: "After Dahlia Hawthorne poisoned a defense attorney six years ago," Pw: "she started dating a certain college student." Pw: "Have you heard anything about him?" Iris: "I did hear one thing." Iris: "She said she hated his guts." Pw: "Thank you." Lb: "There, all done!" Lb: "Damn, that's hot!" Lb: "Here, eat up." Pearl: "Thank you." Pw: "That looks good." Pearl: "Nick." Lb: "What do you want? You're not getting our potatoes!" Pw: "I don't want any." Pw: "I'm here to talk to Pearls." Pearl: "To me?" Pw: "The reason we came to Hazakura Temple at all was because you showed us that magazine, wasn't it?" Pw: "That article..." Pw: "Did someone ask you to show it to Maya?" Pearl: "How could you tell?" Pw: "This was found in the incinerator by the Inner Temple." Pw: "It's a written plan for this entire incident. Looks like it didn't totally burn up." Pw: "You were the one who channeled Dahlia Hawthorne that night, weren't you?" Pw: "Do you know who she is?" Pearl: "N-No." Lb: "Hey, Nick! If you bully Pearl, I'll stuff your face with a super hot potato!" Pw: "I said I don't want any!" Pearl: "I don't know about any letter! D-Do you have any proof that I did it?!" Pw: "Pearls..." Lb: "Yeah, yeah! Where's the proof?" Pw: "All the pieces just fell into place." Pw: "I now know how this entire incident went down. That night, someone followed the instructions in the letter and channeled Dahlia Hawthorne's spirit. Whoever did it was a child." Pearl: "Huh?" Pw: "I mean, no adult would've made a simple mistake like that." Pw: "There was curry splattered on the hanging scroll in the Inner Temple." Pw: "You did that, didn't you?" Pearl: "How did you know?" Pw: "I remembered what happened that night." Pw: ""Gravely"... "sunder"... You learned how to read them, but you didn't learn what they meant." Pw: ""Gravely sunder the Master, roast her in the fires of Hades"..." Lb: "Oh, d-don't tell me..." Pw: "Am I right, Pearls?" Pearl: ""Gravely" sounded like "gravy" to me." Pw: "And that's why you covered the picture of the Master in curry gravy." Pearl: "I'm sorry." Pw: "Your mother wrote this letter to you, didn't she?" Pw: "It was Morgan Fey." Pw: "That's why you followed the instructions." Pearl: "She said in the letter that it was her final wish, and that I had to follow the instructions carefully." Pw: ""Final wish"?" Pearl: "Mother said it would help Mystic Maya, too." Pw: "Morgan said that?" Pearl: "She told me about the letter when I went to visit her. She said she hid it in our home." Pw: "So Morgan planned this before she got arrested?" Pearl: "However..." Pearl: "The seal on that letter was broken, as if someone had already opened it." Pw: "Someone had opened it already?" Pearl: "Yes." Lb: "It wasn't me!" Pw: "So someone read this letter before Pearls did?" Pearl: "I'm a bad girl. That must be why I lost my powers." Pw: "You lost your powers?" Pw: "After dinner that night, I didn't go to Miss Elise's room. I was too worried about Mystic Maya. I see. You went to the Inner Temple." Pearl: "The letter said to channel the spirit once I heard the bell for lights out." Pw: "So you called Dahlia Hawthorne's spirit?" Pearl: "Well..." Pearl: "I couldn't do it!" Pw: "You couldn't?" Pearl: "It had never happened before! I was so shocked, but I had to follow the instructions in the letter." Pw: "And that's why you splattered the curry." Pearl: "I tried over and over to summon the spirit," Pearl: "but I just couldn't do it." Pw: "Can you think of any other explanation for why you couldn't channel her?" Pearl: "There's one other possibility. Someone else might've already channeled her. There's only one of each spirit." Pw: "Someone channeled Dahlia before Pearls did?" Pearl: "Mystic Maya is all right, isn't she?" Pearl: "I'm sure Mother is watching over her!" Pw: "Y-Yeah, that's right." Morgan: "You've done so well, my dear Pearl." Morgan: "It's better that you know nothing. The blood of the main family is no more. Now you are to finally take your place as the Master of the clan."

Pw: "At Hazakura Temple, a mountain training retreat, picture book author Elise Deauxnim was murdered." Pw: "The first day of the trial ended with big questions yet to be answered." Pw: "There were shocking facts everywhere in the incident." Pw: "The real crime scene was the Inner Temple, not the main Hazakura Temple. The victim, Elise, was Misty Fey, Maya's missing mother." Pw: "Iris's twin sister was executed last month. It was Dahlia Hawthorne, of all people." Pw: "And then I hit upon the terrifying truth. All of this was carried out with the help of a blissfully ignorant Pearls, and it was all part of a grand plot by Morgan Fey." Pw: "Her objective was to wipe out the main bloodline of the Kurain school." Pw: "We still don't know if Maya is okay." Pw: "Please be all right!" Pearl: "I see..." Pearl: "Mystic Maya is still trapped in there?" Pw: "Yeah." Pw: "Iris is trying to disable the trick locks for us." Me: "If you're talking about Sister Iris," Me: "she's here at the courthouse now." Pw: "Edgeworth..." Me: "To discuss her testimony with the prosecution." Pw: "She's testifying?" Pearl: "Um... But what about Mystic Maya?" Me: "Don't worry. Someone else is working on the locks while she's here." Pw: "Who?" Me: "Franziska von Karma." Me: "She's been at it without sleep since last night, with the help of the head nun." Pw: "Then, today's trial..." Me: "...will be led by that man. "Godot," was it?" Pw: "Prosecutor Godot!" Me: "Well, I leave the rest in your capable hands," Me: "partner." Pw: "Sure thing. I got this." Pw: "The final showdown is about to begin." Pw: "Watch me, Maya!" J: "Court is now back in session for the trial of Sister Iris." Pw: "Uh..." Pw: "Why are you here?" J: "My little brother fainted with a scorching fever, so I'm standing in for him." Pw: "They were brothers?" J: "Your opening statement, Prosecutor Godot." God: "People's hearts change with the shifting of the tides. In this crazy world," God: "there is only one constant..." God: "The bitter darkness that lies at the bottom of this mug." Pw: "What are you getting at?" God: "I'm saying the prosecution's plan has changed. During the last trial, the accused refused to admit her role in the crime. But she has had a change of heart." God: "Sister Iris has a confession to make, it seems." Pw: ""Confession"?" Pw: "Why didn't you talk to me about this, Iris?" God: "Upon meeting a pretty lady, ask for her name and profession. That's one of my rules." Iris: "My name is Iris. I am but a simple nun undergoing training at Hazakura Temple." Pw: "Iris, what do you need to confess?" Iris: "I'm so sorry." Iris: "I can't continue lying to everyone anymore." Iris: "I did play a part in this terrible incident." J: "Are... Are you actually confessing?" J: "Are you saying that you were the one who murdered Elise Deauxnim?" Iris: "No, Your Honor, but I dealt with the cover up." Pw: "Cover up?" Iris: "I took her lifeless shell to the Hazakura Temple's courtyard," Iris: "where I desecrated it." J: "That was your doing?" Iris: "Yes. I did it to cover for her." Pw: "Wait a second! Who do you mean by "her"?" Iris: "Even if it meant dirtying my own hands, I had to protect her... The daughter of the Master of the Kurain School of Channeling, Mystic Maya Fey." Pw: "Objection!" Pw: "That's ridiculous! Maya could never..." J: "Either way, we must hear the defendant out first." Iris: "I went to the Inner Temple that night, took over for Sister Bikini, and assisted Mystic Maya with her training." Pw: "But didn't you testify that you never went to the Inner Temple that night?" Iris: "Well, I was lying to protect her. When Maya passed through the garden after getting ready for her training, Elise suddenly showed up and started attacking her with her staff! While Maya was still stumbling, Elise cast aside her staff and brought out a dagger from her robe." Iris: "Maya tried desperately to defend herself and stole the weapon." Iris: "It was only in self-defense!" Iris: "Elise tried to kill Maya!" Iris: "That's why I tried my best to protect her!" God: "If you moved the body to Hazakura Temple, Maya Fey wouldn't be suspected. Not a bad idea." Pw: "Iris... I still don't know why you're doing this," Pw: "but your testimony has a clear contradiction." Pw: "Elise couldn't have cast this staff aside." Pw: "This thing has a gimmick." J: "I-Isn't that..." J: "Isn't that blood?!" J: "Whose blood is it?!" Pw: "It's being analyzed as we speak. But it doesn't make sense that she'd throw this sword away and use a smaller one." Pw: "In the first place, Elise would never try to murder Maya Fey!" God: "How can you be so sure?" Pw: "Because the victim's real name was not "Elise Deauxnim."" Pw: "Her real name was Misty Fey." J: "Fey?" Iris: "N-No..." Pw: "Misty Fey was the Master of the Kurain, who'd been missing for years. She was also Maya Fey's mother!" J: "Are you serious?!" Iris: "It can't be..." Pearl: "M... Mystic Misty?!" Pw: "Why would she try to kill her daughter, who she hadn't seen in 17 years?" Pw: "What reason could she possibly have had?!" J: "Order! Order in the court!" God: "Well..." God: "I'm sure it's a long story. When we investigated the Inner Temple's garden again, we discovered this little beauty that backs up the testimony." God: "There's a bloodstain on its tip." God: "We're still waiting on forensics for this one, too." J: "Are you saying that was the murder weapon?" God: "That is the prosecution's belief." J: "This photo of the crime scene seems odd. Why was the snow around the lantern cleared out?" J: "Oh? There's something written on the lantern." J: "I-Is that... a m-message written in blood?! It says "Maya" backwards!" Iris: "That's right! After Elise was stabbed, she reached out behind her and wrote her killer's name in her own blood!" Pw: "Crap! I forgot about that!" God: "Hold it!" God: "Hang on just a minute. What are you all talking about?" Pw: "What do you mean? We're talking about that message written in blood." God: "Nonsense. Are you saying there's something written on the lantern?" Pw: "Could it be..." Pw: "He can't see it?" J: "Anyway, this is a vital clue." J: "What do you say?" J: "Prosecutor Godot?" God: "R-Right... Let's move on, witness." Pw: "Is Prosecutor Godot panicking?" Iris: "After it happened," Iris: "I thought it was my duty to protect the future Master of the Kurain School." Iris: "And so, we decided that I would move the body using the snowmobile." God: "Yeah. There were clear snowmobile tracks from the bridge to Hazakura Temple." Pw: "Clear tracks from Dusky Bridge..." Iris: "That reminds me. When I carried the body to the bridge, the snow had already stopped." Pw: ""The snow had already stopped"? Are you absolutely certain?" Iris: "Huh? Y-Yes, I remember it clearly." Pw: "Objection!" Pw: "That just isn't true." Pw: "That night, the snow stopped falling at 10:50 PM. Five minutes before it did, something crazy happened." Iris: "What do you mean?" God: "Oh, right..." Pw: "It appears that you are unaware" Pw: "of the lightning strike that hit Dusky Bridge." Iris: "L-Lightning strike?" Pw: "You couldn't have moved the body across!" Pw: "Because the bridge was already on fire!" Pw: "In other words, witness, your testimony..." Pw: "is a complete and utter lie!" Pw: "Iris is trying to frame Maya." Pw: "But why?!" J: "Witness! Lying under oath will bring a contempt of court charge!" God: "The snow stopped five minutes after the lightning strike?" God: "How laughable." God: "Weather in the mountains is as fickle as a maiden's heart. It changes unpredictably all the time." Iris: "Right! It's just like a maiden's heart!" Pw: "You can't be serious." God: "Listen up." God: "That night, the victim's body was moved to Hazakura Temple. That fact remains. Can you provide a better explanation for it?" Iris: "Yeah, yeah! Are you saying a corpse jumped across the burning bridge?" Pw: "That's right. The body did cross the burning Dusky Bridge somehow." Pearl: "Nick..." J: "It certainly was burned to a crisp. And one of the suspension wires is gone." Pw: "Is that it?" Pw: "Is that what happened?!" God: "It seems you have no other explanation. That means you have no right to call this witness a liar." Pw: "Objection!" Pw: ""A corpse jumped across the burning bridge"?" Pw: "Believe it or not, it's not entirely implausible." God: "It's not entirely implausible, eh? But it does seem implausible that you could back that claim up." Pw: "I don't know about that." Pw: "After all, there was a witness." God: "What?" Pw: "I'll have to bulldoze my way through this." Pw: "It was Laurice Deauxnim! A potential genius picture book author!" J: "Genius..." God: "...picture book author..." Iris: "Potential?" Crowd: "Who's that? Never heard of him." Pw: "He was in a nearby shack on the night of the murder." Pw: "And that's when he witnessed the moment in question." God: "The moment in question?" Pw: "This sketch is an exact drawing of what he saw." J: "Are you really doing this?" J: "Are you using those scribbles to claim the victim flew through the air?" Pw: "Yes, Your Honor!" God: "Now that you've brought it out, don't try to take it back." Pw: "Of course not! The truth is hiding in this sketch!" God: "Then let me ask you." God: "What are you trying to say with those scribbles?" Pw: "This sketch that Laurice Deauxnim drew is a complete contradiction!" J: "We know that already!" Pw: "No, no. That's not what I mean. Take a look at this photo." Pw: "The suspension wires are below the bridge. But in this sketch, the wires appear to be above the guard wires." J: "Maybe the artist just saw it wrong?" Iris: "Or perhaps he just drew it wrong." God: "Or you're wrong in the head." Pw: "He drew what he saw. There has to be a reason behind this difference. According to the court records, Laurice Deauxnim was sketching "in his dreams" back then." God: ""In his dreams"?" Pw: "And right then," Pw: "lightning shoots from the sky and sets the bridge aflame. He witnessed that moment, yes..." Pw: "lying on his back!" Iris: "What?" Pw: "The scene he saw was actually upside down!" God: "So that's what the sketch is supposed to look like." Pw: "The victim's body wasn't flying above the bridge." Pw: "It was actually swinging below!" Pw: "That's right!" Pw: "Just like a pendulum!" God: "Objection!" God: "Dusky Bridge is 20 meters long!" God: "Where would you find a rope to swing across it?" Pw: "It's right there." God: "What?" Pw: "Don't you see it?" J: "Th-The snapped suspension wire?!" Pw: "When lightning struck the bridge," Pw: "one of the suspension wires was coming loose from its anchor. The culprit tied the body to it on the spur of the moment" Pw: "and swung it across to the other side." Pw: "They had to move the body to Hazakura Temple at all costs." Pw: "But they couldn't cross a burning bridge. This was the only way they could move the body!" J: "Order! Order in the court!" Iris: "Mister Wright!" Iris: "Do you have any proof that the culprit really did such a thing?" Pw: "Of course I do." Pw: "The victim's body had bruises consistent with a fall from a two-story building." Pw: "After swinging across the bridge, the body crashed into the ground." Pw: "And that impact knocked the crystal sphere loose." J: "It seems the defense has proven how the body was moved." God: "Objection!" God: "Use this cold coffee to cool yourself down." J: "P-Prosecutor Godot?" God: "That was a rich and bitter deduction, Trite." God: "But you forgot about one thing." Pw: "What would that be?" God: "If the culprit sent the body to the other side like you say," God: "then naturally, there must've been someone there to catch it." God: "An accomplice." God: "Can you tell us who received the body on the other side?" Pw: "Well, obviously..." Pw: "It can only be you, Iris." Iris: "M-Me?" Iris: "The only way to transport the body from Dusky Bridge was by snowmobile." God: "Objection!" God: "Were you even listening to the testimony? This little cutie pie was cleaning up after Maya Fey at the Inner Temple. In other words, she was the one who sent the body across." Pw: "I haven't forgotten, but have you? Iris was witnessed at Hazakura Temple" Pw: "taking the victim's body to the courtyard and camouflaging it there!" J: "This is entirely puzzling. It's almost as if the defendant was in two different places at the same time." Pw: "No objections!" J: "N-No objections?" Pw: "Yes." Pw: "There were two Irises on the night of the murder." God: "Two of the defendant?" Pw: "To be more precise, they were identical twins. Your Honor! I'm sure you remember her, too." J: "W-Wait, you are..." Pw: "That's right. Dahlia Hawthorne, Iris's twin sister." God: "Objection!" God: "Did you forget? Dahlia Hawthorne is already dead." Pw: "Yes. I hear she was executed last month." J: "M-My..." Iris: "That's right! My sister isn't in this world anymore!" Pw: "You're wrong there." Pw: "You of all people should already understand." Pw: "After all, the blood of the Kurain School of Channeling flows within that body." J: "Ch-Channeling?" Pw: "By the way, why didn't you mention it?" Pw: "That the body was moved by pendulum?" Iris: "I-I mean, I really had no idea. I didn't know anything about a pendulum." Pw: "There's no way you wouldn't have known. You were the one who received the body." Pw: "I've been feeling something off with today's trial. You suddenly started confessing," Pw: "trying to frame Maya with your testimony..." Pw: "You are not Sister Iris. I never thought the day would come when I'd see you again," Pw: "Miss Dahlia Hawthorne." J: "B-But isn't she already dead?" Pw: "That's right. It's not Dahlia Hawthorne in the flesh." Pw: "Who this witness really is..." Pw: "is a spirit, currently inhabiting the body of a spirit medium!" J: "A-A spirit?!" Pw: "It's all written right here in these instructions." Pw: "Dahlia Hawthorne was to be channeled on the night of the murder!" Dh: "That is..." Pw: "It was written by your mother, Morgan Fey!" J: "H-How could this be?" Pw: "There's proof that a second Iris appeared that night. Back then, she gave me this hood at Hazakura Temple. But... The Iris who showed up at the Inner Temple after that was wearing the hood she had already given away. Contradictory, don't you think?" God: "Objection!" God: "But she was in police custody the entire time! When did she switch places with Dahlia Hawthorne?" Pw: "There was one small window of opportunity." Pw: "Yesterday, her whereabouts were unknown for a few minutes." Pw: "It was when that earthquake happened." God: "Earthquake?" Pw: "Back then, she ran to the Inner Temple." Pw: "And we went after her. But they had already switched places by that point in time." J: "B-But if we were to admit that spirit channeling is real, there would be no need for tria—" Dh: "Be quiet. It's been a long time, hasn't it," Dh: "Uncle?" J: "I remember that demeanor!" God: "Guess I'll have to ask again." God: "Upon meeting a pretty lady, ask for her name and profession. That's one of my rules." Dh: "Dahlia Hawthorne. Permanently retired. Long time no see," Dh: "Feenie." Pw: "Dahlia Hawthorne!" Pw: "It's time to finally close the book..." Pw: "Both on her and my past self!" Pw: "Objection! To think Dahlia would show up in Iris's body... She's already dead, but her and Morgan Fey's terrifying plot comes to light." Pw: "In order to save Maya, I reach one conclusion. The trial reaches its final stages."

Pw: "Maya's mother, Misty Fey, was murdered. The root cause was the position of Kurain School Master. It was a sad tale of resentment between the main and branch families." Pw: "But there is one mystery yet to be solved. Who really killed Misty Fey? The truth will be revealed soon, and it will rip everything to shreds!" God: "Now, witness, will you state your name and occupation?" Maya: "Maya Fey. I'm the assistant manager at Wright & Co. Law Offices." God: "On the night in question, you witnessed the crucial moment of Misty Fey being murdered in front of your eyes." Pw: "When it happened, there was one more person there with you two." Pw: "Yes, the true killer." Maya: "No! He was..." Pw: ""He"? Did you see that person?" Maya: "I didn't. I mean, it was really dark." God: "It was impossible to tell if anyone was there with just moonlight to go by." Maya: "Yeah! I couldn't see a thing!" Pw: "That's not going to fly. Just now, you said, "No! He was..." That suggests you recognized him." Pw: "And now you're trying to cover for him." J: "C-Cover? What do you mean, defense?" Pw: "It was pitch dark back then. She couldn't have seen the killer clearly." Pw: "But she still did, which means..." Pw: "You can't see a person hiding in the shadows of the night. But there are some things you can only see in the dark!" God: "You talk a good game, Trite." God: "Let's see you make it clear who the killer in the dark was!" Pw: "Please turn off all the lights in this courtroom!" J: "Wh-What is this?" God: "Now you've done it, Trite." Pw: "Maya, you saw these three lights in the dark, didn't you?" Maya: "No!" Pw: "I've been thinking something about the crime scene didn't add up. Strangely, the killer left the most conspicuous piece of evidence intact." J: "A cover-up is meaningless when you leave something like this untouched. Then why?" Pw: "Remember what happened when this was presented as evidence." God: "Nonsense. Are you saying there's something written on the lantern?" Pw: "And we went through this once before. During the poisoning case at Très Bien. Prosecutor Godot, there are certain colors you can't see." Pw: "You can't see red on a white background, can you? That's why you cleared out so much snow around the lantern." God: "Why am I the only one?" God: "Why can't I see it?" Pw: "The defense formally accuses you of killing Misty Fey!" God: "Then let me hear it, Trite." God: "Why would I have to kill Misty Fey?" Pw: "You didn't just kill Misty Fey." Pw: "You saved Maya Fey's life." God: "I hate to break it to you, but I'm not as heroic as I may look." God: "Certainly not enough to protect a total stranger!" Pw: "Maya is a lot more than just a stranger to you." God: "What?" Pw: "After all, she's the little sister of the love of your life." God: "Mia... Fey." Pw: "Exactly," Pw: "Diego Armando." J: "Diego Armando? You're him?!" God: "The last time someone called me by that name was over six years ago." Pw: "All of this is related to a single case. A case in which the defendant killed himself. You stood beside Mia as she fought that case." Pw: "In the end, she couldn't uncover Dahlia Hawthorne's crimes." God: "After that," God: "we thoroughly investigated that fake kidnapping incident." God: "The way she put her faith in her clients... That pure, sweet heart of hers..." God: "It captivated me. Then one fateful day, I told Dahlia Hawthorne to meet me at the courthouse's cafeteria." God: "And then, I entered a deep, deep sleep." God: "That woman's poison did a real number on my central nervous system. I lost my sight, and all of my hair turned white. Five years later, I miraculously regained consciousness" God: "and found the worst possible news waiting for me. The woman I loved had been murdered," God: "and the woman I loathed had been sentenced to death." God: "For a sleepyhead like me, there were only two reasons left to live." God: "And they were why I became a prosecutor." God: "The first was you, Trite." Pw: "Me?" God: "If I were in your shoes, I would never have let her die!" God: "She died because you were an immature child!" God: "I wanted to see for myself what kind of a man you really were." God: "And my other reason for living?" God: "Maya Fey." God: "She was the only way I could make up for the sin of not saving Mia." God: "One year ago, Morgan Fey was arrested after the Kurain Village incident. But it was obvious she'd still be plotting something. When I eavesdropped on their conversation during the visit," God: "I learned of the existence of a written plan. I got to the letter before Pearl and found its terrifying details. I could've destroyed it right then and there, but I decided to play along with their plan..." God: "In order to outwit and get rid of them for good." God: "To do that, I needed help. Help from Iris, a nun at Hazakura Temple, where the plan would be carried out, and Misty Fey." God: "The police had been keeping an eye on her movements since the DL-6 Incident." God: "That's how I was able to contact her. Because of my position as a prosecutor." God: "Then came the day. I rushed to Hazakura Temple after Iris called me." God: "There was just one way to stop their evil plan. We had to make sure Pearl Fey didn't channel Dahlia Hawthorne." Pw: "Is that why Elise invited Pearls to her room that night?" God: "But she never showed up." Pw: "Because she went to the Inner Temple." God: "That's why Misty Fey had to channel Dahlia Hawthorne into her own body." Pw: "If she channeled the spirit first," Pw: "then Pearls wouldn't be able to do it." God: "I hid myself at the Inner Temple..." God: "To stop Dahlia Hawthorne if it came down to it." God: "Anyway..." God: "That's all I'm going to admit to." God: "There's just one question remaining. "Who killed Misty Fey at the Inner Temple?"" God: "Well, Trite..." God: "If you're the real deal, then finish this thing once and for all." God: "Show that you can finish this on your own!" Maya: "No, Nick! Please don't!" Pw: "Maya..." Maya: "I heard the whole thing from Sis." Maya: "He risked his life for her and me, you know?" Pw: "I know that!" Pw: "But even so, it doesn't absolve him of his crime! No matter what the cost, I will find the truth!" Pw: "The defense presents its final piece of evidence: this!" J: "Isn't that..." J: "the dagger Dahlia Hawthorne was holding?" Pw: "Yes. Its tip is covered in blood." J: "But I thought we established that this sword was the murder weapon." Pw: "Then why is there a bloodstain on this dagger?" Pw: "There's only one possible answer to that question. After she was stabbed, Dahlia Hawthorne reflexively attacked the killer!" J: "What?!" Pw: "In other words, the blood on this dagger belongs to the killer!" Maya: "Objection! But he couldn't change his clothes or get treatment that night! The bridge burned down!" Pw: "Maya..." God: "I was trapped at the Inner Temple that night, meaning I couldn't hide my wound. Now what will you do, defense?" J: "What do you have to say, defense? You've accused Prosecutor Godot of being the killer. If you cannot prove it, I'll deliver my verdict right away!" Pw: "The question isn't whether I can prove it or not." Pw: "I have to prove it! That's the only choice I have! I was taught that it's one of the rules of being a lawyer!" Pw: "Objection!" Pw: "I can prove it!" Pw: "I'll gravely sunder your magnificent vengeance, just as you want it!" God: "Big words, little man!" God: "You can't surpass her in court! Never in a million years!" Maya: "This is for the best, huh, Nick?" Pw: "If we turn our thinking about, it should be clear why there is no visible wound." God: "Turn it about?" Pw: "Instead of questioning why there was no bloodstain on his clothing," Pw: "we can show how exactly the killer hid the wound!" God: "Mia?" Pw: "That's right. He's still hiding his wound as we speak. It's..." Pw: "Right beneath that mask!" Mia: "Right beneath that mask!" Pw: "Prosecutor Godot, would you mind removing your mask? If you have a dagger wound under there," Pw: "then this whole case is solved!" God: "There's no need for that." God: "Just now, I saw her spirit in you." God: "I could never forgive you. That's what I thought." Maya: "Mr. Prosecutor..." God: "But I was wrong about you. The truth is, the only person I could never find it in my heart to forgive" God: "was me." J: "You, yourself?" God: "I was the one that failed to protect Mia." God: "I ran and hid behind a mask. I threw away my true name." God: "I couldn't even deal with being a defense attorney, so I quit." Pw: "But you saved Maya!" God: "Yeah, that's what I thought. Up until just now, anyway." God: "You showed me the light. I wasn't really interested in saving anyone at all." God: "I think I was just trying to salvage what's left of my own broken soul." God: "I was trying to make up for the fact that I couldn't save Mia. That night, when I saw her silhouette in the darkness of the garden," God: "a part of me must have known the truth." God: "The truth that it wasn't really Dahlia Hawthorne standing there." God: "Misty Fey may well have been keeping her under control." God: "But I still picked up the blade." God: "I'm not sure exactly what was going on in my mind at that point." God: "Was I really motivated by the pure desire to protect Maya Fey?" God: "Or was it something else?" God: "Was it a pointless desire for revenge against a woman who stole everything from me? And now," God: "I don't know anything anymore." God: "I did learn something today, however." God: "I finally realized that I was the arrogant one." God: "You were the one who made me realize my folly." God: "You never ran away from Mia's death." God: "Instead, you picked up where she left off, as a true defender of the people." God: "In that one moment, I understood everything." God: "There's nothing left to say anymore." Pw: "Prosecutor Godot..." God: "If you don't mind, would you remember my name?" God: "It's Diego Armando." Maya: "Mr. Armando! I believe in you! I know you were trying to save me! And I'm sure Sis and Mom believe in you, too!" God: "Thanks a lot." Pw: "Your wound! It's bleeding!" God: "Did you forget already? In my world, the color red doesn't exist." God: "These must be my tears. Ever since I woke up from my coma," God: "I think I've been waiting for this very moment." God: "You'd do well to remember this, missy." God: "The only time a lawyer can cry is when it's all over." J: "It really is all over this time, isn't it?" J: "Defendant..." J: "Before I hand down my verdict, is there anything you'd like to say?" Iris: "Well, there is one thing I'd like to say to Mr. Wright." Iris: "I want to apologize to you." Pw: "Apologize to me? For what?" Iris: "For the case in which my sister tried to kill you six years ago." Pw: "Actually, I can't believe it even now, six years later." Pw: "I find it unthinkable that she'd do that to me." Iris: "It's not all that surprising. The two of you hardly knew each other." Pw: "What do you mean?" Iris: "You and my sister..." Iris: "You only met twice." Pw: "Twice?" Iris: "The first time was on that fateful day." Iris: "The next time was on the day of the murder at the university." Iris: "Those were the only two times you and my sister met." Pw: "No way..." Iris: "Ever since she gave you the bottle that day, my sister was trying to get it back as soon as she possibly could." Iris: "You were a threat to her, and she wanted you gone at once." Iris: "I didn't want any more sins on her soul. I begged her not to do it, and she agreed to give me a chance." Iris: "I told her I would get the pendant back for her." Iris: "But I couldn't do it." Iris: "You were so happy about the present and cherished it with your life." Iris: "Six months passed, and I couldn't get it back from you. Finally, my sister couldn't wait any longer" Iris: "and committed that awful crime." Iris: "She paid no notice to my feelings for you." Iris: "I couldn't do it." Iris: "I couldn't protect either you or my sister." Iris: "All I did was deceive and hurt you." Pw: "Iris..." Pw: "Let me just say this to you." Pw: "The kindness you showed me was real. Even after Dahlia Hawthorne was found guilty, I still believed in you." Iris: "I hope you can forgive me one day..." Iris: "Feenie." Pw: "You really are the person I always thought you were." Iris: "Thank you." God: "How many cups of darkness have I drank over the years? Even I don't know." God: "But this one here is the greatest cup I think I've ever had." God: "Don't you think so, Phoenix Wright?" Pw: "Yeah. I think you're right." J: "Very well! On the charge of murder, I hereby find the defendant..." J: "Not guilty!" J: "Court is now adjourned!" Pw: "Congrats, Maya!" Maya: "Thanks, Nick! I guess it's just like Sis said. That night, she wrote back in my memo, "Don't worry. Wright will save everyone in the end."" Pw: "Mia..." Pw: "Edgeworth?" Me: "Well, you know... Excellent work, Wright." Pw: "I couldn't have done it without you, Edgeworth." Lb: "Hey, hey! Don't go forgetting me!" Gum: "Same here! We were your right-hand..." : "Be thankful, Phoenix Wright. I brought her from the Inner Temple." Maya: "Pearly!" Pw: "Pearls?" Pearl: "Mystic Maya!" Maya: "Pearly, you're all covered in curry gravy." Pearl: "Um, I took the Master's hanging scroll and..." Maya: "You cleaned it up?" Maya: "Thank you! Don't run away and leave me anymore!" Pearl: "Mystic Maya!" Pw: "Looking at Maya and the others, it hit me..." Pw: "This case happened because everyone was trying to protect what was dear to them." Pw: "Did I protect anyone with my defense?" Mia: "Wright..." Mia: "You saved everyone." Mia: "You've accomplished something I wasn't able to." Mia: "Thank you." Mia: "Let's meet again someday, Wright." Pw: "How hard can you fight for someone important to you? That's the true measure of us as people." Pw: "We defense attorneys are warriors who are constantly challenged by that question." Pw: "The bonds forged in battle always return, even if they are severed." Pw: "My wonderful friends are witness to that!" Me: "You still have a ways to go, Wright." Maya: "All right! Go get him, Nick!" Pw: "Yeah."

Pw: "My name is Phoenix Wright," Pw: "attorney-at-law." Pw: "The Kurain Village's sacred urn was stolen by the phantom thief, Mask DeMasque. When Ron DeLite said he was him and surrendered, I took up his case and began investigating." Pw: "However, that didn't sit right with Maya." Pw: "And thus, I ended up going into the trial alone." Pw: "What's going on here? I had no idea Mask DeMasque was so popular." Pw: "There are even postcards." Maya: "Nick..." Pw: "Maya might like one of those... No, I'm alone today. I've gotta focus!" J: "Court is now in session for the trial of Ron DeLite." Pw: "The defense is ready, Your Honor." J: "What about the prosecution? Are you ready?" God: "What a stupid question." God: "Let me ask you, then, Your Honor. Are you ready?" God: "Are you ready to pass judgment?" J: "What? N-No, I'm not. I will pass judgment after I hear arguments from both sides." God: "Well, if you're not ready yourself, you shouldn't expect others to be. That's a rule to live by." J: "Uh, who are you?" God: "I am Godot, legendary prosecutor. I've never lost a case." J: "Oh? What kind of cases have you dealt with so far?" God: "I've never prosecuted a case before." Pw: "N-Never? But you said you've never lost before." God: "Every prosecutor starts off undefeated." J: "Quite arrogant for a beginner, aren't you?" God: "Every mighty redwood begins its life as a mere sapling." Pw: "Why does every prosecutor have to be a headcase?" God: "So we finally meet, Mr. Trite." Pw: "Huh? My name's Wright..." God: "I must do battle with you. That is why I've returned from the depths of hell." Pw: "What is he saying? Does he know me?" J: "Well, let's hear from the accused." J: "H-Hey! We're in the middle of a trial here!" God: "Blacker than a moonless night, hotter and more bitter than Hell itself... That is coffee." God: "I'm sure you can grant me at least this much." J: "I understand." Pw: "You do?!" Ama: "Um, I'm Ron DeLite. M-Mask DeMasque, phantom thief? That's me." God: "Kid, you say you're Mask DeMasque, and that you stole the Kurain urn." God: "Is that right?" Ama: "Yes, I did it. So pronounce me guilty right now, please!" Pw: "Wait... Wait a second, please!" J: "What is it, defense?" Pw: "Since Ron's hidden identity is up in the air, all I can do is try to prove that Mask DeMasque didn't steal the urn." Pw: "Are we sure that this crime was committed by Mask DeMasque?" J: "You mean to say it wasn't Mask DeMasque who stole the Kurain urn?" Pw: "I believe we should clear that up first." God: "Interesting. Give me your best shot. I hope it's as eye-opening as this coffee." Pw: "Have a look at this." Pw: "It's security-camera footage from the Lordly Tailor's basement warehouse. I have here a piece of reference for Mask DeMasque." Ama: "A postcard of me?" Pw: "Take a close look." Pw: "The thief that broke into Lordly Tailor is missing the broach on his chest!" J: "What?" Pw: "In other words, it's likely that this was a fake." God: "The broach you're talking about... Do you mean this?" Pw: "Th-That's..." God: "I found it hidden in the shadow of the big gold statue." Pw: "Y-You found it on the crime scene?" J: "It seems that was the real Mask DeMasque after all." God: "You're quick on the uptake, gramps. I like that." Pw: "No! If that was the real Mask DeMasque, I don't have a case!" God: "Giving up already? That was quick." God: "My coffee hasn't even cooled a bit yet." Maya: "Hold it!" Pw: "M-Maya?" Maya: "The defense has brought a new witness!" Pw: "A-A witness?" Lb: "Yo, Nick!" Pw: "L-Larry? Why are you here?" Maya: "Actually, yesterday..." Pw: "Wait, aren't you... Larry?!" Lb: "Huh? Maya?" Pw: "He went to Ron's place?" Maya: "Hear him out! His testimony will come in handy!" Lb: "I'll help ya out. We're pals, aren't we?" Pw: "But nothing good ever comes from you..." Lb: "The thing is, I found that the other day." Ama: "Hey, that's my wallet!" Lb: "There was a license and stuff inside." Lb: "So I had to get it to him. That's what anyone would do, right?" Pw: "A photo of Desiree? So that's why he went, huh?" Maya: "Anyway, when did you find that wallet, again?" Lb: "Oh, it was two days ago. I found it outside my workplace late at night." Pw: "Why was Ron's wallet there?" Lb: "Nothing weird about that. He works there, doesn't he?" Pw: "He does?" Lb: "I found something else in the wallet. A KB Security key card. That's where I work. Each serial number has logs. And that card was used to enter and leave the building that night." Pw: "Logs? At what time?" Lb: "I think it was around 1 AM." Pw: "1 AM, two nights ago? That's when the urn was stolen!" J: "Defendant, are you an employee of KB Security?" Ama: "W-Well, kind of. I used to be, until a year ago." Pw: "You used to be?" Ama: "Yes. I was fired." Pw: "Larry, how far is KB Security from the Lordly Tailor?" Lb: "Thirty minutes away, I'd say?" Pw: "Thirty minutes?" Pw: "Then he couldn't have stolen the urn from Lordly Tailor at the same time!" Pw: "Ergo..." Pw: "The defendant can't be Mask DeMasque!" God: "You're pretty good, Mr. Trite." J: "But why did you go there when you don't work there anymore? And so late at night, too." Pw: "Ron..." Maya: "Nick!" Pw: "What is this?" Maya: "I found it at Ron's place." Pw: "What is this?" Maya: "I read that and remembered something." Mar: "There's more to this case than meets the eye! Please! I beg you!" Maya: "So I decided to believe what Desiree said." Pw: "Maya..." Pearl: "I'm really sorry about yesterday. You two ended up fighting because of me." Maya: "No! I was the one in the wrong!" Pw: "Maya, Pearls. Thank you." Pw: "Your Honor! The defense would like to present a new piece of evidence!" Ama: "Ah! Th-That's..." Pw: ""Bring me fifty thousand dollars."" Pw: "This is blackmail. At the time of the theft, Ron DeLite was dealing with the blackmailer... in KB Security's CEO's office!" God: "By the way, do you have proof that the kid entered the CEO's office?" Pw: "Well..." Maya: "Oh, we do! Right, Larry?" Lb: "Yeah. Look up the key card logs. It'll tell you exactly who entered where and when." Pw: "Larry, you..." J: "What do you say, Prosecutor Godot?" God: "Well, that's a passing grade." God: "These are the access logs for KB Security's CEO office." God: "There's a record at 1 AM on the night of the crime. And it was probably that card right there." Pw: "W-Wait, you knew about this?" God: "I'm meticulous with my ground work, both in investigations and coffee." Pw: "Were you testing me, Prosecutor Godot?" God: ""If you don't want your secret identity revealed," huh?" God: "What could this be about?" Ama: "M-Mask DeMasque, of course..." Pw: "Anyway, the defendant wasn't the thief that night!" God: "Very well. Ron DeLite was clearly at KB Security at the time of the crime." God: "The prosecutor's office is ready to admit that as a fact." Maya: "You did it, Nick!" Ama: "N-No... But I am the phantom thief." J: "But then, who stole the Kurain urn?" Pw: "Only someone who was in the basement warehouse back then could've stolen the urn." Pw: "Who was there at the time?" Pw: "Don't tell me!" Pw: "There's one person I can think of." God: "Oh? And who's that?" Pw: "It's..." Pw: "It's the prosecutor's witness for today, Ace Detective Luke Atmey!" Luke: "Greetings, ladies and gentlemen!" J: "Witness, state your name and occupation." Luke: "My name is Luke Atmey, Ace Detective and rising star that illuminates the heavens." God: "Would you dispel the darkness within my cup with your light?" Luke: "Certainly, Sir Prosecutor." Maya: "We've got two real pieces of work here now." Pw: "What's worse, I feel like they'd make the perfect pair." Luke: "Unbelievable, Sir Lawyer. You indict me, the Ace Detective? You're ignoring the laws of society yet again!" Pearl: "W-Will you be okay, Nick?" Pw: "I've got no choice but to go for it." Pw: "Mr. Atmey..." Pw: "Remember what you said yesterday?" Luke: "Yes! And, Ace Detective that I am, I laid a trap and waited for him alone." Pw: "In other words, it was possible for you to steal the Kurain urn." Ama: "Th-The detective stole the urn?" Luke: "Sadly for you, Sir Lawyer, that picture speaks louder than a thousand words. Yes! And it points to Mask DeMasque as the culprit!" Luke: "By the way, that footage was captured by a Lordly Tailor camera. It could not have been tampered with." Pw: "There was no need to." Luke: "What?" Pw: "You could pretend to be on guard duty as a detective and steal the urn as a phantom thief!" Pw: "Mr. Atmey!" Pw: "You are Mask DeMasque!" Luke: "Gurk!" J: "What do you have to say, witness?" J: "Witness?" Luke: "Mask DeMasque's M.O. is pure genius! And so am I, Ace Detective Luke Atmey! Perhaps only I could be the man behind the mask. Wouldn't you say so, ladies and gentlemen?" J: "You're admitting it?" Maya: "Nick!" Pw: "Mr. Luke Atmey! I indict you as Mask DeMasque..." God: "Objection!" Maya: "Wha..." God: "Godot Blend #102." God: "It's on me." J: "P-Prosecutor Godot!" God: ""The Ace Detective is actually an Ace Thief"? A very sweet fairy tale, but reality is far more bitter." J: "But it makes sense to me." God: "Too much sense, in fact... Mr. Trite." God: "The lonely wolf became a thief? That's fine. But you'd better show us the proof of your claim. And it had better be as bitter and hot as that coffee!" Luke: "Indeed. If you have no proof, you're merely rambling. And you won't even catch a dog with that, let alone a wolf. Well, Sir Lawyer?" Pw: "I'd love to settle things right here and now, but..." J: "Defense?" Pw: "I don't have any proof yet." God: "That's the way. A man has to hold his head high no matter how bad things get." Pw: "This is no good! I've got to stay on the attack! I'll never get another chance to prove that he's the thief!" Luke: "Came up short when it counted, huh?" J: "It seems the cloud of suspicion surrounding this witness has lifted." Mar: "Hold it!" Ama: "Dessie!" Pw: "Desiree!" Mar: "Look at this, Nicky boy!" J: "Th-That's..." Maya: "Ah! The Kurain urn!" Pw: "Where did you find that?" Mar: "Isn't that obvious? In that shady detective's office!" Pw: "Detective Atmey's office?" Pw: "Could it be?" Mar: "I wanted to help Ronnie in any way I could." Pearl: "This must be the power of love." Luke: "D-Dear..." Pw: "You'll have a hard time weaseling out of this one! You're the one who stole the urn!" God: "Objection! Not so fast! You're Ron DeLite's wife, aren't you?" Mar: "And what if I am?" God: "The lengths that a woman is willing to go to save her husband are truly inspiring." Mar: "What are you insinuating?" God: "It'd be the easiest thing in the world for you to bring the urn..." God: "...from the kid's room." Mar: "N-No! I found it in that guy's office!" God: "This town is already filled to the brim with lies. We don't need any more." Mar: "You're wrong! I would never..." J: "Point taken. So long as the urn isn't proven to have been in the witness's office, I cannot accept it as evidence!" God: "It's impossible to prove." Pw: "Objection! That urn was in Detective Atmey's office," Pw: "and I can prove that..." Pw: "...by the fingerprints on it!" God: "Fingerprints?" Luke: "Oh, come on. You're making me laugh, Sir Lawyer. Fingerprints? Really? Now, it would be perfectly understandable if my fingerprints were on the urn. After all, it was I who was guarding it in the first place!" Pw: "Unfortunately for you, I'm not presenting your fingerprints as evidence." Pw: "Mr. Atmey, do you recall the events of yesterday?" Pw: "The Kurain urn was in that bag, huh?" Luke: "I-Impossible..." Pw: "Sure, I didn't look in the bag. But, back then," Pw: "I did touch what was inside!" Luke: "Wh-What?!" Pw: "Your Honor!" Pw: "Please examine the fingerprints on that urn. If my fingerprints are on there, then it proves that the urn was in Detective Atmey's office!" God: "Objection!" God: "Can you prove that your fingerprints were put there at that time?" Pw: "I can." Aa: "But I did my best to polish it so it'd look more valuable!" Pw: "She must've removed any and all fingerprints on it. And the only chance I had to get my fingerprints on it after that was yesterday. At the Atmey Detective Agency!" God: "This blend... Godot Blend #107... I've decided that it's a little too bitter." J: "Bailiff! Take this urn and..." Luke: "There's no need for that. Precisely. I already know Sir Lawyer's fingerprints are on the urn." J: "Wh-What are you saying?" Pw: "I've finally broken him down!" Luke: "Take a good look, everyone! Unable to find a rival worthy of my genius, I was forced to create one by myself!" Luke: "Here I am! The tragic clown... It was me! I am the only and only Mask DeMasque! I hope you all enjoyed my little performance!" J: "Well... Prosecutor Godot, what's Luke Atmey's condition?" God: "He's still in the lobby, laughing like a madman. I wish I could laugh like that, really." J: "I shall hereby hand down the verdict for Ron DeLite!" J: "Not guilty!" Mar: "Nicky boy!" Mar: "Thank you so much! I don't know what to say!" Pw: "I couldn't have done it without you." Maya: "Yeah! That was the coolest thing!" Pearl: "I hope to be like her someday!" Pw: "And thank you too, Maya, Pearls. You were a huge help." Maya: "Nick!" Mar: "What is it, honey? I did my best for you, Ronnie." Ama: "I-I know that, and I appreciate it, Dessie. But..." God: "It's too early to celebrate." Pw: "Prosecutor Godot! What are you doing here?" God: "I just came to give my thanks." Maya: "Th-Thanks?" God: "Early this morning, the body of KB Security CEO Kane Bullard was discovered." God: "He was murdered." God: "The estimated time of death was 1 AM on September 12th." Pw: "1 AM? You don't mean..." God: "That's right, amigo. At the same time a cheap little urn was being stolen, there was a murder happening over at KB Security." Pw: "So, then... what brings you here?" God: "Did you forget what we worked together to prove today?" Pw: "We worked together?" God: "On September 12th at 1 AM, Ron DeLite was in KB Security's CEO's office... The scene of the murder." God: "After getting that blackmail letter, he must've been imbrued with utter rage." God: "That's right. We proved in today's trial the kid's alibi... Or rather, his anti-alibi." May: "Anti?" God: "The defendant didn't steal the urn. Because he was at a murder scene at that time!" Mar: "No! That can't be!" Ama: "I-I didn't... I-I'm only a thief..." God: "We'll have to detain you for a while longer. On a different charge, though. This time, it's murder." Maya: "What's going on? A murder?!" Pw: "Was this your goal all along?" God: "I'm looking forward to another exciting showdown, Mr. Trite." Pw: "Just who is this guy? I sense a quiet but deep hatred coming from him!" Mar: "No! Ronnie!" Pw: "Ron? A murderer?" Pw: "What the hell is happening?" Pw: "Objection!" Pw: "The case of the stolen Kurain urn took an unexpected turn. Ron was declared not guilty, but now he's accused of murder!" Pw: "This must be a setup! And after being revealed as Mask DeMasque, the enigmatic detective Atmey's behavior has been troubling, too. Who's pulling the strings in this case?"

Pw: "The Kurain Village's sacred urn was stolen by Mask DeMasque, the phantom thief. Following the surrender of a man claiming to be Mask DeMasque, Ron DeLite, I felt something off about his claim, and I took up his case in court. In the trial, I proved that Ron didn't steal the urn and unmasked Mask DeMasque. It was his rival, Ace Detective Luke Atmey. But then, things took a drastic turn..." Maya: "We found the Kurain urn..." Pw: "...but Ron was at the scene of a murder as it happened." Maya: "No way, Jose. I don't buy it." Pearl: "But it was Nick who proved that he was there." Pw: ""Ron couldn't have stolen the urn, because he was somewhere else when it was stolen." That's all I wanted to prove." Maya: "Too bad that "somewhere else" was the scene of a murder. Looks like you did too good of a job this time." Pw: "What was I to do? I didn't know about that." Pearls: "How's Desirée taking this? I'm worried for her." Pw: "Anyway, let's investigate the murder at KB Security." Pw: "I find it hard to believe that Ron would murder anyone. I'll continue to defend him, for Desirée's sake as well." Maya: "Right." Pearl: "We got the urn back in one piece, so it's time to refocus." Maya: "About that... Did the urn always have these pink splotches? And it's gone back to saying "AMI," too." Maya: "It said "IAM" on the poster." Pw: "The truth is, one year ago, Pearls broke the urn by accident. She tried her best to put it back together, but crafts and spelling aren't her strong suits." Maya: "Do you think this could be a fake?" Pw: "F-Fake?" Pearl: "I'll head back to the village and have Great Aunt look at it, then." Maya: "I'll go with you." Pearl: "Oh, no. You mustn't." Pearl: "I want you two to spend some quality time together, full of love like those two." Pw: "Those two?" Pearl: "I mean Ron and Desirée, of course." Pearl: "She stole the show and helped her imprisoned husband." Pearl: "Ah, how dreamy!" Pearl: "Now that is true love! I hope to be like them one day!" Pw: "Uh, someone's excited." Maya: "Sure is." Pearl: "Now, remember... No fighting, okay?" Pw: "Pearls seems to have the wrong idea about us, huh?" Maya: "A bit. There's a good reason for that." Pw: "There is?" Maya: "I'm sure I've told you before. Only the women of our bloodline inherit the channeling powers." Maya: "So inevitably, we become the center of life in the village. Maybe due to that, many married couples run into problems." Maya: "I guess they feel like outsiders, because all the men end up leaving the village... When they have a daughter." Pw: "Pearls's father, too?" Maya: "She's grown up watching the star-crossed couples in the village, so she's very sensitive to that. Besides, in last year's incident, her mother..." Pw: "O-Oh..." Pw: "That's right. Pearls's mother, Morgan Fey, is currently rotting away in jail." Maya: "I'm the only family she has left." Pw: "I see..." Aa: "U-Uh..." Pw: "Adrian? What's the matter?" Aa: "E-Er... I'm truly sorry!" Pw: "You broke the Kurain urn?" Aa: "Yes..." Maya: "When was that?" Aa: "It was two weeks ago." Aa: "The urn was sent to us after the shoot for the poster. I was carrying it to the warehouse when it happened." Aa: "I'll never forget that terrible noise. I immediately tried to check inside..." Aa: "N-No!" Aa: "And blacked out in an instant." Maya: "Oh, you're right. The paint matches perfectly." Aa: "I tried my best to repair the urn. Fortunately, the shards were pretty big, so just normally putting them back together worked out. After that, I realized how ugly the paint stains looked, so I hid them behind Mystic Ami's statue." Pw: "That's not where the statue was when we first came here, though." Aa: "Y-Yes, that's right." Pw: "Is that why you said that back then?" Aa: "Why is it over there? Oh, no." Maya: "What? You mean someone moved it?" Pw: "If I'm right, the statue was only delivered here a day before the theft." Pw: "Only the detective guarding the warehouse, Luke Atmey, could've moved it. The question is why he moved it. Could this be related to our case?" Aa: "Um, I'm truly sorry." Maya: "It's fine. The urn looks right now. If anything, we should be thanking you." Aa: "R-Really?" Maya: "I'm the boss!" Maya: "You there. Bring me some tea and biscuits." Gum: "Uh, that's where the victim was sitting moments before his death." Gum: "Today was a real train wreck for you guys, huh?" Maya: "Sure was, pal. That prosecutor with the coffee made real fools out of us." Gum: "Yeah... I feel for you." Maya: "Wow, that's not like you. Usually, you'd be more like... "Serves you right! You got what you deserved!"" Maya: "Or something to that effect." Gum: "I can tell when someone puts their heart into their job. And I can sympathize when things don't go their way. "Wrong" is the only way things go for detectives." Pw: "I had no idea you were such a nice guy." Maya: "So, what happened to Mask DeMasque?" Gum: "You mean that weird detective? Serves him right! He got what he deserved!" Maya: "Now, that's the detective we know and love." Pw: "It's kinda comforting." Pw: "By the way, could you tell us about the victim who died last night?" Gum: "Sure thing, pal." Gum: "Kane Bullard, the CEO of KB Security and a big fella in his own right. His corpse was found at 9 this morning, but his estimated time of death is 1 AM on the 12th." Maya: "It really did happen at the same time that Mask DeMasque stole the urn, huh?" Pw: "Why did it take an entire day to discover the body?" Gum: "Well, his body was stashed away inside that big safe. Nobody had heard from him, and when they opened the safe this morning..." Pw: "...out fell the body." Gum: "Looks like this guy was involved in some shady business." Pw: "Shady business?" Gum: "If a company hired his firm, they'd spy on their secrets and sell the information." Maya: "Wow, what a crook." Gum: "They were even in charge of security for a Mask DeMasque victim. But they failed spectacularly and lost all their trust." Pw: "I see..." Pw: "What are you doing?!" Maya: "Why won't this safe open, Nick?" Pw: "Well, duh. It's a safe." Gum: "But somebody must've opened it on the night of the crime. After all, the victim's body was hidden in there. And apparently, Ron DeLite could open it." Pw: "But there are plenty of others who can, right?" Gum: "Sure, but..." Pw: "Maya?!" Maya: "I wanted to see what the button was for." Gum: "It's an emergency buzzer! It says right there!" Maya: "Oops, you're right." Gum: "It's connected to the basement guard room and used to summon security up here." Pw: "Emergency buzzer? Then it's possible that on the night of the crime..." Gum: "I asked security, and they said that the buzzer never went off that night. Also, we couldn't find any fingerprints on the button." Pw: "The emergency buzzer never went off?" Lb: "What? You again?" Pw: "Larry!" Lb: "Must be nice to be you! And here I was working my fingers to the bone!" Lb: "It's a weekday! And you two are on an afternoon date?!" Maya: "N-No, we're here to investigate CEO Billiard's death." Lb: "Huh?" Lb: "Right. The big boss died, huh?" Pw: "Hey!" Maya: "Were you here on the night of the murder?" Lb: "Huh? W-Well, yeah..." Pw: "Were you really?" Lb: "Wha... I-I-I-Isn't that obvious?!" Pw: "I knew it. You were playing hooky." Lb: "What do you mean, you knew it? Do you have proof that I left my post that night?! Didn't you testify at the trial that you found Ron's wallet? Oh, it was two days ago. I found it outside my workplace late at night." Pw: "That means you snuck out of here on the night of the murder!" Lb: "I-Is it my fault? Is it my fault that the big boss is dead?" Pw: "Did you leave for the same old reason?" Lb: "N-N-No! There's no way I went to meet a girl or anything!" Pw: "I knew it." Lb: "I'm... I'm such a fool!" Maya: "Larry..." Lb: "How can I ever make up for it, Nick?" Pw: "Tell me..." Pw: "Did the emergency buzzer really not go off that night?" Gum: "I asked security, and they said that the buzzer never went off that night." Lb: "Yeah, it didn't. There aren't any logs, either." Maya: "Can you recheck, just in case?" Lb: "Fine. I can't say no to you, Maya." Maya: "What do you think, Nick?" Pw: "Well, not even Larry could make a mistake like that." Lb: "Crap!" Lb: "I made a mistake." Lb: "It can't be!" Lb: "That night, it went off just once... At around 1 AM." Maya: "1 AM?" Pw: "That's when the murder happened." Lb: "It can't be... I don't believe it!" Pw: "And I don't believe you!" Pw: "Let's go ask Ron about that night." Maya: "Yeah." Ama: "Mr. Wright! Please... Please don't abandon me!" Pw: "Ron, promise that you won't lie to us anymore." Pw: "Where were you that night, and what were you doing? Tell us the truth this time." Ama: "Okay..." Pw: "At 1 AM on September 12th, you weren't at Lordly Tailor, but at KB Security?" Ama: "Yes... I used to work there, so I knew where the CEO's office was. I knocked, but there was no answer. So then I used the key card to unlock the door. When I went into the CEO's office, someone was in there. Then suddenly they bashed me over the head! Bam!" Maya: "Was it the CEO that hit you?" Ama: "I don't know. The person ran away while I was still stunned." Ama: "When I came to my senses, I saw the CEO lying dead in front of me!" Ama: "I thought I had to do something about the body." Maya: "And what did you do after that?" Ama: "Well, I got out of there! Sure, I did hide the body in the safe, but that's all I did, really!" Ama: "I surrendered because I was afraid the police would find out. If I was found guilty as Mask DeMasque, that could've been my alibi." Pw: "One more thing." Pw: "When did you receive this blackmail letter?" Ama: "Er... When was it, again? There have been so many, I can't tell them apart." Maya: "What? This wasn't the first one?" Ama: "No." Ama: "But this is the first one that ever called me out to a specific location." Pw: "When did you receive the first one?" Ama: "I could never forget that moment. It was a few days after my debut as Mask DeMasque." Pw: "Oh, come on. You weren't the phantom thief. It was Ace Detective Luke Atmey." Ama: "You're wrong! True, I wasn't the one who broke into Lordly Tailor, but it really was me on all the previous heists!" Ama: "Anyway, someone seemingly spotted me on my first adventure. And I received a blackmail letter at home, saying, "I know you did it."" Maya: "You got busted right away?" Ama: "After that, I started getting the plans in the mail." Pw: "Plans?" Ama: "They'd tell me what to steal and how to do it. They detailed security blind spots, escape routes, and even training methods." Pw: "You mean your heists were planned by..." Ama: "By someone else after the first one, yes. They threatened to tell the cops if I didn't comply. Talk about thrilling, right?" Maya: "Why does he sound so happy about it?" Pw: "So Ron was Mask DeMasque after all. But someone else is behind the thefts. Someone who planned it all out in detail." Ama: "All I had to do was deposit the treasures I stole into the safe-deposit box. Then I just waited for the cash to come in the mail." Pw: "That was your reward, huh?" Maya: "Is that why you went after the Kurain urn, too?" Ama: "I've never even actually seen the urn. All I do is follow instructions and steal what I'm told to steal." Pw: "Ron, is everything you've just told us the truth?" Ama: "Yes... But I'm done for now. The one thing Dessie won't stand for is illegal activity. A thief? She'd never forgive me." Maya: "Knowing that, why did you become a thief?" Ama: "Because she spends money like it's water! I love her, spending included, but there's no job that could bring in enough money... Except being a thief, I thought. I casually mentioned to her that I was Mask DeMasque, but she laughed it off." Maya: "She didn't believe it at all, yeah." Ama: "Anyway, I heard something." Ama: "That detective's trial is at the same time as mine, in the very next courtroom." Pw: "Really?" Maya: "Huh? But that pompous detective isn't actually Mask DeMasque, right?" Ama: "He's not. That's me." Pw: "But Luke Atmey claims that he's the phantom thief. Ron, before we go, there's one more thing I want to ask you." Ama: "Yes? What is it?" Pw: "You weren't the one who killed Kane Bullard, were you?" Ama: "No! Please believe me!" Des: "I was trying to help my Ronnie, you know." Maya: "But it backfired, huh?" Pw: "Don't say that." Mar: "Nicky boy, we need your help. Ronnie's not a killer, I swear." Pw: "I know." Des: "Thank you. I don't know what to do anymore. That detective is the kind of person I hate more than anything." Pw: "But I didn't expect you to go barging into his office." Des: "Ronnie was in trouble. I couldn't just sit around." Pw: "Um, Ron is still saying that he's Mask DeMasque." Des: "I know everything there is to know about him." Des: "He always looks before he leaps. Hell, he looks and then doesn't leap. That's how fainthearted he is." Ama: "Dessie!" Des: "Him, a thief? Impossible." Maya: "R-Right..." Pw: "I guess I just don't get it." Maya: "Huh?" Pw: "I just can't understand how such different people ended up marrying." Des: "Come on, now. It's not that mysterious, is it? It was love at first sight. For me." Maya: "What? For you?" Des: "Ronnie saved my life. Back when I was working in a bank, two robbers suddenly rushed in one day." Des: "I can't stand people like that, so I gave them a piece of my mind." Pw: "Y-You talked down to armed robbers?" Des: "Yes, and they took me hostage. I was so frightened. But help arrived," Des: "in the form of Ronnie." Ama: "Stop... Stop that!" Des: "Crying and swinging his arms like crazy, he attacked the two robbers. I realized right then and there that he's the kind of guy who has the courage to risk his life when it matters." Des: "Ronnie..." Maya: "Let's teach that coffee prosecutor a lesson in tomorrow's trial!" Pearl: "Mystic Maya! Nick!" Maya: "Pearly!" Pearl: "It's the real thing, apparently." Maya: "Oh! So it really is our urn. Thanks, Pearly." Pw: "Right. This urn was the start of everything. At 1 AM on the night it was stolen, Ron was at KB Security." Pw: "Why was there another Mask DeMasque in the Lordly Tailor's basement warehouse?" Pw: "Why'd Detective Atmey show up there dressed that way?" Pw: "Why did Atmey pick that time to steal the urn?" Pw: "Also, why was the statue moved? There had to have been a reason." Pw: "There are plenty more questions." Pw: "Who attacked Ron in KB Security's CEO office? And that emergency buzzer..." Pw: "Why did the killer press that button? He should've known security would rush there." Pw: "Wait, did he do it because he knew security would come? I see! So that's how it is!" Pearl: "Nick? You just figured something out, didn't you?" Pw: "Tomorrow's trial will be a battle of speed." Maya: "What? Let's take it easy like always." Pw: "Sadly, that won't cut it tomorrow." J: "Court is now in session for the trial of Ron DeLite." Pw: "Another trial is set to begin in the very next courtroom." J: "Court is now in session for the trial of Luke Atmey." Pw: "Two fateful trials... I must find the truth and drag him to the stand..." Pw: "Before the verdict is handed down!" Pw: "Objection! The two fateful trials begin. To prove Ron's innocence, I must unveil the crimes of Detective Atmey, the accused in the other trial. It's a battle against time!" Pw: "Find the contradictions! Reach out to the truth! Next time: "The Stolen Turnabout — Last Trial"! Take that!" Ama: "You're wrong!"

Pw: "At the same time the Kurain urn was being stolen, a murder was taking place over at KB Security's CEO office. And since Ron was at the scene when it happened, he was arrested again, this time as a murder suspect." Pw: "And the one behind this devious plot was the true murderer!" J: "Court is now in session for the trial of Ron DeLite." J: "Court is now in session for the trial of Luke Atmey." Pw: "And so began two fateful trials." J: "The prosecution may begin its questioning." God: "I never drink more than 17 cups of coffee during any given trial." God: "But the first one is always the best." J: "H-Huh?" Pw: "He's planning to end this in the very first go?" God: "I looked into why you were fired from that company a year ago." God: "For your wife, huh?" Mar: "Me?" Ama: "That's not..." God: "In order to provide more spending money to your wife, you stole confidential data from the company." God: "The CEO found out, and you were fired. You didn't want your wife to find out, so you made it seem like you quit on your own." God: "That brings a tear to my eye." God: "The CEO used that to blackmail you. And that is how this murder came about." Mar: "No... Ronnie..." God: "That establishes your motive." Pw: "This is bad." God: "Moving on, what happened there at 1 AM that night?" God: "Tell the court." Ama: "I followed the blackmail letter's orders and entered the CEO's office. And when I did, there was a suspicious shadow there..." Ama: "Suddenly, I was hit on the forehead. When I came to, the CEO was lying dead!" Ama: "If I hadn't been wearing that, I might've died, too." Pw: "What do you mean by "that"?" Ama: "Why, my mask, of course." Pw: "M-Mask?" Ama: "I was wearing my Mask DeMasque costume that night." Ama: "Oh, I guess I forgot to mention it until now." Pw: "Sounds like it." God: "Even I didn't know that." Ama: "I was being blackmailed over the Mask DeMasque issue, so I thought I should go as him." J: "Huh?" Pw: "This is going too slow. I have to pick up the pace." Wp: "What do you say, Mr. Atmey?" Luke: "I have to say you performed splendidly, Sir Payne." Luke: "Looks like the time of resolution is almost upon us." God: "As you heard, this kid's testimony is all over the place." God: "Someone hit him? Who would believe that?" Pw: "Hold it! Look at the logs for the emergency buzzer connecting the CEO's office to security." Pw: "According to these logs, the buzzer was pushed once, at around 1 AM. If Ron was the murderer, he would've ran as soon as it sounded." God: "Say what?" Pw: "A security guard would've been heading his way." Pw: "But Ron has admitted that he hid the body in the safe. If he was the murderer, there's no way he would've done that!" God: "Objection! But as it turns out, the guard never came." Pw: "That... was nothing more than a coincidence." Lb: "Teehee!" J: "Maybe he didn't notice the buzzer going off?" Pw: "That's out of the question." Pw: "This buzzer is so loud, it's impossible not to hear it. Unless you were unconscious when it sounded, of course." J: "What do you mean by that?" Pw: "Remember what the defendant said earlier. Someone attacked him, and he found the victim dead when he came to." God: "What about it?" Pw: "In other words, Ron was out cold when the buzzer sounded!" J: "What? He was knocked out?" Pw: "By the time it went off, Bullard had already been murdered." Pw: "And Ron had been knocked out by the hit." Pw: "In this situation, if the real killer made his escape, what would happen?" Ama: "A-Anyone would think that I was the murderer!" Pw: "Precisely! The emergency buzzer was sounded by the real murderer!" Pw: "All to frame Ron DeLite of the murder!" J: "And who exactly was this real killer?" Pw: "Luke Atmey." God: "That phantom thief is currently on trial in the next courtroom over." Pw: "He's no phantom thief." Pw: "Two crimes happened at the exact same time. Theft and murder... Which is the less serious crime?" J: "They're not even close. Theft, of course." Pw: "If he were to be found guilty of theft, he wouldn't be accused of murder." Pw: "That's how he's trying to get away with his real crime!" God: "No way." Pw: "The defense requests that Luke Atmey be brought to the stand! At once, before he's declared guilty!" J: "Now then, this court is back in session." May: "You finally dragged him out here." Pw: "This is where things get real." Pw: "1 AM, September 12th. That was the time Kane Bullard was murdered. Tell the court again what you were doing." Luke: "No matter how many times you ask, my answer will remain the same. I was stealing the urn as I, Mask DeMasque, had promised. The time stamp on this photo taken by the security camera is my witness." Pw: "At the time, you were in KB Security's CEO office. This photo can't have been taken on that night!" Luke: "What?" J: "Please elaborate." Pw: "This photo was taken at 1 AM a few days before the incidents." God: "A few days before?" Pw: "And on the night in question, you made sure to kill Bullard at the same time. You took the photo to give yourself an alibi!" Luke: "Argh!" Pw: "The photo only mentions the time, not the date. You made full use of that!" God: "Objection!" God: "It's not good to jump to conclusions. Where is the proof?" Pw: "There's a huge contradiction in this photo. Something that should've been there is nowhere to be seen!" Pw: "I mean Ami Fey's golden statue. The supervisor of the treasure exhibit stated the following." Aa: "After that, I realized how ugly the paint stains looked, so I hid them behind Mystic Ami's statue." Pw: "That night, the statue was directly in the view of the security camera. The one who moved it is none other than you, Detective Atmey." God: "But for what purpose?" Pw: "Remember. When was the statue delivered to the warehouse?" God: "The day before the incidents... You don't mean!" Pw: "That's right. Detective Atmey took this photo a few days before." Pw: "The statue wasn't there then." Pw: "He must've been quite nervous. Something that wasn't supposed to be there was somewhere it wasn't supposed to be. So you had to move the statue, to make the room match with the way it had been in his photo." Pw: "The Lordly Tailor provided the security cameras. You couldn't tamper with the photos. But you took advantage of the fact that they didn't show the date! What do you say, Detective Atmey?!" Luke: "Gwaah!" God: "This is my 11th cup." God: "I'm still good until the very last drop of the 17th." God: "Are you saying this detective set it all up?" Pw: "Yes." God: "That won't fly, amigo." Pw: "What?" God: ""Luke Atmey was in KB Security's CEO office on the night of the murder." Unless you can prove that," God: "you're just a kid running his mouth." May: "Can you even prove that, Nick?" Pw: "I can..." Pw: "not prove it." God: "That's that." God: "Then this phantom thief will be heading back to his own trial." God: "It's time for the verdict." Pw: "No!" Luke: "I am the Ace Detective as well as Mask DeMasque! My verdict will verify that. The truth has one again been elegantly revealed to me." Luke: "Ron DeLite is the true killer!" Luke: "Well, I must admit that he's the biggest phantom thief fan. After all, he wore Mask DeMasque's costume to meet his blackmailer." Luke: "As Mask DeMasque, I'm truly honored." Pw: "Damn it! Ron's going to be finished!" May: "Don't give up now! We can look for more evidence and..." Pw: "By then, it'll be too late." May: "Why?" God: "Ever heard of double jeopardy?" Pw: ""Should a defendant be tried and found innocent in court, that defendant cannot be triad again for the same crime."" God: "Luke Atmey will be found guilty as Mask DeMasque." Pw: "That'll be the alibi that proves his innocence in the murder case." J: "He will never stand trial for it again." Luke: "Of course not." May: "No way!" Pw: "Am I... Am I going to let him get away?!" Mia: "Phoenix..." Mia: "Raise your head up high." Mia: "Phoenix... Raise your head up high." Pw: "That voice... No way!" Mia: "Have you forgotten what I used to tell you? A lawyer is someone who smiles, no matter how bad it gets." Pw: "M-Mia?" Mia: "Save the chat for later. Let's finish this." Pw: "But his cross-examination is over." Mia: "No, it's not over. That detective said too much." Pw: "He did?" Mia: "Just now, he made a fatal mistake." Mia: "Recall what he last said." Luke: "I must take your leave, ladies and gentlemen. My verdict awaits me." Pw: "Objection!" Luke: "Awoo?" Pw: "You're not getting away, Detective Atmey! You just admitted that you were at the scene of the murder that night!" Luke: "What?" Pw: "Remember what you said earlier." Luke: "After all, he wore Mask DeMasque's costume to meet his blackmailer." Luke: "What about it?" Pw: "How did you know about that?" Luke: "What do you mean?" Pw: "The fact that Ron was dressed as Mask DeMasque that night" Pw: "was only revealed today for the first time in this very courtroom." Ama: "Oh, I guess I forgot to mention it until now." Pw: "You were standing trial in the other courtroom. You couldn't have known about it!" God: "But he did know." Pw: "There's only one way you could've known. That night, Ron saw a suspicious shadow. Turn that on its head, and it means that the shadow saw Ron, too." Pw: "Detective Atmey, you saw Mask DeMasque with your own eyes." Pw: "In other words, you were at the scene of the murder when it happened!" Pw: "Luke Atmey, you killed Kane Bullard. Isn't that right?" Luke: "Bravo! That glint in your eyes, and your spiky hair... Sir Lawyer, you deserve the highest of praise!" God: "You'll tell us everything before you leave, Ace Detective." Luke: "Very well. It all started on the night of Mask DeMasque's very first heist." Luke: "As he made his getaway, he entered an empty back alley nearby." Luke: "Empty, save for the Ace Detective hiding there! And so, I unmasked Mask DeMasque. That very moment, a most wonderful idea flashed through my superior brain. I could blackmail the phantom thief into following my best-laid plans! Meanwhile, I'd shine the spotlight on the duels between him and the Ace Detective. Indeed! I could do whatever I pleased! I could make Mask DeMasque and society dance in the palm of my hand! How entertaining would that be? And in the end, I would capture him myself. When I did, my name would resound around the world! What a truly beautiful scenario!" Pw: "You'd thought that far ahead?" Luke: "However, I ran into an unexpected speed bump." God: "Kane Bullard saw through you?" G: "Hold it!" Luke: "I pulled a fast one on KB Security and obtained this blood-red diamond." Luke: "He caught wind of the fact that it was in my hands." Luke: "And so, this Ace Detective now wound up being blackmailed by Bullard." Pw: "Bullard blackmailed you?" Luke: "I couldn't let someone who knew about me live." Luke: "I decided to use my latest clients for this purpose." God: "The Kurain Village treasure exhibit?" Luke: "Precisely! I could silence the wretched blackmailer forever and frame the boy who was playing phantom thief of the crime! In the basement warehouse of Lordly Tailor," Luke: "the curtain was raised on my most elegant plan!" Pw: "You sent a calling card to Lordly Tailor, took this photo wearing Mask DeMasque's costume to prepare an alibi, and used Bullard's blackmail letter" Pw: "to call Ron to KB Security's CEO office." God: "Following that, you tried to get yourself declared guilty of theft." Pw: "How selfish can you be?" Luke: "The Ace Detective was also the phantom thief!" Luke: "The twist would sent society into a frenzy! That was the finale to my grand plan! A genius plan for a genius, by the most genius of geniuses!" God: "You're done." God: "You shot up the wildest of fireworks and went out in a blaze of glory." God: "All that remains is the darkness." God: "Drink it all up, and it leaves nothing behind." God: "Nothing but the hollow whining of a poor loser." J: "It seems we have reached the bottom of this awfully complicated case. We came perilously close to besmirching this young man with the title of murderer." J: "I shall now hand down the verdict." J: "Not Guilty!" Mar: "Yay!" Pearl: "Yay!" Mia: "Well done, Phoenix." Pw: "Thank you, Mia!" Mia: "Watch over Maya, will you?" Maya: "Nick?" Pw: "Thank you, Maya." Ama: "Um, Mr. Wright, thank you so much." Ama: "But I feel like nothing really matters anymore." Maya: "Come on. Just be happy already. You were cleared of murder and got off as Mask DeMasque as a bonus." Pw: "Bonus?" Ama: "But in exchange, I lost everything. All I wanted was for Dessie to be happy, but this was the only way I could make enough money for her." Pw: "You mean being a phantom thief?" Ama: "She's always said how she hates sneaky criminals. So it's all over now!" Maya: "Oh, I'm sure she will forgive you..." Ama: "A broken bowl can never be put back together!" Mar: "You did it, Ronnie! Congrats!" Ama: "Dessie? Um, thanks. But I..." Mar: "Why didn't you talk to me about what was going on? I never imagined that you really were Mask DeMasque." Ama: "But don't you hate criminals?" Mar: "Huh? Oh, I only hate people who act all cowardly and sneaky. Like that detective." May: "Th-Then..." Mar: "You went and declared your crimes before you committed them, like a man. I just love a man with a sense of sportsmanship." Pw: "Sportsmanship?" Ama: "Dessie!" Mar: "Sure." Mar: "Hey, Nicky boy." Pw: "Yes?" Mar: "I'm really glad I asked you to defend my Ronnie. Thank you so much." Pw: "Oh, um... sure..." Maya: "What's this? Are you blushing, Nick?" Pearl: "Nick! Mystic Maya! Congratulations!" Pw: "It's not what you think." Pearl: "With another man's wife... in front of Mystic Maya... I'll never forgive you!" Pw: "As my consciousness faded away, the case was closed. He said a broken bowl can never be put back together, but I know that's not true." Pw: "I mean, here's a broken urn that was put back together even better than before." God: "Trite, this party has only just begun." God: "I hope you help me enjoy this to the fullest." God: "Damn, that's bitter." Pw: "Objection! When we were boys," Pw: "a close friend went somewhere far away after an unfortunate incident. It was Edgeworth. And radio helped rekindle our friendship. The days the young Edgeworth spent with his adopter, Prosecutor von Karma, are explored for the first time!"

J: "I shall hereby hand down the verdict. I declare the defendant guilty!" Maya: "Oh no! If only he were here!" Pw: "Objection!" Maya: "That voice!" Pw: "I believe in my clients and cut down the bad guys." Pw: "The Lawyer Samurai, Phoenix Wright, enters the fray!" Maya: "If you must go to court..." Bo: "...call the Wright & Co. Law Offices!" Maya: "Hmm... Not good enough! Retake, Nick!" Pw: "What? We're still going?" Maya: "Of course we are! Until we get the perfect take..." Maya: "Okay, just a little break!" Pw: "I think I've had enough." Maya: "What? You're done?" Pw: "Look, there are plenty of other ways to advertise." Maya: "I get it. You don't like being the Lawyer Samurai, huh?" Maya: "Fine. You can be the Lawyer General." Pw: "That's not the issue here." Song: "O-O-Oh... Olde Tokyo!" Maya: "That song!" Pw: "It's Signal Samurai." Maya: "That takes me back. You loved the show, didn't you?" Pw: "On the radio, huh?" Maya: "What's up?" Pw: "Nothing. Radio just has a special place in my heart." Maya: "Wait, what? Tell me more!" Pw: "I think it was when I was in middle school..." Lb: "Hey, Nick." Pw: "Larry." Lb: "Man, I'm sleepy." Pw: "Hey, did you watch yesterday's Rainbow Samurai episode?" Pw: ""Take evil down in the name of colorful justice"!" Lb: "I told you, I grew out of that stuff after Signal Samurai." Pw: "What a downer." Lb: "Now, it's all about radio, the adult's pastime!" Pw: "Radio?" Tr: "Sending you happy vibes, this is your lunch buddy, Dee!" Lb: "My Dee!" Tr: "It's time for our first track. It's hip, hop, and very, very spicy. Got enough peri-peri on your food?" Lb: "Aw, yeah!" Pw: "The "adult's pastime," huh?" Lb: "Hey, you dropped something." Lb: "You're still carrying that around?" Pw: "But..." Lb: "I bet Edgeworth's thrown his away by now." Lb: "I can't believe that guy. He transferred out without telling us how to contact him." Pw: "But can you blame him? You know what happened." Lb: "I know, but..." Pw: "Three years ago, an awful murder happened at the courthouse, and Edgeworth lost his father, a defense lawyer." Pw: "With nobody left to call family, he had to move out of this town." Pw: "And he hasn't contacted us since." Pw: "We still don't know who the killer was. But we do know that he was left all alone." Pw: "I hope he's doing okay." Lb: "Who knows? I wonder how his little pupper's doing, too." Me: "You..." : "Doesn't he look like Papa?" Me: "Why did you dress him up?" : "Because you never smile." : "Actually, this scarf would look better." : "Hey! Get back here!" Rs: "Yo, yo, yo! Seven blades of justice, all with their own hue!" Rs: "We are the Rainbow Samurai!" : "How lame." : "Welcome home, Papa." Me: "Welcome back, sir." : "Hey, Papa. You won today's trial, right?" Vk: "Of course." : "That's my Papa. I'm going to be a prosecutor when I grow up." Vk: "Is that right?" Vk: "Will you follow in your father's footsteps, too?" Me: "Oh, I don't know yet..." : "I know. Papa, take Miles to one of your trials sometime." Me: "But I..." Vk: "Very well." : "Yay! Also, there's somewhere I would like to go after the trial." Me: "Father..." Vk: "Get the orphanage deal moving." Vk: "I've decided to send Miles there." Vk: "This pain again... You still stand in my way, Gregory Edgeworth?" Me: "Release my father!" Tr: "What's everyone having for lunch today? I've got jelly donuts!" Lb: "That sounds yummy!" Pw: "Skipping class today?" Tr: "Let's move on to the requests!" Pw: "That's it!" Pw: "I found a way to get in touch with Edgeworth!" Extralawyer: "Wh-Why wasn't I told about this evidence?!" Vk: "Blame yourself for not being thorough with your investigation." Vk: "von Karma is perfect. But were you ready to be? Ask your heart that and reflect on your mistakes." J: "Guilty!" Ge: "There's someone incredible in the prosecutor's office." Me: "Aren't prosecutors your enemies?" Ge: "That's not quite right, Miles." Ge: "We fight together to find the truth." Ge: "We overlook no contradiction and make sure evil is punished." Ge: "Or at least, that's what I want us to be." R: "Another splendid victory, Mr. von Karma. Another win for your perfect record." Vk: "My record means nothing. I simply fight to ensure that crimes are brought to justice." : "Papa never lets any criminals get away. He always crushes them." : "I want to hurry up and become a prosecutor like him, and fight alongside him." : "Papa!" : "You were perfect again today." Vk: "But of course." Me: "A brilliant interrogation." Vk: "If only your father were my opponent, I would have enjoyed myself a little." Vk: "Go ahead and wait in the car." : "Okay." W: "Please donate to help abandoned dogs!" : "Let's go, Miles." Me: "Okay." : "This chain's flagship store is in the States. This is the only Japanese branch." Me: "Huh..." : "Which of these two do you like better?" Me: "I don't know." : "Oh, that's it!" : "I'll take the red one." : "It's dressed in red, just like you." : "Oh, Papa! This way!" : "Get back here!" Me: "I'll go get him!" : "Wait... Miles!" Me: "Hey!" Me: "I-I'm sorry." Goldy: "What a rude boy." Tr: "Now for some worrying news. A little doggy's gotten lost in the Lordly Tailor Shopping Mall." Me: "Lordly Tailor? Wait, here?" Me: "Her name is Napalm, and she's a white Pomeranian wearing a cute ribbon. You can tell it's her by the heart-shaped spot on her belly. If you find her, her owner will..." Me: "G-Give you a 5,000 dollar reward!" Me: "I guess my dog isn't the only naughty one here." Tr: "Moving on to the next track." Song: "O-O-Oh... Olde Tokyo!" Me: "Signal Samurai?" Me: "I want to become a defense lawyer, like Father." Pw: "I'm sure you'll be an amazing lawyer, Miles!" : "I want to hurry up and become a prosecutor like him, and fight alongside him." Vk: "If only your father were my opponent, I would have enjoyed myself a little." Me: "Father, what should I do?" Tr: "Isn't this song just the coolest? It was requested by Signal Blue." Tr: "He even sends a message for his friend. Uh... "Signal Red, are you doing well? I hope your dog's okay, too." Pw: "I miss the three of us playing Signal Samurai together." Tr: "I miss the three of us playing Signal Samurai together." Pw: "You moved away so suddenly, but no matter where you are, I'll always root for you and your dream." Pw: "Let's meet again someday. I'll be waiting to hear from you."" Pw: "Wright?" Tr: "I hope Red and Blue meet again. Dee's cheering for you two!" Me: "You never change, do you?" Me: "Oh, were you chasing after her?" Me: "A white Pomeranian wearing a ribbon..." Me: "Are you Napalm?" Goldy: "Ah. You were here?" Goldy: "I looked all over for you, Napalm." Vk: "What's the matter? Didn't you want to eat these pancakes?" : "But..." : "What am I going to do with him?" Goldy: "You have my thanks for finding her. I'm her owner, Goldy." Me: "Oh, the owner? Thank goodness." Goldy: "Really, I was so worried." Goldy: "O-Oh dear. She must be mad I left her all alone." Me: "Seems like it." Goldy: "I don't have any kids. She's my only family." Goldy: "Come to Mommy! Get over here!" Goldy: "My, she can be so difficult at times." Goldy: "Come along, now." Me: "I don't know about forcing her." Goldy: "Oh? You're going to tell me, her owner, what to do?" Me: "Um, I'm aware this is rude, but are you really her owner?" Goldy: "Of course I am." Me: "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I should hand her over to you like this." Goldy: "Oho? You want her for yourself, don't you?" Me: "Say what?" : "Mi..." Goldy: "Unfortunately for you, she belongs to me. Take the brown one and scram." Me: "Do you have proof?" Goldy: "Proof? Of course I do. I know everything there is to know about her." Goldy: "She has a lovely heart-shaped spot on her belly." Goldy: "It's Napalm's and my little secret!" Goldy: "Well? Do you get that I'm her owner now?" Me: "Fine." Goldy: "Come, Napalm. Let's go home." Goldy: "Now the reward is mine! O-O-Oh... Olde Tokyo!" Me: "Hold it!" Me: "Miss Goldy, do you like that song?" Goldy: "Wh-Wh-What do you mean?" Me: "Do you know where it's from?" Goldy: "I don't! It just happened to come to mind!" Me: "Here's something I heard before... People don't choose things for no reason." Goldy: "Wh-What are you talking about?" Me: "Even if they think they chose at random, there's always a reason behind it." : "It's dressed in red, just like you." Me: "That goes the same for humming a song. You may think it just happened to come to mind, but there may be an underlying reason you're not aware of." Me: "For instance, that you heard that song recently." Tr: "Moving on to the next track." Song: "O-O-Oh... Olde Tokyo!" Me: "I heard that song a while ago, too. On the radio." Me: "By the way, that show contained a rather interesting piece of news." Me: "Apparently, whoever finds that dog will be rewarded handsomely." Me: "It even mentioned that heart-shaped spot." Goldy: "I don't know about any radio show! I didn't tune in!" Me: "Then where did you hear that song?" Goldy: "I remember now. I heard it on TV." Me: "That's the theme song for a children's show." Me: "Didn't you say you don't have any kids?" Goldy: "I-It's a popular song these days. I must've heard it somewhere—" Me: "Objection!" Me: "I hate to break it you, but that's impossible." Goldy: "H-How come?" Me: "That show, Signal Samurai, ended three whole years ago!" Me: "Miss Goldy Gerwitz, you really did hear it on the radio, didn't you?" Goldy: "Who do you think you are, you brat? I'm the owner, and that's that!" Me: "If you really are the owner, there's something you're forgetting." Goldy: "Huh? And what's that?" Me: "The reward." Me: "I found her. The reward was 5,000 dollars, wasn't it? If you want to take her home," Me: "you'll have to pay me first." Goldy: "Don't tell an adult what to do, brat." Goldy: "Just give me that mutt already!" Vk: "That's enough." Vk: "You've already lost. Begone." Goldy: "Wh-Who the hell are you? I..." Vk: "Or would you like to appeal?" Vk: "In court, I mean." Goldy: "Eek! I... I'm sowwy!" : "Miles..." : "We looked all over for you, you know?" Me: "I apologize for causing you trouble." Vk: "Let's go." Vk: "The pancakes must be ready by now." : "Yay! Come on!" : "I had loads of fun today." G: "Please! Please help! We'll appreciate any donations!" Me: "Um... If I receive the reward, may I donate it to them?" : "Donate?" W: "Donate to save a dog!" G: "Please." Me: "Please." Vk: "You're the one who found the dog." Vk: "You may do as you wish." Me: "Thank you, sir!" Vk: "About the orphanage thing..." Vk: "Forget about it." Vk: "I didn't know myself why I decided to adopt that boy three years ago." Vk: "But I think I caught a glimpse of the reason why today." Vk: "It wasn't out of guilt. I simply wanted to see what path the pain I had taken on would take." Vk: "That is my karma." Vk: "Wear this from now on." Me: "Thank you, sir!" Me: "You helped me out once again, Wright." Lb: "What are you standing around for? Let's go." Pw: "C-Coming..." Maya: "And?" Maya: "Did Edgeworth hear it?" Pw: "Who knows?" Maya: "I'm sure it reached him! I hope our ad reaches everyone, too!" Pw: "Anyway, we filmed it and all, but what are we gonna do with it?" Maya: "Y'know, we'll put it up on this hot new "internet" thing. Come on, Nick. Do it." Pw: "Uh, I don't know how. I'm no good with electronics." Maya: "Is this it?" Pw: "Wait!" Maya: "Let's go!" G: "What's this?" G: "Hey, Japanese lawyers are pretty crazy, huh?" Pw: "Objection! The Goddess of Misfortune, Maggey, returns! And she's accused of murder again. The crime happened in a French restaurant." Pw: "Nobody believes what Maggey has to say." Pw: "But even if nobody else is, I'm on your side! Trust me, Maggey!"

: "Only a handful of teams" : "are allowed to stand on that ground." : "It's a field that all teams dream about and respect." : "Koshien Stadium." bu: "Ei-chan, good luck!" @Miyuki: "Great pitching is something created by the pitcher and catcher working in unison." @Sawamura: "Miyuki Kazuya." @Sawamura: "Meeting him..." @Sawamura: "completely changed my high school baseball career." @Miyuki: "Nice pitch." @Yuki: "One more ball." @Yuki: "Please..." @Yuki: "Coach." @Sawamura: "Captain Yuki, Isashiki-senpai, Masuko-senpai, and Ryosuke-san..." @Sawamura: "Our team entered the summer tournament with those incredible upperclassmen." Announcer: "Seido has last year's champions Inashiro against the wall!" Announcer: "One more out and they're headed to Koshien Stadium!" Kuramochi: "We can do it!" Sakai: "We're going..." Tanba: "to win!" Isashiki: "We're winning this thing!" _All: "We're going to that field!" _Umpire: "Hit by pitch!" @Int_Isashiki: "This can't be happening! Make it stop!" @Sawamura: "In the championship game against Inashiro..." @Sawamura: "We were one out away from playing at Koshien Stadium." @Sawamura: "But my pitch hit a batter, which tied the score." @Sawamura: "Then we gave up the lead and it was a walk-off loss." @Sawamura: "We missed that ticket to nationals." @Furuya: "I don't want any more memories like this. As the game ended, all I could do was watch from the bench." @Furuya: "With more power..." @Furuya: "If I had more power..." @Furuya: "I won't let anyone take me off the mound again." @Furuya: "I will become this team's ace." @Sawamura: "What does it mean to play at Koshien Stadium?" @Sawamura: "What is at that field?" Isashiki: "I don't know." Isashiki: "I don't know why you're asking..." Isashiki: "but who would work hard to go somewhere anyone can go?" Isashiki: "We try because it's hard." Isashiki: "It's a dream because it's hard to make it reality, right?" Isashiki: "What's at Koshien Stadium? Don't make me laugh." Isashiki: "If you want to know, go see it for yourself." Isashiki: "Idiot." @Sawamura: "We overcame a grueling fall East Tokyo Tournament, winning numerous difficult games, and earned a spot at the invitational." @Sawamura: "I'm here." @Sawamura: "I'm standing on this field." @Int_Sawamura: "This dirt.." @Int_Sawamura: "The stands..." @Int_Sawamura: "The smells..." @Int_Sawamura: "The air is nice at Koshien Stadium." @Int_Sawamura: "You tried to hog this all to yourself, Furuya." @Furuya: "I pitched the whole time." _Fan: "He's got good balance. Is he a southpaw pitcher? It looks like he's smiling." @Int_Sawamura: "This is how chapter 2 of the Sawamura Legend begins!" @Int_Sawamura: "It slipped!" _Fan: "He's red! His face is red! He's red all the way to his ears! You're right! He's bright red! You can see how red he is from the stands! It's okay! That doesn't count! We'll pretend we didn't see it! Get back up! He stood up defiantly for some reason! Don't let it get to you, #18!" _Fan: "Hey, he's moving! It's not too late to rethink your life, kid!" _Fan: "How many deep breaths is he gonna take? Hurry up and pitch!" : "Koshien Stadium, the spring invitational. It's a tournament where 32 teams selected from each prefecture and regional competition. Last fall, Seido High School won the Tokyo Tournament" : "and earned a ticket to Koshien Stadium for the first time in seven years." @Harucchi: "Two outs, Eijun-kun!" @Kanemaru: "Sawamura, we'll forget about the walk you gave up!" @Tojyo: "Stay focused on the batter!" @Int_Sawamura: "I know! I know what to do!" @Yamaguchi: "Steal!" @Int_Sawamura: "He's stealing a base!" Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "He threw it right to his feet! He was stealing it perfectly!" : "That guy rises up again!" _Fan: "1.83 seconds." _Fan: "I see why they're eyeing him for the draft! His shoulder is as good as they say! That means he's a good batter, too." @Harucchi: "You let him steal." @Kuramochi: "Too many steals." @Int_Miyuki: "That start..." @Int_Miyuki: "Did he pick up a habit from the Jingu Tournament?" Coach: "They shouldn't be allowed to have a catcher like that!" @Int_Miyuki: "When facing a team that frequently makes it to Koshien Stadium..." @Int_Miyuki: "you can't take your eye off them." Gu: "It's the bottom of the eighth. Seido High has given up two hits and one run. There's now a runner on first." Gu: "Nice cheetah! That shortstop Kuramochi moves well. He's fast and balances his body well. I wonder how his batting will improve. Nice cheetah! Nice cheetah, You-san!" Announcement: "Seido High School is making a substitution." : "In the bottom of the ninth, Seido High School scored another run and sent in a pinch hitter. He was in the first string last year but after falling into a big slump, he was pulled off the starting lineup. Maezono!" Gu: "Oh, yeah!" Gi: "He's letting Maezono-kun bat. The bench gets excited when he gets a hit. The team must be hoping he'll get back into a rhythm." Gu: "Yeah." _Fan: "Zono, get this done!" Gu: "Yeah!" : "It's a high fly ball to the second baseman!" Gu: "Damn it! His swing isn't bad. It's just his timing." Gu: "It's the last inning! Let's wrap this up!" Gu: "Homei isn't just going to let us win." Gu: "Remember to be aggressive while you're defending." All: "Yes, sir!" Gu: "The team's emotions affect how they play." Gu: "Those watching the game can feel them, too." Gu: "You aren't just the team representing Tokyo." Gu: "You're here on behalf of all baseball players." Gu: "It's not enough to enjoy the game." Gu: "Go and experience the totality of baseball." Gu: "Let's go!" All: "Yeah!" Gu: "As we players battle on the ground..." Gu: "...our every action excites the crowd in the stands. And as their cheers reach us... ...they raise our spirits, too!" Gu: "No matter what team we face..." Gu: "...we never intend to lose!" Gu: "We will be the top team in the nation!" : "Game over! Homei hung on well, but Seido High School has taken this first-round game!" Gu: "Yes, yes, yes! Yeah!" Gi: "He throws really well, but he didn't finish the game." Gu: "The ace, Furuya-san? They probably wanted to give the other pitchers some field time." Gu: "Sawamura Eijun..." Gu: "They'll need him if they want to be national champions." Gu: "Changing pitchers in the seventh inning with two outs." Gu: "That was a shrewd call." Gu: "Maybe they knew how many pitches he would throw." _Fan: "Good game!" _Fan: "Win the next game, too!" Gu: "We're at nationals to restore our school's reputation." Gu: "This victory begins Seido High School's run to becoming champions." Gu: "At least it should have." Tv: "From today's second game, Seido High School from Tokyo will be advancing to the second round." Gu: "It feels like they forced the other team down, instead of just protecting their lead." Gu: "They're a really strong team." Gu: "Hey, are you watching, Masamune? We might be facing their pitcher in the third round." Gu: "They threw some nasty pitches during the Jingu Tournament. Especially that pitcher Furuya― Hmph. The guy who ran away from Hokkaido, right?" Gu: "He's nothing." Gu: "Renji." Gu: "Gather the players from their rooms. Yes, sir." Gu: "Masamune." Gu: "You're the relief pitcher tomorrow. Start warming up in the bullpen in the first inning." Gu: "Where's Kengo?" Gu: "He is resting in his room." Gu: "This is no time for laying down. Have him do some exercises before dinner. We don't want to drop out in the first round." Gu: "We'll fight with our best players tomorrow." Gu: "To be honest..." Gu: "I still didn't know anything..." Gu: "about what it means..." Gu: "to play on this field." Gu: "No, I could have pitched more. My second year of high school" Gu: "began at the Koshien Stadium." Gu: "Furuya's incredible. Hm? Here, look at this. Whoa!" Gu: "He's in this paper, too. Wow." Gu: "If you're interested, just pick one up." Gu: "What about Sawamura?! Where do they mention the fiery relief pitcher Sawamura?! Nowhere, idiot!" Gu: "And he's over there sleeping!" Gu: "You're not a little kid. Keep it down, Sawamura." Gu: "Whoa, coffee!" Gu: "What is that grown-up look you have, Aso-senpai? Yeah, he's the type who grows up on vacation. You don't even drink canned coffee usually! We have practice this afternoon, right?" Background: "" Gu: "Yeah, but only for two hours. Where's Zono? He went to the park to practice his swing. He starts early. Maybe we should join him. Tojyo, what do you want to do? I'll go later. There's not enough space." Gu: "How'd you sleep, Miyuki? Not that well." Gu: "Part of it is that we aren't playing today." Gu: "It just felt like a waste to sleep." Gu: "I know what you mean. Some of the team went back to Tokyo, so sleeping just seems... Right! There are TV programs that don't air in Tokyo, too. Yeah, exactly!" Background: "Did you see that one commercial?" Gu: "They're getting along really well." Background: "The one with Hirapa?" Gu: "It's a Koshien miracle!" : "Komadai Fujimaki leads by two. They're taking out their starting pitcher, Midorikawa." _Fan: "He's finally out!" : "The young monster who heated up the summer is taking the mound! Hongo Masamune!" : "He wears the ace number, and is returning to Koshien Stadium!" _Fan: "Hongo-kun! Masamune!" Gu: "They swing at low pitches." Gu: "Be ready from the first pitch." Gu: "This is the first round toward successive championships." Gu: "What kind of pitches do you expect to throw?" Gu: "I don't really expect anything. Huh? Well, are there any teams you have your eye on? No." Gu: "Why'd you give those non-committal responses?" Gu: "Don't treat this as a chore." Gu: "Can't you be a little more cooperative?" Gu: "You need the media on your side to succeed at Koshien Stadium." : "Masamune, are you getting enough to eat? You still look thin." : "Go gain some weight! No, a pitcher has to be able to run! Do you have a girlfriend? We're counting on you next year, too! Any goals? Only thinking about winning again?" Gu: "Raise your awareness" Gu: "to that of a championship pitcher at Koshien Stadium." Gu: "They annoy me." Gu: "Every single one of them." Gu: "I'm the one playing baseball!" _Fan: "There it is! His last resort, the split!" Gu: "Enough from the peanut gallery." : "Swing and a miss! Three strike outs in a row!" _Fan: "Yeah, that's the stuff! That's what I came to see! Did you see how he looked on the mound? So intense! A monstrous sixteen-year-old!" Gu: "The air sure has changed. He's in a class all his own. I've been following him since last year!" _Fan: "Hongo! Masamune!" Gu: "Getting all excited over low pitches. Idiot." Gu: "We don't know what will happen next." Gu: "The champions of last year's summer tournament and Jingu Tournament. Komadai Fujimaki. He pitched just as well as Narumi as a first-year." Gu: "His pitches were hitting the high 140s. Are they fighting?" Gu: "Hongo Masamune..." Gu: "He's the same year as you two." Gu: "Masamune Hongo!" Gu: "He may not be Sawamura, but he gets people excited! With players like that all over the country... If things go as expected, they'll reach the third round. And they'll be facing..." Gu: "They were the last wall that stood in Mei's way last year." Gu: "There's no better opponent to measure our strength against." Gu: "Let us avenge Inashiro's loss, Cap! We need to win the second round first. Keep it down, idiot! Eijun-kun, do you know where we are?" Gu: "I'm on fire! Could you sit down? We're gonna get complaints. We're gonna win!" Gu: "Shut up. "Beyond the Dream."" Preview: "Nice pitch, Furuya! You're looking better, but don't get overconfident! If you just look at the speed gun and ignore the batter, you'll regret it! I'm not looking at it. They acknowledge each other and try to improve themselves. Eijun-kun and Furuya-kun make good rivals. Worry not! If your pitching gets weird, I'm ready to take your place! That won't happen."

Mukai: "It must be true that stupid attracts stupid." Umemiya: "Well, I think it's time to go hunting for elite, preppy boys." Mukai: "It feels so great to make idiots like them cry." _Player: "Get 'em! Knock it flying!" Seto: "Thanks for the food! I'll see you later." Int_Asada: "I'm one of the last to finish again." @Sawamura: "Asada!" @Sawamura: "Once you're eating, let's play some catch! That'll warm us up for afternoon practice." Asada: "Y-Yes, sir. I'll be there." @Sawamura: "Okay, I'll wait right here!" Asada: "Huh? But that makes it harder to eat..." @Miyuki: "What's going on?" @Miyuki: "Is Sawamura roping a first-year into practicing with him?" @Kuramochi: "The first-year rooming with us hasn't been feeling well, so he's trying to cheer him up." @Miyuki: "Cheer him up?" @Sawamura: "Instead of "I can't," say "I can't yet!"" @Sawamura: "Just say that when you feel ready to quit!" @Sawamura: "That's what I've always done and will continue to do!" Asada: "They said that on TV yesterday." @Sawamura: "The only enemy is inside yourself! You need to crawl up from here!" Okumura: "Knock it off." Okumura: "Your idiotic shouting has made me lose my appetite." Okumura: "I feel sick." @Sawamura: "Huh?" Okumura: "Even though he eats slowly, he finishes everything." Okumura: "We don't need any cheap encouragement. We're fighting in our own way." Okumura: "Could you please leave? I'm tired of looking at you, Senpai." @Int_Sawamura: "T-Tired of looking at me?" @Int_Sawamura: "Leave?" @Sawamura: "Wh-Wh-What's your problem?! You're a first-year, right? Yeah, a first-year! Tell me your class, name, and your roll number!" Okumura: "Koshu Okumura. I play catcher. Don't you remember being in the bullpen with me? Are you only interested in first-years if they have a spot on the bench?" @Sawamura: "I-I remember seeing you." Okumura: "And it doesn't matter what class I'm in." @Int_Sawamura: "What a cocky first-year!" @Sawamura: "See you later, Asada." Asada: "Y-Yes, sir." @Sawamura: "Kanemaru! Kanemaru, are you here?!" @Kanemaru: "Shut up!" @Sawamura: "Listen and tell me what you think!" @Kanemaru: "It's all your fault!" @Sawamura: "I didn't say anything yet!" @Kanemaru: "Damn, I don't want to hear it." @Sawamura: "A first-year was just mouthing off to me in the cafeteria!" @Kanemaru: "Calm down!" _Asada: "I'm done! I finished in three bites, Senpai! Let's go!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Go where?!" _Asada: "To play catch..." Int_Asada: "That was scary, but I think I did the right thing." Int_Asada: "I've never seen anyone talk like that to a senior." Int_Asada: "Oh, right. Catch." _Fan: "A screwball! It could have gone anywhere if he'd hit it. It's the top of the eighth, with two outs and runners on first and third. A solid hit could tie the game!" _Player: "Umemiya-senpai! Get us a hit! Let's finish this, Taiyo-san!" _Player: "Ume-nii!" Int_Umemiya: "Yeah, no one hates giving up as much as me." Int_Umemiya: "Don't back down! Bring it on!" Int_Mukai: "I'm not backing down! If we trip up now, we won't stand a chance at nationals!" _Umpire: "Foul!" _Fan: "He threw an inside pitch to Umemiya! That's way too risky! He did it on purpose! Now he's got two strikes! Will he throw his screwball next?" _Fan: "Another inside pitch! He was going for the third strike! He's feeling really gutsy!" Int_Player: "This is..." Int_Player: "the tenacity of the guy who takes the mound for Teito." Int_Player: "He doesn't show any openings." Int_Player: "His pitching technique is well-polished." Int_Umemiya: "I know that look." Int_Umemiya: "The eyes of someone who puts everything into their pitches to win." Int_Umemiya: "Let me crush your resolve and pride." Int_Mukai: "Instead of letting my opponent intimidate me with their bark, I'll gladly take the bite." Int_Mukai: "Remember! What was all that training for?" Int_Umemiya: "Bring it. Come on." Int_Mukai: "What was all that practice for?" Int_Mukai: "I don't like the look in your eyes." Int_Umemiya: "Come on, bring it!" Int_Mukai: "Do you think you can beat me?!" Mukai: "Yeah!" _Sign: "Parking Meter" @Miyuki: "He really said that? I wish I'd have been there." @Sawamura: "It's no laughing matter, Captain! I heard he's rooming with you! And he's a catcher, too!" @Miyuki: "I seem to recall you insulting Azuma-senpai. What goes around comes around. History repeats itself." @Fb_Sawamura: "He's gonna play pro ball with a body like that? Impossible! Look at his belly! He looks like an old man!" @Fb_Rei: "Sawamura, stop!" @Fb_Sawamura: "I bet he's at least forty years old! There's no way he's in high school!" _Azuma: "Wh-Who in the world..." _Azuma: "is making fun of my cute belly?" @Fb_Sawamura: "This is nothing like that! I was trying to pump up my roommate Asada!" @Furuya: "Insulting?" @Miyuki: "This is fun!" @Sawamura: "No, it's not!" @Miyuki: "Well, everyone has some things that get them mad. You probably got on his nerves somehow without realizing it. I think I did, too." @Fb_Miyuki: "Well, don't be so impatient." @Fb_Miyuki: "If you do as he says, you'll definitely be able to improve." @Fb_Sawamura: "No way! I don't want to pair up with someone so unmotivated!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Why is he still on the team?" @Fb_Sawamura: "If he doesn't like to practice, he should just quit." @Fb_Miyuki: "What you said just now..." @Fb_Miyuki: "I can't let it slide." @Miyuki: "What is it?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Maybe I did say something like that... in this same room!" @Sawamura: "I know it was a folly of youth, but I'm so ashamed of my first-year self! I want to get in a time machine and set him straight!" @Furuya: "What did you do?" @Sawamura: "Shut up! You have a dark past, too!" @Miyuki: "I'll tell you about it later." @Sawamura: "That's not necessary!" @Miyuki: "Sawamura." @Miyuki: "You can worry about first-years if you want, but you need to get ready yourself." @Miyuki: "Our game tomorrow is against Kasuga First, a powerhouse school from the east division." @Miyuki: "I'll deal with Okumura." @Miyuki: "Don't make any more trouble while we're in the tournament." Watanabe: "Thanks to a fine play by the second baseman, they couldn't catch up." Watanabe: "The eighth inning ended up deciding the game." Watanabe: "Teito defeated Ugumori 3–0." _Player: "Mukai's doing well this tournament." @Kanemaru: "He must've trained hard in the off season." @Kuramochi: "The game only took an hour and a half." Watanabe: "Then, for the second game, we wanted to see how Kokaidai Sugata would fare against Inashiro with their new former pro ball coach. Carlos led off with a home run and Yamaoka brought in two more runs, effectively crushing their ace, Yamada." Watanabe: "Unable to recover, they gave up seven runs in the first inning. Sugata tried to counterattack, but they could only score two runs against Hirano. When the game was called in the seventh inning, the score was 11–2. Inashiro has advanced to the semifinals while letting their ace, Narumiya, rest." @Kuramochi: "Carlos is hitting well." @Kanemaru: "So Teito will play Inashiro in the semifinals." @Kanemaru: "It's another battle between pitchers." Watanabe: "Kasuga First High's ace, whom we face tomorrow, was the relief pitcher last fall, but has performed well as the ace this tournament. His slider is impressive, but I think his new killer forkball is what has helped him up his game." @Int_Sawamura: "From relief to the ace..." Watanabe: "It's worth noting that they have several fast left-handed hitters." Watanabe: "The defense will need to watch for infield hits, hit-and-runs, and bunts. Be ready for a variety of offensive plays." Kataoka: "Pitchers and catchers, report to the coaches' office. We'll review tomorrow's rotation." _All: "Yes, sir!" @Sawamura: "Yes, boss!" Kataoka: "As for tomorrow's starting lineup..." : "It's the quarterfinals of the Tokyo spring tournament. Seido versus Kasuga First." : "There are two outs with a runner on first base." _Player: "They didn't start Furuya. It's their lefty, Sawamura." _Player: "Kasuga was probably expecting Furuya and was caught off-guard." _Player: "Furuya had a poor start last game. Maybe he's not in good form." _Player: "Maybe he burned out at Koshien Stadium. But they have that sidewinder, Kawakami, so they have no lack of pitchers. I can hardly believe they were hurting for pitchers last year!" _Kataoka: "I'm going to start Sawamura for tomorrow's game." _Kataoka: "They have a lot of left-handed batters and they swing hard. Sawamura is the best choice." _Kataoka: "Furuya will still pitch in the second half. Be sure you're ready." _Furuya: "Will I start in left field?" _Kataoka: "No, you'll stay on the bench. I want you to focus on pitching." @Fbint_Miyuki: "He's rested up from the Invitational, but his pitching has seemed strained since coming back from Koshien Stadium." _Ochiai: "He does fine in the bullpen." _Kataoka: "If we win tomorrow, the semifinals and finals will be back-to-back." _Kataoka: "Our goal is to win a national title. I expect you to win not only the Kanto tournament, but every game we play." _Kataoka: "Forget about your jersey number and your order in the rotation. Show me what you can accomplish as a team!" _All: "Yes, sir!" @Int_Sawamura: "My shoulder feels relaxed, and the sensation in my fingers is fine." @Int_Sawamura: "What's more, he let me start in a game he expects us to win." @Int_Sawamura: "I want to live up to the boss's expectations." @Miyuki: "You're pitching well, Sawamura." @Sawamura: "You think so, too?" @Miyuki: "You've got a solid rhythm." @Miyuki: "Want to mix in some numbers?" @Miyuki: "Just a few." Seto: "He got the first three batters out. Sawamura-senpai is looking good. It's a shame he's the relief pitcher." Int_Seto: "Telling one of the main pitchers to leave was a bad idea. I just hope it doesn't blow up when the other players hear about it. If only I'd been there." Int_Asada: "His pitching is so free, as always. I wish we had been able to play catch." : "It's the bottom of the second inning. There is one out and no runners on base." _Player: "Isn't this guy a first-year?" : "Batting seventh, left fielder..." : "Wearing #19, in his first at-bat after making the starting lineup..." : "He struck out with a swing that awed the stands." Yuki: "Next." Announcer: "It's the quarterfinals of the Tokyo spring tournament. Seido is up against Kasuga First! It's a great game between powerhouses from the east and west! It's a quiet start to the game, with both pitchers settled in from the get-go." _Player: "Yeah!" Announcer: "Kasuga First is looking to get their momentum going against Seido High School's southpaw Eijun Sawamura." Announcer: "Which team will seize control of the game?" _All: "Two outs! Two outs!" @Sawamura: "Once more!" _Player: "Was that a two-seamer? Maybe a slider? I couldn't tell." _Player: "Was that a changeup? But it sank, right? Can that pitcher throw a forkball?" Int_Player: "What was that? I don't know how it broke like that." Announcer: "An inside pitch for strike three! That's three outs!" Ochiai: "Those pitches were quite effective." Int_Ono: "Throwing them in a real game..." Int_Kawakami: "Nothing surprises me anymore." @Sawamura: "Weren't those awesome?" @Miyuki: "Not too bad." Announcer: "After getting on base from a walk, Kuramochi manages to steal!" @Sawamura: "Train, train, running along!" Announcer: "Batting second, center fielder, Tojo-kun." Int_Tojo: "This is no time to think about getting to play pitcher again." Int_Tojo: "There's no guarantee I can keep the position I have!" Announcer: "A comebacker!" Announcer: "The second-base runner advances to third! The throw to first is too late!" @Int_Kuramochi: "I want that first run!" Announcer: "Batting third, second baseman, Kominato-kun." Int_Player: "We got this batter out last time, but he knew how to hit the slider. Their cleanup bats next, so it would be best to avoid a squeeze play and strike him out." Int_Player: "They'll run on a ground ball, infielders!" Int_Player: "Swing through, Takuya!" _Player: "Throwing a forkball with a runner on third... The Kasuga First High battery is making their move." _Watanabe: "I think his new killer forkball is what has helped him up his game." @Int_Miyuki: "The pitch that made him the ace." @Int_Miyuki: "Essentially, their battery's lifeline." Int_Watanabe: "Hiding behind the slider, their real ultimate pitch." Int_Watanabe: "Here comes another forkball." Announcer: "It goes to left field!" @Int_Kuramochi: "Nice one, Haruichi!" Announcer: "Seido High School is the first to step on home plate!" _Player: "That was a nice hit. It's tough facing a batter like that right before the cleanup." Announcer: "There are still no outs, and runners are on first and second!" Announcer: "Up to bat is Seido's power hitter!" @Sawamura: ""Debut."" _Both: "Pick a pitch!" @Miyuki: "Okay, how will the dice roll today?" @Furuya: "That's not all. I can do more. That day, I was more..." @Sawamura: "They aren't going to let things end like this, either! Here, take a drink!" @Furuya: "Whose side are you on?" @Miyuki: "What will decide this game?" @Furuya: "Are you a prophet?" @Miyuki: "Yep!" @Sawamura: "And he looks so smug!" Sfx: "Rumble" @Sawamura: "On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Where You Look.""

Kataoka: "I'm going to start Sawamura for tomorrow's game." Kataoka: "They have a lot of left-handed batters and they swing hard. Sawamura is the best choice." Kataoka: "If we win tomorrow, the semifinals and finals will be back-to-back." Kataoka: "Our goal is to win a national title. I expect you to win not only the Kanto tournament, but every game we play." Kataoka: "Forget about your jersey number and your order in the rotation. Show me what you can accomplish as a team!" Announcer: "An inside pitch for strike three! That's three outs!" Int_Player: "Swing through, Takuya!" @Int_Miyuki: "The pitch that made him the ace." @Int_Miyuki: "Essentially, their battery's lifeline." Int_Watanabe: "Hiding behind the slider, their real ultimate pitch." Int_Watanabe: "Here comes another forkball." Announcer: "It goes to left field!" @Int_Kuramochi: "Nice one, Haruichi!" Announcer: "Seido High School is the first to step on home plate! There are still no outs, and runners are on first and second!" Announcer: "Up to bat is Seido's power hitter!" _Both: "Pick a pitch!" _Player: "Can the Kasuga First battery take him on?" Int_Player: "They have to. They must shut down the cleanup and get momentum on their side." _Umpire: "Ball!" _All: "Pick a pitch!" _Umpire: "Ball!" Announcer: "He tries to paint the corner, but it misses the mark, and the count is three balls!" Seto: "He's being too careful. Or maybe he's just chicken." Int_Player: "Outside, outside, outside... If the catcher keeps calling like a coward, it'll affect the pitcher." _Fan: "I guess they're giving up this batter. What choice do they have?" _Umpire: "Ball four!" Announcer: "Bases loaded!" _Player: "Aren't you going to watch, Kosei?" _Player: "I'll let you finish watching it, Takami. I'm not interested in a battery that chickens out in a pinch. And if their batters can't take advantage of this situation, then they're nothing to worry about." _Player: "That's an RBI for you." @Maezono: "Yeah!" Int_Mogami: "I'm a powerhouse, I'm a powerhouse, I'm a powerhouse." : "The Seido batters gained momentum in the third inning." : "They scored again in the fourth inning, extending their lead to six runs." : "Now it's the top of the fifth inning." : "Having walked two batters and hit another, the bases are loaded with two outs. It's the biggest chance Kasuga has had this game." @Sawamura: "I'm sorry!" @Kuramochi: "Shake it off!" @Kominato: "Don't worry about it!" @Int_Miyuki: "It was too soon for that pitch." @Int_Miyuki: "But it's important that he got to try it in an actual game." @Int_Miyuki: "There will be games far tougher than this." @Int_Miyuki: "If he can throw it then, only then will he have made it his own." @Int_Miyuki: "Seido has a lot of growing to do." @Int_Miyuki: "The bases are loaded, but there are two outs." @Int_Miyuki: "Let's finish this up with a fastball." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" : "Three hits allowed, two walks, and seven strikeouts." : "No runs allowed in five innings." : "That was Sawamura's pitching record for the day. Now, in the top of the sixth inning," : "Seido brings their ace out to pitch." @Int_Miyuki: "Okay, how will the dice roll today?" @Kominato: "Two outs!" Announcer: "It was three up and three down in the sixth, and he already has two outs this inning! The powerful pitcher who shone at the Invitational is making his presence known!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's still not putting the ball where I want it, but he's not too far off." Ochiai: "His shoulder is still tense, but he's pitching well." @Int_Sawamura: "That jerk. I've been trying all sorts of stuff this game, and he comes out and shuts everyone down." @Int_Miyuki: "I guess we rolled a good day." @Kuramochi: "Two outs, Furuya!" @Maezono: "Two outs!" @Int_Furuya: "That's not all." @Int_Furuya: "I can do more." @Int_Furuya: "That day, I was more..." @Int_Furuya: "More..." Announcer: "Strike! Batter out! The batter swings and misses at a high fastball for strike three!" @Int_Miyuki: "He really has changed since Koshien Stadium." @Int_Miyuki: "No... after the game against Komadai. Before that game, he bowed to his teammates and showed he understood the weight of being the ace. But after returning from Koshien Stadium, he seems to be obsessing over his pitching again." @Int_Miyuki: "Will that change be for the better, or..." @Int_Furuya: "That felt good." @Sawamura: "Hey, Furuya, don't get a big head! They aren't going to let things end like this, either! Here, take a drink!" @Furuya: "Whose side are you on?" @Sawamura: "You can't relax, no matter how many runs we're up!" @Furuya: "Did you get a hit today?" @Sawamura: "Shut up!" Announcer: "I-It's gone! Seventh batter, Yuki, hits a two-run home run!" Announcer: "That puts Seido eight up in the seventh! It's a walk-off! The game is called!" Announcer: "A first-year who just joined the team has won the game!" @Miyuki: "He wasn't timing the breaking balls, but he stuck with his swing all the way." Rei: "He got his first home run in his first start. Just like his brother, but four months sooner." Seto: "That jerk actually hit one! He left a real mark!" @Yui: "I wanted to get the first hit." @Furuya: "It's over..." @Sawamura: "Let's go line up!" Seki: "Yeah!" Aso: "No yeahs!" _Player: "A first-year won the game? Kokubu Senior's #4, right? Kasuga First got owned so badly? Is it finally over?" _Player: "Seido's insane!" _Coach: "They used their two best pitchers, and a new first-year finished it off." _Coach: "They're looking dangerous." _Coach: "They're starting to win like champions." _Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "So close! Right to the third baseman!" Announcer: "A runner advanced to third this inning, but Niogakusha remain scoreless!" _Player: "That was close!" Announcer: "The score is still 0–0, as both teams' aces deliver strong performances." _Player: "Okay, shake it off!" _All: "Yeah!" _Player: "Okay!" @Maezono: "Niogakusha's pitcher is good." @Kuramochi: "His pitches are fast. The Ichidai batters are swinging late." _Player: "It's just..." @Maezono: "On the other side, Kosei Amahisa..." @Kuramochi: "He hasn't given up any runs, but he isn't at the top of his game. He looks like his mind is elsewhere." Watanabe: "Yeah, he's usually a better player. He hasn't thrown any sliders." @Miyuki: "The way things stand, the first team to score will have a big advantage." @Miyuki: "I want you two to watch closely. Will it be momentum," @Miyuki: "an error, or a bad judgment?" @Miyuki: "See what decides the match." _Player: "Yeah! Whoa, he's pitching inside a lot." @Miyuki: "He's showing no hesitation against the Ichidai batters." @Miyuki: "That look on his face reminds me of someone." @Miyuki: "But this is the second half of the game." @Miyuki: "How will the catcher call this?" @Miyuki: "If he tries to rack up the count just because it was easy in the first half..." @Miyuki: "The Ichidai batters will have adapted." Announcer: "Home run! Third batter Miyakawa blasts through the deadlock with a home run to take the lead!" @Furuya: "Are you psychic?" @Miyuki: "Yep!" @Sawamura: "And he's got that smug look on his face!" @Miyuki: "Still, though, it may have been a fluke. If they don't give up any more runs, they still have a chance." @Miyuki: "Nice hit. That run must feel good." _Coach: "Go, go, boys!" @Miyuki: "The most important part is what they do next. When a game that was at a stalemate starts moving, it's easy for the other team to give up runs, too." @Miyuki: "If Ichidai's defense is strong this inning, they'll have seized control of the game." Int_Player: "Actually..." Int_Player: "One run would have been enough." @Kuramochi: "That guy's shifted into high gear." : "Niogakusha's batters fought hard to counterattack," : "but Kosei Amahisa's sliders struck out batter after batter. His perfect pitching resulted in Niogakusha never touching" : "second base after the fifth inning." @Miyuki: "His slider is unbelievable." @Sawamura: "Wh-Why are you admiring him when we're about to play them?!" @Furuya: "I didn't want to hear that." @Miyuki: "I just mean he's too good for a high schooler." _Fan: "Amahisa-san is crazy good! Can anyone hit that pitch?" _Fan: "I guess it's the first time Seido will play Ichidai since last year. They didn't meet in the last two tournaments. The other game is Inashiro vs Teito. The semifinals are gonna be intense! I'd line up to see them!" Amahisa: "Well, Manaka-san wasn't feeling well last year. I'm not really thinking of payback or anything." : "The Tokyo spring tournament is down to just the semifinal and final games. The two teams that make it to the final will participate in the Kanto tournament," : "but that does not lead to a game at Koshien Stadium." : "Still, of the top four teams, three are from the West Tokyo division. If there's a chance they'll play each other in the summer tournament, they'll want to hide all the information and weaknesses that they can." _Coach: "Hey, don't leave me out!" : "If they lose, there will be another chance," : "but they don't plan on losing." : "It's a fierce battle of their teams' pride leading up to the summer tournament!" @Miyuki: "I think the Ichidai batters will have trouble if Furuya pitches like he did today." @Miyuki: "But his pitching is still tense." @Miyuki: "I'm worried about him going deep like this." Ochiai: "The relief may be the better choice." Ota: "Y-You mean you'll start..." Okamoto: "What do you want?" Seto: "Hey, Koshu!" @Sawamura: "Did you eat your rice?!" Okamoto: "Yes." @Sawamura: "Three whole bowls?!" Okamoto: "Yes, three bowls." Seto: "Hey!" @Sawamura: "Super extra helpings?!" @Sawamura: "You can't call it extra helpings if they're normal extra helpings! You wimp!" Okamoto: "Be quiet." Int_Asada: "He really is holding a grudge!" Asada: "Let's go, Sawamura-senpai. Did you need something here?" @Sawamura: "I forget!" Yui: "Furuya-san." Yui: "You haven't pitched enough for your liking today, right?" Yui: "We can practice any time you like." @Sawamura: "Yes, here it is! I came here to watch the game tape!" @Sawamura: "I almost forgot after running into that wolf brat." Asada: "Wolf brat?" Asada: "I can see that." Int_Asada: "Is he going to watch a game where he pitched?" @Sawamura: "There." Seto: "He's really got a thing for extra rice. What's up with that? I never thought about shaping rice as a dome or like Mt. Fuji. Say... how come you keep picking fights with him?" Int_Seto: "I'm glad I was doing practice swings nearby in case anything happened." Okamoto: "No reason." Okamoto: "It looked like he had something to say." Seto: "Looked like?" Okamoto: "Honestly, I'm disappointed." Okamoto: "I hate guys who talk in platitudes, like they're in charge." Seto: "Okay..." Seto: "But I don't know about platitudes. He just has... his convictions, I guess? Hmm? What is it?" Okamoto: "I don't know what he was on about tonight, either." Seto: "He was cackling at the end there." _Player: "Well... I was playing soccer over spring break when I got hurt." @Kanemaru: "Soccer? What's wrong with you?" _Player: "I'm really ashamed. I had no idea it was broken." Tojo: "But you're okay now, right?" _Player: "My leg's healed, but I've missed too much practice to keep up. Thanks. You have to eat a lot, too." @Kanemaru: "I had trouble at first, too." Tojo: "It still takes a while to get that third bowl down." _Player: "But it's so much pressure." _Player: "Another first-year already hit a home run." _Player: "And what's more, seeing you two perform as Seido regulars has been really exciting." _Player: "I want to be where you are soon." @Sawamura: "Yeah, right there! That walk was terrible! Of course they won't swing when I miss the strike zone so obviously. I just ran up the count for no reason." @Sawamura: "Hey, first pitch!" Int_Asada: "He's very critical of himself." _Sign: "Milk Only" Asada: "How many different pitches can you throw?" @Sawamura: "It's not so much different pitches as it is different grips. I did okay with number five today." Asada: "Number five?" @Sawamura: "But numbers six and seven... are still hard to control. Man, look at that hit-by-pitch!" @Sawamura: "I must be tensing up somewhere." @Sawamura: "But where? My shoulder? Fingertips?" Int_Asada: "He was thinking about a lot of things, despite how quickly he gets through pitches." @Sawamura: "Maybe I should check my whole form from the ground up..." Int_Asada: "This is what it takes to pitch for a team that goes to Koshien Stadium." Asada: "Um..." Int_Asada: "What are his pitches like?" Asada: "Oh, I..." Int_Asada: "I want to see..." Int_Asada: "As a fellow pitcher, I want to catch it." @Sawamura: ""Where You Look."" @Furuya: "I do want to pitch, but when I do, I want Miyuki-senpai to catch. I want to feel comfortable when I pitch." @Sawamura: "It's the worst start to the day ever!" @Miyuki: "Well, you'll learn what Sawamura is like once you catch for him. You're pitcher and catcher, so use baseball to communicate." @Sawamura: "I know the ace is more important..." @Sawamura: "But still..." @Miyuki: "On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Selfish.""

@Sawamura: "I must be tensing up somewhere." @Sawamura: "But where? My shoulder? Fingertips?" Int_Asada: "He was thinking about a lot of things, despite how quickly he gets through pitches." Int_Asada: "This is what it takes to pitch for a team that goes to Koshien Stadium." Asada: "Um..." @Yui: "Furuya-san." @Yui: "You haven't pitched enough for your liking today, right?" @Yui: "We can practice any time you like." Ono: "Huh? What happened with Furuya?" @Yui: "He..." @Yui: "He said he was going for a walk..." @Yui: "and left." Ono: "I see. You're gonna take a bath, right?" @Yui: "Yes, sir." @Yui: "I'll go now." @Fb_Furuya: "I'll pass. I do want to pitch, but when I do, I want Miyuki-senpai to catch." @Fb_Furuya: "I want to feel comfortable when I pitch." @Sawamura: "Is that right?!" Asada: "Yes, sir." @Sawamura: "For real? You can throw a curveball?" @Sawamura: "Kuramochi-senpai, Asada and I are gonna play a little catch!" @Kuramochi: "This late?" @Kuramochi: "I hope you're not forcing him into this." @Sawamura: "Of course not! I'm offended! It was actually Asada's idea!" Asada: "I had forgotten about it." @Sawamura: "Let's get going!" Asada: "Yes, sir." Int_Mogami: "I see. No wonder they come back so late every night. They're out here practicing in secret. I see..." Int_Mogami: "This kind of practice gets a team to Koshien Stadium, so if I do it, I can be a regular." Asada: "Here it comes!" @Sawamura: "Yeah." @Kanemaru: "What are they doing?" Tojo: "Is that the first-year in Sawamura's room?" @Kominato: "They're playing catch." @Kanemaru: "Catch? Yep." Tojo: "Sounds like fun." _Ochiai: "You can become the best pitcher in Japan." @Sawamura: "Asada. Asada. Asada. Asada!" @Sawamura: "Up and at 'em! Time for practice." Asada: "Oh..." @Kuramochi: "You're not usually the last one up." Int_Asada: "Whoa, I can't believe it. I didn't even hear my alarm." Int_Asada: "But..." Int_Asada: "That's the best I've slept in a while." @Sawamura: "Time for another day of hard work!" @Sawamura: "Let's take it to the next level!" Asada: "You seem to be in good spirits." Okumura: "What is it?" @Sawamura: "What a terrible way to start the day!" _Fan: "Masashi really knocks 'em flying. He got that home run in his debut game, after all. I thought they'd be hitting fast pitches to prepare for Amahisa," _Fan: "but they're also hitting softer pitches to center and right field." _Fan: "They're not just swinging all-out, either. They're waiting for the ball before swinging. They're working the fundamentals." _Fan: "There's one guy who's perfectly comfortable hitting it to left field." @Kanemaru: "Hey, this isn't a contest for who can hit the farthest! Wait for it to come to you and hit to center or right field!" _Fan: "Yui. He can hit it right to center field. The ball just flies off his bat. He's short, but he's got power." _Scout: "Kaoru Yui? He's a perfectly good player. But his parents are both short. He might not last long in high school if he doesn't get taller." _Scout: "I'm sure a lot of high schools will want him. We didn't reach out to him, though." @Int_Yui: "I honestly thought my skills would shut anyone who commented on my height up." @Int_Yui: "But he came out and said it." @Fb_Furuya: "I want to feel comfortable when I pitch." @Int_Yui: "He doesn't think I'm good enough. That I don't have what it takes." @Int_Yui: "Fine by me!" @Int_Yui: "That's all the more reason for being here!" Int_Yamaguchi: "They send it flying so effortlessly." @Int_Maezono: "First-year or not..." Int_Higasa: "It doesn't matter." Int_Aso: "I don't want to lose to them!" Seto: "Damn it, we want to hit, too." @Fb_Miyuki: "I heard you and Sawamura have been going at it." @Fb_Miyuki: "What's eating you? I want to ask why you mouth off at me, too..." @Fb_Miyuki: "But I'll let that slide." @Fb_Miyuki: "The issue is your behavior as a catcher." @Fb_Miyuki: "It's a catcher's job to help the pitcher throw his best." @Fb_Miyuki: "Even if you're not playing in games, you're still a catcher. What if Sawamura does poorly in a game because you upset him? You might not think it's much, but what you did might've affected the whole team." @Fb_Miyuki: "That's something that you need to think about as a catcher. Well, you'll learn what Sawamura is like once you catch for him. You're pitcher and catcher, so use baseball to communicate." Okumura: "Damn it." Int_Okumura: "My behavior as catcher..." Int_Okumura: "Think about it?" Int_Okumura: "Having him tell me what to do ticks me off the most!" @Int_Miyuki: "His pitches are rough and heavy." @Int_Miyuki: "He's gone back to the Furuya of old." @Miyuki: "It's drifting up! Keep it low!" @Int_Miyuki: "He doesn't throw where I ask for it, and the ball isn't spinning how it should." @Int_Miyuki: "But I feel an incredibly strong will in each of his pitches." Ono: "Nice pitch, Nori! Your fastball's looking good." _Player: "Nice pitch, Sawamura! You're looking good!" @Int_Sawamura: "That jerk. Why does he have to be so loud?" @Miyuki: "Splitter next!" @Int_Sawamura: "Damn. I want Miyuki-senpai to catch for me." @Int_Sawamura: "I need to work more on my pitches." @Int_Sawamura: "I want to work on the numbers more!" Yamaguchi: "Gonna use the cage?" Aso: "Yeah." @Maezono: "I'm gonna do some batting drills." @Kominato: "I'll go, too." @Furuya: "Miyuki-senpai." @Furuya: "Would you catch for me after you're done?" @Sawamura: "Hey, hold on! He caught for you in the bullpen! I already asked him to catch for me! Don't be so selfish, Furuya!" @Miyuki: "You want to throw?" @Furuya: "Yes, I do." @Sawamura: "H-Hey..." @Miyuki: "Okay, just for a while." @Furuya: "Thank you." @Furuya: "I want to focus on the fastball." @Sawamura: "Hey, hold on! You said you'd catch for me, Kazuya Miyuki!" @Miyuki: "Sorry!" @Sawamura: "Why did you have to butt in, Furuya?!" @Furuya: "I want to pitch." @Miyuki: "It's what the great ace wants. I'll catch for you later, okay?" @Sawamura: "The great ace?!" @Int_Miyuki: "Really, though, I need to figure out what Furuya's set his sights on." @Int_Miyuki: "It'll affect his performance in the next game." @Furuya: "Let's go. Now." @Int_Miyuki: "That attitude..." @Yui: "Furuya-san, can I come to watch you practice?" @Furuya: "Sure, if it's just to watch." @Yui: "Yes, just to watch!" @Miyuki: "Just to watch? Hey..." @Miyuki: "Merciless, isn't he?" @Yui: "That's fine." @Miyuki: "Really?" @Int_Sawamura: "What the hell?" @Int_Sawamura: "I know the ace is more important..." @Int_Sawamura: "But still..." _Sign: "Baseball Journal No. 4 Furuta Masataka" Ochiai: "Baseball journals. You certainly accumulate a lot with so many players." @Kataoka: "Expressing thoughts in one's own words. Being encouraged by others' words. Even a single goal can be unique and interesting to read." @Kataoka: "The third-years are especially good at writing specific goals." _Player: "Goals: Get on the roster for summer. Hit a home run in a practice game. The first- and second-year players grow by watching their seniors. I want to be a goal for them." _Player: "The practice I'm doing now will help me in the summer." _Player: "My personal goal for this month is to make strong hits at a wide angle. My personal goal for this week is to make strong hits on outside pitches." _Player: "I'm frustrated at not being able to play the way I want. I want to play in a game. I want all of the third-years to have a spot on the bench!" @Kataoka: "Words have weight, both heavy and light. You can ask yourself questions, give information to others..." @Kataoka: "All with words." @Kataoka: "Words express one's thoughts. Instead of being forced to write, it's a chance for them to improve themselves." Ochiai: "Spoken like a true language teacher." Int_Ochiai: "Between teaching and coaching, when does he find time to sleep?" Ochiai: "What do you think about the starter for the next game? Or rather, about how Furuya has been acting lately?" Ochiai: "It's like he's trying to attain something." Ochiai: "Or trying to change everything." Ochiai: "It's clear to me he isn't paying any attention to those around him." Ochiai: "Not that I think it's a bad thing. It can be beneficial to be fully absorbed sometimes." @Kataoka: "We had the experience of playing in a national tournament at Koshien Stadium." @Kataoka: "It affects every player, so I don't think it's unexpected." @Kataoka: "It's whether those changes can be turned to the team's benefit or not." @Int_Yui: "W-Wow..." @Int_Yui: "His pitching is nothing like it was with me." @Int_Yui: "This is how he pitches when he's serious." @Int_Yui: "And the person getting him to pitch that way..." Asada: "Um..." Asada: "Aren't you going in?" @Sawamura: "It'd be frustrating to stand around watching them practice!" Asada: "Is that how it works?" @Sawamura: "Yes, it is! He said he'd catch for me first, that jerk! What makes him a great ace?! He's the shame of captains everywhere!" Int_Asada: "He's really upset." @Sawamura: "Yeah, he said he'd catch for me first!" Asada: "You're making sure he hears you." Okumura: "I'll catch for you." Okumura: "You're going to pitch after this, right?" Okumura: "I can help you warm up." @Sawamura: "Wh... Wh-Wh... What are you after, jerk?! Is this a trap?! Are you usurping me?!" Okumura: "Never mind." @Sawamura: "No, no, no, I can't be so hasty! Hang on! Let's talk!" @Sawamura: "But what made you change your mind, wolf boy—young Okumura?" Okumura: "I just said I'd help you warm up." @Sawamura: "And I'm saying I don't get it!" @Sawamura: "You should know, pitching is an art performed by the pitcher and catcher!" @Sawamura: "Are you sure you want to do this?" @Sawamura: "Will you create that art with me?" Okumura: "Art? That's not a word I expected you to use." @Sawamura: "Huh?" Okumura: "Ah, did the captain say that? I could see him saying that." @Sawamura: "What?! Y-You call it an art, right? Everyone says that, right?" Asada: "No, not really..." @Sawamura: "What's wrong with calling it an art—" @Miyuki: "Satisfied?" @Furuya: "No, not yet." @Miyuki: "Then, throw it like I ask." @Furuya: "Okay." @Int_Yui: "There's so much tension, even though they're just practicing." @Int_Yui: "This is Seido's main battery!" @Miyuki: "Furuya..." @Miyuki: "What did you see at Koshien Stadium?" @Miyuki: "Are you chasing after that game you pitched against Hongo?" @Miyuki: "Control, speed, and focus... Only four hits allowed in nine innings." @Miyuki: "It was the best I'd ever seen you pitch." @Int_Miyuki: "Honestly, I got a little scared of your potential." @Furuya: "But we lost." @Furuya: "We lost because of the runs I gave up." @Furuya: "I want my pitching to be even better than it was that day." @Int_Miyuki: "Aiming even higher..." @Int_Miyuki: "You push yourself to walk a thorny path, huh?" @Miyuki: "I get you! Let's wrap up for today!" @Furuya: "Miyuki-senpai, I'm not done..." @Miyuki: "Maybe not, but I am!" @Miyuki: "Catching for someone with his head in the clouds is pretty tiring!" @Furuya: "Ugh!" @Miyuki: "Catching for him isn't any fun, right?" @Furuya: "Tiring..." @Yui: "No... I have my hands full catching for him. I can't think about enjoying it." @Miyuki: "Our next game is against Ichidai Third High. As the ace, it's job to bring your best to the semifinals and the final, right?" @Int_Miyuki: "Getting worked up and throwing the ball isn't the same as pitching." @Miyuki: "If you can't do that..." @Miyuki: "Sawamura, you're still there, right? Come on in!" @Miyuki: "This guy might be starting the next game, too." @Miyuki: "Sorry you had to wait, Sawamura. Shall we get to it?" @Sawamura: "What are you trying to do?! After you put me on the backburner?" @Sawamura: "Are you done entertaining the great ace now?!" @Miyuki: "Entertaining? Nice one." @Sawamura: "Okumura, let's go!" @Sawamura: "You're gonna help me warm up, right?" @Miyuki: "Oh, what's this? I thought you two weren't getting along." @Sawamura: "Shut up! He offered to!" @Miyuki: "Oh... I see. Wow..." @Sawamura: "Don't smirk like that!" @Sawamura: "I'll have my shoulder loose in ten pitches!" Okumura: "That's not enough." @Sawamura: "It's enough for me! Damn it!" @Furuya: "I don't intend to give up the mound." @Miyuki: "You don't get to decide that." @Miyuki: "The coach does." @Furuya: "I'll head up." @Miyuki: "Make sure you eat so you can recover." @Miyuki: "And don't forget the icing and massage." @Furuya: "I get it." @Miyuki: "I'm telling you because you don't get it." @Fb_Miyuki: "It's a catcher's job to help the pitcher throw his best." @Fb_Miyuki: "Even if you're not playing in games, you're still a catcher." Okumura: "You're not following your own advice." @Miyuki: "Huh?" Okumura: "He wanted to keep pitching." @Miyuki: "Yes, he did." @Miyuki: "Pitchers are troublesome creatures." @Miyuki: "That's what makes this fun." _All: ""Selfish."" @Sawamura: "Okay, I'm feeling good! I'm ready to pitch, Miyuki-senpai! This isn't gonna be like warmups, young Okumura." Okumura: "I'm looking forward to it." @Sawamura: "I love that sound!" Okumura: "That was a ball, unfortunately." @Miyuki: "Carve a hole out of the right-handed batter's chest." Amahisa: "These guys think swinging a thousand times a day for a year will let them call forth the bat fairy or something." @Sawamura: "This is great!"

@Miyuki: "Furuya..." @Miyuki: "What did you see at Koshien Stadium?" @Miyuki: "Are you chasing after that game you pitched against Hongo?" @Miyuki: "Control, speed, and focus... Only four hits allowed in nine innings." @Miyuki: "It was the best I'd ever seen you pitch." @Furuya: "But we lost." @Furuya: "We lost because of the runs I gave up." @Furuya: "I want my pitching to be even better than it was that day." @Int_Miyuki: "Aiming even higher..." @Int_Miyuki: "You push yourself to walk a thorny path, huh?" @Miyuki: "Sorry you had to wait, Sawamura. Shall we get to it?" @Sawamura: "What are you trying to do?! After you put me on the back burner?" @Furuya: "I don't intend to give up the mound." @Miyuki: "You don't get to decide that." @Miyuki: "The coach does." Okumura: "You're not following your own advice." @Miyuki: "Huh?" Okumura: "He wanted to keep pitching." @Miyuki: "Yes, he did." @Miyuki: "Pitchers are troublesome creatures." @Miyuki: "That's what makes this fun." Okumura: "You're not following your own advice." @Miyuki: "Huh?" Okumura: "He wanted to keep pitching." @Miyuki: "Yes, he did." @Miyuki: "Pitchers are troublesome creatures." @Miyuki: "That's what makes this fun." @Miyuki: "Wouldn't you say?" @Sawamura: "Okay, let's go!" @Sawamura: "Okay, six more!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Well, you'll learn what Sawamura is like once you catch for him." Int_Asada: "He might seem loud and overly assertive at first, but he can throw the ball right to your chest from any distance." Int_Kuki: "He looks like he has good ball control." Seto: "What made you want to do this, Koshu? I can't look away." @Sawamura: "Okay, I'm feeling good! I'm ready, Miyuki-senpai!" @Miyuki: "Do you want to catch some more?" @Miyuki: "Then go get a protector and a mask." @Miyuki: "Sawamura, throw a few more with Okumura!" @Sawamura: "Huh? Sure, since I'm on the back burner." @Miyuki: "Are you still on about that?" @Sawamura: "I'd like to try number eleven today." @Miyuki: "I know! Be patient." @Yui: "Stay focused. In a way," @Yui: "his pitches are harder to deal with than Furuya-san's." @Yui: "I've never seen pitches that were so hard to catch." Kuki: "What are these numbers?" Asada: "It seems like they're giving numbers to the breaking balls." Seto: "Oh, man..." Bg_Asada: "I don't know much about them." @Miyuki: "Start with number four!" Okumura: "Number four?" @Miyuki: "A four-seam, like the name implies." @Miyuki: "Outside for a right-handed batter." @Sawamura: "This won't be like warmups, young Okumura." : "Their eyes..." Okumura: "I can't wait." : "...looked forward," : "unwavering." @Int_Miyuki: "Furuya, you're fortunate to have come to this school" @Int_Miyuki: "the same year as Sawamura." : "Even if they see different things..." @Sawamura: "I love that sound!" Okumura: "That was a ball, unfortunately." @Sawamura: "What?!" Okumura: "But it wasn't bad." @Miyuki: "He's got a flexible catching style." @Yui: "Yes, sir." @Miyuki: "His glove makes a nice sound, which helps a pitcher throw their best." Int_Seto: "Koshu always thought highly of him." _Okumura: "I think that's good." _Okumura: "They have two interesting pitchers." Asada: "He's way more intense than when we were playing catch." @Sawamura: "How was that one?" Okumura: "That was a strike, plainly." @Sawamura: "Yeah, that's right!" @Int_Yui: "You can't see the ball's release point until the last second, and it doesn't drop as much as you expect." @Int_Yui: "The first time I caught for him, my glove didn't make that sound." @Miyuki: "Okay, number two next! A two-seamer that sinks like a shootball." Kuki: "A two-seamer. Can you throw that?" Asada: "No..." @Sawamura: "Here it comes!" @Miyuki: "Nice reaction." @Int_Yui: "He immediately adjusted to that pitch, too." @Miyuki: "Can you do a few more, Sawamura? And how about you, Okumura?" @Sawamura: "I'm fine with more." Okumura: "Yes, please." @Miyuki: "Then, let's keep going! Number seven! The improved cutter!" Kuki: "Improved sounds pretty cool." Asada: "Yeah." @Yui: "Miyuki-senpai." @Yui: "How many pitches have you assigned numbers?" @Miyuki: "Well, most of them are imperfect." @Yui: "Imperfect?" @Miyuki: "His pitches break a lot naturally," @Miyuki: "so just by changing his grip, he can throw various types of pitches." @Miyuki: "We tried every grip there is and the ones that stuck are the numbers we have." @Int_Yui: "Every grip there is?" @Sawamura: "He was helping me in the off season!" @Sawamura: "Miyuki-senpai doesn't mind if my location is way off!" @Miyuki: "What do you take me for? You should apologize. A tight-grip changeup, the zero-seamer thrown without touching the stitching, and the basic four-seamer and changeup. Then the splitter he tried last game but doesn't have under control, and the improved cutter he's about to throw." @Miyuki: "Stay focused, Okumura. The difficulty is about to go way up." @Int_Sawamura: "The same cross step and full follow-through of the cutter..." @Int_Sawamura: "Plus this different grip. Imagine boring a hole into the chest" @Int_Sawamura: "of a right-handed batter!" Int_Okumura: "Straight..." @Int_Miyuki: "It's not just you, Furuya." @Int_Miyuki: "It wasn't just you who experienced Koshien Stadium." @Sawamura: "Sorry, that was a wild one." @Int_Miyuki: "He's improving at an amazing pace!" _Player: "I heard rumors about Third High's practices, but these guys... They swing the bat so many times." Amahisa: "These guys think swinging a thousand times a day for a year will let them call forth the bat fairy or something." _Player: "C-Call forth a fairy, Amahisa-senpai?" Amahisa: "Yeah, they really believe it." _Player: "Hey, Kosei!" _Player: "Don't fill the first-years' heads with a load of nonsense!" Amahisa: "I don't even like pitching to you guys in situational practice." Amahisa: "The bat fairy must be in there." _Player: "I'd want one if they really existed! You'd want one?! Hayamin could do her voice." Amahisa: "You're getting way too specific." _Player: "Who's Hayamin?" Amahisa: "I'm gonna head out." _Player: "Good work today." _Player: "Amahisa-san said he doesn't like pitching to them." _Player: "That means he trusts the lineup to do their job, right?" _Player: "The bat fairy..." _Player: "Hey, first-years! Don't take him seriously!" _Coach: "The first-years are meshing well with the team. Defeating a powerhouse like Niogakusha has made the players more confident, too. We had bitter losses last summer and fall, but they ended up making our team stronger." _Coach: "You pushed them hard in the off season, too. Yes. You could see Amahisa's soul leave his body in the latter innings." _Coach: "Still..." _Coach: "There are things you can only get by winning." _Coach: "We'll gain true confidence in this tournament to prepare for the summer." @Int_Furuya: "If we want to be the best in Japan, there are many areas we need to improve. Personal goals: Don't let a runner on base in the first inning," @Int_Furuya: "my set position, and staying focused." @Int_Furuya: "I lack so much." @Int_Furuya: "I can't become the best like this." @Int_Furuya: "If I'm the best pitcher in Japan, I can make our team the best in Japan." _Sign: "Satoru Furuya" _Umpire: "Lineups, please." @Miyuki: "We'd like to bat first." _Umpire: "Seido High School will bat first. Ichidai Third will bat second. Understand?" _Both: "Yes, sir." _Umpire: "Please shake hands." _Coach: "What? They're gonna bat first?" _Player: "Who's the starting pitcher?" _Sign: "1 | 6 | Yoichi Kuramochi 2 | 8 | Hideaki Tojo 3 | 4 | Haruichi Kominato 4 | 2 | Kazuya Miyuki 5 | 9 | Kenjiro Shirasu 6 | 3 | Kenta Maezono 7 | 7 | Masashi Yuki 8 | 1 | Satoru Furuya 9 | 5 | Shinji Kanemaru" _Player: "There he is: Satoru Furuya. But he's batting eighth. Maybe they want him to focus on pitching. That first-year is in the starting lineup again." _Coach: "Great!" Int_Coach: "I thought you might start Sawamura, but looks like we'll both be fielding our best players," Int_Coach: "Coach Kataoka." _Fan: "Man, this game is gonna be great! Do you think we can watch Inashiro versus Teito, too? Honestly, I'd rather go back for batting practice while the seniors aren't around." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "I'm feeling great!" Asada: "He's rather loud again today." Kuki: "You can always tell where he is." Seto: "He's preparing like he's the starting pitcher. That's how Sawamura-senpai..." Seto: "Sorry, it just slipped out." Int_Seto: "Just hearing his name sets you off? He must be frustrated about the other day." Int_Seto: "Really, the pitch must've broken really hard for it to get past Koshu's glove." Int_Seto: "And that's imperfect?" Int_Seto: "And he's not even the ace. No wonder Seido is really strong." @Yui: "Are you done?" @Furuya: "Yeah, thanks." Ono: "Sawamura, maybe we should wrap up, too." @Sawamura: "No, no, no. Who knows when Furuya will screw up? I need to be ready from the first inning!" @Furuya: "You won't be pitching today." _Coach: "Third High has the same players as last game?" Sachiko: "Yes, even the batting order is the same." Int_Ochiai: "With Third High's core of left-handed batters, I thought Sawamura might start, but..." Int_Ochiai: "Maybe Coach Kataoka wants Furuya to show his ace pitching skills." @Fb_Kataoka: "Furuya will start tomorrow." @Fb_Kataoka: "Kawakami, Sawamura, start preparing early." _Both: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Third High's batters are some of the fastest swingers in the country. Fielders, be ready to back up the pitcher on defense." _All: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Furuya: "It's on me now!" @Fb_Kominato: "Too early." @Fb_Kataoka: "Ichidai Third High's ace, Kosei Amahisa." @Fb_Kataoka: "His pitching held Niogakusha scoreless." @Fb_Kataoka: "He'll make scoring difficult. Based on the flow of the game and how many outs there are, judge what to do for every pitch. Get ready to work together until you score!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Every game we play from now on will affect our summer!" @Fb_Kataoka: "If you're serious about winning a national championship, then win this game!" _All: "Yes, sir!" Announcer: "It's the first game of the Tokyo spring tournament semifinals, with Seido High School facing Ichidai Third High." Announcer: "They are long-time rivals, both from the western division." Announcer: "You can sense the tension in the packed stands." Announcer: "Which team will win this preview match for the summer tournament?" _Umpire: "Bow!" _All: "Thank you!" Announcer: "Thank you for waiting. Today's first game, Ichidai Third High vs Seido High School, will begin soon. Beginning with the fielding team, Ichidai Third High's pitcher will be Amahisa-kun." Announcer: "Playing catcher, Takami-kun." Announcer: "Playing first base, Hoshida-kun." Announcer: "Playing second base, Miyamoto-kun." Owada: "Both teams have all their best players." Announcer: "Playing third base, Mori-kun." Mine: "Winning this game will guarantee a spot in the Kanto tournament." Announcer: "Playing shortstop, Adachi-kun." Announcer: "Playing left field, Yoshida-kun." Mine: "They don't want to show any weakness before the summer tournament." Announcer: "Playing center field, Miyagawa-kun." Announcer: "Playing right field, Sasaki-kun." Announcer: "Top of the first inning, Seido High School is up to bat." Announcer: "Batting first, shortstop Kuramochi-kun." _Fan: "Train, train, running along! Train, train, on and on! Train, train, running along! Train, train, on and on!" _Maezono: "What? You won at rock-paper-scissors?" @Fb_Kuramochi: "Did you wait to throw?" _Shirasu: "But you never win." @Fb_Miyuki: "Well, excuse me." @Fb_Miyuki: "You know what it means to bat first." @Fb_Miyuki: "Amahisa isn't especially great at the start, either. We need to go after Amahisa in the first inning" _Fan: "Train, train, running along!" @Fb_Miyuki: "and take the pressure off Furuya." _Fan: "Train, train, on and on! Train, train, running along! Train, train, on and on!" Int_Coach: "He's a batter you don't want on base, Amahisa boy." Int_Amahisa: "Sure, he's fast..." Int_Amahisa: "But he's not that good a batter!" Mine: "Kuramochi-kun has gotten more reliable as a third-year." Owada: "He pounced on that high pitch." @Sawamura: "The cheetah's a little macho!" Int_Ochiai: "I keep telling him to focus on batting lefty, but he's still obsessed with being a switch hitter." Int_Ochiai: "Our middle infielders are stubborn." Announcer: "Batting second, center fielder Tojo-kun." @Int_Kataoka: "If we want to score, we have to make every chance count." @Int_Kataoka: "And that depends on advancing the runner to third." Higasa: "Yeah! Nice bunt!" @Sawamura: "That was a great bunt!" Announcer: "Second batter Tojo's sacrifice bunt advances the runner to third! Seido High School has a chance to take the lead!" Announcer: "And here come the cleanup! The third batter is Haruichi Kominato!" @Sawamura: "This guy can do it! I'm sure he will!" @Int_Kominato: "He hasn't settled into a rhythm yet." @Int_Kominato: "If he throws a meatball..." @Miyuki: ""Batting First."" @Sawamura: "Looking good, Harudanji! Good eye! Yes, yes, yes! There're two outs, Furuya!" @Miyuki: "Furuya, swing your arm all the way through. Down the middle is fine. Just overpower them." @Miyuki: "That's your ability. No matter how many runners are on base, we can still hold them off! On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Presence.""

@Int_Furuya: "I lack so much." @Int_Furuya: "I can't become the best like this." @Int_Furuya: "If I'm the best pitcher in Japan, I can make our team the best in Japan." _Sign: "Satoru Furuya" Int_Coach: "He's a batter you don't want on base, Amahisa boy." Int_Amahisa: "Sure, he's fast..." Int_Amahisa: "But he's not that good a batter!" Announcer: "Batting second, center fielder Tojo-kun." @Int_Kataoka: "If we want to score, we have to make every chance count. And that depends on advancing the runner to third." Higasa: "Yeah! Nice bunt!" @Sawamura: "That was a great bunt!" Announcer: "Second batter Tojo's sacrifice bunt advances the runner to third!" Announcer: "Seido High School has a chance to take the lead!" Announcer: "And here come the cleanup! The third batter is Haruichi Kominato!" @Sawamura: "This guy can do it! I'm sure he will!" Announcer: "We're into the semifinals of the Tokyo spring tournament. In the top of the first, Seido used first batter Kuramochi's hit and second batter Tojo's sacrifice bunt to get a runner on third with one out." Announcer: "Now, the three-hole, Kominato, will try to bring him home. Seido has a chance to take the lead!" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Umpire: "Ball!" _Umpire: "Ball!" Announcer: "Another ball, and the count is 2–1." Int_Amahisa: "Damn, it's getting away from me. I can't control the ball." Int_Player: "He completely ignored that pitch." Int_Player: "What's he waiting for?" _Umpire: "Ball!" Announcer: "A close pitch! That's a ball, too! That's three balls!" Int_Player: "Why aren't they doing anything?" Mine: "He ignored the first fastball, making the battery think that he's going to try something." Owada: "Huh?" Mine: "They're trying to rattle him early in the game, while he's still unsettled." Mine: "That will make things hard for Amahisa-kun." _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Player: "Aw, a walk." @Sawamura: "Looking good, Harudanji! Good eye!" Mine: "A team with players who can do that will be strong." Int_Owada: "So he's cute and sneaky." Int_Mine: "Amahisa still hasn't settled into a rhythm. Will they be able to topple him so quickly?" Int_Mine: "We've reached a turning point so early in the game." Announcer: "There are runners on first and third with one out! Up to bat is Seido's reliable cleanup, Miyuki!" _Fan: "The outfielders are playing deep. The infielders are looking for a double play. They'll probably start the runner at first." Announcer: "Here's the first pitch!" Announcer: "An outside strike!" _Fan: "He ignored the first pitch, too. Seido isn't swinging at all. That would be tough to hit. Would the cleanup do a squeeze play?" Int_Amahisa: "Damn. I can't keep it in the strike zone." Int_Player: "They're not making a move yet, so keep pitching." Int_Amahisa: "Settle down, Takumi. We'll focus on the batter." Int_Amahisa: "If we can stop their momentum, they're the ones who'll suffer!" Announcer: "Ball! The third pitch is wide! The count is two balls and one strike!" @Int_Miyuki: "That was close." @Int_Miyuki: "He went with a curveball." Int_Watanabe: "He used that curveball to throw off Niogakusha's timing. If he gets that pitch into the strike zone, it'll make his fastball and slider even more intimidating." _Coach: "Three balls." _Coach: "He seems to be throwing a lot of those." _Coach: "He needs to stand strong." Ota: "Scoring first..." Int_Watanabe: "This is the time to hit!" Int_Watanabe: "Before he gets into a groove!" Announcer: "It goes between the first and second basemen!" Announcer: "Kuramochi scores from third base!" Announcer: "Cleanup Miyuki gets an RBI to take the lead!" @Miyuki: "It didn't get any air." @Sawamura: "Nice batting, Captain!" _Fan: "He swung through an inside pitch! That's what a cleanup can do!" Seto: "Wow! He stands tall in the clutch!" Announcer: "Fifth batter Shirasu swings at the first pitch! Second-base runner Kominato rounds third!" @Sawamura: "Get in there, Haruo!" Announcer: "Seido scores their second run!" @Sawamura: "Yes, yes, yes!" Announcer: "He's ended the inning, but his team is two runs down in the first inning. It's a rocky start for Ichidai's ace Kosei Amahisa." Owada: "Two runs from three hits. They played that inning perfectly." Mine: "Yeah, those two runs are big." Mine: "The team will be happy about that." Mine: "Now it's time for Furuya-kun's start." Mine: "How will he respond after seeing his team score?" @Sawamura: "How you play now matters most, Furuya!" Announcer: "A ball, well inside. That brings the count to three balls, one strike." _Fan: "Hey, hey, another one." Announcer: "Seido's ace Furuya isn't controlling the ball. He struck out the lead-off batter, but walked the next. Third batter Miyagawa hit to near left field, and cleanup Hoshida flew out to right field. The second-base runner touched up and advanced, so there are runners on first and third with two outs." Int_Player: "His pitches are fast. And he's so erratic I can't aim for any specific pitches." _Fan: "What's Furuya doing? All of his breaking balls are off-target, and I can see from here how much he's straining." @Sawamura: "We've got two outs, Furuya!" _Fan: "That was definitely a ball! Now the bases are loaded! His start may be even worse than Amahisa's." @Sawamura: "This is an emergency!" _Fan: "You've got two runs! Calm down and just pitch!" @Miyuki: "Now the runners will have to move. We can get a force out on any base. We don't want them getting a read on your breaking balls, so let's take them down with fastballs." @Int_Miyuki: "Actually, I think that's the only way you'll throw a strike." Announcer: "Two outs and the bases are loaded! Up to bat is the sixth batter, the captain Adachi. Ichidai Third High is down two runs, but they could take the lead!" Int_Coach: "The bases are loaded, and his breaking balls are off-target. Miyuki boy must be scared of letting the ball get behind him." Int_Coach: "Swing only at fastballs. Go, go, Captain Adachi! If that ball's at all high, knock it flying!" @Int_Miyuki: "Furuya, swing your arm through." @Int_Miyuki: "Down the middle is fine." @Int_Miyuki: "Just overpower them." @Int_Miyuki: "That's your talent. No matter how many runners are on base, we can still hold them off!" Announcer: "He hits the first pitch!" @Sawamura: "Oh, no!" Announcer: "It's going deep into center field!" Announcer: "Center fielder Tojo stops." Announcer: "He's right by the fence! That was so close to a home run!" Announcer: "Seido High School somehow manages to hold Ichidai Third High scoreless!" _Fan: "That's why Third High is known for their batters! He was ready for Furuya's high fastball!" Kuki: "That was scary. He was waiting for that." Asada: "Yeah." @Sawamura: "We have to be on guard! I'll be warming up!" @Furuya: "You don't need to." @Sawamura: "Oh yes, I do! I can sub in for you anytime!" Int_Amahisa: "It's easy to be disappointed when you don't score with the bases loaded. You just want it so bad." Tojo: "Shinji, before Amahisa-san settles down..." @Kanemaru: "Yeah." @Miyuki: "You're erratic." @Kanemaru: "We need to score more runs." : "Both pitchers had rough starts." : "Runners continued to get on base even after the first inning." _All: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Yeah! It's Haruichi time!" @Kuramochi: "Nice, Haruichi!" : "However, both teams supported their pitcher on defense and neither scored any runs." @Int_Miyuki: "Thank you, Kominato. We need to start working on some breaking balls or we'll be in trouble." @Kominato: "I'm glad I stopped it." @Int_Furuya: "I need to pitch to shut down the batters, so the fielders don't have to work so hard!" @Miyuki: "Hey, put that aura away." @Kominato: "Yeah, put it away." @Miyuki: "Your breaking balls are finally hitting the strike zone. If we go with those next inning, it will throw the Third High batters off." @Furuya: "Okay! I'll shut them down!" @Miyuki: "We just need to shake up their line of sight. It can go right down the middle." @Kominato: "Calm down." @Int_Yui: "He's so worked up, he can't control the ball. It should be incredibly difficult to work with him like that, but they take time outs when they need to, call out to him, and let him know precisely what's needed. They're trying to keep Furuya-san's emotions under control. Of course, it's to help the team win," @Int_Yui: "but it shows how devoted they are." Int_Ochiai: "It's about time for him to get into a rhythm." _Fan: "Man, Kominato-san is a heck of a fielder! He really covers the second base gap well. Furuya-san hasn't been on his game yet, but we're about to see it!" Seto: "We're in the lead, but we're not really pushing them." _Umpire: "Strike!" umiya: "They're starting to swing at the slider they could identify easily in the first." Tadano: "Yes, sir." Int_Amahisa: "Scary. So much pressure and such an aggressive face. Face pressure... The face says as much as the mouth." Int_Amahisa: "Is this guy... dragging down Seido's facial score all be himself?" Announcer: "Strike! Batter out! Amahisa strikes out the fifth and sixth batters!" Mukai: "That slider is pretty sick." Inui: "Kosei Amahisa is getting into a rhythm." Announcer: "Batting seventh, left fielder Yuki-kun." Int_Amahisa: "Here's an imposing first-year. His facial score isn't bad, I guess. What's he got inside?" Announcer: "He pops up the first pitch, a curveball!" Int_Amahisa: "No finesse whatsoever. He took the bait like he was Ikeyama." @Int_Yuki: "I rushed it because I thought I saw a meatball. Careless." Announcer: "Shortstop Adachi makes the catch for the third out. That's the first inning with three up and three down this game!" @Sawamura: "Ugh..." Seto: "Next time! You'll get him next time!" Announcer: "Third High ace Kosei Amahisa is starting to show his abilities!" Announcer: "Now it's his team's turn at bat!" _Player: "Nice pitch! Yeah!" Int_Coach: "He's finally getting into it." Kuki: "Wow, it takes guts to pitch like that." Asada: "Yeah." Owada: "Amahisa-kun seems to look down on the batters. Even with the other team leading, he doesn't seem at all concerned." Mine: "He's a pitcher, after all. It's the batters' job to score runs." Mine: "That seems to be how he thinks of it." Mine: "He carries himself like a professional player." Inui: "Kosei Amahisa." Mukai: "I don't like self-absorbed players like him." Kawakami: "Next up is their cleanup, Hoshida. Watch out for a home run, not that you need reminding." Tojo: "One out at a time." @Kanemaru: "Stay calm, Furuya!" @Maezono: "We'll get another run! I can just feel it!" @Sawamura: "I'm ready over here! Send me in anytime!" @Miyuki: "Let's go." @Miyuki: "I hope your breaking balls can hit the target." Announcer: "A fastball hit to right field! Satoru Furuya has shut down cleanup Hoshida every time this game!" _Fan: "Oh, yeah, here we go! Furuya, we're counting on you! Show us that pitching from Koshien Stadium! Give us one of those strikeout shows!" Sachiko: "That was his eightieth pitch." Sachiko: "That's a lot, right?" Ochiai: "Yes." Ochiai: "He's thrown too many unnecessary balls." Carlos: "He's throwing a lot of breaking balls this inning." Shirakawa: "But he isn't getting any strikes." Carlos: "I'm amazed the other team hasn't scored." Tadano: "When I saw him pitch at the Invitational, it sent a chill down my spine." Tadano: "I didn't want to imagine having to beat a pitcher like him in the summer." Tadano: "But he seems tense, completely unlike Amahisa-san's relaxed pitching." Tadano: "Almost like he's trying to overpower every single batter." _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Fan: "Man, after he got the leadoff out? Giving up a walk now is such a downer!" Carlos: "He can't get into a rhythm." Shirakawa: "His unevenness will make things harder for the fielders." @Kuramochi: "Let's get a double play by making them swing at a low pitch!" Mukai: "If he's got that many pitches, shouldn't he be having an easier time? It seems like such a waste." Inui: "If he had one breaking ball he could use as a base..." Mukai: "Or better yet, he could just throw every pitch down the middle. He doesn't seem like that great a pitcher." umiya: "It's gotta be hard for Kazuya to keep him focused." Tadano: "Yes, with his breaking balls missing so much, they'll go after them." umiya: "Was I like that in the fall tournament?" _Tadano: "Keep this last one low." _Tadano: "A changeup!" _Narumiya: "Don't sweat it, Itsuki. I can take him down with a fastball." _Narumiya: "Let me do this!" _Tadano: "Mei-san!" _Narumiya: "The ace must lead his team to victory. Now that Masa-san is gone," _Narumiya: "I need to lead them!" _Narumiya: "Or else the team can't win!" Announcer: "Between the left and center fielders!" Announcer: "The runner in motion makes it home!" Announcer: "One swing from team captain Adachi gets his team on the board!" @Miyuki: "All I can do... is trust. You're looking somewhere higher, at a place where you want to be. Then, you need to get over this wall!" @Sawamura: "What the heck is he doing?"

Sachiko: "That was his eightieth pitch." Sachiko: "That's a lot, right?" Ochiai: "Yes. He's thrown too many unnecessary balls." Tadano: "When I saw him pitch at the Invitational, it sent a chill down my spine." Tadano: "I didn't want to imagine having to beat a pitcher like him in the summer." Tadano: "But he seems tense, completely unlike Amahisa-san's relaxed pitching." Tadano: "Almost like he's trying to overpower every single batter." _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Fan: "Man, after he got the leadoff out?" _Fan: "Giving up a walk now is such a downer!" Carlos: "He can't get into a rhythm." Shirakawa: "His unevenness will make things harder for the fielders." umiya: "It's gotta be hard for Kazuya to keep him focused." Tadano: "Yes, with his breaking balls missing so much, they'll go after them." umiya: "Was I like that in the fall tournament?" umiya: "Self-important..." umiya: "Unable to relax..." Int_Tadano: "M-Mei-san..." umiya: "I can see it so clearly from here." @Maezono: "Steal!" Announcer: "The runner in motion makes it home!" Announcer: "One swing from team captain Adachi gets his team on the board!" _Umpire: "Ball four!" Announcer: "It's the bottom of the fifth, and Seido ace Furuya has given up an RBI hit to the sixth batter, Adachi, and walked the following batter." Announcer: "One out, with runners on first and second. Up to bat is Third High's ace, Kosei Amahisa!" Int_Amahisa: "What a time to be up at bat." Int_Amahisa: "It'd be great if I could deal a decisive blow, but..." Hoshida: "Squeeze one out, Kosei!" Miyagawa: "Aim for the easy ones!" Int_Amahisa: "Easy for you to say. I'm not like you guys." @Maezono: "Get the closest out!" @Kominato: "One at a time!" @Kuramochi: "Let him hit, Furuya!" @Kanemaru: "Your pitches are getting there! Keep pushing!" Int_Amahisa: "I won't hit anything if I don't swing." _Fan: "Seido will want to wrap things up with the bottom of the order." _Fan: "How is Amahisa's batting? His average isn't great, but pitchers tend to have a good eye." _Fan: "Don't count him out yet." @Int_Miyuki: "He swung late on the fastballs in the previous at-bat." @Int_Miyuki: "Let's put him away with a few more." @Int_Miyuki: "I don't care about the trajectory. Just keep it low." Int_Amahisa: "Is he gonna throw a breaking ball?" Int_Amahisa: "No, I don't think so. Not for me." Int_Amahisa: "They wouldn't overestimate me!" Announcer: "It's headed for left field!" Announcer: "But it's short." Aso: "Move up!" Announcer: "Left fielder Yuki charges toward it!" Announcer: "It gets through! Left fielder Yuki's glove just barely misses it! The white ball rolls cruelly into the outfield! The runner from second scores!" Announcer: "He's followed immediately by the runner from first! They've taken the lead!" Announcer: "The ace's bat has turned this game around!" Amahisa: "Oh, man." _Player: "Yeah! Nice, Kosei!" Amahisa: "Don't get so excited. It wasn't that good of a hit." Announcer: "Error or not, they've given up three runs. Seido can't afford to give up any more." Tojo: "What's done is done! Shake it off!" @Miyuki: "That was a hard hit to gauge." @Miyuki: "We can't be too hard on Yuki." @Furuya: "It's fine." @Furuya: "I'm responsible for letting the runners on base." @Int_Miyuki: "He isn't being self-important." @Int_Miyuki: "In fact, it seems he's taking his responsibilities as ace more seriously." @Miyuki: "Let's end this inning right here." @Int_Miyuki: "If that's what is causing his uneven pitching," @Int_Miyuki: "Furuya may be the one feeling this dilemma the most." @Int_Miyuki: "It's still the middle innings, and we're only down by one run." @Int_Miyuki: "We don't need to be overly cautious. It's okay. If you can pitch low," @Int_Miyuki: "they won't be able to hit even your fastballs." @Int_Miyuki: "All I can do... is trust." @Fb_Furuya: "We lost because of the runs I gave up." @Fb_Furuya: "I want my pitching to be even better than it was that day." @Int_Miyuki: "You're looking somewhere higher," @Int_Miyuki: "at a place where you want to be." @Int_Miyuki: "Then, you need to get over this wall!" _Umpire: "Ball!" _Umpire: "Ball!" _Umpire: "Ball!" _Fan: "This is the ninth batter. What's wrong with Furuya?" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Fan: "Finally a strike." Seto: "He's having a tough time." _Fan: "He's not pitching like himself at all." Int_Narumiya: "Experiencing the game at the national level makes you hungry for more. The self-awareness of the ace, the impulse to explore, the expectations of those around you..." Int_Narumiya: "Your pitching is tied directly to your team's success." Int_Narumiya: "The weight of the burden you bear..." _Coach: "Having a strong sense of responsibility isn't the same as doubting your teammates." _Coach: "A self-important pitcher has no business being the ace." Int_Narumiya: "Will you overcome them, or be crushed by them?" Int_Narumiya: "I can tell you're experiencing all of that right now, Satoru Furuya." @Fb_Kataoka: "I won't sacrifice the team just for Furuya alone." _Umpire: "Ball!" Tadano: "Mei-san, maybe we should go." @Fb_Miyuki: "But this is the second half of the game." @Fb_Miyuki: "How will the catcher call this?" @Fb_Miyuki: "If he tries to rack up the count just because it was easy in the first half..." @Fb_Furuya: "Would you catch for me after you're done?" @Fb_Miyuki: "You want to throw?" @Fb_Furuya: "Yes, I do." @Fb_Miyuki: "What did you see at Koshien Stadium?" @Int_Sawamura: "What the heck is he doing?" @Int_Sawamura: "What the heck is he doing?" _Umpire: "Ball!" Ochiai: "Coach Kataoka." Ochiai: "If we give up any more runs, the game could get out of our reach." _Umpire: "Ball four!" Announcer: "That's the third walk this inning!" Seki: "Ono, Sawamura!" @Kataoka: "Miyuki!" Announcer: "There's movement on the Seido bench!" Announcer: "Seido High School is making a substitution." Announcer: "Replacing pitcher Furuya-kun is Sawamura-kun." Announcer: "Batting eighth, pitcher Sawamura-kun." @Miyuki: "They got some lucky hits, but you were in no state to take on Ichidai." @Miyuki: "This was an important experience for you. Don't waste it." @Miyuki: "Sawamura." @Miyuki: "The bases are loaded and their cleanup batter is up. We're in a tight spot―" @Sawamura: "I know!" @Sawamura: "I know my role." @Kanemaru: "H-Hey... Are you fired up or mad?" @Sawamura: "I'm not mad!" @Miyuki: "Don't shout!" @Maezono: "Calm down!" Watanabe: "Stop their momentum! Please, Sawamura!" @Kanemaru: "That's it! Take in all the air from around the mound!" @Sawamura: "I'll be pitching aggressively, so please back me up!" Seto: "He's doing that even now!" @Kominato: "The very first pitch will do it." @Maezono: "Yeah!" @Int_Miyuki: "That look in his eyes..." @Int_Miyuki: "Should I waste the first pitch and see how Sawamura's doing?" @Int_Miyuki: "No, we don't need to do them any favors." @Int_Miyuki: "And it would throw Sawamura off." @Int_Miyuki: "What we need is a decisive pitch, every pitch." @Int_Miyuki: "There's one out and the bases are loaded." @Int_Miyuki: "Their cleanup is up to bat." @Int_Miyuki: "Let's go with a four-seamer, low and outside." @Int_Miyuki: "Number four." Int_Player: "He's got an irregular form and peculiar way of pitching." Int_Player: "He throws changeups, but usually pitches in the strike zone." Int_Player: "If he throws a meatball..." @Int_Sawamura: "Furuya..." @Int_Sawamura: "I don't know what it is you're fighting against." @Int_Sawamura: "I don't know, but..." @Int_Sawamura: "I'm going to take down the hitters in front of me." @Int_Sawamura: "What else does a pitcher need to do?!" _Umpire: "Strike!" @Int_Sawamura: "No matter the situation," @Int_Sawamura: "I'll be true to myself!" _Umpire: "Foul!" _Fan: "Another outside pitch!" Seto: "Yes, he's already at two strikes!" Asada: "Wow..." Kukki: "He's able to pitch his best in this predicament!" Kukki: "Now, how will he attack next?" Kukki: "Will he throw a changeup?" Int_Player: "Those outside pitches aren't to avoid me. That's just how he's attacking." Int_Player: "Will he throw a breaking ball and try to make me fish for it? Or will it be to the outside again?" Int_Player: "I won't let you have your way." Int_Player: "I'll go after anything you can throw at me." Announcer: "An inside fastball! He goes down looking!" Announcer: "Batter Hoshida was unable to swing!" Announcer: "No tricks here! He takes down the cleanup Hoshida with three straight fastballs!" _Fan: "Amazing! He went from pitching outside to smack dab inside!" @Kuramochi: "Yeah!" @Int_Miyuki: "All three were almost perfectly on target!" @Int_Miyuki: "I'm getting goosebumps!" Announcer: "Two outs, and the bases still loaded. The infielders return to their normal positions." @Kanemaru: "Sawamura!" @Sawamura: "Two outs!" @Kominato: "Two outs!" Shirasu: "Let him hit!" @Kominato: "Focus on the batter!" @Maezono: "Shut 'em down!" @Kuramochi: "Two outs!" Tojo: "Two outs!" Watanabe: "Go, Sawamura!" @Int_Sawamura: "One more... The bases are loaded." @Int_Sawamura: "This is the fifth batter. The first pitch will be important." Announcer: "Batting fifth, right fielder Sasaki-kun." _Player: "He's a southpaw in the same year as me. He didn't play much at Koshien Stadium, but he held Kasuga First scoreless last game." _Player: "Hoshida-senpai was swinging late." _Player: "Just how good is this guy?" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Fan: "The first pitch was a changeup!" Announcer: "The second pitch!" _Umpire: "Foul!" _Player: "Sharp to the inside, soft to the outside..." _Player: "His pitches feel very different from Furuya's." _Player: "He changes the trajectory of his pitches by how far back he releases the ball." _Player: "He's..." _Player: "a much better pitcher than I realized!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" Announcer: "He finishes with an outside fastball! The fourth and fifth batters have both struck out!" Announcer: "Perfect pitching out of the bullpen when his team needed it most! Second-year southpaw, Eijun Sawamura!" Amahisa: "Seriously?" Asada: "Did you see that? Sawamura-senpai is incredible!" _Coach: "Outstanding." _Coach: "His gutsy pitching did us in at the fall tournament." _Coach: "What's surprising, though..." _Coach: "is how long Coach Kataoka waited when he used to switch pitchers so quickly." Int_Coach: "Has Satoru Furuya become that important to the team?" @Kuramochi: "Nice pitching, jerk!" @Kominato: "Nice pitch, Eijun-kun!" @Int_Miyuki: "I wanted Furuya to get back on track..." @Int_Miyuki: "But the fact of the matter is that we needed to switch pitchers." @Int_Miyuki: "It was the most difficult situation to be dropped into..." @Int_Miyuki: "but he pulled it off!" @Kataoka: "You saved me." @Kataoka: "Sorry." @Kataoka: "Good job shutting them down." @Sawamura: "The game's not over yet, boss!" @Sawamura: "Now, let's go score some runs! Who's up to bat?" @Kanemaru: "Y-You are, Sawamura! Go get ready!" Int_Ochiai: "Well, that was a surprise. I was expecting them to score two or three more runs." Tojo: "Sawamura, get out there and swing!" @Maezono: "The way you're playing today, you might get a hit!" @Kuramochi: "We'll get our hopes up a bit." Seto: "The bench has cheered up!" Seto: "It's just like that game from the fall tournament. He can change the mood of the whole stadium," Seto: "in a different way than Furuya-san." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn it." @Int_Sawamura: "Don't apologize!" @Sawamura: ""My Role."" @Sawamura: "You can do it!" @Kanemaru: "You aren't a better batter than me, Sawamura! I'm gonna get you home!" @Sawamura: "Kanemaru, believe in yourself! Hips! Hips!" @Kuramochi: "Now it's our turn to score!" @Sawamura: "You too, Kuramochi-senpai! Hips! Hips! Hit with your lower body!" @Kuramochi: "Bring it on, moon-face."

@Int_Sawamura: "I don't know what it is you're fighting against." @Int_Sawamura: "I don't know, but..." @Int_Sawamura: "I'm going to take down the hitters in front of me." @Int_Sawamura: "What else does a pitcher need to do?!" _Umpire: "Strike!" @Int_Sawamura: "No matter the situation," @Int_Sawamura: "I'll be true to myself!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" Announcer: "He finishes with an outside fastball!" @Kataoka: "You saved me." @Kataoka: "Sorry." @Kataoka: "Good job shutting them down." @Sawamura: "The game's not over yet, boss!" @Int_Sawamura: "Damn it." @Int_Sawamura: "Don't apologize!" Announcer: "It's the top of the sixth, and Seido High School is up to bat. The batter is none other than the strong relief pitcher, Eijun Sawamura!" @Sawamura: "Please!" _Fan: "Hey, hey... What's he doing? There aren't any runners." _Fan: "I-Is he telegraphing a drag bunt?" Amahisa: "This guy..." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn... Why do I feel like this?" @Int_Sawamura: "It's like I'm confused or..." @Int_Sawamura: "frustrated." @Fb_Sawamura: "Please let me pitch the last inning." @Fb_Kataoka: "Furuya." @Fb_Kataoka: "I'm giving the last inning to you." @Fb_Kataoka: "You're the ace. Go close it out." @Int_Sawamura: "If I had pitched like Furuya did today," @Int_Sawamura: "would he have left me in the game that long?" @Int_Sawamura: "No, I would've been subbed out." @Fb_Miyuki: "This guy might be starting the next game, too." @Int_Sawamura: "That's the difference between our numbers." @Int_Sawamura: "The difference between the ace and a relief pitcher." @Int_Sawamura: "Does the ace get that much trust?" Announcer: "He pulls it down the first base line!" Announcer: "He turns the corner to second!" Announcer: "Lead-off batter Sawamura has hit a double!" Announcer: "For some reason, his team's section of the stands seems surprised!" @Sawamura: "That's the wrong reaction!" Announcer: "Up next is the ninth batter, Kanemaru." Announcer: "He's showing bunt." Announcer: "Here's the first pitch!" @Sawamura: "Kanemaru, believe in yourself!" @Sawamura: "Hips! Hips!" Announcer: "He misses!" Announcer: "The pickoff throw rockets from home like an arrow! Safe by a hair!" Asada: "That was close!" Kukki: "That catcher's got a bullet arm!" Int_Amahisa: "What're you so mad about?" Int_Amahisa: "You think I'm just gonna let you bunt?" Int_Amahisa: "We're up by three runs, so I could give up one or two." Int_Amahisa: "I just don't feel like making it easy for you." _Umpire: "Foul!" _Fan: "Another slider! He's got two strikes now." _Fan: "What now? Will he try to hit?" Announcer: "He's getting ready for a third bunt!" @Sawamura: "You can do it!" @Int_Kanemaru: "I'm not letting you outshine me at the plate, Sawamura!" @Int_Kanemaru: "I'm gonna advance you no matter what!" Announcer: "The third bunt fails! The runner is unable to move from second!" @Sawamura: "Shake it off! Go back and practice!" _Fan: "Amahisa's looking great! The batter couldn't even put the ball in play!" Announcer: "There's one out and a runner on second. We go back to the top of Seido's batting order." Announcer: "Batting first, shortstop, Kuramochi-kun." @Int_Miyuki: "It'll be hard to get three runs off Amahisa in one inning. We've got to advance the runner to increase the chance of getting him home." @Sawamura: "You too, Kuramochi-senpai! Hips! Hips! Hit with your lower body!" @Int_Kuramochi: "Your pitching saved two or three runs on its own, Sawamura." @Int_Kuramochi: "Now it's time for us to score!" Int_Amahisa: "And here's another guy... with a scary face." Int_Amahisa: "Did he shave off his eyebrows? He looks like a strong fighter." Int_Amahisa: "If he were in a brawl, he'd probably be doing jump kicks." @Int_Kuramochi: "Bring it on, moon-face!" Announcer: "The first pitch is inside! Foul!" Announcer: "Here's the second!" Announcer: "A slow curveball just inside the outside edge!" _Fan: "What a time to throw that pitch. If he throws like that anywhere, no one's gonna hit it!" Int_Amahisa: "Sorry, but this isn't a brawl." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Int_Amahisa: "Three swings and he's gone!" Carlos: "Huh? It's the seventh inning already?" Shirakawa: "What's the score?" _Player: "5–2, with Third High still leading." Shirakawa: "Oh, so they held them to five runs in the fifth." _Player: "Amahisa has settled into a rhythm and it's unreal!" _Player: "The Seido batters can't get a read on his sliders anymore. They've been striking out more often, too." umiya: "Who does Seido have pitching?" _Player: "Sawamura. The second-year southpaw, Eijun Sawamura." Announcer: "An outside fastball! With some light footwork, second baseman Kominato gets the second out!" _Fan: "That was only the third pitch! Their defense is incredible!" _Fan: "The game's moving faster since they brought in that pitcher. The Third High batters are struggling." _Fan: "How are his pitches looking to them?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Sawamura, we'll use more of the numbers from this inning." @Fb_Miyuki: "They'll be swinging from the first strike." @Fb_Miyuki: "Let's try to get each batter out on the first pitch." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'll trust you." @Int_Miyuki: "Trust..." @Int_Sawamura: "A fastball!" _Fan: "What was that?! A hard slider? A cutter? It broke when it got close, right?" Asada: "The improved pitch!" Kukki: "Yeah, improved!" Okumura: "Improved..." Int_Player: "What's with his pitches?" Int_Player: "I can't get a read on them." Announcer: "He got him to bite at the changeup!" Announcer: "Just like the sixth inning, it was three up, three down! Sawamura has not given up a single hit to the Third High batters!" @Kominato: "Nice pitch, Eijun-kun!" @Kuramochi: "Nice pitch, Sawamura!" @Maezono: "Yeah!" Tojo: "Sawamura!" _All: "Yeah!" _Player: "The game's not over yet!" Kawakami: "Sawamura's unbelievable today. Not just his intensity, but his pitching, too." @Kuramochi: "Damn it, Sawamura!" @Kanemaru: "That inning was too good!" Aso: "You were so good, it was scary!" Tojo: "Nice pitching, Sawamura!" Kawakami: "No matter what situation he lands in, he pitches his best." Kawakami: "I prepare myself so I can do that, too." Kawakami: "No one's giving up on the final tomorrow." Announcer: "It's the top of the eighth, with Seido High School up to bat. Sawamura was walked to first base," @Sawamura: "Hey, I'm gonna run!" Announcer: "and the ninth batter, Kanemaru, is at the plate." Aso: "Yeah! Good eye!" Announcer: "Another ball! The pitch was low!" Announcer: "The count is three balls, two strikes!" Int_Amahisa: "He's a tough one." _Fan: "I'm surprised he saw where that was going. How many pitches has Amahisa thrown?" _Fan: "He had to throw a lot in the first half. Is it starting to wear on him? Seido won't let it end like this." Announcer: "He's caught looking at an outside strike!" _Player: "Yeah! Nice pitch, Kosei! Nice pitch! Two outs, Kosei!" _Player: "Kosei-san, two outs!" _Coach: "Great!" _Player: "Finish it off, Amahisa-senpai!" _All: "Two outs!" Int_Coach: "Your latent power is coming out, Amahisa boy." _Amahisa: "Pitch outside?" _Amahisa: "Sure, I can pitch there. I'm not sure you can learn to throw there just by practicing." _Amahisa: "Honestly, my slider bends too much. Don't you think?" _Amahisa: "It would be great if it curved just a little and struck someone out!" _Amahisa: "I've got some noise in my upper body, so I'm not pitching today." _Player: "Huh? Noise?" Int_Coach: "His behavior may be difficult for ordinary people to understand." Int_Coach: "Even I'm not sure that I fully understand his nature. But when the team made it through the winter camp," Int_Coach: "Manaka boy and the other former third-years patiently practiced with them." Int_Coach: "Genius and lucky boy." Int_Coach: "Looking back, all those trials were to help him grow." Announcer: "Strike three! Ace Amahisa throws a mighty fastball! Seido, the quarterfinalists in the Invitational who attracted attention at Koshien Stadium, are facing a potent challenge from a rival in their own division, Ichidai Third High!" _Announcer: "It's the top of the ninth. Shirasu's infield grounder scored a run. Two outs and a runner on second." @Fb_Miyuki: "Zono!" _Announcer: "Sixth batter Maezono is at the plate. A homer could tie the game." _Aso: "Zono, we're not beat yet!" _Announcer: "A fly ball to left field ends the game! The first game of the Tokyo spring tournament semifinals, a battle between division rivals, has been won by Ichidai Third High! Satoru Furuya, after making a name for himself at the Invitational, gave up five runs in the fifth inning!" _Announcer: "Ace Amahisa threw 142 pitches and advances his team to the final!" _Announcer: "Ichidai Third High has also automatically earned a spot in the Kanto Tournament in May!" _Fan: "Amahisa looked exhausted there at the end. But Coach Tahara didn't sub him out. He won't be pitching tomorrow. He might be the eye of the storm this summer. Inashiro, Teito, and Ichidai were all disappointed in the fall. They'll be eager to perform in the summer." _Fan: "And then there's Furuya. He's nothing like how he was in the Invitational. Is he gonna be okay? The cameras were all trained on him. Did he burn out at Koshien Stadium? That wouldn't be any fun. The summer's the real tournament!" @Furuya: "I lost the game." _Fan: "But Sawamura looked good. He could have started today. Nah, they need their ace Furuya to be in shape. Yeah. You hear all the time about teams who go to the Invitational, but don't win in the summer. And with batting like that, can they beat Inashiro?" _Fan: "Can they hit Narumiya's pitches?" Rei: "What should the club members do?" Ochiai: "There are a lot of spectators. It might be best for those in the stands to go back soon. We'll have a thorough meeting once everyone is back. But the main players should stay and watch the next game." _Coach: "Inashiro..." Rei: "Very well." Rei: "I'll tell the players." @Kanemaru: "Hey, first-years! Come get the stuff that needs carrying!" Seto: "Yes, sir!" Seto: "Shall I take that?" @Sawamura: "No, it's fine." Amahisa: "Hey, hang on!" Amahisa: "I'm glad I ran into you! There's something I want to ask you!" Amahisa: "What kind of pitch was that? A slider? Cutter?" Amahisa: "The batters who saw it said the ball just disappeared! I wanted to see it too, but you didn't throw it! How do you throw it? What's the grip?" _Player: "Hey, Kosei..." @Sawamura: "Excuse me..." @Sawamura: "We just lost a game." @Sawamura: "I have nothing to say to you." Amahisa: "Why not? We're just talking about baseball. It's not the same thing." Amahisa: "I'm just asking as a pitcher. Tell me the grip!" @Sawamura: "No!" Amahisa: "Why not?" Announcer: "The next game will begin at 1:00." _Player: "Huh? He what?" Announcer: "Teito High School, please begin practice." _Player: "Seido's?" _Player: "I've never seen Kosei-san take an interest in another team's pitcher. Yeah, and that pitcher's a year younger!" _Amahisa: "Okay, tell me your LINE handle!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Why would I do that?!" _Player: "He started speaking like they were the same age, too." Kukki: "I can't wait to get back and move around!" Asada: "Yeah, we've just been watching this whole time." Seto: "Amahisa's an oddball, too. Sawamura-senpai wanted nothing to do with him." Okumura: "I get why he was interested in that pitch." Okumura: "But coming from the team that just beat us..." Okumura: "It's inexcusable." Seto: "What are you getting mad about?" Owada: "Coach Kataoka admitted he waited too long to change pitchers." Mine: "Yeah. Those five runs they gave up in the fifth were the deciding factor in the game." Mine: "Sawamura-kun's excellent pitching stopped the Ichidai batters' momentum cold. If Seido had changed pitchers early like they usually do, the game may have turned out differently." Owada: "Do you think that Coach Kataoka wanted Furuya-kun to pitch the whole game?" Owada: "Hoping that he could pitch like at the Invitational?" Mine: "Coach Kataoka was a pitcher himself, and he also finished runner-up at Koshien Stadium." Mine: "I have no doubt that he is particular when it comes to the ace." @Fb_Kataoka: "We had the means to limit the number of runs given up, including some on the bench. My inexperience caused me to hesitate. I will accept the result." : "To play on the national stage" : "is to embrace a new goal." : "No team will want to maintain the status quo and not reach for the heavens." : "But you can only reach out after you've won." : "Once you've dominated this violent battlefield." _Umpire: "Line up!" @Sawamura: ""Only After You've Won."" Mukai: "They may say I'm stuck-up and selfish, but I've never tried to bend to others. I have a confidence in my chest I can't explain. I've fed that confidence by practicing more than anyone, exploring baseball every single day. I won't listen to anyone complain. I'm going to pitch like the ace!" @Sawamura: "Haruichi... Being the ace is really cool, right?"

Announcer: "A fly ball to left field ends the game! The first game of the Tokyo spring tournament semifinals, a battle between division rivals, has been won by Ichidai Third High! Satoru Furuya, after making a name for himself at the Invitational, gave up five runs in the fifth inning!" Announcer: "Ace Amahisa threw 142 pitches and advances his team to the final!" Announcer: "Ichidai Third High has also automatically earned a spot in the Kanto Tournament in May!" _Fan: "Inashiro, Teito, and Ichidai were all disappointed in the fall. They'll be eager to perform in the summer." _Fan: "And then there's Furuya. He's nothing like how he was in the Invitational. Is he gonna be okay? The cameras were all trained on him. Did he burn out at Koshien Stadium? That wouldn't be any fun. The summer's the real tournament!" @Furuya: "I lost the game." _Fan: "But Sawamura looked good. He could have started today. Nah, they need their ace Furuya to be in shape. Yeah. You hear all the time about teams who go to the Invitational, but don't win in the summer. And with batting like that, can they beat Inashiro?" _Fan: "Can they hit Narumiya's pitches?" : "To play on the national stage" : "is to embrace a new goal." : "No team will want to maintain the status quo and not reach for the heavens." : "But you can only reach out after you've won." : "Once you've dominated this violent battlefield." Announcer: "It's the second game of the Tokyo spring tournament semifinals. Both teams have players who played at Koshien Stadium as first-years, and wore their powerhouse team's ace number as second-years! It's the number one southpaw in Kanto, Mei Narumiya, versus Taiyo Mukai, who is one year younger." Announcer: "It's a battle of the princes of East and West Tokyo!" Owada: "They both act tough and I love it!" : "Mukai has been slightly tense in his start." : "There are two outs and runners on first and second base." : "But even then, Teito's iron wall does not allow them to score." : "On the other hand, Narumiya..." _Umpire: "Strike!" : "...is showing exceptional control over his breaking balls, constantly keeping the Teito batters at bay." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" : "He has not allowed any runners on base in three innings in a perfect start." _Umpire: "Ball!" _Umpire: "Ball!" @Kanemaru: "That makes three balls and one strike." @Kanemaru: "Mukai's throwing more breaking balls." Tojo: "The Inashiro batters are waiting for a fastball." @Kominato: "They aren't swinging at the low pitches." @Kuramochi: "Inashiro has five hits." Kawakami: "It's a tough game. He's let runners on base every inning since the first." @Miyuki: "Still, he doesn't mind getting the count up to three balls." @Miyuki: "He makes more plays when there are runners on base. Furuya," @Miyuki: "watching him pitch won't be any help to you directly." _Umpire: "Strike!" @Kuramochi: "Hey, Sawamura!" @Kuramochi: "This seat's open!" @Sawamura: "I'm fine. It's easier to see from up here." _Umpire: "Strike!" : "With two outs and runners on second and third base, and the count at 3–2," : "he throws a screwball out of the zone." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" : "He takes advantage of the batters' aversion to being caught looking." : "That is Taiyo Mukai's true strength." @Miyuki: "They've already got a read on his screwball, but he still threw it." Kawakami: "It was just barely out of the zone." _Fan: "He's got some guts." Owada: "That mischievous gleam in his eye! But I love it!" Bg_Owada: "I really do!" Mine: "He's a cerebral pitcher who likes going deep in the count." Owada: "It's simply the best!" Mine: "He probably likes taking gambles like these." : "But..." : "The team has yet to come up with a firm strategy to deal with Narumiya." : "The Teito batters have only had one hit in five innings. Both teams have zeros across the board," : "but the way they are playing is very different." : "In the sixth inning, Inashiro finally breaks through against Mukai. With runners on first and second base," : "Carlos gets a hit to near center field." : "Then Shirakawa hits to left field, for two RBI hits in a row. In the seventh inning, Tadano's sacrifice fly brings in another run." umiya: "Good try. Just a little more." : "Inashiro extended their lead to three runs. But still, the ace trusted in his offense," _Player: "Yeah!" : "and continued to pitch his best." _Player: "Nice pitch! Good one, Taiyo-san!" Mukai: "That hurts." _Player: "Two outs! Two outs! Mukai-san! Go! Two outs! Let's end the inning!" Int_Mukai: "They may say I'm stuck-up and selfish, but I've never bent to suit other people." Int_Mukai: "I have a confidence in my chest I can't explain. I've fed that confidence by practicing more than anyone," Int_Mukai: "exploring baseball every single day." Int_Mukai: "I won't listen to anyone complain. I'm going to pitch like the ace!" Announcer: "A low outside pitch finishes him off! He goes down swinging at a screwball!" Announcer: "They have three innings left to bat! Will Teito High School be able to mount a comeback?" Announcer: "It..." Announcer: "It's gone!" Announcer: "The ace's partner provides the perfect response to his pitching! He hit Mei Narumiya's fastball straight on!" Sfx: "Yeah!" Announcer: "That drops the lead to two runs!" Mine: "It's hard to get successive hits off a good pitcher." Mine: "It's inevitably errors or home runs that provide a chance to score." Mine: "That couldn't have been an easy hit. Well played, Inui-kun." _Coach: "Keep it going! Get some more!" Owada: "Teito will want to capitalize on that hit." Bg_Tadano: "Mei-san, Mei-san!" Tadano: "Long ago, an old lady asked an apprentice witch to deliver a pie. It was raining hard..." umiya: "Too long. Drop it." Mine: "The best strategy against Inashiro is to keep pressure on Narumiya, from the plate or from the bases." _Umpire: "Ball!" _Umpire: "Ball!" @Maezono: "Narumiya's definitely ticked off! He's no different than before!" _Fan: "The count is three balls, one strike. It would be neat if he got on base." _Umpire: "Strike!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Shirakawa: "Keep it together!" Announcer: "After giving up a run, Narumiya manages to close out the inning." Announcer: "This pitchers' battle enters its final stages!" : "The Teito battery is back to mainly throwing fastballs. Not just to the left and right corners, but also alternating high and low. They sit the top of Inashiro's order three up, three down," : "and set the stage for their batters in the bottom of the eighth." : "However... Despite Narumiya's control slipping after the home run, he quickly retires two batters for two outs." : "The eighth batter, Mukai, is now up to bat." Int_Tadano: "Mei-san..." Int_Mukai: "Not yet..." Int_Mukai: "I won't let it end yet. I'll get on base!" _Umpire: "Ball!" : "As if trying to show his power," : "or trying to send a message... Up against the other team's ace, who had yet to hit, he brought out all of his best pitches," : "and overpowered him." umiya: "Yeah!" : "In this clash between East and West Tokyo powerhouses," : "it was the ace from the West, who'd gone to Koshien twice, who came out on top." Mukai: "Thank you for that childish display of pitching." umiya: "Oh, I wasn't being serious in the least." Carlos: "Let's go, Mei." _Player: "Taiyo!" Tadano: "Mei-san!" umiya: "I went easy on you! Remember that!" Mukai: "Fine, whatever you say! What are you, twelve?!" : "Tomorrow's final will be between Ichidai Third High and Inashiro Industrial." _Sign: "Seido Ichidai Third Inashiro Teito" Announcer: "Tomorrow's final will begin at 1:00 PM. Doors will open at 12:00 PM." @Miyuki: "Well, let's get going." @Furuya: "Miyuki-senpai." @Furuya: "Can I come to watch the game tomorrow?" @Miyuki: "Sure. I was planning to come with Nabe, anyway. Even with our great pitchers, we won't make it to Koshien Stadium if our batters don't score." @Kominato: "Eijun-kun, what are you gonna do tomorrow?" @Kominato: "Furuya-kun is coming to watch the final." @Sawamura: "I'll just watch some tape." @Sawamura: "I need to review today's game, too." @Int_Kominato: "Review the pitching from today?" @Sawamura: "Haruichi..." @Sawamura: "Being the ace is really cool, huh?" Takashima: "Yes, sir." Takashima: "I will reach out to the teams who have contacted us." Takashima: "We'll need to adjust the schedule, too." Ochiai: "I see, I see... So this is what Furuya did. This certainly does get one choked up." Ochiai: "Letting him start today, and not taking him out sooner..." _Sign: "If I'm the best pitcher in Japan, I can make our team the best in Japan." Ochiai: "This is the reason, isn't it?" Ochiai: "So you are human after all, Coach Kataoka. If those around him, and he himself think his pitching at the Invitational is his baseline..." @Sawamura: "You wanna watch?" Ochiai: "Furuya may be carrying some heavy karma from Koshien Stadium." @Furuya: "Did you just click your tongue?" @Sawamura: "It doesn't matter! Sit down!" Int_Ochiai: "I'm not one to talk, having told him he could be the best pitcher in Japan myself." _Ochiai: "You can become the best pitcher in Japan." @Kataoka: "I also played at Koshien Stadium, set even higher goals for myself, and was nearly crushed by the pressure." Ochiai: "Your team finished runners-up, I believe." Ochiai: "As a backup catcher who had never played at Koshien Stadium, I was pretty envious of you." @Kataoka: "But he must overcome this on his own." @Kataoka: "What I did was not fair to the other players who were ready." Int_Ochiai: "For better or worse..." Int_Ochiai: "Sawamura's presence as a pitcher really stood out in today's game." Int_Ochiai: "The fans as well as his teammates certainly felt it." Int_Ochiai: "How will that affect the team?" Int_Ochiai: "Well, I suppose it's just as well to experience a loss this early." @Sawamura: "Are you ready? This is reality! You're gonna see what it was like!" @Furuya: "Yes, hurry up." Ochiai: "We may have been able to stop them scoring five runs." Ochiai: "But then we only scored one run ourselves." Ochiai: "I'm sure the offense feels just as responsible. Now you aren't going to defend a title, but to reclaim it." Ochiai: "Let's treat this as an opportunity to have a fresh start for the summer." @Kataoka: "Right." @Kataoka: "I am still an inexperienced coach, but please..." @Kataoka: "Continue to assist me." @Int_Miyuki: "I thought I'd always watched how hard Sawamura worked." @Int_Miyuki: "I honestly respect his boundless optimism." @Sawamura: "Good morning! It's a perfect morning for practice, captain!" @Miyuki: "What time is it?" @Int_Miyuki: "Sometimes it was a pain in the neck, though." @Int_Miyuki: "But had I ever imagined he would look ready to wear the ace number this soon? The way he pitched today" @Int_Miyuki: "was exactly how an ace should do it." @Fb_Furuya: "I want my pitching to be even better than it was that day." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'm here to become the ace! And I'm confident that I want it more than anyone here!" @Fb_Furuya: "Please don't disappoint me..." @Fb_Furuya: "Miyuki-senpai." @Fb_Miyuki: "Very funny! I like you!" @Fb_Furuya: "Excuse me." @Fb_Sawamura: "Why are you sitting there? Sit on the other side! No one told me that! Do I get to play?! Do I?!" @Fb_Miyuki: "I'm your senpai, remember?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Don't look at me! I'm ashamed!" @Fb_Miyuki: "You're awesome!" @Fb_Takashima: "Oh, have you ever caught for Furuya-kun?" @Fb_Furuya: "I will do as Miyuki-senpai says." @Fb_Miyuki: "We still have to keep fighting." @Fb_Sawamura: "Boss! I'm still full of energy! I feel good, too! Please let me pitch!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Please let me pitch the last inning." @Fb_Furuya: "I see." @Fb_Furuya: "Then I can go all out." @Fb_Miyuki: "What?" @Fb_Furuya: "That's good." @Fb_Miyuki: "You weren't worried about me?" @Int_Miyuki: "That's right.." @Int_Miyuki: "I'll only be playing baseball with them for another three months." @Miyuki: ""Three Months."" @Sawamura: "At this rate, he'll never acknowledge me. I need to be able to pitch the kind of game Miyuki-senpai calls." @Miyuki: "We can't afford to lose, either." @Sawamura: "Absorb it deeper and digest it..."

@Kuramochi: "You snuck off to do swings again." @Kuramochi: "Is that how badly you don't want people to see you putting in work?" @Kuramochi: "Sawamura was sitting by himself." @Kuramochi: "Was it..." @Kuramochi: "because we couldn't make up those runs?" @Miyuki: "I'm not sure. In any case, it felt like he was giving us a kick in the pants." @Kuramochi: "Right?" @Miyuki: "He batted unusually well, too. No one can complain about it." @Kuramochi: "If I had gotten a hit, we could have turned the tide. Damn it!" @Miyuki: "Oh, so you came to whine?" @Kuramochi: "No!" @Miyuki: "Go ahead. I'm the captain, so I'll listen." @Kuramochi: "Shut up! And don't say that with a grin on your face!" @Furuya: "I'm sorry for making you take the mound with so many runners on base. I'm supposed to be the ace." @Sawamura: "That was nothing to sweat about. I'm just upset I couldn't turn the tide." @Furuya: "What do you mean?" @Sawamura: "About what?!" @Furuya: "It's plain to see that this was my fault. I failed to do my job as the ace." @Sawamura: "No, it was all my fault! If I had hit a home run, we would have won! Maybe." @Furuya: "Is that a dig?" @Sawamura: "No, it's not! The part about you sucking is true, but if we had rallied, that wouldn't have mattered!" @Furuya: "As the ace..." @Sawamura: "Knock it off with ace this and ace that! If I were a more trustworthy pitcher, you'd've been subbed out sooner! That makes it my fault!" @Furuya: "I don't like how you said that." @Sawamura: "We lost because I'm not trustworthy! It's my fault!" @Furuya: "Mine." @Sawamura: "It was all me!" @Furuya: "No, me!" Int_Asada: "Wow... they're even competing about who made the team lose." @Sawamura: "No, me!" Watanabe: "Okay, that's enough." Watanabe: "If you can't rewatch the game calmly, stop." @Sawamura: "Nabe-san, I am calm!" Watanabe: "Okay, fine. The whole team is here, so it's time to start the meeting." @Kuramochi: "Nabe-chan, what's going on?" Watanabe: "Nothing to worry about." Kukki: "Look how tense they are. This is what it's like when they lose." Seto: "Normally, no one wants to say they're the reason the team lost. These two are crazy." @Kataoka: "We scored in the first inning and hung on to score again in the last inning. We scored three runs total, but I believe our opponents took advantage of our aggressive approach." @Kataoka: "Don't swing at balls. Think of how to advance the runners." @Kataoka: "Keep your swings sharp, and hits strong." @Kataoka: "Even if you get out, you can apply pressure to the other team." @Kataoka: "The western division is full of good pitchers." @Kataoka: "Our lineup needs to make the most of the few chances we're given." _All: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "We have a lot to work on for defense, including management." @Yuki: "I'm disappointed in myself." @Kataoka: "Furuya tried to pitch through an off day, but walked too many batters." @Kataoka: "It became that much harder for defense and offense to form a rhythm." @Kataoka: "But then, Sawamura's pitching helped the team get back on its feet. Whether they're having an on or off day," @Kataoka: "the one who shoulders the feelings of the whole team on the mound is the ace. That is how I think of it." @Kataoka: "We have three months until the summer tournament." @Kataoka: "The current jersey numbers will be discarded! The twenty players on the tournament roster will be decided by your performance and attitude in the coming days! I want everyone, especially the third-years, to practice hard enough not to have any regrets." _All: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "The starters will not practice tomorrow! Any player may choose to go see the final game." @Kataoka: "All players not going, as well as first-years, be on the field at 8:00 AM!" Tanaka: "What're you doing tomorrow?" @Maezono: "Are Narumiya and Amahisa pitching?" Ono: "Both teams got into the Kanto tournament, so I don't think they'll be starting." @Miyuki: "That okay with you, Furuya?" @Furuya: "Yes, sir." @Miyuki: "Nabe, you can come with us tomorrow." Watanabe: "Okay." @Sawamura: "Miyuki-senpai!" @Sawamura: "Can I come up to your room later?" @Miyuki: "Huh?" @Sawamura: "I have some questions about today's game." @Miyuki: "Questions?" @Sawamura: "I'll be there at 8:00 PM." @Miyuki: "Hey, what about tomorrow?" @Sawamura: "I'm not going, okay?!" @Sawamura: "I'll be swinging a bat until I get blisters on my palms, okay?! I've never felt so useless at batting as I did today, okay?!" @Miyuki: "Oh, really?" @Kuramochi: "Enough with the okays." @Sawamura: "Now to have some dinner!" Ono: "He's really pumped." Kawakami: "He stole the show today." Tanaka: "He must really want that ace number." @Kuramochi: "I guess he's mad." @Miyuki: "Could be. I wonder what he'll ask." Watanabe: "He was saying he wants to know more about how you call for a pitch." @Miyuki: "Nabe?" _Watanabe: "You were brilliant today. Did it feel good?" @Fb_Sawamura: "No, I didn't think. I just threw the ball to where Miyuki-senpai put his glove." @Fb_Sawamura: "At this rate, he'll never acknowledge me." @Fb_Sawamura: "I need to understand more about why he calls the pitches he does." Watanabe: "I think he was thinking about that while he was sitting by himself watching the game. He was probably feeling something from Narumiya and Mukai's pitching." Ono: "Really?" Tanaka: "That guy?" @Int_Maezono: "That sounds like how he thinks." Int_Kawakami: "Sawamura..." @Miyuki: "We can't be beaten." @Miyuki: "We can't let him outshine us like this." Int_Watanabe: "Miyuki..." @Maezono: "That's right! This is it for us third-years! We can't lose! We have to play at Koshien Stadium again!" @Miyuki: "You're a little too close." @Int_Miyuki: "He always exceeds our expectations." @Maezono: "Here we come, Koshien Stadium! We're gonna be the champions!" @Kuramochi: "Keep it down! Enough shouting!" _All: "Why? Don't you agree with me?!" @Int_Miyuki: "Then I guess I'll have to exceed his, too." : "The Tokyo spring tournament final." : "As many predicted, both teams chose not to start their ace." umiya: "Hiranocchi, it's up to you!" _Amahisa: "Toshi-chan, I slept on my neck wrong. Sorry." _Coach: "What?!" umiya: "We're counting on you, Hiranocchi! Itsuki, you'd better make the right calls!" Tadano: "Ignore left field." : "Inashiro Industrial's starting pitcher is third-year Keiji Hirano." : "Ichidai Third begins the game with third-year Tatsuya Misaki." @Miyuki: "It's not just the aces' pitching we're here to see. Look at what pitches each lineup targets, and what they do when there are runners on base." @Miyuki: "You can learn a lot by imagining that you're on the mound." Watanabe: "If we can anticipate what they'll do, it takes some of the pressure off. That's why we thoroughly analyze the other teams." : "In the third, after Inashiro Industrial's cleanup Riku Yamaoka hit a two-run home run," : "Mei Narumiya and Itsuki Tadano both hit for extra bases to give the team a three-run lead." Tadano: "Hirano-san!" : "But in the bottom of the inning," : "Ichidai Third High refused to yield and pulled back one run." : "The game gradually became a hitters' duel." @Fb_Miyuki: "Sawamura, you said you wanted to learn about game calls." @Fb_Sawamura: "Yes, sir." @Fb_Miyuki: "Do you know the difference between a pitching sequence and game calling?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Huh? Difference? The words..." @Fb_Miyuki: "It looks like you've never heard of them. Let's start there." @Fb_Sawamura: "Keep it simple! Please!" @Fb_Miyuki: "What're you upset about?" _Kimura: "This is quite the turnout." @Fb_Miyuki: "A pitching sequence is a theoretical series of pitches based on data of the pitcher's repertoire. Game calling takes into account the pitcher's condition, the pitches the other team is targeting, and how the batter looks." @Fb_Miyuki: "How many runners are there? How many outs? What inning is it? What's the score? Can we afford to let this batter walk, or do we continue to throw strikes, even if he might hit them?" @Fb_Miyuki: "If you can take into account what your catcher is thinking, nothing like it." @Fb_Miyuki: "However, not every pitch will come where you ask for it. As the count changes, the conditions change, too. And to begin with, if the pitcher can't hit the strike zone, you have to base your entire game call around him." @Sawamura: "Hey, he's talking to you, Furuya!" @Fb_Miyuki: "No matter how carefully you calculate your call, if they hit the pitch, you were wrong. And if the pitch is right down the middle but they don't hit it, it doesn't matter." @Fb_Miyuki: "That's why calls are debated with the benefit of hindsight." @Fb_Miyuki: "Even so, I think a near-perfect way to call a game does exist." @Fb_Miyuki: "Thinking that way is the catcher's job. We want the pitcher to throw a pitch he's comfortable with." @Sawamura: "If the pitcher and catcher become one and produce a work of art..." @Sawamura: "That will be the best pitching of all." _Ono: "A work of art?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Okay, let's start at the basic level." @Fb_Sawamura: "Huh? We haven't started the basic level yet?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Of course not. Game calling is deep stuff." Int_Kawakami: "He's able to connect with slash bunts now." _Chris: "Listen. Baseball is a sport that doesn't move until the pitcher throws the ball. That means that pitchers like you, who touch the ball longer than anyone else on the team," _Chris: "have to know as much as possible about baseball. Pitchers must stand on the mound shouldering their whole team's feelings, including those who can't play." @Fb_Sawamura: "Every single one of those words he said that day... I can feel them seeping into me now." _Chris: "Where does your talent lie?" _Tetsu: "We can only do one thing." _Tetsu: "We must become stronger for those who were not chosen to play." _Funami: "Whoever is standing on the mound is the ace!" @Int_Sawamura: "Seep deeper..." @Int_Sawamura: "and become part of me." : "In the top of the seventh, after an RBI hit by Tadano extended his team's lead to two runs," : "their ace took the mound. After the substitution, Teru Miyagawa hit a double," : "but that was the only hit he gave up. Shaking off Ichidai Third High's attempts to rally, Inashiro Industrial won the spring tournament." @Miyuki: "Amahisa didn't pitch." @Miyuki: "Inashiro may have won, but it probably doesn't feel as sweet." @Miyuki: "They didn't get to see Amahisa pitch." @Miyuki: "Inashiro fights for every run in the later innings." @Miyuki: "Even with their ace on the bench, Ichidai can hold their own against Inashiro." @Miyuki: "Do you feel like you learned something, Furuya?" @Fb_Kataoka: "The current jersey numbers will be discarded!" @Int_Furuya: ""If you don't like the outcome, then work to change it."" @Int_Furuya: "That's what the coach was saying." @Furuya: "I'll be the best pitcher in Japan. My goal has not changed." @Furuya: "To do that, I'll start by getting my teammates to acknowledge me." @Int_Sawamura: "I need to make sure I hit the ball with the barrel of the bat." @Int_Sawamura: "I'll do a hundred more swings." Okumura: "I like the look in your eyes." Okumura: "So you really want that ace number." @Sawamura: "Every pitcher wants it! It shows that everyone believes in you." Okumura: "It's nice to wear your desire on your sleeve like that." @Sawamura: "Desire?" Okumura: "I always thought that a pitcher who shouts on the mound wasn't fit to be the ace." Okumura: "You behavior yesterday was quite good." @Sawamura: "Good?" Okumura: "You shouldn't shout so much, though." Okumura: "It's unbecoming, and you look stupid." @Sawamura: "Stupid? Did you say stupid?!" Okumura: "It only serves to provoke the other team." Okumura: "A pitcher who's harder to read is harder for the batters to deal with." @Int_Sawamura: "I-Is he complimenting me or dissing me? No, wait. If I have to ask myself that, he's definitely not complimenting me!" Okumura: "And those numbers... Once you master those, you'll be a pitcher everyone acknowledges." @Sawamura: "I see, I see! So you do rate me! That's great! Let's drop everything that's happened between us! Do you want to catch for me?" Okumura: "No, I don't." @Sawamura: "You don't?! Then why'd you try to butter me up?!" @Sawamura: "I don't know what's going through his head! I have no idea!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Looks like you're not ready for them." Okumura: "I haven't earned the right to catch for you." Okumura: "I'm going to get a spot on the first team." Okumura: "Once I do..." @Sawamura: "Oh, so you try to look cool, but inside you're— Hey, wait! Let upperclassmen finish talking! We had a really good thing going!" @Sawamura: "You're so difficult to talk to!" Int_Okumura: "Enjoy baseball..." Int_Okumura: "I hate those words to no end." _Coach: "Looking good! Don't worry about making mistakes! Just play your best!" _Coach: "You've gotten better!" Int_Okumura: "No matter how idealistic someone usually is... The more valuable the prize," Int_Okumura: "the more their true colors shine through." _Coach: "What was that, you idiot?" _Player: "The coach is quitting? Why? He's going to Tanabe Senior?" _Player: "They're our biggest rivals!" _Seto: "No, that can't be!" Int_Okumura: "If that's how you think..." _Okumura: "Don't bother spouting all that idealistic crap. There were rumors going around that he was getting player referral fees from Kurebayashi and Tsuruta." _Player: "He got a lot of money for this move, too." Int_Okumura: "If you can't see it through..." _Okumura: "Don't bother lying to us." Int_Okumura: "The man we trusted and followed abandoned us without a second thought." _Coach: "This is your new coach." Int_Okumura: "Not even two months later..." Int_Okumura: "we saw that man sitting on the visiting team's bench like nothing was wrong. It showed us fear." _Okumura: "We'll use the baseball he taught us to beat him." _Okumura: "That's the best way to repay him." _Player: "Koshu-kun..." _Seto: "Repay him?" _Okumura: "I'd rather die than lose today's game." _Seto: "Okay, let's do it! We're gonna win!" _All: "Yeah!" _Okumura: "He knew just how good we were." _Okumura: "Maybe he let his guard down because of that." _Okumura: "But we know how you coach, too! Our players put everything they had into using the techniques and strategies we'd learned." _Okumura: "We won decisively." _Coach: "Well, we lost! You kids got us good. What happened to you? I hardly recognized you out there." _Coach: "I liked the look in your eyes. I see you're fine without me." _Coach: "I'm so glad!" _Okumura: "How does it feel?" _Okumura: "Losing to the unreliable team you coached." _Okumura: "Did you enjoy that baseball?" _Okumura: "I certainly enjoyed it. I enjoyed beating you." _Okumura: "You got me! I really lost today!" _Okumura: "We're not tools to entertain adults." _Okumura: "The field belongs to the players battling on it." _Seto: "We need to decide on a high school soon." _Okumura: "I want a place where I can focus on baseball." _Okumura: "I want to play in a strong team, against strong teams." _Okumura: "I'm going to Seido." _Okumura: "I was kind of thinking about going to the school that won this game." _Seto: "Just kind of?" _Okumura: "They have two interesting pitchers." Int_Okumura: "I want to find out..." Int_Okumura: "if it's really possible to enjoy baseball from the bottom of your heart." @Fb_Miyuki: "Pitchers are troublesome creatures." @Fb_Miyuki: "That's what makes this fun." Int_Okumura: "I want to find out..." Int_Okumura: "how far my strength will take me." Okumura: ""Something to Find Out."" Kukki: "Damn, we need to break this cycle! Seido is incredible." Okumura: "Let's show the second and third-years how the guys who stay in the cafeteria play." Kukki: "Even the players not on the roster are this good?" Okumura: "It's still the third inning. If we keep getting outs and give up as few runs as possible, an opportunity will present itself." Asada: "Do these guys think they can beat the second and third-years?!"

Ota: "What? We're having the intrasquad game today? Why, when we just had a game yesterday?" Ochiai: "Because we lost." Ota: "It's a chance for the other players to show what they can do." @Kataoka: "If we focus our training, some players may evolve, as they did last year." Ochiai: "Yes." Ochiai: "Let's promote players who show promise." @Kuramochi: "We're playing the first-years this afternoon?" Aso: "Mimura and the others are really fired up." Seki: "Kawashima is gonna start." @Maezono: "Obviously. If you can't show what you've got now, when are you gonna do it? I'll go cheer for you." Aso: "Zono, we don't really need you to come..." @Maezono: "Why not?!" _Fan: "An intrasquad game? Yep! The main players are off today, right?" _Fan: "So it's the second- and third-years playing the first-years. Pretty intense timing, with the spring tourney's final going on." _Fan: "This is the game where Furuya made his mark with one pitch. The score wasn't even close." _Fan: "It's like an initiation for the first-years. But there are some pretty good players this year, right?" Asada: "Man, I'm nervous." Kukki: "And the coach is going to be the umpire." Kukki: "I guess he wants an up-close view." Seto: "Twenty players can be on the first string roster," Seki: "and another twenty can be on the second string." Seto: "If you get on the second string, you'll have more opportunities to play in practice games, and since all the jersey numbers have been discarded, you even have a chance to make the first string." Seto: "First, we need to get on the second string." Okumura: "Yeah." Asada: "Good luck with your start." Kukki: "Thanks." Kukki: "I was looking forward to forming a battery with you, Koshu Okumura." Kukki: "Masashi Yuki and Kaoru Yui are first-years and already have spots on the roster." Kukki: "We'll have our own chances, too!" Int_Asada: "Wow, Kukki-kun is amazing. This is his first game in high school, yet he doesn't seem scared at all." Okumura: "Be careful where you put the ball. Even the team members who aren't on the bench take practice swings and their hits go faster than any other team's." Okumura: "To them, we're a big, giant target..." Okumura: "for them to show their skills." @Int_Sawamura: "The intrasquad game. Masuko-senpai hit a homer off me last year," @Int_Sawamura: "but I still remember how good it felt to play in a game." @Int_Sawamura: "I joined the second string after that, too. I'd like to go cheer Asada on, but I know what it means to the other second- and third-years." @Int_Sawamura: "Dang, I want to go see the game, but I can't!" @Kanemaru: "Hey, Kominato!" @Kanemaru: "If you don't hurry, there won't be any food left!" @Kominato: "Okay, I will!" @Kanemaru: "Did you see Kominato's drill?" @Tojo: "He's trying different pitches, like some right in front of his body." @Tojo: "He was saying he wants to up his bat speed, since he doesn't have a large body." @Kanemaru: "I think he could just use a metal bat, but I guess he has something else in mind." @Tojo: "I need to learn that attitude of always trying to accomplish something." @Kanemaru: "Tojo, what are you doing during afternoon practice? Want to watch the intrasquad game?" @Tojo: "We got overwhelmed by the upperclassmen's intensity last year." _Player: "First!" Int_Kukki: "I can get the out at second!" Int_Kukki: "Whoa, he's already that close?" _Umpire: "Safe!" _Fan: "A wild throw to first! No outs and runners on first and second! Crap." _Fan: "Third-year Mimura is up next. He didn't make the Invitational roster, but he's a good hitter." Int_Kukki: "He's showing bunt, too. That could be tough." Int_Kukki: "Then, I'll get the easy out!" _Fan: "The second-base runner is going for home!" _Fan: "The upperclassmen have struck first!" Ochiai: "He was desperate for the out." _Fan: "Now the cleanup is batting with runners on first and second." Int_Asada: "Kukki-kun..." Int_Kukki: "Damn it! I need to stop their momentum!" _Fan: "It got behind the catcher!" @Yui: "Uh-oh..." _Fan: "The runners are advancing!" @Kanemaru: "Takatsu's the cleanup?" _Fan: "The count's two balls, one strike. Here's the fourth pitch!" _Fan: "Right between the center and right fielders!" _Fan: "The second-base runner made it home and scored their third run! A two-RBI hit from the cleanup Takatsu!" Ochiai: "That four-hole did well. He's been hitting consistently." Ota: "Takatsu has always had good instincts, but he lacked the body." Ota: "He used the winter to bulk up and improve his prowess." Int_Takatsu: "I've been waiting in the shadows for this chance." Int_Takatsu: "You first-years won't get any spots before I do." @Kanemaru: "That guy's been swinging well lately." @Int_Tojo: "Yohei..." Int_Kukki: "Seido is crazy..." Int_Kukki: "Players who aren't even on the roster are this good?" Int_Asada: "Whoa, the upperclassmen are really serious! Will I really have to pitch to them?" Okumura: "Don't worry." Okumura: "His slider isn't bad." Okumura: "If he can get it into the strike zone, they won't be able to hit it." Okumura: "The catcher just needs to call for it with confidence." Okumura: "I'll help you warm up. What pitches do you have?" _Fan: "The shortstop couldn't grab it! That's the second error this inning!" _Fan: "The upperclassmen have scored eight runs!" Int_Asahi: "This is how a national-level team plays." Int_Mogami: "That wasn't my fault. It was an exception. That wasn't my fault. It was an exception. That wasn't my fault. It was an exception." Kukki: "Two outs! We're gonna shut them down! If the ball comes your way, take care of it!" _Player: "Y-Yeah, let's stop 'em! Get them to hit it my way!" Seto: "Focus on the batter! Infield, get in close!" Asada: "Two outs! Keep it up, Kukki-kun!" Ochiai: "He's not discouraged." Ota: "Yeah." Ota: "They're committing errors, and he's given up eight runs in two innings." Ota: "That should weigh on him mentally..." Int_Kariba: "He reminds me of Sawamura. He doesn't show his frustration on the mound." Int_Kukki: "Tojo-senpai, of all people, is playing outfield instead of pitching." Int_Kukki: "I thought I knew how good Seido was." Int_Kukki: "But if these guys aren't on the roster, just how good are the main players? But a team that wants to be national champions has to be at least this good." Int_Kukki: "That's what makes this game worth playing!" Int_Kariba: "This battery tends to throw a breaking ball after two fastballs in a row." Int_Kariba: "It broke harder than I expected!" _Fan: "The first baseman gets the out himself! That's three outs!" Asada: "He did it!" _Fan: "Oh, they held them to two runs this inning." _Fan: "They covered the bases quickly, so they're improving." Ochiai: "He's doing well mentally. If he could use that slider more effectively..." Ota: "He joined the team late because of a broken leg. It will be fun to see how he grows." Seto: "That was a great slider!" Kukki: "But they keep making contact. These guys are really good." Yui: "Yohei Kukki..." Yui: "I really wanna play in a game." @Kataoka: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "Kawashima is really on fire." Kawashima: "Yeah!" _Fan: "He wants his spot on the roster back. He's pitching perfectly against the first-years. Can he do what Tanba did?" Kariba: "Nice pitch, Kawashima-senpai!" _Player: "Two outs! Let them hit some my way! Let us show what we can do, too!" _Player: "Let's finish this!" Int_Kariba: "We're lucky to have a chance to show our skills." Int_Kariba: "There are some third-years who aren't able to play." _Watanabe: "A game this afternoon?" @Fb_Kataoka: "Yeah, the second string will play the new recruits." @Fb_Miyuki: "Nabe, you can come with us tomorrow." _Watanabe: "Okay." @Fb_Kataoka: "This is a game to find players who can help the team win. I can't let all of you third-years play." _Kofuji: "We understand. We'll take turns as the base umpires." _Kofuji: "We can help the main players when they're practicing on their own, too." _Watanabe: "And I'm going to thoroughly analyze the final," _Watanabe: "to improve our team's chances in the summer." _Kawashima: "Nabe..." @Fb_Kataoka: "Okay. I'm counting on you." _Watanabe: "Yes, sir!" Kawashima: "Shortstop!" _Fan: "It's deep!" Int_Takatsu: "We're out here representing them. We have to play our best!" @Kataoka: "Three outs! Change!" Takatsu: "Yeah!" Kawashima: "Yeah!" Kukki: "Damn, they're good on defense, too!" Ochiai: "As can be expected, the upperclassmen Coach Kataoka trained" Ochiai: "play together much better than the new recruits. They each know their role." @Kataoka: "Kawashima, you're still throwing meatballs. They just haven't made you pay! Pitch another inning!" Kawashima: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "When you take the field in the fourth inning, first base and left field will switch!" _All: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "First-years, you'll be switching batteries and defense! Pitcher: Asada! Take the mound!" Asada: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Catcher: Okumura!" @Kataoka: "Third base: Ito!" Ito: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Second base: Seto!" Seto: "Yes, sir!" Seto: "Let's go!" Kukki: "Good luck out there, Asada!" Seto: "You're looking stiff!" Asada: "A-Already? But I'm not ready..." Okumura: "You'll be fine." Okumura: "You're a tall southpaw." Okumura: "If you can curve it from that angle, it will catch them unawares." Okumura: "Let's show the second- and third-years how the guys who stay in the cafeteria play." _Okumura: "Knock it off. Your idiotic shouting has made me lose my appetite." _Okumura: "I feel sick." @Fb_Sawamura: "Huh?" _Okumura: "Even though he eats slowly, he finishes everything." Int_Asada: "That day, I thought he was bold to talk to an upperclassman like that..." Int_Asada: "But maybe he was really trying to stop him from making me rush." Int_Asada: "Maybe he thought of me as a friend." Asada: "Wait!" Asada: "Okumura-kun... I don't know if I can pitch how you expect me to," Asada: "but I'll do my best!" @Int_Sawamura: "Asada's in a battery with Okumura! Is he okay? Is he scared? Is he being criticized?" @Maezono: "Sawamura." @Maezono: "Why are you hiding?" @Kuramochi: "We could see you from over there." @Maezono: "If you're gonna watch the game, then just watch it!" Asada: "Right over the base... And he throws faster than me!" Seto: "Asada, give it all you've got!" _Okumura: "Don't worry about what I expect." _Asada: "He rejected it." _Okumura: "We're facing the second- and third-years." _Okumura: "Let's get each out as it comes." _Asada: "Y-Yeah." _Okumura: "It's only the third inning. If we keep getting outs and give up as few runs as possible," _Okumura: "an opportunity will present itself." _Asada: "O-Opportunity?" _Seto: "You see, Koshu is always serious, no matter who he's playing. That's why he's too dangerous to leave on his own." _Okumura: "Taku, what was that?" _Seto: "Oh, nothing! Just saying he'll never be bored pitching to you!" _Okumura: "Make sure you call out to the infielders, Taku." _Asada: "Huh? Huh?" _Seto: "We need to get into a rhythm on defense." _Asada: "Wait, do they plan on beating the upperclassmen?" Int_Asada: "Wow, this is it. It's time." _Fan: "That catcher has a good arm." _Fan: "What about the pitcher, though? He's kinda scrawny. He doesn't look like he can throw 120 km/h." _Fan: "But with his height, it's just a matter of control." Yui: "This is an unfair game. The first-years haven't been in a real practice, and they haven't played together, either. They have to play the upperclassmen while they're feeling their way around. The coaches aren't even in the dugout. They really don't stand a chance." Int_Yui: "But I guess he's looking for players who shine even in this situation." @Sawamura: "This is the eighth batter, but the upperclassmen are really good, Asada! Stay on guard!" @Kuramochi: "Quit hiding!" @Sawamura: "Ow! Stop that!" @Int_Sawamura: "Call the right pitches, wolf boy! Asada's an innocent guy." Int_Asada: "An outside fastball for the first pitch." Int_Asada: "I thought he'd be more aggressive, but that's just normal." Int_Asada: "I see. He's nervous. He doesn't know how I pitch." Int_Asada: "Hirofumi Asada is making his high school baseball debut!" _Fan: "It's high to left field!" Int_Asada: "I'm already dead!" _Fan: "Lead-off batter Kawashima hit a double on the first pitch." Int_Asada: "Thank goodness it was only a double." Aso: "The catcher was on the outside, but he threw it down the middle." Seki: "Yeah. If that's the fastest he can throw, he's gonna have a tough time." Aso: "If he's not careful, they'll hit all his pitches." Okumura: "Timeout, please." Asada: "Sorry, I tensed up and threw it down the middle..." Okumura: "No, it wasn't bad. It was actually a relief." Asada: "Huh?" Okumura: "If you were really panicking, it wouldn't have been in the strike zone." Okumura: "Do it again, but swing your arm through." Okumura: "That'll make the curve stand out more." Okumura: "Let's go!" Asada: "Yes, sir!" Okumura: "Don't be formal." Asada: "Oh, yeah. It slipped out." Seto: "Asada's finding his voice. He may not look it, but Koshu is really good at motivating pitchers." Int_Asada: "He's showing bunt. But last time..." Kukki: "They might not just give us an out." Int_Okumura: "Focus on the batter. Swing your arm through." _Fan: "He's been pitching from the stretch since before there was a runner." _Fan: "A lot of pitchers do that these days." Int_Asada: "Tall pitchers with big windups get run on a lot." Int_Asada: "I was so upset when my middle school teacher said that." Int_Asada: "I researched and developed this style." @Kataoka: "Strike!" Int_Asada: "Because pitchers like me, with no remarkable features, often have to pitch with runners on base!" Okumura: "Nice pitch!" Int_Asada: "That sounded so good in his mitt." Int_Asada: "Did I swing my arm through?" Int_Koda: "He's calmer than I'd expect." _Fan: "He bunted the second pitch!" Okumura: "First! Get the out!" _Fan: "The sacrifice bunt worked! Now there's one out and a runner on third!" Int_Asada: "Good, we got an out." _Fan: "Okay, they're back to the top of their order. The upperclassmen should be able to score. I want to see how they do it." Seto: "Move in, move in! Get in closer!" _Player: "Are you serious?" _Fan: "The infielders are playing in close? Hey, hey, you're down by eight runs!" _Fan: "Even if you prevent one run..." @Kuramochi: "No, they want to show they've got a competitive streak." @Kuramochi: "That they've got the will to stay on the attack." Okumura: ""Competitive Streak."" Asada: "I'm not worried about the defense. I just want to pitch my best." Okumura: "Think deeper." @Sawamura: "That jerk! He's really on fire!" Asada: "I want to meet Okumura-kun's expectations!" Seto: "Go, Asada!" Asada: "I want to hit that mitt with my best pitch!" Okumura: "On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Self-Assertive.""

_Fan: "He's been pitching from the stretch since before there was a runner." Int_Asada: "Tall pitchers with big windups get run on a lot." Int_Asada: "I was so upset when my middle school teacher said that." Int_Asada: "I researched and developed this style." @Kataoka: "Strike!" Int_Asada: "Because pitchers like me, with no remarkable features, often have to pitch with runners on base!" Okumura: "Nice pitch!" Int_Koda: "He's calmer than I'd expect." _Fan: "He bunted the second pitch!" Okumura: "First!" Okumura: "Get the out!" _Fan: "The sacrifice bunt worked! Now there's one out and a runner on third!" Int_Asada: "Good, we got an out." Seto: "Move in, move in! Get in closer!" _Player: "Are you serious?" _Fan: "The infielders are playing in close? Hey, hey, you're down by eight runs!" _Fan: "Even if you prevent one run..." @Kuramochi: "No, they want to show they've got a competitive streak." @Kuramochi: "That they've got the will to stay on the attack." _Player: "Let's do this!" Seto: "Let's shut 'em down! Let them hit one my way, Asada! We'll get the out at home!" Ito: "Yeah, let's go!" _Player: "You guys don't know how hard these guys hit." _Player: "I'll use my whole body to stop the ball!" Int_Mogami: "I can erase my mistake. Wipe the slate clean. It wasn't my fault. It was an exception. I can erase my mistake. Wipe the slate clean." Seto: "Let's see it, Asada!" Ito: "Focus on the batter!" _Player: "Stay aggressive! We'll stop it!" Seto: "He'll swing at the first pitch!" Ito: "Swing your arm all the way through!" Int_Asada: "Their voices are urging me forward." kamura: "I'll handle any fly balls!" Kukki: "What's this? They're calling out a lot more than when I was pitching." Int_Kukki: "Damn, I really wish I had been in your battery," Int_Kukki: "Koshu Okumura." _Fan: "Their morale's improved since those substitutions. Yeah, I'm liking it." Asada: "I... I guess I'm really doing this." _Fan: "If they can hold them scoreless this inning, the momentum's gonna shift." _Okumura: "I'm going to make it to the first string." _Okumura: "Once I do..." @Int_Sawamura: "That jerk!" @Int_Sawamura: "He really is passionate deep down!" Aso: "Having the fielders in so close makes it hard for the runner." Seki: "Yeah, and it prevents the squeeze." Aso: "The outfielders are in their normal positions. That's how far they can get the out at home from." Aso: "How will the older players score?" Int_Player: "If you're playing that close, you're ready for what might happen." Int_Player: "Fine. Try to stop this, then." Int_Asada: "I'm not worried about the defense." Sakaguchi: "Bring it!" Ito: "We'll stop it!" Int_Asada: "I'm just worried about myself." Int_Asada: "I just want to pitch my best." _Okumura: "Let's show the second- and third-years how the guys who stay in the cafeteria play." Int_Asada: "I want to pitch the way that Okumura-kun expects me to." Int_Asada: "I want to hit that mitt..." Int_Asada: "with my best pitches!" @Sawamura: "The ball slipped!" @Kataoka: "Ball." _Fan: "Was that... A curveball? But the way it sank..." Asada: "I missed!" Int_Okumura: "That was a 12-6 curve, which even right-handed pitchers rarely throw." Int_Okumura: "And he just threw it with a southpaw's trajectory. That's about as unique a pitch that you could throw." Asada: "Was it the trajectory? Or the height?" Int_Okumura: "I don't know if he realizes it, but the batter was taken aback." Int_Okumura: "Give me another." Int_Okumura: "Right in the strike zone." Int_Asada: "The same pitch again. Maybe it wasn't so bad." Int_Asada: "This time..." Int_Player: "The same pitch, twice in a row?" @Kataoka: "Strike!" _Fan: "He got an older player to swing and miss. That's a good pitch! He's got good control of it." Yui: "That's a good pitch. He can use it to mess up a batter's timing." Int_Okumura: "Next, outside." _Player: "Whoa, right to the third baseman! The third-base runner couldn't move! They got the second out!" Kukki: "Yeah! Nice pitch, Asada!" _All: "Two outs!" Asada: "Two outs! Two outs!" @Maezono: "After those curveballs, that fastball seemed even faster. He pitched it right to the corner, and the hit went right where he wanted." _Player: "Just stop one more!" Seto: "Infield, back to normal depth!" Ito: "Asada, let them hit my way!" @Kanemaru: "That out made a big difference." @Tojo: "Yeah, the first-years are building momentum." _Player: "Yeah! One more!" @Tojo: "The upperclassmen will definitely want to shut them up." @Kanemaru: "With a huge hit to ruin the mood." @Tojo: "You've got an evil look in your eye, Shinji." @Kanemaru: "You started it!" Int_Okumura: "There's still a runner on third. We can relax after we get this last out." Int_Asada: "If I give up a hit now, it'll all be for nothing." _Fan: "Strike!" Yui: "That big drop means the batter will have to target a specific point." Yui: "Even right-handed hitters will have a tough time hitting it." _Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "The first-years stopped them! A grounder to second base for the third out!" _Fan: "The upperclassmen were unable to score in the third inning!" Okumura: "Nice pitch!" Ochiai: "He's thin, and his pitches lack speed." Ochiai: "But that 12-6 is really something." Ota: "He played softball in middle school. He spent three years as a relief pitcher." @Sawamura: "Did you see that, Kuramochi-senpai?" @Kuramochi: "Be quiet. I was watching." @Sawamura: "Asada... That Asada held them scoreless!" @Kuramochi: "He seems like a quiet guy, but he's assertive with his pitching." @Sawamura: "Yes, that's right!" @Kuramochi: "He's the kind of guy who came to Seido to play baseball. He's got the pitcher's mentality, all right." @Sawamura: "Yeah." Okumura: "The pitcher set the tone for us." Okumura: "Now the lineup gets to work." Okumura: "Let's get on base and break through their defenses." Kaneda: "Huh? The intrasquad game was today?" Takashima: "Yes, next week is Golden Week, and we've been invited to several friendlies, so today, when the main players are off, was the only day." Kaneda: "But that means..." Watanabe: "Don't worry. I'm here because I wanted to come. Plus, the coach said he couldn't play everyone in the game." _Watanabe: "That's why we thoroughly analyze the other teams." Takashima: "To help improve the team, you yourself need game experience, too." Takashima: "The first and second strings will play a lot of games before the qualifiers." Takashima: "The performance in those games will determine the players' numbers. Miyuki-kun has been invited to the Tokyo invitational at the end of May, and there's a training camp ahead of the qualifiers." @Furuya: "The Tokyo invitational?" Takashima: "With all of the preparations, summer will be here quickly." @Kanemaru: "They hung on to get that walk. Now, how will they use it?" Ota: "That runner on first is one you recruited, correct?" Ochiai: "Yes, he's an extremely fast runner." Ochiai: "But running the bases isn't just about being fast. The right time to break, the pace of your step, and how you balance yourself..." @Kanemaru: "He ran on the first pitch!" @Sawamura: "Hey, you're underestimating Kariba!" _Umpire: "Safe!" _Fan: "Whoa, he made it! He's fast!" Int_Seto: "I just barely made it. I ran on the first pitch, but maybe I should have shaken things up a bit." Int_Okumura: "Just seeing Taku run will put pressure on the outfielders." _Fan: "Oh, the outfielders are moving in! They're fired up! They really want to get the out at home! They want to get back at the first-years! The upperclassmen don't want to give up a single run!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Kawashima, you're still throwing meatballs. They just haven't made you pay! Pitch another inning!" _Kawashima: "Yes, sir!" Int_Kawashima: "I can't fool the coach. If I want to get back on the roster, I need to work on the quality of my pitching, instead of immediate results, and make my pitches harder to hit." Int_Okumura: "The first pitch was an outside fastball." Int_Okumura: "The outfield is playing in, so he'll be pitching low." Int_Okumura: "He won't throw any meatballs." Int_Kariba: "Low!" _Fan: "The outside slider bounced!" _Fan: "The runner didn't miss that mistake and steals third!" _Fan: "That first-year is an aggressive base runner. He's got good judgment." @Sawamura: "Did he start running before the ball bounced?" @Kuramochi: "Yeah, he could see the ball was going to bounce and started running." @Kuramochi: "You've got to train a lot to steal a base like that." _Player: "Get aggressive! Kawashima, let him hit!" _Fan: "The infielders are playing in! They've got their own competitive streak!" _Player: "Let's shut them down, Kawashima-senpai! We've got this! Bring it on! Yeah!" _Fan: "There's one out, a runner on third, and the fielders playing in. It's the same situation as the last inning!" _Fan: "The upperclassmen weren't able to score. How will the first-years fare?" Int_Okumura: "The count is one ball, one strike. They'll be focusing on throwing low pitches, but they'll be worried about the ball slipping by with the runner on third." Int_Kariba: "Don't worry! I won't let it get past me, Kawashima-senpai!" Int_Kawashima: "Well, if I let situations like this get to me, I'll never get any higher." Int_Kawashima: "I'll pitch until..." Int_Kawashima: "A squeeze?!" _Fan: "The ball is wide and the count goes to two balls, one strike!" Int_Kawashima: "A fake?" @Kanemaru: "The runner and the batter worked together to rattle him." @Kanemaru: "Just how brainy is their baseball?" @Kuramochi: "He might know more about baseball than you." Ochiai: "I see. Those two are from Kanagawa's Daikyo Senior. That team is famous for their thinking baseball." Ota: "You mean the players think of their own strategies?" Int_Ochiai: "There were some rumors about that team, though." Int_Okumura: "Think, deeper." Int_Okumura: "The count is two balls, one strike." Int_Okumura: "They've been using outside fastballs." Int_Okumura: "They don't want the count to get any worse." _Coach: "Read the other team's mind." _Coach: "Understand that baseball is a sport where play stops after every pitch." _Coach: "You can assess all of the risks and prepare for them." _Coach: "If you can avoid the risks, you can win." _Coach: "If you use your head while you play, baseball will be even more fun!" Int_Okumura: "That man's words have taken root inside my body." Int_Okumura: "I can never erase them." Int_Okumura: "I can never escape them." _Fan: "Near-right field!" _All: "Yeah!" _Fan: "The third-base runner is heading home!" _Fan: "The first-years got one run back!" _Fan: "The two of them scored a run! Didn't something like that happen last year?" @Fb_Kominato: "I'm gonna get you home! Let's score this run together!" _Fan: "The third-base runner took off!" @Fb_Kominato: "Go!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "My teammate wants to score together!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "I'm gonna make it home!" _All: "Yeah!" Seki: "A hit right up the middle! Now there are runners on first and second." Int_Aso: "Kota Kagami..." Int_Aso: "His plain appearance reminds me of Shirasu." Int_Mogami: "A golden opportunity to clear my name. If I get a hit, I'll be a hero! A golden opportunity..." _Fan: "Masashi! Masashi Yuki!" _Fan: "Does he want to play in the game?" _Fan: "He's trying to get people to notice him!" _Fan: "You can hear his swings!" Int_Yui: "Hey, you're really fired up." @Kominato: "The score's closer than I expected." @Kanemaru: "Yeah." Int_Mogami: "That's uncalled for! That's uncalled for! I'm the hero!" @Yui: "Coach Kataoka! We don't just want to watch! We want to play with our fellow first-years!" @Yui: "Would you allow us to play in the game?" @Yuki: "Please!" Aso: "They're appealing directly to the coach?" Seki: "Yeah, those two have guts!" Takatsu: "Those two..." Kawashima: "We don't mind. We would welcome the chance to see the skills of the first-years who beat us to the roster." Int_Kariba: "Kawashima-senpai..." @Kataoka: "Okay! I'll sub you in, so warm up!" @Yui: "Yes, sir!" _Fan: "For real?" _Fan: "Their request worked!" @Yui: "I'm glad I asked." @Yuki: "I'm glad I swung." @Sawamura: "These first-years sure are something! They really defy expectations!" @Kuramochi: "Weren't you complaining about what upstarts they were?" @Sawamura: "Now let's get in the game..." @Kuramochi: "Let it go." @Maezono: "This is their time to shine." @Sawamura: "Yeah. We have to stay out of it." @Sawamura: "Okay, let's all do a cheer!" Kawashima: "Yeah!" _Player: "Yeah!" Int_Mogami: "This can't be! It's just bad luck! I'm much better than this!" @Kuramochi: "That's how good Takatsu is." Kukki: "Show us your stuff!" Asada: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" @Sawamura: "The game's just getting started! Let's beat them down until there's nothing left!" Kawashima: "Sawamura..." @Sawamura: "We can get another twenty runs!" Asada: "Sawamura-senpai..." @Sawamura: "Let's drag that pitcher off the mound!" Asada: "He wants them to pulverize me! And he's got a scary look in his eye!" @Sawamura: "Exploding bats!" Seto: "He was on our side a little while ago." Asada: "Huh?" Seto: "He was watching you from behind that pillar like he was really worried." Okumura: "First he's worried about him, now he's dissing him." Seto: "I wonder what he's thinking." @Sawamura: "Get ready, Asada!" Okumura: "Now the cleanup is up to bat." Okumura: "Let's get one out at a time!" Asada: ""Self-Assertive."" @Miyuki: "Honestly, no amount of time would be enough." Okumura: "Second string..." @Miyuki: "Good on you for making the second string. The games will be fun." Okumura: "If I don't do something soon, he's going to retire." @Tojo: "Whether you work hard or not, someone else gets to play in the game instead of you. That's how this team is." Okumura: "On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Out of Time.""

_Fan: "The third-base runner is heading home!" _Fan: "The first-years got one run back!" _Fan: "The two of them scored a run!" Kukki: "Show us your stuff!" @Sawamura: "Yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah!" @Sawamura: "The game's just getting started! Let's beat them down until there's nothing left!" Kawashima: "Sawamura..." @Sawamura: "We can get another twenty runs!" Asada: "Sawamura-senpai..." @Sawamura: "Let's drag that pitcher off the mound!" Asada: "He wants them to pulverize me! And he's got a scary look in his eye!" @Sawamura: "Exploding bats!" Seto: "He was on our side a little while ago." Asada: "Huh?" Seto: "He was watching you from behind that pillar like he was really worried." Okumura: "First he's worried about him, now he's dissing him." Seto: "I wonder what he's thinking." @Sawamura: "Get ready, Asada!" Okumura: "Now the cleanup is up to bat." Okumura: "Let's get one out at a time!" Takashima: "Should the players go see the Kanto tournament next month? The two finalists from the Tokyo tournament, Inashiro and Ichidai Third High, as well as Yakushi, who were semifinalists in the Invitational, will be playing." Ochiai: "Three teams from the western division? That's an intimidating block." Takashima: "We'll be able to study them in detail." Ochiai: "Ever the optimist." Takashima: "So, how did the intrasquad game go?" Takashima: "Did any players look ready for the first string?" Int_Asada: "I ended up allowing three runs." Int_Asada: "I don't think I lived up to Okumura-kun's expectations." @Kanemaru: "Three hits and four RBI." @Kanemaru: "That's how the cleanup is supposed to bat, Takatsu." _Fan: "He's joining the first string? When?" Aso: "Mimura and Kawashima are on the first string as of today." Aso: "That second-year, Takatsu, too." Seki: "Ah, those two got back on the roster. Takatsu had an impressive performance, too." Aso: "You make it sound like it doesn't affect you." Aso: "If three people got spots, it means three others will lose them." Aso: "We're in no position to be laughing." _Fan: "Incredible!" _Fan: "You feel good just watching him swing. But he has to hit the ball." Aso: "He hit it. I've been hearing about how good this batch of first-years are, but those two are really something else." Aso: "I can see why they immediately became part of the roster in the spring." Aso: "Still, we can't let them beat us!" Aso: "We just can't!" Int_Aso: "Man, this sucks." Int_Aso: ""The pride of an upperclassman"? There's no lamer expression out there." Int_Aso: "Damn it." Int_Aso: "I don't care if you call it putting on airs or whatever." Int_Aso: "I don't want players younger than me taking my number! I don't want to give it up!" Int_Aso: "Man, I need to get it together." Int_Aso: "If only I were good enough not to have to worry about this..." _Student: "Hey, Aso, you're blocking the way. Could you not stand around the door?" Aso: "Oh, sorry!" @Kuramochi: "Is that the May game schedule?" @Miyuki: "Oh, yeah. Counting the games we've been invited to, our schedule for Golden Week is packed." @Miyuki: "Honestly, it's a relief that Kawashima is joining us." @Kuramochi: "Planning the pitching rotations a month in advance sounds like effort." @Kuramochi: "Plus, you'll be off to play in the Tokyo Invitational at the end of May, right?" @Kuramochi: "Is that gonna throw off your batteries' rhythm?" @Miyuki: "No problem. I'll only be gone for three days." @Kuramochi: "You sure about that?" @Miyuki: "The Tokyo Invitational itself is new, and they're trying some things out this year." @Miyuki: "They're only having it in May because they've invited some American teams. It'll be in the fall next year." @Miyuki: "Still, there's so much that needs to be done. Furuya and Sawamura are both starting to have ideas of their own." @Miyuki: "That gives me a chance to teach them some things, but there's a balance to keep. If I give them too much stuff, their heads will freeze up. Striking the right balance is the hardest part." @Kuramochi: "You sure are talking a lot." @Miyuki: "Am I?" @Kuramochi: "Well, I know overthinking things doesn't do any good." @Kuramochi: "That's what's up with Furuya, right?" @Miyuki: "Yeah. The coaches are probably pretty worried about it." @Miyuki: "I want to finish developing the numbers with Sawamura while I'm still around, too. There's a lot to consider." @Miyuki: "Honestly, no amount of time would be enough." @Kuramochi: "You seem to be enjoying this." @Miyuki: "No, I'm not!" @Kuramochi: "You're talking so much, I find that hard to believe!" @Furuya: "Are you done?" @Sawamura: "Hang on. Don't turn the page! I'm still reading!" @Furuya: "You're taking too long. You lost at rock-paper-scissors, so just wait until I'm finished." @Sawamura: "No!" _Student: "Those two are rivals, right? They're getting along?" Haruno: "Their pitchers and catchers have been getting together often recently. That book is one that Miyuki-senpai lent them." @Sawamura: "Okay, I've got it! Give me each page after you read it!" @Furuya: "Should we really tear this book up?" @Sawamura: "Sure, we can tape it back together later. Okay, on the count of three... One, two..." Haruno: "No, don't! You need to take care of books!" @Sawamura: "But this is the best way!" @Int_Kanemaru: "That jerk..." @Fb_Kanemaru: "You got to show the coach what you can do. You might make first string." _Takatsu: "Oh, shut up." _Takatsu: "Who are you to talk down to me?" _Takatsu: "Don't talk like you're better just because you made first string before me." @Fb_Kanemaru: "What does that mean?! Hey, wait! Takatsu!" @Fb_Tojo: "He still doesn't like you." @Fb_Kanemaru: "I didn't do anything wrong, though!" @Fb_Tojo: "Maybe he didn't like how you said it. Shinji, you tend to upset people without realizing it." @Fb_Kanemaru: "Wait, wait, wait, what does that mean?!" @Int_Kanemaru: "Damn it." Sfx: "Unease" @Int_Kanemaru: "I just wanted to congratulate Takatsu because I know how hard he's worked!" @Int_Kanemaru: "Upset people without realizing it?" @Int_Kanemaru: "Do I really do that, Tojo?" _Student: "A guy who makes the first string sure does paint a pretty picture. It's so inspiring, seeing him gaze into the distance!" Takatsu: "What do you want? What's—" Oka: "Now you can waltz into the indoor practice area, Hiroomi." Oka: "Good luck." Takatsu: "Yeah, I'll go stir things up." Int_Student: "What kind of books does Okumura-kun read? Is Okumura-kun half-Japanese? Okumura looks like a game character. What kind of food does Okumura-kun like?" @Fb_Kataoka: "Several of you are not yet physically ready." @Fb_Kataoka: "I want you to take your time and focus on building a strong base. To that end, I'm putting four of you on the second string." @Fb_Kataoka: "Kukki." @Fb_Kataoka: "Kagami." @Fb_Kataoka: "Seto." @Fb_Kataoka: "Okumura." @Fb_Kataoka: "You will practice with the second string and gain experience in the practice games." _Mogami: "This isn't right. This isn't right. It must be a conspiracy. How could he not choose me? This isn't right. This isn't right." @Fb_Kataoka: "That is all. Dismissed!" _All: "Yes, sir!" Int_Okumura: "Second string?" _Okumura: "I'm going to make it to the first string." Int_Okumura: "Second string!" Int_Okumura: "There's no time." @Fb_Miyuki: "I heard you did well in the intrasquad. Congratulations on making the second string. The games will be a hoot!" Int_Okumura: "If I don't hurry, he'll end up retiring." @Kataoka: "Understanding how the main character in this piece interacted with the character named K is paramount to understanding it. First, the jolt the main character gives K could be considered a psychological attack." @Int_Sawamura: "Now that I'm a second-year, the coach has become one of my teachers." @Kataoka: "Then, K declared that he was an idiot." @Int_Sawamura: "If I fall asleep, I'm dead." @Maezono: "Want to do another box?" @Kominato: "Sure!" Ono: "I brought Yui." @Yui: "Thank you for having me." @Miyuki: "Yeah." Kawakami: "Kuroda, the star pitcher, wrote that book?" @Sawamura: "Yes. I'll be done reading it soon. Do you want to read it, too?" Kawakami: "Yeah, I do." Int_Kimura: "There are more guys in the Miyuki cram school every day." @Yui: "I didn't know you guys were meeting like this." @Yui: "I'm jealous you've been here from the start." @Sawamura: "Hey, Okumura! Quit standing in the corner and come over here! It gets crowded, but it's easy to hear." Kawakami: "Aren't you making yourself at home." Okumura: "I'm fine. I can listen from here." @Sawamura: "Enhanced hearing! You really are part wolf!" Okumura: "What are you talking about?" @Yui: "Does he always listen from over there?" @Furuya: "Yeah, usually." @Yui: "What a waste." @Miyuki: "Okay, let's get started." @Miyuki: "Today, I'll talk about pitching with a runner on first base. When the other team's bench will want to advance the runner, and knowing what they're thinking based on the count." @Sawamura: "Another tricky topic!" @Miyuki: "Obviously, if you fall behind in the count, it gives the oppositions more options. If the count is in their favor, you need to watch out for a hit and run." @Miyuki: "We'll start with one ball." Int_Asada: "I need to take a bath... and do laundry..." @Kuramochi: "Oh, is Sawamura still in Miyuki's room?" Asada: "Y-Yes, sir. I believe so." Asada: "That was close... I almost fell asleep." Asada: "Were you practicing on your own?" @Kuramochi: "Yeah. Zono and the others are still at it. I couldn't focus, so I called it a day." @Kuramochi: "You always stay out pretty late." Int_Asada: "L-Look at his abs!" Int_Asada: "How much does he train to look like that?" @Kuramochi: "You threw some nice curveballs in the intrasquad." @Kuramochi: "Once you get a good fastball, you'll be unstoppable." Asada: "You were watching me?" @Kuramochi: "I know you wish you'd made the second string, but don't rush it." @Kuramochi: "Keep eating and build up some muscle." @Kuramochi: "Practice is going to get harder to get us ready for the summer." Kukki: "Why was I picked for the second string?" @Tojo: "Aren't you happy?" Kukki: "But I gave up eight runs in just two innings." @Tojo: "Maybe because you had the right mindset for a pitcher. In fact, a lot of those runs came from errors and mistakes, and all of the fielders were pretty tense." @Tojo: "I didn't even last two innings last year." Kukki: "Huh?" @Tojo: "Each out felt like an eternity. It felt like the inning would never end." Kukki: "Really? Even for you, Tojo-senpai?!" @Tojo: "The Matsukata Senior team only went to the national semifinals" @Tojo: "because of how good the older players were." @Tojo: "I didn't have any misconceptions about my own lack of ability. I felt like I was being forced to stand on the mound. But the people around me only saw the results." @Tojo: "They wanted me to pitch like a national semifinalist every time." Kukki: "Tojo-senpai..." Kukki: "Looking back, I may have been a victim of my own success." Kukki: "I pushed myself to pitch better than I could..." Kukki: "and as a result, I fell apart." Kukki: "I lost sight of who I was." @Tojo: "Compared to me, you were a much better pitcher today, Yohei." @Tojo: "Maybe that mental strength was what the coach was looking for. Whether you work hard or not," @Tojo: "someone else gets to play in the game instead of you." @Tojo: "That's how this team is." @Tojo: "We'll see which of us will stand on the first string's mound first, Yohei." @Tojo: "I still want to be a pitcher." @Yui: "Good night." @Yui: "Thank you for inviting me." @Furuya: "Miyuki-senpai, please practice with me tomorrow." @Sawamura: "Hey, hang on! He's catching for me in the bullpen tomorrow!" @Furuya: "I hadn't heard that." @Sawamura: "Because I didn't say it." @Sawamura: "No cutting in line!" @Miyuki: "I feel like taking a few swings. Wanna come?" @Miyuki: "I need help practicing, too." @Miyuki: "Did you understand what I explained today?" @Furuya: "I understood the main points." @Sawamura: "I understood the nuance of it!" @Miyuki: "I see..." @Miyuki: "Well, there's no substitute for learning through experience." @Sawamura: "We need to learn by doing!" @Miyuki: "You both need to practice with catchers besides me." @Miyuki: "Preferably a first-year." @Miyuki: "If you don't understand something, you can't explain it to someone else. It will be a good way to review our meetings, and you'll be able to see what works best for you." @Sawamura: "Well, I get your point, but... You know?" @Furuya: "Are you abandoning your responsibilities?" @Sawamura: "Yeah, that!" @Miyuki: "If you don't think you're up to teaching a first-year, I won't force you." @Miyuki: "After all, we have some baseball geniuses this year, including Yui and Okumura." @Sawamura: "Yes, of course we can! We've been exemplary Seido players for a whole year now!" @Furuya: "You underestimate us!" @Miyuki: "Then, get to it. Get a deeper knowledge of every play and learn why you throw each pitch." @Miyuki: "That's what I need from you." @Sawamura: "Sure, but..." @Int_Sawamura: "I want you..." @Miyuki: "On another note..." @Miyuki: "If you want to pitch, come see me." @Miyuki: "I'll do my best to help." @Miyuki: "You guys decide the order." @Miyuki: "I need to stop you two from pitching too much." @Furuya: ""Out of Time."" @Sawamura: "I can't beat him by just pitching outside. With two outs, you really need to focus on the batter all the more. Okay, I'll run! I'm gonna run!" @Miyuki: "The ace is the one who pitches to win, even if he's off his game. I was planning to go all-out with the signs during the Golden Week practice games." @Sawamura: "Bore a hole into the right-handed batter's chest!" @Kataoka: "You're starting for the practice game against Hakuryu in three days."

@Miyuki: "You both need to practice with catchers besides me. Preferably a first-year." @Miyuki: "On another note..." @Miyuki: "If you want to pitch, come see me. I'll do my best to help." @Sawamura: "Hey, Okumura!" @Sawamura: "I'm pitching for the batting drills today." @Sawamura: "Wanna catch?" Kukki: "Wow, he came to ask in person." Okumura: "No, thanks." Okumura: "I haven't made the first string yet." @Sawamura: "This is practice! I'm here asking you to catch!" Okumura: "That's why I have to refuse. I promised to catch for you when I was on the first string." @Sawamura: "You're such a pain―such a finicky guy!" @Int_Seto: "When did he make a promise like that?" @Sawamura: "A powerful barrier! I can't get any closer!" @Yui: "Sawamura-senpai." @Yui: "Would you mind if I played catcher?" @Sawamura: "That would be great, young Yui!" @Yui: "Just call me Yui." @Sawamura: "Are you some kind of angel? Do you have wings on your back?" @Yui: "No." @Sawamura: "Then were you an angel in a past life?" @Fb_Miyuki: "You both need to practice with catchers besides me. Preferably a first-year." @Furuya: "I'm pitching in the bullpen today. Do you want to catch?" @Int_Yui: "Furuya-san..." @Sawamura: "Don't, Furuya. You're asking the wrong guy. I asked him to and he refused. It's like trying to tame a wild wolf." Okumura: "Are you okay with me catching for you?" @Furuya: "Sure." Okumura: "Thank you." @Sawamura: "Don't thank him!" @Sawamura: "Why did you say no to me but not to him?! This makes it seem like you hate me! Are you okay with that?!" Okumura: "I've never caught one of Furuya-san's pitches yet." @Sawamura: "I see!" Okumura: "As a catcher, I'm curious what his pitches are like." @Int_Yui: "Furuya-san..." @Furuya: "I'll see you there." @Sawamura: "Why am I so ticked off?!" @Maezono: "Why are those two pairing up with first-years?" @Kuramochi: "Is this your doing?" @Miyuki: "I wanted to see how well they can teach the first-years. I didn't think they'd up with that combination, though. If it goes well, they'll improve quickly, and even if it doesn't, it's still valuable experience. I'll question them about it after practice." @Kuramochi: "Hey!" @Miyuki: "I can't wait to hear what they have to say!" @Kuramochi: "There's so much malice in your voice." _Sign: "Seido Practice Field" @Kuramochi: "You're enjoying this way too much." Ota: "The biggest game on the schedule for Golden Week will be the one against Hakuryu, who were at the Invitational." Takashima: "They're one of the best small-ball teams in the country." Takashima: "This will help us prepare for the summer." Ota: "The second string has a lot of games coming up. They're all very excited." Ochiai: "Have you decided who will start the Hakuryu game?" @Kataoka: "Yes. Since this game was by invitation, they'll probably be expecting Furuya." @Kataoka: "But I'll let the pitcher who's looking the best start the game." @Int_Okumura: "He's more intense than I imagined." @Int_Okumura: "His pitches move so much, they naturally go to the four corners. If you don't frame them right, pitches that paint the black could be called balls." @Int_Okumura: "His pitching lays the extent of a catcher's ability bare for all to see." @Int_Okumura: "That is Satoru Furuya." Int_Kariba: "He's good. He's catching Furuya's pitches the first time they're practicing together." @Okumura: "Nice pitch." @Furuya: "He makes me comfortable." @Furuya: "Next is a vertical breaking ball." @Okumura: "Yes, sir." @Sawamura: "I won't make it easy for you to run! I won't make it easy for you to run!" @Int_Yui: "Different strategies depending on the count. It's exactly what Miyuki-senpai told us about yesterday." @Int_Yui: "The runner could take off at any time." @Int_Yui: "The batter is focused on the right side." @Int_Yui: "We can't look for a double play or pitch carelessly to the outside." Yamaguchi: "Steal!" _Player: "Near-right field!" _Player: "The runner has advanced to third base!" @Int_Yui: "The pitch was inside, but he swung late to hit it the other way." @Int_Yui: "What advanced bat control." @Int_Kominato: "They were worried about You-san's running, so they threw more fastballs." @Int_Kominato: "It's up to the hitter after him to consider how to use that advantage." @Sawamura: "Damn you, Haruichi! You tricked me!" @Int_Tojo: "I might be able to use that." @Int_Yui: "There are two outs. If they take the risk and steal second, they can try to score with the cleanup. If they're going try it, they'll do it early in the count." @Int_Yui: "Let's try some outside pitches." @Int_Sawamura: "We can't beat him just by pitching outside." @Int_Sawamura: "With two outs, we really need to focus on getting the batter out." @Int_Yui: "Okay." @Int_Yui: "Make sure to check the runner." @Int_Yui: "We'll start with some aggressive inside pitches, and finish on the outside." _Player: "An extra-base hit down the first base line!" @Int_Miyuki: "Everyone wants to throw their best pitches in high-pressure situations." @Int_Miyuki: "You had inside pitch written all over your face." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn it!" @Int_Yui: "I thought he could only pull it foul from that location, but he hit a double in one swing." @Int_Yui: "These guys are good!" Ochiai: "A battery with a first-year is quite the interesting idea." @Kataoka: "Yes." @Kataoka: "Miyuki suggested it to help the pitchers become more independent." @Sawamura: "It's okay! Worry not, young Yui! I have the quirks of all these batters inside my head!" @Sawamura: "You're in good hands!" @Yui: "But wouldn't they know our quirks, too? We're all on the same team." @Sawamura: "O-Okay, let's take a breath and calm down." @Yui: "A breath?" @Sawamura: "It's the best thing to do in a pinch!" @Sawamura: "In..." @Yui: "In..." @Sawamura: "and out..." @Yui: "and out..." @Fb_Kataoka: "I'd like you to pitch outside to the batters who have a hard time hitting the ball the other way. It can be any pitch you like. Throw whatever you think would be hard to hit." Int_Kawakami: "Only to the outside." Int_Ono: "It's a tall order, but let's use as many variations as we can." _Umpire: "Strike!" @Sawamura: "What's wrong, batter? If you let strikes go by, the runner can't advance!" Int_Aso: "That makes the count 2–2. If they're gonna try to finish it with a breaking ball..." Yamaguchi: "Steal!" _Player: "Oh, yeah! A strike-out double play! Way to get the out after he ran like that!" @Sawamura: "That was a ball! If you're gonna swing, you'd better make contact at least!" Kanemaru: "I can't say he's wrong." @Sawamura: "Nori-senpai, nice pitch! Ono-senpai, that was awesome!" @Int_Yui: "Wow, even though they're limited to outside pitches, they stay just inside the strike zone. After they had two strikes, they used a slider wide of the strike zone as a ball." @Int_Yui: "They used fastballs and breaking balls to get the better of the batter." @Int_Yui: "That's what a battery of third-years can do." Ono: "One out, runners on first and second!" Ochiai: "Kawakami is looking good. This is good practice for the batters, too." _Umpire: "Ball!" @Int_Yui: "Unlike free batting," @Int_Yui: "live practice shows who has real batting prowess." @Int_Yuki: "Team-oriented batting that can adapt to any situation, the perseverance to draw an at-bat out to create a chance, and the ability to pressurize the opposition pitcher." @Int_Yui: "That's what it takes to bat on the first string." _Umpire: "Ball four!" Kishima: "Yeah!" Ono: "One out, runners on first and second!" @Sawamura: "Okay, I'm gonna run! Here I go!" @Int_Takatsu: "To stay on the first string," @Int_Takatsu: "I need the team to rely on me!" @Sawamura: "Nice, Takatsu!" @Takatsu: "Yeah!" _Player: "Near-center field!" Ochiai: "That was a bold step-in." Ochiai: "He may have more guts that I gave him credit for." @Kuramochi: "Takatsu, eh? It felt good to watch that swing." @Takatsu: "Yeah!" @Tojo: "Takatsu is trying to stand out." Ono: "Runner on first!" Ochiai: "Did you tell him to pitch to the outside, too?" @Kataoka: "Yes. If he can learn to direct his potent pitches, that alone will prove an asset." Ochiai: "I see." Int_Ochiai: "Still, though, he's very tense." @Int_Okumura: "He's forcing it more than in the bullpen." @Int_Miyuki: "His balance is off in the stretch, too. His weight isn't where it needs to be." @Furuya: "One out." @Furuya: "One out!" Ono: "Furuya..." @Int_Yui: "Furuya-san..." @Sawamura: "Say it louder! One out!" @Int_Furuya: "I'll do what I can, one thing at a time." Yamaguchi: "Steal!" Ono: "Nice pitch, Furuya!" Int_Ono: "Limiting where the pitches go keeps things simple." Ono: "Two outs, runners on first and second!" @Int_Miyuki: "When he's good, his pitches are untouchable, but otherwise they're terrible." @Int_Miyuki: "That kind of inconsistency is deadly in a tournament." @Int_Miyuki: "The ace is the one who pitches to win, even if he's off his game." @Int_Miyuki: "It's a challenge he'll have to overcome to become a true ace." @Maezono: "He doesn't normally practice batting with us." @Kominato: "Yeah." @Okumura: "Want to call it a day?" @Furuya: "Thanks." @Okumura: "You really are pitching better in the bullpen." @Furuya: "Yeah." Kukki: "This team sure practices a lot." Asada: "Yeah." Asada: "The third-years always stay until the end." @Sawamura: "My day's not complete until I run with this!" Kukki: "A floating ring?! No, it's..." Asada: "A-A tire!" @Sawamura: "Hey, Yui, catch for me when I pitch in the bullpen tomorrow." @Yui: "Yes, sir!" @Yui: "Is everyone going to Miyuki-senpai's room again tonight?" @Sawamura: "No, it's his night to help me practice!" @Yui: "You look quite happy about it." @Sawamura: "The captain almost never willingly practices with others!" @Miyuki: "Can you wait a little longer while I clean up?" @Miyuki: "Sorry to keep you waiting, Sawamura." @Miyuki: "Let's get to it. The sun's down, so we'll use the indoor practice field, okay?" @Sawamura: "Are you sure about this?" @Miyuki: "About what?" @Sawamura: "They're still practicing." @Miyuki: "What's that? You don't want to throw the numbers?" @Sawamura: "Of course I do!" @Miyuki: "There's your answer! So..." @Sawamura: "I mean, you were practicing hard for once." @Miyuki: "What the heck?" @Miyuki: "I was planning to go all-out with the signs during the Golden Week practice games." @Miyuki: "We need to use them in a real game. I want to know which pitches are good enough to use." @Sawamura: "In that case, let's do it!" @Miyuki: "Seriously, what is with you tonight? What number do you want to go up to?" @Sawamura: "All of them, if possible!" @Miyuki: "How ambitious." @Sawamura: "Please!" @Kominato: "They're going to practice the numbers." @Kominato: "Miyuki-senpai sure is busy. He's got his own practice, too." @Fb_Miyuki: "We can't let him outshine us like this." @Maezono: "That's not it." @Maezono: "He's steeled his resolve, too." @Sawamura: "You shook your head a little too much at Yui's signs. Huh? Did I?" @Miyuki: "Yeah, you did." @Sawamura: "Did it look that way?" @Miyuki: "Yui volunteered to catch for you, you know?" @Miyuki: "Did you explain the reason to him?" @Sawamura: "Of course I did!" @Miyuki: "Are you sure?" @Miyuki: "Too wide! No one's gonna swing at that!" @Miyuki: "Number 6 next!" @Kataoka: "Continue." @Sawamura: "Yes, boss!" @Miyuki: "Number 6!" @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Miyuki: "Number 11!" @Miyuki: "He's got up to Number 7 pretty well under control." @Miyuki: "Any higher and he gets less consistent. There are a lot of incomplete numbers, but what Sawamura showed off most in the last game" @Miyuki: "were his concentration on the mound and his increased ball control. In order to pitch deep into the game, he needs breaking balls that can alter the hitters' eyeline." @Miyuki: "I'm not sure how much he can do with just the pitches up to Number 7." @Miyuki: "I'd like to try them out on a nationally-ranked team." @Miyuki: "Number 7 next! The improved cutter!" @Int_Sawamura: "Bore a hole into the right-handed batter's chest!" Int_Ono: "It breaks that much at the same speed as a fastball." Int_Ono: "That pitch is crazy." Int_Ono: "If he can throw that anytime he wants..." @Kataoka: "That's enough for today." @Sawamura: "Huh?" @Sawamura: "We were just getting started! Boss, please watch some more of my pitches!" @Kataoka: "I've seen enough. You're starting for the practice game against Hakuryu in three days, Sawamura." @Sawamura: "Wait, in three days? Golden Week starts in two days, right? Don't I get to pitch that day? We have a doubleheader that day, don't we?" @Kataoka: "You won't be playing the first day." @Sawamura: "Why? Why do I have to wait three days?! What am I gonna do for three days?!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's chosen Sawamura to start against Hakuryu, the strongest team out of all our practice games?" @Kataoka: "A number of press outlets will be there." @Kataoka: "Make sure you condition yourself and take the mound in the best shape possible." @Sawamura: "Hakuryu? Hakuryu... Where is Hakuryu from again?" @Miyuki: "Hakuryu's from Gunma. They were in the Invitational." @Sawamura: "Huh? The Invitational?" @Miyuki: "You shouldn't be surprised by that!" @Sawamura: "In three days?!" @Miyuki: ""Chosen."" @Maezono: "We'll score enough runs that you pitchers won't have to worry." @Miyuki: "Hakuryu is the strongest team we play during the Golden Week away series. Just the fact that you're starting that game shows they have high hopes in you. Tomorrow, I'm only gonna focus on helping you pitch your best."

@Yui: "You look quite happy about it." @Sawamura: "The captain almost never willingly practices with others!" @Kataoka: "You're starting for the practice game against Hakuryu in three days, Sawamura." @Kataoka: "You won't be playing the first day." @Sawamura: "Why? Why do I have to wait three days?! What am I gonna do for three days?!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's chosen Sawamura to start against Hakuryu, the strongest team out of all our practice games?" @Kataoka: "A number of press outlets will be there." @Kataoka: "Make sure you condition yourself and take the mound in the best shape possible." _Fan: "The stands are packed. Where'd all these people come from?" _Coach: "I'm intrigued by his eyes." _Coach: "This team has all the momentum right now. I hope they can light a fire under our players." _Player: "They'll be swinging." _Player: "Let's go, Masamune!" : "Golden Week. It's a time for high school players to have practice games in preparation for the summer tournament." _Fan: "That's number 47!" : "Teams travel far and wide for the chance to play against powerhouse schools." : "As a result, fans in many regions get to see some interesting matchups." @Sawamura: "Yeah, nice power! Furuya's signature pitching!" @Sawamura: "But how long can he keep it up?" Ota: "How many strikeouts was that?" Sachiko: "Eight." Int_Ota: "I don't think anyone will get a hit off Furuya today. He's doing much better." Takashima: "He's still not doing well." @Kataoka: "Yeah. They're just erratic enough that the batters aren't hitting them, but they're too high." Takashima: "No team at Koshien Stadium will swing at pitches like that." Takashima: "Hopefully he can find a way to address it soon." _Umpire: "Ball." _Fan: "Three balls again. He's throwing a lot of pitches today." _Fan: "What's wrong, Masamune Hongo? Not feeling well? The batters are just seeing right through him. Nah, his pitches just don't have any speed on them. He hasn't given up any runs, but..." _Player: "Let's see what you've got!" _Player: "Two outs!" Int_Coach: "They're playing as soon as they got here. I know they must be tired after the long trip, but I thought his pitches would be good, at least." Int_Player: "They aren't going to swing at those." Int_Player: "The reason is obvious." Int_Player: "We haven't been practicing with a ball lately." _Coach: "What's that cowardly look in your eyes?" _Sign: "Komadai Fujimaki" _Coach: "Got your heads in the clouds. Acting like you're hot stuff just because you won the Invitational." _Coach: "Your defense is snappy, but lacking in substance." _Coach: "You hit however you want." _Coach: "Is that how a team that wants to win in the spring and summer practices?" _Coach: "It's laughable." _Coach: "The way you're playing, you won't even make it to Koshien Stadium." _Coach: "You'll practice without any balls. Do whatever you want." Int_Hongo: "Damn that old man..." Int_Hongo: "You think I'm acting like I'm hot stuff?" Int_Hongo: "You think I'm self-satisfied?" Int_Player: "What's with this guy? He's shifting up a gear." Int_Player: "I'm game." Int_Hongo: "This isn't enough!" _Fan: "Three fastballs." Int_Hongo: "If you've got anyone who can stop us, bring them out!" @Int_Maezono: "Furuya..." @Int_Maezono: "We're gonna keep scoring and relieve some of the pressure on you pitchers." @Int_Maezono: "Isn't that right, Miyuki?" @Int_Maezono: "We third-years..." @Int_Maezono: "have to lead the team forward!" _All: "Yeah!" @Int_Kominato: "Zono-san..." @Maezono: "Oh, yeah!" @Kanemaru: "Wow, the third-years are looking good!" @Sawamura: "Damn..." @Sawamura: "I wanna be on that mound." @Int_Sawamura: "Tomorrow can't come soon enough!" @Asada: "Yes!" _Player: "Yeah!" _Player: "Damn, Seido's good. This is their second string. Those three guys who came out in the fifth inning are all first-years. Really?" @Int_Ochiai: "The players who know their role are easy to utilize." @Int_Ochiai: "It's better for them to play in the second string than warm the first-string bench." @Int_Ochiai: "The longer they're on the second string, the more I'll influence them, though." @Int_Ochiai: "I wonder what that will mean for the team." Int_Ayano: "He hasn't given a single sign." _Coach: "Well, I was amazed. Narumiya-kun seemed really calm out there." _Coach: "He's powered up even more. He got us good. He was only pitching five innings today, so he could go all out." _Coach: "Your batters hung on well, so he was quite frustrated. Not at all. We'll combine what you gave us this year and last, and pay you back." _Coach: "At Koshien Stadium. Yes, at Koshien Stadium." _Coach: "Well, you got us." _Coach: "We just got lucky at the end. You must have been tired from the trip. Honestly, I'm pretty upset. I think you got our team pretty fired up." _Coach: "You aren't slacking off after winning the Invitational at all. You'll be even more intimidating come the summer." _Coach: "Your team has fired ours up as well. You had us researched inside and out, so it was well worth coming to Osaka. I'm glad to hear it." Int_Coach: "Pigheaded old man." Int_Coach: "Damned tanuki." _Player: "Hongo!" _Player: "We'll have a rematch at Koshien Stadium! This time, we'll crush you!" _Player: "Okay, that does it! We'll make you cry! You'll be crying! We'll settle this at Koshien Stadium!" _Sign: "Captains' Meeting" _Player: "Sorry, that's just how he is. They shouldn't get so worked up." _Player: "Where are you playing tomorrow? Kyoto Daikoku. Want to hear about their ace's quirks?" : "In this period before the summer qualifiers, each team obsesses over not only wins and losses," : "but also individual performances and the flow of each game." _Sign: "W Furuya – Kawashima L Haranishi – Fujimoto – Miyamoto" : "Players in good form, players in bad form," : "and players who show more growth than expected. They take a close look at each player's state and seek to bring out the absolute best in their current roster. The key is to strike a balance" : "between their trust in individual players and their goal to improve the entire team. For Sawamura, who wants to become the ace," : "this game will be a great opportunity." Kukki: "The main team is in Gunma today, right?" @Seto: "They're playing Hakuryu. That's gonna be interesting." Kukki: "Sawamura-senpai is starting, right?" @Asada: "Yeah, but he was complaining about having to wait until the second day." @Seto: "I wish I could see it!" @Seto: "Masashi got out four times and Yui didn't even get to play." Kukki: "What're you so happy about?" @Seto: "We're the second string, but we get to play. We may be the lucky ones." Kukki: "And you're even starting today, Okumura." @Okumura: "In a game, there is no first string, second string, or class year." @Okumura: "You just focus on defeating your opponent." Kukki: "Yeah, got that right! Focus on eating that opponent you've got there." @Okumura: "Don't laugh." @Asada: "Look, Okumura-kun, I'm still on my first bowl!" @Seto: "Don't push yourself too hard, Koshu." _Reporter: "There's a lot of people here." _Reporter: "You're here, too?" _Reporter: "Both teams were contenders to win the Invitational, after all." _Fan: "A team with an average baserunning time of 4.1 seconds, Gunma's Hakuryu High School will give the other team a fast-paced game that tests their defense." _Fan: "Coach Sasaki and his stopwatch have become a regular fixture. So if a player takes more than 4.2 seconds to reach first base twice, he'll take them out of the game? Yeah! Mima-kun was a track athlete and they brought in his father to coach. When he joined the team, he gave the players muscle and blood tests." _Fan: "Wow!" _Fan: "There's only one thing that would make this game better..." _Both: "Small ball versus the monster pitcher." _Fan: "Why isn't Furuya starting? He pitched in Saitama yesterday. Maybe he'll come out in the second half." _Fan: "Their southpaw Sawamura is starting. Did he pitch at Koshien Stadium? I think I remember him falling flat." _Coach: "We've been dealing with changes in our team since the invitational, too." _Coach: "There is probably a reason Furuya-kun isn't pitching. He had a good match pitching against Masamune Hongo, but this team has another key player. The catcher with an 80 percent caught stealing percentage at Koshien Stadium, considered by many to be the best current catcher in high school baseball, Kazuya Miyuki." Mima: "That analysis is flawed." Mima: "He didn't face us at Koshien Stadium." _Coach: "Baseball has become a battle of intelligence gathering. Practically no team faces an opponent without knowing their strengths." Int_Coach: "The more they focus on our running game, the more control we'll have over the game before it even begins." Int_Coach: "The best catcher currently playing. Are his skills the real deal? Let's play our way and see." @Fb_Sawamura: "Whoa!" @Fb_Sawamura: "They run here?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Isn't that reckless?" _Watanabe: "No, it's borderline. This team expertly straddles the line between safe and reckless, which is why they're so intimidating." @Fb_Miyuki: "Hey, do you realize what it means that you're starting tomorrow?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Hakuryu is the toughest team we're playing during Golden Week." @Fb_Miyuki: "Just the fact that you're starting this game shows they have high hopes in you." @Fb_Sawamura: "High hopes?" @Kataoka: "You saved me." @Kataoka: "Sorry." @Kataoka: "Good job shutting them down." @Sawamura: "If I pitch well in this game, can I become the ace?" @Fb_Miyuki: "It's not that simple." @Fb_Miyuki: "You know that." @Fb_Miyuki: "We're striving to win a national title." @Fb_Miyuki: "Having more stable pitchers gives us confidence." @Fb_Miyuki: "I will do everything I can to help you pitch your best tomorrow." @Fb_Miyuki: "Just focus on taking down every batter you face." @Int_Miyuki: "The recognition you want will come naturally." @Int_Sawamura: "Why did I go and say something like that? Am I an idiot?" @Int_Sawamura: "Just thinking about myself..." @Int_Sawamura: "Self-serving idiot!" @Okumura: "So you really want that ace number." @Int_Sawamura: "Stay outta my head, wolf boy!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Sawamura!" @Int_Miyuki: "One at a time." _Player: "Pitch your kind of game, Eijun-kun! Doesn't mean you can screw up, okay?" @Sawamura: "Balls will come flying your way, so please back me up!" _Player: "Yeah! We'll stop 'em!" @Int_Sawamura: "I see." @Int_Sawamura: "I've been given a big chance." @Fb_Miyuki: "If you want to pitch, come see me." @Fb_Miyuki: "I'll do my best to help." @Int_Sawamura: "I've wanted him to acknowledge me," @Int_Sawamura: "wanted to make him acknowledge me!" _Umpire: "Strike!" @Int_Sawamura: "I won't waste..." @Int_Sawamura: "one pitch or one second!" _Player: ""One Pitch, One Second.""

@Fb_Sawamura: "If I pitch well in this game, can I become the ace?" @Fb_Miyuki: "It's not that simple." @Fb_Miyuki: "You know that." @Int_Sawamura: "Why did I go and say something like that?" @Int_Sawamura: "Am I an idiot?" @Int_Sawamura: "Just thinking about myself..." @Int_Sawamura: "Self-serving idiot!" @Miyuki: "Sawamura!" @Int_Miyuki: "One at a time." @Int_Sawamura: "I see." @Int_Sawamura: "I've been given a big chance." @Int_Sawamura: "I've wanted him to acknowledge me..." @Int_Sawamura: "wanted to make him acknowledge me!" _Umpire: "Strike!" @Int_Sawamura: "I won't waste..." @Int_Sawamura: "one pitch or one second!" _Umpire: "Out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah, Kuramochi-senpai!" @Sawamura: "Nice, Cheetah!" @Int_Maezono: "We barely got him out?" @Int_Kanemaru: "These guys run fast." @Bg_Kanemaru: "Nice play!" Kujo: "I was trying to hit to center field but swung late." @Bg_Kominato: "Nice play, You-san!" Kujo: "His pitches don't drop as much as you'd think." @Int_Kominato: "This team has really effective runners. We don't want them to get on base." @Int_Kuramochi: "We fielders need to get every out we can." @Int_Sawamura: "You..." _Umpire: "Ball!" @Yui: "He's hitting fouls on purpose." @Yuki: "That could be trouble." @Int_Miyuki: "We got the first batter out with two pitches, so I was hoping to get into a rhythm." @Int_Miyuki: "Their batters are better than that." @Int_Miyuki: "If we get mad and try to strike him out, he'll keep hitting fouls." @Int_Miyuki: "We need to use a slow pitch to throw off his timing..." @Int_Miyuki: "and make him swing!" _Fan: "Near right field!" _Fan: "That's Hakuryu High School's first hit! There's a runner on base and the third batter Mima is up!" @Int_Miyuki: "That was high." @Int_Sawamura: "Sorry!" @Int_Miyuki: "Here he is." @Sawamura: "That's huge! That's a huge lead! You jerk!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's got the flexible bat control to pepper the entire field with hits," @Int_Miyuki: "and he runs fifty meters in 5.8 seconds. A prodigious batter who even the pros are keeping an eye on," @Int_Miyuki: "his name is Soichiro Mima." @Int_Miyuki: "If we can't stop him, a win won't come easy." @Sawamura: "I'm not done!" Int_Coach: "He's persistent." Int_Coach: "Miyao can get to second in 3.3 seconds." Int_Coach: "At the Invitational, Kazuya Miyuki's throws to second took 1.91 seconds on average. To make up that 1.39 second difference and steal a base," Int_Coach: "we need to use the time that the pitcher is in motion." Int_Coach: "1.29 seconds. Certainly not fast, but decent enough." Int_Coach: "He wouldn't be starting against us otherwise." Int_Coach: "Let's shake him up a bit." @Maezono: "Steal!" Yamaguchi: "It's a hit and run!" @Kuramochi: "Furuya, he's going for third!" @Int_Furuya: "You won't make it!" _Umpire: "Safe!" _Fan: "That's what I wanna see! They advanced to third from a hit to near left field! Mima got to second like it was nothing!" _Fan: "That was reckless baserunning. If Furuya's throw hadn't been high, he would've been toast. It was worth the risk! Running like that is how Hakuryu plays baseball!" @Int_Miyuki: "Instead of pulling the ball to right field to help the team," @Int_Miyuki: "he went with the pitch's direction and hit it to the opposite field." @Int_Miyuki: "His team must really trust his batting if they let him do that." _Fan: "Runners on second and third! Fourth batter Kitaooji is up! He can hit it or go for a squeeze play! They'll even run on a grounder! If the ball is put in play, they'll score a run! The defense is under a lot of pressure!" _Reporter: "A turning point in the very first inning." Int_Mine: "There were more than a few pitchers who couldn't handle this team's running game in the Invitational." Int_Mine: "How will Seido High School handle the premier small-ball team in the country?" @Int_Kuramochi: "I love the tension!" @Int_Miyuki: "Runners on second and third. We're at a disadvantage," @Int_Miyuki: "but it's nice that we can focus exclusively on the batter." @Int_Miyuki: "This is what I wanted. I wanted to see how well Sawamura" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Umpire: "Ball!" _Umpire: "Foul!" _Fan: "Two pitches inside, then one low and away. Their battery likes their fastballs." Int_Coach: "They have the audacity to throw high and inside when any fly ball to the outfield will give us a run." Int_Coach: "I applaud your fearlessness, Kazuya Miyuki." @Int_Miyuki: "He wasn't tempted by the high inside pitch, but went after one low and away." @Int_Miyuki: "He's trying to hit a grounder." Int_Kitaooji: "His fastballs don't drop, but he can throw changeups, too." Int_Kitaooji: "I'd rather risk getting jammed than swing and miss." @Int_Miyuki: "He's the batter who follows Mima." @Int_Miyuki: "He'll be hard to get out." @Int_Miyuki: "Forcing pitches through won't work." @Int_Miyuki: "But we don't want to give him anything easy to hit." @Int_Miyuki: "This is the first time I've given a sign in the first inning." @Int_Miyuki: "They won't be expecting this pitch." @Int_Miyuki: "It doesn't need to be perfect." @Int_Miyuki: "Swing your arm way through!" @Int_Miyuki: "We'll let the movement of the ball overwhelm the batter!" Int_Kitaooji: "Right down the middle!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Miyuki: "Two outs!" @Sawamura: "Two outs!" @Kanemaru: "Nice pitch, Sawamura!" Yamaguchi: "One more!" @Aso: "Let's stop 'em, Sawamura!" Seki: "Two outs!" @Int_Yui: "The improved cutter." _Player: "A fastball? Two-seamer? I... don't know. I thought it was a fastball," _Player: "but then it disappeared." _Fan: "Low and away on the first pitch! Looking good! He looks awfully calm when there's a runner on third. The Hakuryu batters are just getting warmed up! Mima's on second base!" _Fan: "If it gets to the outfield, we'll get two runs!" @Int_Kuramochi: "We've got two outs, but no one on first. Don't rush things." @Int_Miyuki: "It's fine. Let's handle this carefully." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" _Fan: "Th-They made it through unscathed! Two runners left stranded!" @Sawamura: "Yes, yes!" _Fan: "Hakuryu couldn't take the lead?" @Sawamura: "Haruichi!" @Kominato: "Eijun-kun!" @Sawamura: "Yay!" Mima: "It's a cutter." Mima: "I could see it from second base." Mima: "It suddenly broke close to home plate." Int_Coach: "He can throw to all four corners and maintain control on the mound in a pinch. I thought he was just a reliever," Int_Coach: "but there's more to that pitcher than meets the eye." @Kataoka: "Their use of speed to pressurize the defense, and their clean, efficient slides. We can learn a lot from this game." @Kataoka: "Now it's our turn to pressure them." _All: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Let's do it!" @Int_Kuramochi: "His screwballs can bore a hole into right-handed batters, and he's got an incredibly well-controlled low slider. Their ace is a cool character who almost never shows any emotion on the mound." @Int_Kuramochi: "Once a pitcher like this settles into a rhythm, he's almost untouchable." @Int_Kuramochi: "Well, there's no point..." @Int_Kuramochi: "in waiting for a meatball!" @Kanemaru: "He hit the first pitch!" @Sawamura: "That's his brand of headbutt batting!" _Umpire: "Safe!" _Fan: "Hakuryu's getting upstaged at base running! That kid's fast!" @Sawamura: "How do you like that, people of Gunma? Our cheetah is pretty fast! Yoichi Kuramochi! Remember that name as you make your way home!" @Yui: "Why's he saying that?" @Yuki: "No idea." @Int_Kuramochi: "This is the new team's batting order. Now you have the chance to give us the lead, Haruichi!" Int_Mine: "Kominato-kun is batting second instead of third, where Shirasu-kun is slotting in after his recent hot streak." Int_Mine: "It's an aggressive order designed to score ahead of Miyuki, who teams will be wary of. Even after losing in the spring tournament, Coach Kataoka seems unafraid of making changes." _Umpire: "Foul!" _Fan: "That's the screwball he throws to righties! He throws some nasty pitches with a cool look on his face!" Int_Player: "He's swinging late. Did he guess breaking ball?" @Int_Kominato: "Two inside screwballs. Then the next one will most likely be..." @Int_Kuramochi: "I only got to show him one of this guy's pitches. But Haruichi is a tough one!" _Umpire: "Ball!" Int_Player: "He calmly let it go." Int_Player: "Does he know our sequence?" Int_Player: "He's got a wooden bat. There's something about this batter." Int_Player: "Give me one more outside fastball, just inside the strike zone." Int_Player: "Yes! Caught him looking—" _Fan: "Down the first base line!" Int_Player: "How did he make contact so late?" Int_Player: "He wasn't swinging late. He was waiting for it to be right by his chest." _Fan: "The second-base runner has made it home!" _Fan: "Second batter Kominato hits an RBI double to take the lead!" _All: "Yeah!" @Fb_Kominato: "I'm not as tall or strong as the others," @Fb_Kominato: "but batting isn't just about power. Getting big hits when they don't want me to, fouling off strikeout pitches," @Fb_Kominato: "and never swinging at balls..." @Fb_Kominato: "I want to be a batter that pitchers are afraid to face in a pinch." @Fb_Kominato: "Pitchers hate when you keep hitting foul balls. Especially in the summer." @Fb_Kominato: "What is it?" @Fb_Kuramochi: "Just thinking that you two are brothers, all right." Takashima: "We haven't had a consistent two-hole, but with Maezono-kun and Shirasu-kun improving, this batting order may be the most balanced." @Fb_Kominato: "Second?" @Kataoka: "He'd been batting third for ages. I'm sure he's not too pleased with this." @Sawamura: "Haruichi, nice batting! I knew you had it in you!" @Fb_Kominato: "Second? Am I not good enough to bat third?" @Fb_Kominato: "Is that what you're saying?" @Int_Kominato: "Those two have improved so quickly..." @Int_Kominato: "But I'm not gonna let them leave me behind!" _All: "Yeah!" _Fan: "Nice, Mima!" Bg_All: "Mima! Mima!" Int_Player: "He swung at the first pitch, too." @Miyuki: "He caught that, eh?" Int_Player: "The captain and cleanup, the core of their team..." Int_Coach: "First base is open. We don't need to push too hard," Int_Coach: "however..." Int_Coach: "we must not hesitate." Int_Coach: "Giving up a walk because we hesitated is not the same as one when we are attacking." Int_Coach: "It will affect the next batter as well." _Umpire: "Strike!" _Fan: "Painting the black inside and out! Look at that precision!" _Fan: "He's got just as much control as the Seido pitcher!" Int_Coach: "One ball, two strikes. We have three balls to work with." Int_Coach: "The count favors the pitcher." Int_Coach: "Momentum is on our side, because we were aggressive." @Int_Miyuki: "Will he throw low sliders?" @Int_Miyuki: "Or will it be a waste pitch outside?" @Int_Miyuki: "It's high. Is he baiting me? No, it's in the zone!" @Int_Miyuki: "He got me." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Int_Miyuki: "The best fastball he's thrown all day." @Kanemaru: "Damn, not Miyuki-senpai." _Umpire: "Strike!" Int_Player: "That look just now..." Int_Player: "Now a different pickoff move." Int_Player: "He's a skilled pitcher." Int_Coach: "How impudent." Int_Coach: "Kujo is one of the top two runners on our team." Int_Coach: "I've trusted him with the green light." @Int_Sawamura: "His lead's smaller now." @Maezono: "Steal!" _Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "There's Kazuya Miyuki's rocket arm!" _Fan: "That was a nice throw." Int_Coach: "1.18 seconds. He's going through the stretch faster." @Int_Sawamura: "Right over the base! That was a great throw!" @Int_Miyuki: "You did such a good job pinning the runner down, I had to nail him." @Int_Miyuki: "No more runners." _Umpire: "Out!" @Int_Miyuki: "Yeah, that location was fine." Takashima: "Throwing a changeup to the batter who hit one in his last at-bat..." Takashima: "Miyuki-kun is being unusually bold with his pitch calling, isn't he?" @Kuramochi: "Two outs!" @Kominato: "Two outs!" @Sawamura: "Two outs!" @Maezono: "Two outs!" Mima: "The catcher can't stop a stolen base by himself." Mima: "The pitcher needs to cooperate, too." Mima: "And he's shown he cares about his catcher." Mima: "Did you drill that into him?" @Int_Miyuki: "Drill it in? Please." @Int_Miyuki: "He's still nowhere near complete!" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Umpire: "Ball!" @Int_Miyuki: "And since he's incomplete," @Int_Miyuki: "that means he can still grow an incredible amount." @Int_Miyuki: "Playing this game..." @Int_Miyuki: "make him stronger." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Int_Miyuki: "That's how Sawamura is now!" @Miyuki: ""Incomplete."" Coach: "He throws unique pitches to all four corners and stays in control on the mound even with runners on base. He doesn't seem to care about our base running. Let us acknowledge his skill as a pitcher." @Sawamura: "That's huge! That's the biggest lead yet!" @Miyuki: "There's no reason to hold back. It's not every day you face a batter like this. That's why it's worth it to hit him with everything you've got!"

Int_Player: "Now a different pickoff move. He's a skilled pitcher." @Int_Sawamura: "His lead's smaller now." @Maezono: "Steal!" _Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "There's Kazuya Miyuki's rocket arm! That was a nice throw." Int_Coach: "1.18 seconds. He's going through the stretch faster." @Kuramochi: "Two outs!" @Kominato: "Two outs!" @Sawamura: "Two outs!" @Maezono: "Two outs!" Mima: "The catcher can't stop a stolen base by himself." Mima: "The pitcher needs to cooperate, too." Mima: "And he's shown he cares about his catcher." Mima: "Did you drill that into him?" @Int_Miyuki: "Drill it in? Please." @Int_Miyuki: "He's still nowhere near complete!" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Umpire: "Ball!" @Int_Miyuki: "And since he's incomplete," @Int_Miyuki: "that means he can still grow an incredible amount." @Int_Miyuki: "Playing this game..." @Int_Miyuki: "will undoubtedly..." @Int_Miyuki: "make him stronger." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Int_Miyuki: "That's how Sawamura is now!" _Fan: "He took Mima down with a fastball! His pitching is limiting Hakuryu's running game! He held them scoreless again!" @Kuramochi: "Sawamura, you jerk!" @Kanemaru: "Nice pitching!" : "Two talented pitchers who played in the Invitational are facing each other as the match between Hakuryu High School and Seido High School enters the bottom of the third inning. After giving up the lead in the first inning, Hakuryu's starting pitcher Ono has settled down and is holding the Seido batters at bay. Seido's starting pitcher Sawamura is using his outstanding ball control to avoid giving Hakuryu any chances. Both pitchers have gone blow-for-blow in the early innings." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" _Fan: "Man, they're holding off Hakuryu! And it isn't even Furuya pitching! Who the heck is that pitcher?" @Sawamura: "Kane!" @Kanemaru: "Sawa!" @Tojo: "Nice pitch, Sawamura!" Int_Ito: "He hit that pitch into fair territory..." Int_Ito: "And these guys are barely reacting to the outside sliders." Int_Ito: "Is that their strategy?" @Int_Furuya: "It's like my belly is on fire," @Int_Furuya: "or like my blood is boiling. This is the tension I can only feel" @Int_Furuya: "against a strong opponent." @Int_Furuya: "I want to stand there!" @Int_Furuya: "On that mound!" @Yui: "It hit the fence!" _Fan: "That was a hard hit between the right and center fielders! He's a monster! He's even a good batter!" _Fan: "He's going for third! He's crazy!" _Fan: "He's out!" _Umpire: "Out!" _Umpire: "Three outs! Change!" @Sawamura: "Furuya, why are you letting the other team influence you?! That was too greedy and reckless!" Takashima: "That decision..." Takashima: "It's like Furuya-kun's mind is racing." @Sawamura: "You're being overconfident about your running!" @Kominato: "Let's switch gears." @Kataoka: "Aso, you're on the field this inning!" Seki: "See?" Aso: "Okay! Let's go, guys! I've got left field covered!" Yamaguchi: "Wow, check out his scrub aura." Seki: "Yep." @Kataoka: "That was a big opening against a pitcher we've struggled with since the first inning. Knowing how well this team fields and throws, I don't know what you thought you'd gain by pushing so hard. Day in and day out, they've trained how to run bases and accurately assess the situation. Hakuryu does not run bases" @Kataoka: "with all-or-nothing gambles like you did." @Kataoka: "There is no shortcut to glory." @Kataoka: "The team does not need plays that mistake aggressiveness for arrogance." Higasa: "Wow, Aso!" Seki: "Yeah!" @Kuramochi: "You were at the right place." Aso: "They didn't seem like they could hit deep to left field. I'm not just sitting on the bench to look pretty!" @Sawamura: "Nice, Aso-senpai!" Seki: "See? He latches on to some unusual things, right?" _Umpire: "Out!" _All: "Yeah!" Int_Coach: "Seven outside, four inside, two changeups. The ball's speed at the beginning and end of each pitch and the difference in the rotational axis changes very slightly." _Fan: "Hey, they're not just unable to run, they can't even get on base! That pitcher's flying through his innings." @Sawamura: "People of Gunma! This is Haruichi Kominato! Thanks for your support!" @Kominato: "Knock that off!" _Fan: "He's got a loud mouth, though." @Yui: "There he is, calling for attention again." Higasa: "Sawamura!" Yamaguchi: "Get back over here!" Seki: "Yeah!" _Umpire: "Ball!" Int_Ito: "They really aren't swinging at the sliders." Int_Ito: "Then we can pound the strike zone with it to run up the count." _Umpire: "Strike!" @Sawamura: "Kanemaru! More hips! Hit with your hips!" @Miyuki: "They're starting to switch up their sequence." @Miyuki: "The battery probably thinks we won't swing at any sliders." @Kataoka: "Then the time is right." @Kataoka: "We'll start swinging at their sliders next inning." Coach: "We've only had five hits so far in this game. He throws unique pitches to all four corners" Coach: "and stays in control on the mound, even with runners on base." Coach: "He doesn't flinch at our base running. Let us acknowledge his skill as a pitcher." Coach: "Given that, what can we do about him? After the Invitational, we've focused on improving our batting," Coach: "and developing a new brand of Hakuryu baseball that takes our running game to another level." @Int_Sawamura: "He's crowding the plate." @Int_Miyuki: "He's using the long handle." @Int_Miyuki: "And he's good at fouling pitches off." @Int_Miyuki: "Is he trying to ignore the inside pitches and wait for an outside pitch?" Int_Coach: "Start by making them think about what you'll do," Int_Coach: "all while keeping our strategy very simple." Int_Coach: "Once the pitch you want comes..." Int_Coach: "give a decisive swing!" _Fan: "Near right field!" Int_Coach: "Given your aggressive calls in tight situations," Int_Coach: "we knew you would ask for an inside pitch." _Fan: "There's a runner on first and Soichiro Mima is up to bat! Mima! Mima! Mima! Mima! Mima! Mima! Mima! Mima!" _Reporter: "This is his third at-bat." @Sawamura: "That's huge! That's the biggest lead yet!" @Kominato: "You're shouting too loud!" @Int_Miyuki: "Even this guy is crowding the plate." @Int_Miyuki: "It looks like they're trying to rattle us from the batter's box as well as the bases." @Int_Sawamura: "With a runner on base? If he runs with that lead..." @Int_Miyuki: "Don't worry." @Int_Miyuki: "Taking a lead that large poses obvious risks." @Int_Miyuki: "It's just a fake-out. He'll run back to the base." @Int_Sawamura: "He went back as soon as I moved." _Umpire: "Ball!" @Int_Miyuki: "An open stance." @Int_Miyuki: "He's waiting for an inside pitch." Int_Coach: "You knew the runner would go back to the base and threw a changeup." Int_Coach: "And you figured out what pitch we're waiting for." @Int_Miyuki: "Now, the next pitch..." @Int_Miyuki: "He's standing in his usual position." _Player: "That's the stance he doesn't normally use because people say he's copying Ichiro. He still ends up doing it when he's extremely focused." Int_Coach: "Soichiro, is your instinct telling you to take this battery head-on?" @Int_Miyuki: "It would be easier for us if he was batting for the team." @Int_Miyuki: "I don't think the high inside pitch we got him out with last time will work." @Int_Miyuki: "If we sprinkle in the numbers with fastballs to get him out of position..." _Umpire: "Foul!" _Umpire: "Foul!" _Umpire: "Ball!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's staying perfectly balanced even as we paint the corners." @Int_Miyuki: "In that case..." @Int_Miyuki: "We don't need to hold back!" @Int_Sawamura: "Number 7!" @Int_Sawamura: "The improved cutter!" _Umpire: "Foul!" @Yui: "He made contact on the improved cutter!" @Int_Sawamura: "Oh, man!" @Int_Sawamura: "If the ball goes even halfway too close, he'll knock it flying." @Int_Sawamura: "He definitely will!" @Maezono: "Looking good, Sawamura! Stay aggressive!" @Int_Sawamura: "This guy's crazy!" _Umpire: "Ball!" @Int_Miyuki: "You're forcing it." @Int_Miyuki: "Stay calm." @Int_Miyuki: "It's not every day you face a batter like this." @Int_Miyuki: "That's why it's worth it to hit him with everything you've got!" @Int_Miyuki: "Half-hearted pitches won't strike this guy out." @Int_Miyuki: "It's a little premature to use this pitch, but it's worth a try." @Int_Miyuki: "Unleash Number 11, the splitter!" @Yui: "The count is three balls, two strikes." @Yui: "The runner will make his move." @Yui: "We want to avoid the extra-base hit." _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Fan: "Man, he got walked. Did Mima get the better of them? Now there are no outs, with runners on first and second." @Int_Yui: "What was that?" Int_Coach: "Did that pitch drop?" Int_Coach: "So there are more breaking balls that pitcher hasn't thrown yet." _Player: "Was that a forkball?" Mima: "Probably." Mima: "It looked like he was pinching it." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn, I forced it. I was too eager to get a strike!" @Miyuki: "Sawamura, next is the cleanup!" @Int_Miyuki: "We hadn't practiced that pitch much anyway. Don't worry about it." @Int_Miyuki: "The long handle..." @Int_Miyuki: "Crowding the plate..." @Int_Miyuki: "This is the first pitch after a walk." @Int_Miyuki: "He's going to be swinging." @Int_Miyuki: "I want to see what he'll do." @Int_Miyuki: "I don't need a strike." @Int_Sawamura: "This is the first pitch after a walk..." @Int_Sawamura: "I can't throw a meatball." @Int_Miyuki: "Let's start with a ball!" @Int_Sawamura: "Just on the edge!" @Int_Miyuki: "In the strike zone?!" _Fan: "Near right field!" @Maezono: "Back home!" _Umpire: "Out!" Yamaguchi: "Yeah! Nice, Shirasu!" Higasa: "Yeah!" Yamaguchi: "That guy can throw strikes from the outfield! The white laser!" Higasa: "A modest flex!" _Fan: "The Seido fielders are good. They're well-trained. So is that batter. He promptly moved up to second." @Miyuki: "My bad. I should have said I wanted it further outside." @Sawamura: "Sorry, I was too eager for a strike." @Miyuki: "Runners on second and third. Let's switch gears." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Int_Kataoka: "The third-base runner is Mima. He'll run on a grounder, and they might try a squeeze play." @Int_Kataoka: "Infielders, play in. Second base and shortstop," @Int_Kataoka: "be ready to throw the ball home." @Int_Kataoka: "Outfielders, don't let the second-base runner make it home." @Tojo: "Sawamura, one out!" @Int_Aso: "Come on, let me show off!" @Kuramochi: "Stay aggressive, Sawamura!" @Kominato: "Make him hit it here!" Bg_All: "Keep it going, Sawamura! Eijun-kun!" @Int_Sawamura: "These guys have my back," @Int_Sawamura: "so why am I still thinking about that last play?" @Int_Sawamura: "What's important is the next pitch." @Int_Sawamura: "One moment can decide the outcome." Seki: "The runners aren't moving!" Yamaguchi: "They're doing a safety squeeze!" @Int_Sawamura: "One pitch can decide it!" _Umpire: "Foul!" Int_Ito: "It's the middle innings, and his pitches aren't slowing down. They actually seem sharper." @Int_Miyuki: "He's pitching without hesitation." @Int_Miyuki: "He's choking up on the bat." Int_Ito: "Ono is pitching so patiently." Int_Ito: "I'm his partner, so I want to get a run for him." Int_Ito: "I want to get Mima home." @Fb_Miyuki: "Get a deeper knowledge of every play and learn why you throw each pitch." @Fb_Miyuki: "That's what I need from you." _Fan: "A tough to hit inside pitch! This battery is really aggressive!" @Int_Yui: "The more risk involved, the bolder they play." @Kanemaru: "Nice pitch! Looking good, Sawamura!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's focusing on the inside." @Int_Miyuki: "We'll finish him with an outside pitch." @Int_Sawamura: "I want to catch up." @Int_Sawamura: "To help our team..." @Int_Sawamura: "achieve victory!" @Int_Sawamura: "I want to get closer..." @Int_Sawamura: "for the summer!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Miyuki: ""Unleashed."" @Sawamura: "It's thrilling to go toe-to-toe with a strong team like this." @Furuya: "It doesn't matter how well you pitched if you lose the game. If you lose, it's over." @Sawamura: "I don't want to let anyone take it. This is my place!" @Furuya: "I won't let it end like this. Even one day longer. Longer than any other team. I will fulfill my duty."

_Umpire: "Out!" _Player: "The second baseman went to cover first base." _Coach: "That catcher again." @Ochiai: "Well played." Kukki: "When did they plan that out? I want in!" _Player: "One out! Nice, Okumura!" @Int_Okumura: "With the runner gone, he's going to be swinging. Let's keep the pitches low and avoid any extra-base hits." @Int_Ochiai: "I thought they'd give up some more runs. He's calling good timeouts at crucial moments and calling a good game for an older pitcher." _Player: "Nice, second! Yeah! Two outs! Two outs!" @Int_Ochiai: "He has a strong arm, stability behind the plate," @Int_Ochiai: "and the leadership skills that will make even the older boys follow him. Seto's support is an important part of that," @Int_Ochiai: "but with the right training, he could be the best catcher in Tokyo." @Int_Ochiai: "He would be heavily influenced by me, though." _All: "Yeah!" Int_Ito: "He swung at the first slider!" _Fan: "Second-base runner Shirasu has made it home! There's the insurance run Seido's been wanting!" Mine: "Breathing life into a stale game with a well-placed swing..." Mine: "That's the job of the cleanup." _Scout: "I love how clutch that guy is. If he performs like that at Koshien Stadium this summer, we'll have another powerhouse to watch out for. Please, no." @Int_Miyuki: "We need to press the battery while they're confused." _Player: "Steal!" _Fan: "A hit-and-run!" Yamaguchi: "Zono hit to opposite field?!" Yamaguchi: "Aso!" Aso: "Yes, yes, yes!" @Yui: "We made the battery think we wouldn't swing at sliders, then hit it when they threw it to run up the count. We don't get much playing time in the first string," _Sign: "I want to play" @Yui: "but we still learn a lot." @Yui: "Yeah, I want to play, too." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "All three pitches were his patented slider. Ono is getting worked up. Can you blame him? They still haven't scored a single run against that pitcher." @Sawamura: "Damn it! Just barely missed!" @Kuramochi: "You had your eye on the ball." @Tojo: "Nice swings!" @Int_Sawamura: "I'm disappointed about striking out, but..." @Int_Sawamura: "There's something fun about this disappointment." @Int_Sawamura: "It's thrilling to be outplaying such a strong opponent." @Sawamura: "The top of the order is up." @Int_Sawamura: "This is the feeling of fulfillment I didn't have at the Invitational!" @Int_Sawamura: "It's the greatest!" @Int_Sawamura: "This moment..." @Int_Sawamura: "Two innings." @Int_Sawamura: "Just two innings. I want this moment for myself" @Int_Sawamura: "and no one else!" @Int_Sawamura: "This place is mine!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" _All: "Thank you!" Ono: "We'll beat you next time." @Sawamura: "Sure, let's play! I'll break that poker face of yours!" @Sawamura: "Thank you!" _Fan: "Hakuryu managed to score one run when that double play in the eighth broke down. Kazuya Miyuki leads a strong Seido defense." _Fan: "They couldn't get a read on that southpaw." _Scout: "He looked very comfortable turning things around when he was in trouble..." _Reporter: "I bet Hakuryu didn't expect any pitcher besides Furuya to hold them to just one run." _Reporter: "He's really a remarkable pitcher." Mine: "He's Eijun Sawamura." Mine: "You won't regret learning his name." @Kominato: "I'll help you cool down." @Sawamura: "Thanks." Higasa: "The next game starts in twenty minutes." @Miyuki: "Kaneda is starting." @Miyuki: "Everyone who's playing in this game, warm up!" @Fb_Sawamura: "If I were a more trustworthy pitcher, you'd've been subbed out sooner! That makes it my fault! We lost because I'm not trustworthy!" @Fb_Sawamura: "If the pitcher and catcher become one and produce a work of art..." @Fb_Sawamura: "That will be the best pitching of all." @Furuya: "Nice pitching." @Sawamura: "I'm not satisfied." @Sawamura: "I let runners get to third too many times..." @Sawamura: "and I relied too heavily on the fielders." @Sawamura: "I'm not satisfied at all!" @Furuya: "Good." @Furuya: "Then you can compete with me." @Yui: "Is he bluffing?" @Int_Furuya: "It doesn't matter how well you pitched if you lose the game." @Int_Furuya: "You can't win if your opponent pitches better than you." @Int_Furuya: "If you lose, it's over. So just don't let them score, don't give them any openings, and shut them down." @Int_Furuya: "Overpower them." @Int_Furuya: "The ace must lead his team to victory." @Int_Furuya: "The ace must keep winning." @Fb_Furuya: "I'll be the best pitcher in Japan. My goal has not changed." @Fb_Miyuki: "What's wrong?" @Fb_Miyuki: "You're the one who dragged me out here. Don't hold back. Throw with everything you've got." @Fb_Miyuki: "I guess that works for you, though." @Fb_Miyuki: "You can be the kind of pitcher that pulls his team through brute force." @Int_Furuya: "Even one day longer." @Int_Furuya: "Longer than any other team." @Fb_Miyuki: "On another note... If you want to pitch, come see me." @Fb_Miyuki: "I'll do my best to help." @Fb_Furuya: "I won't let it end like this." @Fb_Furuya: "I will fulfill my duty." : "Thus began the second game. Kaneda, the starting pitcher, was taken out in the early innings." : "The relief pitcher, Kawashima, took the mound after pitching the previous day." : "The third-years led the charge and scored run after run. In the sixth inning, they finally took the lead. In the eighth inning, second-year Takatsu's added some insurance runs on a two-RBI hit with the bases loaded." : "Seido defeated Hanazawa High School 8–6." : "The team has won all four of their Golden Week games." _Player: "Hurry up with those bags!" Seki: "Yeah! We have to meet at the stands." Kitaoji: "Are you heading back?" @Kuramochi: "We'll hang around for a bit." @Maezono: "We're borrowing a field near our hotel." _Player: "You're gonna practice?!" @Miyuki: "Seriously, what is it?" Mima: "Do you use LINE?" Mishima: "I'll protect the first-base line to the death! Leave this to me and pitch, first-year!" Todoroki: "I've got the third-base line!" Mishima: "Not a bad pitch!" _Player: "Nice pitch!" _Player: "He's awfully relaxed for his first game pitching." _Player: "Nice pitch, Tomobe! Nice pitch!" Sanada: "That first-year's got a good slider. And we always need a good southpaw." _Coach: "One of the few benefits to joining a small team like ours is getting to play in a lot of games. We'll get him some experience before the summer and give ourselves some depth on the bench." Sanada: "He looks ready to play, not just add depth." _Coach: "When the new guys are performing well, it helps motivate the rest of the team." _Coach: "Everyone benefits." _Coach: "The only thing I can complain about..." _Coach: "is my idiot son." Todoroki: "Nice pitch, nice pitch! I wanna hit it!" _Player: "You're playing too close, Todoroki-senpai." _Player: "Stand back, please." _Coach: "Raichi just hasn't been on the ball lately. Looks like people have been fawning on him in class, too." _Coach: "Maybe I fed him too much good food after the Invitational." _Coach: "I don't like it." Int_Sanada: "He's been furrowing his brow lately. People come to see him every day, and he said he's been invited out by the boosters more and more." Int_Sanada: "He can't stand alcohol, though." Int_Sanada: "I'll go warm up my arm." _Coach: "You're not gonna pitch today! Sanada! You're pitching in the Kanto tournament! If you hurt yourself..." Sanada: "It's okay. Think back to last summer when we played game after game because we didn't have enough players." Sanada: "Compared to then, I'm taking it easy." _Coach: "H-Hey, you're still not pitching!" Sanada: "I'll be applying pressure from the bullpen!" Int_Coach: "I've never seen such an agreeable ace." Int_Coach: "I wish he were my son." Todoroki: "You gonna throw?" Int_Coach: "Man..." Int_Coach: "We've come so far, become so strong..." Int_Coach: "But now we've got even more people to answer to." Int_Coach: "Man, what a pain." Int_Coach: "I've been schooled by a kid again!" _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Fan: "Ah, what a waste! He walked two batters in a row! What's wrong?" _Fan: "He got six strikeouts on the trot, but now he's losing control. It must be scary on the bench not knowing when he'll break." @Miyuki: "Why are you getting worked up against batters in the bottom of the order?" @Furuya: "I was trying to paint the corners." @Miyuki: "Then you're way off." @Miyuki: "We'll focus on outside fastballs for the early innings." @Miyuki: "The batters aren't seeing the ball, so keep the pitches in the strike zone." @Miyuki: "Once they start to find pitches to swing at, I'll ask for different ones." Ota: "I guess he's not doing well again..." Takashima: "So it would seem." Takashima: "He's tensing up now that there are runners on base." Takashima: "He probably realizes it." Int_Watanabe: "The team is starting to get tense when Furuya takes the mound." _Umpire: "Ball!" Int_Watanabe: "But that's because everyone knows..." Int_Watanabe: "how he pitched in the Invitational." @Fb_Furuya: "I believe I only improved because I came here." @Fb_Furuya: "And I know I can still get a lot better here." Int_Watanabe: "And that he feels the responsibility of ace when he's on the mound, more than anyone." @Int_Miyuki: "Right here!" _Player: "Yeah, a double play!" @Int_Miyuki: "A hard hit right past a runner." @Int_Miyuki: "It's a relief that they can handle that." _All: "Two outs!" @Sawamura: "That's just two outs! Don't relax until you get one more!" Int_Watanabe: "They all feel the same way!" : "Sawamura took the mound in the eighth inning." : "He and Yui were the battery." @Yui: "Timeout, please." @Yui: "What's wrong?" @Sawamura: "I forgot to take a deep breath." @Yui: "Huh?" @Sawamura: "Let's do it together!" @Yui: "Huh?" @Sawamura: "One more time!" @Yui: "Yes, sir." : "He allowed only one hit." : "His reliable pitching made for excellent relief. The lineup exploded too, and Seido defeated Akae High School 11-2." : "Now the second game..." : "Miyuki was once again the starting catcher." : "He called for sinkers against Kadowaki's numerous left-handed batters." : "And starting pitcher Kawakami did exactly what he asked for." : "He pitched well, not letting any runners reach second base until the fifth inning. From the seventh inning, the Kaneda-Ono battery pitched," : "and the ninth inning saw the Kawashima-Yui battery." : "The pitching staff held the Kadowaki batters to four hits in a shutout." @Int_Tojo: "I was ready, but I didn't get a chance to play." @Int_Kanemaru: "I need to up my OBP." @Int_Miyuki: "We managed to make it through without anyone breaking down." @Int_Miyuki: "It's a good thing we had Kawashima." @Fb_Miyuki: "Sorry, I don't own a smartphone." _Mima: "What?" @Fb_Miyuki: "A feature phone is all I need." _Mima: "I see. In this digital era, you block out excess information and trust your own body and emotions." _Mima: "You must be the stoic type." @Fb_Miyuki: "I think you're overstating it." _Mima: "My interest is piqued even more." _Mima: "I think you and I can share valuable information." _Mima: "Just tell me your email address." @Fb_Miyuki: "You're still being so demanding." @Fb_Miyuki: "Well, since you insist." _Mima: "How many scouting groups have there been?" _Mima: "The ones that have reached out to you." @Fbint_Miyuki: "The coach said that there were four more after the Invitational. I'll err on the high side." @Fb_Miyuki: "About ten, I think." @Fb_Miyuki: "How about you?" _Mima: "T-Ten?!" _Mima: "The real battle will be after the summer." @Fb_Miyuki: "How about you?" _Mima: "I'll be seeing you again!" @Fb_Miyuki: "How about you?" @Int_Miyuki: "Why do I find myself among all these competitive types?" : "The results of Seido High School's Golden Week games... Six wins and no losses." @Miyuki: ""Beneath the Same Banner."" @Kataoka: "It may be more important for Furuya to focus on his daily life instead of baseball." Ono: "Furuya, do you really not trust us third-years? So much so that you try to carry the whole team? We aren't going to let you play baseball by yourself."

_Player: "Whoa, most of the rakes are gone. Just two left? The upperclassmen act fast." @Seto: "Want to take a break?" _Player: "Nah, I'm fine. The first string is coming back today, so we'll handle it." _Player: "We want to give it back in its perfect state." @Seto: "I guess we can go look for stray balls." Kukki: "Yeah." @Int_Asada: "Th-This tire is heavy! Did Sawamura-senpai always run like this?" @Seto: "The first string will once again be the focus of practice from tomorrow. I wish I could've played in more games." Kukki: "Wonder how Yui and Yuki did. Think they got any hits?" Sachiko: "We're back!" Haruno: "Welcome back!" @Ochiai: "You're early." Ota: "There was less traffic on the highway than we expected. How did the team do?" @Ochiai: "With the main team gone, they had a chance to really enjoy their games." @Ochiai: "We lost one game, but gained a lot. Especially the first-years." Ota: "The first string won all six games! No one got hurt! It was a great Golden Week!" @Ochiai: "I saw this." Ota: "What?" _Sign: "Eijun Sawamura (West Tokyo) \hWith ace Furuya on the bench, Seido defeated \h\hInvitational semifinalist Hakuryu High School. \h\h\hStarting pitcher Sawamura had a great day and \h\h\h\hexemplified Seido's well-rounded pitching staff." @Ochiai: "This site has a detailed account of the game against Hakuryu." _Sign: "Hakuryu High School 1 – 3 Seido High School Is Seido's Golden Age Coming?" @Ochiai: ""With ace Furuya on the bench, Seido defeated Invitational semifinalist Hakuryu High School. Starting pitcher Eijun Sawamura had a great day and exemplified Seido's well-rounded pitching staff. Jolting Hakuryu and staying calm under pressure, he seemed to have a presence becoming of an ace."" Watanabe: "That's high praise." @Ochiai: ""Seido, long singled out for not having an ace, now has two worthy pitchers in the same year:" @Ochiai: "Satoru Furuya and Eijun Sawamura. If they live up to their full potential, it could certainly mean the coming of a golden age for Seido."" Ota: "That really is high praise!" @Ochiai: "Did he really do that well? I'd like to see the video." @Miyuki: "He said himself that he isn't satisfied." @Kataoka: "Runners got to third base several times. If luck had gone their way, they could've scored two or three more runs." @Kataoka: "It's reassuring that Sawamura is aware of it." @Kataoka: "I'm looking forward to seeing him pitch again." Ota: "Let's not forget about Kawakami! His sinker made quite a splash!" Watanabe: "Yes, sir." Ota: "Seido has three outstanding pitchers." Ota: "Kaneda gave up a few hits, but still held his own. Kawashima pitched on every day, too." @Ochiai: "And Furuya?" @Ochiai: "How did Furuya do?" Ota: "Furuya had several strikeouts..." Ota: "Right?" @Miyuki: "Still the same." @Miyuki: "He let his emotions get the better of him and became erratic." @Miyuki: "He's very tense overall. His pitches lose their sharpness when there's a runner on base." @Ochiai: "Well, we are asking more of him." @Ochiai: "Perhaps trying to live up to his perception of an ace is hindering him." @Kataoka: "It may be more important for Furuya to focus on his daily life instead of baseball. He's developed tunnel vision and can only see his larger goal. He must think about how best to reach that goal and what he should be doing on a daily basis. I think that thought process is what he is lacking. He must consider what he should do each and every day, starting with his life outside of baseball. I believe that is the quickest path to take." @Kataoka: "He keeps his baseball journal. I will speak with him more often." @Int_Miyuki: "Starting with his daily life? That sounds like asking even more from him!" @Kataoka: "Miyuki, we'll have a pitchers' meeting in the morning tomorrow. Tell the fielders that they're to practice on their own." @Miyuki: "Understood." @Miyuki: "I'll go take care of it." @Int_Ochiai: "I see. He's giving his mind a makeover." @Int_Ochiai: "That's the approach an educator like Kataoka would take. In that case, I'll work on the physical, focusing on his body and technique." @Ochiai: "This is getting interesting." @Ochiai: "There are several highly skilled players on the second string, too. I will continue to train them and pressure the first string. They all want to earn a number on their jersey, making us selectors' job that much harder." @Ochiai: "In the next month and a half, they'll try to do just that. It's the best possible problem to have. We just hope none of them are injured." @Ochiai: "Let's make this golden age." @Ochiai: "Shall we?" @Kataoka: "Yes." @Fb_Furuya: "Then you can compete with me." Ono: "Furuya..." Ono: "I've been thinking of something as I watched you pitch. I could be wrong, but hear me out." Ono: "Do you really not trust us third-years?" Ono: "So much so that you try to carry the whole team? I'm not the same as Miyuki," Ono: "and I couldn't catch your pitches at the Jingu Tournament." Ono: "You might scoff at me for saying this, but..." Ono: "We aren't going to let you play baseball by yourself." @Okumura: "What is it?" @Sawamura: "Nothing! I mean, what's that? The Hakuryu game video?" @Okumura: "That's right." @Sawamura: "I wanted to watch it!" @Okumura: "Then let's watch it together." @Okumura: "There's a lot I want to say." @Okumura: "Why are you showing off to people in Gunma?" @Sawamura: "I mean, come on! You can't help it when you get excited!" @Okumura: "Please stay calm on the mound." _Student: "Did you see it? Yeah, I did! They won! Hakuryu? As in the semifinalist in the Invitational? Mima is destined for the majors. He pitched nine innings and only gave up one run! Whoa! Sawamura-senpai, the second-year? Hey, I saw that! Not bad. And this picture is great! I want it!" @Sawamura: "Oh, that's just thanks to the team having my back. It's nothing to make a fuss over." @Sawamura: "The real battle is this summer." @Sawamura: "Pitching well in one game is nothing to celebrate." _Student: "What's he doing? It's creeping me out. He's just happy. He's so happy, it's making him act weird." @Sawamura: "I'm not letting it go to my head!" _Student: "Just speak normal, would ya? Be happy! Where's the big, stupid smile you used to have?" @Kanemaru: "Look at that jerk, getting all the attention." @Kanemaru: "Lucky him." _Student: "Good morning." @Kanemaru: "Y-Yeah." Haruno: "I guess everyone's read the article." Haruno: "I would have loved to see that game against Hakuryu." Haruno: "Oh, good morning! Beating Hakuryu, a powerhouse school and semifinalist in the Invitational, gave a huge confidence boost to Sawamura-kun, and the rest of the team as well." _Haruno: "Akane, Anna, keep track of the count for the games." _Akane: "If we make a mistake, it'll cause all kinds of chaos. Right, Anna?" _Anna: "The first one is balls, then strikes, then outs." _Haruno: "As long as you stay calm and watch the game, you'll be fine." Int_Haruno: "While the main team was at their away games, we had a busy and productive week in Tokyo between practices and games." _Akane: "Haruno-senpai..." Int_Haruno: "I was actually more nervous without Sachi-senpai and Yui-senpai." @Fb_Ochiai: "How many pitches was that?" _Haruno: "Sixty-three! Um..." Int_Haruno: "But it still feels good when the second string wins a game. I saw the new players shine, the third-years show their intensity, and the whole team prepare for the summer." Int_Haruno: "Now if Furuya-kun can find some form..." Int_Haruno: "Little by little..." Int_Haruno: "Little by little... Summer will..." Int_Haruno: "Summer?" Int_Haruno: "Oh, right, jersey numbers. I didn't really understand last year," Int_Haruno: "but this year, I know the players in my year and the upperclassmen very well." Int_Haruno: "Why are there only twenty numbers?" Int_Haruno: "Should I write how I feel in my class journal?" Int_Haruno: "It hurts." _Student: "How is Okumura-kun looking today? He seems calm for now." @Fb_Okumura: "Then, for your first pitch to the cleanup... Miyuki-senpai is clearly asking for an outside pitch." @Fb_Sawamura: "W-Well, I had the previous pitch on my mind..." @Fb_Okumura: "You couldn't let it go and had to have the defense save you." @Fb_Sawamura: "Exactly! That's Shirasu-senpai's white laser!" @Fb_Okumura: "You shouldn't be bragging when it was your pitch that was hit." @Fb_Okumura: "But you did a good job recovering from it." @Fb_Sawamura: "I know, right? I really hung on!" @Fbint_Seto: "Koshu is saying whatever he wants." @Fbbg_Sawamura: "Now watch what I do next!" @Fbint_Asada: "I hope they can manage to get along." @Fbbg_Okumura: "Please watch the video quietly." _Student: "Oh, there he goes. He really was raging." @Int_Okumura: "Damn it." _Sign: "* This is how he remembers it. * This is how he remembers it. * This is how he remembers it. * This is how he remembers it." @Miyuki: "Four runs batted in. Good for you!" @Int_Okumura: "I want... I want to be on the first string." @Fb_Furuya: "Playing baseball by myself?" @Fb_Furuya: "That's not what I was trying to do." @Fb_Furuya: "But I guess that's what it looked like." @Fb_Furuya: "I'll be more careful." @Fb_Ono: "Well, I think you know, but... We're in the same room, after all. I'll help you practice any time you want." @Fb_Furuya: "Thank you." @Int_Yui: "What was going through his mind?" @Int_Yui: "He usually says exactly what he means..." @Yui: "It's still second period! Are you going to last until lunch time?" @Yuki: "I don't think so. I'll be dead by then." @Kataoka: "None of you will throw today! You'll do batting drills as normal, and then focus on lower-body training." _All: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "I'll be handing back the journals for the batteries." _Sign: "Seido High School Baseball Journal" @Kataoka: "I've written my comments about the Golden Week games." @Kataoka: "Kawashima." _Sign: "Power Pitching Kengo Kawashima" Kawashima: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Kaneda." _Sign: "Tadahiro Kaneda" Kaneda: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Kawakami." Kawakami: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "As the oldest pitcher, you're the leader of the pitching staff." Kawakami: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Sawamura." _Sign: "Eijun Sawamura Legend" @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Your writing needs improvement. Double check it before turning it in. Don't write bigger because you think no one will notice. No matter how well you pitch in a game, there are no spots on the roster for students with bad grades." @Int_Sawamura: "So many complaints!" @Kataoka: "I'm planning to start you against Naruta Industrial this weekend. Make sure you're ready." @Sawamura: "Y-Yes, sir!" @Int_Yui: "Naruta is a powerhouse school from Chiba." Int_Ono: "Right after the Hakuryu game..." Int_Kariba: "If he can pull it off... he'd effectively be our ace." @Kataoka: "Furuya!" @Furuya: "Yes, sir." @Kataoka: "Read this carefully and think about it." @Kataoka: "Miyuki." @Miyuki: "Yes, sir!" _Sign: "Sawamura style Golden Week Work Goal is near, maintain focus Don't make a ruckus in the train Weak point" @Int_Sawamura: "Goal-Don-Weak!" @Int_Kataoka: "Is this a joke? I don't have time for playing around." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn, he didn't like it. I'll come up with something better next time!" @Int_Kataoka: "It seems you aren't satisfied with how the Hakuryu game went." @Int_Kataoka: "They are a powerhouse team with one of the best running games in the country. In my mind, it was neither luck nor a fluke that led us to victory. It was you, who has never given up on becoming the ace, and kept walking up, step by step, that put the result in our favor. Above confidence lies pride, and below humility lies subservience." @Int_Kataoka: "I want you to keep your feet on solid ground and keep walking forward." @Int_Kataoka: "I'm looking forward to your next start." @Fb_Kataoka: "Now that you have visible improvement, you have to find some solid ground, and walk." @Fb_Kataoka: "Step by step." @Fb_Kataoka: "That's how you've come this far, after all." @Sawamura: "I've been away from my home ground for so long! I'm gonna go tear things up!" @Kanemaru: "Keep it down! Don't start shouting all of a sudden!" @Kanemaru: "What's with you? You're not throwing today!" @Sawamura: "I'll do it! I'm gonna do it!" @Int_Kataoka: "I believe not letting you start in the Hakuryu game was the right decision." @Int_Kataoka: "Although we won both games, their substance was far from ideal. Pitching with strength alone, walking too many batters, becoming intimidated when there are runners on base..." @Int_Kataoka: "I have trouble seeing you as the pitcher you want to be." @Int_Kataoka: "What kind of pitcher do you think the best in Japan is? Players who have achieved great careers did not get there overnight." @Int_Kataoka: "Their performances day after day, over time, led to their great careers." @Int_Kataoka: "What do you need to achieve the same?" @Int_Kataoka: "What should you be doing each and every day? I'd like you to consider those questions." @Yui: "Furuya-san!" @Yuki: "Let's go!" _Sign: "Baseball Journal Satoru Furuya" @Furuya: "Yeah." @Asada: "He's getting hit after hit with that wooden bat." Kukki: "Wow! There's a guy in a suit here again today." @Asada: "I wonder who he's scouting for." Kukki: "It's not just Miyuki-senpai. There have been guys coming to watch Furuya-san, too." Maezono: "Yeah!" _Player: "Zono-senpai yells louder when there's a guy in a suit around. Yeah, it's pretty obvious." @Bg_Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Kuramochi: "He's looking good on batting, too." Bg_Maezono: "Yeah!" @Kominato: "He seems more motivated than usual. Did something good happen?" @Sawamura: "Tojo, thank you! Thank you, Tojo! That was great practice!" @Tojo: "Nice enunciation." @Int_Tojo: "I wonder if Sawamura is good at hitting inside pitches. His hits those farther than he does outside pitches." @Kanemaru: "Tojo!" @Int_Kanemaru: "Let's do this for real." @Int_Tojo: "I don't mind." @Int_Tojo: "I can only throw fastballs, so I'll put them where you have trouble hitting." @Sawamura: "Hey, hey, hey, you need to put the ball in play, Kanemaru!" @Int_Kanemaru: "I hit twice and struck out three times in ten at-bats during Golden Week." @Int_Kanemaru: "I'd have no room to complain if they took me off the lineup for the next game." @Int_Kanemaru: "But my aggressive swing is my best asset. Even if I get out, my swing and the speed of the ball will still put pressure on the fielders." @Int_Tojo: "He's as good at hitting fastballs as ever. But only fastballs." @Int_Ochiai: "Kanemaru and Higasa are very similar players. Maybe Higasa should have a chance next." @Miyuki: "There's a runner on second!" @Miyuki: "Infielders, a bunt is coming!" Maezono: "Yeah!" @Kuramochi: "Okay! Nice, Nori!" Kawakami: "Legs, use your legs! If you throw fast with just your upper body, it won't go where you want!" Kawakami: "Okay! Nice, Furuya!" Kawakami: "Finish it up, Kaneda!" @Fb_Kataoka: "As the oldest pitcher, you're the leader of the pitching staff." Int_Kawakami: "Playing in the games isn't everything." Int_Kawakami: "As a third-year, I need to do what I can." Kawakami: "Okay! Nice, Kaneda!" @Kanemaru: "Why are you playing third base, shortstop?" Takatsu: "The coach said I could." @Kanemaru: "Huh?" Takatsu: "I can get twice as much practice in." @Kanemaru: "If you get too greedy, you'll wind up with nothing." Takatsu: "If something's within your grasp, of course you'll want it." @Kanemaru: "Yeah, keep talking." Takatsu: "I rather like the view from third base." @Kanemaru: "Hey, shut up!" Int_Higasa: "Hey, hey!" _Sign: "Don't forget about me!!" Int_Higasa: "Don't forget about me!" @Miyuki: "Infielders, get the runner on second!" @Kataoka: "Picture the runner as Mima from Hakuryu! If your throw is late, he'll be safe!" Maezono: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Whoa, that's trouble!" @Kanemaru: "Bring it on!" Maezono: "Yeah!" _Scout: "They're as intense as ever." @Ochiai: "Fielding drills are how Coach Kataoka communicates with the players. I still can't work my way in here." @Kanemaru: "Bring it on!" Ono: "Let's do this!" @Kominato: "Bring it on!" @Kuramochi: "Let's do this!" Maezono: "So, Miyuki..." Maezono: "Where do you want to go?" @Miyuki: "Where, what?" Maezono: "Out of the pro teams, of course!" Maezono: "If you got an offer, you'd go, right? Any team you're hoping for?" Int_Seki: "Leave it to Zono to ask something awkward straight-out." Int_Aso: "I'd like to know too, but..." Maezono: "Wait, do you wanna go to the MLB?!" @Miyuki: "Leave me alone." Maezono: "But I wanna know!" @Miyuki: "The only thing I'm thinking about is getting to Koshien Stadium with you guys. Everything else can wait until after that." Maezono: "Hey..." Maezono: "Crap, I walked right into that one!" @Miyuki: "What're you getting worked up over?" Maezono: "That wasn't what I wanted to hear! Now people will love him even more!" @Kuramochi: "When did you become such a model student?" Kawakami: "I think he's lying." Watanabe: "That's what you say as the captain. But what are you really thinking?" @Miyuki: "What is all this? What do you want me to say?" Maezono: "Just say a team you like! It's not that hard!" Maezono: "Go ahead, say one!" @Sawamura: "Pro..." Maezono: "Come on!" @Miyuki: "Why do I have to?" _Player: "Wow, the pros. I'm jealous. There was a scout here." _Ono: "We aren't going to let you play baseball by yourself." @Fb_Kataoka: "Read this carefully and think about it." @Int_Kataoka: "What kind of pitcher do you think the best in Japan is? What do you need to achieve the same? What should you be doing each and every day? I'd like you to consider those questions." @Yui: "Furuya-san." @Yui: "Furuya-san?!" @Sawamura: "I can't let him beat me! Not in class and not on the field!" @Miyuki: "Nah, he's not that weak." @Sawamura: "Okay, last one! I'm gonna make the most of this chance! Are you okay?" @Furuya: "Yeah, I'm okay." @Miyuki: "Because they're both thinking, trying to grow..."

@Int_Sawamura: "I woke up before my alarm clock went off." @Int_Sawamura: "I won't make Asada join me for a walk, since he's been sleeping better lately." @Int_Sawamura: "Would Kuramochi-senpai get angry if I woke him up?" @Int_Sawamura: "Should I do some studying? Or lift some weights? Read a book? I can do so much with the time before everyone's awake!" @Int_Kataoka: "I have trouble seeing you as the pitcher you want to be." @Int_Kataoka: "What kind of pitcher do you think the best in Japan is? Players who have achieved great careers did not get there overnight." @Int_Kataoka: "What do you need to achieve the same?" @Int_Kataoka: "What should you be doing each and every day? I'd like you to consider those questions." @Int_Yui: "Furuya-san..." @Int_Yui: "Studying at this hour?" @Kuramochi: "Oh, man. When I woke up, he was asleep on the floor." @Miyuki: "Really?" @Kuramochi: "What if he hurt his neck?" @Fb_Kuramochi: "What're you on the floor for?!" @Kuramochi: "I gave him a good stomp to the face." @Miyuki: "Don't do that!" @Sawamura: "Morning!" @Kanemaru: "Morning!" @Kuramochi: "Sawamura aside, how's Furuya handling it?" @Kuramochi: "Is he shorting out from overthinking things?" @Kuramochi: "His one-of-a-kind fastball has always been his go-to asset. He's not the type to think up different things to try on the mound." @Kuramochi: "If he doesn't get things turned around, he won't be ready for the summer." @Miyuki: "Nah, he's not that weak." @Miyuki: "It's a real talent to be able to face yourself on such a deep level." @Fb_Furuya: "I want my pitching to be even better than it was that day." @Sawamura: "Morning!" @Kominato: "Good morning." @Miyuki: "Sawamura has seized the opportunity presented by Furuya's downfall. I don't know who will get the jersey number," @Miyuki: "but we'll need them both at their best to make it through the summer tournament." @Miyuki: "Our job is to score as many runs as we can to support them. Right, Mr. Permanent Lead-off Man?" Maezono: "That's right! We need to score to pull the team along!" @Miyuki: "No shouting in the morning!" @Kuramochi: "Where did you come from anyway?" Maezono: "Good morning! Let's do a hundred practice swings!" @Miyuki: "Not with you." @Kuramochi: "Do them by yourself." Maezono: "Why the cold shoulder? We're all going to Koshien Stadium together!" @Sawamura: "Nori-san, are you in the bullpen today?" Kawakami: "I'm throwing in the field." @Int_Sawamura: "Miyuki-senpai is catching for Furuya today." @Int_Sawamura: "What will I do in the bullpen?" @Okumura: "I decline." @Sawamura: "I haven't—" @Okumura: "I'm sorry..." @Sawamura: "You—" @Okumura: "to have let you down." _Teacher: ""Intrigued, I approached and saw the shaft was glowing."" _Teacher: "That is a line from an ancient text..." _Student: "He's down. Yep, down. He fought well." @Kataoka: "No matter how well you pitch in a game, there are no spots on the roster for students with bad grades." @Int_Sawamura: "Can't sleep! Won't sleep!" @Int_Sawamura: "Don't... sleep..." @Int_Kanemaru: "If you bomb this class, you're on your own. I don't have time to help you." @Int_Sawamura: "I have to stay awake! I refuse to lose to him, in class or on the field!" _Teacher: "This will be on the test, so be sure to learn it." Maezono: "Damn it!" Ono: "Okay, nice pitch!" Yamaguchi: "Nice pitch, Furuya! But it's okay to let them make contact, too!" @Miyuki: "Didn't you say you'd pull the team along?" Maezono: "I'm trying to!" @Int_Kominato: "The ball is howling." @Ochiai: "No one can practice with Furuya pitching so well." Int_Ono: "He has to pitch only outside fastballs. It seems like keeping things simple by setting rules does help him." @Ochiai: "I really can't read him." @Miyuki: "See? I told you he wasn't weak." @Kuramochi: "His ups and downs are too volatile, man!" @Kanemaru: "Here's the cleanup! You can let him hit!" @Sawamura: "That jerk." @Yui: "He's looking good. He stopped shorting out once he got on the mound." @Int_Miyuki: "Like I told you last game," @Int_Miyuki: "if you can get your outside pitches down, not many people will be able to hit them." Int_Ono: "Right here." @Sawamura: "Whoa! Finally, someone hit! Way to go, cap!" @Int_Miyuki: "I'll still hit it, though." @Int_Miyuki: "Since you have to throw it outside, I'd better be able to hit it." @Int_Okumura: "He was practicing with a wooden bat before. When did he pick up a metal one?" @Kominato: "Yoh-san, would you help me with some tee-batting?" @Kuramochi: "Sure." @Furuya: "Ono-senpai." @Furuya: "Could you catch for me once you're done?" @Furuya: "I liked how it felt earlier." Ono: "Sure, if you don't mind me catching for you. Should we limit it to outside pitches?" @Furuya: "That's what I was thinking." Ono: "See you at the indoor practice field." @Int_Sawamura: "Isn't Miyuki-senpai supposed to catch for you today?" @Miyuki: "You're really mad that I got a hit off you, aren't you?" @Furuya: "No, I'm not." @Miyuki: "I don't mind. You can handle him, Ono. If you don't stop him, he'll keep pitching forever." Ono: "I know. I'll wrap things up soon." @Furuya: "I'm not mad." @Int_Ochiai: "If he's going to pitch, maybe I'll watch." @Yui: "Furuya-san, I can stand in the batter's box!" @Yui: "Getting my eyes accustomed to your pitches will be great practice for me!" @Furuya: "You don't mind just standing there?" @Yui: "I don't. And I'd like to be asked to catch next time." @Furuya: "Okay, let's try it." Int_Maezono: "How many high schools in Japan have pitchers who can throw like that?" Int_Maezono: "Damn it!" Int_Maezono: "This ain't good enough!" Int_Maezono: "Are we only good in the pitching department?" Int_Maezono: "No! Seido used to be all about its powerful lineup!" @Kominato: "Yoh-san, want to bat right-handed?" @Kuramochi: "Nah, I'm fine on the left." @Fb_Ochiai: "Say, why are you a switch hitter?" @Fbint_Kuramochi: "Why am I a switch hitter?" @Fbint_Kuramochi: "Because..." @Fbint_Kuramochi: "...it's cool. That's why!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Our job is to score as many runs as we can to support them. Right, Mr. Permanent Lead-off Man?" @Int_Kuramochi: "I know, damn it!" @Int_Kuramochi: "It's not my job to be cool!" Oka: "One more!" @Sawamura: "Go!" _Player: "Whoa, he's fast! Sawamura-senpai is on fire again today." _Player: "He runs that fast while pulling a tire? I can't do that with a tire!" Kukki: "Doing ten tire sprints as a cooldown routine?" Kukki: "I hate to admit it, but the upperclassmen have great endurance." Kukki: "If we did all that, we wouldn't be able to eat!" @Asada: "Yeah." @Sawamura: "Go!" @Seto: "I heard from Kanemaru-senpai that he's been using the same tire since he was a first-year." @Seto: "He stayed at practice later than everyone else, running." @Seto: "Goes to show that normal practice won't get you on the first string as a first-year." @Okumura: "A tire, huh?" @Int_Asada: "If I'm able to run like that," @Int_Asada: "will I be closer to Sawamura-senpai's level?" @Fb_Furuya: "Then you can compete with me." @Fb_Kataoka: "I'm planning to start you against Naruta Industrial this weekend. Make sure you're ready." @Int_Sawamura: "I won't let this chance slip by." @Sawamura: "Okay, last one!" @Int_Sawamura: "I'm going to make the most of it!" Ono: "Okay, nice pitch! Not even Miyuki could hit that!" @Yui: "That was incredible!" @Int_Ochiai: "He's not forcing it as much." Ono: "Okay, ten more pitches!" @Furuya: "Yes, sir." Ono: "Stay focused! There are runners on second and third!" @Yui: "The count is 2–1." Ono: "Put it right here!" @Yui: "I'm hoping for a meatball!" @Int_Furuya: "There are players who want me to pitch to them." @Int_Furuya: "I feel like this practice is very important." @Int_Furuya: "But..." @Int_Furuya: "I'm still so far away." @Int_Furuya: "This is going to be a battle against myself." @Int_Furuya: "If I pitch like I did this spring, I'll never get there." @Int_Furuya: "A wall to overcome." @Int_Furuya: "A wall I must overcome!" Ono: "What happened? Keep the pitches down." @Yui: "Furuya-san?" @Yui: "Excuse me!" _Player: "Furuya?" Yamaguchi: "Really?" Kishima: "Is it his shoulder?" Seki: "I don't know all the details." @Yui: "He said he was fine." Ono: "His pitches seemed fine, but he suddenly lost control. He started acting strange." Ono: "He said his back hurt a little." Int_Kawakami: "His back?" Ono: "He says his shoulder and elbow are fine." Doc: "You can put your arm down." Doc: "He has pain in the lower part of his shoulder blade." Doc: "He most likely strained the muscle." Doc: "Luckily, he doesn't seem to have pain in his shoulder. It probably isn't a serious injury." Ota: "O-Oh, I see!" Doc: "To be safe, you should have him checked out at a large hospital." Ota: "Okay, we will." Doc: "Make sure he gets a massage after practice every day." Ota: "Yes, sir." @Int_Furuya: "Thank goodness. I can't afford to stop now." Doc: "You seem to think you'll be pitching again soon. It's written all over your face, Furuya." Doc: "Either you're pitching too much or you've built up a lot of strain. Either way, the pain in your back shows that you aren't pitching with the right form. If you'd kept pitching like that, you definitely would've hurt your shoulder or elbow. It's admirable to have lofty goals, but the summer is a time when players push themselves." Doc: "Take this as a warning from his body and carve it into your memory." @Kataoka: "Yes, sir." @Kataoka: "Thank you." @Int_Ochiai: "Putting pressure on himself out of a sense of duty. The tension in his upper body was a warning sign." @Int_Ochiai: "We should have re-examined his pitching form first." @Fb_Ochiai: "Let's make this golden age." @Int_Ochiai: "Thinking positively, the timing could have been worse," @Int_Ochiai: "but things don't always go to plan, huh?" @Kataoka: "So you've been waiting here? He's fine. Furuya's symptoms aren't serious. Don't worry." Ota: "Okay, let's go back." @Fb_Kuramochi: "If he doesn't get things turned around, he won't be ready for the summer." @Fb_Miyuki: "Nah, he's not that weak." @Int_Miyuki: "They're both thinking, trying to grow..." @Int_Miyuki: "That's why I wanted to trust him." @Int_Miyuki: "And why I didn't want to be left in the dust..." @Int_Miyuki: "as his partner." Maezono: "Furuya!" Maezono: "Take things easy! Take the time to get better!" Maezono: "I'm not the most reliable third-year." Maezono: "None of us are satisfied with how we did in the spring! Don't go blaming everything on yourself!" Maezono: "We'll get much better from here! Got it? Take it easy!" Ota: "Maezono..." @Furuya: "I've never thought of you as unreliable." Maezono: "Oh! That's good, then. Now, go eat something, take a bath, and sleep!" Ono: "How's Furuya?" Maezono: "He's fine! Don't worry!" @Kuramochi: "Miyuki, let's go!" @Sawamura: "Are you okay?" @Furuya: "Yeah, I'm fine." @Furuya: "I was told not to pitch for two weeks." @Int_Kominato: "Two weeks..." @Sawamura: "I see." @Sawamura: "Good." @Sawamura: "Because I'm not stopping." @Sawamura: "Come back in top shape. "I'm Not Stopping!" My second year at Seido High School, which began with the Spring Invitational, my first pitch at Koshien Stadium, and the match against Komadai Fujimaki. I have so many memories," @Sawamura: "but they're filled with frustration." @Sawamura: "This summer is my last chance to play with Miyuki-senpai, Kuramochi-senpai and the others. The team that will get a ticket to Koshien Stadium"

Haruno: "Sorry I'm late!" Yui: "We were just taking a break." Sachiko: "Good work on day duty, Haruno." Haruno: "I got held up because there was so much to do. Wait, how did you know I had day duty today?" Yui: "You tripped in the hallway and sent handouts flying everywhere, remember?" _Haruno: "I'll take these." _Student: "Okay, thanks!" _Haruno: "Yep, just leave it to me—" Haruno: "You saw that?" Yui: "Yep." Sachiko: "Haruno, you're a goddess!" Haruno: "Huh?" Yui: "I pulled this off the shelf because Akane and Anna wanted to see it." Haruno: "Oh, right. The Invitational happened before you enrolled. It was just a few months ago," Haruno: "but I remember it fondly." _Sign: "11 Strikeouts 138 intense pitches fail to produce" Akane: "Furuya-senpai is really amazing!" _Sign: ""I'll be back in the summer."" Yui: "Practically everyone was watching Furuya-kun. Our time at Koshien Stadium was short but fulfilling." Sachiko: "A lot happened. I still laugh about the seventh inning in that first round against Homei." _Sign: "High School Baseball Invitational" Haruno: "Sawamura-kun's ears turned bright red." _Sign: "Furuya Shirasu Kanemaru Yamaguchi Sawamura" Haruno: "The Spring Invitational was my first time at Koshien Stadium as team manager. People were excited to see our ace Furuya's monster pitches, but Sawamura-kun took the mound in the seventh inning. I was so nervous!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "This is how chapter 2 of the Sawamura Legend begins!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "It slipped!" @Fb_Fan: "He's red! His face is red! He's red all the way to his ears! You're right! He's bright red! You can see how red he is from the stands! It's okay! That doesn't count! We'll pretend we didn't see it! Get back up!" @Fb_Fan: "He stood up defiantly for some reason! Don't let it get to you, Number 18!" @Fb_Fan: "Hey, he's moving! There are second chances in life, kid!" @Fb_Fan: "How many deep breaths is he gonna take?" _Sign: "Seido Homei" : "Defeating Homei in the first round, Seido continued their winning streak and reached the quarterfinals. There they faced the all-powerful pitcher, Masamune Hongo, from the Hokkaido powerhouse Komadai Fujimaki." : "Seido was eliminated in the quarterfinals." @Fb_Kanemaru: "Where are you going? If you're gonna take some dirt, take it from near the benches!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "There was no room for me in that game." @Fbint_Sawamura: "Reflecting, preparing... If you don't perform when you need to," @Fbint_Sawamura: "you won't get any chances." @Fbint_Sawamura: "All you can do is watch from here." @Fbint_Sawamura: "I won't forget how much this hurt..." @Fbint_Sawamura: "Because I want to stand on that mound again!" _All: "Thank you!" : "Thus, Seido's first appearance at Koshien Stadium in seven years drew to a close. Now, as they set out for the big summer tournament, they were joined by fresh talent." @Fb_Yui: "I'm Kaoru Yui from Mamiya Senior." @Fb_Seto: "I'm Takuma Seto from Daikyo Senior." @Fb_Yuki: "I'm Masashi Yuki from Akado Middle School!" @Fb_Okumura: "I'm Koshu Okumura from Daikyo Senior." : "The 59 second- and third-years" : "received 35 new recruits." : "The team now has 94 members." : "Seeking to make consecutive Koshien appearances..." @Fb_Miyuki: "Let's go!" _All: "Yeah!" : "...the new Seido High School baseball team is now setting off." Sachiko: "But man, Hongo-kun from Komadai Fujimaki was really something else!" Yui: "Do you need to keep talking about him, Sachiko?" Ana: "I saw Sawamura-senpai's pitching on TV, too." Akane: "I did, too! I was so nervous." Haruno: "Sawamura-kun was sure trying hard." Sachiko: "I think so, too! That game against Hakuryu during Golden Week was awesome!" Haruno: "You mean this, right?" _Sign: "Eijun Sawamura (West Tokyo)" Yui: "Yeah, that's it. "Starting pitcher Eijun Sawamura had a great day and exemplified Seido's well-rounded pitching staff. Jolting Hakuryu and staying calm under pressure, he seemed to have a presence becoming of an ace."" Sachiko: "Hey, this is a screenshot." Akane: "Haruno-senpai, you make sure to save copies of the internet articles, too?" Ana: "Can I look through the other ones?" Haruno: "Yes, of course." Ana: "Wow, she even saved the short articles." Akane: "You're right! Even the ones about Aso-senpai and Maezono-senpai!" Haruno: "Yeah, but most of them are about Miyuki-senpai and Furuya-kun." Akane: "That's because they're the captain and the ace." Ana: "Yep." Sachiko: "Hey, Haruno, send me the articles about Hongo-kun." Yui: "Do you need to keep talking about him, Sachiko?" Sachiko: "But they have a good relationship. They keep pushing each other to improve." Yui: "Miyuki-kun has something to do with that. He brings out their strong points. We do call catchers "wives," after all." Haruno: "Miyuki-senpai and Sawamura-kun's battery was really on display during the spring tournament quarterfinals." Haruno: "Sawamura-kun really shone as he followed the game Miyuki-senpai called ." _Announcer: "An inside pitch for strike three! That's three outs!" : "Seido defeated Kasuga First in the quarterfinals and advanced to the semifinals." : "Sawamura showed even more signs of growth." : "Meanwhile, Furuya..." _Furuya: "That's not all." _Furuya: "I can do more." _Furuya: "That day, I was more..." _Furuya: "More..." _Furuya: "More..." _Announcer: "Strike! Batter out! The batter swings and misses at a high fastball for strike three!" _All: "Yeah!" @Fb_Miyuki: "He really has changed since Koshien Stadium." @Fb_Miyuki: "What did you see at Koshien Stadium?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Are you chasing after that game you pitched against Hongo?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Control, speed, and focus... Only four hits allowed in nine innings." @Fb_Miyuki: "It was the best I'd ever seen you pitch." @Fb_Miyuki: "Honestly, I got a little scared of your potential." @Fb_Furuya: "But we lost." @Fb_Furuya: "We lost because of the runs I gave up." @Fb_Furuya: "I want my pitching to be even better than it was that day." : "Then began their semifinal game against Ichidai Third High." _Umpire: "Ball!" : "Furuya was on the mound." _Fan: "This is the ninth batter. What's wrong with Furuya?" @Fbint_Sawamura: "What the heck is he doing?" @Fbint_Sawamura: "What the heck is he doing?" _Announcer: "Seido High School is making a substitution." _Announcer: "Replacing pitcher Furuya-kun is Sawamura-kun." _Announcer: "Batting eighth, pitcher Sawamura-kun." @Fb_Miyuki: "They got some lucky hits, but you were in no state to take on Ichidai." @Fb_Miyuki: "This was an important experience for you." @Fb_Miyuki: "Don't waste it." @Fb_Miyuki: "Sawamura." @Fb_Miyuki: "The bases are loaded and their cleanup batter is up. We're in a tight spot―" @Fb_Sawamura: "I know!" @Fb_Sawamura: "I know my role." @Fbint_Sawamura: "Furuya..." @Fbint_Sawamura: "I don't know what it is you're fighting against." @Fbint_Sawamura: "I don't know, but..." @Fbint_Sawamura: "I'm going to take down the hitters in front of me." @Fbint_Sawamura: "What else does a pitcher need to do?!" _Umpire: "Strike!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "No matter the situation," @Fbint_Sawamura: "I'll be true to myself!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Yeah!" _Announcer: "He finishes with an outside fastball! The fourth and fifth batters have both struck out!" @Fb_Kuramochi: "Nice pitching, jerk!" @Fb_Kominato: "Nice pitch, Eijun-kun!" @Fbint_Miyuki: "I wanted Furuya to get back on track..." @Fbint_Miyuki: "But the fact of the matter is that we needed to switch pitchers." @Fbint_Miyuki: "It was the most difficult situation to be dropped into..." @Fbint_Miyuki: "but he pulled it off!" @Fb_Kataoka: "You saved me." @Fb_Kataoka: "Sorry." @Fb_Kataoka: "Good job shutting them down." @Fbint_Sawamura: "Damn it." @Fbint_Sawamura: "Don't apologize!" : "Unfortunately, they were unable to overcome Ichidai Third High ace Amahisa's pitching." _Announcer: "A fly ball to left field ends the game! The first game of the Tokyo spring tournament semifinals, a battle between division rivals, has been won by Ichidai Third High!" : "Seido got within two runs in the ninth, but was unable to complete the comeback. They were eliminated in the semifinals. The team played several away games during Golden Week," _Sign: "Maebashi Municipal Baseball Stadium" : "including one against Hakuryu. This game presented a big opportunity for Sawamura, who still wants to become his team's ace." @Fb_Miyuki: "Sawamura!" @Fbint_Miyuki: "One at a time." @Fb_Sawamura: "Balls will come flying your way, so please back me up!" @Fb_Maezono: "Yeah!" @Fb_Kanemaru: "We'll stop 'em!" @Fb_Aso: "Go all out, Sawamura!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "I see." @Fbint_Sawamura: "I've been given a big chance. I've wanted him to acknowledge me," @Fbint_Sawamura: "wanted to make him acknowledge me!" _Umpire: "Strike!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "I won't waste..." @Fbint_Sawamura: "one pitch or one second!" : "Sawamura pitched all nine innings and picked up a win against Gunma powerhouse Hakuryu, Invitation semifinalists." _Scout: "They couldn't get a read on that southpaw." _Reporter: "I bet Hakuryu didn't expect any pitcher besides Furuya to hold them to just one run. He's really a remarkable pitcher." _Mine: "He's Eijun Sawamura." _Mine: "You won't regret learning his name." @Fb_Furuya: "Nice pitching." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'm not satisfied." @Fb_Sawamura: "I let runners get to third too many times..." @Fb_Sawamura: "and I relied too heavily on the fielders." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'm not satisfied at all!" @Fb_Furuya: "Good." @Fb_Furuya: "Then you can compete with me." @Fb_Furuya: "Ono-senpai." @Fb_Furuya: "Could you catch for me once you're done?" @Fb_Furuya: "I liked how it felt earlier." _Ono: "Sure, if you don't mind me catching for you. Should we limit it to outside pitches?" @Fb_Furuya: "That's what I was thinking." _Ono: "See you at the indoor practice field." @Fbint_Furuya: "There are players who want me to pitch to them." @Fbint_Furuya: "I feel like this practice is very important." @Fbint_Furuya: "But..." @Fbint_Furuya: "I'm still so far away." @Fbint_Furuya: "This is going to be a battle against myself." @Fbint_Furuya: "If I pitch like I did this spring, I'll never get there." @Fbint_Furuya: "A wall to overcome." @Fbint_Furuya: "A wall I must overcome!" : "Furuya felt discomfort in his back, but fortunately his shoulder and elbow were not injured. He had been overworking himself and was barred from pitching for two weeks." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'm not stopping." @Fb_Sawamura: "Come back in top shape." Akane: "Furuya-senpai's back injury will heal soon, right?" Ana: "I heard he'd be able to pitch in two weeks." Haruno: "I'm sure Furuya-kun will be fine! He's got Miyuki-senpai, Sawamura-kun, and the rest of the team supporting him!" Akane: "Haruno-senpai, you're in the same class as Sawamura-senpai and Furuya-senpai, right?" Akane: "What are they like in school?" Haruno: "Furuya-kun marches to the beat of his own drum. Actually, Sawamura-kun falls asleep, too..." Ana: "Asleep?" Haruno: "Yeah, he often falls asleep in class." Haruno: "And actually Sawamura-kun falls asleep, too..." Ana: "Oh, the rice is done." Yui: "Okay, break's over." Sachiko: "Let's make those rice balls." _All: "Yes!" Yui: "Oh, Haruno, could you refill the water on the field? It's probably getting low by now." Haruno: "Yes." Akane: "Haruno-senpai!" Ana: "We'll help you." Haruno: "What about the rice balls?" Akane: "We'll go back as soon as we're finished." Haruno: "Thanks. But I can handle it. Let Yui-senpai and Sachi-senpai teach you some things. They'll only be around for three more months." Haruno: "Oh, strike that! They'll still be around for another three months! Go get 'em!" _All: "Yes." Haruno: "Now, help..." Ana: "Haruno-senpai!" Ana: "Aren't those rice balls a little big?" Yui: "Nah, it's fine!" Ana: "Yeah, you're right!" Yui: "Yeah." Int_Haruno: "They're all working so hard to get back there." Int_Haruno: "They want to make it to Koshien Stadium this summer! Let's win the national title!" Haruno: ""After Spring Comes..."" @Sawamura: "Here I go!" @Miyuki: "Be serious!" @Sawamura: "I am! You should be training, too, cap! You get injured easily!" @Miyuki: "Shut up! I've already healed! Your weakness is the speed of the pitch. Let's take the time to make that pitch yours." Kawakami: "As a third-year, and as a pitcher... I want to win! I don't want any regrets this summer! On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Bloom of Youth""

Announcer: "A dramatic walk-off hit! The team advancing from the first quarterfinal will be Osaka Seiseisha!" _Fan: "Kawasaki! Keep going to the championship! Nice game! It was close! Come back in the summer! Well fought!" Announcer: "The second quarterfinal game between Yamamori Academy and Yakushi High School ...will begin at 11:00." @Maezono: "It was Kawasaki's bat that won them the game." @Shirasu: "That was a slider." @Kuramochi: "Too bad for Sasaki on Kamijo." _Guy: "Is it cold today? It hasn't gotten much warmer. Maybe we won't need any ice." @Tojo: "How many pitches did he throw?" @Kanemaru: "I'm pretty sure he won't be pitching tomorrow." @Kanemaru: "Kawasaki-san looks scary, but he's got excellent control." Sachiko: "Guys!" Sachiko: "The bus is here!" _All: "Yeah!" @Miyuki: "Let's get going!" _All: "Yeah!" shi: "Two games until the final!" shi: "This is when the going gets tough!" _All: "Yeah!" _Fan: "What? Tickets are sold out? It's cold! I couldn't sleep last night. Me, neither! The games today are crazy!" Announcer: "It's time for the much-anticipated fourth game. Seido from Western Tokyo will face Komadai Fujimaki from Southern Hokkaido. The game will begin soon!" _Fan: "Isn't that Todoroki and Mishima from Yakushi?" Mishima: "Keep it down. They'll know we're here." Owada: "This is incredible. The seats are practically full." Mine: "Yeah." _Fan: "I really wanna see the two 150-km/h pitchers battle it out! They both give really bland interviews. It had better not rain. Seido's batting first. Furuya's starting today, huh?" Ota: "Putting him on the mound first..." Ochiai: "Well, it's not unreasonable." Announcer: "Komadai Fujimaki will be fielding first. On the mound is #1, second-year ace Hongo Masamune, starting for the first time this tournament." Announcer: "The catcher is also a second-year, Enjo Renji." _Fan: "So we'll get to see the aces face each other in the first inning! Coach Nitta knows what we want. He didn't do it for us!" Yui: "He finally steps up in the quarterfinal." Seto: "Aren't Coach Nitta's rotations usually set in stone? Maybe he switched things up for a reason." Okumura: "He may have been preparing for this match." Seto: "You mean the quarterfinal?" Announcer: "Coach Nitta from Komadai Fujimaki... and Coach Kataoka from Seido High School. Both teams have relied on their deep pitching relays to make it this far." Announcer: "The timing of how they swap their pitchers may decide this game." @Tojo: "The third baseman's on alert." @Kuramochi: "Yeah." Announcer: "Top of the first inning. Batting first for Seido High School, shortstop Kuramochi-kun." @Int_Kuramochi: "This is much better than making us wait to face him. Either way, we'll have to overcome this pitcher" @Int_Kuramochi: "or we have no hope of winning." _Umpire: "Play!" Announcer: "Here comes the highly awaited first pitch!" @Int_Kuramochi: "Well, I did tease drag bunts in the first and second rounds." @Int_Kuramochi: "But I'm swinging at the first pitch here!" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Fan: "His first pitch is 150 km/h! All-out already?! And he put it on the inside corner! Hongo is incredible!" @Kuramochi: "Well, damn." @Sawamura: "No, he's swinging just fine!" _Umpire: "Strike two!" _Fan: "Outside corner! After that inside pitch, no way he could swing at that! Incredible! He won't hit anything!" _Reporter: "The way he pitches inside and outside so naturally is part of his strength. He looks wild, but has excellent control." Announcer: "Now the third pitch! Will it be a slider? Or something else?" @Int_Kuramochi: "A splitter." @Fb_Kataoka: "Keep your strike zone high in this game." @Fb_Kataoka: "Got it?" @Fb_Kuramochi: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Let the low balls go, even if you're down in the count." @Int_Kuramochi: "It's a fastball!" Announcer: "He goes down swinging!" Announcer: "Ace Hongo takes down lead-off batter Kuramochi with a splitter!" _Fan: "He swung at a pitch that bounced? Shows how good his fastballs are!" @Sawamura: "Don, don, don't!" @Kuramochi: "Shut up!" @Int_Kuramochi: "They drop so steeply at that speed?" Todoroki: "I wanna hit that!" Mishima: "I wouldn't swing at an obvious ball like that." Announcer: "Batting second, center fielder Tojo-kun." @Int_Tojo: "Wow. And we're in the same year." _Umpire: "Foul!" @Int_Tojo: "My swing's late." @Int_Tojo: "It sank... at that speed?" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Int_Kominato: "How does that pitch's arc look?" Announcer: "Batting third, second baseman Kominato-kun." Int_Nitta: "Like he's taking out the stress of not getting to start until now on the batters, he lets his irritation, worries, frustration," Int_Nitta: "and his anger at me explode." Int_Nitta: "He can express all of his feelings through his pitching alone." Int_Nitta: "His extraordinary ability allows him to do that." @Int_Kominato: "The speed... No. The pressure is so intense." @Int_Kominato: "I wanted to get a hit without getting to two strikes." Int_Nitta: "He is truly..." Int_Nitta: "blessed by the baseball gods." @Int_Kominato: "Three fastballs." Announcer: "And that's strike three! He takes down Seido's top three batters in an incredible start! He has yet to allow a run at Koshien Stadium!" Int_Nitta: "No one knows the depths of his talent." Int_Nitta: "I'll gladly be the bad guy if it means helping Masamune grow." @Int_Sawamura: "That's Komadai... Hongo Masamune's pitching." @Int_Miyuki: "So Kominato couldn't even get his bat on the ball." @Int_Miyuki: "We need to hit those fastballs if we hope to score." @Kataoka: "Miyuki, get us some momentum. Don't be passive." Ochiai: "If you show weakness, they'll jump on it." @Miyuki: "Yes, sir!" @Sawamura: "Okay, things are just getting started! Let's stay tight on defense!" _All: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Furuya, I think you know, but get the first batter out! Take them one at a time." Announcer: "Komadai Fujimaki's ace, Hongo, had an impressive start in the top of the first. Now in the bottom, the pitcher who threw an incredible 154 km/h against Nihon Shono, Seido's ace Furuya is on the mound." Yui: "Now it's Furuya-san's turn." Seto: "How fast will he throw today?" @Furuya: "It's cold today." Announcer: "In the bottom of the first inning, Komadai Fujimaki High School is up to bat. Batting first, center fielder Aku-kun. After Hongo's impressive start, what kind of pitching will we see from Seido's Satoru Furuya?" @Int_Miyuki: "This team likes to swing." @Int_Miyuki: "They'll be looking for a meatball." @Int_Miyuki: "A strong pitch to the outside." @Int_Furuya: "Got it." Announcer: "Two pitchers from Hokkaido are battling at Koshien Stadium!" Announcer: "The first pitch is hit into short left field!" Announcer: "Komadai Fujimaki has a chance to extend their first-inning lead. How will Seido's Furuya work through this situation?" Announcer: "A strong hit between third base and shortstop!" @Kominato: "Nice, third!" Announcer: "Third baseman Kanemaru makes a great stop! That's three outs! Komadai Fujimaki's eighth batter Eto is out, leaving a runner on base, and the score remains unchanged. After giving up two runs in the first, Seido's ace Satoru Furuya has been showing real tenacity." Ezaki: "After the lead-off batter's base hit, they moved the runner to second with a hit-and-run. The third batter walked, and the fourth struck out. The fifth batter, Enjo, got a two-RBI hit to right-center field." Sugi: "They scored pretty quickly." Ezaki: "Even the runner on first made it home because the return wasn't great." Owada: "Furuya-kun has settled into a rhythm." Mine: "Yeah, and the other fielders have his back. His pitches are still erratic, but that's just part of who he is as a player." Mine: "Miyuki-kun is calling a good game, too." Mine: "He gave up some runs, but he's doing his job as the ace." Mine: "But two runs..." Mine: "Those will be hard to get back." Announcer: "In the top of the fifth, Seido High School is up to bat. Their only time on base was when Shirasu was walked." Announcer: "Seido High School has yet to get a hit off of Hongo!" @Miyuki: "Start with one! Get on base and create opportunities for the team!" _All: "Yeah!" Announcer: "In the top of the fifth, Seido High School is up to bat. Batting fifth, pitcher Furuya-kun." @Sawamura: "Swing for the fences, Furuya! If you make contact, something will happen!" @Int_Furuya: "I'll get back the runs I gave up." Int_Enjo: "This guy can knock it out of the park, Masamune." Int_Enjo: "Right, he doesn't go easy on anyone." Int_Enjo: "He's the most competitive guy I know." _Announcer: "Game over!" _Guy: "Nice, Masamune! Nice game!" _Guy: "That's Aoba Middle's Hongo? He's a second-year, right? He's got a bad attitude, but he's a really good pitcher." _Guy: "Hongo's crazy! But doesn't that other guy pitch faster?" _Guy: "Who do you mean? Satoru Furuya at Tomakomai Middle. Oh right, him!" _Guy: "The catcher couldn't catch his pitches, so the game didn't go well. I've never seen anyone pitch like that. Compared to him... But I haven't heard his name lately. Is he still playing?" _Enjo: "Is that guy even real?" _Enjo: "Well, if he is as good as they say, we'll face him eventually." Int_Enjo: "We never faced him in middle school. But last fall, at the Jingu tournament," Int_Enjo: "we saw a closer wearing #1." Int_Enjo: "That was him." Int_Enjo: "Masamune knew the moment he saw him." Int_Hongo: "Have you ever seen..." Int_Hongo: "a white ball flying across the snow?" Int_Hongo: "Have you ever seen..." Int_Hongo: "a demon of a man who has sold his soul to baseball?" _Nitta: "That's all of today's snow." _Nitta: "Now get practicing." Int_Hongo: "We didn't come from Hokkaido to enjoy baseball." Int_Hongo: "We came to take the championship banner." Int_Hongo: "And that's what we'll do!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Int_Hongo: "As if you big-city pansies could ever stop us!" _Fan: "Snow? Sleet? I just saw some. No, that can't be. Not this late in the year. Maybe I imagined it." @Maezono: "We're counting on you, Kominato!" _Guy: "Let's go!" _Umpire: "Ball!" @Sawamura: "Yes! Good eye, good eye! Pick your pitch, Harucchi!" Announcer: "Kominato hits to the third baseman, who sends the ball to first. One out!" _Guy: "Yeah! Nice, third! Nice pitch, Masamune! One out!" @Sawamura: "It wasn't a bad hit! Don't!" _Fan: "Seido still doesn't have a hit." _Fan: "This is nuts." Todoroki: "They won't hit!" _Fan: "Hongo is on a roll today. His splitters are too sharp!" _All: "Pick your pitch!" Announcer: "Now it's time for cleanup Miyuki's third at-bat!" Ezaki: "A splitter on the first pitch! You can't help but swing at those." Ezaki: "Three innings left. If they don't get a hit soon, this game really might end up a no-hitter!" Shirakawa: "That would be interesting to see." Int_Shirakawa: "You're there representing Tokyo. Start playing like it!" Announcer: "Miyuki connects!" @Maezono: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Yes, our first hit! That's our captain! Yes, yes, yes! Way to go, Captain!" @Int_Miyuki: "We won't let it end like this." @Int_Miyuki: "Our ace is pitching just as well as you." Announcer: "Batting fifth, pitcher Furuya-kun." Ezaki: "Will he do a sacrifice bunt?" Sugi: "Maybe, but they're down by two. If it fails, they're screwed." Sugi: "It comes down to how well they can use the runner." Ezaki: "Another hit!" _Fan: "He caught it!" _Umpire: "Out!" shi: "Sorry, Masamune! We couldn't get a double play! But that's two outs!" shi: "Look at me! I'm your senpai, and the captain!" _Guy: "Masamune, two outs! Two outs!" Announcer: "A defense trained on snow-covered ground! The Komadai Fujimaki fielders have the ace's back!" Enjo: "Let's finish the inning!" _All: "Yeah!" Announcer: "Seido High School has two outs, but with a runner in scoring position for the first time this game." _Fan: "Go! Shirasu!" Announcer: "Now it's up to the sixth batter, Shirasu!" Announcer: "Can they make use of this opportunity?" @Maezono: "You can do it, Shirasu!" @Nakada: "You're on target!" @Higasa: "Yeah!" Announcer: "It dropped away! He swings and it's strike three!" Announcer: "Komadai's Hongo again leaves Seido scoreless!" @Sawamura: "We're just getting started! Hold them off and go again in the next inning!" _Guy: "Masamune! Get us another run!" @Nakada: "Keep it going, Furuya!" @Seki: "Focus on the lead-off batter!" Announcer: "In the bottom of the seventh, Komadai Fujimaki High School is batting." Announcer: "Up at bat is their ace, Hongo Masamune!" @Int_Miyuki: "He has a sharp swing." @Int_Miyuki: "Be careful on the height." Announcer: "Swing and a miss on an outside pitch!" @Int_Furuya: "No more runs." Int_Hongo: "Bring it." @Int_Furuya: "Not a single one." @Int_Furuya: "You won't even get on base!" Int_Hongo: "Bring it on!" Announcer: "And it's caught! Right to the left fielder!" Announcer: "This round of the ace battle goes to Furuya!" _Fan: "Those two are crazy! They're on fire!" Announcer: "Two in a row! That's his tenth strikeout!" _Fan: "What kind of game is this? They're too good!" Announcer: "With his form improving, he's pitched the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings perfectly!" : "Looking at this, it's hard to tell who's winning the game." : "That pitcher's good." @Kominato: "Nice pitching, Furuya-kun!" @Kuramochi: "Nice pitch!" Announcer: "There are two innings left in the fourth quarterfinal game." Announcer: "Will Seido High School be able to catch up?" _Eptitle: ""Blessed by the Baseball Gods"!" @Sawamura: "Start with the lead-off batter! Make sure to get him out, Furuya! Everyone in the field, help him out!" @Miyuki: "He's thrown over 120 pitches," @Miyuki: "but Furuya keeps improving in response to Hongo." @Sawamura: "Only one inning left to score."

@Sawamura: "Are you okay?" @Furuya: "Yeah, I'm fine." @Furuya: "I was told not to pitch for two weeks." @Sawamura: "I see." @Sawamura: "Good." @Sawamura: "Because I'm not stopping." @Sawamura: "Come back in top shape." @Ochiai: "Stop. We'll do the next drill after a one-minute interval." @Furuya: "Yes, sir." @Ochiai: "They're getting started." _Umpire: "Line up!" _All: "Thank you!" @Int_Kanemaru: "I'm out of the lineup?" _Umpire: "Bow!" _All: "Good game!" _Sign: "Seido High School Practice Field" @Fb_Kataoka: "Naruta Industrial's starting pitcher is a powerful right-hander. His best pitch is a sharp slider. With his height, he's a perfect stand-in pitcher for Ichidai Third High's ace, Kosei Amahisa." @Fb_Kataoka: "Swing for the fastballs at the start. I don't care if you ignore the sliders." @Fb_Kataoka: "Hit before he settles into a rhythm." @Int_Kuramochi: "Naruta Industrial..." @Int_Kuramochi: "It's one of the high schools I was looking to join." @Fb_Kuramochi: "Hey!" @Fb_Kuramochi: "It was you, wasn't it?" @Fb_Kuramochi: "You attacked my friends!" _Sign: "Staff Room" _Teacher: "Kuramochi!" _Teacher: "Do you know what you've done? You broke his nose! He's a city council member's son!" @Fb_Kuramochi: "What do you mean? That wasn't me." _Teacher: "The whole city could hear that shrill yell of yours." _Teacher: "Some of the schools scouting you have withdrawn their interest." @Fb_Kuramochi: "I can't change that. But I don't regret what I've done." _Student: "Yoh-chan..." @Fb_Kuramochi: "They really did figure it out! I guess I'll need to find a different high school." _Sign: "I d i o t" @Int_Kuramochi: "I've been getting in trouble since I was a little brat." @Int_Kuramochi: "The only thing anyone ever praised me for was baseball." @Fb_Kuramochi: "They're all gone, eh?" _Sign: "Staff Room" _Teacher: "I'm sorry." @Int_Kuramochi: "If I couldn't play baseball..." @Int_Kuramochi: "I'd never considered what that would mean." @Fb_Kuramochi: "I'm home—" _Grandpa: "Yohichi, there's someone here to see you." _Takashima: "It's nice to meet you." _Takashima: "I'm Takashima, the assistant coach of the Seido High School baseball team." @Fb_Kuramochi: "Seriously?!" _Takashima: "I believe that you can become Seido's lead-off man." @Fbint_Kuramochi: "S-Seriously? I can keep playing baseball!" @Sawamura: "Yeah, right on!" Yamaguchi: "Yeah!" Takatsu: "Nice running!" @Sawamura: "Master Cheetah has made it around the world once!" @Miyuki: "Nice cheetah!" @Kuramochi: "Shut up!" _Coach: "He's got some good legs on him. I wish I had a leadoff like that." Int_Player: "What are they swinging for?" Int_Player: "Fastballs?" _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Maezono: "Furuya!" _Maezono: "Don't rush things! Get yourself healed up first!" _Maezono: "I'm not the most reliable third-year. None of us is satisfied with how we did in the spring!" _Maezono: "Go eat something, take a bath, and sleep!" @Int_Miyuki: "That's the part..." @Int_Miyuki: "that I'm missing." Kawashima: "Yeah, here we go!" @Kanemaru: "A run scored on a double down the line!" Maezono: "Oh, yeah!" @Kanemaru: "Zono-senpai is roaring! Roar, Zono!" @Kuramochi: "He's hitting again." @Sawamura: "Oh, yeah!" @Int_Yui: "It's crazy how often we score when Kuramochi-senpai gets on base." @Int_Yui: "This lead will take the pressure off Sawamura-senpai when he pitches." @Miyuki: "Sawamura, this team's gonna come swinging." @Miyuki: "I don't want them to zero in on a pitch this early." @Miyuki: "We'll show them a few of the Number 11 we've been practicing." @Sawamura: "Got it. I'll be ready." @Miyuki: "Don't force it." @Sawamura: "I'll get it done." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" _Fan: "They're starting Sawamura. So what about Furuya? I don't see him on the bench." _Fan: "Sawamura's been handling all of the important games. He's on a roll, I bet." _Fan: "He basically dominated Hakuryu. I saw that article on Land of Baseball. They called it a golden age. Having both Furuya and Sawamura reach this level of pitching... I knew he had it in him. No bragging! Naruta Industrial's third, fourth, and fifth batters aren't called the Southpaw Killers for nothing." _Fan: "If Sawamura can get things done, it'll show he's the real deal." @Seto: "You're here to watch?" Int_Yamaguchi: "How far can he go?" Int_Kishima: "Can he keep riding the wave?" Int_Kariba: "Sawamura, you can do it!" Takatsu: "Go." Int_All: "Go, Sawamura!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Aw, man! That didn't work, either! I can't keep it under control!" @Fb_Miyuki: "That was way off. How are you gripping it?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Like this!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Put that away!" @Fb_Takashima: "Practicing breaking balls?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Just testing a few different grips." @Fb_Miyuki: "I'd prefer he just learn to throw sliders and curveballs." @Fb_Miyuki: "How can you be so clumsy? Jeez. Coach Ochiai left without saying a word." @Fb_Miyuki: "Next one." @Fb_Sawamura: "Here goes!" @Fb_Miyuki: "At least throw something that'll cross the plate." @Fb_Sawamura: "Urgh!" @Fb_Miyuki: "You're not even trying!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Yes, I am!" @Fb_Miyuki: "I'm heading out!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Just a little more! Please, Cap!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Your weakness is the speed of the pitch. A metal bat would send it flying." @Fb_Miyuki: "You need to increase the speed of your pitches during this off-season." @Fb_Miyuki: "That's the more important challenge to overcome. With enough speed and control, even the weirdest of pitches can become incredible breaking balls." @Fb_Miyuki: "Let's take the time to find what suits you best." @Fb_Sawamura: "You should be training, too, Cap!" @Fb_Miyuki: "You get injured easily! Shut up! I've already healed!" Int_Player: "I can't put it in play." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "Whoa! That's his fourth! He's only allowed one hit so far, right? Naruta's Southpaw Killers can't touch him! Sawamura's on a roll!" Kukki: "Oh, man. The batters are all swinging late." @Asada: "Yeah." Kukki: "And he's locating his pitches perfectly, too!" Int_Player: "The trajectory is just insane." Int_Player: "I can't see the ball during his windup, and then..." @Sawamura: "Haruichi!" _Player: "Yeah!" _Player: "Nice pitching! Nice pitch, Sawamura!" Kariba: "Lookin' good, Sawamura!" _Fan: "Their bench is really cheering." @Int_Kominato: "He's so focused." @Kuramochi: "That ball's on fire!" Maezono: "You're the man! Seriously!" @Int_Miyuki: "Number 11 wasn't ready, but I'm glad we showed them a few things in the first inning." @Int_Miyuki: "I'm just a little concerned about the quick pace." _Player: "He's not even pitching 140 km/h. But his pitches are really sharp." _Coach: "That determined expression and his exceptional ball control... And those mysterious breaking balls he throws now and then..." _Coach: "So there was a pitcher like that hiding behind Satoru Furuya." _Coach: "Seido High School has a fearsome team." Haruno: "This is incredible." Takashima: "Yes." Haruno: "So this is how Sawamura-kun pitched against Hakuryu." Int_Haruno: "He doesn't just set the tone, his pitching pulls the team forward!" _Takashima: "His back?" @Fb_Kataoka: "Yes. I plan to put Furuya on a solo regimen for a while." @Fb_Ochiai: "His symptoms aren't severe, so no need to worry. I'll make the training schedule. I'll get him powered up and ready to return." _Takashima: "He's seemed preoccupied lately." _Takashima: "I hope this will help snap him out of it." _Takashima: "We'll have to let the other pitchers handle the practice games." _Takashima: "We've been invited to several other games, as well." @Fb_Ochiai: "Should we bring up someone from the second string?" _Ota: "No need! Kawakami! We have both Kawakami and Sawamura! Kawashima and Kaneda are ready, too!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "Huh? A telegraphed squeeze play?" _Fan: "No way! He's gotta be faking." _Player: "I can see the runner clearly. If the runner moves, I'll pitch out." _Fan: "Man, he jammed it! The third-base runner is going for it!" Int_Player: "The ball's not moving! I can't throw home in time!" _Player: "It'll cross the line! Don't touch it!" _Fan: "It stopped just before the line! The third-base runner scored! That's the fifth run!" _All: "Yeah!" Yamaguchi: "Nice batting, Sawamura!" Aso: "That jerk! Even luck's on his side!" Seki: "Yeah! Yeah!" @Yui: "He did it!" @Kanemaru: "Don't pretend you meant to do that!" @Kanemaru: "You couldn't do that again if you tried!" @Int_Miyuki: "I hope your hand doesn't hurt." Int_Kawakami: "Sawamura..." @Int_Kominato: "You did it, Eijun-kun!" @Int_Kuramochi: "That jerk..." @Int_Sawamura: "I'm here..." @Int_Sawamura: "This team still has me!" : "A few hitters made it on base, but they were the exceptions." : "Sawamura didn't give up any runs in the first six innings." : "In the seventh, a walk and a hit have put runners on second and third with one out." : "Koyasu, the cleanup, is up to bat." : "A high fastball was hit to deep right field. Naruta scored one run after tagging up." : "With another runner on third, he fell behind, making the count two balls, no strikes." : "It was the touchiest moment of the game." _Umpire: "Foul!" _Umpire: "Foul!" : "The batter hung on and made the count three balls, two strikes." : "His next pitch was a powerful inside fastball." _Umpire: "Out!" : "Sawamura threw 98 pitches in seven innings, giving up four hits, one walk, one run and earning five strike-outs." Maezono: "Nice, second!" @Kataoka: "That's enough for today. Go cool down." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn, why am I so out of breath? I've only pitched seven innings!" Yamaguchi: "Sawamura!" Kawashima: "Nice pitching!" Seki: "Yeah!" Aso: "Good work! Have a drink!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's been pitching at full strength since the first inning." @Int_Miyuki: "Maybe he got a little too enthusiastic." @Miyuki: "It's okay when you get ahead in the count, but when the numbers miss, you have to fall back on fastballs." @Miyuki: "You need to work on controlling the numbers." @Miyuki: "But when your fastball is on, this is how well you can pitch." @Miyuki: "You showed that to our teammates and the stands." @Miyuki: "It was exhilarating to catch." @Sawamura: "Are you teasing me? Are you teasing me because I came off the mound in the seventh? What a dirty way to rub it in!" @Miyuki: "I'm giving you an honest compliment." @Sawamura: "You never do that! It's scary coming from you! It makes you look even scarier!" @Miyuki: "Hey!" : "In the bottom of the eighth, Kawakami, the rotation's #2, took the mound." @Miyuki: "Their team has several right-handed batters who can hit to the right, hence Southpaw Killers." @Miyuki: "If you can get your sinker down around their knees, they'll swing for it." Kawakami: "And throw my slider out of the zone?" @Miyuki: "Yeah, after you get a few strikes with your fastballs." _Umpire: "Play!" _Player: "Go, Kawakami!" Int_Kawakami: "Seeing Sawamura and Furuya pitch so well gets me pumped up." Int_Kawakami: "I want to keep performing in every game that I can." Int_Kawakami: "As a third-year..." Int_Kawakami: "and as a pitcher..." Int_Kawakami: "I want to win!" Int_Kawakami: "I don't want any regrets this summer!" : "Kawakami faced seven batters, allowing one hit and earning three strike-outs." _Coach: "They're throwing another good pitcher at us." : "The Naruta batters were unable to find a pitch to target," : "and fell to Seido, 7–1." : "Their winning streak since their away games has extended to seven wins. Next, in the second game, the Kaneda-Ono battery started," : "and the rest of the fielders were swapped out as well. In the early innings, Kaneda performed well with his forkball," : "and the other team's pitcher threw effective 12-6 curveballs." : "The game continued as a pitchers' duel until the fourth inning." : "The stalemate was broken by the shortstop Takatsu, who was batting first." : "First-year Yui, the right fielder in this game, also got on base..." : "And third-years Yamaguchi and Mimura brought runners home to score three runs." : "But in the sixth inning, Kaneda gave up several hits, tying the score at three." @Kanemaru: "Get out there!" @Sawamura: "Here we go!" : "Then, in the seventh inning..." : "this player took the mound." Kukki: "Tojo-san is taking the mound!" @Asada: "So he can pitch, too." Kukki: "That was what he was best at!" @Fb_Kataoka: "The whole team will have to cover the gap left by Furuya." @Fb_Kataoka: "Tojo." @Fb_Kataoka: "Can you take the mound this Saturday?" _Tojo: "Yes, sir! I can!" _Tojo: "Please let me pitch!" : "He threw sliders and curveballs, keeping his pitches precise and low, and racking up the groundballs." _Umpire: "Out!" _All: "Lookin' good, Tojo!" _Tojo: "Here comes another!" @Fb_Kanemaru: "Bring it!" @Fb_Kanemaru: "Yeah!" @Fbint_Kominato: "That was good. It looked like the same pitch but dropped out of the zone." @Fbkominato: "Mind if I go next?" @Fb_Kanemaru: "Hang on, Kominato! Tojo, just a few more!" _Tojo: "If you insist. I'll be throwing the pitches you can never hit, Shinji." @Fb_Kanemaru: "Yeah!" : "Choosing to spend his time as the pitcher for batting practice," : "he worked on improving his ball control..." : "which he put to use in this game." _Umpire: "Out!" : "And... Sixth batter Kanemaru's hit one high and deep," : "as if in reverence to Tojo's return as a pitcher. That two-run home run would prove to be the game winner. Seido High School achieved practice game victories over Naruta Industrial and Asari High School, extending their winning streak to eight games."

@Sawamura: "Okay! Nice pitch!" @Sawamura: "Looking good, Nori-senpai! I can even tell all the way from left field! I think I'm in love!" @Kuramochi: "Shut up!" @Kanemaru: "Left field!" Aso: "It's yours, Sawamura!" @Sawamura: "I've got it! I've got it!" @Kanemaru: "Fine, just don't drop it!" @Sawamura: "I've got it!" @Kanemaru: "Yeah! Nice catch, Sawamura!" Seki: "Nice catch!" Aso: "It was right to him." @Sawamura: "Nori-senpai, nice pitch!" @Sawamura: "Two outs!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's able to play defense now." @Int_Miyuki: "But I hate his MLB-inspired call outs." Ota: "I get nervous when the ball flies that way." Sachi: "He's gotten better at fielding." @Fb_Kataoka: "Kawakami will start! Miyuki will bat cleanup!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Sawamura will play left field!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Be ready to pitch at any time. Keep your shoulder warm while you're fielding." @Fb_Kataoka: "In the summer tournament, you may have to take the mound after being in the field." @Fb_Kataoka: "Let's prepare for as many scenarios as we can." @Fb_Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Sawamura: "Two outs!" @Tojo: "Focus on the batter!" @Int_Sawamura: "The game looks different depending on where you play." @Int_Sawamura: "Three per inning." @Int_Sawamura: "Twenty-seven in nine innings." @Int_Sawamura: "An out that the fielders get and a strikeout..." @Int_Sawamura: "both count as an out!" @Sawamura: "That's the Cap cannon!" : "Spurred on by their eight-game winning streak, the batters exploded in this game, getting double-digit hits in six innings." : "Sawamura took the mound in the eighth inning. The numbers were all over the place at the start as he had trouble controlling them." @Miyuki: "Hold yourself back!" @Sawamura: "Sorry!" : "Subsequently, he went back to his fastballs," : "and his pitching settled down. He allowed no runs. The cleanup put the game out of reach with a second home run for the team's ninth straight win." @Miyuki: "That felt good." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Miyuki: "Number 2 looked pretty good that last inning." @Sawamura: "Yes, and 7 was improving, too." @Miyuki: "Yeah, let's work on that." : "Next, the second game." : "The Kawashima-Ono battery started." : "The early innings were a fierce hitting battle. Two first-years had especially good performances." : "Left fielder Masashi Yuki hit two doubles and a home run." : "Right fielder Kaoru Yui had three hits and four runs." @Kataoka: "With Miyuki and Ono on the first string, you won't have many chances to don a mask." @Kataoka: "Would you be willing to play a different position?" Int_Ono: "The coach is asking him?" @Int_Miyuki: "He must have been really impressed by Yui's batting." @Fb_Yui: "I'm Kaoru Yui from Mamiya Senior. I was a catcher in elementary and middle school, so I can't think of playing any other position!" @Yui: "Yes, if you think I can help the team." @Int_Ochiai: "He hit that slider well. Was he waiting for it?" @Int_Ochiai: "I said I'd train him, but he already has a head for baseball." @Ochiai: "What do you think of those two?" @Furuya: "They're trouble if they get on base. That alone makes me not want to pitch to them. And it's discouraging when they hit strikeout pitches." @Ochiai: "I see." @Int_Ochiai: "That's his opinion as a pitcher, but he's watching them closely." @Fb_Kataoka: "Would you please show Furuya the second-string game?" @Fb_Ochiai: "If you're sure that's what you want." @Fb_Kataoka: "Yes, I want him to defend the infield. That will teach him how the other fielders behind him feel." _Sign: "Itching Itching" @Int_Ochiai: "This natural pitcher... No matter what amazing pitches you throw, it is your heart that moves your body." @Int_Ochiai: "That is probably what Coach Kataoka wants him to learn." _Student: "How does Okumura-kun seem today? Pretty quiet. What's that thing he's reading?" _Student: "It's a baseball scorebook. A scorebook? Not a story about swords and magic?" _Student: "Okumura-kun, I borrowed this from Umemoto-senpai." @Fb_Okumura: "Thanks." _Umemoto: "Oh, a scorebook? That's some pretty hardcore studying! I'm impressed!" Int_Student: "She complimented me for studying, and I didn't have the heart to deny it." @Int_Okumura: "This is amazing." @Int_Okumura: "Not only did he threw various pitch types, he also threw them to various areas." @Int_Okumura: "He threw a lot in the early innings to show the batters his different pitches." @Int_Okumura: "But in the middle innings, he didn't throw any balls." @Int_Okumura: "They're all in the strike zone. Trusting his pitcher's arsenal," @Int_Okumura: "he calls a simple and effective game." @Fb_Sawamura: "You should know, pitching is an art performed by the pitcher and catcher!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Are you sure you want to do this?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Will you create that art with me?" Watanabe: "Two home runs in one game. Batting practice is really paying off." @Miyuki: "Could be. I'm getting more comfortable with a wooden bat, too." Maezono: "I want to do that, too!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Go!" @Sawamura: "Run!" @Int_Okumura: "What is he, damn it?!" @Asada: "He said that trying the tire... showed promise." @Asada: "Sawamura-senpai sounded really happy." @Sawamura: "Okay, last one!" @Okumura: "Jerk." _Player: "Thank you for the food! Thank you for the food!" @Yui: "Thank you for the food!" _Player: "Thank you for the food! Thank you for the food! Thank you for the food!" @Kataoka: "Move your legs and lower your hips!" @Kataoka: "Keep your eyes on the ball!" @Kuramochi: "Furuya's playing infield?" @Kominato: "Maybe he'll be in the game." @Int_Miyuki: "The coach really meant it." @Yui: "Let's make the twentieth a good one!" @Yui: "Nice pitch! Let's take a break." @Sawamura: "Yeah." _Fan: "Resting after twenty pitches? Is that all for today?" @Kataoka: "No, he'll be pitching one hundred times." @Kataoka: "But he would never pitch one hundred times consecutively in a real game." @Kataoka: "Twenty pitches, rest, twenty pitches, sprints, twenty pitches, rest. I'm having him practice like a real game, including anticipating him getting on base as a batter." _Fan: "Oh, I see." @Yui: "Want to work in some of the numbers? Number 11 or the improved cutter?" @Sawamura: "I'll stick to fastballs for today. Miyuki-senpai is catching for me tomorrow. I'll work on the numbers then." @Okumura: "Nice pitch! Next will be your fifteenth pitch!" @Fb_Ochiai: "Okumura and Seto are not physically ready yet. I said I'd train them on the second string," @Fb_Ochiai: "but their high baseball IQ may help motivate the first string." @Kataoka: "Okumura, you'll switch with Yui for this set! You'll catch for Sawamura." @Okumura: "I'm sorry, but I can't do that." @Kataoka: "You can't? What do you mean?" @Sawamura: "Boss, he won't catch for me until he's on the first string! It's kind of like a promise, a rule for himself!" @Sawamura: "He's like... as difficult to deal with as a wolf!" @Sawamura: "But that's what makes him interesting!" @Kataoka: "I intend to put you and Seto on the first string before Miyuki leaves for the Tokyo Tournament." @Kataoka: "Does that satisfy you?" @Fb_Okumura: "I haven't earned the right yet." @Fb_Okumura: "I'm going to make it to the first string." @Fb_Okumura: "Once I do..." @Okumura: "Once that time comes, I will be all too happy to." @Okumura: "But..." @Okumura: "I am a catcher. If I'm going to be on the first string, it has to be as a catcher." @Kataoka: "I understand. That's enough." _Fan: "He disobeyed Coach Kataoka." _Fan: "Who is that kid?" @Sawamura: "Time to get back to it, young Yui!" @Yui: "Y-Yes, sir!" @Sawamura: "Okay, third inning!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Would you be willing to play a different position?" @Fb_Yui: "Yes, if you think I can help the team." @Sawamura: "He's back, he's back! Wolf boy's back!" @Okumura: "Is today another cram school day?" @Sawamura: "Nope, not today." @Okumura: "Then why are you here?" @Miyuki: "I heard, Okumura." @Miyuki: "You won't catch for Sawamura until you're on the first string? You said that to the coach?" Sfx: "Grrrr" @Miyuki: "The coach thought it would be best for the team if you caught for a first-string pitcher. Then you went and refused. You sure are a weird one. And really..." @Miyuki: "You made the coach mad and passed up your chance to be on the first string." @Sawamura: "He may be right! The boss is even stricter than he looks!" @Miyuki: "Come to think of it, there was another guy who mouthed off to the coach and almost got removed as a pitcher!" @Sawamura: "Who was that idiot?" @Miyuki: "You. It was you." @Sawamura: "What a handful!" @Miyuki: "You sure are." @Sawamura: "Why are you bringing that up now, in front of a first-year?! It got way worse because you got involved!" Sfx: "Grrrr" @Okumura: "I must seem insignificant to the guys on the first string." @Sawamura: "No, I don't think that at all. You stand out, you're a good catcher, and you're scary." @Okumura: "I won't..." @Okumura: "be satisfied with just making the first string. I want to become a starter." @Miyuki: "Well..." @Miyuki: "I see. No wonder he's been so hostile toward me from day one." @Fb_Miyuki: "I'll be joining the team this spring. My name is Kazuya Miyuki." @Fbint_Miyuki: "I'll steal everything I can from you, even your starting spot." _Chris: "Yeah, good luck." @Miyuki: "Sounds like fun." @Yui: "Furuya-san, what would you think about playing a position other than pitcher?" @Furuya: "I don't want to, of course." @Furuya: "Especially infield. There's so much to learn, and everyone else is better than me." @Furuya: "But I'm in no position to complain." @Furuya: "If I have to be a fielder, I'll do my best, even if I suck." @Furuya: "That's what I think." @Furuya: "When I'm out there playing, it means there's someone else who isn't." _Player: "Furuya, don't you have an outfielder's glove?" _Player: "You can borrow mine when you're in the field." _Player: "It's pretty beat up, but it'll serve you well." @Furuya: "If I can play," @Furuya: "I'll do my best in any position." @Furuya: "That's why I want to practice swinging and do fielding drills." @Int_Kataoka: "Wanting to be the best pitcher in Japan and wanting to make your team the best" @Int_Kataoka: "are admirable goals." @Fb_Kataoka: "The one who shoulders the feelings of the whole team on the mound is the ace. The current jersey numbers will be discarded! The twenty players on the tournament roster will be decided by your performance and attitude in the coming days!" _Fan: "He's going for third! He's crazy!" _Fan: "He's out!" _Umpire: "Out!" @Fb_Kataoka: "There is no shortcut to glory." @Fb_Kataoka: "The team doesn't need plays that mistake arrogance for aggressiveness." @Int_Kataoka: "But it may be for nothing if you lose yourself within those goals." @Int_Kataoka: "They may show themselves as you continue working without doing anything special." @Yui: "Thank you, Furuya-san." @Yui: "I made this decision, so I'll stand on the field and make sure that I don't regret it." @Furuya: "I will, too." @Yui: "Yes, sir!" @Furuya: ""Kind of Like a Promise"" @Sawamura: "As of today, we're the same age!" @Sawamura: "I don't need to talk to you like you're older anymore! Right, Yoichi?" @Asada: "Okay, I'm taking the picture. Kuramochi-senpai, smile please!" @Kuramochi: "What are you waiting for, Asada? Take the picture!" @Asada: "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Sawamura-senpai!" @Int_Asada: "Kuramochi-senpai is not someone to mess with..." @Okumura: "It doesn't matter once I'm on the field." @Ochiai: "If I'm going to be in the game, I want to show what I can do!" @Kataoka: "I'm not looking for anything special. You just focus on doing what you need to, every day, and it'll come to you. That will get you closer to being the best in Japan. I'll ask again: What kind of pitcher do you think the best in Japan is?" @Okumura: "On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Hunger.""

_Umpire: "Foul!" @Int_Furuya: "Not that time, either... The ball doesn't come my way." _Umpire: "Foul!" @Int_Furuya: "But it still might. He could hit it my way anytime, and I need to be ready to get the sure out. This is how it feels when you're not on the mound or in the outfield. This is how a third baseman feels." @Okumura: "Second!" @Seto: "Two outs! Nice pitch, Kukki!" Kukki: "Thanks! Nice play, second!" @Int_Furuya: "I didn't even get that out, but I feel tired somehow." @Kanemaru: "Furuya's way too stiff. He won't be able to field any grounders that come to him." @Int_Miyuki: "They're throwing more outside pitches to the righties." @Int_Miyuki: "It looks like he's trying to avoid the ball going to third." _Umpire: "Out!" _Player: "Yeah!" @Seto: "Nice pitch, Kukki!" _Player: "Nice pitch!" Kukki: "Nice, Seto!" Tojo: "That was a good slider." @Kuramochi: "Seto's looking sharp out there." @Kominato: "Yes. His feet are always moving." @Int_Furuya: "It didn't come my way again." @Int_Furuya: "I don't know if that's good, or if I want it to come to me." @Fb_Yui: "We'll defend third base today, too!" @Fb_Kanemaru: "S-Sure." @Int_Kanemaru: "There's been a lot of guys playing third base lately. I don't want them thinking it's a position anyone can defend." _Sign: "G r r r" @Fb_Miyuki: "Sounds like fun." @Fb_Miyuki: "But if you don't hurry, it'll be summer before you know it. The prelims will start." _Sign: "* His impression" @Fb_Miyuki: "I don't think you have the time to be mouthing off to the coach." _Sign: "* His impression" @Fb_Sawamura: "That's how the cap is, young Okumura!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Doesn't he make you wanna beat him good? Good luck!" @Fb_Miyuki: "I'll end up retiring, you know?" Kariba: "You're up next, Okumura." Kariba: "We haven't scored since the second inning. Get out there and make something happen." @Seto: "Kariba-senpai..." @Okumura: "Yes, sir. I plan to." _Player: "Let's make this the inning, Okumura! Make sure I get up to bat! I'll be sure to get you home! Let's go! Let's go!" @Int_Okumura: "I know what it means to play in games instead of the older players." @Int_Okumura: "But..." @Int_Okumura: "It doesn't mean anything once I'm out here. If I'm going to be in the games," @Int_Okumura: "I want to show what I can do!" @Seto: "Yeah! That's it, Koshu!" _Player: "How does he hit so well? He's incredible." @Ochiai: "He always stays so calm under pressure." @Miyuki: "It's about time for us to get ready." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _All: "Yeah!" @Int_Yui: "Number 11, the splitter." @Int_Yui: "He called for it here?!" Maezono: "Okay! Nice pitch!" @Kominato: "Two outs! Nice pitch, Eijun-kun!" @Kuramochi: "Two outs!" @Int_Sawamura: "I nailed it!" Yamaguchi: "Two outs!" Aso: "Nice pitch, Sawamura!" Tojo: "One more!" @Int_Kataoka: "Pitching, hitting, defending, running..." @Kanemaru: "Finish 'em off!" _Sign: "Satoru Furuya Baseball Journal" @Int_Kataoka: "Repeating those four actions every day is the foundation of baseball. As long as we play baseball, this foundation must never be neglected," @Int_Kataoka: "no matter how great your aspirations may be. Each player may walk their own path," @Int_Kataoka: "but the team as a whole shares the same goal." @Int_Kataoka: "I'm not looking for anything special." @Int_Kataoka: "You just focus on doing what you need to, every day, and it'll come to you." @Int_Kataoka: "That will get you closer to being the best in Japan. I'll ask again:" @Int_Kataoka: "What kind of pitcher do you think the best in Japan is?" _Sign: "Spring Kanto Regional High School Baseball Tournament" Todoroki: "It's huge! Mt. Fuji is huge!" Int_Todoroki: "Bring it! Bring it!" Int_Todoroki: "Bring it!" Todoroki: "Fly all the way to the peak!" Sanada: "Wow, an extra-large home run!" Int_Coach: "He's swinging the way he did last year!" Int_Coach: "Looking good, Raichi! Is Mt. Fuji powering you up?" : "Following Raichi Todoroki's home run, the Yakushi lineup exploded. On the mound, their ace Sanada made his presence felt" : "by not giving any ground to the Urashima batters." : "Yakushi led by nine runs in the fourth, and the game looked like it would be called. As it was a five-day tournament, and the team had experienced several injuries..." _All: "Yeah!" : "they decided to play all of their first-years for the second half. But..." : "It was a grave error." : "Errors caused a chain reaction." : "In the later innings, Urashima tied the game. After a Yakushi rally, Urashima again caught up and the game entered the ninth inning tied at eleven." : "Ultimately, it ended in a walk-off loss." _Coach: "Damn you, Mt. Fuji!" _Fan: "Kosei Amahisa's on fire. Look at that break. How has a pitcher like that never been to Koshien Stadium?" _Fan: "I heard he's inconsistent, but if he throws like that, no one will get a hit!" _Sign: "Ichidai Third Tomatsu" : "Ichidai Third High used their first-year pitcher Tadashi Terui in this game." : "In sharp contrast to Yakushi, their first-years performed well." _Coach: "These players all developed their arms in the boys' league. They'll be carrying the team in the near future." Amahisa: "You're pretty relaxed for your first start. Are you really a first-year? You've got a rugged face, too." Terui: "Is that supposed to be a compliment, Amahisa-senpai?" Amahisa: "Um, yeah." Terui: "I hate being messed with." Amahisa: "You've got a really great physique. You could be a wrestler instead. You'd be a great heel. You've got a rugged face." Terui: "Is that a compliment?" Amahisa: "Yes, of course! How much more can I say?" : "Ichidai Third High defeated Tomatsu High School and advanced to the third round." umiya: "There's that blooper hit! Way to go, Itsuki!" : "Having defeated ace Takanashi from Hanasaki Tokumaru, a powerhouse from Saitama, in the second round, Mei Narumiya is sitting out this game." _Sign: "Inashiro Hokushin" : "The batters supported the staring pitcher Hirano well. Then, in the sixth inning, Inashiro Industrial put a first-year pitcher on the mound for the first time this spring." umiya: "The first time I pitched as a first-year was in the summer. He's getting to pitch a month and a half before I did." _Coach: "We didn't play in the Kanto Tournament that year." umiya: "I don't care!" : "Shinji Akamatsu's name rang out across the Kanto region that day." @Kuramochi: "Are you serious?! They shut out Hokushin without Narumiya?!" Watanabe: "Yeah, both teams were hitting in the early innings, but their starter Hirano took control in the third inning." Aso: "Yamaoka has been hitting a lot." Ono: "Two days in a row." Watanabe: "First-year Akamatsu came in for the sixth inning." Watanabe: "He smiled the whole time he was facing Hokushin's batters." Watanabe: "He was so relaxed, I couldn't believe it was his first game." Watanabe: "The amazing part was him getting six Ks in a row from one out in the sixth." Aso: "Six in a row?" Seki: "Yeah! Just like Furuya last year!" @Miyuki: "Do you remember?" @Sawamura: "Damn it!" @Kominato: "Eijun-kun, leave the past behind." Watanabe: "He was pitching close to 140 km/h." @Sawamura: "Close to 140 km/h?! A first-year?!" @Kominato: "Reacting to everything, huh?" Watanabe: "What really gave the batters trouble was his height coupled with a lethal 12-6 curve." Watanabe: "At first, it looks like a meatball, then falls dramatically near the plate." Watanabe: "Several batters were so surprised, they couldn't even swing. It might break in a unique way. They have their left-handed unstoppable ace, Mei Narumiya," Watanabe: "and the stable right-handed pitching of Hirano. There are some other fielders who can pitch," Watanabe: "but among them, right-hander Shinji Akamatsu is tall and talented." Watanabe: "He'll be a powerful force for Inashiro." @Int_Yui: "I played him in middle school. He must've hit a growth spurt." @Int_Asada: "A curveball..." @Seto: "Akamatsu always liked to throw that 12-6 curveball. Now that he's taller, its trajectory might've changed." @Int_Okumura: "First string..." @Seto: "Yeah, we can't be outdone." Maezono: "No matter how good their first-year pitcher is, Narumiya's still their guy!" Maezono: "If we can't hit his pitches, we'll never win." Maezono: "Okay, I'll use the cage today!" @Kominato: "Zono-san, mind if I join you?" Shirasu: "I'm coming, too!" Maezono: "Are you coming, Aso?" Aso: "Pipe down!" Maezono: "You what?!" Aso: "You what?!" @Kuramochi: "You two are fighting again?" @Miyuki: "Amahisa and Mei will probably both pitch tomorrow." Watanabe: "Yeah, I'll be watching closely." @Kuramochi: "Third High beat Yamamori Academy without Amahisa. Yakushi lost, but the other teams are doing well." @Miyuki: "Yeah, but the summer is what counts." @Miyuki: "Furuya's making his return as a pitcher for the second-string tune-up game this weekend." @Miyuki: "We have to see what else we can do to get the team ready." @Kuramochi: "Yeah." Watanabe: "You're going off to represent Tokyo, Miyuki." _Sign: "Don't take things that don't belong to you! Remember that we're a team! We must defend this title!!" @Miyuki: "I just wish it wasn't at this critical moment." @Kuramochi: "You're still going to enjoy it!" @Miyuki: "Since I'm going, I might as well." @Kuramochi: "You jerk!" _Player: "What? Third High lost? Hakuryu overtook them after they Amahisa left the mound." _Sign: "[Game Recap] Kanto Tournament Day 4 Game 1 Inashiro Industrial 8 – 2 Kokai U Sagara Kanto Tournament Day 4 Game 2 Hakuryu 3 – 2 Ichidai Third High" _Player: "So the final will be... Inashiro and Hakuryu. I wanna see Mima take on Narumiya!" @Miyuki: "Now, from the stretch!" Ota: "He's looking rather good." @Ochiai: "Yes." @Ochiai: "He seems to be transferring power up from his lower body." @Ochiai: "I hope he can maintain that form in games." @Miyuki: "Splitter!" @Miyuki: "Okay, nice pitch!" @Miyuki: "Looking good. You're less stiff now." @Kataoka: "How's your back?" @Furuya: "It's fine." @Miyuki: "It's your first game in two weeks. You probably won't pitch very many innings, but try a few things so you can get a feel for it." @Furuya: "I'll do all I can." @Ochiai: "I wonder how it'll go." Ono: "Nori, last pitch!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Furuya will start the Saturday game against Kodoge. You'll be starting as catcher, Okumura." @Fbint_Seto: "It's a second-string game, but Koshu's going to catch for Furuya-san!" @Fb_Kataoka: "See how he's doing and decide how many innings he should pitch." @Fb_Ochiai: "Understood." @Fb_Miyuki: "You made the coach mad and passed up your chance to be on the first string." @Int_Okumura: "I thought I was gonna lose my starting spot." @Sawamura: "Nabe-san, can I use the video equipment?" Watanabe: "You're gonna watch it again?" @Sawamura: "Yes! I wanna take the mound in a positive frame of mind!" Watanabe: "It's becoming a pre-game ritual for you." @Miyuki: "We're gonna have a thorough meeting before the game Saturday. Hino High School isn't a team to mess around with!" @Sawamura: "I know! I just wanna get in the zone first!" @Kanemaru: "He's gonna watch the video again?" Tojo: "The Hakuryu game? It's probably his good-luck ritual. They just beat Third High, too." Tojo: "He pitched against them and won. That's pretty huge." @Int_Kanemaru: "Honestly, he really broke out with that game." Announcer: "We're in the last stretch of the Kanto Tournament final!" _Sign: "Hakuryu Inashiro" Announcer: "It's the top of the ninth, and Hakuryu is within two runs of Inashiro!" Announcer: "A runner on first, and three-hole Soichiro Mima at the plate!" Announcer: "On the mound is Mei Narumiya, who came in in the eighth!" _Umpire: "Foul!" Announcer: "He gets a piece of a difficult pitch! They're down by just two runs! A home run could tie the game!" Announcer: "The count is 3–2. Can the Inashiro battery take him down?" Announcer: "Can Hakuryu High School keep the game alive?" Announcer: "Strike three! Mima's bat misses completely! The Inashiro battery chose to end with their incredible changeup!" Tadano: "Mei-san!" umiya: "This was just Kanto." umiya: "Save it for the national championship, idiot." Announcer: "Unable to rally, Hakuryu loses 5–3. The Spring Kanto Tournament has been won by Inashiro Industrial, led by Mei Narumiya!" Maezono: "They won the Tokyo Tournament and now the Kanto Tournament, too." @Kuramochi: "Did you see how far that last changeup sank? It was practically a screwball." Watanabe: "Even Mima couldn't make contect. He may have improved his grip some." @Kuramochi: "That monster's getting even better." @Int_Sawamura: "Improved..." @Int_Miyuki: "You don't feel like you've really lost after just one at-bat against him." @Int_Miyuki: "I'll text him later." Maezono: "Hey, Mogami! You coming?" Mogami: "I'm still too full to move. I have some other stuff to do, too. Sorry." Maezono: "I see. Eating is like training for first-years." Maezono: "I'll ask again next time." Mogami: "Yes, sir!" Mogami: "The whole place to myself! Freedom is so nice!" @Kominato: "Oh, I forgot something. You can lay back down." @Kominato: "You don't get to relax very often, rooming with two upperclassmen." _Sign: "C r a p . . ." @Kominato: "Once you get used to the meals, you can come watch our individual practice." @Kominato: "Seeing how everyone approaches practice can help you, too." @Kominato: "The third-years will be gone soon. All too soon." @Kominato: "Okay, see you later." Int_Mogami: "Kominato-senpai was unusually candid." Int_Mogami: "Is he opening up to me? Does he want to be friends? Does he have expectations from me?!" Mogami: "Wait, Kominato-senpai! I'm going, too!" Mogami: "I want to learn from you two!" @Kominato: "You don't need to push yourself. Your stomach hurts, doesn't it?" Mogami: "No, I only had two bowls today." @Kominato: "So you've been skipping?" Mogami: "Oops..." @Kominato: "That won't do." _Sign: "Inbox Soichiro Mima Re: Congrats on Second Place I'm not pleased in the least. Did you think I'd be happy?" @Int_Miyuki: "Congrats on second place!" Int_Mima: "I'm not pleased in the least. Did you think I'd be happy?" Int_Mima: "I'm more worried about your team. Kosei Amahisa and Mei Narumiya are both draft candidates. Can your lineup really hit them?" @Int_Asada: "Is he watching the Hakuryu game again? He seems to be doing well. He probably can't wait till the game." @Sawamura: ""Hunger."" @Sawamura: "Nice pitch, Furuya!"

@Kuramochi: "Have him hit one my way, Sawamura!" _Player: "Lookin' good, Sawamura!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Player: "So that's Seido's Sawamura. Was that a two-seamer? That sank like crazy! How fast was that going? I don't think you can call that a natural break anymore! It started pretty high, too. Man, coming up with a plan to attack Furuya was tough enough! We definitely can't ignore a pitcher like this guy." @Int_Miyuki: "Number 2's looking good today." @Int_Miyuki: "Number 11 doesn't work if it catches on his finger." @Int_Miyuki: "The numbers break differently depending on the day." @Int_Miyuki: "It makes them fun, but also annoying." @Int_Miyuki: "We also have this lifeline..." @Int_Miyuki: "His fastball!" @Int_Miyuki: "Inside or outside..." @Int_Miyuki: "He can throw it with deadly accuracy, giving us plenty of options." Ota: "Two strikes with two pitches! He isn't wasting a single one!" Int_Sachiko: "He had 38 pitches in five innings." @Int_Ochiai: "His ERA against the powerhouse schools Hakuryu, Naruta Industrial, and Kume was 1.17. His adaptability in tough situations," @Int_Ochiai: "and his ability to focus on every pitch... The more he faces strong teams, the more polished his pitching becomes." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Maezono: "Yeah!" @Int_Ochiai: "It's like he transfers his confidence into the ball. What a pleasant surprise. While Furuya is in a slump, Sawamura has shown incredible growth." @Int_Sawamura: "It's not enough." @Int_Sawamura: "It's still not enough." @Int_Sawamura: "I want to pitch." @Int_Sawamura: "I want to pitch more." @Int_Sawamura: "I want to pitch more against ace pitchers." @Okumura: "It's your first time pitching in an actual game in a while. Will you lean on your fastballs to start?" @Okumura: "If you can keep them in the strike zone, they won't be able to hit them." @Furuya: "I have trouble holding myself back." @Okumura: "Yes, sir. I believe I understand." @Furuya: "As for Eijun..." @Furuya: "He's been an inspiration for me." @Furuya: "I've seen how hard he's worked." @Furuya: "I told him he had pitched well after the Hakuryu game, and I meant it." @Furuya: "He brightens the team. He's awash with aspirations." @Furuya: "The team needed a pitcher like him." @Furuya: "But I don't want to be second best when I'm on the mound." @Furuya: "That's always been my approach, and I can't change it now." @Furuya: "It may cause trouble for you and the rest of the team..." @Okumura: "The same goes for me." @Okumura: "I don't want to be second best to anyone else, either." @Okumura: "Throw it down the middle early on, even if they get some hits. If we get ahead in the count, I'll give the sign for a breaking ball." @Okumura: "Let's decide what to do once we've seen how you're doing." @Okumura: "Give me the signature Satoru Furuya pitches you threw in the bullpen." @Okumura: "I'll help you!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Two outs!" @Kanemaru: "Two outs!" @Int_Miyuki: "We have a sizable lead, but they've scored once and have runners in scoring position. Can he swing his arm through all the way?" @Sawamura: "Finish them off, Tojo!" @Kuramochi: "Be aggressive!" @Int_Miyuki: "Does he have the instincts of a pitcher?" @Int_Miyuki: "He swung his arm through." @Sawamura: "Yeah, that's fourteen wins in a row!" @Kanemaru: "Nice pitch, Tojo!" @Sawamura: "Nice pitch!" _Fan: "Hideaki Tojo. Another pitcher we have to keep an eye on?" _Fan: "They beat Hino handily without Furuya!" _Sign: "Hino Seido Win Sawamura – Tojo Loss Kita – Mochizuki – Nishida" _Fan: "Seido's on a roll!" _All: "Thank you!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "He's pitching over there! Satoru Furuya! What's he doing pitching in a second-string game?" @Int_Okumura: "His pitches are high, but the ball's momentum is getting swings and misses." Haruno: "That's one out." @Int_Ochiai: "He's pitching high." @Int_Okumura: "It's his first time on the mound in two weeks." @Int_Okumura: "We got the first out we needed." @Int_Okumura: "I can set up in the middle and rely on his pace to get us through this inning." @Int_Okumura: "Excuse me. Timeout, please." @Okumura: "What's the matter? Having trouble pitching?" @Furuya: "No, that's not it. I get the feeling this team will swing on borderline pitches." @Furuya: "Could you set up outside instead of the middle?" @Furuya: "I want to focus on technique as much as results for this game." @Int_Ochiai: "This is just the second batter, you know?" @Okumura: "Understood. Let's go for outside pitches." @Int_Okumura: "He may still be getting back up to speed, but I shouldn't have set up down the middle. That was an insult to him." @Int_Okumura: "He wears Seido's ace number." @Int_Okumura: "He's looking beyond this game, at all the games to come." @Fb_Kataoka: "There is no shortcut to glory. The team does not need plays that mistake aggressiveness for arrogance." @Fbint_Kataoka: "What kind of pitcher do you think the best in Japan is?" _Ono: "We aren't going to let you play baseball by yourself." _Maezono: "None of us is satisfied with how we did in the spring! Don't go blaming everything on yourself!" @Int_Furuya: "It's not about what I want or don't want." _Kawakami: "No matter what situation he lands in, he pitches his best." _Kawakami: "I prepare myself so I can do that, too." @Int_Furuya: "It's all about winning." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'm gonna steal that ace number from you." @Fb_Miyuki: "If you want to pitch, come see me." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'm not satisfied at all!" @Fb_Miyuki: "We can't let him outshine us like this." @Int_Furuya: "That's why... I want to be" @Int_Furuya: "the best in Japan with this team!" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Umpire: "Strike!" @Kuramochi: "No one can hit his outside pitches when they're on target." Maezono: "I'd hit it! I have to!" @Int_Okumura: "Two outs and no runners. The count is one ball, two strikes." @Int_Okumura: "His pitching has settled down." @Int_Okumura: "Please swing your arm through." @Int_Okumura: "Let's get the momentum of the ball to make him swing." _Umpire: "Ball." @Kanemaru: "Did he pinch the ball?" Tojo: "I think so." @Miyuki: "It got caught on his finger." Ono: "At that speed, it can be hard to catch when it spins off to the side." Ono: "It's his first time catching for Furuya." Ono: "I'm not surprised it got by him." @Int_Okumura: "We still have two pitches to work with." @Int_Okumura: "Let's see what we can do." @Int_Okumura: "Focus on height instead of trajectory." @Int_Okumura: "Just get it across the plate." @Int_Miyuki: "What do you have as a finish?" _Fan: "Yeah, he swung! But it bounced off the catcher!" _Fan: "Wow, three outs in a row! That's an impressive start!" Kawakami: "He doesn't get rattled, huh?" Ono: "Yeah, and his throw to first was spot-on." @Okumura: "I'm sorry. I'll catch the next one." @Furuya: "We managed a three up, three down." @Furuya: "I'll keep throwing what you ask next inning." @Int_Seto: "Koshu is still Koshu, no matter who he's catching for. He's incredible when it comes to baseball." @Kuramochi: "How would you hit that?" Maezono: "I wouldn't! Let it go and it's a ball!" @Miyuki: "I'm glad that he got a K on a splitter instead of just using fastballs." @Miyuki: "It will encourage Furuya and give Okumura more options next inning." @Int_Miyuki: "So he's not all talk." @Int_Yui: "He asked for the same pitch that got by the first time?" @Sawamura: "Nice pitch, Furuya! Way to force it through! Good job stopping it, Okumura!" @Sawamura: "Keep pushing just like that!" @Furuya: "Force it... I don't like that." @Okumura: "So you're looking down on us." : "Furuya pitched for three innings this game. He struck out six batters and walked one." _Sign: "Kotoge Seido Win Furuya – Tsuda – Kukki Loss Himura – Okubo" : "He put on a decent show for his return from injury." @Sawamura: "Yeah! Nice fielding, Kanadacchi!" _All: "One out!" _Fan: "They make it look easy, but Seido can only do that thanks to hours of work. That kind of play can make the difference in a close game." Int_Tanaka: "I'm best on defense." Int_Tanaka: "That's how I want to contribute to the team." Int_Tanaka: "Always ready, always prepared." Int_Kishima: "I'll avoid swinging at balls and increase my OBP." Int_Kishima: "There are a lot of things I can do. If I can play in a game, I'll be sure to perform." Int_Kishima: "I want more chances!" Int_Yamaguchi: "I'm ready anytime. I just need to be in a game." Int_Yamaguchi: "I want to play in a game." Int_Yamaguchi: "Once I'm in a game, I'll be just as good as the starters." _Sign: "just as good" @Fb_Kataoka: "This is your field! Your game! Go show them how you play baseball!" _All: "Yeah!" _All: "We won't lose!" _Sign: "VS Hino 7 – 1 VS Shigeki 6 – 4 15 straight wins!!" : "In the first game of the double-header, Kawakami was the starting pitcher against Kusakabe Kyohei." @Miyuki: "Nice pitch, Nori!" Maezono: "Two outs, Nori!" @Kuramochi: "Two outs!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's thrown 132 pitches in nine innings." @Int_Miyuki: "He must be tired, but it seems to focus him even more." @Int_Miyuki: "Furuya and Sawamura's growth has left him with fewer opportunities to play." @Int_Miyuki: "But when he does take the mound, he still pitches with the same passion." @Int_Miyuki: "It might not mean much coming from me..." @Int_Miyuki: "but you've become so reliable." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Aso: "Lookin' good, Nori!" Ota: "Kawakami!" Seki: "Nice pitch, yeah!" @Int_Miyuki: "You are the ace for our generation, Nori!" : "In the second game of the double header, Sawamura started and pitched for three innings, allowing one hit and no walks or runs." : "With their cleanup leading the way with a home run, the offense exploded. In the two games they played that day, Seido had twenty-four hits and scored twenty-one runs. Before leaving to represent Tokyo, Captain Miyuki extended their winning streak to seventeen games." @Ochiai: "So this is the all-star roster." @Ochiai: "Yakushi is sending their captain, Hirahata, instead of Sanada. Ichidai Third High is sending their cleanup, Hoshida." Takashima: "As expected, given the timing, a lot of players withdrew from consideration." @Ochiai: "The all-star team's captain is Inui from Teito." @Ochiai: "Are you disappointed?" @Miyuki: "No, that's a relief." Takashima: "Each school sends at least one player, mostly third-years. Tokyo's all-star team will consist of eighteen players." Takashima: "Inashiro Industrial is sending Coach Kunitomo and four of their players. Joint practices will be held on Inashiro's field, as well. The team from America has eighteen players from the Wynd Youth Academy on the West Coast. They're a team of high schoolers from Los Angeles, rather than an all-American team." Takashima: "A former Major Leaguer has volunteered to coach them." @Ochiai: "You can catch Narumiya's pitches on his own home field." @Ochiai: "That's the best kind of scouting possible." @Miyuki: "We're not sure how much he'll show me, though." @Ochiai: "Yes, that's true." @Kataoka: "I'm very thankful to Kunitomo-san for taking on this role for goodwill between our countries and to improve baseball in Tokyo." @Kataoka: "It will be a great experience to be on a team with players all your own age." @Kataoka: "Be sure to show them what you can do as a baseball player." @Miyuki: "Yes, sir. I'm a little hesitant to be away from the team during this time, but I will bring back something that will be of use." @Ochiai: "It's been a while since you had a break from your captain duties, too." @Miyuki: "Yes, sir." @Ochiai: "Please just don't get injured." @Kataoka: "Now, about the first-years who are joining the first string..." Ota: "I'm back." @Ochiai: "How was Furuya?" Ota: "He's fine." Ota: "It's been two days since he pitched, and he hasn't felt any discomfort. He'll keep having his massages, but Dr. Higuchi says his recovery is excellent." @Yui: "Welcome back. How did it go?" @Furuya: "Everything's fine, I think. They're still limiting the number of pitches I can throw," _Sign: "Do you wanna pitch?" @Furuya: "but they're letting me rejoin pitching practice." Ono: "I see. They say it's easy to re-aggravate an injury right after you recover. Don't push yourself." @Furuya: "I won't." @Furuya: "I intend to keep following the lower body workout Coach Ochiai made for me." @Yui: "Furuya-san." @Yui: "Would you please let me catch for you the next time you're in the bullpen?" @Yui: "I'll switch out anytime you want me to. But I want to try to get used to your pitches." @Furuya: "Yeah, I was going to ask you anyway." @Furuya: "We'll have to do it in a game sooner or later." @Yui: "Yes, sir! Thank you!" @Furuya: "But I won't be throwing tomorrow." Ono: "Furuya, let me catch, too. I want to know what to call, but I also want to help you get stronger as a pitcher." Ono: "That's how the whole catching staff feels." Ono: "And of course, we don't want our streak to snap while Miyuki's away." @Seto: "The upperclassmen are always swinging a bat somewhere. It can be a pain to find enough space." @Seto: "How were Furuya-san's pitches?" @Seto: "Exactly what you expected? Even better?" @Okumura: "I was scared." @Okumura: "And not just by the speed of the ball. It was like he was hitting me with his raw emotions and not holding back." @Okumura: "Right at me." @Seto: "Koshu...?" @Okumura: "Honestly, those three innings I spent catching for him took everything I had." @Fb_Sawamura: "This isn't gonna be like warmups, young Okumura." @Okumura: "So that's what comes naturally for those two." @Okumura: "And the one they're looking at is always..." @Okumura: "I hate to admit it, but I can't get there yet." @Okumura: "Not to the stratosphere these guys play on." @Okumura: "Damn it." @Okumura: "It's so frustrating being a first-year." @Okumura: "I don't want to be beaten." : "It was officially announced that Furuya would rejoin the first string, and that Okumura and Seto would join the first string as well." @Fb_Kataoka: "Now, about the first-years who are joining the first string..." @Fb_Kataoka: "I have no qualms about Okumura's abilities, but he still lacks maturity." @Fb_Kataoka: "What do you think, seeing as you're rooming with him?" @Fb_Miyuki: "He can be overly thorny, but he has proper manners. When I was a first-year, I mouthed off and the upperclassmen didn't like me," @Fb_Miyuki: "but being on the first string taught me a lot." @Fb_Miyuki: "Throwing him into the deep end may help him become aware of what's expected." _Takashima: "So you knew you were mouthing off." @Fb_Ochiai: "I can picture him sticking his tongue out behind people's backs." _Ota: "Yes! He was cheeky and mouthed off! He had the upperclassmen hot under the collar!" @Sawamura: "You're finally on the first string." @Okumura: "It's only while Miyuki-senpai is away." @Okumura: "Thank you for waiting." @Okumura: "Please let me know any time you need a catcher." @Okumura: "Right now, even, if you like." @Sawamura: "Sorry, but I'm not throwing today!" @Okumura: "Tomorrow, then." @Sawamura: "Miyuki-senpai's catching for me tomorrow!" @Okumura: "Tomorrow." @Sawamura: "I dunno!" @Okumura: "Let's do it tomorrow." @Sawamura: "I don't think I get to decide!" @Okumura: "It's tomorrow." @Sawamura: "I should really ask Miyuki-senpai!" @Yui: "Thank you!" @Okumura: "It will be tomorrow." @Sawamura: "You want to catch for me that badly, eh? "Heat Transfer."" @Okumura: "Damn, I can feel the ball pushing my mitt." @Okumura: "The speed and angle of each pitch are different, like the ball is alive. This is the first string, the front line. I won't be shaken off so easily!" @Kuramochi: "Well, you can let us handle the team while you go and cause some mayhem. Just accept it." _All: "Hurrah! Hurrah!"

@Seto: "How were Furuya-san's pitches?" @Okumura: "I was scared." @Okumura: "And not just by the speed of the ball. It was like he was hitting me with his raw emotions and not holding back." @Okumura: "Right at me." @Seto: "Koshu...?" @Okumura: "Honestly, those three innings I spent catching for him took everything I had." @Fb_Sawamura: "This isn't gonna be like warmups, young Okumura." @Int_Okumura: "So that's..." @Int_Okumura: "what comes naturally for those two." @Int_Okumura: "And the one they're looking at is always..." @Okumura: "I hate to admit it, but I can't get there yet." @Int_Okumura: "Not to the stratosphere these guys play on." @Okumura: "Damn it. It's so frustrating being a first-year." @Okumura: "I don't want to be beaten." : "On this day, Furuya's return and Okumura and Seto's promotions to the first string were officially announced." @Sawamura: "You've finally made the first string." @Okumura: "It's only while Miyuki-senpai is away." @Okumura: "Thank you for waiting." @Okumura: "Please let me know any time you need a catcher." @Okumura: "Even now, if you'd like." @Sawamura: "Sorry, but I'm not throwing today!" @Okumura: "Tomorrow, then." @Sawamura: "Miyuki-senpai's catching for me tomorrow!" @Okumura: "Tomorrow." @Sawamura: "I dunno!" @Okumura: "Let's do it tomorrow." @Sawamura: "I don't think I get to decide!" @Okumura: "It's tomorrow." @Sawamura: "I should really ask Miyuki-senpai!" Kimura: "You're leaving this afternoon?" @Miyuki: "Yeah, I'm going right to the Inashiro practice field after class. We're just meeting each other today. Tomorrow, we have a practice game against a university team. Then we have two games against the American team on Sunday." @Okumura: "So you'll be catching..." @Okumura: "for Narumiya-san?" @Miyuki: "I'm not sure. Inui from Teito is on the team, too." @Miyuki: "Does it bother you?" @Okumura: "Not at all." @Int_Okumura: "Why do those two always laugh?!" @Miyuki: "You caught for Sawamura yesterday, right?" @Miyuki: "Seido will have four games this weekend, too." @Miyuki: "And you're facing Seiho from Aichi and Yamamori Academy from Yamanashi. They're nationally-ranked teams." @Miyuki: "You might be called in, so show them what you've got." @Miyuki: "I'll let you guys handle things here." Kimura: "Yes, sir." @Miyuki: "I'll be back to take my rightful place, but..." @Miyuki: "Don't worry. They have their quirks, but our team has some good pitchers." @Miyuki: "Learn everything you can." @Sawamura: "Excuse me! Is Cap here?" _Student: "Cap?" _Sign: "Who's that?" @Furuya: "The captain." @Sawamura: "Kazuya Miyuki, the glorious leader of the baseball team!" _Student: "Oh, you mean Miyuki-kun. He's right over there." @Sawamura: "It's him! And Kuramochi-senpai, too!" _Student: "Those two are always together." @Sawamura: "Thank you!" @Sawamura: "Cap, today is the day you set off alone for the Inashiro practice field! We came to give you an early send-off and wish you luck!" @Kuramochi: "You don't need to be so loud!" @Miyuki: "I don't need anything from you." @Sawamura: "But you don't mind, right?" @Sawamura: "Entering a third-year classroom is a new experience for me!" _Student: "So the baseball team calls Miyuki-kun "Cap"? Isn't that Furuya-kun, the guy who excited everyone with his Invitational pitching? He's pretty tall. The other one is Sawamura-kun. They wrote an article about his game against Hakuryu on the Internet. He threw 110 pitches in nine innings with six strikeouts and only one run allowed. You know all about him." @Sawamura: "It's time." @Furuya: "Miyuki-senpai." @Furuya: "Please take these." @Sawamura: "Haven't you heard? All the major leaguers are into this! HI-CHEW is going global! If you take it, it's sure to improve relations between our countries!" @Sawamura: "Here you go! We bought all of these yesterday! You're going to represent Seido, Cap!" @Furuya: "Right." @Sawamura: "Don't do any grandstanding while you're out there!" _Student: "That's a lot of candy. I'm jealous. They sure treat him well. They adore him." @Furuya: "So, are you going to catch for Narumiya-san?" @Sawamura: "Will you?" @Miyuki: "It bothers you guys, eh?" Maezono: "Hey, hey, hey, what are you two doing in the third-year class?" @Furuya: "Hello!" @Sawamura: "Hello, young boss!" Maezono: "Who're you calling "young boss"?!" Maezono: "Aren't you leaving soon, Miyuki? It's an all-star team of guys from our year. Don't make a fool of yourself!" Maezono: "The summer battle has already begun!" @Int_Miyuki: "I'll only be away from the team for three days, you know." @Kuramochi: "Well, they're saying you can let us handle the team while you go and raise some hell. Just accept it." @Int_Miyuki: "Jeez." @Int_Miyuki: "I'm not worried about the team at all." @Miyuki: "Ono, Nori, you two handle the pitching staff." @Miyuki: "And that first-year catcher, too." @Sawamura: "Sir Kazuya Miyuki, may you fare well in battle!" _All: "Hurrah! Hurrah!" @Miyuki: "Would you knock that off?!" @Int_Miyuki: "Just what you'd expect, it's immaculate." Carlos: "So you're actually going to set foot on our practice field." Shirakawa: "You have some nerve to show your face." umiya: "Welcome to our home practice field." _Coach: "The summer tournament will begin soon," _Coach: "so we are grateful that you responded to our invitation." _Coach: "I would like to begin by thanking all of the players gathered here." _Player: "What a lineup. If Amahisa-san and Sanada-san were here, the team would be invincible." _Player: "I guess they didn't want to be on the same team as their divisional rivals." _Coach: "For today's practice, we'll work on communication and signs. Our players will be supporting the practice." _Coach: "Please state the high school you're from and introduce yourself." _Coach: "Captain, you first." Inui: "Yes, sir!" Inui: "I'm Kengo Inui, a third-year at Teito High School. I play catcher! I was thunderstruck when I heard I'd been selected as captain." Inui: "I will do my utmost for the team! Thank you!" Carlos: "Thunderstruck?" Hoshida: "I'm Mamoru Hoshida, a third-year with Ichidai Third High! I play first base! I want to use my batting to contribute to the team!" Hirahata: "I'm Ryo Hirahata, a third-year with Yakushi High School. I play outfield! I want this to be a positive life experience for me!" @Int_Miyuki: "Coach Kunitomo is being smart about this. I think I heard the Japan High School Baseball Federation won't allow him to be in the summer tournament." Yoh: "I'm Shunshing Yeung from Akikawa Academy. I play pitcher!" Yoh: "I want to express my gratitude for being invited, as a foreigner, to this team." Yoh: "I will utilize everything I've learned in Japan." _Fan: "This is a fielding practice worth seeing." _Fan: "You have Hoshida, who usually plays first, and the pitching staff in the outfield." _Fan: "Yamaoka-kun and Nagata-kun are playing third." _Fan: "Miyuki-kun and Inui-kun are playing first. With so many cleanup batters, it would be a shame to have some of them sit on the bench." _Coach: "Yes, I told each of them they may be asked to play different positions. Ideally, everyone would get a chance to show what they're best at, but some players had to drop out due to injuries, and I must decide the best order for the players who are here." Int_Shirakawa: "He's quick on his feet. He had no objections to playing first." Int_Shirakawa: "I thought he wouldn't want to play any position except catcher." umiya: "Forward, forward! Your first step was slow!" umiya: "The throw was too high, and you took too many steps! It's not that far, so throw it as soon as you get it!" Umemiya: "It's not my fault! This isn't my position!" umiya: "I think you were told about this already." Umemiya: "I've been practicing!" umiya: "That makes it even worse!" umiya: "I don't think you'll be playing." Hoshida: "Knock it off!" Imai: "That's going too far, Narumiya." Okuro: "Stop it!" Hirahata: "Mei Narumiya really thinks he's the king." umiya: "Look, that's how it's done! The return throw step, the height of the throw... That was perfect! You can do it if you watch the others!" Umemiya: "Well, excuse me!" Umemiya: "Why do you get to boss me around?" umiya: "Because you messed up in the spring tournament." Umemiya: "Huh?! What're you talking about?" umiya: "I wanted to beat the crap out of you, but you had to go and crash out. Give me a chance to pay you back, please." Umemiya: "Oh, so you're still sore about losing in the fall tournament!" umiya: "Yeah, in a big way." Okuro: "Okay, you two! Break it up!" Imai: "Is Narumiya always like that?" Chujo: "Wow." Carlos: "Man, it's good to have so many level-headed players around." Okuro: "Hey, don't stand there smiling! Stop him!" _Coach: "Pitching staff, to the mound! We're reviewing signs!" Int_Umemiya: "He's quick." umiya: "Not bad." Umemiya: "How robotic as always! Now it's my turn!" _Coach: "I expect that each team has their own signs and timing. For that reason, I want to keep things simple." _Coach: "This team only exists for three days." _Coach: "Instead of coming up with a detailed series of signs, we must focus on their clarity." _Coach: "We'll work thoroughly on covering, throwing, and fundamentals." _Coach: "I've invited players who I think can handle it." _All: "Yes, sir!" @Int_Miyuki: "His instructions are specific and precise. And he knows how to get the players excited." @Int_Miyuki: "This is how Coach Kunitomo coaches." _Fan: "The Inashiro pitchers are going to help out with batting practice. That's so nice." _Fan: "They're using wooden bats? More players are using wooden bats in practice, but they won't hit as much as they do with metal bats." _Fan: "Still, they have a lot of power hitters, including Yamaoka, Hoshida, and Nagata. I'm eager to see how well they'll hit against the American team." Tadano: "Nice pitch, Oguro-san!" _Fan: "It's strange to see two players who duked it out in the spring tournament on a battery together. This alone makes coming here worth it." Int_Narumiya: "I haven't forgotten about that home run you hit." Int_Narumiya: "But you're easy to throw to." Int_Inui: "They're so alike." Int_Inui: "The air of arrogance about him is nearly the same!" @Int_Miyuki: "Wow, he throws exactly where I put my glove. I could get used to this." @Int_Miyuki: "Nice pitch!" Int_Yoh: "I had trouble sleeping last night." Int_Yoh: "Being able to play like this, when I thought my high school baseball career was over..." Int_Yoh: "And..." Int_Yoh: "I'm on a team with the best players in Tokyo." Int_Yoh: "To-siā li." Int_Yoh: "Thank you." @Miyuki: "Okay! Nice pitch!" umiya: "Kazuya!" umiya: "Don't you want to catch for me?" @Miyuki: "If you're fine with showing me your moves." umiya: "Sure, I don't mind. It's not like they're going anywhere." @Miyuki: "Okay, show me your changeup." umiya: "No, not that!" @Miyuki: "Then your curveball and slider." umiya: "Those are all breaking balls! I'll have you know my fastball is even better than before!" Ono: "Okay! Nice pitch! That one felt good!" @Sawamura: "Thanks!" Ono: "Okay, I'll give Okumura a chance." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Ono: "Numbers 11 and 7 are unsteady today." @Okumura: "Yes. Sometimes they move, but sometimes they don't." @Okumura: "His fastballs are fine, though." @Furuya: "12-6." @Yui: "Yes, sir!" @Okumura: "What number will you throw first?" @Sawamura: "Number 11! I want to focus on that!" @Okumura: "Okay." @Sawamura: "Sorry! I can't control it!" @Okumura: "If that's what it looks like in the bullpen, we can't use it in a game." @Okumura: "I wouldn't call for it. There are other pitches we can use." @Okumura: "But if you still want to throw it, I'll catch it." @Sawamura: "I do! The god of war inside me demands it!" @Okumura: "Okay, then put it in the strike zone. Right down the middle is fine." @Int_Yui: "He speaks so bluntly to everyone." @Int_Yui: "There are still a lot of pitches I have trouble catching." Int_Ono: "His body is starting to react on its own to catch the ball." Int_Ono: "He kept dogging Sawamura and Nori to let him catch for them." Int_Ono: "Yui's strength lies in his straightforward desire to improve and his persistence." @Okumura: "That one was good." @Sawamura: "Yeah, it felt good!" @Sawamura: "If I get the next one, let's try Number 7!" @Fb_Kataoka: "For tomorrow's games, Kawakami will start against Kizaki, and Kaneda will start against Takehara. On Sunday, Furuya will start against Yamamori Academy, and Sawamura will start against Seiho." @Fb_Kataoka: "The starting catchers will be Ono and Yui." @Fb_Kataoka: "Okumura will sub in as needed." @Fb_Kataoka: "The summer tournament lottery begins June 21st!" @Fb_Kataoka: "The tournament begins July 5th!" @Fb_Kataoka: "I'll be announcing the players on the roster in two weeks." @Fbint_Kariba: "I don't expect any of the regular members to drop out," @Fbint_Kariba: "but the next few games will determine who barely makes the cut." @Fbint_Kariba: "As well as..." @Fbint_Kariba: "who will wear the ace number." @Fbint_Kariba: "The way they pitch without Miyuki-senpai during these games will be a big factor." @Int_Okumura: "Damn, I can feel the ball pushing my mitt. The speed and angle of each pitch are different," @Int_Okumura: "like the ball is alive. This is the first string," @Int_Okumura: "the front line." @Int_Okumura: "I won't be shaken off so easily!" Maezono: "Miyuki! How did it go?! How did it feel?! Did you get to wear a mitt?" @Kuramochi: "Was Coach Kunitomo scary?" @Sawamura: "Did you catch Narumiya-san's pitches?" @Furuya: "Did you?" @Miyuki: "Too many questions! "Competition."" @Sawamura: "Strong players just keep on coming. Check this out!" Inui: "It takes precise control and guts to throw inside against such an open stance." Yoh: "This will be my last ever official game!" @Miyuki: "We're on a Japanese baseball field, and the umpire is Japanese. They've come to our house to play. We need to use our home advantage."

: "Kawakami, the starting pitcher, allowed only one hit in five innings." : "His intense pitching served to inspire the team in place of its captain, Miyuki." @Kuramochi: "Look down on us..." _All: "...and we'll take you down!" : "Maezono, given the cleanup position," : "was unable to control his emotions and struck out three times. However..." : "Furuya, who batted fifth, did get RBI hits. Leadoff Kuramochi and three-hole Shirasu led the order to a six-run lead by the sixth inning." _Sign: "Kizaki Seido" : "Despite giving up three runs toward the end, Kawakami threw 135 pitches in a complete game victory. The team extended their unbeaten streak to eighteen games." _Reporter: "Most of the university players are first and second-years." _Reporter: "The Narumiya-Inui battery held them scoreless for two innings. Then they passed the baton to Imai and Yoh. Then the Umemiya-Miyuki battery took over in the sixth. I guess they don't want the pitcher and catcher to be from the same division." Yuki: "The Tokyo All-Stars, eh?" Yuki: "Interesting idea." Yuki: "Who could have known we'd be facing each other in this game?" @Miyuki: "Yes. It's been something new every day, Tetsu-san." Owada: "It's Seido versus Seido!" Mine: "Calm down." Umemiya: "The university team's got brawn." umiya: "I got Tetsu-san out with an infield grounder earlier! That felt so good!" _Sign: "S m a c k" _Fan: "This game will have a fresh order, unlike the last one. Leading off is the shortstop, Takatsu. Second is the first-year second baseman, Seto. Third is the catcher, Yui, and fourth is the left fielder Yuki. They must really rate Yui and Yuki's offense. The upperclassmen in the bottom of the order won't want to look bad, though." _Fan: "It's one of their last chances to show what they can do." @Sawamura: "Okay, it's go time! Go get it done, Takatsu! Will you become Seido's new vanguard? Can you?!" Carlos: "He really has developed his power." Hirahata: "He's been hitting a lot of home runs lately." Hoshida: "It sure does feel nice to have him when he's on your team." Shirakawa: "He has thirty-seven career home runs. Five in May of this year alone." Carlos: "You sound obsessed." Int_Narumiya: "He spoils pitches to stay alive and waits for a pitch he can do something with. He does just what annoys pitchers the most." Anthony: "Whoa! Did you see that?!" Rhinehart: "I thought their players would all be ninjas, but they've got some heavy hitters, too!" Rhinehart: "And an Elvis to boot!" Anthony: "Look at his duck tail!" Rhinehart: "Awesome!" Umemiya: "Don't act like you're better than us." Rhinehart: "Looks like they've got some decent players." Anthony: "This is it. Now we can play a real game." _Player: "What's got you all fired up? You're not on that team, Yuki." _Sign: "Seido High School Practice Field" @Sawamura: "Yes, they can get a double play!" _Fan: "The shortstop slipped up again." @Int_Kuramochi: "Takatsu is moving pretty slow. He looked better in practice." @Kataoka: "Nakata, can you go in next inning?" kata: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Kijima." Kijima: "Yes, sir! I'm ready anytime!" Int_Ota: "He's changing both middle infielders? That's pretty harsh." @Int_Okumura: "Taku hasn't even done anything yet." : "The players on the field, as well as those waiting to play, will all have chances to perform." : "They must show what they can do in the limited time they are given." @Sawamura: "Okay, change gears! It's how you play next that counts! It's not over! You can still stop them!" Takatsu: "Yeah!" : "Seido allowed a two-run lead until the fifth inning," : "when the third-year infielders took the field and established a rhythm on defense. The bottom of the lineup started a rally," : "tying the game in the seventh. In the eighth, they took the lead." : "Every one of Seido's runs was driven in by a third-year." : "Third-year Kawashima came on as the relief pitcher in the seventh inning. His battery with first-year Okumura performed well, allowing one run in three innings. Seido beat Takehara High School by a score of 6–4. It was their nineteenth consecutive win, and it built up momentum for their games the following day." Maezono: "How was the university team?! Did you see Tetsu-san?!" @Kuramochi: "Did you play against him?" @Sawamura: "And did you catch for Narumiya-san?!" @Furuya: "Did you?" @Miyuki: "Too many questions..." @Sawamura: "They're here, they're here! Strong players just keep on coming. Just look at 'em!" @Kominato: "You sound awfully confident." @Int_Okumura: "He smiles no matter where he is or who he's with." Ono: "It's a round robin against teams that are Koshien regulars. We don't have our captain, but this is the best way to test our skills." Ono: "Since we're doing this, let's give it our all!" @Sawamura: "Let's brag to Cap about our unbeaten record when he gets back!" Kawakami: "Yeah, I want him to be impressed at how well we played." @Furuya: "Ono-senpai, let's have a good game." @Int_Yui: "Ono-senpai is the starting catcher for both games. I'll stay ready in case I need to go in." @Int_Okumura: "I want to catch for both of them in a real game." _Sign: "Meijin University Tsurushima Ballpark" _Reporter: "And that was an off-balance throw! He's got a strong arm!" _Coach: "The Wynd Youth Academy was established to promote interest in baseball in urban areas. They provide free development programs to those who are unable to play baseball due to financial or other circumstances. They even have former major leaguers volunteering as coaches." _Coach: "They've brought their very best players. The sport of baseball is what gave them the opportunity to come to Japan and made this game possible." _Coach: "How will we fare against them? Once this game is over, you'll each go back to your own team" _Coach: "and make the final adjustments before competing to play at Koshien Stadium." _Coach: "You may even face one another in the tournament." _Coach: "But that's part of Japanese baseball. We play hard, polish our technique, and train our bodies together. Having rivals drives us even higher." _Coach: "Have pride in the baseball we devote every day to, and compete with honor!" Inui: "Let's go!" _All: "Yeah!" _Coach: "The pitching order for Game 1 will be Yoh, Imai, Narumiya, and the starting catcher will be Inui. The starting catcher for Game 2 will be Miyuki. The pitching order will be Umemiya, Oguro, Nakajo." Int_Hirahata: "He really isn't going to let a catcher and pitcher from the same division work together. I guess that's how attentive Coach Kunitomo is." Int_Shirakawa: "Obviously. It would only work against our team. It's bad enough they're watching us practice." @Int_Miyuki: "Man, I'm nervous playing first base. This might be my first time playing anything except catcher in a game." @Miyuki: "One at a time! Stay relaxed!" @Int_Miyuki: "We don't know anything about them, so what calls should we make? I guess we'll have to see how they swing." Int_Inui: "He's standing pretty far from the plate. He'll probably step into the swing, and have trouble hitting inside pitches." Int_Inui: "It takes precise control and guts to throw inside against such an open stance." Int_Inui: "But this guy has that." Int_Yoh: "This will be..." Int_Yoh: "my last ever official game!" _Umpire: "Strike!" Int_Yoh: "I can burn myself out today." _Sign: "USA Japan" _Umpire: "Foul!" _Umpire: "Ball." _Umpire: "Foul!" Owada: "He hit an outside pitch that far? That pitch was off the plate, wasn't it?" Mine: "It was a strike for him. Americans have larger bodies than Japanese, so their strike zones are larger, too." Int_Yoh: "His body remains firmly planted despite the speed of his swing." Int_Yoh: "It shows he's being rational about how he swings." Int_Yoh: "This is real American baseball!" _Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "He sawed him off! He's not letting the American team get a good hit!" Owada: "That's why they call him a precision robot!" Int_Mine: "His pitches have gained speed over the off-season." Int_Mine: "I'm sure he knows he isn't eligible for this year's tournament." Int_Mine: "I have nothing but respect for his devotion to baseball." @Miyuki: "Nice pitch. Your outside pitch is priming the pump. It's throwing off their batters." Anthony: "Another strikeout on an inside pitch." Steven: "The Japanese umpire is calling every inside pitch a strike, and it's ticking me off." _Coach: "That pitcher is clever, and a little intimidating." _Coach: "He must be the best pitcher on the Japanese team." Umemiya: "Man, he's intense! I can't wait to get up to bat! Is it fast? And awesome?" @Miyuki: "He's using his large body to throw as hard as he can. It's like the mound is that much closer. But when he throws a breaking ball, his arm wavers, so you can tell when one's coming." @Miyuki: "Just don't let his form fool you." Shirakawa: "I got used to his pitches in one at-bat." Carlos: "We can swing at his sloppy fastballs." Shirakawa: "He's certainly not out of our league." Umemiya: "Oh, I like the sound of that!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" umiya: "Okay, three up, three down! Just like that! Our offense is over, just like that! No rest for the pitcher, I guess!" _Umpire: "Strike!" Bob: "No!" @Miyuki: "Two outs!" @Miyuki: "Nice pitch." @Fb_Miyuki: "You often hear about how their strike zone is more to the outside of the plate." @Fb_Miyuki: "So it might be a good idea to pitch out of the zone away. What we should target is the inside." @Miyuki: "We're on a Japanese baseball field, and the umpire is Japanese. Get them to swing at balls outside" @Miyuki: "and finish them off on the inside." @Miyuki: "They've come to our house to play." @Miyuki: "We need to use our home advantage." umiya: "Don't you just love his personality?" @Miyuki: "Like you're one to talk." Yoh: "You're a bad guy." Int_Yoh: "Now I know how he got that hit last year." _Umpire: "Strike!" Int_Anthony: "A slow curveball... He's got more tricks up his sleeve." @Int_Miyuki: "All the way outside. Superb." _Umpire: "Foul!" Int_Anthony: "First slow and outside... then a high inside fastball." Int_Anthony: "Where will he pitch next?" Int_Anthony: "Inside? Outside?" @Int_Miyuki: "Sorry, but as soon as that curveball got by you..." @Int_Miyuki: "You were doomed." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "Swing and a miss!" _Reporter: "Three innings of nearly perfect pitching." _Reporter: "Shunshing Yeung... It's a shame we won't get to see him pitch in the summer tournament." _Coach: "Your pitching is giving the team courage and momentum." _Coach: "I made the right choice in having you start." Umemiya: "What's wrong?" umiya: "He's never said anything that nice to me!" Umemiya: "No! Really?" umiya: "What's that supposed to mean?!" Carlos: "Cool it, King." _Umpire: "Ball four!" @Int_Miyuki: "As soon as he had to pitch from the stretch, he became erratic." @Int_Miyuki: "One out, and runners on first and second. We need to take advantage of this situation." _Fan: "A bunt!" _Fan: "Now there are two outs with runners on second and third! Now it's up to the cleanup!" Int_Shirakawa: "You brag about your ability in the clutch. Then prove it." _Coach: "They gave us an out for free... Typical Japanese small ball." Int_Carlos: "If the ball gets past the infield, I'll make it home." Int_Yoh: "What pitch will Kazuya Miyuki swing at?" Int_Narumiya: "You're not the starting catcher or the cleanup batter. If you don't get a hit here, why are you even playing, Kazuya?" Int_Carlisle: "There's two outs, but the inning's not over." Int_Carlisle: "Forget about the runner. Give me your best fastball." _Umpire: "Strike!" Carlisle: "Nice! Your pitches are looking good!" Int_Carlisle: "Take him down, Weed!" _All: "Yeah!" Carlisle: "He willingly sacrificed himself." Carlisle: "Such focus in the heat of battle..." Carlisle: "I see..." Carlisle: "So that's how Japanese samurai fight." @Okumura: "The third batter hit another inside pitch." @Okumura: "He seems to like those, so we need to be careful." @Sawamura: "That's the eye of a catcher. You notice the finer details." @Okumura: "What did you notice, then?" @Okumura: "I saw you watching. You looked serious." @Sawamura: "Oh, you know... He took that high inside pitch and glared back at the pitcher, so I figured he's pretty tough. And the batter before him, um... He had a really cool stance!" @Okumura: "So you did pick up on some good details." @Sawamura: "Huh? Really? You gave me a compliment! So, how about their leadoff? He must have a lot of friends!" @Sawamura: "The way he plays is beautiful!" @Okumura: "I don't know about that." @Yui: "What did you notice, Furuya-san?" @Furuya: "Seiho seems to have some persistent batters." @Furuya: "They're hard to take down even when they're cornered." @Furuya: "Yamamori likes to hit early. They'll swing at fastballs." @Yui: "The Seiho batters change their step to a slide when they're cornered." @Yui: "You don't see them getting struck out much." @Furuya: "Now that you mention it..." @Yui: "Yamamori almost never makes bad contact." Int_Ono: "Yamamori and Seiho are both powerhouse schools with excellent lineups. But... I think Sawamura and Furuya can hold them off." Int_Ono: "They just need to pitch their best." Kawakami: "Just do what you do best." @Kuramochi: "Want to go get warmed up?" @Sawamura: "Furuya." @Sawamura: "Your back's fine now, right?" @Furuya: "Yeah, I'm fine." @Sawamura: "I see." @Fb_Kataoka: "On Sunday, Furuya will start against Yamamori Academy," @Fb_Kataoka: "and Sawamura will start against Seiho." @Fb_Kataoka: "I'll be announcing the players on the roster in two weeks." @Sawamura: "So you can pitch a quality start today." @Sawamura: "Don't start forcing your pitches and self-destruct." @Furuya: "You're not playing until the third game, right?" @Furuya: "Stay quiet and watch." @Kuramochi: "Sawamura, don't pick a fight with Furuya just because you're bored! Pay attention to the game!" @Sawamura: "I'm not picking a fight! This is my way of cheering for him!" @Kuramochi: "Anyone can see you're messing with him!" @Sawamura: "Ono-senpai, I'm like a runaway train with no brakes, but I'm looking forward to throwing to you!" Ono: "Got it!" @Sawamura: "Thank you!" @Furuya: "Runaway train..." Kaneda: "What's he up to?" Tojo: "It's his way of cheering, remember?" @Okumura: "Why are you putting pressure on Furuya-san on his second game back?" @Sawamura: "Because he's awesome." @Sawamura: "He's awesome, and I want to beat him. "Because He's Awesome."" _Both: "So that's Furuya! Seido's Satoru Furuya!" Yuto: "I'm so excited!" @Furuya: "I'll get it back again." @Okumura: "He's clearly forcing it, and it's all your fault."

@Sawamura: "So you can pitch a quality start today." @Sawamura: "Don't start forcing your pitches and self-destruct." @Furuya: "You're not playing until the third game, right?" @Furuya: "Stay quiet and watch." @Sawamura: "Why are you putting pressure on Furuya-san on his second game back? Because he's awesome." @Sawamura: "He's awesome, and I want to beat him." Umemiya: "Whoa!" @Int_Miyuki: "The ball drifted a little high, and he hit it that far?" Owada: "A two-run homer right out of the park." Mine: "They'll eat up any meatball they're served." @Miyuki: "When he's on your team, he's like a god, but if you're playing against him, he's more like a demon." Umemiya: "Okay, we're on the seventh batter! Let's stay aggressive this inning!" Umemiya: "He's huge!" gata: "They've subbed out their pitcher, too." Int_Coach: "Our deepest gratitude to Japan for hosting us. The cultural experience has had a great impact on our players. But as representatives of the home of baseball, we will accept nothing short of victory." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "Whoa, three strikeouts in a row! Those pitches were insane! How fast were those?" Imai: "His arms are so long. I've never seen a ball fly like that." _Fan: "Th-They've got momentum! They're starting to get serious! Did the Japanese team's lead light a fire under the American team?" Owada: "They managed to prevent them from scoring in the top of the sixth." Mine: "Yeah. They gave up the lead in the fifth and the score is 5–3. They're down by two runs." Mine: "But how will they score against that pitcher?" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Miyuki: "That outside slider feels really far away." @Miyuki: "It's hard to read it at a glance, especially for left-handed batters." @Int_Miyuki: "We have to do something before we get cornered." _Umpire: "Strike two!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "Three in a row again! He hasn't allowed a single runner on base!" @Int_Miyuki: "This is the global level." @Miyuki: "There are some incredible players." @Int_Miyuki: "That's not to say..." @Int_Miyuki: "we don't have our own incredible players." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Both: "So that's Furuya! Seido's Satoru Furuya!" _Coach: "I'm glad we made the trip to Tokyo." _Coach: "His pitching's incredible! He'll give Kunitomo-san some trouble." Ono: "You're pitching in the strike zone, but you're still tense. Try to relax your shoulder!" @Okumura: "He's clearly forcing it, and it's all your fault." @Sawamura: "Nah, as much as I hate to admit it..." @Sawamura: "Furuya's the only guy who can throw like that and still get strikeouts." Maezono: "Furuya, have him hit my way!" @Kuramochi: "Two outs! You don't need to rush yourself!" @Kominato: "Gameplan, gameplan!" @Kanemaru: "Two outs!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Don't start forcing your pitches and self-destruct." _Ono: "I want to know what to call, but I also want to help you get stronger as a pitcher." _Ono: "That's how the entire catching staff feels." @Int_Furuya: "I know... that I'm not yet fit to wear the ace number." @Int_Furuya: "I'm going to earn it back!" Anthony: "They're changing pitchers again?" Carlisle: "This guy's a southpaw." Harris: "He's pretty small." Harris: "Hey, boss, are they letting junior high kids play in this game?" _Coach: "No, they said only high schoolers. He's probably a first-year." Anthony: "He's out of gas already? That's what you get for taking your starter out so early..." _Coach: "Mei Narumiya." _Coach: "He's the ace pitcher from Inashiro Industrial, one of the best teams in Japan." _Coach: "They were the runners up at last year's Koshien Stadium summer tournament." umiya: "You've seen how they bat up-close, so I'll let you make the calls." Inui: "Okay. Their batters like to swing." Inui: "Let's make the first pitch count." @Int_Miyuki: "It feels so strange to be on the same field as Mei, playing as a team." @Int_Miyuki: "And I'm on first base! It's my first time playing this position!" _Umpire: "Play!" Hyman: "Whoa... Wh-What's with this pitcher?" Hyman: "How are his pitches so powerful when he's so tiny?!" Rhinehart: "Are you kidding me with that slider? We're not playing Frisbee here!" Int_Rhinehart: "His fastballs and his breaking balls are all top-notch, and he's got an amazing aura." Umemiya: "Yeah! Two nice, clean outs!" Umemiya: "Pick them off without mercy, tyrant of the mound!" umiya: "Tyrant?" Int_Inui: "His changeup is incredible. It's not just the speed. The way it sinks is so sharp." @Int_Miyuki: "He really is getting better. I'd love to watch him from the batter's box!" Int_Inui: "This is Wynd Youth's top batter, Carlisle. He can swing incredibly fast, and has very precise bat control." Int_Inui: "He's the batter we need to be most cautious with." @Int_Miyuki: "Yeung took him out by making him focus on inside pitches." @Int_Miyuki: "How will we use outside pitches this time?" _Umpire: "Foul!" @Int_Miyuki: "He sends it flying like it's nothing. It'll be tough to take him down." Int_Carlisle: "A circle change!" Int_Carlisle: "It broke like crazy." _Player: "Carlisle couldn't even make contact?!" _Coach: "Mei Narumiya. He's the ace pitcher from Inashiro Industrial, one of the best teams in Japan." _Coach: "They were the runners up at last year's Koshien Stadium summer tournament." _Umpire: "Out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah! Three in a row to start! Your start bodes well, for once!" _Player: "Oh, man! Was that the pitch that howls as it gets closer? Was it really? It's crazy, especially when it's high! I can't wait to get up to bat!" Kazuto: "And if he mixes in some pitches that drop low..." _Both: "That would suck!" Yuto: "You have to lay off the high ones and see through the low breaking balls?" _Both: "That's tough!" Yuto: "I can't wait!" Int_Kazuto: "Let's start..." Int_Yuto: "by giving him a little greeting!" Int_Both: "Slider!" Int_Yuto: "And then..." _Umpire: "Strike two!" @Int_Furuya: "His arm swing looked the same, and so did the course..." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Both: "Yes!" _Fan: "They struck out Furuya with three pitches! Those were all outside pitches." _Fan: "That's the skill of the quarterfinalist battery from the Invitational! The twins are perfectly in sync!" Yuto: "We got him!" _Player: "Two outs! Two outs!" @Sawamura: "Why is their team so keyed up?" _Both: "Yes! Three outs!" _All: "Change!" @Sawamura: "I knew it! They have a pose they do!" @Sawamura: "That's great! Isn't that the coolest thing?" @Okumura: "Is it?" _Coach: "The Yamamori baseball team puts everything they have into enjoying baseball." _Fan: "The Kotari brothers probably have something to do with it. Yamamori Academy has an endlessly cheerful team." _Coach: "The umpire told them off during the Invitational, though." _Coach: "Okay, how are you gonna take on that pitcher? You wanna hit his fastballs, right?" _Both: "Yes, we want to! Or rather, we will!" _Coach: "I like the sound of that!" Int_Coach: "Don't swing at the high pitches and get a read on his breaking balls. If your arms and legs are stiff, you won't be able to swing the bat." _Coach: "Then get out there and swing those bats! Get those hits and take him down!" _All: "Yeah!" _Player: "We got our first hit! We can do it! We can hit! If we hit, it'll go far!" Int_Ono: "If the ball is off course, they'll hit it. Their swings are sharp." _Coach: "Nice hit, Kazuto! That's just what we needed! That will encourage the team!" Int_Coach: "Batting is about waiting and hitting what the pitcher throws." Int_Coach: "But that doesn't mean you have to be mentally passive as well." Int_Ono: "He didn't move for that low pitch." Int_Yuto: "I won't even look at breaking balls!" Int_Yuto: "Give me your best pitch! My brother got a single, so I'll hit a double!" Int_Yuto: "I'm the star. I want to shine!" Int_Coach: "Yes, that's how you attack!" _All: "Go!" _Player: "So close! Just needed a little more!" @Sawamura: "Yeah, that's Tojo! He plays the field! He's Seido's last line of hope!" Ono: "Timeout, please." Ono: "They're swinging, as we thought." Ono: "You're not trying to overpower every batter, right?" Ono: "Hey, that was a long pause. They aren't swinging at the low pitches, so I think they're sitting on fastballs." Ono: "I'll call for more breaking balls. The goal is to run up the count, not get them to swing. Keep them in the strike zone." @Kuramochi: "It's still the second inning!" Ono: "Don't worry. We'll back you up, so pitch however you like." _Ono: "I'm fine!" _Ono: "Keep throwing." _Ono: "Keep 'em coming! I'm not letting them get behind me!" @Yui: "One out! Get the outs you can! One at a time!" _Ono: "I'm not the same as Miyuki," _Ono: "and I couldn't catch your pitches at the Jingu Tournament." _Ono: "You might scoff at me for saying this, but..." _Ono: "We aren't going to let you play baseball by yourself." _Umpire: "Strike!" Ono: "Okay!" Int_Player: "A pitch that starts high and drops." _Coach: "So they're throwing more breaking balls." @Sawamura: "Yes, yes! That was a good spot!" Int_Ono: "They're only going to swing at fastballs." Int_Ono: "Let's give them another one, down the middle." _Umpire: "Strike!" @Sawamura: "That's it!" @Seto: "Another breaking ball." @Okumura: "And it was in the strike zone." Int_Coach: "Hey, now... Hang on." Int_Coach: "Was he really the kind of pitcher who'd run up the count with breaking balls?" Ota: "I thought it might be a little early to put him on the mound, but Furuya looks more relaxed out there now." Ota: "What magic words did Ono whisper to him?" @Sawamura: "What next? How will you finish him off?" @Int_Okumura: "Reducing waste pitches lets the catcher be more flexible with his calls." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Sawamura: "Yes! Nice pitch, jerk!" _Both: "Two outs!" Haruno: "That's three Ks already." @Int_Ochiai: "He's able to run up the count with breaking balls." @Int_Ochiai: "He's worked on that for a long time, and it's key to his comeback, but..." @Int_Ochiai: "Will he be able to get his touch back without the starting catcher?" @Fb_Miyuki: "What's wrong?" @Fb_Miyuki: "You're the one who dragged me out here. Don't hold back. Throw with everything you've got." _Ono: "Pitch however you like." Kazuto: "That was close!" _Coach: "He noticed the runner was taking a larger lead." Int_Coach: "I was disappointed Kazuya Miyuki wouldn't be playing, but that catcher is good." Int_Coach: "I'm fired up!" Kazuto: "Man, this is exciting!" Int_Ono: "I'll handle the runner." Int_Ono: "You focus on the batter." @Int_Furuya: "Yes, sir." @Int_Furuya: "Please do!" _Umpire: "Strike!" Int_Player: "Crap! That would have been easy to hit!" @Sawamura: "Nice one! Powerful and right down the middle!" @Seto: "He just keeps going." Int_Kawakami: "Good, he's relaxed and playing how he feels comfortable." Int_Kawakami: "Thinking ahead, they shouldn't let the runner steal easily." Ota: "Ono is making the right calls for Furuya! The third-years are playing considerably better." @Kataoka: "I've hoped that Ono would have a chance like this." @Kataoka: "I felt confident about sending Miyuki to represent Tokyo because Ono was on the team." @Fb_Yui: "Ono-senpai..." @Fb_Yui: "What game is the scorebook in front of your desk from?" _Ono: "It's from the Jingu Tournament last fall." _Ono: "I couldn't catch Furuya's pitches and we lost." _Ono: "There were two outs, with runners on first and third." _Ono: "The batter was the cleanup, who couldn't time the breaking balls." _Ono: "I let the ball get behind me." _Ono: "They scored the winning run." _Ono: "I don't want to forget how disappointed I was. I have it there so I can see it every day." _Ono: "I haven't told Furuya, though." _Ono: "I'm no Miyuki, but..." _Ono: "But I'm going to be a better catcher than I was that day!" Ono: ""As a Catcher."" @Sawamura: "What are you talking about? You don't need to think about that!" @Kuramochi: "Don't go thinking the two of you are gonna handle this yourselves." umiya: "He's not someone our battery can take down if we're being cautious." @Miyuki: "Then don't shake your head at my signs." umiya: "As long as you make calls I don't have to refuse." @Miyuki: "Of course." umiya: "You're getting on the batter's nerves."

Kazuto: "That was close!" _Coach: "That catcher is good." Int_Ono: "I'll handle the runner. You focus on the batter." @Int_Furuya: "Yes, sir." @Int_Furuya: "Please do!" @Kataoka: "I've hoped that Ono would have a chance like this." @Kataoka: "I felt confident about sending Miyuki to represent Tokyo because Ono was on the team." @Fb_Yui: "Ono-senpai..." @Fb_Yui: "What game is the scorebook in front of your desk from?" _Ono: "It's from the Jingu Tournament last fall." _Ono: "I couldn't catch Furuya's pitches and we lost." _Ono: "There were two outs, with runners on first and third." _Ono: "The batter was the cleanup, who couldn't time the breaking balls." _Ono: "I let the ball get behind me." _Ono: "They scored the winning run." _Ono: "I don't want to forget how disappointed I was." _Ono: "I have it there so I can see it every day." _Ono: "I haven't told Furuya, though." _Ono: "I'm no Miyuki, but..." _Ono: "But I'm going to be a better catcher than I was that day!" @Kuramochi: "Two outs!" @Kominato: "Two outs!" @Yui: "Steal!" Int_Ono: "If we're doing this, let's go!" @Int_Furuya: "I'll let you handle it!" Int_Ono: "Hit and run?!" _Umpire: "Foul!" Int_Carlisle: "A circle change!" Carlisle: "It broke like crazy." _Player: "Carlisle couldn't even make contact!?" _Coach: "Mei Narumiya. He's the ace pitcher from Inashiro Industrial, one of the best teams in Japan." _Coach: "They were the runners-up at last year's Koshien Stadium summer tournament." Int_Carlisle: "A product of Koshien Stadium, Japan's sacred ball field." Int_Carlisle: "Mei Narumiya." Umemiya: "Yeah, he's out!" Umemiya: "Hey, what do you think you're doing?!" Carlisle: "My bat? Are you okay?" Inui: "No problem." umiya: "Are you okay?" Inui: "It took me a moment to realize what happened. The batter was just standing there, though." Inui: "I tagged him out without thinking." umiya: "Just by instinct?" Umemiya: "He brushed it off like it was nothing! You're pretty cool, Inui! Kengo Inui!" @Int_Miyuki: "The bat hit him from that distance?" @Int_Miyuki: "I need to be careful, too." _Fan: "The ball hit his right hand after the foul tip. And that was Furuya's fastball. That's gotta hurt. Now what?" @Kataoka: "Yui!" @Yui: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Warm up." Ono: "Sorry to leave like this, Furuya." Ono: "I'm counting on you to handle things, Yui." @Yui: "Yes, sir!" Ono: "Don't worry. You can do it." Ono: "Stick with Furuya." Int_Maezono: "If the runner hadn't been moving, Ono's hand wouldn't have been there. That was bad luck." Int_Maezono: "Having Ono leave the game now is going to do a lot of damage." _Fan: "Two years ago it was Chris, last year it was Tanba. It's like this time of year is cursed for Seido." Ono: "Sorry, Sawamura." Ono: "I might not get to catch for you." @Sawamura: "What are you talking about?!" @Sawamura: "That's nothing to worry about! We don't know how bad it is, so hurry up and see a doctor!" Ono: "Sawamura, I'm sorry." @Int_Sawamura: "Why..." @Int_Sawamura: "Why is you apologizing, Ono-senpai?" @Yui: "It looked like you were throwing more breaking balls. What did you and Ono-senpai discuss?" @Furuya: "The batters are only swinging at fastballs, so we were throwing more breaking balls," @Furuya: "right into the strike zone." @Furuya: "It may be going a little too well. I let the ball fly however it wants." @Yui: "Okay." @Yui: "I'll follow his calls." @Furuya: "Yeah, thanks." @Kuramochi: "Don't go thinking the two of you are gonna handle this yourselves." @Kuramochi: "Who do you think you've got backing you up?" Maezono: "Times like these are when you need to rely on us." @Kominato: "We've got two outs. Let's start with one more." @Kanemaru: "They're not gonna hit Furuya's pitches that easily." @Yui: "Yes. Thank you!" _Coach: "It was an unfortunate in-game accident. Shake it off!" _Coach: "The game's just started!" _Coach: "Don't forget to be aggressive!" _Coach: "We have fun so we can win! That's how Yamamori plays baseball!" _All: "Yes, sir!" @Int_Yui: "We'll start with a breaking ball, since they're working." Ono: "I'm so sorry for leaving the team like this." Ono: "With Miyuki out, I'm supposed to lead the catching staff." Ono: "He even asked me to look after the first-year catchers, too." Int_Takashima: "Ono-kun..." Int_Watanabe: "Even now, he puts the team first." Takashima: "Get in. We need to get going." _Umpire: "Foul!" @Int_Yui: "They were right. They're making contact with Furuya-san's fastballs." @Int_Yui: "That's how a team that goes to Koshien Stadium bats." @Int_Yui: "But we've got him cornered." @Int_Yui: "We'll finish him with this." Int_Ono: "Damn..." Int_Ono: "I'm pathetic." Int_Ono: "Just when I'm needed the most!" @Fb_Furuya: "It's okay." @Fb_Furuya: "You don't need to worry." @Fb_Furuya: "We're going..." @Fb_Furuya: "to see things through!" _Ono: "Don't worry. You can do it." _Ono: "Stick with Furuya." _Doc: "Although it was momentary, he seems to have blacked out. I don't think he should push himself." Inui: "I'm fine. I can play." Int_Inui: "I knew they swung aggressively, so I was trying to keep my distance..." Int_Inui: "I must have been stepping forward to catch Narumiya's breaking balls." Int_Inui: "You have much to learn, Kengo Inui!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "What? Two outs already? Can they hit his pitches?" _Coach: "Yamaoka, you're on first base this inning." _Coach: "I will not overwork the players in my care during this valuable time before the summer." _Coach: "Inui needs to rest." Int_Umemiya: "So Inui's getting swapped out. Who's coming in?" Int_Shirakawa: "None of the batteries had players from the same division, but..." _Coach: "Miyuki." _Coach: "Can you do it?" _Umpire: "Three outs! Change!" umiya: "Damn it." _Coach: "I'm putting Inui on the bench." _Coach: "Miyuki will be wearing the mask." Shirakawa: "It can't be helped. We don't have any other catchers." Carlos: "For real?" Int_Yeung: "Letting Miyuki catch for Narumiya means giving him all the details of how he pitches. You usually wouldn't want to give your most bitter rival that opportunity." Int_Shirakawa: "Oh, well, we came up with a plan in case this happened." Int_Shirakawa: "We won't let his sharp eyes see too much." umiya: "Kazuya." umiya: "We're not going to hide anything from each other." umiya: "They're not a team our battery can take down if we're being cautious." umiya: "They're a team of tough players." @Miyuki: "Then don't shake your head at my signs." umiya: "As long as you make calls I don't have to refuse." @Miyuki: "Of course." Carlos: "So, think you can can control our king?" Shirakawa: "If they hit his pitches, it's entirely your fault. If we lose the game, it's your fault. It's all on you." Yamaoka: "We'll score the runs. You focus on making the right calls." umiya: "Kazuya." umiya: "If you're my catcher, make me shine." @Int_Miyuki: "Jerk." @Int_Miyuki: "You really think you're better than me." Inui: "Narumiya!" Int_Inui: "I'm sorry." @Fb_Miyuki: "This is quite a team." @Fb_Miyuki: "Did you bring them together, Mei?" _Narumiya: "Yep, and you're the last one, Kazuya." _Narumiya: "You will make my team perfect." @Fb_Miyuki: "Sorry, but it's not for me." @Fb_Miyuki: "You've got an incredible team, right?" @Fb_Miyuki: "That makes me want to beat it." _Narumiya: "That may sound cool, but don't come crying if you end up regretting it." Umemiya: "Okay, now the real game begins! Stay strong on defense and help the offense do their part!" Umemiya: "Go!" _All: "Yeah!" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Reporter: "There's something I can't put my finger on. It's like they're not meant to be together like this." _Reporter: "Even given the accident, Coach Kunitomo has guts to do this. Their teams might play each other this summer, but his ace" _Reporter: "is in a battery with his rival team's captain and cleanup batter!" Int_Narumiya: "As bold as ever." @Int_Miyuki: "He might be thinking about your changeup, or maybe he's just fazed by your pitches, but his timing is completely off." Int_Narumiya: "That's the Kazuya I know." Int_Narumiya: "He calls a nasty game that really gets on the batter's nerves." @Int_Miyuki: "You like beating them into submission, don't you?" Int_Narumiya: "Jeez, he's not that easy to take on. But if you're making the call," Int_Narumiya: "I won't shy away!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Reporter: "Whoa, they're being bold! A strikeout with just fastballs! Against a batter who's got fearsome power, too!" Int_Narumiya: "Satisfied?" @Int_Miyuki: "Splendid!" Int_Mine: "This is meant to be a friendly game between Japan and America. The coach could have prioritized the summer tournament and avoided putting those two together. As the coach of Tokyo's... No, Japan's team, is he showing the players how to fight?" _Player: "This is some kind of nightmare." @Int_Miyuki: "Of course it'd get to you. The crazy change of pace, and its devilish drop. This is Mei's updated changeup." _Umpire: "Out!" Conrad: "Mei Narumiya." Conrad: "The Japanese team's ace." @Int_Miyuki: "Are you sure you wanna throw this much?" Int_Narumiya: "It's too late now. It works on both left and right-handed batters." Int_Narumiya: "And really..." Int_Narumiya: "It's a little easier on a lefty." _Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "He's rock solid! They went three-for-three again this inning!" _Reporter: "Mei Narumiya is hitting his peak!" Int_Mine: "It looked like he threw it at Miyuki-kun instead of the batter." Shirakawa: "We're down by two." Carlos: "Well, we just need one chance to turn it around." Carlos: "We're not gonna let them waltz back to America like this." Umemiya: "Yeah, near-center field!" Umemiya: "Our first hit against Conrad! Nice batting, Carlos!" Int_Carlos: "It jammed on my bat, but good enough. It got me on base, which is the first phase." Int_Shirakawa: "His high side throw comes in at a sharp angle, but it's a little easier to see from the right." Int_Shirakawa: "The right-handed batters have to win this game!" Int_Carlos: "Now, phase two." Int_Carlos: "Oh, a pretty slow windup." _Fan: "H-He was still crouching!" _Reporter: "That's one hell of an arm! I can't believe it!" Owada: "He's their first runner in a while, so I know he was trying to rattle the battery, but... Wow..." Mine: "There's the southpaw Conrad, and the rocket arm of Carlisle at home plate." Mine: "Even for Carlos-kun, it will be difficult to break through them to second base." _Fan: "There he goes!" _Umpire: "Safe!" _Fan: "Whoa, that was crazy! He pulled it off! Carlos's speed is unmatched!" @Int_Miyuki: "How is anyone supposed to stop that guy from running?" Int_Harris: "No way!" Int_Harris: "How is he so fast?" _Fan: "There it is!" _Fan: "A second straight hit leads to a run, like a bolt from the blue! That's Inashiro's leadoff duo!" Owada: "Shirakawa-kun made it to second base, too." Mine: "He hit the side-throw crossfire to the right instead of fighting it. It was exemplary batting." @Miyuki: "Nice run!" Carlos: "That's one for us. I wouldn't mind us taking the lead now." Umemiya: "Yay! Carlos!" @Int_Miyuki: "Taking the lead now, eh?" @Int_Miyuki: "He makes it sound easy." @Miyuki: ""Invincible Mentality.""

Int_Harris: "No way!" Int_Harris: "How is he so fast?!" _Fan: "There it is!" _Fan: "A second straight hit leads to a run, like a bolt from the blue! That's Inashiro's lead-off duo!" Owada: "Shirakawa-kun made it to second base, too." Mine: "He hit the side-throw crossfire to the right instead of fighting it. It was exemplary batting." @Miyuki: "Nice run!" Carlos: "That's one for us. I wouldn't mind us taking the lead now." Umemiya: "Yay! Carlos!" @Int_Miyuki: "Taking the lead now, eh?" @Int_Miyuki: "He makes it sound easy." _Sign: "Meijin University Tsurushima Ballpark" _Fan: "They took back one run! Yeah! Now they're gonna tie it up and take the lead! That's Inashiro's lead-off duo!" Umemiya: "Yay! Carlos!" @Int_Miyuki: "I think he's mad." Int_Shirakawa: "If he can get a hit, I might just acknowledge him..." Int_Shirakawa: "as Narumiya's partner." @Int_Miyuki: "It took all I had just to pull the ball!" _Umpire: "Out!" Hirahata: "Okay, okay, not bad. You advanced the runner." Int_Shirakawa: "He did the bare minimum, but... When Itsuki hits a grounder, it goes between the fielders, and when he jams the ball with his bat, it goes over the fielders' heads. If Itsuki had been batting..." Itsuki: "Mei-san, I did it!" umiya: "If you're gonna pretend to be my partner, this would've been the time to get a big hit to make the pitcher happy! Don't you love me?" @Miyuki: "I'll hit next time." umiya: "There's no next time for us!" @Miyuki: "I'll hit it!" Conrad: "Woo!" _All: "Yeah!" _Player: "Conrad, yeah! Attaboy!" umiya: "I guess we lit a fire under their ass." Anthony: "Two outs!" Hyman: "Come on, Conrad!" umiya: "Well, being down by one is almost like being tied." Yeung: "Are you going to play catch?" umiya: "Would you mind?" umiya: "For some reason..." umiya: "I don't think we're going to lose." _Fan: "It got past them!" _Fan: "He crushed Conrad's fastball with one swing! The score's tied!" Owada: "Was he waiting for a fastball?" Mine: "Even still, as soon as he saw it," Mine: "he had to swing with enough force to overcome Conrad's powerful pitch." Mine: "Yamaoka-kun is growing into his role as Inashiro's strongest batter." _Fan: "Yeah! That's Yamaoka!" @Int_Miyuki: "He had three HRs in the Kanto Tournament, too." @Int_Miyuki: "He may have grown the most of anyone." umiya: "See? It doesn't matter if it's a sandlot game, an intra-squad game or international game!" umiya: "If we're playing, we're gonna win!" Umemiya: "Of course a guy who went undefeated in the spring and Kanto tournaments would have a unique mindset." Carlisle: "You okay?" Conrad: "Was my pitch that bad?" Carlisle: "No. It was a little high, but still strong." Anthony: "You should praise the hitter." Conrad: "The attack plan for right-handed batters..." Conrad: "I didn't think we'd be faced with the problems the boss has always pointed out in Japan." Carlisle: "Your motion from the stretch, too." Carlisle: "Power meets power..." Carlisle: "Skill meets skill..." Carlisle: "And the mind games..." Carlisle: "This is baseball." Int_Conrad: "Faster..." Int_Conrad: "Farther..." Int_Conrad: "Lightly... Powerful..." Int_Conrad: "More..." Int_Conrad: "and more!" Conrad: "Woo!" Carlisle: "Yes, Conrad!" Anthony: "We're just getting started!" Hyman: "It's our turn!" Rhinehart: "Go, USA!" Carlisle: "We're gonna get some runs!" umiya: "Thanks." Yeung: "Okay, go finish things." Umemiya: "Okay, last inning! Finish strong!" Umemiya: "Let's go, Narumiya!" umiya: "A double?" Inui: "Take it!" _Narumiya: "I don't think we're going to lose." @Int_Miyuki: "The confidence and resolve behind that statement..." @Int_Miyuki: "That is mentality that Mei and Inashiro have." umiya: "Let's get out there." @Miyuki: "Yeah." @Int_Miyuki: "Our archrivals!" umiya: "We're gonna finish this!" _All: "Yeah!" _Ono: "I'm counting on you to handle things, Yui." @Fb_Yui: "Yes, sir!" _Ono: "I'm so sorry for leaving the team like this." _Umpire: "Foul!" _Ono: "Sorry to leave like this, Furuya." @Fb_Furuya: "It's okay." @Fb_Furuya: "You don't need to worry." @Fb_Furuya: "We're going..." @Fb_Furuya: "to see things through!" _Ono: "Don't worry. You can do it." _Ono: "Stick with Furuya." : "After Ono left the field, first-year catcher Yui took over..." : "and it immediately led to a passed ball." : "A walk added another runner, and Yamamori then took the lead." _Fan: "Did the accident mess up Furuya's rhythm? He walked the lead-off batter and gave up a run this inning." _Fan: "You can't blame the first-year catcher, but summer is right around the corner. Is Furuya going to be ready? Is Miyuki's absence affecting them this much?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Okumura." @Fb_Sawamura: "Warm up and get on the bench." @Fb_Sawamura: "You and Yui are the only other catchers on the first string." @Fb_Okumura: "Okay." @Int_Yui: "If I drop the ball like that, Furuya-san will tense up." _Both: "Yes!" @Fb_Kataoka: "You're catching well. Now it's the second half. Don't beat yourself up." @Int_Yui: "It was because of me that we lost those two runs." @Int_Yui: "I'll get them back with my bat and my play!" Sachi: "He's thrown eighty-seven pitches. He is throwing more pitches every inning." @Ochiai: "One hundred is probably a good time to stop. It's his second game back. We can't demand too much from him." @Sawamura: "Yes, a double! The great cheetah has arrived on base! With him running the bases, the game's about to get interesting! He's the storm vanguard of the Seido baseball team, Yohichi Kuramochi!" @Int_Kuramochi: "Yeah, let's get the team excited!" @Sawamura: "And next up is this guy!" @Sawamura: "Seido's baby-faced devil, Haruichi Kominato!" Yuto: "Devil?" _Player: "Devil..." @Sawamura: "Watch out for his venom!" Kazuto: "The devil's showing bunt?" Int_Coach: "We're up by two runs. Seido is certainly capable of making a comeback." Int_Both: "Okay, let's take the out." Int_Both: "But..." Int_Both: "It'll be at third!" Int_Yuto: "This is our bunt shift counterattack! The Yamamori power charge!" Tojo: "A hit to left-center!" @Kuramochi: "Way to bat, Haruichi! Nothing gets by you!" @Int_Kominato: "The coach said to swing at the outside pitches, but that inside pitch was high and my body rotated well." @Sawamura: "Yes, yes, yes! That's one run! That's our top Haruichi! Iron heart! Demon mentality!" @Sawamura: "Seido's black angel!" @Kominato: "I'll let him say whatever he wants today." @Sawamura: "Now it's time for our counterattack! Prepare yourselves, Yamamori Academy!" _Coach: "Why is he provoking us?" Ota: "Is it me, or..." Sachi: "He's yelling even more than usual." Ota: "But his loud voice is encouraging the team." _Fan: "Two doubles and one run. Putting Kominato in the two-hole really has galvanized their offense! Kuramochi is getting on base more often, too." @Sawamura: "Now here's the scary third batter! The silent killer, Kenjiro Shirasu! A true assassin! He'll hit the ball before you know it!" Aso: "He's on a roll today." Seki: "Yeah." Maezono: "Don't worry, Furuya." Maezono: "We're not done yet." @Sawamura: "Three hits in a row! No outs, and runners on first and third!" @Sawamura: "Damn, he hit it too well! But nice hit anyway, Shirasu-senpai!" _Coach: "I thought I could sit back and watch Yuto, but Seido is too good to let that happen." Int_Maezono: "Miyuki isn't here. Ono isn't here." Int_Maezono: "That's why we have to win." Int_Maezono: "We have to score and win this game!" @Sawamura: "The stoic look. Even crying babes are silenced with one look!" _Player: "Ball to second!" Yuto: "Go for the double play! Four!" Yuto: "Six! Three!" _Umpire: "Safe!" _Fan: "The third-base runner scored as the double play broke down! The score's tied!" _Fan: "I'm amazed he's posing after that weak grounder. They almost made that double play, too. Still, he got the third-base runner home. It wasn't pretty, but it's a run. It was downright ugly!" _Coach: "Give me the guard." @Sawamura: "A weak, exaggerated head-scratcher of a head-first slider! That's our cleanup batter! How do you like that?" @Asada: "Senpai, that's not a compliment!" _Maezono: "We're not done yet." @Sawamura: "Keep it going, Furuya!" @Sawamura: "Build on the momentum! He's Seido's simple-minded runaway train! Once he gets going, no one can stop him!" @Int_Yui: "Furuya-san... looked at me." @Int_Furuya: "The team got us back in the game." @Int_Furuya: "Now we need to regain control." Int_Yuto: "Getting hit when you locate your pitches..." Int_Both: "Getting scored on even when you get the outs..." Int_Yuto: "You only get into situations like this against a nationally-ranked team!" Int_Yuto: "Will they overwhelm us, or will we stop them?" Int_Yuto: "I can't wait to see!" _Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "Whoa, a double play! Yamamori showed their defense skills!" _Both: "Yes! Six-four-three! Six-four-three! Six-four-three!" @Sawamura: "That was splendid! They're our opponents, but I'm impressed!" @Kataoka: "Furuya!" @Kataoka: "Yui." @Fb_Kataoka: "One hundred pitches. I intended to limit Furuya to one hundred pitches today." @Fb_Kataoka: "I told Kaneda, and he is warming up." @Fb_Kataoka: "This inning... This inning, I want you to get out there and hold them scoreless." _Player: "Man, that's fast!" Aso: "Yeah, two strikes!" Seki: "Looking good, Furuya!" @Seto: "His fastball's looking better." @Sawamura: "There's more where that came from." @Furuya: "Sorry." @Int_Yui: "I'm sorry." @Int_Yui: "But I wanted to remind the batter that you can throw breaking balls." @Int_Yui: "Now to finish him off..." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Yui: "Yeah!" @Kominato: "Nice pitch!" @Kanemaru: "Nice pitch!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "Everyone's fighting in their roles." @Fbint_Sawamura: "So will I!" @Fb_Sawamura: "I'll go warm up." @Yui: "Nice pitch, Furuya-san!" @Furuya: "I can keep going." @Furuya: "I can still pitch." _Fan: "Furuya's fastballs really are great. When that fastball finds its mark, no one can hit it! I hope he keeps making it better!" @Int_Furuya: "I can do it." @Int_Furuya: "I can still go!" _Umpire: "Out!" _Player: "Yes, two outs! Keep pushing! Nice pitch, Furuya!" @Yui: "Two outs!" @Int_Yui: "He threw eight pitches to two batters. If we can get the next batter, he might be able to pitch the next inning, too!" Seki: "Two outs! Yeah!" @Ochiai: "It's rather monotonic." @Ochiai: "He might be about done." @Kanemaru: "Eighth batter! Get it done, Furuya!" @Int_Yui: "He's at the bottom of the order, but he swings hard. You need to be careful with the first pitch." _Umpire: "Ball!" @Int_Ochiai: "A vertical slider. Starting with it isn't a bad idea, but he hasn't gotten a breaking ball in the strike zone since last inning." _Umpire: "Ball two!" _Fan: "Hey, now... You just got two outs in a row. Come on!" @Int_Ochiai: "Furuya's best weapon is his high-speed fastball." _Umpire: "Ball!" @Int_Ochiai: "His ball control, stamina, and breaking balls" @Int_Ochiai: "are all to make his fastball more effective." _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Player: "Yeah!" _All: "Yeah!" _Fan: "Oh, what a waste! He can't get into a rhythm." @Yui: "Excuse me. Timeout, please." @Int_Ochiai: "When he gets ahead in the count, he can get them to swing at balls. Once he's in a rhythm, he's unstoppable." _Sign: "154 km/h pitch Seido High School Satoru Furuya" @Int_Ochiai: "A real monster." @Int_Ochiai: "But once his rhythm breaks and falls apart..." @Int_Ochiai: "he's shockingly fragile." @Fb_Ochiai: "You can be the best pitcher in Japan." @Int_Ochiai: "He has the stubborn attitude of a pitcher, and the gift of a body that can throw fast pitches. He has limitless potential and shows great promise," @Int_Ochiai: "but this is where he is right now. If we're going after a national championship, we on the coaching staff must keep that fact in mind." @Yui: ""Fragile.""

@Int_Ochiai: "When he gets ahead in the count, he can get them to swing at balls. Once he's in a rhythm, he's unstoppable." _Sign: "154 km/h pitch Seido High School Satoru Furuya" @Int_Ochiai: "A real monster." @Int_Ochiai: "But once his rhythm breaks and falls apart..." @Int_Ochiai: "he's shockingly fragile. He has limitless potential and shows great promise," @Int_Ochiai: "but this is where he is right now. If we're going after a national championship, we on the coaching staff must keep that fact in mind." Maezono: "Steal!" _Fan: "It dropped! It wasn't a good hit, but it dropped in front of the right fielder! The first-base runner got a head start and made it to third!" _All: "Yeah!" _Fan: "The first pitch after a walk... They knew it was coming. The pitcher doesn't want to start off with a ball." @Kataoka: "We're switching pitchers, Furuya!" @Int_Ochiai: "That's a reasonable decision. If he were to fall apart here and his pitching got even worse, it would be to the detriment of the team." _Player: "Kaneda! Okumura!" @Kataoka: "Yui, you take left field!" @Furuya: "Sorry for leaving you with two runners." Kaneda: "No worries." Int_Kaneda: "This is my chance to shine." @Yuki: "I'm being subbed out?" @Yuki: "I'm not sure I agree with this." _Fan: "Two outs, but there are runners on first and third. Yamamori's back at the top of their batting order." _Fan: "They've brought in another first-year catcher." _Fan: "Kaneda's best pitch is his forkball. Will he be able to throw it without fear with that runner on third? He's come in at a critical time." @Int_Okumura: "The batter's going to swing from the first pitch. Let's ignore the runners and focus on him." Kaneda: "Sorry." _Fan: "His first pitch was a forkball. I can't believe the catcher stopped it." _Umpire: "Strike!" _Fan: "His second pitch was another forkball. And he got it in the strike zone." @Int_Okumura: "It's good that we got him to swing." @Int_Okumura: "Now he's got that pitch in his head." Kukki: "Yes, two strikes!" Kanemaru: "Nice pitch, Kaneda! Looking good!" Ota: "He's swinging his arm well." @Kataoka: "Yeah, Okumura caught the first pitch, so he's relaxed." _Fan: "Okay, slow and steady! Use the count to your advantage! Will he fight head-on with a fastball, or go with a forkball?" @Int_Okumura: "Right here." Kaneda: "Yeah!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Takashima: "Would you like to get changed before you go back?" Ono: "No." Ono: "I'm going back to the field." : "Neither team scored in the seventh inning, and now it's the eighth inning." : "With one out, Shirasu hit a double. Cleanup hitter Maezono caught a fastball drifting inside and smacked it to left-center." Maezono: "Oh, yeah!" : "With that clean hit, Shirasu made it home, and Seido took the lead for the first time in the game. But then... Lead-off batter Yuto Kotari started with a double, and the Yamamori batters followed through." : "Kaneda's pitches were spirited, but Yamamori again took the lead." : "Seido began the last inning trailing by one run. It was their last chance to score." @Kuramochi: "We're gonna take the lead!" _All: "Yeah!" @Int_Okumura: "I won't let it end yet." @Int_Okumura: "We're still in this!" _Fan: "They advanced the runner with a solid bunt. They want the top of their order to come in with the score tied." Kanemaru: "I got it done in one go!" : "There's one out and a runner on second. Kaoru Yui is up to bat, but he has yet to get a hit this game." Int_Yuto: "This batter's a first-year..." Int_Kazuto: "...but he's got a good swing." Int_Player: "Just two more outs! Stay strong, Yuto!" _Coach: "They're without their captain and cleanup batter, the core of their team. Then their starting catcher left the game, and the two who came out to replace him were both first-years." Int_Coach: "They can make several excuses if they lose this game, but we won't have any." _Coach: "Okay!" Int_Coach: "That's how it's done, Yuto! This is the critical moment! Put everything you have on the line!" Int_Coach: "When you overcome a difficult situation, it helps you grow. Victories make you more confident." Int_Coach: "Don't you want to take this summer by storm? Kazuto." Int_Coach: "Yuto." _Player: "Yes! Two strikes!" Int_Kazuto: "You've thrown over 140 pitches, so you must be tired, but hang in there, Yuto! If we win you can have three... two of my fried pork cutlets!" Int_Yuto: "I'm not tired at all." @Int_Ochiai: "His readiness to swing is laudable. Both Coach Kataoka and I want to acknowledge his potential as a batter." _Player: "Let's finish this! Take him down, Yuto!" @Int_Yui: "I'm not done yet." @Seto: "He's swinging well, even in this situation. He hasn't been on the bench since the spring tournament for nothing. He might just pull something off." @Int_Yuki: "Once you're out of the game, you're out," @Int_Yuki: "but the guys left on the field will still have opportunities to shine." @Int_Yuki: "Don't let this opportunity pass you by." _Ono: "Don't worry." @Int_Yui: "I've been team captain in elementary and middle school, and I played catcher on the Japanese youth teams. But I've never been satisfied, and felt I've grown every time I'm on the field." _Scout: "Kaoru Yui? He's a perfectly good player. But his parents are both short. He might not last long in high school if he doesn't get taller." _Scout: "I'm sure a lot of high schools will want him. We didn't reach out to him, though." @Int_Yui: "I can do more. I can grow more." @Int_Yui: "I've always proved with my play!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Player: "Two outs! You've got this, Yuto!" @Asada: "Sawamura-senpai!" @Asada: "The game's over! The next game will start in thirty minutes." @Sawamura: "Okay. So, how'd we do?" @Asada: "Um..." : "With two outs and a runner on second in the ninth inning," : "Kuramochi got an infield hit to second, putting runners on first and third." : "Kominato hit the first ball pitched to him..." : "but it flew right into the third baseman's glove." _All: "Thank you!" : "Seido's winning streak since the spring ended at nineteen games." @Yui: "I'm sorry." @Yui: "I wasn't good enough." Ota: "Ono, you're back! What did the doctor say?" Ono: "As I feared, it's broken." Ono: "It will take five to six weeks to heal." @Kataoka: "I see." @Kataoka: "So you'll be back during the tournament." @Kataoka: "Heal up and come back to us in top shape." Ono: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Okumura!" @Kataoka: "You'll be the starting catcher next game! Have Ono tell you about how Seiho bats." @Okumura: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Yui!" @Kataoka: "I'll be putting you in as catcher in the second half!" @Kataoka: "Review the last game, and talk with Ono during the next one!" @Yui: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "We'll also be switching out the infielders and outfielders!" @Kataoka: "Yamaguchi, Kijima, Nakata, Higasa, are you ready?" _All: "Yes, sir!" Yamaguchi: "Of course!" @Kataoka: "Mimura, left field! Aso, center field! Yuki, right field!" _All: "Yes, sir!" @Int_Kuramochi: "Why?" Int_Maezono: "Weren't the regulars supposed to play the second game, too?" @Kataoka: "We're facing the beast from Aichi, Seiho High School under Coach Nishidera. They don't have any big sluggers like Sano from last year, but they all have fast swings that send balls flying. If that lineup builds up momentum, it's unstoppable, like a machine gun." @Kataoka: "They are at least as strong as Yamamori. Okumura has the skill to be part of the first string, but things are different when facing a top-class nationally-ranked team." @Kataoka: "I'm counting on you, Sawamura." @Kataoka: "Lead the team." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Umemiya: "Oh, yeah!" _All: "Oh, yeah!" Harris: "What did they say?" Anthony: "Good job, Elvis!" @Int_Miyuki: "A power curveball. When it's thrown with the same motion as a slow curveball, the batter can't do anything." Int_Umemiya: "Though you still hit it... Yeah, I haven't forgotten!" Umemiya: "Oops!" _Umpire: "Play!" _All: "Please!" _Fan: "Sawamura's the starting pitcher." _Fan: "They changed out all the infielders and outfielders." _Fan: "There was that accident with Ono. They're emphasizing getting experience over winning." @Int_Ochiai: "Well, it's not quite a penalty, but even if you've had an accident, once you lose in the summer, it's over. No do-overs. The regulars need to feel the anguish of losing that game." _Player: "Seido's Eijun Sawamura. I've been hearing a lot about him lately. He's a junkballing southpaw, right?" _Coach: "West Tokyo also has an unbelievable southpaw named Narumiya-kun. Let's see what this guy can do." @Okumura: "Let's start off with fastballs to see how they react. We'll vary the trajectory horizontally, as well as vertically." @Okumura: "If we can use the numbers effectively on top of that..." @Okumura: "What do you think?" @Sawamura: "You're too close!" @Sawamura: "You look way tenser than usual! Even you get nervous, huh?" @Sawamura: "Okay, let's take a deep breath!" @Sawamura: "Watch, take it in through your nose... and let it out slowly!" @Sawamura: "Now you! Focus your mind just below your navel!" @Sawamura: "Once more! Even slower! Teams that play at Koshien Stadium really stand out, both in defense and batting." @Sawamura: "It's intimidating, but pitching against them really helps you improve." @Sawamura: "I envy you first-years having your first taste of this tension so early." @Sawamura: "I can tell you're trying to plan things out. I'll let you call the shots." @Sawamura: "I'll trust your mitt and throw to it." @Sawamura: "We pitchers are the only ones who can show if you made the right call or not." @Sawamura: "Welcome to game three! It's a shame our winning streak is over, but it's the summer games that really count! As that day approaches, let's keep preparing ourselves step by step!" @Sawamura: "So just to review... Balls will come flying your way, so please back me up!" _Fan: "I was waiting for that! There's Sawamura's catchphrase! It wouldn't feel right without it!" Kazuto: "Does he always do that?" Yuto: "That's so cool! Kazuto, I wanna do that, too!" _Player: "He's pretty popular." _Player: "Let's have a good game." @Int_Okumura: "He barely looked at his feet when he stepped into the batter's box. He's standing close to plate, toward the back." _Coach: "A southpaw who throws junkballs, eh? We'll need to get a look at him from the batter's box." _Coach: "We have a few tricks up our sleeve, though." @Kuramochi: "Sawamura!" @Kuramochi: "If you feeling pressure, just let me know! I'll run over and give you a kick in the pants!" @Sawamura: "No, thanks! Why would I want to be kicked by someone from the sideline?" @Kuramochi: "You've got three chances!" @Sawamura: "What chances?!" Maezono: "Okay, I'll do it, too!" @Kanemaru: "I wanna kick him, too!" @Sawamura: "Hey, don't jump on the bandwagon!" Tojo: "Can I, too?" @Sawamura: "Tojo?!" @Kominato: "What the coach said really got Eijun-kun excited." @Kuramochi: "I guess. I just hope it doesn't make him tense." @Int_Kuramochi: "Those words were supposed to be meant for me, not him!" @Fb_Kataoka: "I'm counting on you, Sawamura." @Fb_Kataoka: "Lead the team." Int_Ota: "I was a little surprised by what the coach said," Int_Ota: "but given the results Sawamura has produced, I can sort of understand." Int_Ota: "He is a great presence on the team. You can count on him to clear the air." Int_Ota: "Sawamura just might..." @Int_Okumura: "A drag bunt?" _Umpire: "Strike!" @Int_Okumura: "He wasn't fazed when the batter showed drag bunt." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'll trust your mitt and throw to it." @Okumura: "Nice pitch!" Int_Player: "What's with his pitching?" _Umpire: "Strike two!" Int_Player: "How can you call these junkballs?" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Int_Player: "It's spinning like crazy!" @Kuramochi: "Okay, Sawamura! Nice pitch!" @Kanemaru: "Looking good!" _Player: "Watch out for the crazy spin. What do you mean?" Int_Player: "Crazy?" _Umpire: "Foul!" Int_Player: "Spin?" Int_Player: "Hey, hey, that's downright bizarre! Sho swung late and Subaru can't get a read on him. What kind of pitches does he throw?" _Coach: "I'm not sure, but the batters seem confused." _Player: "I'm looking forward to stepping into the batter's box." @Int_Okumura: "Number 2 and Number 1 are moving well. They change how they bat when they're down in the count, but..." @Int_Okumura: "You don't want to waste any pitches, right?" @Int_Sawamura: "So you're getting it, Wolf-boy." @Int_Okumura: "Number 4 to the inside." @Fb_Sawamura: "You should know, pitching is an art performed by the pitcher and catcher! Are you sure you want to do this?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Will you create that art with me?" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Kataoka: ""I'm Counting on You."" @Okumura: "I won't waste the chance the older players created." _Player: "Instead of getting distracted by other things, you focus on the next play." @Okumura: "If I can get the runner home, it will help boost Sawamura-senpai." _Player: "With no burden to shoulder, you can leave it all on the line." @Okumura: "I'll stay with you even if I die." _Player: "I had that look in my eyes once, too. Bite me if you dare, first-year boy!"

@Int_Tojo: "It sank... at that speed?" @Int_Kominato: "The speed... No. The pressure is so intense." Announcer: "And that's strike three! He takes down Seido's top three batters in an incredible start! He has yet to allow a run at Koshien Stadium!" Announcer: "A strong hit between third base and shortstop! After giving up two runs in the first, Seido's ace Satoru Furuya has been showing real tenacity." Mine: "But two runs..." Mine: "Those will be hard to get back." Int_Hongo: "Have you ever seen..." Int_Hongo: "a white ball flying across the snow?" Int_Hongo: "Have you ever seen..." Int_Hongo: "a demon of a man who has sold his soul to baseball?" Int_Hongo: "We didn't come from Hokkaido to enjoy baseball." Int_Hongo: "We came to take the championship banner." Int_Hongo: "And that's what we'll do!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Int_Hongo: "As if you big-city pansies could ever stop us!" _Fan: "Hongo is on a roll today. His splitters are too sharp!" Announcer: "Now it's time for cleanup Miyuki's third at-bat!" Int_Shirakawa: "Start playing like you're representing Tokyo!" Announcer: "Miyuki connects!" @Maezono: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Yes, our first hit! That's our captain!" @Int_Miyuki: "We won't let it end like this." @Int_Miyuki: "Our ace is pitching just as well as you." Announcer: "Can they make use of this opportunity?" @Maezono: "You can do it, Shirasu!" @Nakada: "You're on target!" @Higasa: "Yeah!" Announcer: "It dropped away! He swings and it's strike three!" Announcer: "Komadai's Hongo again leaves Seido scoreless!" @Sawamura: "We're just getting started! Hold them off and go again in the next inning!" Announcer: "It's the fourth game of the Spring Invitational quarterfinals. The score has remained 0-2 since the first inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Komadai Fujimaki is now up to bat." _Guy: "This is our inning! Masamune! Let's get another run!" @Nakada: "Keep it going, Furuya!" @Seki: "Focus on the lead-off batter!" Announcer: "Up at bat is their ace, Masamune Hongo!" @Int_Miyuki: "He has a sharp swing." @Int_Miyuki: "Be careful on the height." Announcer: "Swing and a miss on an outside pitch!" @Int_Furuya: "No more runs." Int_Hongo: "Bring it." @Int_Furuya: "Not a single one." @Int_Furuya: "You won't even get on base!" Int_Hongo: "Bring it on!" Announcer: "And it's caught! Right to the left fielder! This round of the ace battle goes to Furuya!" _Fan: "Those two are crazy! They're on fire!" _Fan: "I don't want this game to end!" Announcer: "Two in a row! That's his tenth strikeout!" Todoroki: "Whoa! I wanna hit that!" _Fan: "What kind of game is this? They're too good!" Announcer: "With his form improving, he's pitched the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings perfectly!" : "Looking at this, it's hard to tell who's winning the game." : "That pitcher's good." @Kominato: "Nice pitching, Furuya-kun!" @Kuramochi: "Nice pitch!" _Nitta: "Masamune. You're the relief pitcher tomorrow." _Nitta: "Start warming up in the bullpen in the first inning. Getting all worked up facing the bottom of the order. Idiot." _Nitta: "Your prospects look grim." _All: "Yeah!" Enjo: "Masamune, let's go!" Announcer: "Top of the eighth inning, Seido High School is up to bat. Batting seventh, third baseman Kanemaru-kun." Yui: "Two innings left. How will they take him out of his game?" Announcer: "It's the ninth day of the Spring Invitational! Only two innings remain in the fourth game of the quarterfinals! Can Seido High School catch up?" @Int_Kanemaru: "We..." @Int_Kanemaru: "We have to do something to support Furuya." Announcer: "It's a high fly ball!" Announcer: "Second baseman Nishi makes the catch for one out." Announcer: "Replacing Yamaguchi-kun, Maezono-kun." Announcer: "Now batting, Maezono-kun." Seto: "A pinch hitter." Okumura: "He can launch one into the stands. They're hoping he can give them a breakthrough." Okumura: "They just haven't been able to get a run." @Maezono: "Yeah!" Announcer: "Will the pinch hitter, Maezono, be able to start a rally for his team?" @Maezono: "Bring it!" @Kanemaru: "Go!" Announcer: "It goes right to the left fielder! Pinch hitter Maezono flies out to left field, and Seido now has two outs!" _Fan: "We're not done yet! Hit, Aso! You're just warming up!" Announcer: "Ninth batter Aso is up to bat. Can he set things up for the top of the order?" @Int_Aso: "I'm not going to go down easy!" Announcer: "Strike three!" Announcer: "Komadai's ace, Hongo, has been pitching stupendously! He's only allowed one hit this entire game!" _Reporter: "Incredible! Is he going into an even higher gear?" Announcer: "Once again, Hongo gives Seido High School another 0 for the scoreboard!" _Guy: "Nice pitching, Masamune! You're doing great!" _Fan: "Nice pitching, Masamune! You're the best!" Announcer: "Seido High School is unable to mount a comeback against Hongo!" @Int_Sawamura: "The next inning is our last. If we don't catch up in the ninth," @Int_Sawamura: "there won't be any more pitching." @Int_Sawamura: "I wanna hurry up and take that mound already!" @Int_Sawamura: "Tomorrow, for sure... I wanna help the team with my pitching!" @Kataoka: "Can you do it?" @Furuya: "Please let me pitch." Announcer: "We're nearing the end of the quarterfinal between Seido and Komadai Fujimaki. After giving up two runs, Seido High School will be looking to hold Komadai scoreless as they go into the ninth inning from the top of their order." Carlos: "There he is again." _Guy: "I guess they can't swap him out." Shirakawa: "They have no reason to swap him out." Announcer: "Taking the mound in the bottom of the eighth to great fanfare is Satoru Furuya!" _Fan: "Furuya! You're just as good as him!" @Int_Kuramochi: "We still have the ninth inning." @Int_Tojo: "Furuya is pitching so well." @Int_Kominato: "We won't let it end yet." @Sawamura: "The number 9's up next! Pitch well and get this first guy out, Furuya! Everyone else, have his back!" @Int_Maezono: "Yeah, we know!" @Int_Shirasu: "We've got this." @Int_Kanemaru: "That guy..." shi: "This is it, guys! We're in the lead, but we've been routed the whole second half! Let's get another run and put them down for good!" _All: "Yeah!" _Guy: "Let's go, Sasaki! Sock it to ‘em!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's thrown over 120 pitches," @Int_Miyuki: "but Furuya keeps getting better, like he's responding to Hongo." @Int_Miyuki: "Furuya, just how far..." @Int_Miyuki: "will you go?" _Fan: "There it is! His fastest pitch of the day, 154 km/h! That's what I like to see! Incredible!" Yui: "Wow." Seto: "Oh, man." _Umpire: "Strike!" Announcer: "Strike three! The last pitch was a slider!" _Fan: "So you've got some good breaking balls, too! Did you see how far it broke? Was that a slider? How many strikeouts was that? Eleven!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's looking better than ever!" @Miyuki: "Nice pitch, Furuya!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Announcer: "Another strikeout!" _Fan: "That's twelve! Who is this guy?! He really is a monster!" _Fan: "He's going toe-to-toe with Hongo! I bet you could throw 160 km/h! Furuya-kun!" Yui: "I'm tired." Yui: "You don't see games this good every day." Int_Shoji: "I want to hit. I want to play." Seto: "That was unbelievable, huh?" @Fbint_Kominato: "No..." @Fbint_Kominato: "It's not over yet." @Fbint_Kominato: "I'll make something happen..." @Fbint_Kominato: "and get Miyuki-senpai up to bat!" Owada: "Both Hongo-kun and Furuya-kun pitched complete games," Owada: "and the only runs were the two in the first inning. Seido only had the one hit from Miyuki-kun, but Komadai Fujimaki was also outmatched by Furuya-kun in the second half. If it wasn't for those two runs, the outcome may have been different." Mine: "Both teams have used pitcher relays to get to this round, and then let their ace play the whole game." Mine: "That was the quality of the pitching in this game." shi: "You got us good. We couldn't even touch the ball in the last inning." shi: "But our ace isn't bad, right?" @Miyuki: "He's way better than not bad." shi: "He just needs to improve his attitude." @Miyuki: "I can tell." @Miyuki: "Don't go losing to anyone else until we meet again." shi: "Yeah, and we'll kick your butts again." Enjo: "Hey, Masamune. He's trying to shake hands." Enjo: "Sorry." @Sawamura: "You beat us! Congratulations! Good luck!" @Kanemaru: "Hey, Sawamura!" _Fan: "Furuya-kun! Furuya! That was some great pitching! Make sure you come back again! Koshien Stadium will be waiting! Furuya!" @Sawamura: "They let you take some Koshien dirt home, right?" @Kanemaru: "I guess so..." @Kanemaru: "But not many people do it in the spring. There's still the summer. If you took it now, it's like you wouldn't be coming back." @Miyuki: "Still want some?" @Kominato: "Eijun-kun..." @Kawakami: "Sawamura?" @Sawamura: "I need to do something." @Kanemaru: "Where are you going? If you're gonna take some, take it from near the benches!" @Int_Sawamura: "There was no room for me in that game." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn it. So much for "tomorrow."" @Int_Sawamura: "Reflecting, preparing... If you don't perform when you need to," @Int_Sawamura: "you won't get any chances." @Int_Sawamura: "All you can do is watch from here." @Tojo: "Dirt from the bullpen?" @Int_Sawamura: "I won't forget how much this hurt..." @Int_Sawamura: "Because I want to stand on that mound again!" : "Facing the towering wall before him, and seeing and experiencing his situation, served to strengthen his resolve." : "He clasped a handful of dirt on this, the day it began." @Miyuki: "Give the grounds your respect!" _All: "Thank you!" @Miyuki: ""The Day It Began."" Takashima: "Those who shone at Koshien Stadium and those who didn't both want to return." Takashima: "I think they feel it strongly. What changes will the new first-years bring?" @Kuramochi: "Hey, hurry up! We need to do it before he comes!" @Sawamura: "I've waited so long for this day!" @Miyuki: "I wonder what new challenges these guys will bring."

@Kataoka: "We're facing the beast from Aichi, Seiho High School under Coach Nishidera. They don't have any big sluggers like Sano from last year, but they all have fast swings that send balls flying." @Kataoka: "If that lineup builds up momentum, it's unstoppable, like a machine gun." @Kataoka: "They are at least as strong as Yamamori. Okumura has the skill to be part of the first string, but things are different when facing a top-class nationally-ranked team." @Kataoka: "I'm counting on you, Sawamura." @Kataoka: "Lead the team." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" _Umpire: "Foul!" Int_Player: "Spin?" Int_Player: "Hey, hey, that's downright bizarre!" _Coach: "I'm not sure, but the batters seem confused." _Player: "I'm looking forward to stepping into the batter's box." @Int_Okumura: "Number 2 and Number 1 are moving well. They change how they bat when they're down in the count, but..." @Int_Okumura: "You don't want to waste any pitches, right?" @Int_Sawamura: "So you're getting it, Wolf-boy." @Int_Okumura: "Number 4 to the inside." @Fb_Sawamura: "You should know, pitching is an art performed by the pitcher and catcher!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Are you sure you want to do this?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Will you create that art with me?" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" _Fan: "Two strikeouts in a row! Sawamura's on fire! He'll have another good game today!" @Kominato: "He's going all in from the get go." _Player: "Why, you..." _Player: "Three outside pitches?" _Umpire: "Out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Kanemaru: "Okay, Sawamura! Nice pitch!" Kukki: "Yeah! Perfect!" @Seto: "All to the outside." @Fb_Okumura: "The third batter hit another inside pitch." @Fb_Okumura: "He seems to like those, so we need to be careful." @Fb_Sawamura: "That's the eye of a catcher. You notice the finer details." @Fb_Okumura: "That last pitch was good." @Fb_Sawamura: "But it was a solid hit." @Fb_Okumura: "Yes, we need to be careful of that third batter and the cleanup, Akashi-san." @Sawamura: "Yeah." Maezono: "Sawamura gave us the momentum!" Yamaguchi: "Let's get out there!" Aso: "Yeah!" Akashi: "They had a great start." _Coach: "We let him get a little too comfortable. We need a way to attack that fastball." Akashi: "I'm jealous." Akashi: "If only I could pitch without hesitation, like him..." Int_Coach: "Seiya..." Akashi: "It's too late to talk about adjustments or making excuses. All that matters is quality and results." Akashi: "That's how it is for the ace." Akashi: "Here goes!" Yamaguchi: "Seiya Akashi... When he played at Koshien Stadium as a first-year, he got even more attention than Narumiya. They called him the super rookie." @Sawamura: "Really?" Yamaguchi: "He pitched three games by himself, and I think he hit two home runs, too." @Yui: "I remember it well." @Furuya: "Super..." _Sign: "Inashiro's Mei Narumiya deals Sano 3K" Yamaguchi: "But then everything went to Narumiya at Koshien Stadium last year. He did fine as a batter, but..." Aso: "He injured his elbow, right?" Yamaguchi: "He didn't pitch much as a second-year." @Int_Yui: "Injured?" @Sawamura: "Injured?" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "That was fast! Akashi's changed his form! That butt! That thigh line! If he pitches balls low like that no one's gonna hit 'em!" _All: "Yeah! Nice pitch, Seiya!" Int_Coach: "He relied on the older team members in his first year and was able to pitch as he pleased. As a second-year, he felt the weight of his responsibilities and agonized over how best to improve." Int_Coach: "His form deteriorated after the injury, and he went a long time without a win." _Player: "Yeah! Nice pitch! Looking sharp! Seiya, you're huge!" Int_Coach: "He's right. The time for making excuses is over." Int_Coach: "It's his last year of high school. He has to overcome things himself." Akashi: "Yeah!" _Fan: "A strikeout! That's three outs!" _Player: "Yeah! Nice pitch, Seiya! Nice butt! You're huge! Seiya's hitting his peak! Those thighs are looking good!" _Fan: "Wow, they're very different pitchers, but they both led with two strikeouts! I can't wait to see how the game plays out!" _Coach: "You look like you're feeling good." Akashi: "Yes, it was a good start. It's thanks to their pitcher getting me excited." @Int_Sawamura: "Third-years really do have intensity up the wazoo." @Int_Sawamura: "Their facial expressions are different." Int_Akashi: "You can get into a good tempo because you get ahead in the count, right?" @Int_Sawamura: "I'm not gonna let him beat me..." @Int_Sawamura: "in desire!" Int_Akashi: "Oh, no you don't! I'm swinging for your fastball―" _Umpire: "Strike!" Int_Akashi: "He led with a changeup." _Coach: "A clever call." Int_Coach: "Is that catcher really a first-year?" _Coach: "This will be a battle of endurance." _Fan: "Their shortstop knows just where to stand. As you'd expect. He hasn't given up any hits, but he's walked two batters. It was really a shame that he walked Sawamura. When he gets like this, he might be about to break down." _Fan: "On the other hand, Sawamura has only allowed one hit. The Seiho batters aren't able to swing effectively." _Fan: "Maybe one team will break the stalemate on their second time through the batting order." _Umpire: "Out!" @Int_Okumura: "Did he swing at that with no stride?" Akashi: "Yeah, he's pitching well." @Int_Okumura: "I was right." @Int_Okumura: "This team switches to no-stride hitting when they're down in the count... But they're starting with no-stride to attack Sawamura-senpai's moving pitches." _Coach: "This style of hitting keeps the line of sight fixed so you can focus on making contact. Even if it's an unusual pitch, if you can get a solid hit, it'll fly over the infielders' heads." @Int_Okumura: "If he's going to wait until the last moment to swing, we'll just cramp him for room." @Int_Okumura: "With Sawamura-senpai's fastball!" @Int_Okumura: "Yes!" _Player: "Yeah! Seiya-san got a hit!" @Int_Okumura: "He jammed that, yet hit it into the outfield?" _Player: "Okay, let's follow it up! Put some more beads on the chain!" _Coach: "Look at that distance. When you hit from your hips, it really flies." @Int_Okumura: "From the first to the ninth, but they all have fast swings that send balls flying. If that lineup builds up momentum, it's unstoppable, like a machine gun." @Fb_Sawamura: "Okumura. We'll put Number 7 and Number 11 on ice for a while." @Fb_Okumura: "Are you saying you don't trust me with them?" @Fb_Sawamura: "No, that's not it." @Fb_Sawamura: "A team like this can be hard to handle in the second half. We need to save those for when we need them." @Int_Okumura: "I see. You were pitching at full strength at the start, so I thought you weren't thinking about anything like that. I'm sorry." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'm not letting you make all the calls!" @Fb_Sawamura: "I think about things, too." @Int_Sawamura: "Not yet. We don't need to get ahead of ourselves." @Int_Okumura: "Then pitch Number 2 inside." _Umpire: "Safe!" @Int_Sawamura: "This is baseball, so of course they'll get some hits." @Int_Sawamura: "If I were afraid of them hitting, I wouldn't be able to stand here." @Int_Sawamura: "We aren't..." @Int_Sawamura: "in any trouble at all!" Int_Player: "It's coming straight―" _Umpire: "Out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" Maezono: "Yeah, just what we needed!" @Kanemaru: "A 5-4-3 double play!" @Kuramochi: "Sawamura!" @Kanemaru: "Sawamura, you jerk!" Kukki: "Sawamura-senpai!" @Okumura: "Please don't look at me with that smug expression." @Sawamura: "You're gonna criticize my face?!" @Okumura: "Pitchers should control their emotions." @Sawamura: "You're such a problem child!" Kawakami: "Nice pitch, Sawamura. You're in a good rhythm." @Sawamura: "Thank you!" @Sawamura: "They've got a lot of tough hitters. I can't afford to throw any meatballs." Kawakami: "He's sweating a lot." Ono: "Sawamura." Ono: "You said you were going to put Number 7 and Number 11 on ice for a while..." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir, until we need them." Ono: "That's fine, but what about testing them once a batter has two strikes?" Ono: "The numbers are slightly different every day." Ono: "They're a lot to handle for us catchers." @Sawamura: "Oh, is that so?" @Okumura: "Thank you for explaining it." @Okumura: "He said he'd let me call the shots, but then he shakes his head." @Sawamura: "But I made eye contact!" @Okumura: "And you think that was enough?" _Sign: "What?!" @Sawamura: "Okay, then! We'll discuss it to death! To death!" @Okumura: "Gladly." @Sawamura: "Don't be glad! You're too wild!" @Int_Yui: "The numbers are pitches that Sawamura-senpai and Miyuki-senpai came up with together." @Int_Yui: "Honestly, I'm still not used to all of them." @Int_Yui: "And we're up against Seiho High School, a real powerhouse." @Int_Yui: "It's going to be a tough game to call from here." _Player: "Okay, Seiya! Seiya-san, you're on a roll! You're too huge!" Int_Player: "This first-year has a powerful swing, but..." Int_All: "Seiya's bigger, stronger," Int_All: "and ready to burst!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Player: "Yeah! That's the stuff, Seiya-san! He's too huge!" Int_Akashi: "He's got a good swing." @Yuki: "Next time!" _Umpire: "Ball four!" : "Seido faced an obstacle: Seiho's ace, Akashi. In the bottom of the fourth inning with two outs, Yamaguchi was walked to first, then Mimura hit to center field, and Higasa was also walked. With three third-years loading the bases, first-year Koshu Okumura steps into the batter's box." @Sawamura: "Okumura, swing for the first pitch after a walk! The pitcher will want a strike!" @Sawamura: "Communication!" @Int_Okumura: "I don't need you to yell out loud about swinging for the first pitch! It's this stuff that drives me nuts!" _Player: "Okay, let's go head-on! Get aggressive!" @Int_Okumura: "If I can get runners home, it will help boost Sawamura-senpai." @Int_Okumura: "I won't waste the chance the older players created." Int_Akashi: "I love that expression that shows no fear." Int_Akashi: "Bite me if you dare, first-year boy!" _Umpire: "Ball two!" @Sawamura: "Good eye! Wait for your pitch, Okumura!" _Player: "Yeah, two strikes! Seiya, put him away! Finish him off!" @Int_Okumura: "I'll stay with you, even if I die." Int_Akashi: "Instead of getting distracted by other things, you focus on the next play." Int_Akashi: "With no burden to shoulder, you can leave it all on the line." Int_Akashi: "I had that look in my eyes once, too." Int_Akashi: "I won't..." Int_Akashi: "lose to you!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" kata: "Two outs!" Higasa: "Two outs!" Kawakami: "Kawashima." Kawakami: "I'm coming with you." Kawashima: "Are you sure? You pitched a lot yesterday." Kawakami: "With how hard he's going, even Sawamura must be getting tired." Int_Ota: "They're all warming up without anyone telling them to." Int_Ota: "They're saying they're ready to go in anytime." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" _Umpire: "Three outs! Change!" _Umpire: "Out!" Akashi: "Yeah!" _Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "Getting the first batter out with one pitch!" _Fan: "This is quite the pitching contest." _Fan: "They're taking Seiho on without Miyuki. Their starters are all on the bench, too. I thought they'd given up on this game." _Fan: "It's undeniably Sawamura keeping his team in the game." @Int_Okumura: "This guy got a piece of an outside pitch. We can't simply throw all outside pitches." @Int_Okumura: "Let's mix in some inside pitches." @Int_Okumura: "The other side?!" _Player: "Yeah!" _Player: "An easy stand-up double! Ichinose-senpai, nice batting!" @Sawamura: "He got me!" _Player: "He finally threw a meatball." _Fan: "There's the commentator's curse. It's not my fault!" Akashi: "I think it's time to break you, since I'm the cleanup." @Ochiai: "This isn't looking good. More of his pitches are drifting high." _Umpire: "Ball!" Int_Akashi: "I know how it feels to get tired out in the middle innings like that." @Int_Okumura: "He's suddenly lost control." _Fan: "Oh, a walk! And the catcher dropped it!" _Fan: "The second-base runner advanced to third! Now there are runners on first and third!" @Int_Okumura: "Damn. If I had caught that, he wouldn't be on third." @Int_Okumura: "Next is their fifth batter. What do we throw? And where?" @Int_Ochiai: "They need to break things up." Yamaguchi: "Sawamura! You can let him hit!" Yamaguchi: "Go get him!" @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" kata: "We're right behind you!" Kishima: "Stay strong!" @Kanemaru: "Stay aggressive, Sawamura!" _Fan: "The infielders have moved in! They don't want to give up a single run!" _Fan: "They've got Sawamura's back!" @Ochiai: "The third-years know when to call out." _Fan: "A fly ball! It's right to the center fielder! Is it shallow?" _Player: "Go!" Int_Aso: "No, you don't! You blind base coach!" _Umpire: "Out!" @Kanemaru: "There you go!" Tojo: "Aso-senpai!" Kawakami: "That was a heck of a throw!" Aso: "Don't yell about that. It's what I always do." @Sawamura: "Aso-senpai, nice throw to home!" @Sawamura: "That was perfect!" Aso: "Yeah, show some respect!" Int_Kawakami: "Everyone knows how seriously Sawamura takes this." Int_Yamaguchi: "That's why..." Int_Both: "...we third-years..." Int_Higasa: "...need to support him!" Yamaguchi: "Okay, it's our turn at bat! Let's keep the momentum going!" @Seto: "Wow." @Yui: "This is the kind of team that has players of that caliber on the bench." @Sawamura: "Way to go, Aso-senpai!" @Kataoka: ""Expression."" @Okumura: "I'm sorry. I withdraw my previous remarks. Let's put the erratic numbers on ice and focus your remaining power on fastballs." @Sawamura: "You're as sure as ever. Enough to tell an upperclassman to leave." @Okumura: "You really want to discuss that now?" @Sawamura: "It's a compliment, really! Three innings left. I'm counting on you, partner!" @Okumura: "If you die, we all die. It's okay. I won't let you die alone."

_Umpire: "Out!" @Sawamura: "Aso-senpai, nice throw to home!" Int_Kawakami: "Everyone knows how seriously Sawamura takes this." Int_Yamaguchi: "That's why..." Int_Both: "...we third-years..." Int_Higasa: "...need to support him!" @Seto: "Wow." @Yui: "This is the kind of team that has players of that caliber on the bench." _Fan: "It hit the top of the fence! That huge homer has broken the deadlock! And he hit it off Akashi!" @Int_Yuki: "Oh, I know this one..." @Sawamura: "Hey, what's going on? Why are you all sitting down?! That was a home run! We just took the lead! A first-year scored for the team! The least you could do is smile! Stand up, Haruichi! Kanemaru! What's the matter with you?! When did the team become so cold?!" @Kominato: "Eijun-kun, over here." @Kanemaru: "Weren't you paying attention?!" @Kuramochi: "Damn, Sawamura ruined it!" Higasa: "Nice batting!" Maezono: "Nice home run, Yuki!" Aso: "Think you hit it far enough?!" @Sawamura: "The silent treatment? What's that?" @Kuramochi: "Who was supposed to tell Sawamura? He didn't get the message! Now let's finish things at full throttle!" _All: "Yeah!" Maezono: "Let's see it, Yamaguchi!" Higasa: "The pride of a third-year!" Yamaguchi: "That guy really is something else." @Int_Yamaguchi: "Seriously." @Int_Yamaguchi: "But I can't let him hog all the glory!" Akashi: "Sorry, I shouldn't have given up the second." Akashi: "Getting hit by a first-year sure does a lot of damage. I feel like I just got hit by a boomerang." Akashi: "I won't feel right until we get those runs back." _All: "Yeah!" @Okumura: "Sawamura-senpai!" @Okumura: "Their batters have nearly figured out the timing on your fastballs." @Okumura: "Let's start shifting to the numbers this inning." @Int_Okumura: "I wasted a great chance and haven't gotten a hit this game. I haven't been any help to the team at hitting." @Int_Okumura: "At least in defense..." @Okumura: "I'll catch whatever you throw." @Sawamura: "You're as sure as ever, enough to tell an upperclassman to leave." @Okumura: "You really want to discuss that now?" @Sawamura: "It's a compliment, really!" @Sawamura: "That surprised me, got me riled up, and put me on edge." @Sawamura: "Three innings left." @Sawamura: "We're in this together, partner." @Int_Okumura: "Partner?" @Int_Okumura: "What is with this guy?" @Sawamura: "Okay, get your loincloth on straight!" @Int_Okumura: "What the heck?" @Okumura: "I'm not wearing a loincloth." @Sawamura: "Actually, neither am I!" @Sawamura: "Let's make it compression shorts instead!" @Okumura: "You don't need to reword it." @Sawamura: "Okay, then don't talk back!" @Int_Okumura: "He's such a rollercoaster ride." @Int_Okumura: "Damn." @Int_Okumura: "I'm gonna help him, no matter what!" @Fb_Kataoka: "You lead the team." @Int_Sawamura: "Even if that was just to motivate my simple mind," @Int_Sawamura: "it made me happy." @Int_Sawamura: "I want to live up to the team's expectations." @Int_Sawamura: "I want to succeed more than ever today!" @Kanemaru: "Yeah!" Maezono: "You got the first batter out! Nice pitch, Sawamura!" @Kanemaru: "One out!" _Umpire: "Ball two!" Tojo: "He's throwing quite a few balls." @Kanemaru: "He was having trouble with his control last inning, but it looks even worse this inning." _Coach: "Another bounced pitch. That wasn't happening before. The battery is changing their pitch selection." Int_Player: "That's the sign to hold back." _Umpire: "Ball four." _Player: "Yeah!" _Fan: "Just a little bit off!" @Int_Okumura: "His pitches aren't bad, but the numbers aren't hitting the strike zone." Int_Coach: "If he kept pitching like he did in the first half, I'd have given up... but the pitcher has looked off since the last inning." Int_Coach: "Let's make our attack slow and steady." @Int_Okumura: "This team won't let any meatballs go. This is the bottom of the order, but we have to stay on guard." _Umpire: "Ball!" Int_Sachiko: "He's only thrown ninety-one pitches. That shouldn't be enough to tire him out." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn, the ball's slipping away. I'm not able to control myself." @Int_Okumura: "Is he forcing it? Is he tired?" @Int_Okumura: "I didn't think his ball control would fall apart like this." @Int_Okumura: "Sawamura-senpai usually leads with strikes so he can get into a rhythm." @Int_Okumura: "We can't go on like this." @Int_Okumura: "Let's use a fastball to get back in the game." Int_Coach: "They'll be wanting a strike about now." Int_Player: "He gave the wait sign," Int_Player: "but I can still swing, right?" _Player: "Down the first base line!" _Player: "Yeah! The runner made it to third! There are runners on first and third, with only one out!" _Fan: "Seiho's on the attack!" _All: "Yeah!" _Coach: "Good eye! He was thinking for himself." _Fan: "The second baseman and shortstop are moving in for a double play!" @Int_Okumura: "He's the ninth batter. He's choking up on the bat." @Int_Okumura: "He might try for a squeeze play." _Umpire: "Ball!" Takashima: "They're shaking things up." @Ochiai: "They'll want to turn things around now, if they can. We need to be careful." Yamaguchi: "Steal!" @Int_Okumura: "He's moving already?!" _Fan: "He swung!" _Fan: "Over the second baseman and into right-center! The runner on third scores! And the runner on first advanced to third!" _Player: "Yeah! That's one run!" _Fan: "The three batters in the bottom of the order all hit. They wanted to take the pressure of Akashi. This inning has been intense." _Fan: "Now it's the top of the order. With the game moving, both teams will be scoring. It's a critical time for the Seido battery." Int_Ono: "The momentum is getting away from us. They're not able to run up the count with the numbers, which makes the fastballs easier to hit." Int_Ono: "This is what makes the numbers so unpredictable." Int_Ono: "If he can't control the fastballs, it's hard to control the numbers, too." @Ochiai: "With a first-year catcher making the calls, he's gone hard all game. But the energy he spent in the first half has now caught up to him." _All: "Yeah!" @Int_Yui: "It will be harder to make calls now." Kawakami: "Yui!" Kawakami: "Let's go!" @Fb_Okumura: "I'm sorry. I withdraw my previous remarks. Let's put the erratic numbers on ice" @Fb_Okumura: "and face them with your fastballs since they're still effective." @Fb_Okumura: "If you die, we all die." @Fb_Okumura: "It's okay." @Fb_Okumura: "I won't let you die alone." @Fb_Okumura: "If you die, we all die." @Fb_Okumura: "It's okay." @Fb_Okumura: "I won't let you die alone." @Fb_Miyuki: "How many numbers are there? Well, there are a lot we can't use." @Fb_Miyuki: "There are ones that change the spin or the angle of the wrist. Some of them are plain filthy, but Sawamura just can't control them. That's why... I only have him throwing ones where his wrist is vertical, like for a fastball." @Fb_Miyuki: "Over the off-season, Sawamura's fastball gained speed and sharpness. I think it's his greatest asset for now." @Int_Sawamura: "An inside fastball." @Int_Sawamura: "Well, since I can't hit the strike zone, you can't call for any numbers." @Int_Sawamura: "But even in this pinch, you're being bold." @Int_Sawamura: "I'm used to calls like that!" _Coach: "A fastball's coming. If it drifts high, hit it!" Int_Player: "A infield grounder or a outfield fly would get us a run." Int_Player: "Any hit will tie the game." @Int_Sawamura: "Three innings left." @Int_Sawamura: "Don't be timid." @Int_Sawamura: "Stay aggressive!" @Int_Sawamura: "Even if they catch up, we're still tied!" Int_Player: "There it is! A fastball!" _Fan: "He's out! The third-base runner couldn't move!" _Player: "It jumped when it was close to my bat, despite how he's been pitching." _Fan: "That's two outs!" @Kuramochi: "Nice pitch, Sawamura!" Maezono: "That's the way!" @Kominato: "Keep it going!" @Okumura: "That's still only two outs. Lose focus and we're dead. Don't forget that." @Sawamura: "Y-Yeah, I know!" @Seto: "Wow, you called for an inside pitch, Koshu!" Asada: "That was a bold pitch!" Kukki: "For the guy crouching, too." Yamaguchi: "Infielders, back to regular positions! Get the closest out!" kata: "Let's finish the inning!" Int_Coach: "If they're coming for us head-on, that suits us fine." Int_Coach: "He's been throwing meatballs. Hit one and put him out of his misery." _Player: "Come on!" Int_Player: "Raimu..." Int_Player: "Seiya..." Int_Player: "I'll get you up to bat!" _Player: "That was close!" Takashima: "He's aware of his surroundings." @Ochiai: "Yes, that's why that out was so significant..." @Int_Ochiai: "For the pitcher, as well as the catcher." @Int_Okumura: "It was a little high, but faster than I expected." @Int_Okumura: "This is how Sawamura-senpai battles." @Int_Okumura: "His underlying power!" Kukki: "Low and outside!" Takashima: "He's coming back." Akashi: "He's recovered." Int_Akashi: "When you can see the finish line, you can still get into the zone, no matter how tired you are." Int_Akashi: "Is this guy getting that second wind?" _Umpire: "Foul!" @Int_Yui: "A changeup?" Maezono: "Yeah, two strikes! Nice pitch, Sawamura! Lookin' good! You're back!" @Int_Kuramochi: "Damn it." @Int_Kuramochi: "Why am I not out there behind him?" _Umpire: "Foul!" @Kanemaru: "Good pressure! Good pressure!" Ono: "Your pitches are looking good, Sawamura!" @Int_Kominato: "I've never felt so frustrated being on the bench!" Int_Ono: "Sawamura..." Yamaguchi: "Get it to me! I'll stop it!" Tojo: "Keep them guessing!" @Kanemaru: "You've got two strikes! Don't rush!" Maezono: "Time to play! Go get 'em, Sawamura!" @Kuramochi: "Go, Sawamura!" @Int_Sawamura: "No matter how many times I stumble..." _Umpire: "Dead ball!" @Int_Sawamura: "No matter how many times I disappoint them..." @Int_Sawamura: "I can still..." @Int_Sawamura: "bounce back!" @Int_Sawamura: "I can bounce back!" _Fan: "That's strike three! He finished with a high fastball! Three outs, change!" @Okumura: "Nice pitch!" @Sawamura: "We made it back alive! And actually, making it about life and death is a little heavy!" Takatsu: "Yes!" @Int_Ochiai: "It doesn't have the monstrous speed of Furuya's," @Int_Ochiai: "but that fastball is becoming a weapon like no other." Int_Takashima: "He can pitch like that even without Miyuki-kun." Int_Takashima: "The pitching that inspires his team, like I saw the day I first met him! Like an ace!" @Kataoka: "You pulled through." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "You're done for today. Go cool down. Kawakami's warming up in the bullpen. Let the rest of the team finish the gameー" @Sawamura: "Wait, please." @Sawamura: "I can finish this game myself!" @Kataoka: "Watching from the bench, your ball control is unstable. Some pitches have been flat-out wild." @Kataoka: "You still say you can finish?" @Sawamura: "That has been my intention since the start!" @Int_Seto: "Wow, he just said that to the coach!" @Kataoka: "Okumura, what do you think?" @Okumura: "His fastballs are still sharp. If we pitch the numbers less, I think he can do it." Int_Sachiko: "He's still thrown fewer than a hundred pitches." @Kataoka: "One." @Kataoka: "If you allow even one runner on base, I'm taking you out." @Sawamura: "Understood." @Kataoka: "Okay, then get a drink and get up to bat." @Okumura: "This is what you wanted, right?" @Sawamura: "Yeah, thanks." @Okumura: "I don't want to say this too loud, but this is my opinion as a catcher. You should take it easy in the batter's box." @Sawamura: "Huh? Why? If I did that, I'd get out! If I don't swing the bat, I won't hit the ball!" @Sawamura: "Okay, here I go!" @Kataoka: "Kuramochi, Kominato, are you ready?" _Both: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Maezono, Shirasu!" Maezono: "We're ready!" @Sawamura: "Let's play!" _Coach: "Look at the way he conducts himself in a pinch... It feels good to watch a pitcher like that." @Sawamura: "Okay!" Int_Akashi: "His face says he's still in the game." Int_Akashi: "Okay, let's see what you've got." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" _Umpire: "Strike!" Tojo: "A full swing." @Okumura: "He didn't listen to me." Ota: "He was close! He might get a hit!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Boss! I'm still full of energy! I feel good, too!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Please let me pitch the last inning." @Fb_Sawamura: "I can finish this game myself!" @Sawamura: "Hey!" @Sawamura: "Damn, out by a hair again!" @Kominato: "He's able to hit the ball." Kaneda: "Good hit." @Sawamura: "It doesn't matter if I don't get on base." @Kuramochi: "Idiot, go sit on the bench and rest." @Kataoka: "Pinch hitter, Kuramochi!" @Int_Kuramochi: "We'll score some runs so you can pitch more comfortably." @Sawamura: "Hey, the cheetah's late! Don't mess with him when he's hungry!" @Int_Kuramochi: "We're not gonna lose." @Int_Kuramochi: "We're gonna win this!" Owada: "These three days went by so quickly." Mine: "Yeah, and I'm glad Inui-kun will be okay." Owada: "The first game ended in a 5–5 tie." Owada: "The American team won the second game 3–2." Mine: "The back-and-forth in the last inning was really intense." Owada: "We got to see how tenacious Americans can be." Mine: "Umemiya-kun was the starting pitcher, followed by Oguro-kun from Niogakusha." Mine: "Miyuki-kun made bold calls for both pitchers." Mine: "He really does shine as catcher." _Coach: "We came up short, but in these two games, we showed how Japan plays baseball." _Coach: "Once again, I am grateful to you all for being here." _Coach: "Thank you. The next time you meet, you may be opponents," _Coach: "rivals, or even teammates... But regardless, as third-years playing in your last summer, give it your all and don't regret anything." _All: "Yes, sir! Thank you!" Owada: "It's time." Mine: "Yeah. It's about to start." Mine: "Their final summer." @Kataoka: ""Shared Fate."" Coach: "I'll let the players know myself before morning practice tomorrow."

@Miyuki: "Mei." @Miyuki: "I wasn't sure if I should say this... But you have a tell. Whether you're winding up or pitching from the stretch, you hold your glove higher when you're throwing a changeup." umiya: "And you're telling me? That's unexpected." umiya: "I'd have preferred for you to take that present home with you." @Miyuki: "Wait, you mean..." @Miyuki: "You showed that to me on purpose?" umiya: "Yep! You had front-row seats to my pitches at this crucial time of year. So I mixed in a little Trojan Horse for you to take home." @Miyuki: "So that's why you threw it so freely." umiya: "I just thought of it on the off-chance we formed a battery together." @Miyuki: "Seriously?" umiya: "But I had no idea you'd actually tell me about it." @Miyuki: "Of course I would! It stood out like a sore thumb! Any other team would pick up on it immediately." umiya: "So you were you worried for my sake? I'm flattered. Wait, so that means I really did show you my pitches for nothing! What am I supposed to do now?!" @Miyuki: "It's your own fault." umiya: "I don't want those guys making fun of me!" _Sign: "Tachikawa 10 Cars Takao 10 Cars Arriving" umiya: "We let you have your way in these games, but the summer tourney is ours!" @Miyuki: "We're not gonna give in, either." umiya: "We'll see you in the final or the semifinals. Whoever wins takes everything, and gets to keep their summer alive." umiya: "It's a fight to the death." @Int_Miyuki: "Th-That was a close one! I'm glad I spoke up. And to think I almost brought that back to share with the Seido team." umiya: "It's a fight to the death." @Int_Miyuki: "He's right." @Int_Miyuki: "Summer has already begun." Asada: "Thanks to the pinch hitters in the bottom of the seventh..." Kukki: "...we scored another run off Akashi-san. Then Sawamura-senpai took the mound in the eighth and had that eleven-pitch duel with him." Asada: "It ended with Akashi-san hitting the ball to near center field and Sawamura-senpai being swapped out." Sfx: "I don't wanna!" @Fb_Sawamura: "I don't wanna!" Kukki: "He sure made a fuss, though." Asada: "How does he manage to get everyone around him involved?" @Fb_Sawamura: "No! I can still pitch!" Kukki: "Kawakami-senpai and Yui swapped in and gave up a run," Kukki: "but managed to hold out and actually beat the powerhouse Seiho High School! The bench went wild when we won!" Asada: "Yeah. Seiho's rally was incredible, but it made winning feel even better." Kukki: "We went 1-1 against national powerhouses without Miyuki-senpai." Kukki: "It just goes to show what kind of team we're on." Asada: "Yeah. We came pretty close against Yamamori, too." Akashi: "We may have lost the game, but I'm become far more focused, thanks to you." Akashi: "I'll see you next time, Eijun Sawamura." @Sawamura: "Yeah, and I'll be ready to pitch the whole game next time!" Int_Coach: "Two away games and two losses. In the end, we got overwhelmed by that lively southpaw. Even without their best players, they're still a powerful team. They really know how to fight. They'll give Kunitomo-san a run for his money." _Coach: "Okay, we'll be making our final adjustments next week! I want to see improvements in offense and defense!" _All: "Yes, sir!" _All: "Our hearts are connected!" Int_Coach: "Winning both those games will have given the team a huge confidence boost." _All: "O, Light!" Int_Coach: "We'll keep improving and prepare for the summer tournament. I'm sure they can do it." _All: "Will you shine on us?" @Furuya: "It's my fault we lost the first game. After Ono-senpai left the game, my pitching was not enough to regain the team's momentum." @Fb_Furuya: "I couldn't support the junior players..." @Fb_Furuya: "or lead the team..." _Sign: "Spirit" Maezono: "We hitters weren't able to back you up, either." @Kuramochi: "Don't go shouldering all of the blame." Maezono: "The whole team owns the loss." @Miyuki: "Oh, how about Sawamura?" @Kanemaru: "He said he was tired and left early, right?" @Kanemaru: "He seemed disappointed about getting swapped out in the eighth inning." Tojo: "He may have been more disappointed in himself." Shirasu: "Yeah, he even asked the coach to let him continue pitching." @Miyuki: "Continue pitching?" Shirasu: "Yeah, he said he intended to finish the game." Maezono: "The coach told him to lead the team before the game. He really wanted to do all he could." @Kuramochi: "He really did inspire the team, though." @Kominato: "He held off the Seiho lineup pitching almost nothing but fastballs." Kawakami: "He outdid himself." Shirasu: "When he held on in the seventh inning, it got me fired up." Kawakami: "How many strikeouts did he get?" Shirasu: "He struck out the side in one of the middle innings." @Int_Sawamura: "One hundred fifteen pitches... I shouldn't be exhausted after that." Maezono: "Okumura, you had an impressive game, too! Good job catching Sawamura's pitches!" @Okumura: "I feel disappointed with being swapped out in the eighth inning, too." Maezono: "You, too? And I can see the anger on your face!" Hirahata: "I'm back, Sanada. I see everyone's still practicing." Sanada: "Welcome back. How did your games go?" Hirahata: "One loss, one tie." Hirahata: "The American team had a lot of good players." Sanada: "Really? You couldn't beat them, even with Narumiya and Miyuki?! America is really something else!" Hirahata: "Yeah. There was one accident, but Mei Narumiya was ever the king." Sanada: "I see. Maybe I should have played, too." Sanada: "But having a cripple just there to sit on the bench..." Sanada: "We gave up the lead in the latter stages of today's game, too. That's our third loss since last week." Sanada: "Don't worry, though." Sanada: "I'll be ready for the summer tournament." Sanada: "I swear I will." _Player: "Okumura will join the first string, right? Yuki's in, right? He hit that home run to give us the lead. It will come down to who plays the outfield positions. They'll need Mimura or Seki as a base coach. Aso is on a higher tier on defense. But Yui can hit and play outfield, too." Seki: "Maybe we third-years will get left behind." Aso: "Don't jinx us!" Higasa: "Everyone was trying not to say that!" Ota: "Personally, I'd like to have the third-years on the roster." Takashima: "There are sixteen practice games on the weekends between now and the tournament." Takashima: "That means eight games until we announce the roster." @Kataoka: "For the time being, Yui and Okumura need to gain experience as fill ins for Ono." @Ochiai: "Indeed. We have to consider what happens if Ono is not healthy enough to be on the roster." @Ochiai: "Anyway, we must avoid any more injuries." @Okumura: "We saved the numbers for the second half, but he couldn't control them." @Okumura: "They actually put us in a worse position." @Miyuki: "That's because the numbers are closely related to fastballs. The more tired he gets, the more they'll slip." @Okumura: "I'm responsible for not noticing the slight changes." @Miyuki: "But you made the right call by putting the numbers on ice and going back to fastballs." @Fb_Miyuki: "I think that fastball is Sawamura's best pitch." @Miyuki: "How was it catching for him?" @Miyuki: "Did you learn anything?" @Sawamura: "So you're back, Cap! Good work on your assignment!" @Miyuki: "Don't call it that!" @Okumura: "Please knock." @Sawamura: "So how did it go? Did you win? Did you catch for Narumiya-san?" @Miyuki: "One loss, one tie. After an accident, I was the catcher for Narumiya." @Sawamura: "Huh? You did?" @Miyuki: "Yeah, it just happened that way." @Sawamura: "You caught for Narumiya-san?" @Sawamura: "You did..." @Miyuki: "What about it?" @Sawamura: "So what's his weakness?! Did you figure out how to beat him?" @Miyuki: "He's got no blind spots. His changeup is even more developed than before. I got a great look at why Inashiro is as powerful as it is." @Miyuki: "But I also got a great look at his pitches. That's probably the biggest benefit." @Sawamura: "Can you hit them?" @Miyuki: "Yeah." @Miyuki: "I'll hit them." @Sawamura: "Hearing that has put my mind at ease! It's been a busy day, but I think I'll sleep well!" @Miyuki: "Oh, hey! I heard you did well today. The whole team said so." @Sawamura: "Nope, it was a team win! And that includes Okumura over there, too!" @Miyuki: "He says what he wants, asks what he wants, and then leaves like a storm." @Okumura: "Teach me..." @Okumura: "about the numbers, and about Sawamura-senpai." @Fb_Furuya: "It's my fault we lost the first game." @Furuya: "Starting tomorrow..." @Furuya: "let's be partners, in practice and in games." @Furuya: "I'll be sure to throw where you can catch it." @Yui: "No, Furuya-san." @Yui: "You should throw where you think it should go." @Yui: "It's my job to catch it!" Ono: "I'll support you however I can as well." Ono: "Let's use what we learned in the next game." @Int_Yui: "Ono-senpai..." @Yui: "Yes, sir! Thank you!" @Int_Yui: "Oh, he's asleep." Int_Ono: "Fast asleep." _Student: "Trying to keep up his energy? But he's getting physical all the time." Haruno: "It gets really hot on the field, especially Jingu Stadium, since it has artificial turf." _Student: "I see." Int_Haruno: "He must be disappointed about not pitching the whole game yesterday." _Student: "Mixing lemon and honey is supposed to help. Maybe I'll make him some." _Sign: "The Ideal Boss and 100 Employees Communication Revolution" @Int_Kanemaru: "Jeez, where did they get those books?" @Int_Kanemaru: "You two barely passed your midterms. Don't come crying to me if you bomb. I'm not your mother." Tojo: "Kominato-san, have you been shifting your balance?" @Kominato: "Yeah, you noticed? I'm putting about 80 percent of my weight on my right leg. I can see the ball longer, and I feel like it keeps my chest lower, at least for me." Tojo: "Maybe I'll try that today." Tojo: "Do you swing down?" @Kominato: "I actually try to swing slightly upward." Tojo: "Really?" Int_Kariba: "This is too high-level..." @Kuramochi: "You handed them out? Talked to them in English?" @Miyuki: "We didn't need words. Hi Chew is a universal language." Int_Ono: "Crap, I can't write like this. I'll have to try with my left." Maezono: "Hand me your notebook, Ono." Maezono: "I'll take your notes for you." Ono: "Zono-san..." Aso: "Acting all cool..." Aso: "I'm doing it for him next time!" Seki: "Then I'll go third. Right?" Maezono: "If you were gonna help, you should've said so sooner!" Aso: "Shut up! Quit trying to emit a hottie aura with your ugly mug!" Maezono: "What was that?!" Seki: "Okay, that's enough." @Yuki: "Are Furuya-san's pitches really that hard to stop?" @Yui: "When they bounce at that speed, yeah." @Yui: "But I'll be ready by the next game." @Yuki: "So how would a batter hit his pitches?" @Yuki: "With three at-bats, I could get a hit. Though I'd ignore his breaking balls." @Yui: "Wow, you really love to hit." Int_Student: "What's he doing? Casting a spell? Why's he grasping at the air? Is he trying to seize the world?" @Seto: "Wow, he's barely missed any." @Kuramochi: "I see being a Tokyo All-Star really motivated you." @Fb_Miyuki: "I'll hit them." @Miyuki: "Kawashima, last one!" @Miyuki: "Nice pitch." @Miyuki: "I liked the spin on that." Tojo: "Looking good." @Int_Kominato: "Let's do this..." @Int_Kominato: "for real." Int_Takatsu: "I'm not done yet." Int_Takatsu: "I'll hang on until the very end." Int_Takatsu: "I didn't make the eighteen-man roster for the Invitational. I was too proud of my batting, fielding, and ability as base coach." Int_Takatsu: "I'm going to make it back in!" : "That weekend, the team faced Togo Academy from Kanagawa, and Nagakura and Todaka Nishi, two powerhouse schools from Saitama." : "They finished the four games with three wins and one loss." : "For two of the games, Ono was designated as the third-base coach. In each game, Miyuki was the starting catcher before letting a first-year take over in the middle innings." : "Okumura showed his batting prowess with four hits." : "Yui showed his adaptability, committing only one error in nine innings of defense." : "June 15th." Ota: "The hitters performed well today!" Takashima: "They're staying calm even when other team is ahead. Kuramochi-kun's base running is quite effective." @Ochiai: "Does that decide it?" @Ochiai: "I know why you want the third-years on the roster. You've coached them for a long time." @Kataoka: "I'll let the players know myself before morning practice tomorrow." : "June 16th, before practice. Players on the roster include outfielder Masashi Yuki, outfielder and catcher Kaoru Yui," : "and finally, catcher Koshu Okumura." : "Ono remains on the roster as the third-base coach and catcher. Third-years Seki, Mimura, and Kawashima," : "as well as Takatsu and Seto did not make the roster." @Kataoka: "Any third-years whose name I did not call, stay here. The rest of you can begin practice." _All: "Yes, sir!" Seki: "Right?" Int_Aso: "No, it's not!" _Ono: "Let's use what we learned in the next game." @Int_Yui: "He was able to encourage a junior the same day he was injured." @Int_Yui: "Ono-senpai really deserves to be on the roster." @Int_Yui: "Meanwhile, "I was happy my name was called"?" @Int_Yui: ""I was relieved I was still on the roster"?" @Int_Yui: "If I were a more reliable catcher..." @Seto: "You're in." Kukki: "And you started from the cafeteria leftover group. That's awesome!" @Seto: "Three of us third-years got in. Go raise some hell, Koshu!" @Int_Okumura: "Taku... they should have given you more chances." @Seto: "But I'm not telling you to cause trouble! Try to get along with everyone. Don't glare at anyone. If you need a shoulder to cry on, just come to me!" Asada: "Yeah, you're pretty scary when you don't talk." Kukki: "Yeah, it makes me uncomfortable." @Okumura: "I get it. There is still a lot that I lack." @Okumura: "Catching their pitches makes that painfully obvious." @Kanemaru: "Three first-years made the roster, just like last year." @Kanemaru: "I wonder how things would be if Ono-senpai hadn't been injured." Tojo: "Seki-san really livens up the bench when he's there." @Miyuki: "With his ability to read the game and warm up the bullpen, I feel better having Ono on the bench." @Miyuki: "I think he's the best choice for third-base coach." @Fb_Kataoka: "First-year Haruichi Kominato!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Another first-year, Eijun Sawamura!" _Tetsu: "When you're chosen over someone else, you owe it to them to become stronger." @Fb_Miyuki: "Now you have no choice but to work your butt off." : "Twenty players." : "Only twenty players were given a roster spot and a chance to battle. For the third-years who didn't make the roster, it was effectively the end of their careers." : "Their summer was over before the tournament even started. The chosen twenty now renew their vow" : "to fight!" @Sawamura: ""20 Players."" Haruno: "Here, Sawamura-kun! This will help keep up your energy in the summer!" @Sawamura: "I know... I read it in a book yesterday..." @Miyuki: "Wait, couldn't you not eat natto?" Haruno: "R-Really? Then I'll take it back." @Sawamura: "I'll eat it." @Sawamura: "It helps my stamina recover and boosts my immune system! The B vitamins in it will help make me stronger!" @Miyuki: "Don't force yourself."

: "Only twenty players were given a roster spot and a chance to battle. For the third-years who didn't make the roster, it was effectively the end of their careers." : "Their summer was over before the tournament even started. The chosen twenty now renew their vow" : "to fight!" Takashima: "Yes, during practice should be fine." Takashima: "Yes." Takashima: "Yes, thank you." Ota: "Was that a press request to cover our team?" Takashima: "They said they'd be here a few days, and they want to hear from the players." Ota: "It feels great to have people interested in us." Takashima: "Yes, and the players will get used to media attention." Ota: "We have our roster, and training camp starts today. The tournament draw is this Saturday, too. There's a lot of tension in the air." Takashima: "Yes, indeed." Akane: "I can't get it right!" Haruno: "It's okay. They'll eat practically anything." Sachiko: "Yeah, but that one's still too big!" Akane: "It's like they're sparkling! Your rice balls are so handsome!" @Ochiai: "That was a moving speech you gave yesterday. I was on the verge of tears." @Ochiai: "The players are certainly pleased when the coach thanks them like that." @Fb_Kataoka: "Please continue to make me proud." @Ochiai: "The third-years who didn't make the roster are all here for practice. Seeing that is giving me goosebumps again." @Ochiai: "I'd like to make a speech like that someday." @Kataoka: "There is still much for them to do here, from supporting the team to advising the junior players." @Kataoka: "They may not sit on the bench, but they are still members of the team." @Int_Ochiai: "Once again, he's given me chills." Mimura: "Nice try, Yuki! But this is my territory!" Mimura: "If you want to get through here, it had better be over my head!" Seki: "Mine, too!" Kawashima: "You can keep hitting to your heart's content! Here comes another!" Int_Mimura: "That's the stuff. Go on, hit it!" Int_Mimura: "Hit it more!" Int_Mimura: "Show us why you deserve to be here!" _Player: "Man, they sure can hit! Okay! Nice batting, Okumura! You're on a roll!" @Okumura: "Thank you! This has been a helpful practice!" _Player: "Done already? You can hit some more." @Int_Seto: "Nice, Koshu. You're doing it. Let them know that you're grateful." @Yui: "Home!" @Miyuki: "Okay! Nice play, Sawamura!" @Kataoka: "You can't always hear each other during a game! Make sure you know what the third-base runner is doing!" @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Int_Okumura: "From basics to detailed plays, and even situations we may only see once in ten games, we're tackling everything, including base covers." @Miyuki: "It's the top of the ninth, and we have a one-run lead! Two outs, with runners on first and third!" @Int_Both: "I don't want to be the weak link in the chain!" Yamaguchi: "Do these ones have plums?" @Kanemaru: "Check out those huge ones!" Tojo: "Are those bombs?" @Kanemaru: "Right on!" _All: "Thank you!" @Yuki: "Need sustenance." @Yui: "Yeah." @Okumura: "Will this count towards dinner?" @Miyuki: "Nope!" @Kanemaru: "Great, they have ones with natto!" Tojo: "I'll take one of those!" Higasa: "Me, too!" Yamaguchi: "Me, too!" Yamaguchi: "Natto rocks!" Haruno: "Here's one for you, Sawamura-kun." Haruno: "This will help keep up your energy in the summer!" @Sawamura: "I know... I read it in a book yesterday..." @Miyuki: "Wait, couldn't you not eat natto?" @Kominato: "It's the one food he doesn't like." Tojo: "He kept trying to eat it, but failed every time." Haruno: "R-Really? Then I'll take it back." @Int_Sawamura: "The theme is dominance! Cultivating a body that lets me pitch for nine innings without getting tired!" @Sawamura: "I'll eat it." @Sawamura: "It helps my stamina recover and boosts my immune system! The B vitamins in it will help make me stronger! It's also loaded with calcium and promotes intestinal health! There's no reason not to eat it!" @Kuramochi: "Enough trivia, just eat it!" Kishima: "How long are you going to keep mixing it?" @Sawamura: "All of a sudden, I'm surrounded!" @Kanemaru: "We have base running after this." @Miyuki: "Don't force yourself." Kawakami: "Today's the day! You can do it!" @Sawamura: "Okay, then!" Ono: "All at once!" @Kuramochi: "Keep your mouth closed, idiot!" Ono: "Someone bring some water!" @Kanemaru: "Keep it in! I'm warning you! Swallow it!" @Int_Okumura: "So there are things he doesn't like." @Kanemaru: "I see you're eating well, Yuki! Go on and have some more." @Yuki: "Can I?" @Kanemaru: "Don't be shy. Here's a bomb one!" @Kanemaru: "Hey!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" Yamaguchi: "What's wrong? Go, first-years! You're holding up the line!" @Yui: "Yes, sir!" Shirasu: "Go, go!" Seki: "We're just getting started!" Mimura: "Keep up the pace!" @Int_Yui: "There are fewer of us, so we have to run more!" Seki: "You're slowing down, Yuki!" Mimura: "Keep those legs up, Okumura!" @Int_Yui: "Th-This base running drill is killer." @Int_Okumura: "W-We have to do this every day?" Mimura: "Okay, last set of ten!" Seki: "Okay, let's go, first-years!" @Sawamura: "Oh, yeah!" @Int_Yui: "My whole body is cracking." _Student: "Are they okay?" _Student: "I don't see him moving. Is Okumura dead? Maybe he's off fighting in an alternate dimension." _Teacher: "Fujiwara no Fuhito moved the capital to Heijo-kyo in the year 710. Some people remember that with "what a splendid castle, Heijo-kyo," but I prefer "natto-loving Heijo-kyo." At this time, Fujiwara no Fuhito's four sons, Nanke, Hokke, Shikike and Kyoke held power in the capital. Four of them, so it's not quite the three dango brothers. That one's a little stale." Int_Teacher: "Those two are actually paying attention in class. I must say, I'm impressed." @Int_Sawamura: "It wouldn't do... for a player on the roster to fail a test and have to make it up. It wouldn't do..." _Teacher: "I'll reward the baseball players for their hard work." _Teacher: "Oh, what's this? This part has a particular smell to it! Especially this! Very interesting. This, right here! Yes, this will be on the test! Write it down!" @Okumura: "Why are you smiling like that?" @Int_Sawamura: "Even if I overdid it in the first half, getting tired from just a hundred pitches means I'm too tense." @Int_Sawamura: "Go back to the source. Stay relaxed in any situation." @Okumura: "What are you doing?" @Int_Sawamura: "Start relaxed..." @Int_Sawamura: "and put everything into my fingertips!" @Okumura: "Nice pitch!" @Okumura: "Everything was perfect, except your face." @Okumura: "Are you trying catch the batter off guard?" Ota: "That was..." @Miyuki: "It doesn't look like he's throwing very hard, but he could break 140 km/h in the tournament." Ota: "He's grown so much since the spring. Now it makes sense why he's been so reliable lately." Ota: "He might like to hear that from you." @Miyuki: "No, he threw that without neglecting his control. I don't want him to be preoccupied with numbers." @Yui: "Nice pitch!" @Furuya: "Next is a slider." Ota: "And Furuya has gotten back into his rhythm over the past four games." @Miyuki: "He's working on his communication with Yui, too." @Kataoka: "Split up into infield and outfield for fielding practice!" @Kataoka: "Tojo, go to the outfield after pitcher fielding drills!" Tojo: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Furuya, Sawamura, and Yui! You go the outfield once you're done, too!" @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Yui: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "Wheel plays, charges, and pick-offs! Make your plays quickly, like it's a real game! This will be worthless if you can't make decisive plays!" Mimura: "Too slow! You took too long to throw!" Seki: "High throws from the outfield let the third-base coach wave a runner home." Mimura: "Even if you don't have a strong arm, throwing quickly after you catch the ball makes it harder for them!" Int_Ono: "I see. So that's what an outfielder base coach looks for." Mimura: "Get the ball to a cutoff man quickly and accurately. Now try it!" Seki: "Watch Aso closely! He's got the fastest throw on the team!" Aso: "You're embarrassing me, idiots!" @Sawamura: "Like this?" Mimura: "Find the best throwing motion for you by the end of training camp!" Mimura: "Don't just jump! Move forward as you throw." Seki: "You can do that while playing catch, right?" Mimura: "Don't let anyone say that Seido's left fielder is a weak link!" @Miyuki: "Bow!" _All: "Thank you!" Maezono: "Guys on the gauge, we're turning up the speed today! It's gonna be like Narumiya!" Yamaguchi: "I'm on it!" @Kuramochi: "I'll bat from the long tee." @Int_Yui: "How do they have so much energy?" @Yuki: "Can I hit, too?" Maezono: "Oh, you're coming? Sure!" @Yuki: "Thank you!" @Yui: "Really?" @Yui: "I'm going, too!" Maezono: "Fine, but make sure you eat!" Yamaguchi: "The Kokonoe game really stands out this weekend." Higasa: "Their third and fourth batters are from Machi Senior, where a lot of former pros coach." Higasa: "Their defense will be solid, too." Yamaguchi: "So whoever is picked as the starting pitcher is the most likely to get the ace number, then?" Higasa: "Yeah, I suppose. It depends how the game goes, too." Yamaguchi: "Sawamura's been starting in a lot of important games..." Yamaguchi: "Furuya's almost back to full strength after his injury..." Higasa: "I'm a third-year, so I favor Kawakami..." Yamaguchi: "Huh? Was someone there?" @Int_Sawamura: "Hey, why am I hiding?" @Furuya: "That was fast. You took your bath already?" @Sawamura: "No, I'm going in now." @Furuya: "This year's training camp..." @Furuya: "seems so short." @Sawamura: "I know what you mean. We have games this weekend, so tomorrow's the last day." @Furuya: "We were dead every day last year." @Sawamura: "I remember I nearly drowned in this tub." @Furuya: "Are we gonna get the team together in someone's room this year?" _Sign: "Learn today Devote every moment" Maezono: "Okay, let's get going! We're done for today!" @Yuki: "So the players in the dorms stay up this late practicing hitting. I wish I could, too." Maezono: "You seem to have some energy left. Come find me after you eat and bathe." _Sign: "Players must eat three bowls of rice!" Asada: "Thank you for the food." @Okumura: "Thank you for the food." @Miyuki: "Did you just finish eating? Perfect timing." Kawakami: "Damn!" @Miyuki: "What's wrong? Come in." Asada: "Come on in. The senior players got together to play games yesterday, too." @Okumura: "Pardon us." @Miyuki: "Okumura, do you play video games?" @Okumura: "A little." @Kuramochi: "Okay, we'll do last man standing in Smash Brothers! Asada, Seto, grab a controller!" Asada: "All right!" @Seto: "You mean it?" @Miyuki: "We're at training camp, after all. It'll do you good to hang out with the third-years." @Kuramochi: "We want to get to know the first-years who made the roster, too." Shirasu: "What kind of music do you listen to?" Kawakami: "What bands do you like?" @Sawamura: "See? They're here!" @Miyuki: "The loudmouth is back." @Sawamura: "So you're here, Cap!" @Sawamura: "I see you've captured the wolf-boy!" @Okumura: "What do you mean, "captured"? Grr..." @Sawamura: "Let's see how well you play video games!" Aso: "It's cramped and you're too loud! Sawamura, go outside." @Sawamura: "But this is my room, Aso-senpai!" @Kuramochi: "Let me warn you, this guy's a beast. It doesn't matter if you're a junior or senior player." @Kominato: "In games, it's kill or be killed." @Okumura: "Taku here is a genius gamer, too." @Kominato: "I'd love to see a genius play." @Seto: "Don't go too hard on me." @Sawamura: "Don't let his cute face fool you, Seto! When he's playing video games, he's Dark Haruichi!" @Kuramochi: "If you beat him, you really are a genius!" @Seto: "I'm a little intimidated." @Kominato: "But you're gonna play, right?" @Bg_Okumura: "Taku is a genius." @Miyuki: "Are you gonna play?" @Bg_Seto: "Don't provoke him, Koshu!" @Bg_Kuramochi: "It's the battle of the second basemen! Let's see it!" @Bg_Sawamura: "Okay, then I'll jump in!" @Bg_Kuramochi: "You're not a second baseman!" @Bg_Kominato: "Eijun-kun, you're in the way." @Bg_Okumura: "Yes, you are." Maezono: "Hey, they've started. I brought these two." Maezono: "This place is packed!" Maezono: "We're coming in, Sawamura!" @Sawamura: "Zono-san!" Maezono: "You guys play video games?" @Yui: "Not really..." @Yuki: "Never." @Yuki: "Miyuki-senpai." @Yuki: "My brother told me you're the best shogi player on the team." @Yuki: "Would you join me for a game?" @Miyuki: "Um, I'm not that good. Really." @Int_Miyuki: "Tetsu-san, what did you tell your brother?" @Yuki: "Please!" @Miyuki: "Okay, fine!" @Kuramochi: "Furuya, we're out of drinks." @Sawamura: "Go buy some! I'll have 100% orange juice!" @Furuya: "Okay." @Yui: "You're going, Furuya-san?" @Furuya: "Yeah." @Yui: "Then, I'll go instead." @Furuya: "Why?" @Yui: "Wait, "why?"" @Sawamura: "Young Yui, Furuya's not that kind of guy. He actually loves to run errands. Now don't spoil his fun!" @Yui: "How can that be?!" @Furuya: "What do you want to drink?" @Yui: "I'll go with you, Furuya-san." @Kuramochi: "Hurry up, Furuya!" @Sawamura: "Please don't make so much noise, Sawamura-senpai." _Teacher: "This "at" modifies the noun that comes after it... When an alkaline substance reacts to carbon dioxide..." _Teacher: "Do you know what popular sovereignty is? You've probably heard the famous quote that a government is of the people, by the people, and for the people." Bg_Teacher: "Yes, those words were spoken by Abraham Lincoln" @Int_Kanemaru: "My body is so tired." Bg_Teacher: "in the conclusion of the Gettysburg Address. It says that a democracy reaches broad consensus" @Int_Sawamura: "This is a snow-covered mountain." Bg_Teacher: "among its citizens in order to act." @Int_Sawamura: "It's a snow-covered mountain, and if I fall asleep, I'll die!" Bg_Teacher: "When the citizens participate directly in the government's decision-making," @Int_Sawamura: "If I fall asleep, I'll die!" Bg_Teacher: "the country is a direct democracy," @Int_Sawamura: "I won't become the ace!" Bg_Teacher: "and when their representatives do it for them, the country is an indirect democracy. For indirect democracies," Bg_Teacher: "the people vote to select their representatives in an election." @Kataoka: "The starting pitchers for Saturday's double header will be Furuya and Kawakami. For Sunday's game against Kikuta, it will be Kaneda." @Kataoka: "For Kokonoe, it will be Sawamura." @Int_Miyuki: "The coach chose Sawamura to start the game against Kokonoe." @Miyuki: "Understood." @Ochiai: "We have our seed, so I'll go to the draw." @Kataoka: "Thank you. I'm well aware that the players are tired from the training camp. I want to see if they can make sound judgments and plays while they are tired." @Kataoka: "The summer tournament is merciless. Whining and making excuses will not make any difference." @Both: "Our vow is, rain or shine We'll set sail in a story There's no turning back!" Int_Asada: "They're both so full of energy." @Both: "Our dream is looking out for us!" @Kuramochi: "From rock bottom, there's nowhere to go but up!" @Sawamura: "From rock bottom, there's nowhere to go but up!" Int_Asada: "They're on their second song." @Both: "From rock bottom, there's nowhere to go but up! From rock bottom, there's nowhere to go but up!" @Kataoka: ""Summer Training Camp."" @Kataoka: "Miyuki, what do you think of our game at Koshien Stadium?" @Miyuki: "We only got one hit against Komadai Fujimaki. They completely overpowered us. My only memories are of frustration." @Kataoka: "It's good that you feel that way. I'm able to fight because you are with me! The quarterfinals aren't enough! This team can climb higher!"

@Sawamura: "Like this?" Mimura: "Find the best throwing motion for you by the end of training camp!" Mimura: "Don't let anyone say that Seido's left fielder is a weak link!" _Miyuki: "Bow!" _All: "Thank you!" Higasa: "Their third and fourth batters are from Machi Senior, where a lot of former pros coach." Higasa: "Their defense will be solid, too." Yamaguchi: "So whoever is picked as the starting pitcher is the most likely to get the ace number, then?" Higasa: "Yeah, I suppose. It depends on how the game goes, too." Yamaguchi: "Sawamura's been starting in a lot of important games..." Yamaguchi: "Furuya's almost back to full strength after his injury..." Higasa: "I'm a third-year, so I favor Kawakami..." Yamaguchi: "Huh? Was someone there?" @Int_Sawamura: "Hey, why am I hiding?" @Kataoka: "The starting pitchers for Saturday's double header will be Furuya and Kawakami. For Sunday's game against Kikuta, it will be Kaneda." @Kataoka: "For Kokonoe, it will be Sawamura." @Int_Miyuki: "The coach chose Sawamura to start the game against Kokonoe." @Miyuki: "Understood." @Ochiai: "We have our seed, so I'll go to the draw." @Kataoka: "Thank you. I'm well aware that the players are tired from the training camp. I want to see if they can make sound judgments and plays while they are tired." @Kataoka: "The summer tournament is merciless. Whining and making excuses will not make any difference." Ono: "One out with runners on first and second!" Ono: "The count is 2–1!" @Sawamura: "Yeah, cheetah's fake-bunt hit-and-run!" Takashima: "Kuramochi-kun is swinging better, now that he's settled on batting left-handed." Takashima: "His average has gone up, and he looks more confident." Ono: "Runners on first and third! The count is 3–2!" Ono: "Ball four!" @Int_Miyuki: "Not swinging at a breaking ball outside the strike zone is the best way to put pressure on the pitcher." @Fb_Miyuki: "I'll be straight with you. It will be hard for our batters to hit Narumiya's changeup." @Fb_Shirasu: "Narumiya's gotten that good?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Yeah, much better than last year. The best pitches to swing at are his fastball and slider. We need to pressure him with focused, strong swings, and hit the few balls he might throw high during the game." @Fb_Miyuki: "We won't beat Inashiro without a bold offense." Maezono: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Yeah! Nice, Zono-san! Tenacious batting!" Ono: "Runners on first and second! The count is 3–1!" @Int_Miyuki: "If he misses, it's a walk. He'll want to get a strike." @Int_Miyuki: "It's a sure hit!" @Sawamura: "There's the cap bullet! That's a handsome double!" @Kuramochi: "I was ready to heckle you if you missed out!" Maezono: "I want my hits to look that good!" @Kuramochi: "Nice batting, jerk!" Maezono: "That's why you're the captain!" @Fb_Kuramochi: "Shirasu, Haruichi, we're key to the lineup, because we bat before Miyuki." @Fb_Kuramochi: "We need to shake up the other team, rough them up, and score. If we can score, it takes some of the pressure off him when he's at the plate." @Fb_Kominato: "You stayed late again today." _Maezono: "I still feel bad about the spring. If I don't get my swings in, I can't sleep. Plus, if I can't hold my own as the batter after the cleanup, the pitcher can walk him and come after me." _Maezono: "He needs to be afraid of the batter after the cleanup." @Int_Kominato: "The captain and vice captains have an implicit trust between them." @Sawamura: "Not bad! You made the third baseman field the ball! Nice bunt!" @Kanemaru: "Got that right! Now follow it up!" @Sawamura: "Will do!" @Int_Kanemaru: "I want to show off my batting, but I've practiced bunts that can be used in any situation." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" Kukki: "Yeah!" _Player: "In front of the right fielder!" Kawakami: "Sawamura's really got his fake bunt down." @Yui: "He's batting very well, too." Int_Tojo: "Seriously..." Int_Tojo: "Everyone out here is spurring me on!" @Sawamura: "Yeah, Tojo! Nice batting―" kata: "We won't let you through every time." Kishima: "Nice try, though, Tojo!" @Sawamura: "Well played!" @Int_Okumura: "This is the last day of the training camp. How are they able to move like that?" Ono: "The count is two balls! Runners on first and second!" @Ochiai: "You've been focusing on situational drills since the spring." @Ochiai: "Masamune Hongo held us to just one hit in the Invitational." @Ochiai: "We were eliminated from the spring tournament when we couldn't take down Kosei Amahisa." @Ochiai: "Figuring out how to overcome top-tier pitchers is a challenge we must address." @Ochiai: "But I get the feeling that the players are united in their goal." Maezono: "Yeah!" @Kuramochi: "Tojo, nice running! Furuya, nice batting!" Ota: "Good! Very good!" Takashima: "It takes me back..." Takashima: "to when we formed the new team." @Fb_Kataoka: "Is this the game you wanted to play?" @Fbint_Kuramochi: "Shoot!" @Fb_Kataoka: "You feel restless over a measly four-run deficit, and you make easy mistakes." @Fbint_Miyuki: "Furuya's useless today. I've gotta make up for it." @Fb_Kataoka: "You mistake aggressiveness for rashness," @Fb_Kataoka: "and swing at a difficult pitch right off the bat." @Fb_Kataoka: "Did you already forget the summer, Miyuki?" @Fb_Kataoka: "Why do you train so hard every day? For this exact day! You don't truly understand the value of one run, and that's why you play like this." @Fb_Kataoka: "It's still the group stage? Did you think you wouldn't lose because we had an easy draw? Don't get arrogant! If you can't play every game as one team, how do you think you'll get to nationals?" Ota: "I remember." Takashima: "We won the Tokyo Fall Tournament, and were quarterfinalists in the Invitational. This team has certainly come a long way." @Int_Ochiai: "She's right. If we hadn't won the fall tournament, I would be coach by now." @Kataoka: "This isn't enough." @Kataoka: "What's wrong? Quit dropping the ball! Is that how you'll play in a game?" @Kuramochi: "Damn!" Ota: "He's doing it again this year." Takashima: "Yes. It reminds me of the practices in the winter." @Kataoka: "Move your legs!" Maezono: "Yeah!" @Kuramochi: "Yeah!" @Fb_Kataoka: "A team's defense depends on the range the nine fielders are able to cover. The team can make shifts and formations, but the time to reach the ball and the speed and accuracy of your throws" @Fb_Kataoka: "can extend a player's area by half a step, which closes holes in the defense." @Fb_Kataoka: "In other words, when one player gets better, the team gets better." @Fb_Kataoka: "Are you willing to follow me?" Kukki: "Wow." @Kataoka: "What's wrong? Lost your voice? Even out the dirt here." @Seto: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "First-years, take a break." Maezono: "Give us another!" @Kuramochi: "Come on!" @Int_Kominato: "Keep going. This isn't like last year." @Kominato: "Another one!" Kukki: "How long are they gonna go?" Ota: "Natsukawa, we're going to need the lights." Kukki: "The coach just keeps hitting balls." @Fb_Kataoka: "Miyuki, what do you think of our games at Koshien Stadium?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Every team we played was strong. I remember the cheering from the stands." @Fb_Miyuki: "It was a great experience playing in front of so many people." @Fb_Miyuki: "But..." @Fb_Miyuki: "We only got one hit against Komadai Fujimaki." @Fb_Miyuki: "They completely overpowered us." @Fb_Miyuki: "My only memories are of frustration." @Fb_Kataoka: "I see. It's good that you feel that way. Seven years ago, the first time I coached a team at Koshien Stadium, almost all of the players had been coached by my predecessor, Sakaki-sensei." @Fb_Kataoka: "I've never been satisfied there." @Fb_Kataoka: "Sensations..." @Fb_Kataoka: "Doubts..." @Fb_Kataoka: "Limits... Challenges..." @Fb_Kataoka: "It's because you follow me..." @Fb_Kataoka: "that I can fight!" @Fb_Kataoka: "The quarterfinals aren't enough! This team can climb higher!" @Kataoka: "Okay, last ball! Keep your focus up to the end!" _All: "Yes, sir!" Kawakami: "Finish it!" Sachiko: "Go! Go!" @Kataoka: "Here it comes!" _All: "Yeah!" @Kataoka: "Kanemaru!" @Kanemaru: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "They aren't backing down." @Furuya: "Yeah." @Sawamura: "We're every bit as strong as last year's team." @Sawamura: "The draw is tomorrow. There are only a few practice games left." @Furuya: "Yeah." @Sawamura: "And I..." @Furuya: "And I..." _Both: "...don't plan on losing." @Sawamura: "We said the same thing!" @Furuya: "Yeah, we did." @Sawamura: "At the same time, too!" @Sawamura: "I'm not gonna lose!" @Furuya: "I'll take it back." @Sawamura: "I'm taking it!" @Furuya: "No, I'm taking it!" @Sawamura: "No, me!" @Furuya: "I won't lose!" @Sawamura: "It's mine!" @Ochiai: "Seido High School, block C, number 65." _Coach: "Koukaidai Sugata, block B, number 64." _Coach: "Ichidai Tsurugashima, block B, number 33. Sensen Academy, block D, number 97. Sosei High School, block C, number 96." Owada: "Things are progressing smoothly. Now we just need to see where the unseeded powerhouse schools end up, but we'll be most interested in..." Owada: "The Invitational semifinalist, Yakushi High School." Mine: "The tournament will be very different depending on which block they're in." Mine: "Even the seeded teams will be watching closely." _Player: "Most of the schools don't have their main players here, but Yakushi's ace is here. They must be serious if he's here instead of at a practice game." Sanada: "Yakushi High School, block D, number 117." _Player: "They're in block D with Ichidai Third High. Their fated opponent from last year. I'm glad they're not in our block. Thank goodness. Let the strongest schools beat themselves up." @Int_Ochiai: "We managed to avoid them for now. If we faced a chaotic team like that in the second round, absolutely anything could happen." Int_Sanada: "It looks like we'll have to take down three strong teams to get to Koshien Stadium." Int_Sanada: "Business as usual, I guess." Int_Sanada: "That suits us fine." Int_Sanada: "This way, we won't get our hopes up and can prepare for the worst." @Miyuki: "We won thanks to your patient pitching in the early innings." @Miyuki: "The batters followed through in the late innings." @Miyuki: "You did very well under these conditions. Nice pitching." @Sawamura: "You had some good looking sliders." Tojo: "In the eighth inning, at least." @Fb_Miyuki: "This won't do." @Fb_Furuya: "I agree." @Fb_Miyuki: "You fastballs are creeping up, so you've only got your 12-6." @Fb_Miyuki: "What will you do?" @Fb_Furuya: "The fielders must be tired," @Fb_Furuya: "but I'll pitch at 70 percent and let them field the ball." @Fb_Furuya: "But I want to stay on the mound." @Fb_Furuya: "If the situation demands it, I'll go all out." @Fb_Miyuki: "I see. If you get into trouble while you're focusing on ball control, you'll go into high gear." @Fb_Miyuki: "That's a rather mature pitching strategy for you." @Fb_Miyuki: "It'll be great if you can pull it off." @Fb_Furuya: "If I can't, I lose." @Fb_Miyuki: "Focus on the height more than the trajectory." @Fb_Miyuki: "We need to be careful of that in this game." @Fbint_Miyuki: "Don't worry. Even if they score some runs, we'll get those back and more." @Fb_Sawamura: "Okay, it's the first inning! Here comes the lead-off batter! Will you take him down, or will he take you down?!" @Yui: "The senior players were incredible." @Yui: "They were worked to the bone the other day. Their bodies must be exhausted, but still," @Yui: "they never wavered in their determination to win the game." @Yui: "That's the core of this team." @Yui: "I've been put in the outfield and brought in as a pinch hitter." @Yui: "I hate to admit it, but the team doesn't need me as a catcher." @Yui: "All I think about every day is what I can do now." Kawakami: "Yakushi and Sensen are in Block D." Seki: "Seiko is with Inashiro in Block A." Kawakami: "The strong schools are pretty evenly distributed." @Kuramochi: "We'd probably play Ichidai or Yakushi in the semifinals. Then the final would be against Inashiro. I expected that because we're seeded, but seeing it on the tournament bracket gets me fired up." Maezono: "We'll last longer than any other team, because this summer, we want to win more!" _Sign: "Hachiyaoji Sosei" @Miyuki: "We need to keep our guard up against Sosei, because they're seeded, but Hachiyaoji has really upped their game, too." Maezono: "Oh, I see. They had some players on the All-Stars with you." @Sawamura: "Cap!" @Sawamura: "This team here... Who is Yura Sogo? They're in our division. I feel like I heard the name before." Ota: "Oh, would you look at that!" Ota: "What a twist of fate." _Coach: "Anyway. I didn't come here to talk about the good old days. I came here to give you a heads-up. Yura Sogo Engineering High School. I'll be in West Tokyo with you." _Coach: "Don't run away, Tesshin." Ota: "To think we might play against Coach Kataoka's mentor, Coach Sakaki, in the first round..." @Sawamura: ""Setting Sail."" @Okumura: "My guilt and weakness don't matter. I'll do what I can do now. That's my answer." @Miyuki: "The pitcher and catcher are as one. As long as I'm crouched in front of you, I'll help you pitch your best. If you want to go further..."

Haruno: "Good morning." _Student: "Morning." shino: "Look, I made these!" Int_Student: "I thought he might be studying... but he's poring over that weird notebook." Int_Student: "Is it some top secret document?" @Fb_Miyuki: "It's not looking bad." @Fb_Sawamura: "Yeah, I got to rest on the bench all day yesterday. I'm moving better than I thought I would." @Fb_Miyuki: "This team will be ready to swing from the first pitch." @Fb_Sawamura: "Yes, sir. Nabe-san told me about that and their batters' tendencies. I want to pitch to both sides, and high and low, to throw them off." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'll keep the numbers in the strike zone so we don't waste any pitches. Trying to pitch all nine innings depends on me keeping my pitch count low in the first half." @Fb_Miyuki: "Are you getting greedy?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Am I?" @Fb_Miyuki: "Don't think about pitching the whole game today." @Fb_Miyuki: "You're not fully recovered from the training camp." @Fb_Miyuki: "Forget your larger goal. Focus on the batter you're facing." @Fb_Miyuki: "Right?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Quite correct." @Fb_Miyuki: "Show me that mature pitching you did while I was away." _Sign: "Seido High School Practice Field" @Fb_Sawamura: "You're still on about that?" @Fbint_Sawamura: "I'm getting greedy? Do I look too eager?" @Fbint_Miyuki: "Sawamura knows what it means for him to be getting the start in this game. Of course he'd be excited." @Fb_Sawamura: "I'm here to become the ace! I want it more than anyone else here!" @Fb_Sawamura: "I'll become the ace! I'll be the ace of all aces! The ace king!" @Fb_Sawamura: "This is the conclusion of our summer training camp! Balls will come flying your way," @Fb_Sawamura: "so please back me up!" _Maezono: "Yeah, I like the sound of that!" @Fb_Kominato: "Yeah! Just do what you do!" @Fb_Kuramochi: "Have you finally relaxed?" @Fb_Kanemaru: "You're gonna pitch however makes you feel good!" _Tojo: "Okay, let's go!" _Shirasu: "You've got this, Sawamura!" @Fbint_Sawamura: "I looked tense to everyone?" _Player: "His pitches are fast, but they're not unhittable. I'll let the ball come to me, and then..." @Fbint_Miyuki: "The pitcher and catcher are as one. As long as I'm crouched in front of you," @Fbint_Miyuki: "I'll help you pitch your best." @Fbint_Miyuki: "If you want to go further..." _Umpire: "Strike!" _All: "Yeah! Okay!" _Player: "Nice pitch, Sawamura! You're looking good again today, you jerk!" @Fb_Furuya: "Nice pitch." _Player: "Where are you gonna throw the next strike?" @Fbint_Miyuki: "Smack dab into my glove. The umpire has no room to complain." @Miyuki: "Okumura!" @Miyuki: "Practice is going to be lighter starting today. Make sure you rest so your body can recover." @Miyuki: "We have tests, too, so make sure you study. I'm not worried about you, but if you get bad marks, you're off the roster." @Kuramochi: "The coach is really strict about it, too." @Kuramochi: "Was it only Furuya who had to do make-up tests last year?" @Miyuki: "Yeah, but Sawamura only barely passed his tests." Ono: "You had trouble moving during the practice games, right?" Ono: "Don't worry about it." Ono: "It was the same with Kominato last year. And when Miyuki was a first-year, he had to leave fielding practice." Ono: "So don't worry. If they had any doubts about your ability, you wouldn't be on the roster." Ono: "And there's a lot for the bullpen catcher to do. When a pitcher is getting ready, you have to hype them up, make sure they're relaxed," Ono: "and see whether they're throwing too many pitches during the game." Ono: "You can fight from both the bench and the bullpen." @Fb_Yui: "All I think about every day is what I can do now." Ono: "I haven't spent years sitting on the bench for nothing." Ono: "I have a lot to tell you and Yui." Ono: "Stop by my room anytime. And I'll show up in your room, too." @Okumura: "Thank you. That was very encouraging." @Int_Okumura: "My guilt and weakness don't matter." @Int_Okumura: "I'll do what I can do now." @Int_Okumura: "That's my answer." Takashima: "He only gave up seven hits and two runs in eight innings." Ota: "Against Kokonoe, at that. He pitched with confidence, even in tough situations." @Ochiai: "Sawamura was indeed impressive yesterday. He's been the main pitcher against powerhouse schools lately, and produced results in every game." @Ochiai: "You could say he's handling the ace's role impeccably." @Ochiai: "However..." @Ochiai: "Furuya's condition has improved significantly. He's worn the ace number and continued to improve even under the pressures it brings. The results were evident in his pitching at the Invitational. Stripping the ace number from a pitcher like that would send signals both within the team and outwardly." @Ochiai: "It may even rob him of his potential. Kataoka-san, I won't presume to know what you're thinking, but Sawamura is a resilient guy who develops in the face of adversity." @Ochiai: "I think it best to entrust the ace number to Furuya." @Kuramochi: "He was talking about how he did well in the tests this time." @Miyuki: "It's Furuya we need to worry about." @Kuramochi: "Got that right!" Maezono: "What did you call me?! You'd better take that back!" Aso: "Why don't you make me!" Maezono: "Oh, is that so?" Seki: "Okay, that's enough." @Sawamura: "I won! I beat Furuya in Japanese History!" @Kanemaru: "It's nothing to brag about. Just look at your score. The teacher told us what was going to be on this!" @Sawamura: "Huh? When? Where?" @Kominato: "You worked hard to pull your grades up this year." @Furuya: "Yeah, I didn't want to lose." _Student: "Hey, it's the band. They were waiting for them. Oh, right. The summer tournament is coming up. It's no fair they only do this for the baseball team! Yeah! They were really close last year. They almost won." Akane: "Oh, they're so cute!" Yui: "Can you help me finish the rest?" Akane: "Sure!" Anna: "You sewed them all yourselves?" Sachiko: "That's right." Haruno: "We worked on them after school." Sachiko: "This one's done!" Yui: "Yep!" @Miyuki: "Huh? A make-up test?" @Yui: "It's okay. Just study hard for the make-up test." Ota: "I'll gather the players on the practice field." @Kataoka: "Thank you." _Sign: "Meiji Jingu Stadium" Announcer: "Today is the opening ceremony for the National High School Baseball Championship, East and West Tokyo Qualifiers. A large crowd is anticipated. In order to seat as many spectators as possible, we ask that you do your best not to take up too much space." _Player: "Hey, look..." _Player: "They're here. It's Seido!" _Player: "There's Miyuki! You can feel his presence. Did he bulk up? They've been dominating their practice games. They look really strong!" _Player: "That's Furuya. Everyone can't wait to see him pitch in this tournament." @Fb_Ochiai: "I think it best to entrust the ace number to Furuya." @Fb_Kataoka: "It was Sawamura's pitching that led the team while Furuya was recovering. I think all of the players would agree" @Fb_Kataoka: "that we would not be where we are with just Sawamura or Furuya." @Fb_Kataoka: "But we are not at our goal." @Fb_Kataoka: "I believe that changing jersey numbers will spur them toward further growth!" @Fb_Kataoka: "We will face this summer with Sawamura." @Fb_Kataoka: "I will now pass out your jersey numbers." @Fb_Kataoka: "Come up when I call your name." @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 1, Eijun Sawamura!" @Fb_Kataoka: "What? Do you want it or not?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Yes, sir! I'm coming at mach speed!" @Fb_Kataoka: "You have earned this number." @Fb_Kataoka: "Hold your head high and take it." @Fb_Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Ochiai: "He's standing too close." @Fbint_Sawamura: "Damn it..." @Fbint_Sawamura: "Stop shaking." @Fbint_Miyuki: "Furuya's been down this path." @Fbint_Miyuki: "This is just the beginning for you, Sawamura." @Fb_Furuya: "Congratulations." @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 2, Kazuya Miyuki!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 3, Kenta Maezono!" _Maezono: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 4, Haruichi Kominato!" @Fb_Kominato: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 5, Shinji Kanemaru!" @Fb_Kanemaru: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 6, Yohichi Kuramochi!" @Fb_Kuramochi: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 7, Takeru Aso!" _Aso: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 8, Hideaki Tojo!" _Tojo: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 9, Kenjiro Shirasu!" _Shirasu: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 10, Norifumi Kawakami!" _Kawakami: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 11, Satoru Furuya!" @Fb_Furuya: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "This is not the end of your role as the ace." @Fb_Kataoka: "I still expect great things from you." _Ota: "There's a second 1, so it's like he's expecting twice as much?" _Ota: "I guess that's a stretch..." @Fbint_Ochiai: "Furuya is disappointed about losing his position as ace." @Fbint_Ochiai: "Sawamura will be experiencing the pressure of being the ace for the first time. I wanted to keep things as they were in order to avoid risks, but Coach Kataoka believes this will help them both grow." @Fbint_Ochiai: "No pain, no gain. That is how he thinks." @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 12, Hiroshi Ono!" _Ono: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 13, Ken Yamaguchi!" _Yamaguchi: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 14, Rei Kijima!" _Kijima: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 15, Masashi Yuki!" _Yuki: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 16, Shoji Higasa!" _Higasa: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 17, Ataru Nakata!" _Nakata: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 18, Tadahiro Kaneda!" _Kaneda: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 19, Kaoru Yui!" @Fb_Yui: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Number 20, Koshu Okumura!" @Fb_Okumura: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Yuki and Okumura, make sure you study for your make-up tests." _Kukki: "No worries!" _Asada: "Study hard!" @Fbint_Seto: "He only messed up in math because he wrote the wrong numbers too many times. He must have been thinking about nothing else but baseball." @Fb_Kataoka: "Also, Umemoto and Natsukawa, thank you for all the support you've given the team for the past three years!" @Fb_Kataoka: "I'd like you to fight with us until the end, as members of the team!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Scorekeeper, third-year Umemoto!" _Umemoto: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Lead information scout, third-year Watanabe!" @Fb_Kataoka: "And the other third-years, as well! I'm counting on you to help the team practice until the games begin!" _All: "Yes, sir!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Everyone here must work together to make it through the tournament!" @Fb_Kataoka: "Let's all go together." _All: "Yes, sir!" Announcer: "From last year's East Tokyo champion, Teito High School, Captain Kengo Inui, and Captain Kento Fukui from the West Tokyo champion, Inashiro Industrial School will now return the championship banners. On this splendid day, here in Jingu Stadium, we will begin the Tokyo Qualifiers for this year's" umiya: "It's so hot. Could they hurry this up?" Announcer: "National High School Baseball Championship." Tada: "Mei-san..." umiya: "You know what I mean." Raichi: "Look at all the people!" Mishima: "They're here to see me." Umemiya: "You'll see. Someone's gonna pass out from the heat." _Fan: "Did you see? Seido's Furuya doesn't have the ace number. Whoa, for real? Is he injured? He looked untouchable at the Invitational, but I guess he's not doing as well. Maybe that means we have a chance. Is Kawakami wearing number 1? No, it's that guy who everyone heard about when they beat Hakuryu, Eijun Sawamura. Oh, the loud guy, right? Seido's got no weak links!" _Haruno: "Should it go here?" _Sachiko: "Yeah, that looks perfect." @Fb_Sawamura: "Perfect?" _Yui: "Don't worry. It looks great on you." @Fb_Sawamura: "I can't... see it! Where is it?!" _Sachiko: "Calm down! It's there, really! It's only pinned on! You're gonna rip it off!" _Sachiko: "You're pretty cute." @Fbint_Furuya: "I know how he feels." @Fb_Kominato: "You wanted to see your own back, too." @Fb_Kominato: "You okay?" @Fb_Furuya: "This is the same number I had as a first-year." @Fb_Furuya: "I'm disappointed, sure." @Fb_Furuya: "But more importantly..." @Fb_Furuya: "I know I need to pitch better." @Fb_Furuya: "My primary goal is to help our team win at Koshien Stadium." @Fbint_Kominato: "Furuya-kun..." _Haruno: "These two have been competing since they were first-years. They're rivals and teammates." _Both: "I don't plan on losing." _Haruno: "They must be experiencing emotions that no one else would understand." @Fb_Furuya: "Can you put it on like this?" _Haruno: "What? I, um..." @Fb_Kominato: "No folding." @Fb_Kominato: "You were really disappointed, huh?" Announcer: "The players are leaving the field." umiya: "Man, that guy..." Tada: "Mei-san, be quiet!" _Player: "It's hot! Move already!" @Sawamura: "Hey! Are you okay, wolf-boy? You're looking pale!" @Okumura: "I'm... sorry." @Furuya: "Uh-oh..." @Furuya: "There're... too many... people." @Sawamura: "It's the same as last year!" @Sawamura: "Keep it going... Even one day longer... I'm our team's ace! I won't let the third-years' summer end yet!" _Coach: "Hey, Tesshin." @Kataoka: "We'll be waiting in the third round, coach." _Coach: "So you've learned how to talk big, you rowdy brat. Just you wait. We'll have your heads." @Kataoka: "Yes, sir! I look forward to it!"

@Fb_Kataoka: "It was Sawamura's pitching that led the team while Furuya was recovering. I think all of the players would agree" @Fb_Kataoka: "that we would not be where we are with just Sawamura or Furuya." @Fb_Kataoka: "Starting with number 1!" @Fb_Kataoka: "But we are not at our goal." @Fb_Kataoka: "I believe that changing jersey numbers will spur them toward further growth!" @Fb_Kataoka: "What? Do you want it or not?" @Fbint_Sawamura: "Damn it..." @Fbint_Sawamura: "Stop shaking." @Fbint_Miyuki: "Furuya's been down this path." @Fbint_Miyuki: "This is just the beginning for you, Sawamura." @Fb_Kataoka: "We will face this summer with Sawamura." _Sign: "Meiji Jingu Stadium" @Kuramochi: "His Japanese is really good." Maezono: "So he can't be on the roster. That's a shame." @Miyuki: "I was in a battery with him for one inning in the second Tokyo All-Stars game. I saw his approach to baseball, his exceptional technical skill, and the willingness to experiment backing it up." @Miyuki: "I'm proud to have played with him." Todoroki: "Number 1! Sawamura's got number 1! Are you better now or something?" Mishima: "I've got the triple threat, number three!" Todoroki: "I can't wait!" Sanada: "You're not injured, are you?" Sanada: "I see." Sanada: "Then we can have a serious game." Amahisa: "Hey, Sawamura!" Amahisa: "You're wearing number 1! Why didn't you tell me?" @Sawamura: "I don't report to you!" Amahisa: "We're friends on LINE, right?" @Sawamura: "Only because you forced me! And besides, we're on opposing teams!" Bg_Amahisa: "But you've sent me stickers a few times!" _Player: "Are those two friends?" @Kominato: "First I've heard of it." @Bg_Sawamura: "Only because you won't leave me alone!" Amahisa: "Todoroki, why don't you join our LINE group? I wouldn't mind having you." @Sawamura: "Don't start adding people! What kind of group is that?" Todoroki: "Group?" Mishima: "He doesn't have a cell phone. Maybe I'll join instead, since you asked!" Todoroki: "Fifth round." Todoroki: "Semifinals." Todoroki: "And Inashiro in the final!" Todoroki: "I wanna send all these teams flying!" Amahisa: "Hey, you've gotta beat us first, Todoroki!" @Sawamura: "Yeah, don't talk like you're already in the final!" Sanada: "You guys are too loud." Tadano: "Mei-san, did you hear? Seido's got a new number 1." umiya: "Who?" Tadano: "Second-year Sawamura." _Narumiya: "Will you overcome them, or be crushed by them?" _Narumiya: "I can tell you're experiencing all of that right now, Satoru Furuya." umiya: "I see. So he couldn't overcome them." umiya: "It doesn't matter who I'm up against, of course." umiya: "I'll crush anyone who gets in our way." umiya: "That's all there is to it." Watanabe: "Their starting pitcher was number 12, second-year Osu." Watanabe: "He's an orthodox right-handed pitcher who relies mainly on his fastballs. Their number 1, third-year Higashiyama, didn't play this game." Watanabe: "Their cleanup, Senda, had three RBIs. They used squeeze plays and hit-and-runs to run up the score." Watanabe: "They were up 11–2 against Sakanoe High School when the game was called in the seventh." Watanabe: "I'll watch their second-round game next week, so I can observe their batters more." @Kataoka: "Have people observe the other team, too." Watanabe: "Yes, sir." @Int_Miyuki: "Seido's former famous coach, Eijiro Sakaki." @Int_Miyuki: "He was Coach Kataoka's mentor." @Int_Miyuki: "I wonder if that'll make things awkward for him." @Int_Sawamura: "Our first game is the 15th. It's still a ways away." @Int_Sawamura: "I want to make the numbers more precise. I want to have more pitches I can throw in the tournament." @Int_Sawamura: "There's so much I need to work on." @Int_Sawamura: "I don't have a moment to lose!" Kawakami: "Now that's a scary face." Kawakami: "There's more than a week from now till our game. If you get worked up now, you'll tire yourself out." @Int_Sawamura: "Scary?" @Sawamura: "Yeah, you're right." @Miyuki: "Sawamura!" @Miyuki: "You only pitched during fielding practice today. Want to get in the bullpen tomorrow?" @Sawamura: "I thought you'd never ask! I want to polish up the numbers." @Miyuki: "Okay." @Miyuki: "Let's get them as close to perfect as we can this summer." @Sawamura: "Thank you, Cap!" @Okumura: "Perfect them..." @Miyuki: "I'll work with you the following day, Furuya." @Furuya: "Thank you." Kawakami: "Miyuki, how about me?" Kawakami: "When will you catch for me?" Kawakami: "What day works for you?" Ono: "Nori..." Maezono: "That's it, Nori! Go for it!" @Kuramochi: "Miyuki's faltering!" Aso: "Damn, if only he'd showed more of that initiative!" Ono: "Hey, it's not too late!" @Miyuki: "How about right now?" Kawakami: "Yeah, let's do it!" Yamaguchi: "Nori pushed through!" Aso: "They're a couple now!" @Kuramochi: "What's going on here?" Seki: "Okay, I'll be the stand-in batter!" Ono: "I'll be the umpire!" Maezono: "Aso, you wanna hit the machine?" Aso: "I was going anyway!" Maezono: "What? I was trying to invite you!" Aso: "The cages don't belong to you!" @Kuramochi: "Quit messing around!" Maezono: "You better give it a rest!" Seki: "That single-digit jersey number gave him confidence, right?" @Kanemaru: "The third-years have been getting along really well lately." Tojo: "Yeah, I noticed that, too." @Kominato: "Miyuki-senpai and Kuramochi-senpai were together in school and laugh together a lot. It's like they're comfortable with each other, and have that level of trust." @Int_Sawamura: "Keep it going..." @Int_Sawamura: "Even one day longer..." @Int_Sawamura: "I'm our team's ace!" @Int_Sawamura: "I won't let the third-years' summer end yet!" Elec_Sakaki: "Hey, Tesshin. We managed to win our first game. Just one more until we get to play your team. I have a new appreciation for the luxury of being seeded." @Kataoka: "We'll be waiting in the third round, Coach." Sakaki: "So you've learned how to talk big, you rowdy brat. I started this job in the fall, but I was recruiting players and setting up the facilities beforehand." Sakaki: "I'm well prepared." Sakaki: "Just you wait. We'll have your heads." @Kataoka: "Yes, sir! I look forward to it!" Asada: "Good morning." @Kuramochi: "Mornin'..." @Kuramochi: "Hey, Asada." @Kuramochi: "Get a load of this idiot." @Kuramochi: "He went to sleep in his uniform." @Kuramochi: "Asada, get me a marker!" Asada: "Why do you want..." @Kuramochi: "Don't ask. Just do it!" @Sawamura: "Huh? Cheer?" _Student: "Yeah, as in cheerleaders! We'll do cheers from the stands to support you!" @Sawamura: "Really? Are you sure about that? The sun shines on the stands the whole time!" @Sawamura: "They don't have a roof like the dugout does. It gets really hot! Don't take the stands lightly!" _Student: "Really? B-But I'll ask the older students," Bg_Student: "and I'll use sunscreen and stuff, too!" _Student: "She invited me, but I wouldn't be able to handle it." @Bg_Sawamura: "You'll all collapse!" @Sawamura: "But thanks, Nishino." @Sawamura: "We'll do our best so you'll have something to cheer for!" Bg_Student: "Yeah, you'd better make it to Koshien Stadium!" @Bg_Sawamura: "You got it!" _Student: "Sawamura seems different again." Bg_Student: "I can't wait!" _Student: "Did something happen on the baseball team?" @Bg_Sawamura: "It gets really hot at the summer tournament!" Haruno: "Oh, um... Well..." @Bg_Sawamura: "Furuya wasn't in the stands, but he nearly died during the opening ceremony!" Haruno: "Sort of..." @Int_Kanemaru: "I've got a single-digit jersey number, too. A single-digit number..." Bg_Student: "Really?" @Int_Kanemaru: "I want to tell someone..." @Bg_Sawamura: "And Okumura wasn't looking too great this year!" @Int_Kanemaru: "I want everyone to ask!" @Kuramochi: "And so... We drew one on his back! I can't wait until he goes into the bath!" @Miyuki: "Leave him alone." Maezono: "Is this for real? That's great!" Aso: "I told ya!" _Sign: "Seido High School Practice Field" @Kataoka: "Pitcher, ball to third!" @Sawamura: "Yes, sir! Bring it!" Takashima: "They're all moving well." Ota: "I was worried how Furuya would take it, but he seems fine." Ota: "He seems to be over it already." @Sawamura: "Okay, let's do this, Kane-yan!" Ota: "Sawamura is calling to the team like always!" @Kominato: "Yoh-san!" @Seto: "Wow, that toss was crazy fast! The thrower and the catcher have to trust each other completely to pull that off!" @Kanemaru: "I'm number 5!" Takatsu: "Okay, nice play!" Takatsu: "But it might have been a fluke!" Takatsu: "It's only real if you can do it every time!" @Kanemaru: "Got that right!" Aso: "Back, back! Get under it!" Aso: "If your first step is quicker, it'll be easier to catch!" Aso: "Watch, Yuki. This is what my first step looks like!" @Miyuki: "Okay! Number 2 is looking good today!" @Miyuki: "Righty or lefty, no hitter can handle it when it sinks to their feet." @Sawamura: "Then, let's do Number 11 next! I'll throw ten in a row!" @Miyuki: "No." @Miyuki: "You pitched yesterday, so let's finish up early today." @Sawamura: "But I can still pitch!" @Miyuki: "You've thrown 120 pitches. That's enough for today." @Miyuki: "Cool down and we'll have a no-throw day tomorrow." @Sawamura: "No-throw?!" @Sawamura: "Then, let me pitch more today! Cap!" @Sawamura: "Okumura!" @Okumura: "I refuse." @Sawamura: "You're heartless!" @Okumura: "I agree that you've pitched too much." @Ochiai: "It's building up." @Sawamura: "Fine! I'll wrap up! I need to burn up some energy, so I'll do ten tire sprints!" @Okumura: "What are you mad about?" @Sawamura: "I'm heading out!" @Int_Miyuki: "With his strong sense of responsibility, I knew getting the ace number would get him fired up." @Int_Miyuki: "But he's getting far too worked up." @Int_Miyuki: "I'm not sure how this will play out in a game." _Player: "Yeah! Nice hit, Sen-san! That's Mr. Clutch to you!" Sakaki: "It's amazing how he always comes through when it counts." Sakaki: "Now, then. I think we can score another two runs." @Miyuki: "We'll need to check each hitter's data later." @Kataoka: "Efficient bench-mandated plays, and a pitching strategy that puts their ace in relief." @Kataoka: "And more importantly, they've won two games and have momentum on their side." @Kataoka: "We absolutely cannot take them lightly." @Ochiai: "And the head coaches are mentor and disciple. They both know how the other works." @Kataoka: "With that in mind, let me announce the starting pitcher." @Kataoka: "Sawamura, I'm counting on you." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "For the fourth round two days after that, Furuya!" @Kataoka: "You'll be starting." @Kataoka: "Also, Kawakami and Kaneda." @Kataoka: "No matter who we're playing, be sure to get in the bullpen from the start of the game." Kawakami: "Yes, sir!" Kaneda: "Yes, sir!" @Kataoka: "This is a knock-out tournament! One loss, and it's all over!" @Kataoka: "It's not just the players on the field. Those of us in the dugout need to be ready to make the best move at all times, too." _All: "Yes, sir!" @Miyuki: "Starting is a whole different ballgame than pitching in relief. How the rotation is used will depend on how each game is going, of course, but the fact that Coach made each pitcher's role crystal clear will help them get in the right mindset." @Fb_Kataoka: "It goes without saying, but giving you the ace number means I expect a lot from you." @Fb_Kataoka: "But that only matters if you can keep pitching like you have been." @Fb_Kataoka: "I want you to show on the mound the fruits of everything you've done so far." @Int_Ochiai: "Our first game of the summer, the first step to the national championship, Sawamura's first official start, and his first time wearing the ace number." @Int_Ochiai: "This Sawamura start will be full of firsts..." @Int_Ochiai: "I just hope it doesn't go south." @Furuya: "Mind if I join you?" @Furuya: "Okay, we can do that tomorrow." @Miyuki: "It's still too stiff. I think your face looked stupider than that. Right?" @Okumura: "I agree." @Sawamura: "Wha..." @Okumura: "It used to look more loose and pathetic." @Sawamura: "Loose? Wait, what are we even practicing here? Why won't you let me pitch?! I wanna work on the numbers!" @Miyuki: "What, you ask? We're doing this because you're too tense. It's plain to see the ace number is weighing down on you." @Miyuki: "I mean, I prefer this to you getting complacent... But I still need to fix it, both as your catcher and the team's captain." @Sawamura: "Don't go straight for the jugular! Couldn't you have been more subtle with your wording?!" @Miyuki: "Hey, you're the one who needs things spelled out." @Sawamura: "What do you think I am?!" @Miyuki: "While I'm at it, let me say one more thing." @Sawamura: "What?" @Miyuki: "Just a couple of months ago, I could've never imagined you wearing the ace number this summer." @Miyuki: "You guys always defy my expectations." @Sawamura: ""Encouragement."" @Furuya: "I'll warm up just in case." @Sawamura: "You won't get to pitch today! Don't you dare cross that line again!" Sakaki: "This battery's probably overcome countless crisis situations until now. The more trouble they're in, the more they'll turn to the pitch they're most confident in."

_Player: "That's their game against Ichidai Third High in the spring tournament. How did you get that?" _Coach: "I know a guy. I have one of their game against Hakuryu, too." _Player: "We just played a game, and he's already thinking about the next one. And just how many people does he know?" _Coach: "I watched the fourth-round game, but Furuya isn't pitching at all like he was in the Invitational. I'm not sure if he's injured, but he certainly isn't pitching well." _Coach: "They've replaced him as ace with this Eijun Sawamura. His skill was apparent when I saw him play last fall, but he appears to have reached a whole new level." _Player: "That much?" _Coach: "He's got a good look in his eyes. He was hungry for a chance." _Coach: "It's only been three months since Furuya pitched in the Invitational. The drastic change in the team's lineup suggests there are numerous weaknesses to exploit." _Coach: "My gambler's blood is throbbing in my veins." _Fan: "This team is clearly no match for Inashiro... but they're still having their ace start. They refuse to show any sign of weakness. That's how champions fight. They're taking their first game seriously." Int_Tadano: "It's time, Mei-san." Carlos: "It's a one-way track from here." Shirakawa: "Blow them away." _Player: "Go get 'em, Narumiya! Mei-san! Narumiya-san!" Int_Narumiya: "Y'know, making a face like you won't go down easy isn't going to help." Int_Narumiya: "This summer belongs to us!" Announcer: "The National High School Baseball Championship West Tokyo Qualifiers have been underway since July 5th. Inashiro Industrial, seeded to start in the third round, overwhelmed Sawadai Second High. After finishing runners-up at Koshien Stadium last summer, then unexpectedly being eliminated from the fall tournament, they won both the spring tournament and the Kanto Tournament. What will the summer bring for Mei Narumiya, said to be the best player of his generation? Tomorrow, Inashiro's rival, Seido High School, who also played in the Invitational, will play their third-round game. They're a team to watch, too." Seki: "We're a team to watch!" Aso: "That's nice to hear." Watanabe: "In today's other games, Ichidai Third High played at Hachioji Stadium, Seiko at Akishima Stadium, and Yakushi at Tachikawa Stadium." Watanabe: "They all made it to the next round." Maezono: "Okay, now it's our turn! Let's get to it!" @Kataoka: "We'll be at the stadium at 7:00 and start warming up. Rest up so that you're ready." _All: "Yes, sir!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" Kawakami: "Sawamura." Kawakami: "Take your time in the bath so you can relax." Shirasu: "Some warm milk before bed helps, too." Ono: "Don't drink a lot of cold stuff." Kudo: "Do you need a massage?" Seki: "And stretching helps, too." @Miyuki: "Want to borrow my eye mask?" @Sawamura: "How many of those do you have?! And it's a funny one!" @Sawamura: "Damn, everyone's worried about me. Am I that unreliable?" @Sawamura: "So, Asada, is it in the right place?" Asada: "It looks perfect." @Kuramochi: "Are you gonna wear that to bed again?" @Sawamura: "I have to! I'm still just wearing the number. I need to get my body used to it as soon as possible." @Kuramochi: "You haven't pitched a single game yet! How it looks doesn't matter, idiot!" @Sawamura: "It'll draw something out from within me!" Int_Asada: "So that's why... It wasn't just because he was happy about it." @Kuramochi: "You body is oozing stupid right now." @Sawamura: "Okay, I'm going to bed!" @Kuramochi: "Can you really sleep like that? Asada, I'm turning out the light." Asada: "Oh, right. Of course." @Fb_Miyuki: "While I'm at it, let me say one more thing. Just a couple of months ago, I could've never imagined you wearing the ace number this summer." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn it, Cap. Is that something you just tack on like that? But..." @Fb_Miyuki: "You guys have always surprised me. You couldn't control your pitches at high speed during the Invitational, but your pitches are starting to look more and more like they do in practice. Plus, you're controlling the numbers better. If you can pitch the way you have been against Ichidai Third, Yakushi, and Inashiro..." @Fb_Miyuki: "Just thinking about it sets me on edge." @Int_Sawamura: "Cap says he's on edge!" Int_Chris: "Your first start as ace, huh? Big responsibility." @Int_Sawamura: "Yes, sir! I will pitch our team's way to victory!" Int_Chris: "Don't get worked up." Int_Chris: "I think I can make it to the stadium at the end of July, around the quarterfinals." Int_Chris: "I'm looking forward to seeing you wearing that ace number." @Int_Sawamura: "Quarterfinals... Quarterfinals..." @Int_Sawamura: "Quarterfinals!" @Int_Kuramochi: "Damn, what's wrong with me? I can't sleep." @Int_Kuramochi: "Is the adrenaline kicking in already?" @Int_Kuramochi: "The tournament last year seemed to end as suddenly as it began." @Int_Kuramochi: "I was so focused on winning that I never thought.." @Int_Kuramochi: "about what comes next." @Int_Kuramochi: "Sawamura, you'd better be sleeping well." @Int_Kuramochi: "We'll be counting on you tomorrow..." @Int_Kuramochi: "our new ace." @Kuramochi: "So he's their starter, the one Nabe-san was talking about." @Miyuki: "He'll give us a lot to deal with." @Miyuki: "Let's go!" _All: "Yeah!" Announcer: "This is the National High School Baseball Championship, West Tokyo Qualifiers. Today we're beginning with Seido High School versus Yura Sogo Engineering High School." _Umpire: "Bow!" _All: "Let's play!" Owada: "Seido's summer is finally starting. And their starter is Sawamura-kun, wearing his team's ace number for the first time." Mine: "He took Furuya-kun's place as the ace and the team's number 1." Mine: "This first game will provide insight into how they will play this summer." Int_Mine: "They're up against Coach Kataoka's former mentor..." _Coach: "The ace is starting and their fielders are positioned by their jersey numbers. They're probably well-trained. Well, we don't have quite the same level of talent, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve." @Miyuki: "How do think you're doing?" @Sawamura: "My pitches are drifting a little high." @Miyuki: "Yeah. They've made some changes to their batting order, but you know how each of them bats." @Miyuki: "Let's keep using fastballs to run up the count like always." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir! That's what I do best!" @Miyuki: "Honestly, that makes me feel both hope and dread." @Sawamura: "And you're excited, right?" @Furuya: "I could have started in left field." @Int_Sawamura: "Just hang back and watch, Furuya." @Int_Sawamura: "I'll make sure you get to pitch in the fourth round in two days." @Sawamura: "I'm told the temperature will rise throughout the day!" Asada: "Here it comes!" @Sawamura: "However, it won't be any hotter than our team already is! We wholly devoted ourselves to baseball every day!" @Sawamura: "We are Seido, and everything begins today! Balls will come flying your way, so please back me up!" Maezono: "Yeah, sounds good!" @Kominato: "You got it!" @Kuramochi: "You're even more pumped up than usual!" @Kanemaru: "You've been thinking of that speech yesterday, I bet!" Tojo: "I liked the "wholly devoted" part!" Shirasu: "Let's get to it!" @Yuki: "He always comes up with a speech." @Miyuki: "He got that all out despite being so nervous." _Umpire: "Play ball!" _Player: "I guess the best pitchers get to talk big, too." @Int_Miyuki: "Kanemaru, he might try a bunt." @Int_Miyuki: "An outside fastball. Can you pitch the way you usually do?" @Int_Sawamura: "I'm okay." @Int_Sawamura: "I can see Cap's mitt clearly." @Int_Sawamura: "I can hear the spectators." @Int_Sawamura: "I'll give everything I have..." @Int_Sawamura: "to bring our team victory!" @Kanemaru: "There it is!" @Kanemaru: "Sawamura!" _Fan: "That pitcher moves fast!" Announcer: "Oh, he overthrows!" Announcer: "The batter takes the opportunity to advance to second!" Announcer: "After the first pitch of the game, there's a runner in scoring position!" Higasa: "He's already embarrassed!" Aso: "What's done is done! Shake it off!" _Coach: "It's his coming out moment, and all eyes are on him." _Coach: "That'll get you more on edge than usual." @Int_Sawamura: "This guy runs fast." @Int_Miyuki: "Since he's Coach Kataoka's mentor and the founder of Seido baseball, I'd expect him to lead with a steady hand. He called for bunts several times in the first two rounds," @Int_Miyuki: "but the batter isn't showing bunt now." @Int_Miyuki: "They'll obviously try to hit and advance the runner." @Int_Miyuki: "I'd like to tell you to ignore the runner, but let's keep him in check." _Coach: "That's what you expect. They've got eyes in every direction." _Umpire: "Ball two!" Int_Coach: "Now to wear down that alertness." Owada: "The batter is showing bunt, but I don't think the coach called for one." Mine: "I'm not sure. This is just the start of their first game. The battery must want to get their first out." @Int_Miyuki: "Don't react to his stances. If he wants to bunt, let him." @Int_Sawamura: "Right." _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Player: "Yeah!" _Fan: "Man, a walk! The batter didn't do anything!" @Miyuki: "Timeout, please." Owada: "Sawamura-kun doesn't usually allow a walk so easily." Mine: "Yeah, that's unusual. It must be from that error on the first play. It's still on his mind." @Sawamura: "What am I doing?" Mine: "But that play could have gone either way. If he had made the out, the momentum could be on their side." Ota: "The game is just getting started! Calm down, Sawamura!" @Ochiai: "His pitches don't have the speed they need." @Miyuki: "Hey, take a look at Kuramochi." _Sign: "W a a a v e r W a a a v e r" @Miyuki: "Want to let him punch you?" @Sawamura: "No, thank you! And you didn't need to use one of our three timeouts!" @Miyuki: "Then swing your arm through. You aren't pitching like you usually do." @Sawamura: "I'm well aware!" @Miyuki: "If you throw pitches like I know you can, even a little higher, they'll have a hard time hitting them. Let's get through this and build up some momentum of our own." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" @Miyuki: "I'm counting on you." @Kuramochi: "We're ready anytime!" @Int_Sawamura: "Damn. What's going on?" @Int_Sawamura: "My body feels light. I can't get any power from my legs." @Int_Sawamura: "Am I in trouble?" @Int_Sawamura: "This must be a joke." @Int_Sawamura: "I'm the ace. I have to lead the team!" @Int_Sawamura: "I can't get tripped up now!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's showing bunt? The third batter?" @Int_Miyuki: "Seriously?" @Kataoka: "Miyuki!" @Int_Kataoka: "If he's going to bunt, let him." @Int_Kataoka: "Stay focused on the batter." @Int_Miyuki: "Right, it's still the early innings. We can play this the way we want to." Int_Maezono: "I'll get ready to charge." @Int_Kuramochi: "I'll take care of the runner." @Int_Miyuki: "Give me a fastball, right here." @Int_Miyuki: "Hard enough to knock the bat out of his hands." @Int_Okumura: "When the Seiho batters showed bunt, he had no problem throwing past it to get a strike." @Int_Okumura: "But the first batter today hit his pitch easily." @Okumura: "Sawamura-senpai isn't his normal self." @Int_Sawamura: "If you're gonna bunt, go ahead!" @Int_Sawamura: "We'll get the out at third!" Announcer: "The hit was jammed, but goes down the third-base line! The second-base runner is rounding third!" Announcer: "He scores! Yura Sogo has the lead! Third batter Jujo gets an RBI!" Announcer: "Starting pitcher Eijun Sawamura has given up a hit!" _Fan: "A messenger from the dugout. He hasn't gotten a single out yet. And the messenger is Furuya. What a privilege." @Sawamura: "Our precious timeouts..." @Furuya: "Want to switch?" @Sawamura: "N-N-N-N-No way! You haven't even warmed up!" @Furuya: "I'll go do it now." @Sawamura: "Shut up!" @Miyuki: "Did the coach tell you to say that?" @Furuya: "He said to go to the mound and light a fire." @Sawamura: "Boss!" @Miyuki: "I see." @Int_Miyuki: "Sending Furuya out would relieve his tension more than words ever could." @Furuya: "Also, the infielders should protect the middle, and the outfielders should prepare for long hits." @Furuya: "He wants you to focus on getting the fourth batter out." @Int_Sawamura: "So he's okay with the runner on third scoring?" @Kuramochi: "Well, we do have Kawakami in the bullpen. He can switch in for you." @Miyuki: "Don't worry. No matter how many runs they score, we'll just score more." @Int_Sawamura: "Is it that bad?" Maezono: "That's right!" @Kominato: "Let's do our best!" @Kanemaru: "Let them hit some my way!" _Sign: "Clench" @Furuya: "Eijun." @Furuya: "I'll warm up just in case." @Sawamura: "Leave! Get off my mound! Take a nap on the bench! You won't get to pitch today!" Int_Maezono: "Eijun?" @Int_Kuramochi: "Did he call him Eijun?" @Int_Kanemaru: "Furuya used someone's first name." @Sawamura: "Don't ever cross that line again!" @Bg_Furuya: "I'm ready any time." @Bg_Sawamura: "Shut up!" @Int_Miyuki: "Those two..." @Bg_Sawamura: "I told you to leave!" @Int_Miyuki: "Well, at least Sawamura is acting a little more like himself. Their cleanup has a slew of RBIs," @Int_Miyuki: "but they could try for a squeeze play, a double steal, or a run-and-hit." @Int_Miyuki: "I guess we'll have to buckle down and deal with it." @Int_Miyuki: "Outside, paint the black. I don't care if it's not on target. Just swing your arm through!" @Int_Sawamura: "That's right." @Int_Sawamura: "Everyone's got my back." @Int_Sawamura: "I just need to focus on the glove..." _Umpire: "Strike!" @Int_Sawamura: "All I need to do is focus on the catcher's glove!" Aso: "Okay!" @Int_Miyuki: "There's our first strike! Sending Furuya really did it, Coach!" Ota: "Yes, yes, yes! Yes!" @Ochiai: "In this situation, it doesn't matter how," @Ochiai: "we really want an out." _Umpire: "Ball!" Int_Coach: "You can ignore the changeups, cutters, and breaking balls. Wait for that one pitch." Int_Coach: "This battery's probably overcome countless crisis situations. The more trouble they're in, the more they'll turn to the pitch they're most confident in." Int_Coach: "The inside fastball. If you can hit that pitch, we can crush them right here and now." @Sawamura: "Haruichi!" Announcer: "Forced out at second! Second baseman Kominato makes an incredible play!" Announcer: "But the third-base runner has made it home, giving Yura Sogo their second run!" @Kominato: "Eijun-kun, we've got our first out!" @Sawamura: "Haruichi-senpai, you are indeed great!" @Kominato: "You're being ridiculous. Are you still about to have a breakdown?" Owada: "Yura Sogo scored a second run, but they did a great job of getting that out." Mine: "Yeah, and it helps that they made the out at second." Mine: "That makes one out with a runner on first. Maybe that will help calm Sawamura-kun down?" @Miyuki: "Not bad." @Sawamura: "He still hit it!" @Int_Miyuki: "Now that I think of it," @Int_Miyuki: "it seemed like the batter was waiting for that pitch." @Int_Miyuki: "Yura Sogo really is not to be taken lightly." @Miyuki: ""Under the Feet."" @Miyuki: "You're pitching at close to full strength. Let's finish them off!" _Coach: "Hey, Tesshin. I'm really enjoying baseball with these guys." @Miyuki: "A pitch they can't hit even if they know it's coming. If we can get momentum on our side, we can turn the game around." _Coach: "You know, Tesshin, if you only look up, you're bound to stumble."

@Int_Sawamura: "Just hang back and watch, Furuya." @Int_Sawamura: "I'll make sure you get to pitch in the fourth round in two days." @Sawamura: "I'm told the temperature will rise throughout the day!" Asada: "Here it comes!" @Sawamura: "However, it won't be any hotter than our team already is! We wholly devoted ourselves to baseball every day!" @Sawamura: "We are Seido, and everything begins today! Balls will come flying your way, so please back me up!" _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Player: "Yeah!" _Fan: "Man, a walk! The batter didn't do anything!" Int_Coach: "You can ignore the changeups, cutters, and breaking balls. Wait for that one pitch." Int_Coach: "The inside fastball. If you can hit that pitch, we can crush them right here and now." @Sawamura: "Haruichi!" Announcer: "Forced out at second! Second baseman Kominato makes an incredible play!" Announcer: "But the third-base runner has made it home, giving Yura Sogo their second run!" @Kominato: "Eijun-kun, we've got our first out!" @Sawamura: "Haruichi-senpai, you are indeed great!" @Kominato: "You're being ridiculous. Are you still about to have a breakdown?" Owada: "Yura Sogo scored a second run, but they did a great job of getting that out." Mine: "Yeah, and it helps that they made the out at second." @Miyuki: "Not bad." @Sawamura: "He still hit it!" @Int_Miyuki: "Now that I think of it," @Int_Miyuki: "it seemed like the batter was waiting for that pitch." @Int_Miyuki: "Yura Sogo really is not to be taken lightly." Announcer: "It's the bottom of the first, and Yura Sogo has an early two-run lead. There is one out with a runner on first. Their fifth batter, Ichikura, is up to bat." Announcer: "He is also showing bunt!" Ota: "Is it another fake bunt? They might try for a hit and run!" @Ochiai: "Was Coach Sakaki always such a small ball guy?" Ota: "H-He was known for his assertiveness and preference for power hitting." @Ochiai: "Indeed." @Int_Ochiai: "We were expecting that second run, but the more pressing concern is Sawamura's condition. The summer tournament is single elimination." @Int_Ochiai: "There are no second chances." @Fb_Ochiai: "Coach Kataoka." @Fb_Ochiai: "If we give up any more runs, the game could get out of our reach." @Int_Ochiai: "A mistimed judgment means failure." _Umpire: "Foul!" _Fan: "It's on the ground!" @Miyuki: "Sawamura, first! First!" Announcer: "The sacrifice bunt succeeds! Yura Sogo now has two outs and a runner on second!" Owada: "He hit a bunt with two strikes." Mine: "He was very calm about it." Announcer: "Sixth batter Mannami is up!" Mine: "This batter can go deep." Announcer: "The outfielders are moving in slightly. They don't want the runner to make it home!" Owada: "They're playing in." Mine: "Seido doesn't want to allow another run." @Int_Miyuki: "Your pitches are getting stronger. Let's stop their momentum." _Coach: "It's all set up for you, Mannami. Swing away!" Announcer: "He's out! A grounder off a changeup gets the third out!" @Sawamura: "Yoh-chan! Thank you, Yoh-chan! Thanks, Yoh-chan!" @Kuramochi: "You're seriously freaking out." Watanabe: "Sawamura, it's still the first inning!" Seki: "Change gears!" @Sawamura: "Thank you!" @Int_Miyuki: "We weren't able to get him off-balance." @Int_Miyuki: "They were waiting for that changeup." @Sawamura: "Okumura!" @Okumura: "I'm over here!" @Sawamura: "Sorry for interrupting!" @Sawamura: "I need your help, Young Yui!" @Sawamura: "You won't need your protector! Just come with me!" @Sawamura: "Something doesn't feel right today." @Sawamura: "I need to shake it off somehow." @Yui: "Okay, I'll do what I can!" @Sawamura: "Thanks!" @Kataoka: "Sawamura!" @Kataoka: "Make sure to stay hydrated. It's about to heat up!" @Miyuki: "His pitches are getting faster, but nowhere near where he was." Owada: "Yura Sogo's starting pitcher... is third-year southpaw Kitakata-kun. He didn't pitch in the first or second rounds, so Seido may not have been anticipating him." Mine: "There's also their ace, Higashiyama-kun, and #12, Osu-kun." Mine: "They're trying to prevent Seido from adjusting to any one pitcher." Announcer: "Bottom of the first inning, Seido High School is up to bat. Batting first, shortstop Kuramochi-kun." @Int_Kuramochi: "Sawamura..." @Int_Kuramochi: "How many runs will it take to get you to relax?" @Int_Kuramochi: "We'll get things going!" @Int_Kuramochi: "Pitch the way you always do!" Announcer: "Hit to right-center field!" _Player: "Throw to third!" Announcer: "He makes it to third base without slowing down! Those are the incredible legs of Seido's leadoff man, Yohichi Kuramochi!" Announcer: "Next up is the second batter, Kominato!" _Watanabe: "There's their ace Higashiyama, and their starter, Osu. I suspect they'll start with Osu, like they've been doing... But there's one more pitcher I've got my eye on. He's a southpaw who didn't pitch in the first or second rounds, but still spent a lot of time in the bullpen. He's #18, third-year Kitakata." _Watanabe: "There is a non-zero chance that they'll start this pitcher against us." @Fb_Miyuki: "You were filming the bullpen?" _Watanabe: "Just in case. His pitching looked good." @Fb_Kuramochi: "Good work, Nabe-chan!" _Maezono: "Yeah, nothing gets by him!" @Int_Kominato: "Don't worry, Eijun-kun." @Int_Kominato: "We've got your back." @Int_Kominato: "Two runs is nothing!" Announcer: "It's over the shortstop's head! The third-base runner scores easily! And Kominato makes it to second!" Announcer: "Two extra-base hits from the first two batters have scored a run for Seido High School!" _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Fan: "Now there are runners on first and third. They clearly avoided challenging him." Announcer: "A messenger from the Yura Sogo dugout is approaching the mound." _Fan: "Both teams have sent messengers from the dugout in the first inning." _Fan: "It goes to show how important this stage of the game is." _Player: "Go ahead and let loose! Yeah! Let loose and looser! That might be too loose." Announcer: "Seido High School has taken back one run, and has runners on first and third." Announcer: "Up to bat is the fifth batter, Maezono. Can he tie the game?" _Umpire: "Strike!" _Coach: "Good, you're swinging your arm through." @Ochiai: "A curveball with a sharp vertical break." @Ochiai: "That must be his most reliable pitch." @Ochiai: "Kuramochi and Kominato managed to score, but we need to press for more." _Umpire: "Strike two!" Int_Maezono: "Another outside pitch." _Coach: "The batter's hesitating. You can take him out." Int_Maezono: "Two curveballs in a row." Int_Maezono: "What will he throw next?" _Fan: "Three in a row!" Announcer: "A sharp hit goes right to the second baseman! The runners stay put, and it's two outs!" _Player: "Yeah!" _Coach: "The trajectory was good which is why it flew right to him. Kitakata, you have nothing to fear." Announcer: "Batting sixth, center fielder, Tojo-kun." _Player: "Two outs! Two outs! Let's finish the inning! Kitakata, go get 'em! Let loose!" Owada: "The Yura Sogo players are calling to each other." Mine: "Yeah, that out was crucial." Int_Tojo: "I'll keep the momentum going." _Player: "One more..." _Coach: "I like that look in your eye." Int_Coach: "I'm not sure when it happened... I've been able to read the thoughts of both teams on the field, as if they were a book in my hands. They're all trying their hardest, so it shows in their behavior, their actions," Int_Coach: "and the expressions on their faces." Announcer: "It's caught! A fly ball to left field makes three outs! Starting pitcher Kitakata was running into trouble, but held the offense to one run!" _Player: "Nice pitch, Kitakata! Nice pitch! You came through in a pinch!" Int_Coach: "They do their utmost to fulfill the decisions I make." _Coach: "You made it through." Int_Coach: "I'm truly enjoying baseball with this team, Tesshin." @Kataoka: "That's just how the inning ended! Change gears and get the next one!" _All: "Yes, sir!" Kawakami: "Take it easy, Sawamura." Kawakami: "I can swap in for you anytime." @Sawamura: "Nori-san!" @Okumura: "Try to be more loose and pathetic." @Kataoka: "Sawamura!" @Kataoka: "You've got this." @Miyuki: "Okay, let's go!" @Sawamura: "Yeah!" _Player: "One more! Bring it!" _Yamaguchi: "Nabe's got it!" _Higasa: "Catch it!" _Watanabe: "Thank you!" @Fb_Ochiai: "Only Seki and Mimura are left. With the starters picking up the loose balls," @Fb_Ochiai: "this retirement fielding practice will continue until everyone is satisfied. A parting gift for players who didn't make the roster." @Fb_Ochiai: "The coach is indeed a conscientious person." @Fb_Seto: "Wow..." _Mimura: "I'm not done yet!" _Seki: "This isn't nearly enough!" _Mimura: "We can still run!" _Seki: "Bring it!" g_Seki: "Bring it!" g_Mimura: "More!" @Int_Sawamura: "The time we've spent together..." @Int_Sawamura: "The pride of the third-years..." @Int_Sawamura: "and their emotions are all with me on the mound." @Int_Sawamura: "This is for all those who can't be on this field!" @Int_Sawamura: "I'm pitching for them, too!" Mimura: "Yeah!" Seki: "Nice pitch, Sawamura!" Kawashima: "That's two outs!" @Int_Miyuki: "They were trying for a run-and-hit. They really are thorough." @Int_Miyuki: "The eighth batter hit because the changeup couldn't finish him off." @Int_Miyuki: "Their coach is making a sign for every pitch. He's anticipating my calls." @Int_Miyuki: "In that case..." @Int_Miyuki: "We'll go with something they can't hit even they know it's coming!" Announcer: "A grounder is fielded by the third baseman for the third out! Sawamura held them scoreless this inning!" @Sawamura: "Yeah! Kanemaru!" @Kanemaru: "Wamura!" Int_Coach: "Oh, you changed your strategy. It must be hard to control a pitcher who's that worked up." _Coach: "Kitakata, I need three more outs!" _Player: "Yes, sir!" _Coach: "Higashiyama and Osu, I hope you're ready." _All: "Yes, sir!" Int_Coach: "We will continue to take the initiative to stay ahead. We have to get as big a lead as possible before their pitcher fully recovers." @Sawamura: "There!" Announcer: "An odd dribble! That's an interesting hit!" @Int_Sawamura: "I'll get on base and create a chance to score!" @Int_Sawamura: "The team will..." _Umpire: "Out!" Announcer: "Ace Sawamura slides head-first into first base!" _Fan: "Is he crazy? I can't believe the pitcher would do that! I love players like that! They're what makes high school baseball great! That could have gone wrong. He didn't need to do that. What if he was injured?" _Coach: "How reckless." Kishima: "Sawamura, that..." @Sawamura: "I'm sorry I couldn't get on base." @Kuramochi: "Idiot." @Yui: "Sawamura-senpai, please relax as you prepare." @Int_Ochiai: "The problem isn't about how hard he's trying." @Int_Ochiai: "It's that he isn't making rational decisions." @Int_Miyuki: "The batters were able to make contact with his improved cutters last inning." @Int_Miyuki: "It shows how much his fastballs are lagging." @Int_Miyuki: "If he can't get it together..." Announcer: "Near left field!" _Fan: "They managed to get through the third inning. It was messy with the leadoff batter getting a hit and walking the cleanup, though. You really need to collect yourself, Sawamura." Announcer: "It's the bottom of the third inning, and Yura Sogo is swapping pitchers." Announcer: "#1, Higashiyama, is replacing starting pitcher Kitakata." _Fan: "They're switching pitchers after once through the batting order." _Fan: "And they brought in their ace. Coach Sakaki's always the one making the first move." _Player: "In the third inning? We'll see how their relay holds up. Seido's not just going to let them win. Neither team wants to give any ground." Watanabe: "Higashiyama, Yura Sogo's ace, uses fastballs to pressure batters." Watanabe: "He had a lot of strikeouts last game, so they must be pretty fast..." Watanabe: "But I think our batters can hit them!" _Umpire: "Strike!" @Yui: "The first pitch was a slider?" _Umpire: "Strike two!" Watanabe: "Two strikes from two sliders? He didn't pitch like that in the other games." @Int_Kuramochi: "Damn it." _Player: "Yeah!" _Umpire: "Out!" Announcer: "It's caught!" Announcer: "That's three outs! Ace Higashiyama sits down the side in order! The pitcher relay hits its mark, and the Yura Sogo bench goes wild!" @Kuramochi: "They knew we'd be trying to hit his fastballs." @Kominato: "They might have been setting us up with their first two games." @Miyuki: "But we're still making contact. We need to keep our cool and not let them control the pace." Maezono: "Time to switch gears! Just do what you need to, and we'll have another chance!" _All: "Yeah!" @Miyuki: "Sawamura, we'll hold off on the changeups again this inning." @Miyuki: "We'll pitch to contact with the improved cutters and two-seamers." @Miyuki: "If we can get momentum on our side, we can turn the game around." @Miyuki: "We just need that momentum." _Umpire: "Ball four!" Announcer: "After getting one out, Sawamura walks eighth batter Higashiyama!" Announcer: "It's his fourth walk of the game!" Owada: "Sawamura-kun doesn't usually walk this many batters." Mine: "He tensed up, possibly after watching Higashiyama-kun, since he's their ace." @Sawamura: "What am I doing?" Announcer: "The Seido bench is calling for a timeout." _Fan: "They're breaking things up. He just can't get into a rhythm. If the defense is falling apart, it'll put pressure on the lineup. He's tensing up and can't pitch like he's supposed to. That's how powerhouse schools end up losing!" Int_Coach: "But you've still got only Kawakami in the bullpen." Int_Coach: "Furuya isn't even warming up." Int_Coach: "You sure about that, Tesshin? If you keep looking up, I'll pull the rug out from under your feet." _Fan: "What? For real?" _Fan: "They're changing pitchers?" _Fan: "Now?!" _Fan: "Coach Kataoka! H-He's cutting him off?" _Fan: "It's still the fourth inning! He's the ace!" @Sawamura: ""Get Back."" _Coach: "Tesshin's made his move. It doesn't matter if it's just for one play, or even one pitch. Put everything you've built up into it! This is the part where a ball game gets interesting!" @Sawamura: "We're just getting started! Don't think you've shown everything we've got! Seido baseball is so much more!"

_Umpire: "Ball four!" Announcer: "After getting one out, Sawamura walks eighth batter Higashiyama!" Announcer: "It's his fourth walk of the game!" Owada: "Sawamura-kun doesn't usually walk this many batters." Mine: "He tensed up, possibly after watching Higashiyama-kun, since he's their ace." @Sawamura: "What am I doing?" _Fan: "He just can't get into a rhythm. If the defense is falling apart, it'll put pressure on the lineup. He's tensing up and can't pitch like he's supposed to. That's how powerhouse schools end up losing!" Int_Coach: "But you've still got only Kawakami in the bullpen." Int_Coach: "Furuya isn't even warming up." Int_Coach: "You sure about that, Tesshin? If you keep looking up, I'll pull the rug out from under your feet." _Fan: "What? For real?" _Fan: "They're changing pitchers? Now?!" _Fan: "Coach Kataoka! H-He's cutting him off?" _Fan: "It's still the fourth inning! He's the ace!" Kawakami: "Sawamura." Kawakami: "We all feel you." Kawakami: "Will you let us finish this for you?" @Sawamura: "I put it all in there." Seki: "Sawamura..." Asada: "Sawamura-senpai..." @Kataoka: "I didn't want to give them any more openings." @Kataoka: "Let's let them finish this game." @Sawamura: "Hey, you weren't ready to go in at all." @Furuya: "Yeah, you blew up sooner than I expected." @Furuya: "I'll warm up soon." @Yui: "Sawamura-senpai, I'll help you cool down." @Sawamura: "Yeah, thanks." @Sawamura: "Just as soon as this inning's over." @Sawamura: "The real game starts now!" @Sawamura: "Seido's a better baseball team than this!" @Sawamura: "No one's slowing you down now! No more holding back!" @Sawamura: "Go ahead and run wild!" @Miyuki: "His pitches were lacking in speed, but he puts it all on himself." @Sawamura: "Let's make some noise!" Kawakami: "Yeah." @Miyuki: "I wanted to do more for him." Kawakami: "Yeah." Int_Coach: "I thought you'd keep him in a little longer." Int_Coach: "You're making a move, Tesshin." Int_Coach: "Did you switch pitchers because you were scared?" Int_Coach: "Or was it a resolute decision?" Int_Coach: "Either way, this is our chance to attack!" Int_Coach: "If we can break him, it will deal a blow to your team." @Int_Miyuki: "It's their pitcher at the plate, so I don't think they'll try anything." @Int_Miyuki: "I'll take care of the runner." @Int_Miyuki: "You focus on the batter, Nori." @Sawamura: "Stay sharp, Nori-senpai! They swing at the first pitch!" Int_Kawakami: "Sawamura..." _Sign: "E n e r g y" _Kawakami: "I put it all in there." _Kawakami: "Go get 'em, Sawamura." Int_Kawakami: "Thanks." Int_Kawakami: "We're third-years..." _Umpire: "Strike!" Int_Kawakami: "so we're prepared for everything!" Yamaguchi: "Okay!" Kishima: "Nice pitch!" Bg_Maezono: "Nice pitch!" @Kuramochi: "Go get 'em, Nori!" @Kominato: "Nori-senpai!" Int_Coach: "Well, I wasn't expecting that from his first pitch." Int_Coach: "Making a right-handed batter recognize an outside slider is just cruel. I'll bet that smart-aleck catcher will call for an inside pitch next to show that they can use all the corners." Int_Coach: "Hit that pitch!" Int_Player: "A-An inside slider!" Int_Coach: "Th-Through the front door?!" _Umpire: "Out!" Kawakami: "Yeah!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Announcer: "Swing and a miss, strike three! After ninth batter Okuyoshi-kun's pop fly to second, first batter Momose strikes out on a sinker! The relief pitcher has totally shut down Yura Sogo! This is Kawakami and Miyuki's third-year battery!" @Sawamura: "Let's go, Young Yui." @Yui: "Yes, sir!" @Int_Yui: "He waited to see how the senior player pitched." _Fan: "Nori! Nice pitch! Nori-senpai!" Owada: "That front-door slider that breaks into the strike zone... Kawakami-kun's been throwing that against righties since the fall." Mine: "Yeah, and he uses outside fastballs and sinkers against left-handed batters." Mine: "Seido wants to seize the momentum from Yura." Mine: "He performed his role admirably." Owada: "Miyuki-kun was clearly making bold calls to keep them at bay." Mine: "But still, the fact remains that the dugout was forced to make a change." Mine: "How will the rest of the game play out?" Higashiyama: "They've got some depth. That was the relief pitcher, eh?" _Coach: "Higashiyama." _Coach: "It worked out last inning, but keep your slider out of the strike zone." _Coach: "Just make them remember that you can still throw it." Higashiyama: "Yes, sir!" Announcer: "Bottom of the fourth inning. Seido High School is up to bat." Announcer: "Batting fourth, catcher Miyuki-kun." Int_Higashiyama: "He's got quite a presence." _Umpire: "Ball!" _Fan: "His first pitch was a slider. They avoided challenging him last time. There are no runners. How will they attack?" Int_Coach: "I don't like how he watched that go by." Int_Coach: "Don't push yourself. Stay alert. Give him a meatball, and he'll devour it." Int_Player: "Outside, on the black." Int_Higashiyama: "Two years ago, I never imagined I'd be here." _Sign: "Sasaki's Notes Others Eijiro Sasaki" Int_Higashiyama: "There was so much to learn and think about." _Higashiyama: "We have to read all of this?" _Coach: "Next, we'll work some scenarios!" Int_Higashiyama: "The intense daily practices left us exhausted." Int_Higashiyama: "But look how far we've come." Int_Higashiyama: "Seido actually considers us a threat!" Int_Higashiyama: "I love it!" Announcer: "It's gone! The score is even again after one swing of the cannon!" Aso: "Run!" _Shirasu: "He's got a good fastball." @Fb_Kuramochi: "But his slider isn't as sharp. I think we can adjust to it even if we have two strikes." @Fb_Kataoka: "He wants us to react to their plays and overthink ourselves. Let the tricky pitches go by and swing at the ones you can hit. Just play as you always have." _All: "Yes, sir!" Int_Tojo: "The last two batters have hit his fastballs." Int_Tojo: "That'll make him nervous!" Announcer: "The slider is hit down the right base line!" Announcer: "Second-base runner Maezono is rounding third! Seido High School takes the lead off sixth batter Tojo's RBI double!" Kukki: "Yes, Tojo-senpai!" Maezono: "Yeah!" @Kuramochi: "Zono!" Yamaguchi: "Nice batting, Zono!" Higasa: "Nice batting!" Maezono: "Yeah, keep it going!" @Sawamura: "That's the cap cannon." @Sawamura: "One swing and you turned the game around. Nice home run." @Miyuki: "The ace doesn't carry the team by himself." _Sign: "Thock" Announcer: "Shortstop Ichikura fields it, but can't get a throw off!" _Fan: "Next up is the ninth batter, Kawakami. Will they try for a squeeze play? That'd be obvious. They'll be ready for it. It would really suck if it fails. It would halt their momentum." Int_Coach: "Being overcautious and throwing balls will give them more options." Int_Coach: "Ignore the first-base runner. Keep your eye on the third-base runner." Announcer: "It's one out with runners on first and third in the bottom of the fourth. Up to bat is ninth batter Kawakami!" Announcer: "How will Seido attack... and how will Yura Sogo stop them?" Announcer: "The runner takes off from first!" Announcer: "The first pitch is an inside fastball. Foul!" Owada: "A hit-and-run? He swung at it." Mine: "Yeah. Higashiyama-kun is throwing his reliable fastballs now." _Player: "The first-base runner goes to prevent a double play, and the third-base runner goes on a grounder?" Announcer: "Here's the second pitch!" _Umpire: "Ball!" _Fan: "A fake bunt. Seido sure knows how to throw him off." _Coach: "What an obvious strategy." Int_Coach: "Should we throw a ball?" _Coach: "A squeeze play would be more to our advantage." Int_Coach: "No, don't lose focus." Int_Coach: "We don't want them to get ahead in the count." Int_Coach: "Squeeze or hit, we'll throw to the strike zone!" Int_Coach: "We just need a foul ball or a strike." Announcer: "The first-base runner is off!" Int_Higashiyama: "Run all you like!" Announcer: "It takes a bounce!" Announcer: "The third-base runner immediately scores! Seido's aggressive strategy succeeds, and they score their third run of the inning!" _Player: "Did you see that? Their ninth batter bounced that inside pitch to the right. The third-base runner had a good start. What kind of practices do they have?" _Player: "Let's get ready. This game might be over sooner than we thought." Kawakami: "Yeah!" Announcer: "Yura Sogo managed to get a runner on base, but was unable to follow through and score! Third-year relief pitcher Kawakami isn't giving them any openings!" Maezono: "Nice pitch, Nori! You're on a roll!" @Kanemaru: "That was great, Nori-senpai!" @Okumura: "Let's head back to the bench." Kaneda: "Yeah." @Yui: "Furuya-san, we should go, too." @Furuya: "It's warming up." @Yui: "You're starting in two days!" @Sawamura: "Nice pitching, Nori-senpai!" Kawakami: "Thanks. The middle of their order has sharp swings." @Sawamura: "Yeah, you really don't want anyone on base when their cleanup is batting." Kawakami: "You never know what they're going to try." Kawakami: "Okay!" @Kuramochi: "Nori, they've switched pitchers." Kawakami: "You're right." @Kuramochi: "It's #12, second-year Osu." Kawakami: "They've brought out all their pitchers." Shirasu: "He mainly throws fastballs, as well as forkballs." @Kominato: "His fastballs aren't as good as their ace's, though." Maezono: "If we can get some hits off him, they'll be out of options!" Higasa: "Four more innings!" Yamaguchi: "Let's close it out!" @Kanemaru: "Nori-senpai!" Yamaguchi: "Get out there and swing, Nori!" @Fb_Miyuki: "The ace doesn't carry the team by himself." @Int_Sawamura: "Damn it." @Int_Sawamura: "I wish I could do this game over." : "After a hit and a stolen base, Kuramochi reached second." : "Then Kominato got an RBI hit in front of the center fielder. On the third pitch on a 1–1 count, a hit-and-run put runners on first and third." : "Cleanup Miyuki's sacrifice fly extended Seido's lead to six runs." _Player: "Okay, nice pitching! Let's get the runs back, one at a time!" _Coach: "What are you all so happy about? Their lead is increasing." _Player: "Well, their batters and fielders aren't giving us any openings." _Player: "Honestly, they're incredible. I can see what you were trying to do, Coach. It's easy to see from Seido's plays." Higashiyama: "I feel like watching them is going to help us improve." _Player: "Though we hate to admit it." _Player: "We're sorry! It's too late for that to do any good. I want to go read the Sasaki's Notebooks again. Me, too! We're still playing a game! You can do that later! I've got mine! You brought it?! Yeah, doesn't everyone?" _Coach: "Listen up." _Coach: "It's not too late." _Coach: "You can start now." _Coach: "One play or one pitch is enough! Go show them what you've got! This is what makes baseball fun!" _All: "Yes, sir!" : "In the bottom of the seventh inning," : "it was this player's bat that finished the game off." Announcer: "Seventh batter Yuki's two-run home run scores their tenth run!" Announcer: "The game is called in the seventh inning!" Announcer: "Seido High School advances to the fourth round!" _All: "Thank you!" _Player: "Thank you. I'm glad I got to play my last baseball game against a team like Seido." Maezono: "What're you talking about? We were really sweating in the early innings!" @Kuramochi: "You put up a good fight." @Miyuki: "By the way, did you know what calls I was going to make?" _Player: "It's amazing, right? Our coach is a monster of baseball." @Miyuki: "Seriously?" _Player: "But in the second half, we couldn't hit even when we knew what was coming." _Player: "Go beat Inashiro and play at Koshien Stadium!" Maezono: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Thank you for your three years of baseball!" @Okumura: "What are you doing?" Owada: "Yura was controlling the game in the early innings, but Seido was unfazed." Mine: "It was their first game and their ace's first start." Mine: "We'll see how Sawamura-kun grows from this experience." Owada: "Yes, and Furuya-kun hasn't pitched yet." Owada: "This was just the first step. Yakushi, Inashiro, Ichidai Third High, and now Seido are all off to strong starts." _Coach: "Well, you got us. Your team really showed their potential at the end." @Kataoka: "Yes, the team maintained their composure and fought well." _Coach: "I thought you would leave the starting pitcher in longer since Furuya wasn't in the bullpen. You made a good call." @Kataoka: "Sawamura is our ace, so I wanted to switch him out at a good time. But we had another pitcher warming up since the first inning. The third-years led the team today." _Coach: "Instead of being controlled from the dugout, the players come up with plays on their own." _Coach: "A truly strong team is filled with players like that." _Coach: "You've built a good team, Tesshin." _Coach: "See you around. This old soldier's going to start over." _Coach: "Oh, I almost forgot." _Coach: "That starting pitcher..." @Sawamura: ""Seido Goes All Out."" @Okumura: "Even your sneezes are excessively loud." @Furuya: "You probably won't have the chance tomorrow, so pitch as much as you want today." @Sawamura: "Huh? What was that? I'm going to be in top shape so I'm ready to go in!" @Furuya: "You'll get your chance. I'll make sure you get another chance." @Okumura: "Let me know of anything I can do to help at any time. On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II:" @Sawamura: "“FIRE AGE.”"

@Int_Sawamura: "There was no room for me in that game." @Int_Sawamura: "Reflecting, preparing... If you don't perform when you need to, you won't get any chances." @Int_Sawamura: "All you can do is watch from here." @Int_Sawamura: "I won't forget how much this hurt..." @Int_Sawamura: "Because I want to stand on that mound again!" _Dad: "It was close, Wakana. They played a good game yesterday, but..." _Dad: "Who is that? Eijun-kun?" Wakana: "Yeah." Wakana: "He's just now replying to my message from yesterday." @Int_Sawamura: "Farewell, Osaka!" @Int_Wakana: "Good game." @Int_Sawamura: "We had to leave Koshien before I even knew it." @Int_Sawamura: "I didn't get a chance to play... By the way, the guy behind me in that picture is Kuramochi-senpai, but he's just a blur." @Int_Sawamura: "The one thing I learned is that it sucks to lose!" @Int_Sawamura: "That guy's... incredible." Sachiko: "Haruno, is this newspaper from Osaka?" Haruno: "Yes, Sachi-senpai! I bought all the newspapers available before we boarded the Shinkansen." Sachiko: "You're on top of things, Haruno! Missing the train would've been icing on the cake!" Yui: "Every time there was a strikeout, the whole stadium would tremble." Haruno: "It was so exciting, Yui-senpai." Yui: "Yeah!" Sachiko: "And that guy was incredible..." Yui: "Furuya-kun!" Sachiko: "Hongo-kun!" Yui: "From the other team?" Sachiko: "I mean, he was really good." Yui: "Sure, but..." Sachiko: "He's one of the best pitchers in the country." Yui: "Furuya-kun did just as well." Sachiko: "Did you see the spring tournament bracket?" Yui: "Yeah, the D block looks pretty crazy." Sachiko: "It's Yakushi and Inashiro in the third round." Yui: "I wanna see that game." Sachiko: "And Yakushi has a game at Koshien Stadium tomorrow. That'll be right after they get back!" Yui: "Doesn't this mean one of them won't get a seed for the summer?" Sachiko: "The non-seeds are scarier if they get into a rhythm! They've just come home, but they've already dressed and gotten out there. They don't want to rest at all." Yui: "They didn't have much time to practice in Osaka." Sachiko: "I heard Yamaguchi-kun and Ono-kun have gained weight, too." Yui: "We need to get ready, too." Sachiko: "Yeah." Sachiko: "It's our last summer." @Maezono: "You sure, Kominato? I'll go on ahead." @Kominato: "Oh, yeah. I have something to take care of." @Maezono: "Okay, then. See you later." @Int_Maezono: "He didn't get many good plays at Koshien Stadium. He probably needs to get over that." @Fb_Kominato: "Mom and Dad said they'd come to Koshien Stadium to watch." @Fb_Kominato: "You're walking a different path than mine." @Fb_Kominato: "You don't need to follow me any more." @Fb_Kominato: "Just stick to your own path, Haruichi." Ota: "Another interview request? That's the fourth one since we came back." Rei: "We've been invited to several friendlies, too. We'll have to adjust the schedule." Ochiai: "You're going to play in those games?" Rei: "Yes, as many as we can." Rei: "Facing strong opponents will be stimulating for the boys, too." Ochiai: "Well, given Furuya's pitching at Koshien Stadium, I guess teams can't leave him alone." Ochiai: "I imagine Kataoka-san will get more invites from the alumni and the boosters, too." Rei: "We do rely on their funding to run the team. I imagine he'll be quite busy for a while." Vice: "You made it to the quarterfinals!" Principal: "It was a very close game! This summer, you'll make the semifinals!" Vice: "No, even further!" Ochiai: "We have the spring tournament coming up. I'll watch the team for him." Rei: "That will be a great help." Ochiai: "Not at all. Coaches need to be able to handle all kinds of jobs." Ota: "Koshien Stadium is a really special place." Ota: "I feel like the boys look different since they came back." Sachiko: "Wh-Why are you trembling, Haruno?" Yui: "Are you crying?" Haruno: "But Sachi-senpai said it's your last summer..." Sachiko: "Oh, you... We still have four months, right?" Haruno: "Just four months!" Sachiko: "Four whole months!" @Sawamura: "Don't you have an interview or something? How come you're out here, running?" @Furuya: "I'm tired of interviews. They keep asking the same questions." @Sawamura: "Don't try to get everything your way!" @Furuya: "I'm not." @Sawamura: "Let me go instead!" @Kawakami: "Furuya, you're done with practice for today!" @Furuya: "But I just started." @Kawakami: "You're done! No more, period! You pitched in consecutive games, so you need to prioritize recovering from the Koshien games." @Sawamura: "That's right! Go find a quiet corner to practice your interview skills!" @Ono: "Nori..." Rei: "Those who shone at Koshien Stadium and those who didn't all want to go back." Rei: "I think they feel it strongly." Ochiai: "Well, I imagine they'll get greedy now." @Kawakami: "Let's go!" Rei: "This is the third-years' last summer on the team." Rei: "What changes will the new first-years bring?" Ota: "With our performance last year and the showing at the Spring Invitational, we'll attract some strong talent!" Ochiai: "I looked at the list, and it's quite impressive. Our starters will need to stay on their toes." Rei: "We're going to be targeted by a lot of other teams in the summer. It will be even harder to get to Koshien Stadium this time." Rei: "One advantage we do have..." Rei: "is experience. Having competed at Koshien Stadium, every player has a clearer idea of what they want to accomplish. They know what worked for them, what didn't," Rei: "and what they need to do to get stronger." Rei: "That's the road to winning the national title." Ochiai: "But darkness follows the light." Ochiai: "To truly soar, we'll need to strengthen our base." Rei: "Yes, sir. This is where the going gets tough." Rei: "Please lead us." Sachiko: "See you tomorrow." Haruno: "Right!" Haruno: "Was that Kominato-kun?" @Maezono: "Hey, Kominato. So you decided to come..." @Maezono: "I like those eyes. Want to bat?" Kofuji: "It's true!" _Guy: "He cut his hair! I can see his eyes! He's turning red!" @Tojo: "I heard he cut it himself." @Kominato: "What? If you've got something to say, say it!" @Sawamura: "He's breaking bad! Harucchi's a delinquent now! Koshien Stadium has changed Harucchi!" @Kominato: "So that's what you were thinking." @Miyuki: "That should make it easier to see the ball." @Kuramochi: "It's long overdue if you ask me." @Aso: "An image makeover..." @Sawamura: "What's happened to you?!" @Kominato: "Don't over-exaggerate!" @Sawamura: "Were you suffering alone?!" @Sawamura: "Or are you a body double?! Or a first-year impersonating him?! Could you be the third Kominato brother, Haruhiko-kun?! Come back, Harucchi!" @Kominato: "Eijun-kun..." @Kominato: "Maybe it's time to shut up." @Sawamura: "I-It's his older brother!" @Kominato: "That's it, no more talking." @Sawamura: "It's the mighty Kominato genes!" @Tojo: "Did you see that?" @Bg_Sawamura: "Should I be formal or casual? How should I talk to you?!" Kishima: "Yeah." @Kuramochi: "That was surprising." @Tojo: "They do look alike." @Kominato: "I won't say anything." @Kanemaru: "Just ignore the idiots." @Sawamura: "The Harucchi I knew is gone!" _Student: "Where's Furuya-kun? There! That's him!" @Sawamura: "Hey, wake up!" _Student: "I saw the game on TV! It was incredible! He pitches so fast!" @Int_Kanemaru: "Man, I'm in the same class as these two. What a pain!" _Student: "He's sleeping! How cute!" @Int_Kanemaru: "Tojo, Kominato... Why are you in a different class? These two need you here, not me!" Haruno: "My seat's surrounded." @Kanemaru: "Yoshikawa..." Haruno: "Oh, Kanemaru-kun. I guess we're in the same class again." @Kanemaru: "Y-Yeah." Haruno: "Furuya-kun seems to have his hands full." @Sawamura: "Everyone, stand back! Look! He's hibernating!" @Bg_Sawamura: "Look at this face, like he's dreaming of polar bears!" Haruno: "Oh, but Sawamura-kun is with him, so I guess he'll be okay." @Bg_Sawamura: "He must not be disturbed! Off with you!" Haruno: "I hope I can fit in soon, too." @Int_Kanemaru: "Well, I guess it'll work out." Yui: "It's a large, well-kept field." Yui: "Looks like we're here early. Did you leave your bags at the dorm?" Seto: "Huh? Y-You..." Seto: "Hey, Yuki! Don't just run past us!" Seto: "Did you get here early, too?" Yuki: "My house is close by." Seto: "What? No fair! You're not living in the dorm? I'll come by sometime!" Yui: "You're Okumura from Daikyo Senior, right?" Yui: "Daikyo graduates usually go to Kurebayashi or Tsuruta in Kanagawa." Yui: "Why'd you pick this school?" Seto: "What about you? You must've had other schools talking to you besides Seido, right?" Yui: "Not really." Seto: "Liar!" Yui: "I mean it!" Int_Seto: "Captain of the Japan team in the little league world series and Mamiya Senior's anchor and catcher since second year, child prodigy Kaoru Yui." Int_Seto: "Most kids in our year know who you are." Yui: "We'll be teammates, eating from the same pot. I'm looking forward—" Seto: "Hey, Yuki, you're leaving now?! Think a little more about your timing!" Yuki: "I'm not staying in the dorm." Yui: "That's great! He's really self-centered!" Seto: "Why are you laughing about it?! Koshu, don't you leave, too!" _Sign: "Seido Spirit Dorm" @Kuramochi: "Hey, hurry up! They'll be here before we're ready!" @Sawamura: "I've waited so long for this day." @Kuramochi: "Just sit down! We need to get ready!" @Int_Miyuki: "Okay..." @Int_Miyuki: "I wonder what new challenges these guys will bring." Ito: "I'm Taiga Ito from Kitazawa Middle School. I'd like to play third base and bat cleanup!" @Kataoka: "Next!" Yuki: "Yes, sir!" Yuki: "I'm Masashi Yuki from Akado Middle School! I'd like to play all the positions, so I don't limit my potential!" Ono: "Is that Tetsu-san's brother?" Sasa: "Looks like him." @Yamaguchi: "He's got a good physique." @Seki: "He was the cleanup for Kokubun Senior, right?" Yuki: "High school baseball is just a stop on the way to becoming a player in the major leagues." _Guy: "Oh, he talks big. The majors, eh?" @Sawamura: "He has the leader's genes?!" @Seki: "A lot of guys from well-known teams." @Aso: "Lots of senior leaguers." @Miyuki: "Rei-chan said scouting was pretty easy this year. Very few pulled out at the last minute." Yui: "I'm Kaoru Yui from Mamiya Senior. I was a catcher in elementary and middle school, so I can't think of playing any other position!" Mogami: "Yui?" Asada: "Is he that Yui?" @Kanemaru: "The captain of the world series team? I thought he'd be taller." _Yui: "It's an honor to be in the same room as you, Furuya-san." _Yui: "If you ever want to throw a few, just let me know. I'm a catcher." _Furuya: "Oh, really? Then let's go..." _Ono: "You've already had your massage! Besides, he's a new recruit. You'd be too rough on him!" _Yui: "That's fine by me. I've been wondering what Furuya-san's pitches are like for a long time." _Furuya: "Okay, let's go." _Ono: "I said not to!" Asada: "I'm Hirofumi Asada from Muto Middle School! I'd like to play pitcher!" Asada: "Yesterday, I learned that I don't like to be Punk'd!" @Sawamura: "Here it comes!" @Fb_Sawamura: "It worked!" _Kuramochi: "Don't be mad. It's a tradition for this room. I'm third-year Kuramochi. Nice to meet you." _Kuramochi: "I love your reactions!" @Sawamura: "Appeal! More appeal!" Int_Asada: "I can't do this. Living in a dorm with those two demons is going to kill me." Int_Asada: "It's over. I'll have to drop out of high school." Int_Mogami: "He's tall, but seems really weak. He hunches over, too. Guys like that don't last long." @Kataoka: "Next! Sir!" Mogami: "I'm Takeshi Mogami from Akebono Middle School. I'd like to play shortstop! My favorite players are Maezono-senpai and Kominato-senpai!" _Mogami: "For real? Can I really be in this room? Sharing a room with two of the main players is too much to ask!" _Kominato: "Welcome." _Maezono: "Nice to meet you." _Mogami: "Wow... This room is way too good. Once these two start to like me, I'll be a team leader in no time!" _Mogami: "They'll be expecting great things from me. Oh, man!" Mogami: "I can be a bit shy, so please be gentle!" Seto: "I'm Takuma Seto from Daikyo Senior. I'd like to play second base. I have some quick legs!" _Both: "Legs?" _Seto: "It's nice to meet you." _Tanaka: "Yeah." @Kanemaru: "I finally get someone younger than me in the room. I've been waiting for this." @Tojo: "Shinji..." @Shirasu: "It's interesting that a Daikyo player chose Seido." @Kawakami: "They usually go to Kanagawa, right?" Koshu: "I'm Koshu Okumura from Daikyo Senior. I'd like to play catcher. I don't like any of the players in particular." @Kawakami: "Oh, another one from Daikyo Senior?" _Kimura: "I'm second-year Kimura. Nice to meet you. And that guy... I'm sure you know. He's Miyuki-senpai, the captain." _Kimura: "He's not a very fussy guy here, so just relax." _Okumura: "I'm Okumura, also a catcher. It's nice to meet you." @Int_Miyuki: "I saw him glaring at me." @Int_Miyuki: "The rest of my time here will be a lot of fun!" @Sawamura: "The first-years are here introducing themselves! Why are you smirking like that?!" @Miyuki: "I'm the captain. E-Everybody's watching." @Kataoka: "Is that everyone?" Rei: "There's one more. He fractured his leg and hasn't made it to the dorm yet." Rei: "Including him, there are thirty-five. There are several applicants for support staff as well." @Kataoka: "I see." Yui: "That's good to hear, right, Haruno?" Haruno: "Yes." @Kataoka: "I'm Coach Kataoka!" Ochiai: "I'm Ochiai, also a coach." @Kataoka: "As you all know, we were playing at Koshien Stadium just a few days ago. Getting used to high school baseball practice is important, of course, but I want you to notice the attitude and approach with which this team practices. What they experienced in Koshien Stadium, what they learned from it," @Kataoka: "and what they'll need from here on out..." @Kataoka: "They've all been steeped in it. Start by looking for and feeling with your skin" @Kataoka: "the kind of baseball we want to play." _All: "Yes, sir!" Int_Ochiai: "He's firing them up, I see. Those words of encouragement for the new recruits" Int_Ochiai: "lit a fire under the current team as well." @Kataoka: "First-years will have a physical skills test on Field B! Second and third-years will practice on Field A! After a break, there will be fielding practice with runners! Pitchers will be fielding as well!" _All: "Yes, sir!" : "The 59 second- and third-years" : "received 35 new recruits." : "The team now has 94 members." : "Seeking to make consecutive Koshien appearances..." @Miyuki: "Let's go!" _All: "Yeah!" : "...the new Seido High School baseball team is now setting off." @Sawamura: ""Joining."" @Sawamura: "Please, everyone!" @Kominato: "Eijun-kun, focus on the lead-off batter." @Sawamura: "You've finally opened your mouth! Let's use this chance to settle our differences, Haruichi-kun!" @Miyuki: "At least he's headed in the right direction. This could work. Show everyone your presence." @Sawamura: "I need a winning shot that only I can throw. I need to go higher, and then some!" @Kuramochi: "On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Go Straight.""

Announcer: "The game is called in the seventh inning! Seido High School advances to the fourth round!" All: "Thank you!" _Player: "Thank you. I'm glad I got to play my last baseball game against a team like Seido." Maezono: "What're you talking about? We were really sweating in the early innings!" @Kuramochi: "You put up a good fight." _Player: "Go beat Inashiro and play at Koshien Stadium!" Maezono: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Thank you for your three years of baseball!" @Okumura: "What are you doing?" Owada: "Yura was controlling the game in the early innings, but Seido was unfazed." Mine: "It was their first game and their ace's first start." Mine: "We'll see how Sawamura-kun grows from this experience." Owada: "Yes, and Furuya-kun hasn't pitched yet." Owada: "This was just the first step. Yakushi, Inashiro, Ichidai Third High, and now Seido are all off to strong starts." _Coach: "Well, you got us. Your team really showed their potential at the end." @Kataoka: "Yes, the team maintained their composure and fought well." _Coach: "I thought you would leave the starting pitcher in longer since Furuya wasn't in the bullpen. You made a good call." @Kataoka: "Sawamura is our ace, so I wanted to switch him out at a good time. But we had another pitcher warming up since the first inning." @Kataoka: "The third-years led the team today." _Coach: "Instead of being controlled from the dugout, the players come up with plays on their own." _Coach: "A truly strong team is filled with players like that." _Coach: "You've built a good team, Tesshin." _Coach: "See you around. This old soldier's going to start over." _Coach: "Oh, I almost forgot." _Coach: "That starting pitcher..." @Kanemaru: "Whoa." Tojo: "He threw while getting up and still got the out!" @Kanemaru: "That was from the outfield!" Shirasu: "That's Hachiya Oji's captain," Shirasu: "second baseman Masanori Kawabata." Ono: "Sosei's Nara and Hachiya Oji's Kawabata... They're known as the top two fielders in Tokyo." @Miyuki: "They can both throw the ball the moment after they grab it." Maezono: "They were on the Tokyo team, right?" @Kuramochi: "Don't sweat it." @Kuramochi: "They've got nothing on you, Haruichi." @Kuramochi: "You can show them who the best second baseman in Tokyo is when we play." @Kuramochi: "The best shortstop is, of course..." @Kominato: "Yes, sir." @Kominato: "We want to be the best middle infielders in Japan, after all." Watanabe: "Their first, second, and third batters are all lefties and very fast runners." Watanabe: "They've revamped their batting order since the fall." Watanabe: "Some of the batters who are now lower in the order used to be part of the cleanup. I think it's made their lineup more powerful." @Miyuki: "They used to win with their defense. So you're saying they beefed up their offense during the off-season." Watanabe: "Don't forget about their baserunning." @Miyuki: "Right. They'll be our next opponent. Get a good look, Furuya." @Okumura: "You pitched a lot better in the Seiho game." @Okumura: "Was it the pressure of the first game?" @Sawamura: "How long have you been there?!" @Okumura: "The whole time." @Sawamura: "Don't sneak up behind me! You scared me half to death! I'm not entirely sure," @Sawamura: "but maybe I was unknowingly trying too hard to go beyond how I usually pitch." @Sawamura: "What made me push so hard?" @Sawamura: "The whole team is trying to win." @Sawamura: "The way I was pitching, switching me out was the only thing to do." @Okumura: "How much did you sleep last night?" @Sawamura: "I woke up really early." @Okumura: "Did you eat breakfast?" @Sawamura: "Yeah, but not very much." @Okumura: "Did you hear our voices from the dugout?" @Sawamura: "Yeah... At least, I think I did." Tojo: "A counseling session?" @Kanemaru: "They actually get along really well, huh?" @Sawamura: "This is the summer tournament. After seeing the Yura players crying, I can't just flippantly say, "I'll do better next time."" @Sawamura: "But I want my pitching to help the team." @Okumura: "You can ask me for anything you need." @Okumura: "I'll work with you anytime." @Sawamura: "You're more of a husky than a wolf today!" @Okumura: "What does that even mean?" Aso: "Yeah, we won our first game!" _Sign: "Toyonishiki Miyase First Hachiya Oji Machikura Industrial Akitsu Dai" Seki: "We're playing Hachiya Oji next, yeah!" Aso: "Five more games to make it Koshien Stadium!" @Kuramochi: "How do we break down their defense?" Maezono: "They've got some good batters, too." @Kuramochi: "I've been seeing them mentioned more and more lately." Ono: "Kawabata was in Oji Senior, right?" Shirasu: "They've got some really good facilities." @Kuramochi: "Hey, Sawamura! Your turn's up! Quit hogging the TV! You've watched plenty of game footage! Watching it again won't change anything!" @Kuramochi: "Where's your emotion?! Your soul's left your body!" Tojo: "The rhythm was off, but his pitching wasn't that bad." @Kanemaru: "After the rough start, we held them scoreless after the first inning." _Umpire: "Ball four!" @Okumura: "That bothered you." @Int_Sawamura: "Stay calm, no matter what. I must remain at peace." @Okumura: "Just keeping your face calm isn't good enough. Your emotions still leak out. Your emotions have always been a loud racket. Too much so, I thought." @Okumura: "I wasn't sure if a pitcher should be wearing his heart on his sleeve." @Sawamura: "Did you just call me loud?!" _Sign: "Spirit" @Okumura: "I'm sorry." @Miyuki: "I don't mind you watching the video if it'll help you next time." @Miyuki: "You're the only one who knows what it felt like, playing your first game as the ace." @Sawamura: "If there's anything I've seen, it's that screwing up the first play threw me off!" @Miyuki: "Yeah, you were off." @Sawamura: "Yeah, completely!" @Miyuki: "Your went completely cat-eyed." @Sawamura: "And my legs were wobbly!" @Kuramochi: "I'm just glad you're still an idiot." @Kominato: "You went a little crazy today." @Sawamura: "You called me an idiot!" Maezono: "If I'd been able to help out sooner..." Maezono: "I'm sorry, Sawamura! It's all my fault!" @Sawamura: "Please don't! Having you apologize makes me feel worse! Zono-san!" Watanabe: "Sawamura, the coach wants to see you." Bg_Maezono: "I'm sorry! It's all my fault!" @Ochiai: "I see. So we'll be playing Hachiya Oji..." _Coach: "Oh, I almost forgot." _Coach: "That starting pitcher... He was a lot like you the first time you started as the ace." _Coach: "A bundle of nerves going crazy from the first inning. Giving up walks, throwing wild pitches..." _Coach: "Remembering it now? You crashed and burned that game, but your awkward fervor slowly spread to the rest of the team. They were always there to support you." _Coach: "The team raises the ace, and the ace makes the team stronger." _Coach: "Help him become a good pitcher." @Sawamura: "Excuse me!" @Sawamura: "What matter did you wish to discuss this evening? Whether it's to pick me up or tear me down, I will listen to whatever you have to say! With a steady mind!" @Kataoka: "We'll be playing Hachiya Oji the day after tomorrow. Furuya will be starting, as we decided last night, but I want you warming up during the game." @Kataoka: "I'll put you in if I need to." @Sawamura: "Y-Yes, sir! I'll be ready at any time! Please put me in!" @Int_Ochiai: "I see. This will serve to motivate Sawamura for the next game." @Kataoka: "You'll be pitching in situations far more grueling than today." @Kataoka: "Draw on what you learned from this game." @Sawamura: "Yes, sir! I swear on my jersey number!" : "The team raises the ace," : "and the ace makes the team stronger." @Okumura: "During the game..." @Okumura: "What did you say to Sawamura-senpai?" @Okumura: "How did you bring him back to his senses?" @Miyuki: "You sure you want to ask me? It didn't work, which is why he got switched out." @Miyuki: "Given how unlike himself he was pitching, switching him out was the only thing to do." @Miyuki: "I think he knows that better than anyone." @Sawamura: "The whole team is trying to win." @Sawamura: "The way I was pitching, switching me out was the only thing to do." @Miyuki: "We're working to win a national title, and this game was the first step on our journey." @Miyuki: "Any player not performing, even the ace, has to be taken off the field." @Miyuki: "Not doing that in time would doom the team." @Miyuki: "There are other players ready to play." @Miyuki: "Then, if we win, there will be more opportunities." @Miyuki: "The same goes for a battery." @Miyuki: "I'm just as disappointed in myself for being unable to draw out his ability." _Fan: "Whoa, man! Amahisa's on fire! Seven strikeouts in three innings! I'm not sure if anyone can hit his pitches!" _Sign: "National High School Baseball Tournament Qualifiers Umegaya Ichidai Third Itsumi UHS Yakushi" _Fan: "Hit, Mishima! Go, Mishima, Mishima!" _Fan: "Let it fly, Todoroki! Send it flying! Todoroki!" _Umpire: "Ball four!" _Fan: "An intentional walk. There will be more and more of those. But what's important is who follows Todoroki in the order." _Fan: "Especially since Sanada is on the bench today." Int_Player: "That cloud is sexy. Like a voluptuous lady." _Player: "Get him home, Tomobe! This is your chance to stand out! You'll be the hero today!" Int_Player: "We aren't afraid of Todoroki. We made a calculated choice to walk him" Int_Player: "because it'll be easier to get this guy out!" _Fan: "Oh, he got another hit." _Coach: "He's got some flexible wrists." Sanada: "His lower body strength helps him stay balanced against breaking balls." _Coach: "Sakito Tomobe is the best new addition to the team." Announcer: "Sixth batter Kuroki's sacrifice fly gives Yakushi their seventh run!" Announcer: "Hayakawa gets another hit, and there are now runners on first and third!" _Player: "Sakito Tomobe from Chonan Senior, Hayakawa from Akakura, and Kuroki from Jonan all chose Yakushi." _Player: "The first-years are taking a more active role than they did at the beginning of the spring. Their weak lower order is starting to develop." Amahisa: "Yeah, develop." Announcer: "Strike three! Starting pitcher Tomobe has pitched five innings while only giving up one run! The game is called in the fifth inning, with the score 13–1! Yakushi High School will advance to the fifth round!" _Fan: "It ended up a called game even without Sanada. Man! Todoroki never got a real chance to hit! It's not a bad thing to be able to save your ace for later." _Fan: "That means the two teams competing Saturday will be..." _Fan: "Ichidai Third High and Yakushi High School! Who will emerge victorious?" _Fan: "Which stadium are they playing at? Hachioji. Oh, then I'm definitely coming! I want to see Todoroki at Koshien Stadium, but I also want to see Amahisa, too! It's such a waste that one of them has to drop out! It's nothing to be angry about!" Sanada: "Now the real games start." _Coach: "Hah, the goal is so far ahead, I feel like laughing. Our revenge. We'll beat them and have new power in our hands." _Coach: "The stronger team will win!" @Kominato: "Yoh-san!" Seto: "That was his best laugh of the day!" @Okumura: "Nice pitch." Ota: "Isn't he pitching too much so soon after yesterday?" @Ochiai: "Well, I'm sure he isn't satisfied with how he pitched yesterday." @Miyuki: "He's only throwing fastballs, right?" @Okumura: "Yes, that is what he wanted." @Miyuki: "Okay, then." @Int_Sawamura: "That felt right. Why couldn't I do this in the game?" @Furuya: "I doubt you'll be pitching tomorrow, so throw as much as you want." @Sawamura: "Huh? What're you talking about? I'm gonna be prepared to go in!" @Sawamura: "Who do you think I am? They called me the king of the bullpen—" @Furuya: "You'll pitch." @Furuya: "I'll make sure you have another chance to pitch." _Sign: "July 17 Schedule Two Matches of the West Tokyo Qualifiers' 4th Round 9:00 Seido vs. Hachiya Oji 11:00 Norikane Academy vs. Ichidai Institute Akishima Stadium" _Fan: "Man, it's hot! I can't believe it's only 9:00." _Fan: "Playing in this heat will be hard for the players. And for us spectators, too. He's finally pitching in the fourth round." _Fan: "I wonder if he's healthy." _Fan: "The monster, Satoru Furuya. The whole country heard his name during the Spring Invitational, and then for the summer, he was dethroned as the ace. He must have been injured. He wasn't in the bullpen for most of the last game. Sawamura looked pretty bad two days ago. Is he really up to being the ace? The pressure was clearly getting to him." @Sawamura: "Wuzzat? Ya jerks." _Sign: "Even your sneezes are excessively loud..." _Fan: "Nah, if he can live up to his potential, he'll be a great ace." _Sign: "Hmph..." _Fan: "If you say so, but he needs to perform in these games. Next game, you'll see. Hachiya Oji has been known for their defense, and they're gonna try to take down a powerhouse and get into the final rounds. The first inning will tell us a lot. Furuya isn't very good at starting." _Coach: "He belted out 154 km/h in the Invitational. He may have been dethroned as the ace, but he's certainly one of the top pitchers in Kanto." _Coach: "We'll need to hit his pitches if we hope to win." _Player: "Maybe this is a good thing." _Player: "He's the best pitcher to test our new and improved batting lineup on! Captain..." _Player: "He's right. I can't wait to get into the batter's box." _Player: "I'll just go and swing for the fences! I don't know if I can make contact, though!" _Player: "We need to mess with his start." _Player: "We've worked hard to be here, too! Let's show them how we play baseball!" _All: "Yeah! Let's do it! Bring 'em on!" Int_Coach: "It's not just how he plays. It's how much he practices and his proactive attitude. Masanori Kawabata is the leader of this team in every respect." Int_Coach: "I'm so pleased you've made it this far." _Player: "Let's go!" _All: "Yeah!" @Sawamura: "Time for your start! The enemy is going to try something! Your ferocious fastball will cut them all down!" Maezono: "Let him hit my way!" @Kuramochi: "Let's do this, Furuya!" @Kominato: "Take down the first batter!" @Kanemaru: "Let's do this!" @Int_Miyuki: "He seems to be relaxed. So relaxed, it's scary." @Fb_Furuya: "You'll pitch." @Fb_Furuya: "I'll make sure you have another chance to pitch." @Int_Miyuki: "His back injury, losing his jersey number..." @Fb_Furuya: "I want my pitching to be even better than it was that day." @Int_Miyuki: "While he has steadily worked himself back into form, I don't know if he's mastered his emotions, and we're about to find out." @Int_Miyuki: "Oh, man." @Sawamura: "Get on with it!" @Int_Miyuki: "You, too, are straightforward and stupid." @Int_Miyuki: "Don't go off the rails like Sawamura." @Sawamura: ""FIRE AGE."" @Sawamura: "There's our cheetah!" @Kuramochi: "Shut up! Sawamura, just sit on the bench and watch." @Sawamura: "Kick open the ground! Cut through the wind!" @Furuya: "I don't think you'll be pitching today." @Sawamura: "No, I'll still be ready! You never know what'll happen in the summer!" @Furuya: "Eijun, when you say it, it sounds convincing." @Sawamura: "A-Are you talking about the first game?!" @Okumura: "On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II:" @Sawamura: ""That's The Reason Why.""

@Miyuki: "Any player not performing, even the ace, has to be taken off the field." @Miyuki: "Not doing that in time would doom the team." @Miyuki: "There are other players ready to play." @Miyuki: "Then, if we win, there will be more opportunities." @Fb_Furuya: "I'll make sure you have another chance to pitch." @Int_Miyuki: "His back injury, losing his jersey number..." @Fb_Furuya: "I want my pitching to be even better than it was that day." @Int_Miyuki: "While he has steadily worked himself back into form, I don't know if he's mastered his emotions," @Int_Miyuki: "and we're about to find out." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Announcer: "It's the top of the first. After getting Hachiya Oji's leadoff batter Inoue out on a pop fly, Furuya has struck out the next batter, Sakashita!" _Player: "He's incredible!" Announcer: "His fastballs are howling! This is Satoru Furuya's monstrous pitching!" @Int_Miyuki: "Not all of his pitches are in the strike zone, but none of them are far off." @Int_Miyuki: "He's staying relaxed. This might just work." @Sawamura: "Yes, that's your weapon! Pitches so powerful, they're tyrannical! It's fastball harassment!" @Furuya: "That doesn't make me happy." @Kominato: "Does he know what that means?" @Kuramochi: "You idiot! The ace isn't supposed to scream his head off from the dugout!" @Sawamura: "You deserve to get sued by the other team!" @Int_Miyuki: "But still, Hachiya Oji..." @Int_Miyuki: "This team is still swinging at his pitches." Announcer: "Batting third, second baseman, Kawabata-kun." @Int_Miyuki: "Are they only targeting his fastball?" _Umpire: "Ball!" Int_Player: "That's something else! A pitch breaking at that speed will definitely be tough to hit!" Int_Coach: "Savage fastballs and breaking balls pitched high and low." Int_Coach: "That may be this battery's best tactic." Int_Player: "It's hard enough to get a read on the fastball." Int_Player: "Don't swing at the balls. It's critical to know when a pitch is too low. Having so many of the best pitchers in the country concentrated in West Tokyo makes it difficult to win games playing defensively." Int_Player: "But that..." Int_Player: "made it easy to set a goal!" _Player: "Near center field!" _Umpire: "Out!" _Fan: "Whoa, they stopped it! Oh, man!" Announcer: "Second baseman Kominato and shortstop Kuramochi make an amazing smooth combo play!" Asada: "There's his first laugh of the day!" Announcer: "The fielders back up Furuya, and Seido High School finishes the inning after only three batters!" @Furuya: "Nice play." @Kominato: "It came together well." _Player: "You gotta be kidding! I got robbed of a hit!" @Int_Miyuki: "They're definitely swinging for his fastball." _Player: "Too bad! Now switch to defense!" Announcer: "In the bottom of the first inning, Seido High School is up to bat." Announcer: "Batting first, shortstop, Kuramochi-kun." Announcer: "On the mound for Hachiya Oji is their ace, #1 Natsume." Watanabe: "He likes to throw sidearm breaking balls. His pitching style is all about causing grounders with the movement on his pitches." @Int_Haruchi: "The speed isn't the problem." Int_Shirasu: "It will come down to whether we can swing while maintaining our form." @Int_Kuramochi: "You probably want to get into rhythm early so that we get all nervous," Announcer: "but that ain't gonna happen!" Announcer: "It's caught! Second baseman Kawabata with a great play!" Announcer: "In between first and second!" Announcer: "Three outs! Change! Second baseman Kawabata makes another great play! This is the impregnable fortress Hachiya Oji's defense!" _Fan: "They even had the runner go to give themselves more room. He was ready for a hit to right field." @Kanemaru: "That should have gone through! How did he stop it?" Kishima: "It's unbelievable! It was a clean hit, too!" @Ochiai: "He adjusts the shifts for each batter." @Kuramochi: "He's damn good." @Kominato: "He doesn't move like the other players." _Player: "Time to get going! It's our turn at bat! Get on base and give us more chances!" _Fan: "They use their fielding to get into a rhythm. Can they keep it going on offense? If Hachiya scores first, it'll be an interesting game." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Announcer: "He doesn't swing at a splitter, and it's strike three! That's three up and three down again this inning for starting pitcher Satoru Furuya!" @Kuramochi: "Lookin' good!" @Kanemaru: "Nice pitch, Furuya!" _Player: "Consecutive splitters? In the strike zone?" _Player: "They realized that we're ignoring the breaking balls." _Player: "Their catcher..." Kawabata: "This is him! This is the Satoru Furuya who pitched in the Invitational! Don't you wanna break him down?" @Sawamura: "Your breaking balls were good this inning." @Furuya: "Thank you." @Sawamura: "But your fastballs were nothing special!" @Kuramochi: "Trying to sound like a bigshot." @Furuya: "I don't think you'll be pitching today." @Sawamura: "No, I'll still be ready! You never know what'll happen in the summer!" @Furuya: "Eijun, when you say it, it sounds convincing." @Sawamura: "A-Are you talking about the first game?! Look, team! Furuya is pitching well for the first time in weeks!" @Furuya: "Weeks..." @Sawamura: "Can you say the same of yourselves?! Get out there and hit some balls!" Announcer: "It gets through! Kawabata's famed glove just barely misses the ball, and first batter Kuramochi's hit makes it to near right field!" @Sawamura: "Yeah! There's our cheetah!" @Kuramochi: "Shut up." @Int_Kuramochi: "Sawamura, just sit on the bench and watch." @Sawamura: "Kick open the ground! Cut through the wind!" Kawabata: "That was fast!" _Fan: "He got it!" Announcer: "A grounder to second is enough to get Kuramochi home! Seido High School is the first to score!" _Fan: "They make it look so easy. One run off one hit." @Miyuki: "Nice, Cheetah." @Kuramochi: "Shut up!" @Kuramochi: "Keep it going, Cap!" Announcer: "Out!" Announcer: "Center fielder Sakashita's rocket home denies Seido a run!" _Fan: "Man, what an arm! That looked like a strike! No wonder he didn't make it!" _Fan: "A strong fielding team can really bring the game together. How many hits does Seido have? That was their fifth. Instead of trying to pull the slow breaking balls, they hit it up the middle or to opposite field." _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" _Fan: "Well, he's, you know... It's great when he hits the ball. His swing was way off." Int_Kawabata: "That's a really impressive swing for a first-year!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Aw, right to him!" Int_Kawabata: "Their hits are fast. Their swings don't waver, no matter the pitch. This is how a national contender bats. I don't think just one year of improving our offense is enough to get us there," Int_Kawabata: "but we have our defense as well!" Kawabata: "We've all seen how he pitches! Let's keep swinging at pitches near the belt! Don't worry about breaking balls in the strike zone! Stay practical! After we know what to expect, we'll fight back in the second half! We'll seize our chance when it comes!" _All: "Yeah!" Int_Kawabata: "Keep at it. Keep going and don't stop! The light will come!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Int_Kawabata: "Yeah, when a ball drops at that speed, you can't help but swing!" Int_Kawabata: "Damn that catcher..." _Umpire: "Strike!" _Player: "A slider?" @Int_Miyuki: "He's relaxed, and his breaking balls are sharp." @Int_Miyuki: "This is the best he's pitched in the past few months." _Fan: "Two strikeouts in a row! Man! He's warming up his monster engine!" Announcer: "Th-Three strikeouts in a row! Seido High School's Satoru Furuya has his tenth strikeout of the game!" _Fan: "Is that his personal best? Faster than the Invitational! Furuya's pitches are almost too fast for a baseball to go!" @Int_Miyuki: "Relaxing is making his pitching sharper." _Fan: "The monster's back! With him at his best, Seido will win West Tokyo!" @Sawamura: "This is how it should be." @Int_Furuya: "Four more innings." @Okumura: "Would you like to start warming up?" @Okumura: "I'm free." Kawakami: "Go ahead and use the bullpen." @Sawamura: "Thank you, Nori-san! I'll borrow Okumura!" Kawakami: "Just keep it down." @Sawamura: "Okay, let's go!" @Okumura: "He said to keep it down." : "In the bottom of the fifth, with one out, Kuramochi was walked" : "and quickly stole second base." _All: "Yeah!" _Fan: "They walked the one guy you don't want to get on base. He's got animalistic speed. The fielders have kept Seido to one run, but they're getting a lot of hits. It's gotta be wearing on the pitcher." _Umpire: "Safe!" _Fan: "That was close! He was waiting to pick him off." @Int_Kuramochi: "He's been hiding that pickoff move, huh?" Int_Player: "That lead was too big to ignore." Int_Player: "Stick to him like glue." Int_Kawabata: "This batter's good. He hit an inside pitch out to right field without flinching." Int_Player: "You're not gonna score." @Int_Kominato: "The right fielder's playing in. The first baseman is sticking close to the line." @Int_Kominato: "The second baseman is playing deep, and looks ready to move right." @Int_Kominato: "It takes a lot to faze their fielders. The entire team adjusts to the conditions, and they all check each other." Int_Player: "Our battery has one job..." Int_Player: "If they hit a grounder, the fielders will get it." @Ochiai: "It's comforting to see Furuya pitching well, but we still have only a one-run lead. It would be an opportune time to score again." _Fan: "Would he bunt to advance the runner, if they're being aggressive? They still have only one run, and the core of the batting order is coming up. But there's only one out! And Kominato is the second batter, but he almost never bunts." @Fb_Kataoka: "Creating scoring chances, and getting on base himself." @Fb_Kataoka: "Ryosuke had a thorough understanding of how a game would play out. He was the invaluable oil that kept Seido's lineup running smoothly. But while Ryosuke was a skilled left-handed batter, you're a righty and hit for average." @Fb_Kataoka: "I won't ask you to have the same skills as your brother." @Fb_Kataoka: "I will avoid giving you the sign to bunt." @Fb_Kataoka: "I want our first and second batters to be able to score, as well as make chances." @Fb_Kataoka: "Major-league teams often put batters with high OBP and slugging percentage in the two-hole. I want you to use your bat" @Fb_Kataoka: "to become Seido's booster rocket!" Announcer: "It's deep!" Announcer: "The second-base runner makes it home! In the bottom of the fifth, Seido scores the second run they've been wanting! And the RBI hit came from second batter Kominato!" @Sawamura: "Way to go, Haru-sama! You're Seido's black summer angel! Now that your eyes are open, you'll never be red-faced again!" Kawabata: "Haru-sama? Black summer angel?" @Kanemaru: "Getting hit after hit like it's nothing." Tojo: "He's just that good." @Fb_Kanemaru: "When the other pitcher is under pressure... I want to be the one batter they don't want to face." @Int_Kuramochi: "The Kominato brothers aren't just talk." _Fan: "Kuramochi's been getting on base more, so Kominato's hits mean that much more! Having them as the first two batters must be intimidating for the other schools. And now we're to the core of the batting order." Announcer: "Over the fielder's head! Kominato makes it home from second, giving Seido two runs this inning! It's third batter Shirasu's second consecutive RBI!" @Sawamura: "The assassin! The silent killer!" @Okumura: "If you're not going to pitch, let's go sit down." _Fan: "They're getting through Hachiya's shifts. It's the third time through the order, so they have a good read on Natsume-kun's pitches." _Fan: "Hachiya isn't the only team that learns from watching. Seido's batters are about to get a lot more scary." _Umpire: "Ball four!" @Sawamura: "Oh, the pressure! Cap's quiet intimidation! His silence is to be feared!" @Sawamura: "When a normally good-natured guy gets angry, it's scary!" Int_Maezono: "I don't need a big hit." Int_Maezono: "The shortstop's head..." Int_Maezono: "The second baseman's head..." Int_Maezono: "I'll hit the ball as it crosses my body with a full swing. As it crosses my body!" Announcer: "I-It's gone! Fifth-batter Maezono hits a three-run home run!" Announcer: "Seido has now scored five runs this inning! They now have a six-run lead!" @Sawamura: "Oh, yeah!" Int_Kawabata: "They're incredible." Int_Kawabata: "And there are teams like them from all over at Nationals. It's unbelievable!" Int_Kawabata: "Damn, no!" _Umpire: "Out!" Int_Kawabata: "Now I want to go to Koshien Stadium even more!" : "Seido enters the bottom of the sixth ahead by six runs." : "The leadoff batter is Yui, pinch-hitting for fellow first-year Yuki." Yuki: "Why..." Kukki: "Go get 'em!" Seto: "Represent the first-years!" _Fan: "A strong swing at the first pitch! A long hit down the left line! He hit an outside pitch effortlessly! That first-year kid was waiting for that pitch!" _Fan: "Yui as in Kaoru Yui? The captain from the world tournament? So he's playing for Seido now! They've got a lot of energetic first-years this year! Masashi wasn't doing well today." @Okumura: "Nice batting." @Sawamura: "Hey, let's go to the bullpen!" @Ochiai: "He knew his role and executed it decisively. He's a valuable left-handed pinch batter," @Ochiai: "so we need him to get as much experience as possible." @Int_Kanemaru: "I'm not gonna..." @Int_Kanemaru: "let them steal all the glory!" : "Then, Kanemaru got a RBI hit," : "and Kominato got an infield hit for another run." : "Seido now has an eight-run lead. Hachiya must score two runs in the top of the seventh or the game will be called." _Fan: "He's still pitching a no-hitter, right? He's given up two walks, and made eleven strikeouts." Kawabata: "Oh, man... He's taken all the hard work we've done and blown it to smithereens." @Miyuki: "Furuya is in rare form today." @Miyuki: "I've been waiting for this, too." Kawabata: "But I'm not done with you yet! Come at me!" @Int_Miyuki: "He could tell that was a ball." @Int_Miyuki: "He's got the best swing of anyone on their team." @Int_Miyuki: "You don't see many batters like him, even at Nationals." _Player: "You can do it, Captain! Let's get it started!" Int_Coach: "Kawabata..." Int_Kawabata: "It's not over. I haven't laid it all out yet." Int_Kawabata: "I haven't laid it all on the line yet!" @Sawamura: ""That's The Reason Why."" @Miyuki: "Every team has third-years thinking about their last summer of baseball. We must not let our guard down." Kawabata: "There's still a chance!" @Sawamura: "Receiving the ace number doesn't mean I beat Furuya or that I can replace him. Don't be so full of yourself! On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Ace of Diamond."" _Nexteptitle: "Next Time"

: "It's the top of the seventh, and Hachiya Oji must score two runs or the game will be called." _Fan: "He's still pitching a no-hitter, right? He's given up two walks, and made eleven strikeouts." Kawabata: "Oh, man... He's taken all the hard work we've done and blown it to smithereens." @Miyuki: "Furuya is in rare form today." @Miyuki: "I've been waiting for this, too." Kawabata: "But I'm not done with you yet! Come at me!" @Int_Miyuki: "He has a good read on the ball." @Int_Miyuki: "He's got the best swing of anyone on their team." @Int_Miyuki: "You don't see many batters like him, even at Nationals." _Player: "You can do it, Captain! Let's get it started!" Int_Coach: "Kawabata..." Int_Kawabata: "It's not over. I haven't laid it all out yet." Int_Kawabata: "I haven't laid it all on the line yet!" Int_Kawabata: "Right after I got into high school, my dad died." Int_Kawabata: "He passed right after we learned he was sick." _Kawabata: "Lay off! I know what to do!" _Kawadad: "Then make sure you do it!" Int_Kawabata: "He had helped me practice since I was little." Int_Kawabata: "He took me to the batting cages every day in middle school." Int_Kawabata: "I couldn't accept that he was gone." Int_Kawabata: "If I didn't stay busy, my heart felt like it would fall apart." _Player: "Is he practicing late again? The funeral wasn't even a week ago." _Player: "Is he okay?" Int_Kawabata: "Even when my blisters popped and bled," Int_Kawabata: "I still kept swinging." Int_Kawabata: "The pain dulled my sorrow." Int_Kawabata: "I could ignore the void in my heart during those long, arduous practices." Int_Kawabata: "Before I knew it, I'd become a starter in the fall of my first year." _Kawasis: "Masa!" _Kawamom: "Masanori!" Int_Kawabata: "I used baseball to escape." Int_Kawabata: "My dad and I did it together, and it protected me. Everything I went through that day" Int_Kawabata: "made me who I am." Int_Kawabata: "I'm going to put everything on the line!" Announcer: "It's a hit! Team captain Kawabata gets his team's first hit!" _Player: "Nice batting, Captain! Kawabata-senpai!" Kawabata: "Now, keep it going!" _Player: "Yeah! Let's see it, cleanup! Show them what you can do!" _Fan: "They sure are excited over one hit. Well, sure, it was a no-hitter. Do you think Hachiya Oji can pull it off?" @Int_Miyuki: "Every team has third-years thinking about their last summer of baseball." @Int_Miyuki: "One good play can give the team a boost." @Int_Miyuki: "We must not let our guard down." @Sawamura: "Finish it." @Int_Miyuki: "We have to rip their courage and hope apart. We'll put everything we have" @Int_Miyuki: "into finishing this game now." _Umpire: "Ball!" _Player: "Kurose-san! Find your pitch, Kurose!" Int_Kawabata: "Throw another breaking ball!" Int_Kawabata: "Miyuki sometimes lets them get behind him!" Int_Player: "I'm okay. I'm seeing the ball. Don't stretch for the ball. Swing all the way through!" Int_Player: "All our hard work hasn't been in vain!" Int_Kawabata: "There's still a chance!" Int_Player: "It wasn't a waste!" Announcer: "A 6-4-3 double play! Shortstop Yohichi Kuramochi and second baseman Haruichi Kominato" Announcer: "have cut the rally short! Their fielding for Seido has triumphed over Hachiya Oji's! Their last glimmer of hope has been extinguished!" Bg_Kuramochi: "Two outs!" Bg_Maezono: "Two outs!" Bg_Miyuki: "Two outs!" Bg_Maezono: "One more!" Bg_Kanemaru: "Let's do it!" Announcer: "The ball nestles into left fielder Aso's glove, and the game is over!" _All: "Yes!" Announcer: "The game is called in the seventh inning, with the score at 8-0! Seido High School advances to the fifth round!" _Sign: "National High School Baseball Tournament" Kawamom: "Masanori." Kawamom: "I'm proud of the work you've done these two and half years." Kawabata: "Thank you for making my lunch and washing my uniform," Kawabata: "and for all of your support these two and half years." Int_Kawabata: "I'm sorry, Dad." Int_Kawabata: "I couldn't take our family to Koshien Stadium." Int_Kawabata: "I'm sorry." Ota: "Okay, I'll send the students who came to cheer back first." Takashima: "I'll send everyone back who isn't staying to watch the next game." Ota: "Do you want to let the second-string and the first-years use the practice field?" Takashima: "Yes, please. I've had the players write up their practice schedule." Takashima: "Furuya-kun, make sure you get plenty of rest." @Furuya: "You get to pitch again." @Sawamura: "Yeah." @Int_Sawamura: "That's right." @Int_Sawamura: "Receiving the ace number doesn't mean I beat Furuya or that I can replace him." @Int_Sawamura: "Nori-senpai and Kaneda get prepared every game in case they need to go in." @Int_Sawamura: "Don't be so full of yourself!" Aso: "Wow, the Ichigaku pitcher is keeping his pitches low, but they're still hitting them." Kawakami: "Maybe they're swinging at his sliders." Aso: "The Norikane batters are tough, but their uppercut swings really stand out." Kawakami: "So they're doing that "flyball revolution" stuff?" Aso: "Yeah, they might be." Kawakami: "Their whole team seems to be doing it." @Int_Sawamura: "Fried ball?" @Okumura: "The idea is to hit the ball at an upward angle in order to avoid hitting grounders off low pitches and extreme shifts, correct? It's been used in the major leagues lately." @Okumura: "They say it's greatly increased the number of home runs per year." @Sawamura: "You're here?!" @Okumura: "Yes." @Sawamura: "I told you not to lurk behind me! If you're gonna be close, sit beside me!" @Okumura: "There's something called the "Barrel Zone." It's when the ball is hit at an angle near 30° and above 158 km/h, resulting in a longer flight." @Sawamura: "Like a rain barrel?" Int_Tojo: "Okumura sure knows his stuff." Tojo: "Kominato, your third at-bat today..." @Kominato: "Yeah, it was kind of like an uppercut." @Kominato: "I knew they were trying to make me hit a grounder. I was able to catch it and launch it over the second baseman's head." @Kanemaru: "For real?" @Kominato: "But there aren't many high school teams that can do extreme shifts like in the majors, and the power isn't even a comparison." @Kominato: "I think it would be risky for everyone to do uppercut swings. Plus, uppercut swings don't work on high pitches, and you're really limited as to where the ball can go." @Sawamura: "Really?" @Okumura: "Yes, that is how the majors are dealing with it." @Kominato: "You should watch how each batter deals with high pitches, Eijun-kun." @Sawamura: "Yes, Master Haruichi, as you command!" @Miyuki: "A team like Seiko Academy, with a whole lineup of batters who can hit a ball into the stands, is scary enough," @Miyuki: "but this team swings from the first pitch, even if it's hard to hit. Their hits are really rough, too." @Miyuki: "The way I see it, the Norikane batters will have a tough time hitting your numbers." @Sawamura: "I see. If you say so, Cap, I'll take your word for it." @Sawamura: "But that's only if I can pitch the way I need to." @Sawamura: "I want to get on the mound and show that I can." Yui: "Okay, I'm off." Sachiko: "I packed the special drinks." Yuki: "Subbed out... What shame..." @Fb_Kataoka: "The pitcher we face tomorrow is a right-handed side thrower, which gives left-handed batters an advantage. I'll put you in if I feel you can contribute. Do your warm-up swings and be ready to go in." @Int_Yui: "He thinks I can contribute." @Int_Yui: "Now I need to show that I can." Kukki: "Those two are really fired up." Seto: "Man..." Seto: "We already missed getting a spot on the roster. We're not gonna let them leave us behind!" Kukki: "I know, right?" Asada: "This is great! I'm gonna work hard, too!" _Sign: "Seido High School" Takashima: "The game was called, with Norikane Academy winning 11-3." Ono: "The right-handed pitcher who came out later is their actual ace, right?" Watanabe: "You need to watch out for his curveball." @Ochiai: "We have two days until the game on Sunday, and since he only threw ninety-three pitches in six innings," @Ochiai: "Furuya may be ready to pitch." @Kataoka: "Yes." Takashima: "Both Inashiro and Seiko have games at their own fields on Saturday. The third-years not on the roster will split up to cover the games. Then there's the block D game of Yakushi vs Third High... Both teams will probably have their best players on the field. Watanabe-kun and I will be watching that game." @Kataoka: "We have very little information about the first-years on either team. We need you on this, Watanabe." Watanabe: "Yes, sir!" Ono: "I'll go watch the Inashiro game." @Okumura: "Excuse me." @Okumura: "Would you allow me to watch the Yakushi-Third High game? I'll make sure to work out after I get back." @Fb_Yui: "All I think about every day is what I can do now." @Int_Okumura: "What I can do..." @Kataoka: "Okay." @Kataoka: "Go and watch the game as a catcher!" @Fb_Kataoka: "For the game tomorrow against Norikane, Sawamura will be the starting pitcher." @Fb_Kataoka: "You know what to expect from their batters, right?" @Fb_Kataoka: "They use big uppercut swings. You have to pitch low as well as high, and to both sides. Stop them from getting a read on the ball." @Fb_Kataoka: "In case of an accident, Kawakami will be warming up in the bullpen." _Kawakami: "Yes, sir!" _Sign: "Bonds" @Fb_Kataoka: "The querterfinals are scheduled to begin in three days." @Fb_Kataoka: "I would like to have Sawamura pitch the whole game, if possible." @Fb_Sawamura: "Yes, sir! I will show that I can live up to your expectations, Boss." @Fbint_Ochiai: "That's the bare minimum for Seido's ace. It's evidence of Coach Kataoka's deep-seated trust. A rallying cry from the heart, so to speak." Int_Student: "Boss? Boss... He called him "boss"..." Int_Student: "Sawamura-senpai is crazy!" _Nakata: "Do you think Sawamura can do it?" _Higasa: "Do what?" _Nakata: "Will he psych himself out again? The coach put a lot of pressure on him. If Norikane starts hitting off him tomorrow," _Nakata: "I think it'll be pretty unlikely he'll play again this tournament." _Nakata: "The further we advance, the stronger the teams we face will be." _Higasa: "True." _Nakata: "I saw how he was pitching before the tournament began, and I'd really like to see him do that again." _Maezono: "Not to worry!" _Maezono: "We'll score so many runs, it won't matter how tense he gets!" _Nakata: "Zono..." _Nakata: "We're more worried about you tensing up." _Higasa: "Yeah!" _Maezono: "I'll be good to go!" _Tojo: "Sawamura!" _Tojo: "We'll be swinging to support you!" @Fb_Kominato: "Pitch your best, Eijun-kun." @Fb_Kanemaru: "Don't sleep on your neck wrong!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Okay, good night!" @Fb_Kominato: "Good night." @Fb_Kanemaru: "See you tomorrow." @Fb_Miyuki: "We're waiting to see" @Fb_Miyuki: "if he can bounce back fully from the first game." @Fb_Miyuki: "It will be a critical game for Sawamura, too." @Fb_Okumura: "I believe he has firmly reflected on the first game." @Fb_Okumura: "He will be ready." @Fb_Miyuki: "I'm looking forward to it, too." _All: "Let's play!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Seeing him pitch like an ace." @Kuramochi: "Let's get the first out!" @Kominato: "They'll be swinging from the first pitch!" Maezono: "Get it done!" Tojo: "Show them what you can do!" @Kanemaru: "Let's make this a fun game!" Aso: "I'm in left field today!" @Sawamura: "Rather than a past riddled with mistakes or a future bound to be riddled with even more," @Sawamura: "I'm focused on the here and now, and the mistakes I could make today! Balls will come flying your way, so please back me up!" _Player: "Yeah! You sound energetic again today!" @Yui: "I can feel myself rooting for him." _Fan: "So Sawamura's the starting pitcher. He was all over the place in the first game. Was it that bad?" @Miyuki: "Are you ready?" @Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" _Fan: "He was switched out in the fourth inning. He gave up two runs, but that wasn't the problem... his pitching was." _Fan: "I hope we get to see those awesome pitches he threw before the tournament." @Int_Miyuki: "His expression is still a little stiff." @Int_Miyuki: "I can't say I blame him, though." @Fb_Miyuki: "Did you sleep?" @Fb_Sawamura: "Honestly, not really. But I can sleep anytime! I'll sleep like a log after today's game!" @Fb_Miyuki: "Don't laugh it off." @Fb_Furuya: "I actually slept very well." @Fb_Sawamura: "Well, good for you! I'll pass you the baton in the most perfect way, so just sit on the bench and watch!" @Fb_Furuya: "Okay, I will." @Fbbg_Sawamura: "You'd better!" @Fbint_Miyuki: "I expected him to be tense, but he seems better than the first game." @Fbbg_Furuya: "Yeah, I will." @Fbbg_Sawamura: "I'll be checking!" @Fbbg_Furuya: "Sure, please do. I'll be ready to go in at any time." @Fb_Miyuki: "Sawamura, give it up." @Fb_Miyuki: "That's what it means to stand on the mound." @Fb_Sawamura: "I suppose so." @Int_Miyuki: "The pressure... and the hopes of the team" @Int_Miyuki: "are things only those who stand there can truly know." @Int_Miyuki: "Shoulder the burden..." @Int_Miyuki: "and throw!" @Sawamura: ""Ace of Diamond.""

Rei: "Those who shone at Koshien Stadium and those who didn't" Rei: "all want to go back." Rei: "I think they feel it strongly. They know what worked for them, what didn't," Rei: "and what they need to do to get stronger." Rei: "That's the road to winning the national title." Yuki: "I'm Masashi Yuki from Akado Middle School!" Yui: "I'm Kaoru Yui from Mamiya Senior." Asada: "I'm Hirofumi Asada from Muto Middle School!" Mogami: "I'm Takeshi Mogami from Akebono Middle School." Seto: "I'm Takuma Seto from Daikyo Senior." Koshu: "I'm Koshu Okumura from Daikyo Senior." @Kataoka: "What they experienced in Koshien Stadium, what they learned from it, and what they'll need from here on out..." @Kataoka: "They've all been steeped in it. Start by looking for and feeling with your skin the kind of baseball we want to play." _All: "Yes, sir!" Int_Ochiai: "Those words of encouragement for the new recruits lit a fire under the current team, as well." @Kataoka: "First-years will have a physical skills test on Field B! Second and third-years will practice on Field A!" @Kataoka: "After a break, there will be fielding practice with runners! Pitchers will be fielding as well!" _All: "Yes, sir!" : "The 59 second- and third-years" : "received 35 new recruits." : "The team now has 94 members." : "Seeking to make consecutive Koshien appearances..." @Miyuki: "Let's go!" _All: "Yeah!" : "...the new Seido High School baseball team is now setting off." _Umpire: "Foul!" _Umpire: "Foul!" _Fan: "Eigen's pitcher has some good fastballs. Is he holding Kominato down? Just look at his haircut! And eyes! He's so cute!" _Fan: "He didn't really shine at Koshien Stadium. People talked about how he uses a wooden bat, though." @Int_Kuramochi: "I'm on second. Bring me home, Haruichi." @Int_Miyuki: "I use a wooden bat in practice, but if it hits even a little off center, the ball doesn't go anywhere." @Int_Miyuki: "Is he fouling off all the hard pitches?" @Int_Kominato: "Swing speed, and power to go the distance." @Int_Kominato: "I know that's what I'm lacking." @Int_Kominato: "That's why I'll stay calm..." @Int_Kominato: "and aim for the pitches I know I can hit!" Announcer: "Kominato hits it between the left and center fielders!" Announcer: "Kuramochi makes it home from second base!" Announcer: "They've added a run in the bottom of the fourth!" @Sawamura: "Nice work, Haruichi! I knew you could do it!" Int_Ochiai: "So stubborn." Int_Ochiai: "He's decided to keep that style. He cut his hair and made up his mind." _Umpire: "Ball!" Int_Catcher: "Calm down, Koji." Int_Catcher: "It's still early in the game." Int_Catcher: "You've only given up three hits." Int_Catcher: "Your pitching is proving effective against this lineup, too." Int_Catcher: "Show them what you've trained to do between tournaments." _Fan: "It's gone!" @Int_Miyuki: "That felt good." _Fan: "It's a two-run homer to the back screen! Well done, captain! He was waiting for a high fastball!" _Sign: "Press Box" _Reporter: "How many does that make in high school? I think that makes 32. I thought he'd have more. He's been inconsistent in the past. We'll see how much he'll improve." _Reporter: "Every ball club needs a good catcher. If he shines in the summer tournament, he could get drafted." @Kominato: "How did it feel?" @Miyuki: "Perfect." @Miyuki: "Keep it going." Announcer: "He dug out a low breaking ball! A double over the center fielder! The Seido batters look unstoppable!" Announcer: "Satoru Furuya is showing his batting skills today!" _Fan: "Nice, Furuya! Furuya-kun!" @Sawamura: "Like this! This? Like this!" Ono: "If you aren't going to pitch, I'm leaving." _Fan: "Seido's really good! Hey, Eigen is swapping pitchers. He was looking good for a while." _Fan: "Seido faced the best pitchers in the country at Koshien Stadium. Their seed got them a bye to the third round, but it looks like their engine's up and running." @Kawakami: "Third!" @Maezono: "Yeah!" Tanaka: "That was a hell of a sinker!" Higasa: "Yeah!" Announcer: "Seido strands runners on second and third with a grounder for a much-needed third out." Announcer: "Kawakami, the starting pitcher, holds Eigen to one run this inning." @Miyuki: "Nice pitch. The course was good, too." @Kawakami: "You mean it?" @Miyuki: "Look at the stands." @Miyuki: "I've been complimenting you too, you know?" @Kuramochi: "He just knows your heart's not in it." _Fan: "They're pretty far ahead. Will they call the game if Eigen doesn't score this inning?" _Guy: "Is Furuya-senpai not going to pitch?" Mogami: "I wanna see him throw one of those 150 km/h pitches." Announcer: "Seido High School is making substitutions." Announcer: "Replacing Yamaguchi-kun at first base is Maezono-kun." Announcer: "Replacing Kanemaru-kun at third base is Higasa-kun." Announcer: "Replacing Kawakami-kun at pitcher is Sawamura-kun." Announcer: "First baseman Maezono-kun will bat seventh. Third baseman Higasa-kun will bat eighth." Announcer: "Pitcher Sawamura-kun will bat ninth." Announcer: "Those are the substitutions." _Fan: "Huh? Who was that? Sawamu... ra? Oh, the guy who screwed up at Koshien Stadium? He really fell flat on his face. When is Furuya-kun gonna pitch?" @Int_Sawamura: "I need to review what I trained for in the off-season." @Int_Sawamura: "Hip joints... Lower body strength..." @Int_Sawamura: "Stabilizing my form..." @Int_Sawamura: "Faster pitches..." _Chris: "Precise control and faster pitches..." _Chris: "They aren't easy skills to acquire. But if you can commit to methodically creating a firm base to work from," _Chris: "you'll be able to make the most of your abilities." @Int_Sawamura: "Enhancing my core fastball..." @Int_Sawamura: "And finding a surefire pitch that only I can throw." @Kominato: "Eijun-kun, start with the leadoff batter." @Kominato: "Let's wrap this up." @Sawamura: "So you finally speak! Let's use this chance to settle our differences, Haruichi-kun!" @Kominato: "It's only during games. I'm blocking you out otherwise." @Sawamura: "Haruichi-san!" Owada: "It doesn't look like Furuya-kun will be pitching today." Mine: "Yeah. The fans who came to see him will be disappointed, but the searing-hot mound in the summer will be very different than when he pitched in the cool spring invitational." Mine: "No pitcher can pitch the whole summer, no matter their skill. Kawakami-kun's and Sawamura-kun's growth" Mine: "are vital for the team to earn a national title." @Sawamura: "Everyone, please help me out!" @Int_Miyuki: "He's facing the right way." @Fb_Miyuki: "How about using just your fastball today?" @Fb_Sawamura: "That trickster face!" @Fb_Miyuki: "You can do it, right?" @Int_Miyuki: "Show them what you've got." @Int_Sawamura: "Oh, man..." _Fan: "Is this the last inning? What's a called game? What about Furuya-kun? Baseball rules are too complicated." _Umpire: "Strike!" Int_Batter: "Th-That was fast!" Int_Batter: "Is this how fast he pitches?" Int_Batter: "It looks like the ball is coming right at me! Gotta move!" _All: "Yeah! Two strikes!" Int_Batter: "Damn. I can't time his pitches. How fast are they?" Int_Batter: "The ball has too much momentum!" _Fan: "Three inside pitches! He got the batter to swing at a high pitch and struck him out!" _Fan: "That pitch was 135 km/h! He's pitching faster." _Batter: "The ball has momentum when it gets close." Int_Batter: "It's hard to see the point of release, and the pitch is hard to hit." Int_Batter: "I can try to connect with the ball further out so I don't swing late..." Int_Batter: "But I think he throws change-ups, too." _Umpire: "Strike!" _Fan: "Low and outside! He threw it right where the catcher's glove was! Nice, Sawamura! He's looking good today!" @Kuramochi: "They love him!" @Int_Miyuki: "Yes, that's it! So you can throw these! You put so much pressure on yourself at Koshien Stadium" @Int_Miyuki: "that you didn't have a chance to pitch like this." _All: "Yeah!" Int_Yui: "Even when he swings for the fastball, he swings late." Int_Yui: "What is it about those pitches?" _Fan: "Is it time yet? The change-up to kill him off!" Asada: "Wow..." Int_Asada: "His pitches aren't incredibly fast," Int_Asada: "but there's something about how he throws it." Announcer: "An high inside pitch! That's two strike outs in a row!" _Guy: "Two pitches outside, then one high and inside." Mogami: "Nice!" Int_Okumura: "It's not just the course, but the height, too." Int_Okumura: "None of the pitches are wasted." Int_Okumura: "The catcher is fueling the pitcher's intensity. It's bullish calling." Int_Okumura: "And this pitcher who responds with ever stronger pitches is just..." @Int_Miyuki: "Well, here's their cleanup. He's got a sharp swing." @Int_Miyuki: "If your fastball is off, he'll send it flying." @Kominato: "Wrap it up!" @Kuramochi: "You can let him hit, too!" @Maezono: "Get it done, Sawamura!" @Tojo: "Two outs!" @Kanemaru: "A cutter-like fastball to the right-handed batter's chest." @Int_Miyuki: "A fastball you grip like an eagle, that looks like it's going to sink." @Int_Miyuki: "A pure, high-quality fastball with a clean spin." @Int_Miyuki: "What I want is your individuality." @Int_Miyuki: "Let the pitch go wild with your will..." @Int_Miyuki: "A fastball only you can throw..." @Int_Sawamura: "I can go further." @Int_Sawamura: "Higher." @Int_Sawamura: "And then, beyond there..." @Int_Sawamura: "with him!" _Fan: "Aw, a double play." _Fan: "They had a chance there at the end. I guess they'll call the game, then." _Fan: "Hey, isn't that Shunshing Yeung?" _Fan: "Why's he the ball boy? Is he injured or something?" _Coach: "Still, keep your heads up." _Fan: "The JHBF disqualified him from participating? So we won't get to see him pitch this summer, either?" _Fan: "Unbelievable. He's so talented, but they won't even let him sit on the bench." Int_Pitcher: "Not yet... I need the ball closer... to the batter." Announcer: "He looks at it and it's strike three! The batter doesn't swing and the game's over!" _Fan: "Was that an inside slider?! Crazy! How could he swing at that?!" _Pitcher: "It's over already?" Announcer: "Ichidai Third advance to the fourth round in a called game!" _Player: "Nice pitch, Kosei! Nice pitch!" Amahisa: "I want to pitch more. I was feeling pretty good. But you guys had to run up the score." _All: "He's mad at us for scoring?!" Amahisa: "I was joking." _Player: "That didn't sound like a joke! Damn it, we'll score even more now! Then you'll have an easy time pitching!" Amahisa: "What are you so mad about?" _Player: "Shut up!" Int_Coach: "Even with the lopsided score, he didn't lose his focus. He got on the mound to improve. I deeply appreciate how Manaka boy and Ohmae boy worked with us in the off-season." Int_Coach: "It's all to improve your pitching. With his fighting spirit ablaze as it is, Amahisa boy is unstoppable." _Fan: "So they called the game. They were too strong. They won easily even with Furuya playing outfield. Seido, the land of pitchers! I can't wait for Maezono to get back into a rhythm!" _Fan: "Honestly, I was trembling at those last three straight strikeouts. His fastballs are faster! Sawamura is definitely improving!" @Bg_Miyuki: "If this had happened at Koshien Stadium..." _Fan: "I still remember how he stumbled at Koshien Stadium!" @Bg_Miyuki: "It's fine for today, but you might not get to pitch like that next time." @Miyuki: "I hope you'll remember how it felt today." @Sawamura: "Yeah, I got it!" Seto: "He's really good. The way he threw, you can tell he's powered up since the fall." Okumura: "None of his pitches were change-ups. They were all fastballs." Seto: "Hey, you're right!" Okumura: "Of his eleven pitches, none missed the plate. For three pitches, the batter didn't swing. Two times the batter swung late and hit it foul." Okumura: "Six times the batter swung and missed." Seto: "That's crazy! I thought he was the kind to pitch to contact." Int_Yui: "His pitching style is different from Furuya-san's, but batters swing at and miss his fastballs." Int_Asada: "He really is a core pitcher for the team." Int_Asada: "I thought he was just all talk." _Player: "Wh-What's wrong, Yuki-kun?! There's some kind of aura around you!" Mine: "If they keep this up, they'll face Kasuga First High in the quarterfinals and Ichidai Third High in the semifinals." Mine: "Those are matches we didn't get to see in the fall or summer." Owada: "I'm excited to see Amahisa-kun and Furuya-kun pitch against each other." : "With a score of 11-1, Seido defeats Eigen High School in a called game, winning their first match of the Tokyo Spring Tournament." _Fan: "What's going on today? Is it a college game? Look at all the people. Huh? The secondary stadium's balcony seats are sold out?" _Fan: "It's only 9:00." _Fan: "There's only 5,000 seats, right? Of course they'd sell out. A semifinal team from the spring invitational is playing the runner-up team from Koshien Stadium." _Fan: "Todoroki, knock it flying! Hit it hard, Raichi!" _Coach: "Look at 'em all! Couldn't you get 1,500 yen per ticket with that demand?" Sanada: "It doesn't matter to us how many people come." _Coach: "I could make a food stall and sell Todoroki yakisoba for 800 yen. What do you think?" Sanada: "Does it have any toppings?" _Fan: "A lot of people are watching our team! They're just here to see Raichi. Sanada-san actually spoke to me. Whoa, really?" _Fan: "Why are these guys talking like fans? What's up with that?" _Fan: "Got that right. We joined Yakushi to play baseball." _Fan: "Right, Tomobe? Quit reading over there and stand up! I can't right now. Because you're reading a pervy book in public!" _Fan: "Why aren't there any cheerleaders here?! That's the only reason I came!" _Fan: "Their bench looks pretty relaxed. Are they not afraid of us?" _Fan: "They're probably confident because of their winning streak at Koshien Stadium." _Fan: "They're riding high." _Fan: "No, that's the kind of team they are. But once the game begins," _Fan: "we'll see which team is made up of champions." _Fan: "Good point." _Fan: "Let's get this game started." Todoroki: "I wanna get to hitting soon!" : ""Go Straight."" : "Two powerhouse schools are facing off! Yakushi High School made the semifinals in the spring invitational, while Inashiro Industrial were the runner-up at Koshien Stadium last summer." Sachiko: "Wow, the stands are full for a third-round game. Sanada-kun looks way more intense than last year." umiya: "How long are you gonna go on about being in the invitational?" Tadano: "On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "King.""

_Fan: "Todoroki, knock it flying! Hit it hard, Raichi!" _Fan: "Their bench looks pretty relaxed. Are they not afraid of us? But once the game begins," _Fan: "we'll see which team is made up of champions." Todoroki: "I wanna get to hitting soon!" : "It's the third round of the spring tournament." : "Two powerhouse schools are facing off! Yakushi High School made the semifinals in the spring invitational, while Inashiro Industrial was the runner-up at Koshien Stadium last summer." Sachiko: "Wow, the stands are full for a third-round game." Watanabe: "It's a really interesting match-up." Watanabe: "Miyuki was wondering how Narumiya would pitch against Todoroki." Announcer: "Thank you for waiting. We will now begin today's first game, between Inashiro Industrial and Yakushi High School." Announcer: "Top of the first inning. Inashiro Industrial is up to bat. Batting first, center fielder Kamiya-kun." _Umpire: "Play!" _Fan: "Carlo!" _Fan: "They got the lead-off batter Carlos out! He jammed him inside!" Todoroki: "Nice pitch, Nada-senpai!" _Fan: "Man, he's looking good." _Fan: "That's the shootball he used to shut down all those sluggers at Koshien Stadium." _Fan: "Was that over 140 km/h?" Int_Shirokawa: "It's not just the speed. He's not using the plate the same way he did last fall. Almost every pitcher stands on the third-base side, but he's standing as far to the first-base side as he can when he pitches." Int_Shirokawa: "That puts an angle on the shootball, making it a more powerful weapon. We'll need to deal with this pitch" Int_Shirokawa: "to get past this pitcher." Announcer: "An outside pitch for a strike!" Owada: "That pitch was quite effective for him during the Invitational, too." Mine: "Yeah. He seems to have improved it in the time since then. The better the pitcher's shootball, the more the batter will focus on inside pitches," Mine: "making the outside pitches more effective." _Umpire: "Foul!" _Fan: "A ground ball to third! He shut down Inashiro's top two batters! Wow. It's like he's looking down on the Inashiro batters when he throws." Sachiko: "Sanada-kun's more intense than last year." Watanabe: "He's gotten stronger since the fall." Owada: "Those hips and thighs... His lower body is much thicker than before!" Int_Mine: "The strict lower-body training between tournaments and experience against powerhouse schools from around the country in a major venue like Koshien Stadium" Int_Mine: "have honed his body, mind, and pitching skills." Int_Mine: "Shunpei Sanada has developed as a pitcher." Int_Batter: "It sank?" Int_Batter: "Damn it! Was that a two-seam fastball?" _Umpire: "Out!" Announcer: "The ace Sanada starts off by taking down Inashiro's first three batters! He's got the same rhythm he did at Koshien Stadium!" _Player: "Not bad." _Coach: "Jeez, he could have just basked in the afterglow of Koshien Stadium a little longer." _Coach: "Yeah! Nice pitch, Sanada!" Sanada: "He's enjoying this." Todoroki: "Yeah, Sanada-senpai!" Int_Coach: "We just came back from the Invitational. I'd like him to rest, but not against this team." Int_Batter: "If we took things easy against them, we could get hurt before the summer." Int_Coach: "We'll hit you with the passion and intensity we have after playing at Koshien Stadium, Kunitomo-san." Int_Narumiya: "Sorry to rain on your parade." Int_Narumiya: "When will you realize you only got into the Invitational out of sheer luck?" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Int_Narumiya: "If you've forgotten, allow me to remind you..." Int_Narumiya: "I'm the king." Announcer: "Inashiro was the runner-up at last year's summer tournament, but was unexpectedly knocked out in the second round in the fall. Their southpaw pitcher in his last year of high school is being eyed by the pro league. Let's see how he's improved over the winter, with over five thousand fans watching!" Announcer: "Swing and a miss for strike three! He takes down a second batter with an outside fastball! Ace Narumiya is in the groove in the first inning!" _Fan: "Oh, man! He's incredible to watch." Announcer: "Now come the cleanups! The third batter is Mishima." Int_Tadano: "He's starting off tense." Int_Tadano: "Mei-san's pitching is still stiff. It's fast but not sharp." Int_Tadano: "I'd like to end the inning now." Int_Mishima: "I've been waiting for this! A chance to face this guy!" Int_Mishima: "He's number one on my list of guys at other schools to take down! I actually... somewhat respect him." Announcer: "Two pitches, two strikes!" Announcer: "With a solid tempo, here's the third pitch!" Int_Mine: "This is Mei Narumiya!" Int_Mine: "Mad respect!" Announcer: "Whoa! A routine fly ball drops in between the fielders! Third batter Yuta Mishima hits a Texas Leaguer off Mei Narumiya!" _All: "Yeah!" Tadano: "Timeout." Announcer: "Up to bat is Yakushi's best hitter, Raichi Todoroki!" Announcer: "His powerful full swing attracted attention at Koshien Stadium. Up against Tokyo's, no, this generation's best southpaw, Mei Narumiya, how will he fare?" _Fan: "Oh, man! They're facing each other in the first inning! I'm starting to like Mishima! He'll go right at him, right? Narumiya? Yeah, of course! Who's gonna win?" Int_Tadano: "That pitch was a little too high." Int_Tadano: "His ball control is still unstable." Tadano: "Mei-san, Mei-san..." umiya: "What do you want?!" Tadano: "The baseball world is making a new rule for players." Tadano: "High school baseball players should go nighty-night by nine." Tadano: "Nine. Nighty-night." umiya: "Is that a gag or something?" umiya: "Try saying it now." Tadano: "High shool basheball plaers should go nighy-ni by nine." umiya: "Your face is pretty funny." Tadano: "I'm glad I could help you relax! I really wanted you to smile. Now, let's focus on the game!" umiya: "How am I supposed to do that?! The next time you call a timeout, you'd better have a funny joke!" Tadano: "Yes, sir! I've been saving a few." umiya: "No timeouts for you! Stay away from the mound!" _Fan: "They're at it again. That battery is unbelievable." Int_Narumiya: "He took all night to come up with that? What an idiot." Int_Tadano: "It's my job as catcher to get him to relax when he throws. If Mei-san can pitch as well as he's capable of, it doesn't matter what batter he's facing." _Narumiya: "Itsuki, it's not that I don't like your calls, or that I want to do things on my own." _Narumiya: "I want to stand on the mound and throw the pitches I want to." _Narumiya: "I want to feel free, selfish... The king of the mound." _Narumiya: "I know that makes me sound like a terrible pitcher and upperclassman." _Narumiya: "Can you keep up with me?" Int_Tadano: "I'm the catcher! I can't wimp out and give the batter any chances!" Int_Tadano: "Call a game that makes Mei-san shine!" Announcer: "It's the bottom of the first with a runner on first and two outs. Up to bat is the cleanup, Todoroki!" Mishima: "I'm gonna run!" Int_Carlos: "Show them how outmatched they are." _Player: "Raichi! Knock it flying!" Int_Shirokawa: "Shut them up." Int_Coach: "This is the time to get a hit. He hasn't settled into a rhythm. This is your chance, Raichi." Announcer: "Here's the first pitch!" Announcer: "It's a high inside pitch! Foul!" Announcer: "Second pitch!" Int_Todoroki: "Far out." Announcer: "It goes wide outside. Ball." Announcer: "Third pitch!" Announcer: "An outside slider goes wide. Ball. The count is 2-1." Int_Todoroki: "Even farther out." Int_Todoroki: "Too close!" _Umpire: "Strike two!" _All: "Yeah!" Mishima: "Okay, let's get to running!" Announcer: "The count is now 2-2. An inside fastball gets the second strike for Mei Narumiya!" Tadano: "Nice pitch!" Int_Tadano: "It's looking sharper." _Fan: "An inside pitch to Todoroki? That first pitch high and inside was trouble, too. Trying to beat him at his own game? The Inashiro battery sure is aggressive." Int_Coach: "Raichi let a pitch go by?" _Fan: "What will the last pitch be? Maybe a changeup! Todoroki, get an awesome hit! Mei-kun!" Int_Todoroki: "I saw a lot of different pitchers at Koshien Stadium, but he's incredible!" Int_Todoroki: "Better than all of them!" Int_Todoroki: "Incredible!" Int_Todoroki: "Incredible!" Int_Todoroki: "This is Mei Narumiya!" Int_Todoroki: "He's incredible!" Int_Todoroki: "Incredible!" Int_Todoroki: "Incredible!" Announcer: "It's a pop fly to left field! The first round of Narumiya versus Todoroki goes to Narumiya!" _Fan: "That was nerve-racking. I thought he had it for a moment. That was right where he wanted it." _Player: "You're enjoying yourself." Owada: "He used both sides of the strike zone, and pitched one slider. He looked a little reckless, but he finished things nicely." Int_Mine: "That tenacity is part of Narumiya-kun's personality, but still, he took down Todoroki, who shone at Koshien Stadium using nearly all fastballs." Int_Mine: "This battery is looking beyond him, far into the future..." Sanada: "He's a monster of a pitcher." Sanada: "We're the same age." Sanada: "It's scary." Sachiko: "I can't believe he's shutting down Inashiro's batters." Watanabe: "Yeah, that shootball isn't easy to hit." Announcer: "Strike three! That's three outs!" Sanada: "Yeah!" Int_Watanabe: "Ace Sanada used his powerful shootball to hold Inashiro's batters scoreless past the second inning, too. Seeing the Yakushi underdogs hold their own against Inashiro sent strong waves of excitement through the crowd." Int_Watanabe: "But..." Int_Watanabe: "Narumiya's pitching got sharper with every inning." Int_Watanabe: "Todoroki struck out." Int_Watanabe: "Yakushi hasn't had a runner on base since the first inning." Int_Watanabe: "And..." Int_Watanabe: "Little by little..." Int_Watanabe: "Little by little..." Announcer: "It's gone!" Coach: "Carlo!" Announcer: "Inashiro Industrial has broken the stalemate. And now, they have a runner on second with only one out! This is another chance for them!" Announcer: "It's a hit to near-left field! Shirakawa rounds third base!" _Umpire: "Safe!" Announcer: "Inashiro Industrial gets their second run!" Coach: "After Carlos hit the inside shootball he was waiting for, the cleanup Yamaoka got an RBI single." Coach: "Everything they'd kept pent-up in between tournaments has exploded all at once." _Player: "Now we'll turn up the pressure!" _All: "Yeah!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Int_Coach: "Just like last year," Int_Coach: "I had them repeat a basic routine." Int_Coach: "For better or worse, we're a team of individuals. Each had his own motivations, and there wasn't as much time as we wanted. Being unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel wore down their spirits and made their bodies scream. But still, the determination in their eyes never wavered." Int_Narumiya: "I have only one goal." _Coach: "The boys didn't let it go to waste... Their loss to Ugumori last fall." _Shirakawa: "There is a reason for every loss." _Tadano: "You must accept your shortcomings..." _Yabe: "...address the challenges..." _Carlos: "...and take action!" _All: "So that we can find" _All: "what it takes to be the best!" Int_Narumiya: "The best in Japan!" _Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Announcer: "He finishes with a high inside fastball! Raichi Todoroki has struck out twice in a row!" Announcer: "Narumiya's perfect pitching hasn't allowed a runner on base since the first inning! Yakushi High School, one of the Invitational semifinalists, is being overpowered by Inashiro Industrial's ace, Mei Narumiya!" _Player: ""King."" @Sawamura: "What pitches? When and where to throw them?" @Sawamura: "Their running turned into a sprint! Remember when we did that?" @Furuya: "Yeah." @Sawamura: "I suddenly feel like running, too! Let's go, Furuya!" @Furuya: "No." Ochiai: "Isn't this why you only registered eighteen spots for the spring when you're allowed twenty? I've prepared a list of first-years I feel are ready to be on the bench."

_Umpire: "Strike! Batter out!" Announcer: "He finishes with a high inside fastball!" Announcer: "Raichi Todoroki has struck out twice in a row!" Announcer: "Narumiya's perfect pitching hasn't allowed a runner on base since the first inning! Yakushi High School, one of the Invitational semifinalists, is being overpowered by Inashiro Industrial's ace, Mei Narumiya!" _Sign: "Meiji Jingu Stadium" Watanabe: "Narumiya's pitching was overpowering." Sachiko: "Yeah, he completely shut down Todoroki-kun." Owada: "Inashiro had a very strong showing, more than the score indicates." Mine: "Yeah." Mine: "In the eighth inning, Yamaoka-kun's double gave them their third run." Mine: "Narumiya-kun was walked, and Tadano-kun's RBI hit gave them a fourth." Mine: "In the last inning, Akiba-kun led off and popped to the center fielder." Mine: "It ended with Masuda-kun's strikeout. Before their cleanups, Mishima-kun, Todoroki-kun, and Sanada-kun, could bat," Mine: "Yakushi High School had lost." Owada: "Yakushi were semifinalists in the Spring Invitational, but they could only get two hits this game. Inashiro is built around their impeccable ace, but the other players are able to show their skills as well." Tadano: "That's enough." Owada: "Inashiro is looking strong again." _Fan: "Carlo! Narumiya-kun!" _Player: "The next team's coming. Tomobe, let's go!" Sanada: "Damn it!" Sanada: "We lost!" Sanada: "They're too strong." _Coach: "Yeah, they weren't a team you could beat on sheer momentum alone." Sanada: "I hate this." Sanada: "I hate this more than when we lost at Koshien Stadium." Int_Player: "Sanada..." Int_Player: "Sanada-san..." Int_Coach: "Pissed, eh? While he stepped it up a gear when he took the mound, he always seemed so passive when it came to baseball, but now..." _Sanada: "We're the same age." Int_Coach: "There was our loss in the fall, then Koshien Stadium..." Int_Coach: "and now your pitching duel against Narumiya." Int_Coach: "The harder you try at baseball, the more frustration you face." Int_Coach: "But even so, you're a pitcher who can expect more from yourself." _Coach: "Going from having nothing to lose to winning because you deserve to is not at all easy." _Coach: "No result is set in stone. But you can prepare so you don't have any regrets. We should thank Inashiro for knocking us down after celebrating too much over our games at Koshien Stadium. Jerks." _Coach: "We're heading out!" _Coach: "Let's get to work! Summer will be here before you know it!" _All: "Yes, sir!" Todoroki: "I'm gonna knock Mei Narumiya and Inashiro flying!" Yoshizawa: "Kuroki! And you, Hayakawa!" Mitsuishi: "Didn't you say you were going to Seido?" Yoshizawa: "They said Yakushi would be getting some players this year." Hayakawa: "Well, you never know what life has in store for you." Mine: "You just couldn't meet the academic requirements, right?" Taniguchi: "Mitsuishi, what are you grinning about?" Mitsuishi: "You're still such a loudmouth, Taniguchi." Kuroki: "It's not like you first-years won the game. Don't go getting a swelled head." Shima: "We're not." Taniguchi: "Save it for when you've got a spot on the bench." Yoshizawa: "Same to you." Int_Akamatsu: "I think that's Tomobe." Int_Akamatsu: "Sakito Tomobe from Chonan Senior." Tomobe: "I won't let it end like this." Tomobe: "The next time we play, our team will win." Akamatsu: "Yeah, let's meet on the ground next time." _Sign: "Seido Spirit Dorm" Watanabe: "Yes, I believe Sanada was pitching his best. It's just that Narumiya's pitching today was impregnable." _Coach: "Inashiro shut down Todoroki?" Watanabe: "Yes, sir. I think they were focused on him." Watanabe: "They didn't let him get a single hit." Higasa: "Oh, Carlos." @Maezono: "Is that when they took the lead?" @Kuramochi: "Todoroki strikes out in two straight at-bats." @Kuramochi: "Yakushi is held to just two hits." @Sawamura: "Nabe-san, please show me the scorebook!" Watanabe: "Sure, here you go." @Int_Sawamura: "What pitches did he throw, and where?" Int_Yui: "Oh, they can read a scorebook. I didn't expect that." Asada: "I-I'm not making progress." @Sawamura: "Nabe-san, please explain!" Watanabe: "I figured you'd ask." @Miyuki: "Well, the outcome was pretty obvious." @Miyuki: "If anything, Sanada deserves praise for holding their batters to four runs." @Kuramochi: "What are you smiling about? Inashiro has tightened up their game since last year!" @Miyuki: "Because they'll be fun to beat. Doesn't that fire you up?" @Kuramochi: "Shut up, idiot!" Watanabe: "Look here." Watanabe: "He's throwing the changeups he used to throw in the first half in the second half." Watanabe: "It seemed like he was saving them for the end against Todoroki." Watanabe: "His fastballs were sharp today, so the changeups were highly effective." Watanabe: "You could look at it the other way, too. Having this pitch made his fastball better." @Int_Kominato: "A changeup that drops like a sinker..." @Int_Maezono: "Instead of worrying about other people, I need to focus on myself." @Int_Tojo: "They hit a home run off of Sanada-san." Yui: "Thank you for the food." _Lady: "Oh, you ate it all?" Yui: "I feel ready to burst." Seto: "How did he finish first? What's his stomach made of?" Int_Yui: "Inashiro Industrial's Mei Narumiya... I want to see him from the field instead of from the stands." @Sawamura: "Yeah!" @Miyuki: "Looking good, Sawamura. You're finally hitting the ball." @Kuramochi: "Only when you start from a bunt stance, though." @Sawamura: "The pitcher is the ninth fielder, after all. Hitting, pitching, running! I'll show you the new and improved Sawamura!" _Player: "Hey, eye on the ball!" @Sawamura: "Wh-Whoa! So that's a real batting drill!" @Sawamura: "It's so much more intense!" _Player: "What do you mean, real?!" @Miyuki: "Those two are getting along great." @Kominato: "Looking good." @Miyuki: "Zono's hitting the ball more accurately." @Kuramochi: "There's no telling who will start the next game!" @Tojo: "The upperclassmen are unbelievable." @Kanemaru: "Makes sense, after how badly Yakushi got beaten. We might have to play Inashiro in this tournament, too." @Kanemaru: "They're really focused." @Int_Kanemaru: "Still... The reason the team is on its toes right now is because we've only registered 18 players for the spring tournament, same as the Invitational." @Int_Kanemaru: "The spring tournament allows 20 players, two more than the invitational." @Int_Kanemaru: "Even though the coach can add two players, he hasn't." @Int_Kanemaru: "After not making the roster for the Invitational, Mimura-senpai... Kawashima-senpai..." @Int_Kanemaru: "and the other third-years who are graduating... must be dying for one of those spots." @Int_Kanemaru: "The coach intentionally left those two spots open." @Int_Kanemaru: "That must mean..." _Player: "This is tiring... We knew what we were getting into." _Player: "And what about the meals? I can't eat three bowls of rice every morning. I'd rather be doing batting drills." _Player: "But one of them is always swinging a bat. Senpai came back to the room after midnight. Really? That's hardcore." _Player: "Th-Those two again! Stop increasing the pace! Hey!" _Player: "Koshu!" Int_Seto: "So that's how it's gonna be. No one wants to be left behind." Int_Mogami: "Idiots. If you go all-out now, you'll regret it at breakfast." @Sawamura: "The running's turned into a sprint! Remember when we were like that?" @Furuya: "Remember?" @Kawakami: "You're still like that." @Sawamura: "I'm getting the urge to run myself! Let's go, Furuya!" @Furuya: "No." @Miyuki: "The first-years are itching to join our practice." Ochiai: "Wouldn't they benefit from a separate training regimen?" Ochiai: "They need to develop their bodies to deal with the rigors of high school baseball. It will help prevent injury later on, too." Ochiai: "But I see a few that are head and shoulders above the rest." Asada: "Ugh." Seto: "Damn, I went so hard I can't eat." Int_Mogami: "You reap what you sow, idiot." @Kanemaru: "Hey, what's the holdup, first-years? Your chopsticks aren't moving!" @Sawamura: "There he is! The demonic overseer Kanemaru who forbids leaving even one grain of rice!" @Kanemaru: "Shut up!" _Sign: "Make sure you eat so you have energy to train! ~Eating is part of training!~" @Kanemaru: "Eat so you replenish the energy you spent in practice! Otherwise you'll lose weight and be unable to perform during practice!" @Kanemaru: "I know it's tough, but think of your meals as part of your training and eat! This will benefit you in the long run!" _All: "Yes, sir!" @Tojo: "Kanemaru sure knows how to encourage the younger players." @Kanemaru: "He's a good mentor." Ono: "They're going to be Kanemaru's army." @Kominato: "Looks like a lot of them are having trouble eating. We did too, of course." @Furuya: "I still don't like eating." @Sawamura: "Someone like me will eat like this... The second bowl of rice is as high as a mountain! I'm a level above you wimps, with your light portions!" @Kominato: "Wow, good for you." Yui: "So you eat breakfast here." Yuki: "Yeah, but I pack my lunch." Yui: "I saw the large box you brought." Yuki: "It was my brother's." Yuki: "I had a rice ball before practice." Yuki: "This way, I can get some protein immediately after practice." Yui: "Yep. Do you take any supplements?" Yuki: "They're expensive, so I just take BCAA." Yuki: "I want to get as much of my nutrition from food as possible! More, please!" Yui: "Me, too!" Seto: "More eating monsters!" Seto: "Don't go too hard, Koshu." Ochiai: "I watched the DVD of yesterday's game." Ochiai: "Mei Narumiya does indeed seem to be one of the top pitchers in the country." Ochiai: "He just happens to be in our region. And after what happened last year, he represents the biggest obstacle we face." Ochiai: "Still, we'll only run into him in the finals for this tournament." Ochiai: "We are also very different from last year. I expect this is the reason you registered 18 players for the tournament when 20 are allowed." Ochiai: "The entrance ceremony is over, so first- years are allowed to play in official games." Ochiai: "I've prepared a list of first-years I feel are ready to be on the bench." _Sign: "Masashi Yuki R/R Great body balance, fair running speed Kaoru Yui R/L Power, great running and throwing arm Koshu Okumura R/R Great instincts and throwing arm Kota Kagami L/L Doesn't stand out, but capable Takuma Seto R/L A+ running speed Favoring players who can make an impact on the team rather than well-rounded ones" Haruno: "Could you carry this over for me, Akane-chan, Anna-chan?" _Both: "Yes." Haruno: "It's heavy, so carry it together." Haruno: "No need to rush. I wouldn't want you to trip and fall." _Both: "Yes." Int_Akane: "Haruno-senpai is so nice!" Int_Anna: "It's heavy, even with two people." Haruno: "When I was a first-year, Yui-senpai and Sachi-senpai would always help me—" Akane: "Are you okay, Haruno-senpai?" Anna: "Please watch where you're going." Haruno: "I'm sorry!" Sachiko: "She's making a mess of things." Yui: "That's Haruno for you." _Fan: "There's always so many people here. It's been like this ever since they got back from Koshien Stadium." _Fan: "Is everyone here to see Furuya?" _Fan: "Do you think he'll be in the bullpen today? Is it true a scout from Fukuoka is in town? He'd be here to see Miyuki." @Kominato: "Are you using a wooden bat today?" @Miyuki: "Yeah." _Fan: "Furuya didn't pitch in last week's game, so I hope he'll pitch in the next one... Some of those 150 km/h monster fastballs. It's like a dream to see pitches that fast." _Fan: "He's looking good. I just hope he can do that in the game. I hope Maezono can get back in there." _Fan: "We need hitters with power, besides Miyuki, to give them some depth." @Int_Tojo: "Oh, man. He hit that difficult trajectory like it was nothing. Sometimes he misses pitches that should be easy to hit, though." @Kuramochi: "That guy's still on a roll." @Miyuki: "Tojo, how close to full power was that?" @Tojo: "80%!" @Miyuki: "It's looking good." @Tojo: "Thank you!" @Int_Tojo: "Actually, it was 90%." @Miyuki: "After all, it's best to practice with real pitches, don't you think?" @Int_Tojo: "So this kid is Yuki-senpai's..." _Fan: "Hm? That stance..." _Fan: "Who is that?" @Furuya: "Who is that?" _Fan: "Didn't he jam that?" _Fan: "That was a solid hit. What a batter! That's Masashi?" _Fan: "Tetsu's younger brother, Masashi Yuki!" _Tetsu: "He's a whimsical kid, but he's way better than I was as a first-year." _Tetsu: "Look after him for me." @Int_Miyuki: "More whimsical than Tetsu-san?" Int_Rei: "He must have done a lot of swings during spring break." _Fan: "He hit for power with a low stance. Who is that?" _Fan: "He's so small. How does he hit it so far?" Int_Seto: "Those two really are crazy." _Fan: "What a sharp swing! He hit it hard to right field!" _Fan: "Are they really first-years?" Int_Seto: "I'm gonna play center field!" _Fan: "I heard they had quite a crop this year." _Fan: "You aren't kidding!" _Fan: "He's hitting Tojo's pitches easily!" @Fb_Sawamura: "Huh?" @Fb_Sawamura: "The first-years are practicing with us already? We were still practicing basics during the spring tournament, right?" @Fb_Konimato: "Yeah." @Fb_Konimato: "Furuya pitched in the Kanto tournament, though." @Fb_Konimato: "That must mean there are some talented first-years this year." _Player: "So the reason there are two spots open... Right?" Int_Player: "What positions do they play?" @Int_Miyuki: "The first-years' abilities will inspire the organization." @Int_Miyuki: "Strengthening the team is the top priority." @Int_Miyuki: "It's a message from the coach that things won't stay as they are." @Int_Sawamura: "That's right." @Int_Sawamura: "We overshadowed our seniors last year, too." : "In order to reach nationals," : "new blood was added, and the team grew to 94 members." : "For the Seido High School baseball team, this spring... began the battle for the 20 spots in the summer" : "and the numbers they would wear." @Sawamura: "Challenge accepted! I accept your challenge! "Camphor."" Asada: "I can't do it. I've just eaten. I'm sorry." Int_Asada: "Oh, no! I refused an order!" Asada: "I didn't sleep well again." Asada: "I don't want to run. I don't want to eat." Okumura: "Then I won't leave a single bit. I'll finish every meal." Yui: "More, please!" @Sawamura: "On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Battle, Battle.""

@Int_Miyuki: "The first-years' abilities will inspire the organization." @Int_Miyuki: "Strengthening the team is the top priority." @Int_Miyuki: "It's a message from the coach that things won't stay as they are." : "In order to reach nationals, new blood was added, and the team grew to 94 members. For the Seido High School baseball team, this spring... began the battle for the 20 spots in the summer" : "and the numbers they would wear." @Sawamura: "Challenge accepted! I accept your challenge!" : "A lot of fans came came to the stadium to see the incredible pitching that Furuya showed in the Invitational. In today's game, Furuya is having trouble controlling the ball and has allowed several runners on base since the first inning." @Sawamura: "I need to step in!" @Int_Furuya: "No, you don't!" : "But the fielders defended well," : "and helped minimize the runs conceded." : "They also did their best on offense in order to support Furuya. The top of the order got up to bat, and the cleanup added some runs for insurance." : "Then... Having returned to the lineup, Maezono got a long-awaited RBI hit." @Sawamura: "That's good! It doesn't matter how it looks!" : "Furuya's control gradually settled," _Sign: "Hodai Seido (Called in seventh inning)" : "and Seido defeated Hodai First when the game was called in the seventh inning." _Someone: "Yes, his pitches were just as fast as ever," _Someone: "but his control was severely lacking." _Someone: "Nothing like how he pitched in the Invitational." _Someone: "He was very uneven. He's intimidating when he's in the zone, but there are plenty of ways to attack him." @Sawamura: "I didn't get to pitch!" _Someone: "Yeah, the nineteenth and twentieth spots" _Someone: "were filled after the school entrance ceremony." @Int_Yui: "Learning what calls to make when the pitching is that erratic... Seeing their expressions and hearing what they say... Just being on the bench is teaching me so much." _Fan: "Yui, as in the Yui from Mamiya Senior? Masashi's got a great build. He's got the same aura as Tetsu." @Kuramochi: "Was that Kasuga First's ace pitching today?" Ono: "He was #2 in the fall." @Kuramochi: "His sliders looked good." _Player: "Seiko and Teito are playing at Meiji Jingu tomorrow. Inashiro's playing Bito. They've got Ichidai Third against Tsurugashima and Sensen against Ugumori at Hachioji. Mukai facing the Seiko batters sounds incredible." Yui: "We'll go check out Jingu Stadium." Watanabe: "I hope we get to see other pitchers besides Narumiya." Sachiko: "Should we scout Teito too?" @Kuramochi: "Sanko's got Amahisa to watch out for." Haruno: "Okay, got it." @Miyuki: "Maki from Sensen, too." @Sawamura: "Thank you for the food!" @Sawamura: "Okay, Miyuki-senpai, let's get going!" @Miyuki: "Where?" @Sawamura: "There you go kidding again! I don't want to let the pitches I would have thrown in today's game go to waste!" @Miyuki: "Go to waste? They're hardly perfect." @Sawamura: "All the more reason to work on them!" @Yui: "Um..." @Yui: "If Sawamura-senpai is going to be pitching, would you mind if I went along?" @Yui: "I couldn't get a read on him in the bullpen during the last game." @Miyuki: "You're on the bench, so you should get used to catching." @Miyuki: "Go ahead and catch for this idiot." @Sawamura: "Hey, don't give your job to a first-year!" @Yui: "Casual speech with the captain..." @Sawamura: "Listen, young man! If you want to catch for me, you'll have to finish three bowls of rice first!" @Yui: "Yes, sir! This is my third." @Sawamura: "Is that true, Kanemaru?!" @Kanemaru: "Yeah, that's his third bowl." @Sawamura: "W-Well done, um..." @Yui: "Yui." @Yuki: "Miyuki, I'll go, too." @Miyuki: "Sure." @Furuya: "You pitched today, with a lot of extra pitches for the guys you walked, too!" Watanabe: "Yeah, Furuya should stay and reflect on the game with us." @Miyuki: "Thanks for that, Nabe." @Sawamura: "See ya later!" _Player: "Thanks for the food! Thanks for the food! Thanks for the food!" Int_Asada: "They're going to practice more?" Int_Mogami: "It doesn't make sense... I have less and less appetite every day." @Sawamura: "Asada! You're a pitcher, right? How about joining us, once you're done eating?" Asada: "I don't think so. I can't exercise right after eating. I'm sorry." Int_Asada: "I can't believe I turned him down!" @Sawamura: "I see. Another time, then!" Int_Asada: "He's not mad?" Int_Asada: "Is it really okay?" Seto: "He just turned down an invitation from a second-year. He's got guts." @Yui: "Furuya-san is a little absentminded." @Fb_Miyuki: "Looks like you're having trouble finishing the meals." @Fb_Miyuki: "When I was new, I used to put some of my rice on Zono's plate. Keep that between us." _Okumura: "Then I won't leave a single bit. I'll finish every meal." @Fb_Miyuki: "Oh, really?" Int_Okumura: "Damn... I'm not making any progress." @Int_Miyuki: "Why's he feel the need to put on that big show? Is he miffed he didn't make the bench? This is fun." @Sawamura: "What are you smiling about, Kazuya Miyuki?! You should act more like a captain!" @Miyuki: "Shut up!" Oka: "Hiroomi, wanna go up to the gym?" Hiroomi: "The gym and weight room are already full, thanks to all the regulars." Oka: "Then, I guess we'll go where we always go." Hiroomi: "Yeah." Int_Takatsu: "I feel sorry for the third-years who lost their spots on the bench, but I'm more pissed about the first-years who got spots ahead of us second-years." Int_Takatsu: "Where we practice, the street lights don't reach. It's a dim, lonely place." Int_Takatsu: "We swung our bats there because we wanted to go higher. To make it to the bench." Int_Takatsu: "Damn it." @Sawamura: "Back to the future!" @Sawamura: "Wait a minute, Boss..." @Sawamura: "Did you come from the future..." @Sawamura: "Terminator! Is that him?!" Int_Asada: "He's going all-out talking in his sleep again." Asada: "I'll head out." @Sawamura: "That was fast!" @Sawamura: "Okay, see you later." @Sawamura: "He gets dressed really quickly, don't you think? I've never seen him after he just woke up." Int_Asada: "I couldn't get much sleep again." Int_Asada: "I don't want to run. I don't want to eat." @Int_Yui: "It's still not settling well into my mitt. I need to catch it more firmly." @Furuya: "12-6." @Yui: "Yes, sir!" Ochiai: "I like what I'm seeing. Keep pitching." @Int_Yui: "Damn it." Ono: "Yeah, it breaks at that speed. It's a little tricky at first." Ono: "You'll have to keep catching until you get used to it." Ono: "Our team has a lot of unique pitchers." @Yui: "Yes, sir." @Int_Miyuki: "Ono..." @Int_Miyuki: "Man, that guy doesn't know how to go easy." @Furuya: "12-6." @Sawamura: "What pitch should I master today?" @Kawakami: "Don't get greedy." @Sawamura: "Here we go, Miyuki-senpai!" @Int_Miyuki: "And this one doesn't know how to keep quiet." Okumura: "Your pitches are looking good!" _Player: "He's easy to pitch to." Okumura: "Put the next one over here." @Int_Miyuki: "He's got a flexible style of catching." @Int_Miyuki: "It's a relief that he actually talks to the pitcher." @Sawamura: "Hey, hey, hey! If you keep looking away, you might get hurt, Captain!" Seto: "Seiko's batters only got five hits and one run. Mukai-san really is something else." Seto: "Inui-san bopped one, too." Seto: "I wonder what their first-years are like." Okumura: "Taku." Seto: "Yeah?" Okumura: "You don't need to sit with me." Okumura: "You can go if you're done eating." Seto: "Okay." Seto: "I'll go swing a bat for a while." Okumura: "I'll be there after I finish all of it." Aso: "He still needs work on getting under fly balls." Seki: "Yeah, but his arm looks pretty good." Seki: "He was handling the infield earlier, too." Ochiai: "It's scary to let him play infield, but he's easily handling the outfield." _Player: "Whoa, get a load of them. Their new first-years make them look even more like delinquents." Mukai: "What is this, Rookies?" Mukai: "It must be true that stupid attracts stupid." _Player: "Hey, Taiyo, they'll hear you!" Mukai: "That's why I'm saying it." Umemiya: "Well, I think it's time to go hunting for elite, preppy boys." Mukai: "It feels so great to make idiots like them cry." _Umpire: "Line up!" Announcer: "It's time for today's first game! As the team that took down Sensen's giant pitcher Maki, Ugumori is undoubtedly stronger this year. and Teito has powered up in the off-season, outplaying Seiko Academy." _Fan: "I can't wait to see this game! These teams are a dangerous combination!" _Fan: "Teito and Mukai have the advantage in ability. If only they had some good pitchers besides Umemiya. Teito will be tough to beat." Carlos: "I'd like to give Ugumori some payback." Carlos: "Mei, who do you think will win?" umiya: "If everything goes as expected, Teito." umiya: "But Ugumori can certainly turn the tables." Carlos: "So which one's gonna win?" umiya: "We'll just beat whichever one wins! I don't care about the third-place qualifier game!" _Player: "Get 'em! Knock it flying!" Tadano: "He's attacking the inside." _Fan: "He's sure throwing a lot of fastballs. Ugumori swings a lot, so the game is going fast." Umemiya: "I thought he'd throw more breaking balls." _Player: "The ones he has thrown have been very effective. He throws fastballs to rack up the count, so we have to swing at them." _Coach: "When your opponent likes to swing, attack the inside. While testing the batters, they're experimenting with our new style, which limits the number of pitches." _Coach: "They're a bunch of bold jerks." Announcer: "A fly to left field for the third out. Teito's Taiyo Mukai has held Ugumori scoreless again this inning!" _Fan: "His pitches have gotten faster, right? It's amazing he can throw that fast from the side. He's completely shutting down Ugumori's batters! They lost in the first round of the fall tournament, but I've heard they had the off-season from hell." _Coach: "Grab it, like this!" _Fan: "Since it's not as hot, they say spring works in favor of the pitchers. This game is a battle of teamwork. The pitchers are the key to victory. Then Mukai definitely has an advantage. No, Umemiya's a good pitcher, too!" _All: "Yeah!" _Fan: "He's only given up one run in five innings. With Ugumori, you never know until the end." _Player: "Okay, let's turn it around!" _Fan: "They've got some sort of hidden power." umiya: "Let's go warm up, Itsuki." Tadano: "Yes, sir!" Int_Narumiya: "Ugumori's trying to make an opening Teito won't give them." Int_Narumiya: "If the score doesn't change, Ugumori may have a chance." Ono: "Did you get the LINE from Nabe?" _Player: "Teito's Inui got a two-RBI hit." @Kanemaru: "First-years, be on the ground at 2:00! We'll be doing batting drills on field B, so be ready!" _All: "Yes, sir!" _Player: "Great, I've wanted to do batting drills for a while! I thought we wouldn't get to use a ball while the tournament was going on." Int_Mogami: "This is my chance. This is my chance. This is my chance." _Sign: "This is my chance This is my chance This is my chance" _Player: "I have to eat all of this? Really?" Seto: "Thanks for the food! I'll see you later." Int_Asada: "I'm one of the last to finish again." @Sawamura: "Asada!" @Sawamura: "Once you're eating, let's play some catch! That'll warm us up for afternoon practice." Asada: "Y-Yes, sir. I'll be there." Int_Asada: "Whoa, I can't believe I said yes!" @Sawamura: "Okay, let's do it!" Int_Asada: "It was out of guilt for turning him down last time!" @Sawamura: "Okay, I'll wait right here!" Asada: "Huh? But that makes it harder to eat..." @Miyuki: "What's going on? Is Sawamura roping a first-year into practicing with him?" @Kuramochi: "The first-year rooming with us hasn't been feeling well, so he's trying to cheer him up." @Miyuki: "Cheer him up?" _Asada: "I'll head out." @Fb_Sawamura: "That was fast!" @Fb_Sawamura: "When did he get changed?! I never get to talk to him!" @Fb_Kuramochi: "I get the feeling he's avoiding us." @Fb_Sawamura: "Us? Me, too?" @Fb_Kuramochi: "He's not used to living in a dorm, and he has to share a room with two upperclassmen. He takes a long time to eat, so he might be close to cracking." @Fb_Sawamura: "We can't let that happen! It must have been when you beat him up in that game on the first day! You crushed him in everything he was good at! That's not just immature, it's a terrible thing to do!" @Fb_Sawamura: "You look and talk mean! It's no wonder he's scared of you! You have the unmistakable air of a former delinquent! It's like living in a cage with a wild animal! Oh, man, it's so scary!" @Fb_Kuramochi: "You're really asking for it!" @Fb_Sawamura: "I understand! As his senior, I'll go break a leg! Leave everything to me!" @Miyuki: "He's in that zone again, huh?" @Kuramochi: "With that dumb face he makes." @Miyuki: "I can picture it now." @Kuramochi: "Well, Sawamura spends more time with the kid. Me leaving wouldn't solve anything." @Miyuki: "I suppose." @Miyuki: "Our first-year is a cocky kid. Why's he always glaring at me?" @Kuramochi: "You go too easy on them, so they take advantage." @Miyuki: "I don't mind. It's fun." @Sawamura: "And this is where the Sawamura family's secret sauce makes an appearance!" @Sawamura: "It's got mustard and, um... a lot of other stuff!" @Sawamura: "You pour it over a piping hot steak! Once the meat soaks up the sauce, you take a big bite with rice!" Asada: "Um..." Asada: "Why are you telling me this?" @Sawamura: "I thought talking about delicious food would help you eat." @Sawamura: "Well? Feeling hungry?" Asada: "I'm full." @Sawamura: "Instead of "I can't," say "I can't yet!"" @Sawamura: "Just say that when you feel ready to quit!" @Sawamura: "That's what I've always done and will continue to do!" Asada: "They said that on TV yesterday." @Sawamura: "The only enemy is inside yourself! You need to crawl up from here!" @Sawamura: "Now eat those last three bites all at once, Asada!" Asada: "Not three at once..." Okumura: "Knock it off." Okumura: "Your idiotic shouting has made me lose my appetite." Okumura: "I feel sick." @Sawamura: "Huh?" Okumura: "Even though he eats slowly, he finishes everything." Okumura: "We don't need any cheap encouragement." Okumura: "We're fighting in our own way." Okumura: "Could you please leave? I'm tired of looking at you, Senpai." @Int_Sawamura: "T-Tired of looking at me?" @Int_Sawamura: "Leave?" @Sawamura: "Wh-Wh-What's your problem?! You're a first-year, right? Yeah, a first-year! Tell me your class, name, and your roll number!" Okumura: "Koshu Okumura. I play catcher. Don't you remember being in the bullpen with me? Are you only interested in first-years if they have a spot on the bench?" @Sawamura: "I-I remember seeing you." Okumura: "And it doesn't matter what class I'm in." @Int_Sawamura: "Wh..." @Int_Sawamura: "What a cocky first-year!" @Int_Sawamura: "What a jerk!" @Sawamura: ""Battle, Battle."" Umemiya: "Don't run away. Keep on coming!" Mukai: "I don't like your eyes. Do you think you can beat me?" Umemiya: "I'm going to crush your resolve and your pride!" @Miyuki: "Our game tomorrow is against Kasuga First High. They're a powerhouse school from the eastern division. What do you think about testing our numbers at some point?" @Miyuki: "Just a little. On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II: "Debut.""

Eijun: "It's the bottom of the ninth and the score's tied. Two outs, bases loaded," Eijun: "and the count is three balls, two strikes. For the Akagi Junior High Baseball Team, this became our final game." Umpire: "Game set! Schools, line up." Umpire: "Excuse me. Please line up." Wakana: "Eijun!" Eijun: "I'm sorry." Eijun: "I couldn't take you guys to the nationals!" Wakana: "Eijun..." bu: "Ei-chan..." Enemy1: "What is this guy on?" Enemy2: "A team that can't even catch pop flies or grounders in the nationals?" Enemy1: "I heard your school's being demolished soon. Here to make some last-minute memories?" Enemy2: "There's no way we were going to lose to a team with a girl!" Enemy1: "You gotta be kidding me." Eijun: "This is our spirit. The Akagi Junior High Spirit." Enemy1: "Huh?" Eijun: "Take this!" Wakana: "Eijun!" Sano: "You idiot!" Sano: "Do you even know what you did to yourself?" Sano: "The other team's coach and families came roaring to you. the players glared at you with hatred, and you slapped them and the umpire them twelve times! Are you really okay finishing your three years of junior high baseball with a record like that?" Eijun: "I understand your anger, Coach." Eijun: "I feel ashamed for losing to such a team of clowns." Sano: "That's not the point! I'm not talking about the outcome of the game! I'm talking about your slapfest!" Eijun: "Oh, that?" Sano: "Of course!" Eijun: "Oh, I am so ashamed." Sano: "After all the work you put in as the team captain... It's hard for me to say this, but some high schools might not want you now." Eijun: "I'll be fine." Eijun: "All I need is a ball and a bat to play baseball." Eijun: "That's how we've always been doing it." Sano: "You really don't get it..." Principle: "Sawamura-kun." Sano: "Principal?" Principle: "If you like baseball, you must learn to follow the rules." Principle: "Violence is never the answer, even if it's for your teammates." Eijun: "All right." Eijun: "Well, I think I've repented enough, so see ya!" Sano: "Hey, come back here, Sawamura!" Principle: "Oh, it's fine, Mr. Sano." Sano: "But..." Principle: "He wanted people to remember our school before it's demolished. I am truly proud of him for staying late every day," Principle: "practicing for that goal." Sano: "He made me procure buses to take them to practice games, and he made me treat them all to barbecue for winning." Sano: "Knowing I won't have to do that any more is like a dream come true." Sano: "He went on a rampage when his teammates were riduculed." Sano: "It was certainly a very "Eijun" way to end things." Eijun: "In the end, I couldn't win a single game in junior high." bu: "Ei-chan!" bu: "Did the coach finally let you go?" Kenta: "Was he super mad?" Eijun: "That would be an understatement. I came running out because he wouldn't shut up." Teammates: "Yeah, that's you, all right! Won't he still be mad?" Wakana: "Aren't you going to have a hard time finding a school after that incident?" Eijun: "What are you saying, Wakana?" Wakana: "What are you going to do, stupid? You need to think before you act." Eijun: "No need to be so blue and worried, guys! We're all going to the same high school." Eijun: "I mean, let's keep it real. Even if the schools merge and ours gets demolished, we'll still have the same school spirit if we stay together. We couldn't go to the nationals in junior high, but let's make it a reality in high school." bu: "Ei-chan..." Everyone: "Yeah." Eijun: "You just wait, nationals! We're coming to take over!" Wakana: "So... how do you plan to get in without an invitation?" Wakana: "The school we're applying to isn't exactly easy to test into, you know?" Wakana: "Your brain is the biggest of our worries, too." Eijun: "You guys have all been studying?" Kenta: "Like any normal person would." Eijun: "Seriously? I'm still stuck on fractions in math!" bu: "I think you should give up." Eijun: "Never give up!" Gramps: "Eijun!" Gramps: "Hey, Eijun!" Gramps: "Someone's here to see you." Eijun: "I'm screwed, Grandpa! Everyone's flying away, leaving me behind!" Gramps: "Stop dreaming!" Gramps: "Now wash up and come downstairs. Someone came all the way from Tokyo to see you." Eijun: "From Tokyo?" Rei: "Nice to meet you." Rei: "You must be Eijun Sawamura." Rei: "I'm the assistant director of the Seidou High School Baseball Team. My name is Rei Takashima." Rei: "We would love to have you on our team." Eijun: "Seidou High School?" Gramps: "Hey! Seidou High is a famous baseball school that's been to nationals numerous times!" Eijun: "Is that supposed to be amazing or something?" Gramps: "You play baseball, and you've never heard of Seidou?" Eijun: "Never." Gramps: "There are tons of professionals on TV who've graduated from Seidou." Eijun: "It's more fun to actually play baseball than to watch it on TV." Gramps: "Shut your mouth!" Gramps: "Please excuse my grandson's ignorance." Rei: "No problem." Gramps: "But why would such a famous school in Tokyo come here looking for him?" Rei: "I was present at the game he played the other day and saw great talent in him." Gramps: "But there was an incident after the game..." Rei: "Yes, the use of his wrists in his slaps truly represented his ability as a pitcher." Dad: "This is your chance, Eijun!" Gramps: "Tell her you'll accept the offer before she changes her mind!" Mom: "We need to celebrate with a feast tonight." Eijun: "What? Hold on..." Gramps: "Do you have something to say?" Eijun: "I'm gonna go to Tokyo just to play baseball?" Eijun: "Besides, I don't want to play baseball in such a stuffy environment." Gramps: "Do you know what you're saying?" Dad: "Do you have any idea how amazing this offer is?" Mom: "Seriously! This is your best bet for high school." Eijun: "It's true that this'll be much easier than testing into a school." Eijun: "But I'll be chasing after the same dream wherever I go." Eijun: "So I'd rather do that with the teammates I have here at home." Gramps: "E-Eijun..." Rei: "I see." Rei: "So, when would you like to pay us a visit?" Eijun: "Wait—" Rei: "We're going to get busier as time goes on, so it would be nice if you could come as soon as possible." Eijun: "I-Is she even listening?" Rei: "The baseball field is a mirror that reflects the players' spirit." Rei: "It's the only place you can find the truth, Sawamura." Eijun: "The truth?" Rei: "That game..." Rei: "That final ball you pitched..." Rei: "Bottom of the ninth, two outs and bases loaded. A single hit will cost you the game. That pitch wasn't like any pitch you'd made before." Rei: "You raised your right leg without a hint of doubt in you." Rei: "Your form, balanced on one leg, was truly beautiful." Rei: "Your natural ability to prevent a bad outcome showed as you stood in danger." Rei: "Or perhaps it was your pride as a pitcher, but that pitch..." Rei: "You threw it instinctively with your heart and soul to take that batter down." Eijun: "That last ball I pitched?" Rei: "I saw the qualities of a true pitcher when you threw it." Gramps: "She's been saying weird things from the start. Like the slapping thing, too." Mom: "I wonder if she's really from Seidou." Eijun: "She sounds suspicious to me." Rei: "Anyway, you should come see one of our practices. From what I saw, you didn't have an actual instructor or rivals who drove you to strive to improve at your junior high school. If you are actually aiming to go to the nationals," Rei: "you should gain something from seeing a top-level practice." Eijun: "The nationals..." Eijun: "Is it just me?" Eijun: "Or did she make fun of my junior high team?" Eijun: "You better be kidding me! Very well! I'll take a good look at your so-called "top level."" Rei: "Like it? This is our prestigious baseball practice field. We have an indoor practice area over there," Rei: "and most of the team members live in the dorms." Eijun: "Wow! What is that machine? There's so much stuff I've never seen!" Eijun: "I-I'm not falling in love or anything! I was just caught off guard!" Rei: "Is that so?" Eijun: "Besides, you don't need all this expensive equipment to play baseball." Eijun: "I bet you just gather all the best players from around the nation. Then it's no surprise that you're good. In fact," Eijun: "I would hate to lose to a top-tier team that's granted anything they want." Rei: "I won't deny the fact that half of our team members are from outside the prefecture." Rei: "They're here to play baseball abroad, so to speak." Eijun: "So you do just invite the good players." Rei: "However, this is the age when Japanese high school baseball is known to be the best in the world, and some scouts come from the major league to invite players to their teams. "I want to be the best baseball player, ever." Fifteen-year-old boys leave home" Rei: "for the purpose of honing their abilities." Rei: "I respect all players who have that determination and aspiration." Eijun: "Determination..." Eijun: "She's right." Eijun: "I can feel a sense of tension in the air." Azuma: "Kawakami! Are you kidding me?" Azuma: "You throw like a girl!" Azuma: "How about you pitch with some feeling?" Azuma: "You're already tired? This is why you can't make the team!" Kawakami: "I'm sorry." Member1: "Azuma's at it again." Member2: "He shows no mercy once he gets his eyes on someone." Azuma: "If you don't want to get better, then go back home to your mommy! We've got plenty of pitchers to replace you!" Kawakami: "I want to get better!" Azuma: "Then give me your best shot!" Rei: "You should take a good look at his batting." Rei: "That's Kiyokuni Azuma, a monster with forty-two home runs in his high school career." Rei: "He's one of the players who'll be drafted this year." Azuma: "It's like I'm swinging through air! You're gonna make my skills rust like that!" Azuma: "Kawakami! You're done! Get off the mound!" Azuma: "Someone carry him out!" Azuma: "Put him in a cardboard box and send him home!" Eijun: "What's his problem?" Eijun: "He's gonna play pro ball with a body like that? Impossible!" Eijun: "Look at his belly! He looks like an old man!" Rei: "Sawamura, stop!" Eijun: "I bet he's at least forty years old! There's no way he's in high school!" Azuma: "Who in the world..." Azuma: "is making fun of my cute belly?" Eijun: "Cute belly?" Eijun: "I think you mean your fat belly!" Member1: "Who is that brat? Does he have a death wish?" Member2: "Azuma's been trying to lose that weight for a while, too." Azuma: "Get out of my way!" Rei: "S-Stop, Azuma! Sawamura, you apologize right now." Eijun: "A "baseball abroad" program? Maybe everyone here has determination and aspiration," Eijun: "but just being better doesn't give you the right to talk trash about other people. He made fun of his pitches," Eijun: "and then told him to go back to his mommy? Even if everyone else is fine with it, I'm definitely not gonna let it slide." Eijun: "You can't play baseball by yourself! Did this prestigious school not teach you that this is a team sport?" Eijun: "So I'd rather do that with the teammates I have here at home." Rei: "So he cherishes his teammates." Rei: "I'm sorry, Azuma. He just came out of the countryside, so he's completely clueless about the real world. He's a pitcher. Do you mind showing him what batting is all about?" Azuma: "Sure. I don't mind at all. However," Azuma: "I won't let him get off the mound until he begs for mercy." Eijun: "Wait a minute! I never asked to have a match with some jerk like him." Rei: "Sawamura," Rei: "this is a baseball field. If you have something to say, you're going to have to say it through baseball." Miyuki: "This sounds like a lot of fun. Rei," Miyuki: "can I catch his pitch?" Eijun: "Who's he?" Rei: "Kazuya Miyuki, a catcher." Azuma: "Miyuki! You're a first year! Don't get cocky!" Miyuki: "Well, excuse me. But you've been kinda high on horse lately, so I just think it'll do you good to play with us kids to go back to basics." Azuma: "Who's on a high horse?" Member1: "Kazuya, be careful what you say!" Member2: "He's gonna jump you!" Rei: "Miyuki, I'm glad you volunteered." Rei: "His pitches are a bit peculiar." Rei: "He himself doesn't even know what he has." Rei: "Think you can draw out his potential?" Miyuki: "Wow, big praise." Miyuki: "You must have high hopes for this kid." Eijun: "Damn it. What am I even doing?" Eijun: "I knew I shouldn't have come here." Wakana: "Eijun's in Tokyo?" Eijun: "Ow." Miyuki: "Wait." Miyuki: "Is this your first time with the hardball?" Eijun: "I didn't know" Eijun: "that the hardballs were so much harder and heavier." Azuma: "Hey, kid." Azuma: "If you're gonna apologize, you better do it now. Once you get up to the mound," Azuma: "there's no place for you to run." Eijun: "Who do you think you are anyway? You're the one who'll be begging to run away." Eijun: "In fact..." Eijun: "No hard feelings even if I happen to hit you!" Miyuki: "Oh, man! This guy's hilarious!" Azuma: "Miyuki! Nothing's funny here! You wanna get hurt?" Miyuki: "Oh, I'm sorry." Eijun: "On this day, I pitched eleven balls. This day changed my baseball career" Eijun: "forever." Eijun: "I have a one-on-one with Azuma. He's a monster who's going pro once he graduates." Eijun: "But I can't stand a guy who talks trash to his teammates!" Miyuki: "A great pitch won't be born without the battery working as one. Just one all-out pitch he throws to Azuma makes a huge difference in his fate." Miyuki: "Next time on Ace of the Diamond: Partner."

Rei: "Pitcher change." Rei: "Get off the mound, right now." Chris: "Bear the loss you had today in your heart. If you do, you can go much higher." Chris: "Good ball control and faster pitches..." Chris: "aren't something you can achieve overnight. But if you can be patient and focus on building the foundation," Chris: "you'll slowly but surely set yourself apart." Enemy1: "Yes!" Enemy2: "It's a hit!" Umpire: "Three outs! Change!" Haruichi: "That should do it." Enemy1: "How did he get to that ball?" Enemy2: "And he's on the second-string? Just how many good players does Seido have?" Rei: "Haruichi Kominato. He has amazing baseball talent. In terms of fielding alone, he's on par with his brother, Ryosuke-kun." uruya: "I want to play, too..." kata: "Only two spots open in the first-string. I don't have any time to waste." Maezono: "I'm going to make it to the first-string!" Maezono: "Why?" kata: "You're too stiff." Sawamura: "How was that one?" Chris: "Third one in a row to the scoreboard." Sawamura: "Why?" Chris: "The batters were Randy Bass, Kakefu, and Okada." Sawamura: "But it sounds good when it hits the mitt!" Chris: "People don't change so quickly." Chris: "You have to be patient." Chris: "Haven't I told you that enough?" Sawamura: "I know what you're saying, but I'm doing the exercises you gave me," Sawamrua: "and you haven't told me my qualities yet." Chris: "You're flexible and have a good pitching form." Chris: "How do you grip the ball?" Sawamura: "The ball?" Sawamura: "Uh..." Chris: "I see, so you've put absolutely no thought into it. How deep you grip, how it feels on your fingertips," Chris: "and how you place your fingers on the stitches. Because you don't think about holding the ball in a certain way," Chris: "your point of release changes every time. Your inconsistent throwing style creates the moving effect." Sawamura: "But I'm just trying to throw a fastball." Chris: "But that moving ball is the quality that defines you. Furuya throws his fast and heavy fastball" Chris: "by putting his entire weight on the tip of his fingers. By contrast, the subtle inconsistencies at your fingertips" Chris: "cause your pitches to break in ways that a batter can't predict. Maybe it's worked for you in the past, but in high school baseball, we use a metal bat that makes for easier contact, so you'll just be overpowered." Chris: "You don't have speed or breaking balls." Chris: "There's only one way for someone like you to survive on this team. Hone your moving fastball. Once you get the physical strength you need to throw faster," Chris: "your fastballs will be even crazier." Sawamura: "Wait a minute..." Sawamura: "Then all this time..." Sawamura: "he'd been giving me exercises to help me?" Chris: "Your goal is to become the ace, right?" Chris: "Knowing Miyuki..." Chris: "he'll catch any moving fastballs you throw." Sawamura: "B-But... What about you, Chris-senpai?" Chris: "With graduation right around the corner for me," Chris: "this is the best advice I can give you." Chris: "Be patient, and aim for the top. You still have a long road ahead of you." Chris: "And don't forget to ice after you work out." Kataoka: "We have a month until the qualification tournament. With their fatigue peaking," Kataoka: "it's time we start the training camp." Sawamura: "Ten more." Kataoka: "Your form is going wild." Kataoka: "Your body is opening because you're trying to throw fast." Sawamura: "Crap, Shades!" Sawamura: "I mean... Good evening, Sir Head Coach." Kataoka: "What time do you think it is? You'll only hurt yourself by practicing recklessly." Kataoka: "Didn't Chris tell you that the key is building the foundation? True, there have been many pitchers who gave up" Kataoka: "because they couldn't understand what Chris wanted. But his method of prioritizing physical strength, as he learned through bitter experience, is, by no means, wrong. If you can't listen to your catcher any further," Kataoka: "I'll have to split you two apart." Sawamura: "From the moment we met, he communicated with me as a catcher. "Hone your moving fastball." "Be patient."" Sawamura: "But... At this rate," Sawamura: "I won't be able to repay my debt. I don't know what I can do in just a few months, but before he graduates," Sawamura: "I want to show him the fruits of my training." Kataoka: "I have no words for him. He's completely forgotten that there are two open spots in the first-string." Kataoka: "Either way, you shouldn't overwork yourself by throwing recklessly. If you're going to train by yourself, you should do towel drills." Kataoka: "Get this. No matter how strong you throw, you can't throw fast. What's important is your glove hand." Kataoka: "Watch." Kataoka: "It's about how well you transfer all your strength to your fingertips. As a southpaw, you must create a wall with your right arm." Kataoka: "Your right leg supports your body as you shift your weight." Kataoka: "Your right hand creates the wall that stores all that power." Kataoka: "Like shooting an arrow, you hold that pull for as long as you can. With all of your energy being transferred from your lower body," Kataoka: "you swing it down in an instant." Sawamura: "Wow. The wind..." Kataoka: "You try it." Sawamura: "The right-hand wall and the pull with my body." Chris: "Hone your moving fastball." Sawamura: "Make a wall with my right hand, and..." Sawamura: "Swing it down!" Sawamura: "I'm sorry! It was an accident! It wasn't on purpose! The right-hand wall" Sawamura: "and the pull with my body..." Sawamura: "The right-hand wall-pull for short." Guy1: "Heads up!" Sawamura: "Who's sending it this far? I accidentally screamed like a little girl!" uruya: "Oh, sorry. I hit it too hard." Sawamura: "It was you?!" Guy1: "Whoa! Did you see how far that went?" Guy2: "He hits like a monster, too?" Ota: "You really can't see the limit of his talent." Ota: "It would be a waste to keep him on the bench." uruya: "I just really want to throw." Makihara: "He sure hits well for a first-year. Makes me sick." Kuwata: "Yeah, when we're stuck on the second-string despite being the best players on our teams in junior high." Saito: "Not to mention... It doesn't help when all the monsters on this team practice harder than anyone else." Makihara: "Yeah, I don't know what to say. Everyone here is crazy and stupid." Kuwata: "But we don't want to regret being on this team." Saito: "Yeah, even if we can't be on the field, we want to fight it out until the end with these guys." Makihara: "In fact... We can't quit after coming so far!" Kuwata: "We didn't go through three years of strenuous training for nothing!" Saito: "I haven't even had a girlfriend for these past three years!" Both: "You idiot! Don't say that!" Makihara: "Send more flying, you newbie first-years!" Saito: "You'd better work so hard at baseball that you don't have time for a girlfriend!" Kuwata: "And, second-years, you guys aren't being loud enough!" Kanemaru: "Looks like they're suddenly in the mood." Chris: "A pitcher must stand on the mound with everything on his shoulders, including the benched players." Chris: "I would never... want to entrust the three years we spent here to you." Sawamura: "I'm here to become the ace! And I'm confident that I want it more than anyone here!" Sawamura: "Damn it." Sawamura: "I feel ashamed about saying that." Sawamura: "It's not about proving myself." Sawamura: "The one everyone recognizes..." Sawamura: "is the ace." Chris: "Sawamura." Chris: "I'm heading out. Do scroll B today." Chris: "Do three sets of each exercise." Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Sawamura: "Have a nice day!" Chris: "He hasn't pestered me to catch lately..." Sawamura: "Hey, that one felt good!" Chris: "That drill... I don't know if he came up with that," Chris: "but his center is looking more stable." Chris: "Looks like it's the perfect exercise for him right now." Animal: "Hey, Yu. Maybe I shouldn't be saying this, as your parent," Animal: "but how about thinking about the future and quitting high school?" Animal: "Your shoulder is pretty much healed." Animal: "But I really don't want to let you play Japanese high school baseball." Animal: "The Japanese fighting spirit principle is ludicrous. Letting developing pitchers pitch under the sun for so long is just unthinkable in America. I asked the school to let you quit the team, so why did you go back? What are you going to accomplish by finishing school as a second-string player?" Animal: "I've already asked my high school if you could transfer in." Animal: "We can go to America any time you're ready." Sawamura: "That's my tire!" uruya: "It was on the ground." Sawamura: "Well, I didn't give you permission, so give it back! Also, that's my style!" Sawamura: "Oh, were you secretly admiring the way I did it?" uruya: "Yeah." Sawamura: "What?!" Tanba: "Brings back memories." Chris: "Tanba." Tanba: "We wanted to make the team." Tanba: "That was all we wanted." Tanba: "Looking at them reminds me of how we used to be." Tanba: "Chris, can you check my pitching form? My control becomes rough after I pitch seventy times." Chris: "Sure." Chris: "Looks like remaining the ace isn't so easy." Tanba: "How's your shoulder feeling?" Tanba: "It's gotten a lot better, right?" Tanba: "Are you gonna be ready by summer? It's thanks to you noticing my injury" Tanba: "that I can still pitch today. The more games I win, the longer our summer will be." Tanba: "You'd better come back to the first-string." Chris: "I know that, deep inside, you already know. I haven't played for a year, and I finish up practice early." Chris: "Seido isn't forgiving enough to give a guy like me a chance." Chris: "But..." Chris: "You've sure learned to talk when you used to have stage fright." Chris: "I'm more worried that you'll give your ace title over to someone else." Tanba: "Shut up!" Tanba: "I'm not letting anyone take it from me!" Chris: "Yeah, that's the spirit." Animal: "What are you accomplish" Animal: "by finishing school as a second-string player?" Chris: "I'm sure Dad has some sense in his words." Chris: "But..." Chris: "I have friends I've been fighting alongside with." Chris: "I want to graduate laughing with my friends, Dad." uruya: "I didn't know those two could laugh like that." Sawamura: "Yeah... Squeeze the glove hard right here," Sawamura: "and throw like kaboom!" Sawamura: "Squeeze and kaboom! And right-hand wall-pull for short!" Sawamura: "Yes! I finally feel it now!" Chris: "Sawamura." Chris: "We have the pitcher line-up for the next game." Sawamura: "What?" Rei: "This will be your last chance in the second-string," Rei: "so make sure you throw your heart out." Sawamura: "Last?" Sawamura: "Already?" Rei: "We'll pick two people to join the first-string after the game, and we'll train until summer, having the camp focused on those twenty people." Sawamura: "Last..." Chris: "Well, don't feel rushed." Chris: "Lately, you've acknowledged your weakness, and you've been doing well." Chris: "Just try to pitch to learn." Sawamura: "Chris-senpai," Sawamura: "are you not playing in any games? It's only been several days, and I probably haven't improved much, but in the next game," Sawamura: "please catch my pitches. I want" Sawamura: "to form a battery with you!" Guy1: "It sure is big." Guy2: "I wonder if that hard-throwing Furuya is playing today." Zaizen: "So we're playing Seido..." Zaizen: "Looks like he's doing well." Guy1: "Zaizen, here's your bag." Zaizen: "Huh?" Zaizen: "Thanks, can you carry it out?" Guy1: "S-Sure." Umpire: "Both teams, line up!" Crowd1: "They're putting the second-string up against Kokudokan? Coach Kataoka's being pretty bold. It's the last time the second-string team is playing, right?" Crowd2: "Look at all the Seido players. They look fierce while shooting for the remaining spots on the first-string." Umpire: "Bow!" Players: "Let's have a good game!" Crowd1: "But they're bringing him out for this important game?" Crowd1: "Didn't he get clobbered by Komashiro?" Crowd2: "Is he gonna stand a chance against the Kokudokan batters?" Kokudokan1: "What? That's not Furuya." Kokudokan2: "Man, I was looking forward to the battle with the infamous, hard-throwing pitcher." Ono: "Hey, Sawamura." Sawamura: "Yes, Ono-senpai?" Ono: "Uh, yeah." Ono: "They're going to let you throw for three innings. If you throw like you did the last time, I'm having you switched out." Sawamura: "Yeah!" Sawamura: "It's great to be playing with you, sir! I will throw like my life depends on it!" Ono: "It's good that you have energy. Make sure it's not the only thing you have." uruya: "I want to play a game, too..." Kuramochi: "I wonder what comical thing he's going to do today! Depending on how he plays, he's not gonna get a chance for another year." Miyuki: "I wanted to see how Chris-senpai would lead Sawamura," Miyuki: "but I guess his shoulder isn't feeling very well yet." Sawamura: "I want" Sawamura: "to form a battery with you!" Chris: "I'm not the one choosing who plays in the game. In any case," Chris: "you've been given the chance." Chris: "Don't throw in a way you'll regret, Sawamura." Sawamura: "All right! I'll send these balls flying, so the rest is up to you!" Maezono: "Wh-What?" kata: "There's a difference between letting them hit and giving away hits." Umpire: "Play ball!" Ono: "Sawamura only has fastballs. I just gotta collect them low to prevent any long hits." Sawamura: "I don't have speed or breaking balls. Just like Chris-senpai told me, all I can do is throw the best I currently can." Sawamura: "The right-hand wall. Store all my energy for as long as I can," Sawamura: "and release it at once!" Sawamura: "Go!" Sawamura: "I need to show Chris-senpai the fruit of my training." Sawamura: "But I can't throw any strikes! No outs and bases loaded right off the bat?" Miyuki: "There's only one person I know who can get him out of this pinch." Chris: "I have a plan." Chris: "We're gonna change... this pinch into our momentum." Miyuki: "Next time on Ace of the Diamond: Chris to the Field!"

Sawamura: "In the next game," Sawamura: "please catch my pitches. I want" Sawamura: "to form a battery with you!" Sawamura: "I don't have speed or breaking balls. Just like Chris-senpai told me," Sawamrua: "all I can do is throw the best I currently can." Sawamura: "The right-hand wall. Store all my energy for as long as I can," Sawamura: "and release it at once!" Background: "What was that?" Enemy1: "A wild pitch right off the bat!" Enemy2: "Don't be so nervous, first-year!" Enemy1: "Can you see the catcher's mitt?" Enemy2: "Go home! No one wants to play against a second-string loser!" Rei: "That pitching form..." Ono: "What just happened? I couldn't see his throwing arm with his body in the way," Ono: "and then the ball just shot out." Enemy1: "Hey! What's wrong, pitcher?" Enemy2: "What are you so afraid of?" Ono: "He's completely different from the previous game." Sawamura: "Crap... It feels a little different than the towel drill." Sawamura: "I need to get it quickly." Sawamura: "Just like the drill." Sawamura: "That one felt good." Enemy1: "Go home! You suck!" Enemy2: "Come back when you can throw a strike!" Crowd1: "What's going on?" Crowd2: "He's gotta throw strikes to play." Ono: "I'm scared. His throwing speed didn't increase. I just can't see where he's throwing from, so I don't know where to catch it." Rei: "That boy... When did he learn to throw like that?" Rei: "By creating a wall with his right hand, he's keeping his body closed." Rei: "By doing so, his left arm comes out much later than normal." Rei: "How can he throw in such a tight form?" Rei: "It wouldn't be possible without his flexible shoulders." Chris: "Well, I told him to hone his moving fastball," Chris: "but it's only been a week since then." Chris: "In just one week... He's about to attain an amazing weapon." Umpire: "Ball four!" Crowd1: "Wow! 4-0 to the first batter!" Sawamura: "Oh, no! What have I done? It was in the book that walking the lead-off batter is bad!" Miyuki: "From the catcher's point of view, I don't think there's any pitcher as difficult but attractive." Miyuki: "Drawing out his true potential is really up to us catchers." Sawamura: "I want" Sawamura: "to form a battery with you!" Ono: "Damn it. What the hell is he throwing? Can I really catch his pitches?" Umpire: "Ball." Crowd1: "He's really no good. It's not even about being too tense." Crowd2: "Does he plan to abandon the game right in front of us?" Sawamura: "Damn it. I almost have it." Maezono: "Hey, get it together!" Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Maezono: "Well, it's good that you're energetic." kata: "I really don't get him..." Sawamura: "Don't rush." Sawamura: "I gotta do the best pitching I can." Chris: "Don't throw in a way you'll regret, Sawamura." Sawamura: "Stronger!" Sawamura: "Faster!" Enemy1: "Where's his arm?" Enemy2: "Hey, what are you doing, Sasaki?" Enemy3: "You should've dodged that one!" Enemy1: "Shut up!" Enemy1: "I would've dodged it if I could." Sawamura: "I'm sorry!" Enemy1: "His pitch looks completely different from the batter's box." Crowd1: "Oh, man." Crowd2: "He walked the first, and then hit the second guy!" Crowd1: "It's about time they switched him out." Haruichi: "He's definitely being more offensive than the last game," Haruichi: "but it wouldn't be a surprise if he got called off the mound." Rei: "What should we do, Coach? His speed has definitely increased, but it may be too soon for his new style to be used in a game. He hasn't gotten any results, but he's definitely shown us his potential for the future." Chris: "He... He's thinking on his own" Chris: "and is trying to grasp something in this game." Chris: "Please let him pitch a little more." Rei: "Chris-kun." Kataoka: "Is this just the beginning?" Kataoka: "Is this the limit of his talent? From a small hint, he figured out his own way," Kataoka: "and his talent blossomed. I've seen many players who've done so in the past." Kataoka: "For the past two months, he's pulled tires running every day." Kataoka: "He has a tough heart and never gave up to pursue his goal." Kataoka: "Those who improve do so in an instant. Chris, you've been catching his pitches this past month." Kataoka: "Can you help him make the most of his strength?" Ota: "What are you saying, Coach Kataoka? He hasn't played for a year due to his shoulder injury, and what about the others who've worked much harder?" Kataoka: "True, I asked him to stay with us as a manager," Kataoka: "but he's never given up his desire to play on the field again." Kataoka: "Even if that meant he would be treated as an outcast." Kataoka: "This is the last chance I can give you." Kataoka: "It's up to you to play or not." Kataoka: "But you know, he's waiting for you." Sawamura: "Before he graduates," Sawamura: "I want to show him the fruits of my training." Umpire: "Ball four!" Crowd1: "No outs and bases loaded?" Crowd2: "What's that pitcher doing? He hasn't thrown a single strike!" Crowd3: "We're here to root for a strong Seido team! This isn't what we want to see!" Crowd1: "Get off the mound!" Crowd2: "Yeah! Get off!" Crowds: "Get off the mound! Get off the mound!" Makihara: "Put on your guards." Makihara: "The coach just gave you a chance." Makihara: "Or are you feeling sorry for us? If you are, we'll jump you. I don't know what the first and second-years think of you, but we know how hard you've been working." Makihara: "Whenever we were in a slump, you even gave us advice." Makihara: "You're also part of this team." Makihara: "So go out there with your head held high!" Saito: "Yeah, go out there, man." Kuwata: "Show the ignorant first-years what you can do." Chris: "Guys..." Crowds: "Get off the mound! Get off the mound!" kata: "Wow! They're mad." Maezono: "I warned you! This is what happens when you play so poorly!" kata: "Well, we can't have a game if you can't get strikes." Ono: "This may make me a failure as your battery mate," Ono: "but I don't know how to lead you." Sawamura: "I'll definitely get us out of this." Maezono: "What? Just how are you gonna do that when you can't throw strikes?" Kataoka: "Calling for a change in players." Sawamura: "Me?" Maezono: "Of course it's you." Kataoka: "Switching out the catcher, Ono..." Kataoka: "for Takigawa." Sawamura: "Chris-senpai!" Kanemaru: "What? What's he doing in a game?" Hosoyamada: "I thought he was just a manager all this time." Maezono: "Is the coach serious?" kata: "Why is he sending in a guy who hasn't played for a year?" Aiba: "It's the pitcher who needs to be switched." Sawamura: "Chris-senpai!" Ono: "I'm sorry, Chris-senpai." Ono: "His pitching is just wild. It's too much for me to—" Chris: "I know." Chris: "Good job not letting the ball go past you." Chris: "It's thanks to you that we haven't given up any runs yet, Ono." Chris: "Leave the rest to me." Ono: "Yes, sir! It'll be an honor to learn from you." Ono: "Thank you!" Maezono: "What's the coach saying? I'm sorry to say this, but I don't think this switch was meaningful." Chris: "Yes, we're still in a bind." Chris: "But we can also change this pinch into our momentum. With no outs, bases loaded, and a pitcher who can't throw strikes, the opposing team is feeling relaxed, thinking they'll score a few runs here." Chris: "But what if we make it through without giving up a run? No more pinch, and we can deal them a mental blow by giving them a run for their money." Maezono: "B-But how? We can't do anything if he doesn't throw a strike!" Chris: "I have a plan. Come around closer and hide your mouths with your gloves." Crowd1: "What are they doing calling the outfielders over, too?" Crowd2: "It's still the first inning, so just play the infield halfway and concede a run." Enemy1: "Hurry up. There's no point doing anything unless they switch out that pitcher." Aso: "Are you serious?" Chris: "I understand it's a very risky play. But we need everyone's cooperation to prevent giving up any runs." Maezono: "This person is crazy to have come up with this." kata: "This is going to put a lot of stress on the fielders." Haruichi: "But it sounds like fun." Chris: "It's up to you." Chris: "Can you do it, Sawamura?" Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Chris: "At least you have energy." Crowd1: "They're playing the infield in." Crowd2: "They're bringing everyone in for this play?" Crowd3: "Is it to prevent a squeeze play?" Crowd1: "Look! The outfield is right behind the infield." Crowd2: "I see the logic against a walk-off run, but if the ball goes past the outfield, it's a three-run hit!" Crowd3: "This infield shift is way too risky here." Ota: "Coach, this shift... It's the top of the first inning! Shouldn't we give up a run and aim for a double play?" Kataoka: "I don't care. I left Chris in charge." Rei: "It looks reckless at first, but it's a logical strategy." Rei: "This is how Chris-kun decided to make full use of Sawamura-kun's strength." Enemy1: "Are they making fun of me? I'm a cleanup, and they're not expecting a long shot?" Enemy1: "Go ahead and throw a light pitch. I'll hit it way over your heads!" Chris: "For your first pitch..." Chris: "We're up against a strong power hitter." Chris: "So throw with your new form." Chris: "Don't hesitate." Chris: "Just believe in yourself and swing that arm down. No matter what you throw," Chris: "I'll catch it." Enemy1: "What the..." Enemy1: "It's faster than I thought." Crowd1: "He tapped it! And the runner?" Crowd1: "He can't move." Crowd2: "That catcher knows how to play." Crowd3: "He tapped it forward, too!" Chris: "What a pitch... I can't see where it's coming from, and it moves around much more." Chris: "But we showed him how the ball moves, and that's what counts. For the second pitch, don't throw your wild pitch with your new form." Chris: "Throw a fastball right down the middle. The head-to-head battle of strength you love." Chris: "Don't worry. That's also a fine weapon you have." Chris: "Then, just leave the rest to the fielders." Enemy1: "Down the middle?" Enemy1: "Are you kidding me?" Crowd1: "He only tipped it!" Umpire: "Out!" Crowd1: "A force-out at the plate!" Crowd2: "No one's covering first base!" Enemy1: "What? The right fielder's covering first base?" Enemy2: "Are you kidding?" Enemy3: "A 4-2-9 double play at the plate?" Crowd1: "Is this what they were going for?" Crowd2: "No outs and bases loaded turned into two outs with runners on second and third!" Crowd3: "Who is that catcher?" Kadota: "Hey, Chris is playing in the second-string's game!" Tanba: "What?" Isashiki: "Seriously? Wait, is his shoulder okay?" Kuramochi: "If he's back, your spot in the first-string might be..." Kuramochi: "Where's Miyuki?" uruya: "He already left." uruya: "Before anyone else, in fact." Crowd1: "That play was awesome." Crowd2: "I've never seen anything like it." Crowd3: "That small second baseman's pretty good, too!" Enemy1: "They gained momentum with just one play." Enemy2: "Damn, it was a ball down the middle." Enemy2: "I got too tense." Enemy1: "Listen up, guys. We can still score from here. Don't swing at balls," Enemy1: "and only swing at easy strikes!" Enemy3: "Yeah, his pitches are wild." Enemy3: "The catcher might drop the ball behind him." Enemy3: "I'm gonna run if I get the chance." Ota: "Could it be that Chris was aiming for this from the start? Well, he got lucky there, but what if the ball had gone over?" Kataoka: "By provoking the batter with a super close-up shift, he strained the batter, and then planted Sawamura's new pitching trajectory." Kataoka: "Then the moving fastball down the middle." Kataoka: "Chris set layers of trap down." Kataoka: "And the fielders responded with their best plays." Kataoka: "It was, by no means, pure luck." Umpire: "Out!" Crowd1: "Wow!" Crowd2: "A fast throw to the runner who was too focused on scoring!" Crowd1: "He got out of that devastating situation with just three pitches!" Crowd2: "The game's turned around since he came in." Sawamura: "Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Chris-senpai, your shoulder's fine! In fact, I didn't do a thing!" Haruichi: "Did he really injure his shoulder?" Maezono: "Who is he?" Maezono: "Is this really his first time playing in a year?" Haruno: "Wow... Why is he in the second-string?" Miyuki: "This is how you need to be, Chris-senpai!" Ryosuke: "What's this? Not going to see the game, Miya-chan?" Miyauchi: "Not interested in a second-string game." Ryosuke: "You don't need another catcher fighting for first-string, huh?" Miyauchi: "Don't read my thoughts." Rysouke: "A shadow that chases after you at full speed..." Ryosuke: "I know, first-hand, how scary that is." Crowd1: "It's through!" Crowd2: "A hit to the center field!" Crowd1: "He got the first hit right after that hell of an inning." Crowd2: "That lead-off batter knows what's up." Rei: "Wouldn't expect any less." Sawamura: "Nice batting! Your'e awesome, Harucchi!" Haruichi: "Harucchi?" Sawamura: "The last fielding, too! You're actually pretty amazing!" Chris: "Why are you just cheering?" Chris: "Get in the bullpen right now. Your new form isn't complete yet." Sawamura: "Yes, sir! I can't throw any strikes!" Miyuki: "What you gain in practice isn't at all like what you gain in games." Miyuki: "Make sure you learn well, Sawamura." Sawamura: "It's a bit awkward with him..." Sawamura: "I'm..." Sawamura: "I'm in the middle of a game, so..." Miyuki: "Don't run away!" Chris: "Miyuki, you should join us at the bullpen." Chris: "As the primary catcher, you should take a look at his pitch." Chris: "You'll get to see something interesting." Sawamura: "All right!" Sawamura: "With Chris-senpai and me forming an awesome battery, Seido's in the lead!" Miyuki: "Stay on your toes, Sawamura!" Miyuki: "You never know what will happen in the future." Zaizen: "You're pathetic. What are you all doing against a first-year pitcher? Fine, I'll go out of my way to let you know." Zaizen: "Seido has a weakness." Sawamura: "Who is he? Next time on Ace of the Diamond: Target. Let's win the national title!"

Kataoka: "Calling for a change in players." Kataoka: "Switching out the catcher, Ono..." Kataoka: "for Takigawa." Sawamura: "Chris-senpai!" Umpire: "Out!" Enemy2: "Are you kidding?" Enemy3: "A force-out at the plate?" Crowd1: "Is this what they were going for?" Crowd2: "No outs and bases loaded turned into two outs with runners on second and third!" Crowd3: "Who is that catcher?" Miyuki: "This is how you need to be, Chris-senpai!" Chris: "Miyuki, you should join us at the bullpen." Chris: "As the primary catcher, you should take a look at his pitch." Chris: "You'll get to see something interesting." Enemy1: "First base!" Crowd1: "A calm sacrifice bunt!" Crowd2: "Runner's on second now!" Crowd1: "Aggressive when they need to be, and careful when they need to be." Crowd2: "That's right! This is Seido baseball!" Chris: "Sawamura. In your new form, what do you think about when you throw? Or even what you feel. Tell me anything." Sawamura: "What do I think? I guess the right-hand wall?" Sawamura: "But I didn't know how to build the wall, so..." Sawamura: "I've been clenching my glove like this when I throw." Sawamura: "When I tried it, it somehow worked." Chris: "I see." Miyuki: "The right-hand wall?" Chris: "Makes sense. By being conscious of your right hand, you're able to keep your body closed and increase your ball speed. However, you're too focused on the wall, and your right foot is turned in. If your body grows accustomed to it, you might start throwing strikes that way, but it won't give you any ball control today. While still focusing on the right-hand wall, try to lunge with your right foot pointed straight to the plate." Chris: "We're short on time. Throw as many as you can." Sawamura: "Right foot pointed to the plate..." Chris: "Watch closely, Miyuki." Sawamura: "I'm getting really nervous with these two watching." Sawamura: "The right-hand wall..." Sawamura: "Right foot pointed to the plate." Miyuki: "The left arm is so late!" Miyuki: "This..." Sawamura: "It's in!" Chris: "No, it's just barely out." Animal: "What? A game?" Animal: "Are you crazy? Also, I'm filming right now!" Chris: "I probably won't be able to play." Chris: "But tomorrow is the last second-string game." Chris: "Can you come watch, Dad?" Animal: "That's quite a gallery for a second-string game. Despite the cultural differences between Japan and America, there seem to be the same baseball enthusiasts everywhere." Animal: "Not to mention, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the Japanese fans." Crowd1: "One out and runners on first and second." Crowd2: "They scored first with a sacrifice fly and a hit, but he's put himself in another pinch." Crowd2: "He's still pretty inconsistent." Umpire: "Ball!" Maezono: "Sawamura!" Chris: "His first impression was really bad." Chris: "The umpire's making every close call a ball." Enemy1: "Yeah, keep it up! Don't swing at balls! Only at the easy strikes!" Enemy2: "Man, I can't figure out the timing for his pitch..." Maezono: "All right!" Chris: "First base!" Umpire: "Out!" Sawamura: "All right! Two outs!" Maezono: "You idiot! There are still two runners on base! Don't lose focus!" Sawamura: "Sir!" Enemy1: "I thought it was an easy pitch..." Enemy1: "Did the ball move?" Haruichi: "No matter what anyone says, he still hasn't given up a decent hit." Animal: "Oh, my god! Is that crazy boy starting?" Animal: "Didn't expect him to throw a moving fastball. That's so uncommon in Japan." Crowd1: "It's Animal!" Crowd2: "It's the comedian Animal!" Crowd3: "What's a famous comedian doing here?" Crowd4: "Also, he's huge!" Animal: "Who's a comedian? I'm a baseball player!" Animal: "Yu! Why are you playing? I had a bad feeling. This school is trying to destroy you!" Chris: "Thanks for coming." Chris: "Dad." Animal: "Hey, Yu!" Chris: "We're just getting started here! Let's stay focused!" Animal: "Yu..." Animal: "Why are you..." Sawamura: "Chris-senpai, I didn't know you could be so loud! Your voice cracked a little, though." Chris: "Shut it. Just focus on throwing at my mitt." Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Sawamura: "I have reliable teammates behind me. I just have to throw my best pitch" Sawamura: "at Chris-senpai's mitt!" Enemy1: "What? I swung late? The pitch wasn't even fast!" Crowd1: "No way! Is that catcher going for the fly?" Animal: "Yu! Don't be reckless!" Chris: "Dad, I'm sorry for breaking our promise" Chris: "even though it's just a practice game in the second-string. I may not have been able to play, but I wanted you to watch this game." Chris: "Because this..." Chris: "is my last official game." Animal: "No!" Crowds: "Is he okay?" Crowd1: "He... He got it!" Crowd2: "He jumped right into the fence!" Crowd3: "Is he not afraid of getting hurt?" Sawamura: "A-Are you okay, Chris-senpai?" Chris: "No need to worry." Chris: "I'm not as fragile as you think I am." Isashiki: "Man, way to make us worried. Way too close a play for a guy just out of rehab." Miyuki: "He hasn't changed. He'll do anything for even just a single out, and he guides the team to victory." Miyuki: "That..." Miyuki: "is how Chris-senpai plays." Trainer: "Hey! Hey, Animal. You've gotta stop! You have another game tomorrow!" Animal: "It's my life! Leave me alone! If I don't swing," Animal: "I can't sleep!" Sawamura: "All right, let's score! Gonna swing with my heart on the bat!" Haruichi: "Eijun-kun, you gotta relax." Haruichi: "You can't swing well if you're so stiff." Crowd1: "It's through! To left field!" Crowd2: "That was an amazing hit!" Sawamura: "You got on base, so I could bring you home, Chris-senpai!" Haruichi: "Probably not." Isashiki: "Well, look at that. He still hits as well as he used to." Tanba: "Two slots open in the first-string." Tanba: "Get yourself up here, Chris." Kuramochi: "Sawamura just did a bunt!" Masuko: "Completely killing the speed of the pitch, too." Kuramochi: "Chris-senpai is easily safe at second." Makihara: "Nice bunt!" Saito: "Nice bunt!" Kuramochi: "Nice bunt, Sawamura! Though it was probably just luck." Miyuki: "I'm surprised he remembered the signs." Sawamura: "Damn it. What does everyone think I am? I wanted to hit a big one and bring Chris-senpai home." Haruichi: "For some reason, he's an amazing bunter." Crowd1: "One out, runner on second." Crowd2: "And they're back to the top of the line-up." Crowd1: "Can they open up the lead right here?" Crowd2: "Might turn out to be the early-game climax." Sawamura: "Harucchi! You gotta relax! You can't swing well if you're so stiff!" Haruichi: "Um... That's what I told you... But the Eijun-kun and Chris-senpai battery" Haruichi: "created this chance." Haruichi: "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." Ota: "He's at .530 so far." Ota: "How will he do playing the lead-off man for the first time today?" Rei: "His stats easily meet the requirements to be in the first-string." Rei: "Now, to test if he has what it takes to make full use of this opportunity." Haruichi: "The outfield is rather close." Haruichi: "Do they think I can't hit long?" Umpire: "Foul!" Crowd1: "Did you see him swing with that tiny body?" Crowd2: "H-He can hit pretty far!" Enemy1: "I was trying to scare him, but he hit that high inside pitch pretty far." Haruichi: "That didn't go as far as I thought." Enemy1: "You little..." Enemy2: "Oh, crap! Shouldn't we go a little further out?" Enemy3: "We're only a little bit into the game, so we should watch out for big ones." Enemy1: "A slider to the outside." Enemy1: "Right field! Home!" Enemy1: "You idiot! Who told you to back up?" Chris: "He's a little devil." Umpire: "Safe!" Chris: "He controls the bat at his will. He's a batting prodigy. In terms of talent," Chris: "he may excel his brother." Sawamura: "All right, our third run! My bunt played such a huge role!" Sawamura: "This is a run we scored with the three of us! Right? My bunt was awesome." Chris: "Is it really that important to you?" Chris: "We don't have time to rejoice." Chris: "Hurry up and get in the bullpen." Chris: "This will be our final inning together." Chris: "Throw me your best pitch." Sawamura: "What are you talking about? We've only just started as a battery! Let's all get to the first-string together! You, Harucchi, and me!" Chris: "There are only two spots open." Chris: "I guess he's completely forgotten." Chris: "Enough with your stupid laugh. Let's go." Sawamura: "Yes, sir." Chris: "But I think I owe a lot to his optimism." Animal: "Hey, Yu! Wait just a minute!" Chris: "Dad..." Animal: "Don't rush. Go slowly." Animal: "That's right..." Animal: "That's how it is." Trainer: "That's enough! You gotta stop!" Animal: "Only the player himself knows how he feels. In an unfamiliar environment and culture," Animal: "I used to just swing the bat all the time." Animal: "So that I could prove myself in this foreign land." Animal: "Good..." Animal: "...luck. Good luck," Animal: "Yu..." Animal: "Just do whatever you won't regret." Animal: "Good luck." Chris: "Thanks..." Chris: "Dad." Maezono: "Why? I was trying to hit it out of the park!" Sawamura: "Maezono-senpai, you gotta relax! You can't swing well if you're so stiff—" Maezono: "Shut it!" Ota: "He swings wide and lacks in consistency, but his power is of definite value." Ota: "Kominato has all-around prowess." Ota: "Sawamura, with his moving fastballs, is intriguing, too." Ota: "And there's Chris. Plus there are other second and third-years who could be moved up to the first-string." Ota: "But just two people..." Ota: "Who is he going to pick?" Sawamura: "All right! Let's send more balls flying! I'm counting on you, guys!" Maezono: "Stupid! Say that after you throw more strikes!" Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Enemy1: "You're getting shut down by a mere first-year pitcher? Pathetic. You won't get to the nationals again like this." Enemy2: "Zaizen." Enemy1: "Did I say that out loud? Hey," Enemy1: "I'll let you guys in on a little secret." Umpire: "Ball!" Umpire: "Safe!" Sawamura: "I'm getting tired of your stupid bunts!" Chris: "The second guy in a row doing bunts..." Chris: "Are they trying to mess up Sawamura?" Maezono: "Stop being so distracted! You let the first batter walk again!" Haruichi: "Eijun-kun, calm down! Just let them bunt. We'll get outs one at a time." Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Haruichi: "Um, I'm not your upperclassman." Enemy1: "That's right. Mess him up. Show no mercy." Kuramochi: "That idiot... He's completely lost his rhythm." Umpire: "Strike!" Umpire: "Safe!" Enemy1: "That was close." Enemy2: "But this is working right, Zaizen?" Sawamura: "A third-strike bunt?" Chris: "Focus! Just swing your arm!" Enemy1: "Damn, he messed up." Enemy2: "What a waste." Sawamura: "All right! One out!" Chris: "That's right." Chris: "That's how you should throw." Enemy1: "Sorry." Enemy2: "That was plenty. You made him throw quite a bit." Enemy2: "We're not putting pressure on the pitcher." Enemy2: "We're doing it on the catcher. He was like a monster in junior high," Enemy2: "but that guy broke his shoulder once. Just make him throw more, and he'll fall apart eventually." Sawamura: "Bunts again?" Enemy1: "Go!" Isashiki: "A steal! No one saw it coming!" Chris: "Can I make it?" Umpire: "Safe!" Crowd1: "What happened? Did his finger get caught?" Crowd2: "That catcher made a bad throw?" Enemy1: "What was that? He used to throw like a sniper, but not anymore!" Enemy1: "I knew it. He's not fully healed." Enemy1: "Keep stealing! Steal all you want!" Sawamura: "His shoulder's still..." Sawamura: "Chris-senpai!" Chris: "Don't worry. I'm fine." Animal: "Yu..." Chris: "One out! Outfield! Throw straight to home!" Chris: "Infield! One out at a time!" Infield: "Yes, sir!" Chris: "Don't worry about the runner! Just give me your best pitch, Sawamura!" Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Sawamura: "Bunt all you want!" Sawamura: "I'm only looking at Chris-senpai's mitt." Sawamura: "I'll get it!" Chris: "I got it!" Chris: "I can make it to third!" Animal: "You won't make it!" Umpire: "Safe!" Crowd1: "A fielder's choice to third!" Crowd2: "Both first and third bases were safe!" Crowd1: "His control's suddenly going haywire!" Sawamura: "Ch..." Sawamura: "Chris-senpai..." Enemy1: "In just two-and-a-half years of high school baseball," Enemy1: "a year of time off is a huge deal." Enemy1: "Your time's already over. As your rival from the senior league days," Enemy1: "I think it's my duty to finish you off." Enemy1: "Eh, Chris?" Chris: "Z-Zaizen..." Crowd1: "One out and runners on first and third..." Crowd2: "That catcher's mess-up was huge." Ono: "They're going to let you throw for three innings." Chris: "Don't throw in a way you'll regret, Sawamura." Sawamura: "Damn it..." Sawamura: "What am I doing? It's been my dream to form a battery with Chris-senpai," Sawamura: "but I'm giving him trouble with my own failures." Sawamura: "I..." Sawamura: "haven't done..." Sawamura: "anything for Chris-senpai yet!" Chris: "Naoyuki Zaizen. I see. So you guys were going after me." Zaizen: "I'm so irritated. That first-year with sparkles in his eyes, and how much faith you have in him pisses me off!" Sawamura: "I want to keep pitching with Chris-senpai even after today! I'm going to win this game, no matter what, and..."

Wakana: "Eijun's in Tokyo?" Eijun: "I hate to admit it, but the mound feels really good on my feet." Eijun: "It fits better in my hand than the rubber balls." Miyuki: "You should be warmed up now. Let's get started." Azuma: "Your pitching's a joke. You sure talked big, but it's average, at best." Azuma: "I'll send it flying out of the park!" Miyuki: "He's still in junior high." Miyuki: "Maybe go a little easy on him?" Azuma: "In your dreams! I always swing with everything I have! Doesn't matter if he's in junior high." Miyuki: "I really like that about you, Azuma." Azuma: "Shut it!" Azuma: "You look way too serious, kid!" Azuma: "Just throw it!" Miyuki: "He looks really stiff." Miyuki: "He won't be able to pitch with even half his strength." Miyuki: "Let's try to loosen you up." Azuma: "You're so scared that your arm's not swinging through!" Azuma: "If you're so afraid to pitch, just say so!" Miyuki: "That's not it." Miyuki: "He changed his aim the moment he let go." Miyuki: "You threw that one into the ground on purpose." Miyuki: "Why?" Eijun: "I felt like he would've hit if I threw there." Miyuki: "Interesting. Let me get this straight. You'd rather throw a ball than have him hit it?" Eijun: "You got a problem?" Miyuki: "You're absolutely right!" Miyuki: "You see, that was actually Azuma's favorite location. You were so stiff, so I thought you'd loosen up if you got obliterated once." Miyuki: "If you had thrown there, he definitely would've hit it." Miyuki: "I like you, kid. Let's slay that monster together from here on out." Eijun: "Together? Yeah, right! I bet you're on his side!" Miyuki: "Learn to accept the good will of others." Eijun: "Shut up! Don't touch me!" Miyuki: "Anyway, what can you throw?" Eijun: "I pitch fastballs for life!" Miyuki: "Serious?" Miyuki: "This is great! I'm even more motivated now!" Eijun: "Damn it! You're making fun of me!" Miyuki: "Just leave it all to me. I know his batting habits well." Eijun: "It's got nothing to do with you! This is between me and him!" Miyuki: "What? Is that how you see it?" Miyuki: "Then... Do you plan to play baseball by yourself?" Eijun: "You can't play baseball by yourself!" Miyuki: "I don't know what kind of baseball you've been playing, but the best pitches are works of art produced by the pitcher and the catcher working as one." Eijun: "Works of art?" Miyuki: "I'll draw out your full potential. You just need to trust my mitt and throw your best pitches." Miyuki: "It's that simple. We'll be great partners." Miyuki: "Let's get cracking, partner." Eijun: "Partner?" Eijun: "O-Okay." Miyuki: "Thanks for waiting." Azuma: "That took forever! I was falling asleep!" Eijun: "The best pitches..." Eijun: "are works of art." Eijun: "Wait! We just met today, and he's already calling me "partner"? I accidentally answered, too." Miyuki: "Now then, let's get this monster-slaying started." Eijun: "Works of art, huh..." Eijun: "I've never thought of it like that." Rei: "His shoulders loosened." Miyuki: "Now, bring it here." Miyuki: "That's a strike... right?" Miyuki: "Nice pitch! Batter couldn't even move!" Azuma: "You stupid? I'm just making sure he can throw a strike!" Eijun: "That sound of the ball hitting the mitt..." Eijun: "I'm throwing well today." Miyuki: "We can work on his speed in the future, but it's a pretty good pitch with little deceleration." Miyuki: "Okay, give me one here." Eijun: "Wait! There?" Azuma: "The same pitch?" Teammate1: "Whoa! That was close." Azuma: "Damn." Eijun: "Wow! He swings fast. I've never seen someone hit such a strong ball into right field." Eijun: "But the catcher... He made it look like it was the same pitch, but he was sitting a little off to the side." Miyuki: "Nice control." Miyuki: "That pitch was only going to be hit foul, at best." Miyuki: "Watch closely. He underestimates you, so he won't hesitate to hit pitches that might be balls. We don't need to pitch him anything in the strike zone." Azuma: "Your control sucks. How do you expect me to hit pitches like that?" Miyuki: "Keep it up, Azuma. Lose your cool." Miyuki: "But something's odd about his pitches." Miyuki: "Is it getting faster the more he throws?" Miyuki: "No, rather..." Miyuki: "It's decelerating less." Rei: "His pitches are a bit peculiar." Miyuki: "I see." Miyuki: "His shoulder's flexible, and his arm is supple like a whip. His flexible wrist allows him to put a lot of spin on the ball at the point of release." Miyuki: "That was a ball." Miyuki: "Fastballs for life? Yeah, right. I'm sure he doesn't realize it," Miyuki: "but his pitch moves at the plate." Rei: "Looks like he's finally showing his true colors. A natural breaking pitch that changes its course at random." Rei: "He was probably unconsciously restricting his own strength in the team back home." Rei: "But that last pitch in his last junior high baseball game..." Rei: "He threw that pitch with all his talent." Rei: "It's no wonder the catcher couldn't catch it." Rei: "What's more, there's only one person who's really confused about his pitching." Rei: "And that's Sawamura himself." Eijun: "It's like I'm in the zone today!" Miyuki: "Hey, put those sparkles in your eyes away. Do you know how hard it is to catch a ball when I have no idea where it's going?" Miyuki: "Though... I guess that's what my job is." Miyuki: "Just clear your head... and give me your best shot." Miyuki: "I'll catch it with everything I have." Eijun: "Right down the middle." Eijun: "What is this feeling?" Eijun: "I can hear my heart beating loud and clear." Eijun: "Oh, man..." Eijun: "I know I can throw my best pitch here. I just gotta trust his mitt," Eijun: "and it'll be the best ever." Eijun: "The best pitch I've ever..." Eijun: "ever thrown!" Azuma: "I'll hit it outta the park, you stupid kid!" Miyuki: "Nice pitch." Eijun: "This moment..." Eijun: "I think I opened the doors to a new world." Dad: "What happened to Eijun?" Dad: "He's been spacing out since he got back from Tokyo." Rei: "I think you did Azuma a good favor today." Rei: "I wanted him to be less complacent before he went pro." Rei: "There are many strong schools in Tokyo, and it's a hard-fought tournament every year." Rei: "There's no guarantee that you'll do well no matter how hard you train." Rei: "Despite that fact, if you want to give it a try at our school, give me a call." Rei: "The decision is all yours." Eijun: "So he was an amazing person." Eijun: "He's in a magazine even though he's only a year older than me." Miyuki: "Nice pitch." Eijun: "If I played baseball with him, how would I grow?" Eijun: "Stop! What are you thinking?" Eijun: "Leave this town and go to Tokyo?" Eijun: "That's impossible. I'm the one responsible for dragging them into baseball because I wanted to do something with everyone before we graduated. Some of them didn't even like sports," Eijun: "but nobody gave up or quit." Eijun: "I can't betray them now." Eijun: "There's no way I can." Background: "Hey. Morning!" Eijun: "Damn. I couldn't sleep at all last night." Yuichi: "Oh, Ei-chan!" bu: "Congrats!" Yuichi: "You got an offer from Seidou High, right?" Akio: "That's so amazing." Eijun: "How do you know?" Akio: "Your grandpa came to my place and told me." bu: "He came to my place, too!" Koichi: "Mine, too." Eijun: "Eitoku!" Eijun: "I never said I was actually going to Seidou!" Koichi: "What? Why?" Eijun: ""Why"? I'm gonna go to Tokyo just to play baseball?" Yuichi: "Are you crazy? It's the Seidou." bu: "You have to challenge yourself!" Akio: "I'm sure you'll do fine." Eijun: "B-But I..." Wakana: "More importantly..." Wakana: "You're all brawn and no brains, so I don't think you have a choice." Eijun: "Shut up! If I really try, I'll pass the exam! No problem!" Wakana: "Don't stress yourself studying." Wakana: "Your grandpa told me that..." Wakana: "since you've been back, you've been acting weird." Wakana: "That you were probably moved by the baseball you experienced in Tokyo." Yuichi: "We've found your weakness, Ei-chan." Yuichi: "You're a pitcher, but you can't hide your emotions." bu: "Don't worry! We'll be cheering for you, no matter where you go!" Akio: "Yeah! You're representing us when you go to Tokyo!" Yuichi: "Congrats, Ei-chan!" Eijun: "You're wrong... What are you all saying?" Eijun: "I want to play baseball with..." Eijun: "I..." Mom: "Hello?" Gramps: "Eijun!" Gramps: "How long are you gonna keep that face? It's time you—" Eijun: "Gramps." Eijun: "You told everyone about the offer from Tokyo." Gramps: "Oh, I got carried away." Eijun: "I couldn't tell them..." Eijun: "because they looked so happy. I wanted to scream so many times" Eijun: "that I was going to play baseball here with them." Eijun: "But I couldn't say anything." Eijun: "What's wrong with me?" Eijun: "Honestly, I still can't make up my mind." Eijun: "It made me want to test my strength for the first time in my life." Eijun: "But... they're all my dearest teammates." Eijun: "I'm so lost!" Eijun: "I should've never gone to Tokyo in the first place!" Gramps: "Eijun." Gramps: "Get off your high horse! What's with that look when all your friends are wishing you luck on your new journey? Did you think they'd cry and try to stop you? Or are you saying that your friendships won't last if you're not in the same place?" Dad: "Hey, Eijun." Dad: "I bet you're just scared to go to Tokyo alone." Eijun: "A-Are you crazy, Dad?" Eijun: "I'm not scared!" Dad: "Then why don't you go?" Dad: "Don't you want to test your abilities?" Dad: "True, Seidou's not a normal high school." Dad: "Almost everyone there probably batted fourth and was the ace at their junior high." Dad: "You're gonna go to a place like that by yourself. I'd be scared, too. But if you don't follow your heart, you're gonna regret it forever." Dad: "If you fail, just come back home." Dad: "Even if that happens, we won't let anyone laugh at you." Mom: "Dear, you're thinking back to the time you went to Tokyo to be a rock star, aren't you?" Gramps: "Ah, yes! You left for Tokyo saying you'd never be back, but you came back in three months! You were crying, too. Saying that Tokyo was a scary place." Dad: "Shut up!" Dad: "I don't regret doing it! Why do you think I inherited the farm business?" Gramps: "Your hairdo makes it look like you haven't given up!" Dad: "This is just a policy I live by!" Eijun: "I'm so pathetic." Eijun: "Dad's right." Eijun: "I was..." Gramps: "Damn it, you knuckleheaded son!" Dad: "Shut it!" Eijun: "I'm gonna go." Eijun: "I need to tell everyone how I really feel." Eijun: "I'm leaving now." Gramps: "Wait!" Mom: "It's already late today. Why don't you go tomorrow?" Eijun: "No." Eijun: "I need to go now. I can't have everyone thinking I'm still wishy-washy." Eijun: "All right! Here I come, guys!" Dad: "That idiot..." Dad: "If he's visiting everyone's houses, he's not gonna finish till way into the night." Gramps: "I wonder who he takes after. He's a little too straightforward." Gramps: "But now we'll have some peace at home." Yuichi: "I was so surprised when he showed up." bu: "Seriously." Yuichi: "He came to my house in the middle of the night and asked me to slap him." bu: "It's already been six months since then." Yuya: ""Inject all your power into me." Only you, Ei-chan." Eijun: "Shut up! It's a family tradition." Mom: "Thank you for looking after my son." Rei: "Of course." Gramps: "If you feel like you're about to fail, give me a call. I'll send you my power." Sano: "Hurry up and go, you stupid kid!" Wakana: "At least email me... or something." Yuichi: "Ei-chan, this is from us." Eijun: "Thanks!" Akio: "Good luck, Ei-chan!" Others: "Ei-chan, good luck!" bu: "Good lu—" Yuichi: "Y-You idiot, stop crying." bu: "Huh?" Yuichi: "You're making it hard for Ei-chan to say goodbye." bu: "I'm sorry. But I didn't have strong shoulders, and I couldn't catch some pitches," bu: "so I thought I was just holding you back." Eijun: "Nobu..." Yuya: "You idiot. At first, I was running straight to third base after I hit, and he had his batting hands mixed up." bu: "But you never made a face at us ever." bu: "When I made a really bad error, you cheered me on from the mound." bu: "I love how you're always so optimistic." bu: "Ichiro and Matsui can't even compare." bu: "You're our hero, Ei-chan." bu: "I'm sorry we couldn't be any help to you. But..." bu: "to be honest..." bu: "We all wanted to play more baseball with you, Ei-chan." Everyone: "Good luck, Ei-chan!" Eijun: "Wait a minute..." Everyone: "Good luck, Ei-chan!" Eijun: "Are you kidding me?" bu: "We're cheering for you all the way!" Eijun: "Idiots!" Eijun: "None of you said anything like that these past six months." Eijun: "It's too late." Eijun: "It's too..." Rei: "Come on. Let's take a seat." Eijun: "Is this the determination that you were talking about?" Eijun: "I... can't lose." Eijun: "I'm representing them." Eijun: "I have to go to the nationals." Miyuki: "Sawamura is finally joining us at Seidou High. He'll meet lots of older teammates and the head coach." Miyuki: "I'll teach you the harsh reality of high school baseball!" Eijun: "I only just started here, and I'm already in trouble?" Eijun: "You won't let me be a pitcher? You kidding me?" Eijun: "I came here to be the ace!" Miyuki: "Next time on Ace of the Diamond: Not Qualified to Be a Pitcher?"

Eijun: "All right!" Eijun: "I'm gonna do it!" Rei: "That idiot... Private Seidou High School Sawamura-kun, be sure to get a good rest after you finish moving in." Rei: "Our practice will wear you out even during the spring break." Eijun: "I'm very well aware of it!" Rei: "Is that so?" Rei: "Well, my job as a recruiter ends here. You might come across speed bumps being in a new environment," Rei: "but I believe in what I saw." Rei: "Good luck, our future ace." Eijun: "A-Ace?" Rei: "Also, it'll be a student-teacher relationship from now on." Rei: "If you don't speak with some manners, I'll beat some sense into you." Eijun: "You serious?" Eijun: "...Ma'am?" Eijun: "Seidou Spirit Dorm..." Eijun: "Dorm?" Eijun: "It looks more like an apartment." Eijun: "Who's drying laundry here?" Eijun: "A baseball life? Bring it on!" Eijun: "Wait! I gotta find my room." Eijun: "Here it is." Eijun: "Rooming with the upperclassmen..." Eijun: "Considering the level of this school, I bet they're both amazing people." Eijun: "I'm getting nervous." Eijun: "Once I open this door, a new life begins for me." Eijun: "I'm a little scared. I thought I'd made up my mind." Eijun: "Let's do this." Eijun: "For my new future." Eijun: "A ghost!" Kuramochi: "Great success!" Kuramochi: "Don't hate me for this. I was in your shoes last year." Kuramochi: "Welcome to the Seidou High School Baseball Team." Eijun: "Thanks." Kuramochi: "I'm Kuramochi, eleventh grade. This guy here is Masuko, twelfth grade." Eijun: "N-Nice to meet you as well." Kuramochi: "Don't mind his strange practice. He made an error yesterday, so he banned himself from talking. Crazy, right?" Kuramochi: "Don't just stand there! Come in!" Kuramochi: "Where did I put it..." Kuramochi: "And the other one..." Kuramochi: "Okay, let's do this!" Kuramochi: "A video game tournament welcoming the newcomer!" Kuramochi: "Let's get this over with quickly. We've got an early practice tomorrow." Eijun: "I was totally expecting a super strict, military-like atmosphere, but..." Eijun: "I'm not gonna lose!" Kuramochi: "If you lose, you're gonna be our gofer for a year." Eijun: "Did I just hear something very scary?" Kuramochi: "You're just hearing things! Come tomorrow, we'll still be buddies!" Eijun: "Yeah!" Eijun: "Well..." Eijun: "They're really nice people!" ewbies: "Good morning!" Kataoka: "I'm Kataoka, the head coach." Kataoka: "Is this all the new members this year?" ewbies: "Yes, sir!" Kataoka: "Introduce yourselves one at a time." ewbies: "Yes, sir!" Kuramochi: "I'm sleepy." Kuramochi: "Not our problem. It's his fault he didn't wake up on time." Rei: "What is he doing?" Eijun: "Crap! I overslept!" Eijun: "I can't believe I'm late on my first day!" Eijun: "Why in the world didn't my roommates wake me up? They're the reason I was up so late!" Atsushi: "Atsushi Takemoto from Minami Junior High! I'd like to be the left fielder!" Atsushi: "It's a pleasure to meet you!" Takaoka: "Next." Hiroshi: "Hiroshi Oshima from Miyagawa Senior League. I'd like to be the shortstop! I have confidence in my defensive abilities!" Eijun: "I can't walk out in this atmosphere." Eijun: "What are you doing, you idiot? How do you explain yourself to your friends back home?" Miyuki: "Crap! They've already started. I just couldn't stop watching that video." Miyuki: "Wait... Aren't you that kid?" Eijun: "Kazuya Miyuki!" Miyuki: "Be quiet! They'll catch us!" Eijun: "I-I'm sorry." Eijun: "What a surprise. Never thought I'd see him again like this." Miyuki: "Anyway, why are you here?" Eijun: "Why am I here? Because I joined this school!" Miyuki: "Wow! So you're late on your first day here? You have a big attitude wherever you go, huh?" Eijun: "I don't want to hear it from you!" Miyuki: "Well, more importantly..." Miyuki: "You're in a pretty tight spot. Our head coach, Tesshin Kataoka," Miyuki: "is extremely strict about being punctual." Miyuki: "We have over one hundred people on our team, so..." Miyuki: "Worst-case scenario, he'll never remember your name." Eijun: "That's bad! That's really bad! Should I go out there and get on my knees?" Miyuki: "No, just calm down." Miyuki: "A tardy is a tardy even if you apologize. It won't make your sentence lighter. However," Miyuki: "what if you sneak into that line without anyone noticing?" Miyuki: "So..." Miyuki: "Take a good look at how they're lined up." Miyuki: "They're doing introductions from the far end to the close end. Once the first row is done, it goes back to the far end of the second row." Miyuki: "While the farthest guy is doing his intro, everyone will be looking at him." Eijun: "Right." Miyuki: "Take that chance to run quickly and quietly into the line like a ninja!" Eijun: "N-Ninja?" ja: "Yay!" Eijun: "Are you sure? Wouldn't I be in bigger trouble if I fail?" Miyuki: "Don't worry." Miyuki: "I made it last year." Eijun: "You've done this before?" Miyuki: "Do you want to give up on high school life because of a single tardy?" Miyuki: "Just trust me." Miyuki: "Nice pitch." Eijun: "Okay." Miyuki: "Watch closely. You'll only get one chance." Shinji: "Shinji Kamimaru from Matsukata Senior League! I'd like to be the third baseman! It's a pleasure to meet you!" Takaoka: "Next." Miyuki: "Go." Miyuki: "Nice sprint." Miyuki: "He came here late, but he's trying to sneak into the line!" Rei: "That idiot." Eijun: "There's a good explanation—" Eijun: "When did he..." Eijun: "Did he use me as a distraction?" Takaoka: "Kid." Takaoka: "You've got some guts being tardy on the first day." Takaoka: "And you've got a twisted mentality for trying to sneak in, to boot." Takaoka: "Go run for the rest of the morning practice!" Eijun: "Everything's working against me!" Kuramochi: "Wow! He's an idiot! So hilarious!" Takaoka: "That goes for the two older guys rooming with him." Takaoka: "And the idiot who jumped into line while we were busy with him." Takaoka: "You guys run, too." Eijun: "I'm never trusting a single thing you say!" Miyuki: "Thanks for the compliment!" Eijun: "It's not!" Rei: "I'll have to slap him later. Good thing his grandfather taught me well." Eijun: "Damn it!" Guy1: "Can I get seconds?" Guy2: "Can I get seconds as well?" Miyuki: "What's wrong? If you don't eat, you're not gonna last through the afternoon practice." Miyuki: "Are you okay?" Yamazaki: "Don't barf here!" Eijun: "I feel sick. I was running all through morning practice, and I had to eat three bowls of rice..." Miyuki: "International flamingo!" Eijun: "He had three bowls..." Kuramochi: "You're not hitting anything past me!" Eijun: "So did he..." Guy1: "Masuko! Show some spirit!" Eijun: "He had six bowls..." Eijun: "Are they all monsters? They all ran as much as I did, but they're practicing like it was nothing. They're only a year or two older, but I have no endurance compared to them." Mutou: "Tenth graders!" ewbies: "Sir!" Mutou: "We'll have you group into your preferred positions to see how you fare! Change into your spikes and meet me at Field B." ewbies: "Yes, sir!" Eijun: "Does that mean..." Eijun: "This is the moment! I get to test my strength!" Kataoka: "Kid." Kataoka: "Where are you going?" Eijun: "Where? To test my own abilities?" Kataoka: "You don't have to participate." Eijun: "Why do I get special treatment? The other three have already joined the practice!" Kataoka: "They already apologized." Eijun: "Seriously?" Kataoka: "A guy who can't even apologize for being late to practice..." Kataoka: "is not a member of the Seidou Baseball Team." Tanaka: "He totally blew it." Yamazaki: "Our coach isn't going to cave in." Kataoka: "If you don't like how I do things, then don't show up." Kataoka: "Ever." Eijun: "W-Wait a minute..." Eijun: "I haven't even done..." Eijun: "I haven't even..." Oldies: "Good luck! You're our hero!" Eijun: "I overslept because I was naive." Eijun: "I have no excuse." Eijun: "But I'm... I'm..." Eijun: "I'm..." Eijun: "I'm here to become the ace!" Eijun: "And I'm confident that I want it more than anyone here!" Takaoka: "Empty words." Eijun: "Who are you to judge what I say? I'm being dead serious here!" Eijun: "Shoot! Manners." Eijun: "I was just... Wait! What are you—" Tanaka: "Look at the faces of the tenth graders." Yamazaki: "Of course they're surprised." Yamazaki: "He kicked a pro contract to coach the school where he graduated." Yamazaki: "He hasn't lost his touch." Takaoka: "You want to be the ace?" Takaoka: "Then words are useless." Takaoka: "Prove it by action." Eijun: "By action?" Takaoka: "It's roughly ninety meters from the plate to the fence." Takaoka: "If you can throw the ball to that fence, then you can join practice." Eijun: "A-Are you serious?" Takaoka: "But if you can't throw to the fence, give up on becoming a pitcher." Guy1: "I'm requesting to play pitcher, too, but I can't do that." Guy2: "Ninety meters? That's impossible." Kuramochi: "Coach must be super pissed." Kuramochi: "That's too hard for a guy fresh out of junior high." Rei: "That idiot... I told him to speak to the coach with respect." Eijun: "This place lives up to its prestigious name. What a simple test!" Eijun: "I just have to throw this ball way over that fence, right?" Hosoyamada: "Over the fence? Are you crazy?" Kanemaru: "What's your best distance, anyway?" Eijun: "I dunno." Eijun: "But..." Eijun: "If I can't even do this... then I can't be the ace!" Eijun: "Give up on becoming a pitcher?" Eijun: "Eijun Sawamura from Akagi Junior High!" Eijun: "What kind of choice is that? This will be my memorable first throw in high school! Thank you for this opportunity!" Eijun: "Don't even blink, Coach Shades." Eijun: "This is the start..." Eijun: "of the Legend of Sawamura!" Tanaka: "Whoa! It's going pretty far." Yamazaki: "It just might make it to the fence." Eijun: "Go!" Eijun: "Why did you curve?!" Guy1: "He threw a curve in a long throw!" Guy2: "It might've hit the fence if it didn't curve, too!" Takaoka: "Looks like there's your answer." Takaoka: "As promised, you can give up on being a pitcher." Takaoka: "You also can't practice." Takaoka: "If you're bored, you can run." Rei: "So much for becoming the ace..." Kuramochi: "You're still upset? The coach gave you a chance after all your disrespect," Kuramochi: "yet you throw a curveball in a long throw? That was classic!" Eijun: "Unbelievable." Eijun: "Do I even know how to throw straight?" Kuramochi: "You've just been running for the past three days, too! You might just end up running for the rest of the year. All of your tenth-grade peers will be playing in official games, while you just keep running every day! What are you gonna do? Maybe shoot for the Olympics?" Kuramochi: "In marathon, I mean." Eijun: "Shut up! I very well know how pathetic—" Kuramochi: "But..." Kuramochi: "You still have three years. Or, technically, two and a half." Kuramochi: "Notice how Masuko's been coming back really late?" Kuramochi: "He's already in twelfth grade. So he doesn't have any time." Kuramochi: "I bet he's swinging his bat alone somewhere." Kuramochi: "He made one error in the last game. Just a single error," Kuramochi: "and he's off the starting line-up. "I want to be the ace." "I want to hit fourth." "I want to make the starters." "I want to play in the game."" Kuramochi: "Everyone here wants it. The reality is, we have roughly one hundred people fighting for nine spots." Kuramochi: "Only those who do well make it." Kuramochi: "The others have to wait for the next opportunity." Kuramochi: "You're not the only one who feels hopeless." Kuramochi: "If you walk in here looking depressed again, I'm kicking you out." Rei: "Coach Kataoka." Rei: "Do you really plan to make him give up as a pitcher?" Rei: "He's only just joined, and we don't know his strength yet." Rei: "Isn't it a little early to give the final verdict?" Rei: "And..." Rei: "he's the junior high schooler who struck out Azuma." Rei: "Who's running so early in the morning?" Rei: "Sawamura-kun?" Takaoka: "How in the world did you throw such a naturally breaking ball almost ninety meters?" Takaoka: "However, a promise is a promise." Takaoka: "I can't let him participate in practice as a pitcher yet." Takaoka: "Make him run until the sun sets." Rei: ""Yet," huh?" Eijun: "Miyuki is doing amazingly well in the district tournament. As I've been stamped with the seal of unqualified pitcher, I'm back at school practicing. But I'm not gonna lose!" Eijun: "I'm gonna be the ace of this team!" Miyuki: "In the midst of Sawamura's training, a fellow tenth grader, Satoru Furuya, approached him. What is he doing staying at school?" Eijun: "Next time on Ace of the Diamond: Are You Like Me?" Eijun: "Let's win the national title!"

Kuramochi: "Only those who do well make it. The others have to wait for the next opportunity." Kuramochi: "You're not the only one who feels hopeless." Takaoka: "However, a promise is a promise." Takaoka: "I can't let him participate in practice as a pitcher yet." Takaoka: "Make him run until the sun sets." Rei: ""Yet," huh?" Coach1: "Shortstop!" ujiwara: "Well? How are our first-years this year?" sukawa: "Looks like quite a catch this year. Tojo and Kanemaru from the Matsukata Senior League went to the semifinals in the national." ujiwara: "Really?" Umemoto: "Also, there's a really tall, playing-it-cool kind of—" sukawa: "Goodness, really?" Umemoto: "Not again, Haruno..." Haruno: "I-I'm sorry." ujiwara: "You're still in training. Don't make more work for us." Umemoto: "We'll take care of this. So could you go prepare the drinks?" sukawa: "You're such a handful." Teacher: "Therefore, we can narrow down the possible answers to A and D for the first multiple choice question." Haruno: "It's been a week since I started high school." Haruno: "I'm finally the manager I've always wanted to be, but..." ujiwara: "Not again!" Haruno: "I'm always getting yelled at by my upperclassmen." Haruno: "And I'm too scared to talk to any of the players." Haruno: "I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this." Haruno: "I'm only going to be a pain in the neck for everyone." Teacher: "Hey! You again?!" Teacher: "Is my lecture really that boring? Eh, Sawamura?" Haruno: "Oh, hey..." Haruno: "He's the guy who's always running around the field." Teacher: "H-Hey! Stop sleeping when I'm standing here! Wake up!" Student1: "It's no use, teacher. He's apparently here on a baseball scholarship." Teacher: "What?" Student2: "Really? That's amazing. Our baseball team is famous." Student3: "I hear practice is really tough." Teacher: "You moron! That's more reason I can't let this slide! Everyone's gonna know who you are, so so you'd better act appropriately!" Kanemaru: "Teacher, he's not on our team." Teacher: "What? What do you mean?" Sawamura: "Yeah, what do you mean?" Kanemaru: "His entrance to the team hasn't been accepted yet. He's still in training. Don't compare him to us." Student3: "Are you serious?" Student1: "He's on a scholarship, and he's in training?" Student1: "What does that even mean?" Student2: "That's kind of sad." Sawamura: "Don't look at me with pity like that! No one's acknowledged me yet, but one day..." Sawamura: "I'll be the ace of the team, and my name is Eijun Sawamura! And you'd better remember my name!" Student1: "Is he crazy? What's telling us gonna do?" Student2: "So hot! Hotheaded, that is!" Kanemaru: "Be the ace? Stop dreaming. Your time's already passed." Sawamura: "Shut up! I'm not—" Sawamura: "Old man, stop laughing at me!" Sawamura: "My time is just beginning! Damn it all!" Haruno: "Is Sawamura like me?" Kataoka: "I'm sure you all understand well. Compared to the biggest summer tournaments and the fall invitational, the spring prefecture tournament isn't very important. However," Kataoka: "Today, we're up against the team we lost to in the fall, the Ichidai Third High." Kataoka: "We'll pay 'em back the humiliation we received － tenfold!" Team: "Yes, sir!" Kataoka: "Yuki, do the usual." Yuki: "Yes, sir!" Yuki: "Who are we?" Team: "Seidou, the champions!" Yuki: "Who's shed the most sweat?" Team: "Seidou!" Yuki: "Shed the most tears?" Team: "Seidou!" Yuki: "Are you ready for the fight?" Team: "Yes!" Yuki: "Bearing pride in our hearts, we have just one goal!" Yuki: "The national championship! Let's do this!" Team: "Yeah!" Player1: "W-Wow..." Kanemaru: "They just have a completely different air around them." Hosoyamada: "They're so awesome." Player2: "I've always wanted to do that." Player3: "Man, I really want to be in the first string!" Coach1: "We're leaving soon. If you want to come watch the game, get on the bus." Players: "Yes, sir!" Kuramochi: "Yo, Sawamura. You're not gonna come see us rock?" Kuramochi: "Even if you're in training, you're still allowed to watch the games." Sawamura: "I will stay. If I don't practice when you don't," Sawamura: "I'll never be able to get there." Kuramochi: "You heartless fiend." Kuramochi: "Well, have fun." Kuramochi: "Is he haughty or just super straightforward? Either way, his personality would make a good ace." Haruno: "Oh, no! Watch out!" Haruno: "I'm sorry! Are you okay?" Sawamura: "Why was I hit by a tire?" Haruno: "Oh, just... I thought in baseball, you'd use a tire when you run." Haruno: "I was moved yesterday. You told everyone your goal, despite everyone laughing at you!" Haruno: "I think it's wonderful that you can be so stupid!" Sawamura: "Stupid?!" Haruno: "You see, I've..." Sawamura: "Stupid?" Haruno: "I've been having problems doing a manager's jobs." Haruno: "I'm so clumsy, and I get yelled at a lot." Haruno: "I'll never be able to be as cool as the upperclassmen." Haruno: "But it's always been my dream." Haruno: "I've always wanted to support the players who are working so hard for one shared goal. No matter how much I'm laughed at or yelled at, I'm going to work hard to make dreams come true. Just like you." Haruno: "So, here." Haruno: "You just have to become the ace!" Haruno: "I'm rooting for you!" Sawamura: "This is perfect! I was starting to get tired of just running. I will happily use it!" Sawamura: "But since I'm aiming to be the ace, one tire won't be enough!" Sawamura: "Let's add another one! Double tires!" Haruno: "What? Will you be all right?" Haruno: "Wow..." Umemoto: "Hey, what are you doing, Haruno?" ujiwara: "The bus is leaving!" Haruno: "Oh, I'm sorry!" Sawamura: "Don't rush." Sawamura: "Look straight ahead." Sawamura: "Just you wait." Sawamura: "I'm coming straight for you." Catcher: "The count is 1 ball, 2 strikes." Catcher: "We threw two in a row to the outside to bore the batter." Catcher: "Now, pitch a fast slider to the inside!" Catcher: "Strike him out with your best pitch!" Catcher: "Yes! The perfect pitch!" Crowd1: "Whoa! It's in!" Crowd2: "A three-run homer in the first inning!" Crowd3: "So that's the famous Kazuya Miyuki." Crowd4: "Wow! He can turn a slider to the inside into a home run?!" Miyuki: "Oops, it went in." Catcher: "No way..." Kuramochi: "You anticipated that pitch and swung for it!" Kuramochi: "Manaka is speechless for having his best pitch hit right off the bat." Miyuki: "Pure luck. It won't go as well the next time." Kuramochi: "Luck alone can't hit that pitch out of the park. You don't even think it was luck!" Takaoka: "Now, he'll be more reluctant to throw the slider." Takaoka: "Aim for his fastballs." Team: "Yes, sir!" Announcer: "Top of the second, Seidou High is on offense. The lineup begins with the first batter again." Speaker: "Batting first: Kuramochi, shortstop." Haruno: "H-He's... so fast." Speaker: "Batting second: Kominato, second baseman." Announcer: "The runner's on the move!" Announcer: "The ball goes right between first and second base!" Umpire1: "Safe!" Announcer: "That was a magnificent, hit-and-run play by Seidou, and now, they have no outs with runners on first and third." Speaker: "Batting third: Isashiki, center fielder." Isashiki: "Let's have a good game." Isashiki: "Bring it!" Catcher: "Let's out-push him with a fastball." Announcer: "Looks like a jam shot's going long! And it's a hit!" Announcer: "Another run for Seidou!" Managers: "Yay!" Haruno: "They did it, Takako!" Announcer: "Ichidai's pitcher, Manaka, cycled through the Seidou lineup and took a homer in the first inning. Looks like he's still having trouble in the second inning." Announcer: "Seidou still with no outs and runners on first and third." Announcer: "Now, "the clean-up" comes to bat!" Speaker: "Batting fourth: Yuki, first baseman." Announcer: "It's going long!" Announcer: "Right down the middle of the left and center field! Ichidai Third High, a quarter finalist in the fall invitational is being dominated by Seidou High!" ujiwara: "This is our batting lineup. What do you think?" Haruno: "I-It's amazing!" Sawamura: "Damn. The first string gets to play a game right now? I have no problem with staying back and training, but I haven't even touched a ball recently. I think I have stress building up." Sawamura: "Wait a minute." Sawamura: "I'm the only one on the field." Sawamura: "That means..." Sawamura: "I can use all the bats and balls I want!" Sawamura: "Why didn't I realize this sooner?" Sawamura: "Wow! It's like I'm in a baseball treasure chest! This is what I need! Now I can finally play baseball!" Sawamura: "I don't have anyone to play catch with me!" Sawamura: "Damn it! I'll just swing a bat!" Sawamura: "Whee!" Sawamura: "And catch!" Sawamura: "I throw, and I catch." Sawamura: "The key is to throw as high as you can." Sawamura: "Throw! And catch! Throw! And catch! Throw!" Sawamura: "And nice catch!" uruya: "Hey, is that fun?" Sawamura: "Who's there? For how long?" uruya: "I can play catch with you. If you want." Umpire: "Ball!" Miyuki: "You're throwing well today, Tanba!" Kuramochi: "Pitch to contact!" Umpire: "Ball four!" Miyuki: "Too weak!" Isashiki: "Bring it!" Miyuki: "Third base!" uruya: "I was in the restroom, and the bus left." uruya: "Oh, well. Not like I'm interested in a game I'm not playing in. " uruya: "Since you're here, too... Are you like me?" Kuramochi: "And nice run." Umpire: "Out!" Crowd1: "That catcher has an insane shoulder!" Crowd2: "The runner trying to steal didn't even have time to slide!" Haruno: "Wow! That ball came flying from the plate like a white arrow." ujiwara: "Tanba has Miyuki to thank for that one." Runner1: "No way... I had a perfect start." Tahara: "I knew he'd foil my plans. That genius Miyuki boy." Tahara: "It usually takes two years to become a full-fledged catcher." Tahara: "However, his amazing baseball talent is truly marvelous." Tahara: "Why didn't you come to me, Miyuki boy?" Takaoka: "You got yourself in a jam with a walk, and then you gave up a hit from the weak pitch you threw. Tanba," Takaoka: "what have you been doing these past two years?" Takaoka: "Kawakami, you're pitching, starting next inning." Takaoka: "Go all out while their pitcher's feeling weak." Takaoka: "Let's end the game this inning." Team: "Yes, sir!" Writer1: "I've gotta say, this game turned out to be a crazy hitting game." Writer2: "Just like last year's team, with their monster, Kiyokuni Azuma, this year's Seidou batting lineup is definitely top-ranked in the nation. They just need a pitcher who can live up to Miyuki's expectations, in order to have a chance at the national title." Writer3: "I'm sure Head Coach Kataoka feels bitter about it, too, since he used to be a pitcher himself." Mine: "Looks like Seidou's one problem still remains the same." Mine: "They're in need of a true ace." Sawamura: "I can't believe catch is so fun!" Sawamura: "It's not baseball without the ball!" uruya: "You look happy." Sawamura: "Of course I do! It's been a while since I've touched a ball!" Sawamura: "I bet I could throw to the fence now, too!" uruya: "I'm sorry if I'm disturbing your fun," uruya: "but can you throw properly? Your throw is disgusting." Sawamura: "Disgus—" uruya: "Sorry." Sawamura: "What do you mean by "disgusting"? My throw is normal!" uruya: "But it bends in weird ways, and... It's hard to catch." Sawamura: "That reminds me..." Wakana: "Throw lightly, okay? It's scary when you throw because the ball goes everywhere." uruya: "But I guess if it's hard to catch, it's hard to hit." uruya: "You might be a good pitcher." Sawamura: "You wanna say that again?" uruya: "My shoulder's warmed up now. So can I throw a little harder?" Sawamura: "Yeah, sure! You're a really nice... guy." Players: "Thank you for a great game!" Owada: "Looks like Seidou just barely out-hit Ichidai." Mine: "Their batting relies on luck. If they keep playing like this, they're going to have a tough time in the summer." Rei: "Our ace, Tanba, is just coming back from an injury, so he should be fine once he gets his feeling back." Ota: "But if he continues to play like he did today..." Rei: "I understand your worries, Director Ota. However, we only have three months before the summer tournament. Coach, I believe this calls for an immediate bullpen restructuring, taking the first-years into consideration, as well." uruya: "Sorry. I threw a little too hard. Back home, no one could catch my pitch." uruya: "Then I read an article." uruya: "So I tested into this school." uruya: "I wonder..." uruya: "if he can catch my hardest pitch." Sawamura: "This..." Sawamura: "was my encounter with a rival I would battle for the status of ace." Player1: "Hey, did you hear Tanba got his ace title revoked?" Player2: "Seriously?" Player3: "Even though we won?" Player1: "We only won because Kawakami replaced him." Player2: "We only have three months until the summer. If Tanba's not the ace, then who's going to be our pitcher?" Player1: "What was that sound?" Player2: "Is he seriously a first-year?" Rei: "Satoru Furuya from Hokkaido Tomakomai Junior High School." Rei: "He went as far as to test into our school in order to play here." Rei: "He's our only first-year who has thrown 120 meters in the long throw." Ota: "O-One hundred and twenty meters? He's really not on a scholarship?" Ota: "This is why baseball is so fun!" uruya: "Are we done already?" Sawamura: "Damn it! He's already throwing in the bullpen!" Sawamura: "I can't just stand here!" Sawamura: "I'm going triple!" Takaoka: "Form a team with just the first-years." Rei: "Then are we playing a game?" Takaoka: "I'd like to see how many first-years are ready to play in the tournaments." Sawamura: "First-years versus the upperclassmen! We're going to scrimmage the Seidou Baseball Team." Sawamura: "What's Shades thinking, anyway? And will I get to play, too?" Miyuki: "Though the first-string members aren't playing."

Sawamura: "Another bowl!" Sawamura: "Please!" Miyuki: "What do you know..." Miyuki: "You're eating now. You were throwing up on the first day." Miyuki: "You youngsters are lucky you grow so fast." Sawamura: "Shut up." Miyuki: "You've gotta chew more. It's bad to just swallow." Sawamura: "Everyone's so quiet. Did something happen?" Miyuki: "You haven't heard? The first-years and the upperclassmen are having a game." Sawamura: "What? I haven't heard anything about that! Can I play? Can I?" Miyuki: "Umm, dude... I'm an upperclassman." Miyuki: "Usually, the first-years only do basic strength training." Miyuki: "They don't participate in the first-string tryouts. But after our last game, we're a little desperate." uruya: "Excuse me." uruya: "Can I sit next to you?" Sawamura: "It's you!" uruya: "Excuse me." Sawamura: "Why are you sitting there? Sit on the other side!" uruya: "Miyuki. During tomorrow's scrimmage, I don't plan on letting anyone hit my pitch. If I manage, will you catch..." uryua: "my pitch?" Player1: "Hey, rookie. You won't let anyone hit your pitch?" Player1: "Do you have any idea where you are? You think you're big even though you're still fresh out of junior high." Maezono: "If you want Miyuki to catch your pitch, you need to prove your strength." Tanba: "Stop ganging up on him." Maezono: "Tanba." Tanba: "The only way we fight is on the baseball field." Maezono: "Y-Yes, sir." Miyuki: "I see. So that's what the coach is after. He's trying to pump up the upperclassmen by putting them up against the first-years." Sawamura: "God damn it!" Sawamura: "You've gotta be kidding me! Why was I kept out of the loop?" Sawamura: "Stupid Shades!" Sawamura: "Did he forget about me?" Sawamura: "Why does he have to wear shades, anyway?" Sawamrua: "Does he plan on scaring the opponent's team with his face—" On-Screen: "Ahhhhhhhhh!" Sawamura: "Why is Shades in the bath now?" Sawamura: "I'm the last guy to take a bath." Sawamura: "I bet he heard what I said." Sawamura: "Someone please kill me!" Sawamura: "E-Excuse me." Sawamura: "My only time of peaceful rest is ruined..." Sawamura: "And take off your shades in the bath!" Kataoka: "Hey." Kataoka: "How many days have you been running with tires?" Sawamura: "Th-Three weeks, I guess." Sawamura: "Actually, I'm thinking about running with four tires from now on. Man, I improve scarily fast." Kataoka: "When I was in high school, I ran with truck tires." Sawamura: "T-Truck?" Kataoka: "You've never come to cheer for a single game. Why?" Sawamura: "Crap! Is he mad? What's gonna happen if he hates me more?" Kataoka: "Just tell me why." Sawamura: "I-I don't want to see anybody else but me standing on the mound." Sawamura: "I betrayed my junior high friends to test how far I can go." Sawamura: "So can I sincerely cheer on a different pitcher?" Sawamura: "I don't think I can. If I can't, then I figured it was best not to go." Sawamura: "I'm here to become the ace!" Sawamura: "And I'm confident that I want it more than anyone here!" Kataoka: "You naïve little boy." Kataoka: "You certainly have the heart of an ace." Kataoka: "The greed to monopolize the mound. Maybe that's what the current pitchers are missing." Kataoka: "Show up at the field with a glove tomorrow. I'll give you another chance, since you were so honest with me." Crowd: "Hey! Over here!" Kanemaru: "We always have a crowd on Sundays." Kanemaru: "The alumni, the press... So many people come to watch." Hosoyamada: "Crap! I'm getting really nervous." Kanemaru: "I couldn't sleep last night, either." Kanemaru: "Never thought I'd have to face the upperclassmen after a month in high school." Kataoka: "All the first-years will be able to play." Kataoka: "Make sure you're all warmed up. Yes, sir!" Sawamura: "All the first-years..." Sawamura: "I'll do it! I'm gonna make it! There's no way I'm letting this one slip by!" Miyuki: "You crying again?" Miyuki: "Good for you. You get to practice with the team now, right? What strings did you pull?" Sawamura: "Shut up! Shouldn't you be in that dugout?" Miyuki: "The first-string players have a break today. We have the Kanto tournaments coming up." Sawamura: "Damn! How unfortunate. I was hoping to play against you." Miyuki: "Wait another hundred years." Miyuki: "So when are you pitching?" Sawamura: "I don't know, but probably last. Knowing Shades..." Miyuki: "Then I'll help you warm up, as a special service." Kataoka: "Strike!" Miyauchi: "What's wrong, rookie? You can't swing a bat if you're on your butt." Hosoyamada: "What in the world was that? The ball just stopped in front of me," Hosoyamada: "then went straight into the catcher's mitt." Hosoyamada: "I've never seen a curve like that." Alumnus1: "Tanba's looking fierce today." Alumnus2: "Maybe revoking his ace title fired him up. Once that huge vertical curve starts going to the right places, he'll be back to 100% in no time." Takaoka: "Strike! Batter out!" Tanba: "Yeah!" Alumnus1: "Whoa! He's usually really quiet!" Alumnus2: "Three for three right off the bat." Ota: "I'm still against having this scrimmage. At this rate, the first-years will have their pride from junior high torn to shreds." Rei: "We're well aware this game will be one-sided. But if they can't give their all in a completely disadvantageous game, they won't be useful to us." Ota: "She's like a demon when it comes to baseball." Makihara: "Oh? What? Furuya isn't pitching?" Yamazaki: "We'll draw him out in no time." Kanemaru: "What the hell? I thought this was just a scrimmage." Kanemaru: "They're all dead serious!" Alumnus1: "The first-years won't stand a chance." Alumnus2: "Seriously. The upperclassmen can be so immature." Miyuki: "Do you think they're immature?" Miyuki: "True. To a fresh first-year, the pitch of a third-year is completely new," Miyuki: "and the speed of a batted ball is on a different level." Miyuki: "But to the third-years, this is a huge chance." Miyuki: "No matter what happens, the next game is the last. If they don't make the first-string, it's over for them." Umpire3: "Safe!" Miyuki: "You're gonna have it tough. You'll need to be strong-minded enough to shut them up by force, or you'll never become the ace..." Miyuki: "Whoa, there!" Sawamura: "I'm even more sure now." Sawamura: "I can't watch baseball. I have to be playing." Sawamura: "I'm so glad I came to this school." Sawamura: "There are so many amazing people I can duel with!" Sawamura: "I can't wait to go out on the mound." Miyuki: "Well said." Kanemaru: "We're finally switching." Player1: "The pitcher who made it to the semi-finals in the junior high nationals is nothing to them." Sawamura: "What's wrong, guys? What's with the gloomy faces?" Sawamura: "We only just finished the third inning!" Sawamura: "We still have six innings to reverse the score! Let's not lose spirit!" Player1: "Reverse the score?" Player2: "We're worried about how many more runs we'll give up." Kanemaru: "You won't know unless you actually play." Kanemaru: "The speed of the batted balls, their runs, their slides... I've never felt so much pressure being on defense. Damn it!" Sawamura: "If you're overwhelmed by the opponent before you even play, you can't play like you usually do." Sawamura: "I want to test my strength against them!" Sawamura: "That's why I came to this school in the first place!" Kanemaru: "Shut up. You're not even officially in the club." Kataoka: "Strike! Batter out!" Player1: "Oh! We're switching already?" Miyuki: "That's it. Keep suffering. If you can't pick yourselves up from here, you won't make it to the top." Takaoka: "All right, first-years. We're switching out the outfielders and the pitcher." Takaoka: "Very well. You can go out to the field, too." Sawamura: "It's here!" Sawamura: "My time has finally come!" Sawamura: "Sir Master Coach! Thank you for your wise decision!" Sawamura: "I will definitely meet your expectations!" Alumnus1: "There's a first-year with energy." Alumnus2: "Is he actually going to be good?" Sawamura: "The mound I've dreamed of for so long! This is it! I'm gonna make it!" Kataoka: "Where are you going? You're going to right field." Catcher: "Nice throw!" Yamazaki: "Damn." Yamazaki: "He's not up yet?" Sawamura: "Why am I an outfielder? I mean, he never said I could play pitcher, but... I was a fool for even thinking he had a heart." Player1: "Hey, right field! Ball!" Player1: "You idiot! Go back! The hardballs go far, unlike the rubber ones!" Alumnus1: "Wow! Over the head!" Alumnus2: "I've never seen anyone fail so hard at Seidou." Player1: "Pick up the ball! Hurry to third!" Sawamura: "Damn it. Look, I've never ever played outfield!" Alumnus1: "Whoa! That's fast!" Sawamura: "Go!" Umpire3: "Safe!" Alumnus1: "Didn't that... curve?" Alumnus2: "Yeah. Into the runner." Alumnus1: "Did he aim for the runner?" Alumnus2: "Crazy! That first-year is a cold-blooded fiend!" Sawamura: "No way!" Miyuki: "My stomach hurts." Kanemaru: "A-Are you okay?" Makihara: "If you've got time to worry about me, you should be worried about your team." Makihara: "That was a fly to the right field... that turned into a triple." Makihara: "We're gonna win this game by a hundred runs!" Makihara: "We've been training frantically for the past two years." Makihara: "We're not gonna let the first-year babies..." Makihara: "make the first-string ahead of us!" Player1: "How long is their offense going to last?" Player2: "Please just give me a break." Sawamura: "W-Wow... So this is high school baseball." Kataoka: "Pitcher change. Satoru Furuya. Come up to the mound." Alumnus1: "Who's that? I've never seen him before." Alumnus2: "Which junior high is he from?" Miyauchi: "Finally, he's up." Yamazaki: "We'll destroy you, super rookie." Sawamura: "How's he... going to pitch..." Sawamura: "against these fearsome batters?" uruya: "At tomorrow's scrim, I don't plan on letting anyone hit my pitch. If I manage, will you catch..." uryua: "my pitch?" Kataoka: "Play!" Tanaka: "That's a windup!" Hosoyamada: "What... in the world was that?" Hosoyamada: "I thought it was low when he threw the ball..." Hosoyamada: "but the ball rose..." Yamazaki: "C-Coach! Are you okay?" Kataoka: "You pass, Furuya." Kataoka: "You can practice with the first-string starting tomorrow." Sawamura: "The first-string?" Haruichi: "Lucky him... He passed." Kataoka: "Pitcher change!" Yamazaki: "Please let him continue, Coach! I'll can hit his pitch!" Miyauchi: "Coach!" Makihara: "Coach!" Kataoka: "There's no first-year who can catch his pitch." uruya: "Now I can have Miyuki catch my pitch." Miyuki: "Won't let anyone hit, huh?" Miyuki: "I guess it was technically true." Takaoka: "Tanba, you're done, too. If you can pitch without being overwhelmed, you can do well at the nationals." Takaoka: "Be more confident." Tanba: "Sir!" Alumnus1: "The upperclassmen aren't doing so hot anymore." Alumnus2: "So that kid changed the momentum with just one pitch." Takaoka: "I got the results I wanted. No point in continuing the game." Sawamura: "We still have four innings left!" Sawamura: "We're not going down without a fight!" Sawamura: "I'll lead the way! Let's start by taking a run back!" Haruno: "Sawamura-kun..." Player1: "Is he crazy?" Player2: "It's not like playing well now will get us into the first-string." Sawamura: "All right!" Takaoka: "I guess I'll see what happens for one more inning." Kawakami: "He hasn't changed." Kawakami: "He's glaring, without a hint of respect." Takaoka: "Strike two!" Kanemaru: "Well, look at that! Yeah, right. He'll lead the way!" Hosoyamada: "He's all talk!" Sawamura: "Damn! I was so close!" Miyauchi: "He stepped toward the ball... Is he not afraid of an inside pitch at his first high school at-bat?" Kawakami: "He is the guy who picked a fight with Azuma." Kawakami: "Those who can't be serious in practice don't deserve to play in a real game." Kawakami: "That's what Azuma taught me. I'll teach you, too." Kawakami: "I'll strike you out with my best pitch!" Sawamura: "I'm gonna hit it!" Sawamura: "Damn it! Didn't even graze it." Haruichi: "Don't give up! The catcher dropped the ball!" Miyauchi: "No point in running! Even if you get on base like this, the coach won't give you a better score." Sawamura: "So long as the play hasn't stopped, I won't give up." Sawamura: "I don't care about the ace stuff or the first-string stuff right now!" Sawamura: "I just don't want to let it end without doing a single thing!" Haruichi: "Run through!" Umpire1: "Safe!" Alumnus1: "Wow! That's the first guy to be on base!" Miyuki: "Though it's just an uncaught third strike." Haruichi: "Nice run." Miyuki: "Sawamura managed to be the first man on base on his team. A first-year calls himself into the game as a pinch hitter and swears to bring Sawamura home." Miyuki: "Who is he?" Sawamura: "And finally..." Sawamura: "I rise to the mound with Masuko at bat." Sawamura: "I'm getting pumped!"

Haruichi: "Don't give up! The catcher dropped the ball!" Haruichi: "Run through!" Umpire1: "Safe!" Alumnus1: "Wow! That's the first guy to be on base!" Miyuki: "Though it's just an uncaught third strike." Sawamura: "Whose voice... was that?" Sawamura: "I definitely wouldn't have made it without him." Kanemaru: "Was he always here?" Hosoyamada: "Didn't even notice..." Miyauchi: "Sorry. I take all the blame for letting him get on base." Kawakami: "Don't worry. We won't give up a single run to the first-years. Not to mention that none of the other first-years look like they're here to actually play." Sawamura: "I'm gonna run!" Sawamura: "Not bad. I wouldn't expect anything less from this school." Sawamura: "You're pitching already?" Kataoka: "Strike! Batter out!" Sawamura: "I'm trying to steal..." Sawamura: "but no openings." Alumnus1: "The first-years are terrible." Alumnus2: "They're not trying to advance the runner, nor are they showing any effort to score." Hosoyamada: "We don't have a coach. How are we gonna figure out this new pitcher's pitching patterns? It's too late even if you get on base now!" Alumnus1: "Ouch! That's two outs in a row." Alumnus2: "They're gonna leave their runner hanging." uruya: "Excuse me." uruya: "I don't have anything to do, anymore. May I go train on my own?" st-Year: "Hey, we're still in the middle of a game!" Miyauchi: "Coach, is that all right?" Kataoka: "It's fine. This is the last inning, anyway." Kataoka: "There's no reason to go further." Miyuki: "You sure about that, monster rookie? Not gonna watch until the end?" uruya: "It's already over." Sawamura: "Don't give up! The game's only just begun!" uruya: "A single man can't lead the team to victory. Baseball isn't that simple." Kanemaru: "Damn. What's with him? Does he not care about the game now that he's passed?" Hosoyamada: "It's not as if we like playing this game, either." Haurichi: "So..." Haruichi: "What exactly did you come here to do?" Haruichi: "The coach only wants to see results." Haruichi: "How good you were in junior high is irrelevant. It's about time you figured that out." Haruichi: "If you don't want to play, then let me." Haruichi: "Excuse me! I'd like to call for a change of players." Haruichi: "I'm playing as the pinch hitter." Alumnus1: "Is he copying Furuta?" Alumnus2: "A guy who wants to leave before the game ends, a guy who calls himself into the game... This season's got some crazy first-years." st-Year1: "Who made you the boss?" st-Year2: "Wait! He's using a wooden bat." Miyuki: "Looks like there's another interesting guy." Haruichi: "Let's have a good fight." Alumnus1: "A sign?" Alumnus2: "What? When did they come up with signs?" Haruichi: "We never did." Haruichi: "The point is to try to distract the pitcher." Sawamura: "Wait! What's that? What does it mean? You never briefed me! Hey!" Haruichi: "There goes my plan." Alumnus1: "What was he trying to do, anyway?" Alumnus2: "They're not on the same page." Haruichi: "Okay. I guess I'll have to do this without tricks." Haruichi: "I'll definitely get you back to the plate. Let's score a run together!" Alumnus1: "He just declared a run. Who is that kid?" Alumnus2: "Way too much of an optimist. I bet he's stupid, too." st-Year1: "Get him back to the plate? He doesn't look like a hard hitter!" st-Year2: "If he holds the bat that short, he won't reach for the outer pitch!" Ota: "Who is that boy? Did he stand out in the physical ability tests?" Rei: "He's from Yoko Junior High in Kanagawa. Haruichi Kominato." Miyauchi: "What's he trying to do?" Miyauchi: "Should we throw a ball to the outside to see his reaction?" Rei: "His batting average in junior high was .635." Ota: "What?" Ota: ".6?" Rei: "He changed his grip on the bat!" Haruichi: "A ball to the outside against an unfamiliar batter." Haruichi: "There's no easier pitch to hit than this." Miyauchi: "He was aiming for that pitch!" Alumnus1: "That's going very close to the foul line. If it goes in, it's a long hit." Umpire1: "Fair!" Tanaka: "Shoot. He started running the moment the pitcher threw." Tanaka: "Hurry! He's passed second base!" Makihara: "No way we're giving any runs to the first-years!" Alumnus1: "Whoa! He's going past third!" Alumnus2: "He's running straight for the plate." Haruichi: "Go!" Sawamura: "My teammate promised to send me home." Sawamura: "I have to score!" st-Year1: "That's impossible!" st-Year2: "He won't make it!" Miyauchi: "I'll blow you away!" Takaoka: "Safe!" Alumnus1: "Wow! The first-years finally scored a run!" Alumnus2: "The batter was good, but I also gotta hand it to the runner who didn't stop!" Haruno: "Yay!" Kanemaru: "Damn! He did it! Way to go!" Sawamura: "I made it." Miyauchi: "The timing was completely on my side, but he dodged my glove and twisted his body to put his hand on the plate." Sawamura: "I made it!" Miyauchi: "How could he twist his body in that situation? He could've injured his hip or shoulders." Haruichi: "He really made it... What a guy." Sawamura: "We've got a run. The game's only just begun!" Kataoka: "Out!" Miyauchi: "Coach, are you really stopping the game after this inning?" Miyauchi: "Can we please keep playing?" Miyauchi: "We can't let it end right after the first-years scored." Kataoka: "Both teams, line up!" Miyauchi: "C-Coach!" Kataoka: "Wrap it up. Even if we keep playing, the gap will only get wider." Sawamura: "Bastard..." Kataoka: "However... If everyone on the first-year team wants to continue," Kataoka: "it's a different story." Kataoka: "Well?" Sawamura: "What's wrong with you? Are you just gonna let it end here? Who knows when we'll have another chance like this!" Sawamura: "Did you really play all out today? Can you swear that to your heart?" Kanemaru: "Shut up." Kanemaru: "Stop acting so big when you just got on base by luck!" st-Year1: "He's right. Your bad plays are one of the reasons we're so behind!" st-Year2: "We didn't join this team out of sheer envy." st-Year1: "We're frustrated, too!" st-Year2: "Also, who put you in charge?" Kanemaru: "I'm pretty sure I'm better at everything you can do." Hosoyamada: "You weren't even officially on the team until today. Don't act like you're the team captain!" Sawamura: "What'd you say to me?" Sawamura: "Wait! Does everyone hate me?" Haruichi: "These people just have so much pride..." Miyuki: "Looks like the first-years still have a lot of energy." Kanemaru: "We want to keep playing, Coach!" st-Years: "Please, Coach! Please!" Kataoka: "Why couldn't you play like that from the start? In high school baseball, you don't get a second chance." Kataoka: "Kid." Kataoka: "Starting this inning, you're pitching. Get up on the mound." Kataoka: "I've already gone through all the first-year pitchers. If you want to keep playing, then you need to pitch." Haruichi: "Nice going." Miyuki: "Despite his method, he is the guy who lit a fire in everyone's hearts." Miyuki: "He deserves this chance." Miyuki: "The coach isn't mean just to be mean." Isashiki: "Whoa! What's going on here? What's with this turnout against the first-years? You should be up by 200 runs!" Kuramochi: "Jun, that's impossible." Ryosuke: "What an embarrassing game. Makes me sad." Isashiki: "Switch with me! I'll play!" Kuramochi: "Jun, stop! You just finished lifting!" uruya: "Were they..." uruya: "training on their off time?" Yuki: "Be quiet and watch, Jun. That's the kid who struck out Azuma, the man you respect. You missed it when it happened, didn't you? What?" Isashiki: "That was him?" Sawamura: "I get to stand on that mound?" Ota: "Your favorite is finally going to be pitching." Sawamura: "These guys are always watching me." Sawamura: "I can't do a half-assed job." Sawamura: "Here I go, guys!" Kariba: "Hey. What do you throw?" Kariba: "You've been talking big all this time. If your pitching turns out to be a joke, you're gonna get it." Sawamura: "Don't worry." Sawamura: "I won't run or hide! I'll throw it all right down the middle! What? I'm gonna be giving a lot of hits away, so it's all up to you, fielders!" Kariba: "Oh..." Kariba: "He's that kind of person." st-Year1: "An idiot?" Kanemaru: "Definitely." Kataoka: "Play!" Makihara: "They just had a meeting out loud... Throwing everything right down the middle? If that wasn't a bluff, then he's crazy." Makihara: "The middle?" Makihara: "You better be joking me!" Crowd: "A home run right off the bat?" Kariba: "That's a no-brainer. There's no way a pitch that slow could work against a third-year!" Makihara: "What?" Sawamura: "Yeah! Nice going, left field!" Alumnus1: "Gotta hand that one down to the left-fielder who was defending a little back." Alumnus2: "It's just a matter of time until he starts taking a beating. That's the kind of fastballs the third-years are familiar with." Miyuki: "The fastballs they're used to, huh? If they don't figure out what Sawamura's pitch actually is, they've got another thing coming." Sawamura: "Nice, third base!" st-Year1: "It just flew into his glove!" st-Year2: "Wow! Two outs with two throws!" st-Year1: "We're so lucky!" Saito: "First-years..." Saito: "Miracles don't happen a third time!" Saito: "Wh-What?" Alumnus1: "He jammed it." Alumnus2: "But it landed in a nice spot." Makihara: "The second baseman got it!" Umpire1: "Out!" Sawamura: "Wow! Did I just see you go... twisty?" st-Year1: "Nice, second!" Kanemaru: "Nice, second!" Isashiki: "That second baseman's not bad." st-Year1: "We didn't give them any runs this inning!" st-Year2: "Awesome!" Others1: "What are you doing?" Others2: "You just gave the first-years more momentum!" Saito: "Sorry." Saito: "I didn't mess up. I thought I completely had it, but... what is with his throw?" Yuki: "A moving fastball that curves right at the plate, huh?" Yuki: "That's gonna be tough." Miyuki: "Of course you would figure it out, Tetsu." Miyuki: "His pitch is only gonna get wilder from here." Isashiki: "What?" Sawamura: "All right! The game's not over yet! Let's start by getting on base!" Kanemaru: "Look, no one put you in charge!" Ota: "The first-years are looking more energetic. When nice plays happen at defense, the entire team gets excited. It looks like a completely different team from the start of the game. Not to mention... Sawamura is the pitcher, right? His moving is pretty good." Rei: "Yes." Rei: "But that's not the only reason he caught my eyes. At a countryside district tournament I chanced upon," Rei: "the junior high team he was on was basically composed of complete novices. The catcher couldn't catch flies," Rei: "and his teammates made errors in critical situations... He faced many pinch situations when a normal pitcher would've given up the game. Yet, when I saw him lead his team tenaciously without making a face, I saw a true ace in him." Sawamura: "Hit one big!" Kanemaru: "You can do this!" Sawamura: "Let's attack like we're here for war!" st-Year1: "Be aggressive in your swings!" Catcher: "Furuya, I'm sorry." Cathcer: "I can't catch your pitch..." Player1: "He's a monster." Player2: "Damn. What does he want from us?" Player3: "I'm sorry, Furuya. The upperclassmen don't want to play baseball with you." Player3: "Sorry." Umpire1: "Out!" st-Year1: "That was close!" Sawamura: "All right! We're starting to make some contact! We do stand a chance! Let's do another no-run inning!" st-Years: "Yeah!" Kuramochi: "He made an error yesterday, so he banned himself from talking. Just a single error, and he's off the starting line-up." Masuko: "Sawamura." Masuko: "I'm determined to be back in the first-string." Masuko: "Give me your all." Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Kuramochi: "This will be good! A roommate battle! How's Masuko been doing this game?" Miyuki: "Really well. Three hits and six RBIs. He's on track for coming back up." Miyuki: "I'm sure he's noticed what Sawamura's pitch is. Should be a good match to really see Sawamura's ability." Kariba: "He's huge... He's the guy who's on a roll today." Kariba: "Throwing down the middle's not gonna work for... Wait! Wait! Wait! To him, too?" Sawamura: "Head-to-head! The only way!" Alumnus1: "The catcher miscaught a fastball down the middle." Kariba: "Sorry!" Kariba: "What was that pitch? It looked like the ball moved at the plate." Alumnus1: "He's holding the bat short and standing at the front of the batter's box." Alumnus2: "What is he thinking?" Miyuki: "Yeah, Masuko knows what's up. He's made his swing smaller, so he can hit the ball before it starts to move." Sawamura: "This tension..." Sawamura: "I love it!" Umpire3: "Foul!" Isashiki: "He used to bat fifth with us. He could destroy the fence like that." Ryosuke: "He hits hard even when he holds the bat short." Miyuki: "What will you do now, Sawamura?" Miyuki: "He isn't like Azuma, who underestimated you and hit everything you threw." Masuko: "Three weeks since that error." Masuko: "I was such an idiot back then." Kataoka: "What was that play you just made? You were thinking about your at-bat at the defense, weren't you?" Masuko: "I'm sorry." Kataoka: "You might stand in the batter's box alone, but defense is something you do with nine people!" Kataoka: "Stop putting the team at risk with your petty emotions." Kataoka: "Go cool your head in the second-string." Masuko: "I won't make another mistake like that." Masuko: "Now, I only do my best every moment I can." Kariba: "No balls, two strikes." Kariba: "We've got an advantage here. Let's throw a ball here to theoretically..." Kariba: "Again?" Sawamura: "I can't be the ace if I run away here." Kariba: "Damn it! Go die however you want, then!" Sawamura: "How did it feel..." Sawamura: "when I struck out Azuma?" Sawamura: "Gotta remember... that mitt!" Sawamura: "Go!" Alumnus1: "It's in!" Alumnus2: "That's a home run!" Alumnus1: "Didn't he jam that pitch?" Alumnus2: "Yeah, he hit that over the fence with pure strength." Masuko: "If I was even a little bit more off, I would've been out." Masuko: "It was a nice throw with all your heart in it, Sawamura-chan." Isashiki: "The pitcher completely lost the battle of power. I bet he's taken quite a bit of damage from that." Sawamura: "I..." Sawamura: "I completely lost." Sawamura: "That was my best pitch with everything I had." Sawamura: "So that's what a battle of power is. So this is" Sawamura: "top-ranked high school baseball." Sawamura: "Awesome." Sawamura: "I want to pitch more." Sawamura: "Way more." Ota: "He's..." Ota: "smiling." Sawamura: "All right! Let's switch gears and do this again!" st-Year1: "He's not fazed at all!" Kariba: "Does that mean..." Sawamura: "Head-to-head! No other way!" Kariba: "I knew it!" Kataoka: "So you get even more excited after getting utterly defeated?" Kataoka: "It's like you're a baby who's just learned baseball." Miyuki: "Furuya's moved up to the first-string, and he's been assigned to form a battery with me. On the other hand, Sawamura joins the second-string and is assigned to receive coaching from a certain person." Miyuki: "His name is Chris Yu Takigawa." Sawamura: "Wh-What is with this guy? I have no idea what he's thinking, and he's scary." Miyuki: "Next time on Ace of the Diamond: The Two Batteries."

Sawamura: "I... I completely lost." Sawamura: "That was my best pitch with everything I had." Sawamura: "So that's what a battle of power is. So this is" Sawamura: "a top-ranked high school baseball." Sawamura: "Awesome." Sawamura: "I want to pitch more." Sawamura: "Way more." Sawamura: "All right! Let's switch gears and do this again!" st-Year1: "He's not fazed at all!" Kataoka: "So you're even more excited after getting utterly defeated?" Kataoka: "It's like you're a baby who's just learned baseball." Alumnus1: "Gotta say, the Seido batters are amazing." Alumnus2: "In the end, the upperclassmen dominated." Alumnus1: "But that Furuya kid was something. He left a big impression, despite only throwing once." Alumnus2: "We're really lacking a good pitcher, so he might even become the savior of Seido." Alumnus1: "It'd be a problem if he doesn't." Alumnus2: "Also, was it Sawamura who showed up at the end?" Alumnus2: "He gave up two runs, but he pitched until the end." Alumnus1: "You can't hate a pitcher who never gives up." Kuramochi: "What? Really, Masuko?" Kuramochi: "For tomorrow's game, too?" Masuko: "Yeah, I'm back on the active roster." Kuramochi: "I bet it was the home run that convinced the coach." Masuko: "I guess. Though I barely won that fight." Kuramochi: "I guess Sawamura's not ready to play with the big boys yet." Kuramochi: "I bet he's crying in the room, too!" Sawamura: "Hey, welcome back." Kuramochi: "Or doing just fine? You punk." Kuramochi: "You serious? Masuko hit a home run off of you! You're still a rookie, so you should be more upset!" Masuko: "My pudding..." Phone: "You've got mail!" Kuramochi: "Oh? Aren't you popular?" Kuramochi: "Who's it from?" Sawamura: "Wait! That's an important email message from my friends back home." Kuramochi: "Oh, your friends?" Masuko: "My pudding..." Wakana: ""How was today? Did you pitch well?" Wakana: "We're all training hard, too. It's an impossible goal for us, but we all can't wait to see you pitching in the nationals." Wakana: "We're all rooting for you from far away. You can do it, Eijun!"" Kuramochi: "Wakana." Kuramochi: "Say, what? Friends? You mean a girl? Is that your girlfriend, huh?" Sawamura: "N-No! She's just a childhood friend!" Kuramochi: "Don't get cocky just 'cause you got to pitch for a couple of innings!" Kuramochi: "You're nowhere near good enough to play in the first-string!" Sawamura: "I already know that without hearing it from you." Ryosuke: "Doing errands for your older roommates?" Ryosuke: "Two hits and a fine play." Ryosuke: "You made quite an impression, Haruichi." Haruichi: "No, I was just lucky." Ryosuke: "I never expected that you'd really come to the same school." Ryosuke: "You've always followed me everywhere I go. But if you're just going to copy me forever, you won't be able to surpass me." Ryosuke: "This place isn't as easy..." Ryosuke: "as you think." Haruichi: "Brother..." Isashiki: "Where's Miyuki?" Kadota: "I don't know." Kadota: "I haven't seen him since dinner." Isashiki: "I told him we were going to watch Inajitsu's game DVD." Isashiki: "Where did he go?" Miyuki: "Geez." Miyuki: "Do I really need to catch your pitch now?" Miyuki: "You've been promoted to the first-string already. You're gonna form a battery with me in the near future." Miyuki: "Or could it be... Did you feel something watching Sawamura pitch," Miyuki: "monster rookie?" uruya: "I..." uruya: "came to Seido to find the place where I belong." uruya: "Please don't disappoint me..." uruya: "Miyuki-senpai." Miyuki: "Very funny! I like you!" Sawamura: "I only threw three innings, but I'm sore all over." Sawamura: "To be honest, I was a hair away from being overwhelmed." Sawamura: "But today, I realized one thing standing on the mound." Sawamura: "It's the most exciting place in all of baseball." Sawamura: "I'm not giving up the mound to anyone. The next time I stand on the mound," Sawamura: "I'm not giving up a single hit." Kuramochi: "Shut up! That's not what we're talking about!" Kuramochi: "Show me a picture of Wakana! Now!" Masuko: "My pudding!" Principal: "Ninety-three members, including the new first-years." Principal: "What a splendid sight." Principal: "Does it seem like you'll make it to the nationals this year, Coach?" Vice Principal: "We haven't gotten very close in the past five years." Vice Principal: "It's about time everyone in Japan hears about our school again." Kataoka: "Please rest assured." Kataoka: "Our goal is always to be the national champion." Kuramochi: "Hey!" Kataoka: "We have an impenetrable keystone combo." Kataoka: "A shortstop and lead-off hitter, Yoichi Kuramochi." Kataoka: "Batting second is second baseman, Ryosuke Kominata." Isashiki: "Die!" Kataoka: "Batting third is our loud center fielder, Jun Isashiki throws hard and hits hard. An irreplaceable clean-up hitter with a keen eye for chance, first baseman and captain of the team," Kataoka: "Tetsuya Yuki." Yuki: "The wind is blowing from east to west." Catcher1: "How is that relevant?" Kataoka: "A super heavyweight third baseman who just rejoined the first-string, batting fifth, Tohru Masuko. And our key player supporting the team," Kataoka: "catcher and batting sixth, Kazuya Miyuki." Kataoka: "They are all top-notch players in the nation." Principal: "That sounds very reliable." Vice Principal: "Then... we're just missing a pitcher? It'll all depend on how much Tanba-kun can recover by being back in the first-string. Forgive me if I'm being rude, but aren't you a little too fixated on training an ace, Coach Kataoka?" Vice Principal: "In this day and age, you could just cycle through different types of pitchers." Vice Principal: "I'm not speaking solely for myself, you see. There are many noisy outsiders around our prestigious school," Vice Principal: "and a few of them are questioning your abilities." Principal: "Well, please don't take it to heart. You were a foot away from the national title as a player, and rejected offers from professional contracts to be a teacher." Principal: "Everyone knows how devoted you are." Kataoka: "I simply want to repay my debt to high school baseball that raised me. I am always ready to take responsibility for anything. So please never give me suggestions about my methods." Principal: "I'm terrified." Vice Principal: "Does he even understand? If he can't produce results this year, his job will be on the line." Ota: "How was it? The first-years took a huge loss," Ota: "bu some good came of it, correct?" Ota: "That small second baseman is the brother of Kominato in the third-year." Ota: "No wonder his plays reminded me of him. And Satoru Furuya, who left everyone speechless with one pitch." Kataoka: "About that." Kataoka: "If we win tomorrow, I'll make him debut in the Kanto tournament." Ota: "But he's only a first-year." Kataoka: "His pitch is so powerful that it looks like it rises." Kataoka: "There aren't very many batters in Japan who can hit that pitch." Kataoka: "I'll switch between Tanba and Furuya until the summer." Ota: "I see." Rei: "What did you think about Sawamura?" Ota: "Sawamura? Masuko got a home run off of him." Rei: "He allowed a run from an unlucky hit to the middle of two fielders, and a passed ball by the catcher," Rei: "but only Masuko was able to get an actual hit off of him." Rei: "Batter superiority. In high school baseball today where batters have the upper hand, a southpaw-moving, fastball pitcher is an asset." Ota: "True, we are lacking left-handed pitchers." Kataoka: "An honest-to-a-fault style of head-to-head pitching, and incompetency in pickoffs and fielding. He's useless the way he is now, but... He has a self-taught form that is grandiose, and flexible joints. Speaking purely in terms of potential," Kataoka: "he may be much bigger than the other two." Kataoka: "For now... We'll have Furuya gain experience in the first-string," Kataoka: "and I think I'll leave Sawamura to Chris in the second-string." Ota: "To Chris?" Rei: "Very well." Kataoka: "Listen well! We have two months until the summer tournament." Kataoka: "Practicing without an objective would only be a waste of time. The first step in climbing a hill," Kataoka: "and the first step in climbing Mt. Fuji..." Kataoka: "Physically the same, but mentally different." Kataoka: "Which one are we climbing?" Kataoka: "A goal breathes life into your every day." Kataoka: "Be ambitious and never neglect your daily training!" Players: "Sir!" Kanemaru: "The upperclassmen get to practice fielding and batting through scrimmages. But us first-years are stuck doing circuits and running." Kanemaru: "Furuya's in the first-string, and even he has to do it. I really want to use balls again." Haruichi: "Hey." Haruichi: "You got into the second-string, but you don't look so happy." Sawamura: "Of course I'm not." Sawamura: "I'm still doing exactly what I was doing before! I want to pitch in the first-string!" Haruichi: "Wow! You sure talk big. But I'd rather get to play in the second-string than be benched in the first-string." Sawamura: "What?" Sawamura: "A game?" Haruichi: "The games we'll have on the weekends will be double headers, so I'm sure we'll have chances to play, too." Sawamura: "Seriously? That's awesome!" uruya: "Be quiet." Rei: "First-year students, Furuya and Sawamura, come immediately to the Field A bench." Rei: "You two will be given the pitcher training menu starting today. You'll have twice as much work to do than everyone else," Rei: "but good luck. Furuya-kun, you might be pitching in next week's Kanto tournament, so practice your pickoff plays and signs with Miyuki." uruya: "Okay." Miyuki: "Rei-chan. He has power, but his control is trash. Also, he'll have to throw a hundred pitches every day to build endurance." Rei: "Oh, you've already been catching his pitch?" uruya: "I... will do as Miyuki instructs me to do." uruya: "It's been too long... since I last heard the sound" uruya: "of my pitch being caught by a mitt." Miyuki: "What's wrong?" Miyuki: "You're the one who dragged me out here." Miyuki: "Don't hold back. Throw with everything you've got." uruya: "When I chose this school..." uruya: "I made the right choice." uruya: "It's a pleasure to work with you." Miyuki: "What's this? You're being so obedient." uruya: "I figured I should start humble." Sawamura: "When did they... get so..." Rei: "Sawamura-kun, you'll be working with Chris, a third-year." Rei: "Have him teach you about how to act and lead on the field." Sawamura: "What? This isn't fair!" Sawamura: "I want to pair up with Miyuki, too!" Chris: "What a coincidence." Chris: "I don't want to pair with you, either." Chris: "I'm Chris Yu Takigawa." Chris: "Nice to meet you, loser pitcher." Chouno: "First!" uruya: "Hey!" uruya: "Don't worry about it." Yamazaki: "Don't give me that!" Ryosuke: "His throws are amazing, but I guess he's not as good at fielding." Tanba: "You're thinking too much about stepping on the base. If you don't run parallel to the foul line, the runner's gonna shred your legs." Tanba: "The moment you release the ball, you become the ninth fielder. Don't ever forget that." uruya: "Sir." Kuramochi: "Tanba-san's got a lot of dignity, giving advice to his rival." Kuramochi: "Well, he does have way more experience." Chris: "You look envious." Chris: "You want to go to the first-string that badly?" Sawamura: "Rather..." Sawamura: "How long are you gonna make me stretch? It's already been thirty minutes! We're in the bullpen! Let me pitch!" Sawamura: "What are you writing down?" Sawamura: "What's wrong with this guy? He has a quiet voice, and I have no idea what he wants to do." Chris: "Shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints are very flexible. His fingers are long and have many traits of a good pitcher." Sawamura: "What did you say?" Chris: "However..." Chris: "You'll never become the ace here. In the last tryout scrimmage, why did you ignore the catcher" Chris: "and go for head-to-head duels?" Chris: "Are catchers..." Chris: "just targets to you?" Sawamura: "Th-That's not it at all! To be honest, I don't have confidence in my ball control. I didn't want to throw halfheartedly, so I thought I could just throw as hard as I can." Sawamura: "Besides, a head-to-head battle of powers is the best part about baseball." Chris: "That's why you're a loser." Chris: "Anyway, throw." Chris: "Though I don't expect anything from you." Sawamura: "He calls me a loser and doesn't give me any credit, but he's got the mask, the guards, the whole package." Sawamura: "Maybe... You're actually pretty scared of my pitch?" Sawamura: "What is he doing?" Sawamura: "He didn't move the mitt a single inch." Chris: "What's wrong?" Chris: "This is where my... mitt is." Sawamura: "He's so scary!" Chris: "A head-to-head battle of powers is the best part about baseball? Maybe for your own self-satisfaction. A pitcher must stand on the mound with everything on his shoulders, including the benched players." Chris: "I would never... want to entrust the three years we spent here to you." Sawamura: "What is up with that guy? He's calling it a day way before everyone else!" Sawamura: "What does he know from seeing a few of my throws?" Sawamura: "You're in the second-string, too!" Sawamura: "Don't take out your frustration on me!" Player1: "He's running by himself again." Player1: "I guess he's already on bad terms with Chris." Player2: "I don't like him. He's gloomy." Player3: "You, too?" Sawamura: "Damn it. It's like... nothing's changed at all since my—" Haruno: "Sawamura-kun!" Haruno: "Here you go." Haruno: "Chris in third-year asked me to give it to you." Haruno: "He said to do it after you finish your daily menu." Player1: "There are a lot of pitchers who lost their futures pairing with Chris." Player2: "Maybe the rumor about him going crazy after losing his first-string position to Miyuki is true." Player1: "I feel sorry for Sawamura, having to form a battery with him." Sawamura: "You've gotta be kidding me!" Sawamura: "I'm gonna kill you!" Chris: "Hey, Sawamura-kun. You certainly talk big." Chris: "But you'll never, ever be the ace here." Sawamura: "Who are you to tell me that?" Sawamura: "Miyuki snapped, all of a sudden." Sawamura: "What are you hiding, anyway?" Sawamura: "Next time on Ace of the Diamond: The Truth About Chris."

Chris: "A pitcher must stand on the mound with everything on his shoulders, including the benched players." Chris: "I would never... want to entrust the three years we spent here to you." Haruno: "Here you go." Haruno: "Chris in third-year asked me to give it to you." Haruno: "He said to do it after you finish your daily menu." Sawamura: "Oh, you've gotta be kidding me! Is he trying to kill me?" Sawamura: "You left early, but you leave me with more training?" Haruno: "A pitcher shouldn't be so emotional!" Haruno: "Aww... But if you look closely, it may have a lot of exercises, but number of reps is pretty small." Miyuki: "Hey, let's call it a day here." Miyuki: "You're throwing too much." Miyuki: "If you keep up this pace, you won't last until summer." uruya: "Can we continue a little bit longer? Please." Miyuki: "I can't say no to that passion in your eyes." Miyuki: "Just ten more, then!" uruya: "Thank you." Miyuki: "He's like..." Miyuki: "a wolf who was starving to throw." Haruno: "I thought he always kept his cool, but I guess even he gets pretty hot sometimes." Kuramochi: "Hey, you're back just in time, Sawamura!" Sawamura: "What are you doing to me?" Kuramochi: "I just got a new game, so let's play!" Sawamura: "Wait... I have something I want to ask." Sawamura: "What's an MB Sit-up?" Kuramochi: "What the hell? What's with this training menu? You gonna be a wrestler or something?" Sawamura: "W-Wrestling?" Sawamura: "Freaking Chris! I bet he doesn't want me training for baseball!" Kuramochi: "MB stands for medicine ball. You use it for those exercises." Sawamura: "Whoa!" Kuramochi: "That's 4 kilos. It'll give you a nice workout. Though this looks more like conditioning for core and inner muscles to prevent injuries." Sawamura: "Um... Can I borrow this?" Kuramochi: "Sure." Kanemaru: "What do you want? Do you know what time it—" Kanemaru: "Were you... training this late?" Sawamura: "Chris. Can you catch my pitches right now?" Kanemaru: "What are you saying? It's 10:00 at night! Are you crazy?" Sawamura: "I... did everything here." Sawamura: "You will catch my pitch, right?" Chris: "You think that puts you on our level?" Chris: "364 more days. You do that menu for a year," Chris: "and then I'll acknowledge you." Sawamura: "A year? A freaking year?" Sawamura: "In a year, you'll already be gone! Do you really hate me that much?" Player1: "Good day." Player2: "Hello." Player3: "Hello." Player4: "Good day." Sawamura: "Hey, wait a minute..." Sawamura: "Unbelievable. He's leaving early again today!" Haruichi: "Hey, Eijun!" Haruichi: "Hey!" Haruichi: "Chris in third-year asked me for a favor. Here." Haruichi: "It's a new menu." Sawamura: "He'd better be kidding me! Like hell I'll actually do this!" Sawamura: "This tire is all I need!" Sawamura: "Let's go, buddy!" Haruichi: "Hey, what are you gonna do for the Kanto tournament in two days? Everyone's required to go." Haruichi: "I see." Haruichi: "So you don't want to go." Haruichi: "For now, we can only watch from the bleachers." Haruichi: "It doesn't make me feel good either." Haruichi: "But they're teams we'll be playing against in the future." Haruichi: "Might as well get to know them." Guy1: "Whoa, Seido's losing!" Guy2: "They're four runs down." Guy3: "Tanba was pitching well until the sixth inning." Guy2: "But the Yokohama Academy batters had figured him out by the seventh." Guy3: "If they lose the pitching battle, they'll lose the game." Announcer: "Top of the eighth, Seido High School has called for a change in players." Guy1: "Whoa! A pitcher change!" Guy2: "But does Seido have a pitcher other than Tanba who can fare well against Yokohama Academy?" Announcer: "Switching out Tanba for the pitcher, Furuya." Guy1: "Furuya?" Guy2: "Hey, he's a first-year!" Guy3: "Seriously?" Guy2: "They're putting in a first-year in this situation? Is Seido giving up the game?" Haruichi: "Wow! He really came out." Ya Coach: "Do they take us for idiots? They're bringing out a first-year to the mound?" Ya Coach: "Guys! Show that rookie what high school baseball is about!" Ya Players: "Sir!" Ya1: "He's thin." Ya1: "He's not even built yet." Ya1: "You guys have it tough every year." Miyuki: "Go easy on us." Miyuki: "Don't be surprised." Miyuki: "From this day forward, you guys..." Miyuki: "won't forget his name." Ya Coach: "What are you doing? He's a first-year!" Ya Coach: "Don't swing at those high fastballs!" Crowd1: "Five strikeouts in a row!" Crowd2: "Unbelievable! Seido's got themselves a monster player!" Crowd1: "What junior high is he from? I've never heard of a Furuya!" Crowd2: "Finished off the last guy with a strikeout, too!" Crowds: "One more out! One more out!" Ya Coach: "Impossible. We're the ones winning the game!" Ya Coach: "These guys hit from a pitching machine every day..." Ya Coach: "but they're still swinging at balls!" Ya Coach: "How much pressure..." Ya Coach: "does his pitch have?" Haruichi: "It's hard to believe he's a first-year like us." Chris: "One of his pitches can crush a batter's heart." Chris: "This is the difference between Furuya's talents and yours." Sawamura: "You..." Chris: "I told you. You'll never be the ace on this team." Chris: "As long as he's in your grade." Miyuki: "His throws are disgusting." Miyuki: "Gotta say we're lucky his control is a little off." Miyuki: "The batters can't figure out where he's throwing." Miyuki: "One last guy. Just throw the way you want." Ota: "Furuya's pitching very freely today." Ota: "Those two will make a good battery." Chris: "At this rate, for three years," Chris: "you'll just be his relief pitcher. Or you can quit here, and try to be an ace elsewhere." Sawamura: "What about you? You're a second-string like me." Sawamura: "Aren't you frustrated that you lost to a second-year?" Sawamura: "You finish practice so early." Sawamura: "If you want to go up, don't you have to practice harder than anyone else?" Sawamura: "You've just given up on getting better! I don't want you talking like you know anything!" Sawamura: "No matter how high the obstacle... I never want to be like you!" Sawamura: "I'll never give up on aiming higher!" Crowd1: "There he goes!" Crowd2: "Six strikeouts in a row!" Crowd3: "He's a real beast!" Crowd1: "Seido's got themselves a strong pitcher!" Ryosuke: "Nice pitching!" Kuramochi: "Nice going, kiddo! We can't end the game like this after your pitching!" Yuki: "Leave the rest to us." Yuki: "Let's turn this game around! Yeah!" Chris: "Give up on aiming higher?" Chris: "For the idiot that you are, you're sharp." Chris: "Don't end up like me... Sawamura." Player1: "Today's game was amazing." Player2: "I had goose bumps at the bottom of the ninth!" Player2: "We lost, but we were a step away from taking down Yokohama Academy." Player1: "I bet we can really go to nationals this year." Player2: "Yeah, we'd better train hard, too." Player1: "Yeah!" Chris: "Don't end up like me... Sawamura." Sawamura: "He admitted it just like that. What's his problem?" Muto: "Hey, Sawamura! What are you doing?" Muto: "You gotta cover the base!" Muto: "What kind of baseball were you playing in junior high? Baseball's not that easy!" Sawamura: "Sorry." Muto: "Not there! You gotta cover home plate in this situation!" Player1: "How was he able to join our team?" Kanemaru: "How is an idiot like him in second-string while we're stuck running?" Muto: "Stop being so lost!" Player1: "Good day." Rei: "How was it? You said you don't even watch professional baseball, but have you figured out that watching is a good way to learn?" Rei: "Baseball is a sport played by nine people." Rei: "It's not just hitting, running, and defending. There are lots of things to do." Rei: "I teamed you up with Chris so you could figure that out sooner." Rei: "Is he teaching you well? In the next scrimmage, I want to let you play, but from what I'm seeing, that might not be possible." Miyuki: "Rei-chan, I'd like to see the score book from yesterday's game..." Sawamura: "Look away! Don't look at me! I'm ashamed!" Miyuki: "You're awesome!" Rei: "Did I pick the wrong partner?" Rei: "He's not doing very well with Chris." Miyuki: "Well, there aren't many people who can get along with him now." Rei: "Sawamura-kun, you may not know, but he's the most knowledgeable about baseball on our team." Rei: "He also has the knack for discovering players' potentials." Sawamura: "Even if you tell me that, he hardly has motivation!" Sawamura: "He left practice early today, too." Miyuki: "Whoa! You're saying too—" Sawamura: "I!" Sawamura: "I want to pair up with you!" Sawamura: "I still can't forget that sound. That sound I heard the first time I came to this school. In that last game, I was trying to throw as close to that moment as I could." Miyuki: "So that's why he was only throwing his best pitch." Miyuki: "Well, don't be so impatient." Miyuki: "If you do as he says, you'll definitely be able to improve." Sawamura: "No way! I don't want to pair up with someone so unmotivated!" Sawamura: "Why is he still on the team?" Sawamura: "If he doesn't like to practice, he should just quit." Miyuki: "Everyone understands that you want to get better." Miyuki: "Especially after the trials." Miyuki: "But what you said just now..." Miyuki: "I can't let it slide." Rei: "Miyuki-kun..." Miyuki: "Ruined my good mood." Miyuki: "Rei-chan. I'm borrowing this." Rei: "Sure." Rei: "You can't blame him for getting mad." Rei: "He's the person who respects Chris as a catcher the most. In junior high, Miyuki could never win against one team, and that was the team Chris was on. Chris has a father who was a star player in the NPB, and his plays that made full use of everything about baseball promised him a bright future on our team." Rei: "However, maybe everyone's high hopes were too much pressure for him." Rei: "He kept playing with an injured shoulder without anyone noticing." Rei: "How were we so careless to miss something so big?" Rei: "We're here." Animal: "Next, one-hand rowing. Ten reps." Animal: "Don't rush. Go slowly." Animal: "Be conscious of what muscles you're using." Animal: "Go slow." Rei: "He ruptured his subscapularis and pronator teres muscles. On our team, with so many players, being away from the team for a year is the same as quitting the team." Rei: "Even Coach Kataoka asked him to support the team as a manager. However, he clung to a small chance, and he never gave up on finishing as a player." Sawamura: "You're kidding." Sawamura: "Are you..." Sawamura: "kidding me?" Chris: "You think that puts you on our level?" Sawamura: "You've just given up on getting better! I don't want you talking like you know anything!" Sawamura: "I didn't know anything, and told him something so..." Sawamura: "But what the hell?" Chris: "Don't end up like me... Sawamura." Rei: "Hey, Sawamura-kun!" Sawamura: "Why? Why did you let a stupid first-year like me mouth off to you and not say anything?" Sawamura: "Damn it! Are you kidding me?" Sawamura: "Damn it... I look like" Sawamura: "a stupid moron now! Maybe I haven't done enough compared to what the third-years have built up," Sawamura: "but I'm an idiot! Words alone aren't gonna make me understand!" Sawamura: "Maybe it's a waste of time for you to practice with someone like me." Sawamura: "But I have an impossible request." Sawamura: "Please..." Sawamura: "Please..." Sawamura: "Please teach me baseball." Chris: "Sawamura, you're not like Furuya. You have your own distinctive qualities. Those are what you need to hone." Sawamura: "What qualities do I have?" Miyuki: "Hey, you've got the wrong idea! You need to— I can't just stand by and watch!"

Sawamura: "It may be a waste of time for you to practice with someone like me." Sawamura: "But I have an impossible request." Sawamura: "Please..." Sawamura: "Please..." Sawamura: "Please teach me baseball." Animal: "Who is this crazy boy?" Animal: "Is he someone from your high school team? Yu, I've told you to stop going to practice." Animal: "If you break your shoulder again, you'll never be able to play again." Animal: "Hey, boy! Don't come near my son." Animal: "If you want to learn baseball, read this first." Animal: "It's written by Jorge Animal, a former major leaguer." Sawamura: "Who needs this crap!?" Animal: "No!" Sawamura: "I'm speaking with Chris-senpai!" Animal: "Do you not know who Animal is?" Sawamura: "Not even a bit!" Chris: "What's this for?" Sawamura: "Well, sir... I thought you'd need to eat a lot to heal?" Chris: "Don't do anything unnecessary. It's gross." Sawamura: "Gross?" Chris: "Though I'll still eat it." Sawamura: "You will?" Sawamura: "Good morning, sir. It's an honor to—" Sawamura: "Shall I wash your back?" Sawamura: "Do you have enough paper?" Sawamura: "Good day, Chris-senpai!" Student1: "Is he Chris-kun's follower?" Student2: "This is the third-years' floor." Sawamura: "I'd like to get a third scroll soon." Chris: "They're quite dirty." Chris: "Did you throw them, by any chance?" Sawamura: "That's impossible." Chris: "Twice a week." Chris: "You still don't know how to use your body well. You should do those menus interchangeably twice a week." Sawamura: "Twice." Chris: "Overworking yourself is ineffective." Chris: "Practice isn't about aimlessly working hard." Chris: "Learn to rest." Sawamura: "Yes, sir!" Chris: "Also..." Chris: "Don't follow me around anymore. You're a pest." Sawamura: "A pest?" Sawamura: "I know I deserve this, but he's a tough one to crack." Masuko: "I'll hide them somewhere, so no one will eat them." Masuko: "What's up?" Kuramochi: "Hey, what happened? Did your girlfriend back home dump you?" Masuko: "What are you doing sitting in a desk, Sawamura-chan?" Sawamura: "It's finally come to me. I can't get better just because I like the sport." Sawamura: "I have to learn way more about baseball." Kuramochi: "A little late?" Sawamura: "Did you know? The Japanese word for "shortstop" was named by Shiki Masaoka. But who exactly is Shiki Masaoka?" Kuramochi: "What are you studying?" Other1: "So he's Satoru Furuya." Other2: "His fastball really looks scary up close." Other3: "Tanba's looking better, too." Other3: "His sidearms are looking really good." Other2: "They've got some strong pitchers." Other1: "Guess it wasn't a fluke that they fought well against Yokohama Academy." Other3: "Seido is going to be a tough team this year." Miyuki: "We're done for today." uruya: "A little more?" Miyuki: "Nope. You don't have cardio, so go run." Miyuki: "Thanks for ignoring me!" Kanemaru: "What's he doing by himself?" Kanemaru: "Did he finally get kicked out of practice?" Hosoyamada: "Apparently, he asked if he could watch." Kanemaru: "What's up with that? Is he quitting?" Ono: "Ball to second!" Maezono: "Hey, you said that too late! The pitcher can't see the runner, so you gotta be his eyes!" Ono: "S-Sorry." Maezono: "And, shortstop, your coverage was late!" kata: "I know!" Sawamura: "They're so amazing." Sawamura: "They all move together to make one single play." Sawamura: "So this is... the play to defend the team." Rei: "I wonder if getting yelled at by Miyuki-kun got to him. He's finally realized what he's missing and is trying to learn." Rei: "Now, he just needs to communicate with the catcher." Animal: "Damn!" Animal: "Don't be influenced by that twerp. Forget about high school baseball and just build your body in time for graduation." Animal: "You have a long baseball career ahead." Miyuki: "Good evening, sir." Miyuki: "Just coming back?" Miyuki: "I hear Sawamura's been following you around every day." Chris: "Yeah, and I'm quite tired of it." Miyuki: "But he's really trying to learn baseball despite how dumb he is." Miyuki: "He was carefully observing people's plays today." Miyuki: "How do you see him, Chris-senpai?" Miyuki: "He's a gem in the rough, and he throws moving fastballs. From the catcher's point of view, I don't think there's any pitcher as difficult but attractive." Miyuki: "Drawing out his true potential is really up to us catchers." Chris: "True, I acknowledge his talent." Chris: "But I'm not mature enough to be able to help him grow." Chris: "Tanba and Furuya..." Chris: "How you lead those two pitchers..." Chris: "That's what will determine the team's performance this year." Chris: "Good luck, first-string catcher." Miyuki: "Chris-senpai..." Sawamura: "Why did you let a stupid first-year like me mouth off to you and not say anything?" Animal: "Forget about high school baseball and just build your body in time for graduation." Sawamura: "Good morning, Chris-senpai!" Sawamura: "What another lovely day today!" Sawamura: "What do you say? Let's play some catch before breakfast!" Sawamura: "It feels great to wake up early. And I'd really like to throw." Chris: "You're so noisy, so early. I'll play catch with you for a bit, so go warm up." Sawamura: "I know. You're busy, right?" Sawamura: "Huh?" Sawamura: "How long should I be warming up?" Sawamura: "I'm going to burn up before I even throw!" Chris: "If you have a problem, then I'm leaving." Chris: "Don't think you'll always be in top-notch condition when you throw." Sawamura: "I can't hear anything you say." Chris: "Okay, do 20 sprints, then stretch." Sawamura: "But everyone's already eating breakfast!" Sawamura: "Fine, I'll do it! I will!" Sawamura: "I'm done." Chris: "Okay, let's throw." Chris: "Bottom of the ninth, two outs and bases loaded. A full count." Chris: "A hit will cost us the game." Chris: "What would you throw?" Sawamura: "I'd throw my best pitch right down the middle. No question! In fact, that's all I can do." Chris: "That one pitch determines whether the team wins or loses." Chris: "That's what you'd throw, knowing that?" Chris: "Okay, then throw." Sawamura: "You don't need protectors?" Chris: "Relax. I'm not asking you to throw to where the mitt is." Sawamura: "A full count at the bottom of the ninth, two outs and bases loaded. In that situation, the only thing I can do is to believe in my fielders and throw as hard as I can!" Sawamura: "That was a nice sound." Chris: "That was a home run." Sawamura: "Why? That was a nice throw!" Chris: "The batter was Matsui." Sawamura: "That's not fair!" Chris: "Why did you throw without asking about the batter?" Chris: "Did you already forget the home run Masuko got off you?" Chris: "You don't have fastballs like Furuya or breaking balls like Tanba." Chris: "What are your distinctive qualities?" Sawamura: "I don't know." Sawamura: "What are they?" Chris: "That's for you to figure out." Kuramochi: "Your distinctive qualities?" Kuramochi: "Your stupidity, of course." Masuko: "You lack the common sense not to eat other people's pudding." Sawamura: "I see... So I have no common sense, and I'm stupid." Kuramochi: "Also, you suck at video games, and your wrestling moves don't work." Masuko: "You don't know baseball." Kuramochi: "You won't tell me Wakana-chan's email." Sawamura: "Wakana's email..." Sawamura: "Wait! That's irrelevant!" Kuramochi: "Cross chop!" Kuramochi: "You lose your cool too easily and forget to speak with respect!" Haruichi: "Your distinctive qualities?" Haruichi: "It's fun to field for you, I guess. You send a lot of balls flying. Also, there weren't any foul balls last time, right? That's a pretty good feat. It doesn't mess up the fielders' rhythm." Sawamura: "Foul balls?" Sawamura: "Rhythm?" Sawamura: "Wait a minute. Is that why he..." Chris: "This is where my... mitt is." Haruichi: "By the way, did you hear the word about the first-string team?" Haruichi: "As of now, there are eighteen players on the first-string. And those eighteen players are all fighting for the spots on the active roster," Haruichi: "but twenty players can be registered for the summer Tokyo District tournament. Basically, two second-string players will be moved up by the summer." Sawamura: "You serious?" Haruichi: "So the scrimmages will be good opportunites to show off." Sawamura: "Two players?" Haruichi: "Yep, two players." Sawamura: "So we're moving up to the first-string!" Haruichi: "No, nothing's final yet..." Sawamura: "All right! Let's do this!" uruya: "I want to eat a crab omelet." Crowd1: "There it goes! Three consecutive doubles!" Crowd2: "The third-years are on fire!" Crowd1: "Looks like they've gotten better since the Kanto tournament." Koma1: "They're sending the first-string to Teito, but the second-string to us?" Koma2: "Way to make a fool out of us." Koma1: "That pitcher is also a first-year." Koma2: "You serious? They're blatantly looking down on us!" Ono: "What? You'll throw as I tell you to?" Sawamura: "Yes, sir. I'll throw wherever you want me to." Ono: "Okay." Sawamura: "I can't throw amazing fastballs or breaking balls. So in order to get to the top of the pyramid..." Sawamura: "I can only rely on my good control." Sawamrua: "In this game, I'll step up to a whole new level." Ono: "Throw where my mitt is? Yeah, right! That was an easy pitch down the middle!" Sawamura: "Why?" Koma: "Yeah! He sucks!" Rei: "Where is the power in your pitch?" Crowd1: "He threw in the trials the other day, right?" Crowd2: "He looks smaller today. Also, he's taking too many hits." Crowd1: "He's really doing badly today." Sawamura: "What the hell?" Sawamura: "So long as I throw to where the mitt is, I shouldn't get hit!" Sawamura: "Aim for the mitt." Koma1: "A perfect pitch!" Koma2: "It's going!" Koma3: "Run! Run!" Koma3: "Seido's not as good as we thought!" Koma2: "They've got a crappy pitcher on the mound! Don't take us lightly just because we're a public school!" Rei: "What an outcome... He's completely lost himself." Ono: "Time out, please." Umpire: "Time out!" Maezono: "What's with that lazy pitching today?" Sawamura: "Maezono-senpai..." Sawamura: "But I'm just throwing to where the catcher's holding his mitt." Maezono: "You think those slow balls won't get hit? Hurry up and take this uniform off!" Maezono: "You're not the only pitcher on our team!" Ono: "That's enough, Zono." kata: "By wearing this uniform, we bear the pride and the glories of our past players. Just because we're the second-string doesn't mean we can have a pathetic game." Haruichi: "Nakata-senpai is right." Sawamura: "Harucchi." Haruichi: "I don't like fielding behind you today." Haruichi: "I think you should cool your head in the dugout." Sawamura: "Wait a minute! I'm thinking the best I can, and seriously—" Rei: "Sawamura-kun." Rei: "Pitcher change. Get off the mound, right now." Chris: "You focused too much on control, and your pitches had no power." Chris: "Your fastballs maxed out at 130 km/h." Chris: "It's no surprise you gave up hits." Chris: "Didn't I tell you? You're not like Furuya or Tanba." Sawamura: "Then... what's something I have that they don't?" Chris: "Bear the loss you had today in your heart. If you do, you can go much higher." Chris: "Good ball control and faster pitches..." Chris: "aren't something you can achieve overnight. But if you can be patient and focus on building the foundation," Chris: "you'll slowly but surely set yourself apart." Teito1: "Another strikeout?" Teito2: "That's a first-year?" Teito3: "He's definitely throwing 150 km/h." Crowd1: "Hey, are you guys putting this down?" Crowd2: "He only has this fastball. We can figure something out." Miyuki: "We're getting more scouts by the day." Miyuki: "Guess everyone's hearing the news about Furuya." uruya: "Excuse me. Time out, please." Umpire: "Time out!" Ota: "Did something happen?" Miyuki: "What's up? We're not even in a pinch." Miyuki: "Your finger..." Miyuki: "He throws by putting his entire weight on the tip of his fingers." Miyuki: "Looks like that technique has put too much stress on his fingertip." Miyuki: "Never expected a weakness like this." Miyuki: "Go back to the dugout without showing that to anyone." Miyuki: "I don't want the scouts from other schools to find out." uruya: "I can still throw—" Miyuki: "Just go back." Crowd1: "What's up? He's getting replaced?" Crowd2: "He's only thrown for two innings." Tanba: "Coach." Tanba: "I'm always ready, sir." Ota: "Tanba! You threw yesterday! You may be warmed up, but..." Kataoka: "Okay." Kataoka: "But only for three innings." Tanba: "Sir!" Kataoka: "Furuya." Kataoka: "You hurt your nail?" Kataoka: "To a pitcher, his fingertips are his life. It's proof that you're not taking good care of them." Kataoka: "Furuya, you're banned from throwing for two weeks." Katoka: "You can run in the second-string practice field." Ota: "Coach, aren't you being a little too harsh?" Kataoka: "A brand new first-year with only time on his hands and a third-year with his last chance. The amount of effort they put in this summer will be incomparable." Kataoka: "Looks like the ace number is too much responsibility for a first-year." Miyuki: "Tanba-san is on fire. So this is what happens to a third-year on the edge. His curve is getting sharper and sharper." Isashiki: "Hey! I'm getting bored out here!" Kuramochi: "You seem to be in real good position." Ryosuke: "You're finally acting like the ace. A little late, though." Umpire: "Strike!" Umpire: "Batter out!" Chris: "But if you can be patient and focus on building the foundation," Chris: "you'll slowly but surely set yourself apart." Sawamura: "He didn't tell me what my qualities were." uruya: "I heard you got quite a beating." Sawamura: "Furuya!" uruya: "The moon is pretty tonight." Sawamura: "You can't see the moon! It's cloudy right now!" uruya: "Oh... You're right." Sawamura: "What is he here to do?" uruya: "It really sucks. I didn't think walking off the mound before burning out" uruya: "would leave such a bad taste." uruya: "The fielders and the catcher on this team are so reliable." uruya: "A pitcher's really lucky to be able to stand on that mound." Sawamura: "Yeah." uruya: "Yeah, it's great to be on the first-string." Sawamura: "Damn it! Are you here to brag?" uruya: "If you're not going to use that tire, can I use it?" Sawamura: "No, this is my partner! I won't let anyone else use it!" uruya: "Oh, there's a bigger one over there." Sawamura: "What?" Isashiki: "Hey, someone's on the field." Ryosuke: "I wonder what they're doing, without even turning the lights on." Isashiki: "Just six weeks until the summer tournament. Looking forward to finding out which two are coming up to the first-string? " Yuki: "Yeah." Sawamura: "I'm gonna make the first-string, too!" uruya: "You're slow." Sawamura: "Don't leave me behind, Furuya! Damn it!" Sawamura: "What exactly do I need to do?" Sawamura: "How do I become a pitcher Chris-senpai will acknowledge?" Kataoka: "Don't rush, Sawamura. Just listen to Chris and hone your own qualities, and you'll find a way." Sawamura: "Coach..." Sawamura: "But I..." Sawamura: "Next time on Ace of the Diamond: Hone Your Moving Fastball."

Asami: "Synchronization with current location complete." Asami: "Confirm test movie taken at the director's office two hours ago." Asami: "Done." Direc: "If you wish to contribute, it is a possibility." Asami: "Then..." Direc: "Yes. Kazari Asami, we will make an exception and allow you to end your internship early. As of today, you are assigned to Special Public Security Division 5, Third Mobile Assault Unit 8." Asami: "Are you serious?" Direc: "Do you object?" Asami: "No, this makes it even more worthwhile." Direc: "These are parts for the newest Willwear." Direc: "Can you master it and view the video footage taken here?" Asami: "This is way too easy. Unit 8... An experimental division that comes with significant baggage, created in the police department at the insistence of the defense ministry. It is a group of incompetents frequently criticized for collateral damage or other actions violating protocol. Is it really a unit of garbage men," Asami: "or are they just trash themselves?" Kuro: "Hey." Asami: "You really should use public mode for that." Kuro: "What's with her?" Asami: "Either way," Asami: "I'll take over Japan's ACTIVE Project." Mutos: "Thou shalt not be proud." Mutos: "You are neither strong nor absolute." Mutos: "Soon, our friends will teach you the truth." Mutos: "Fate, coincidence... All are merely offerings to the same plate." Mutos: "Yes, when he and I ring the bell..." A: "Who are the perps?" B: "They're thought to be a pair." C: "Use of Willwear confirmed." D: "We've received authorization to shoot!" A: "Good! Fire!" Swat: "It can't be..." Asami: "I know..." Asami: "My role requires me to be a spy of sorts. I will determine what's happening at Unit 8 and report whether it merits continued existence." Asami: "But that's only the official motive." Asami: "I know what the brass really wants." Asami: "They want me to personally shape Unit 8 into a force of good. To do so, I must first initiate conversations—" una: "Good morning." Asami: "Oh, g-good morning!" Asami: "Huh?" Asami: "Wait... What?" una: "We've received sortie orders. Let's head to the command vehicle." Asami: "Oh, I should introduce myself. I've been assigned here as of today." una: "Kazari-san, right? I've been informed. I'm the section chief, Funasaka." Sena: "And I am..." Asami: "Huh?" Sena: "Sena Souichirou. I guess my motto is "Separate the trash properly."" una: "Oh? Was there more left?" Sena: "Under the table. His." Haruka: "Welcome to the mobile assault center. I'm Sergeant Hoshimiya Haruka. I'm currently into buses. My goal for the foreseeable future is to conquer all Tokyo bus LED displays." Haruka: "That's all." Asami: "Huh? Um, more importantly, wasn't there an incident?" Asami: "Can you first give me an overview?" Rin: "Oh, are you the new girl? I'm Yamabuki Rin, the chief. Nice to meet you." Asami: "Huh?" Rin: "I bet you're thinking, "Wow, she's short!"" Asami: "Uh..." Asami: "Oh... Where's my notepad? Huh? Huh? Huh?" Rin: "They've arranged for a Chuo Express train to Tokyo passing through here at 9:12 to make an emergency stop and link up with us. Let's have our briefing while we wait." Rin: "Kazari-san, you'll observe until ordered otherwise." Asami: "Wait, I can always—" Kyou: "Based on your ankle size, you must be the newbie." Asami: "And who are you?" Kyou: "People call me Kyoukai-san." Asami: "Huh?" Sena: "There's an association of companies producing Willwears." Sena: "He's a maintenance man sent by them." Kyou: "I guess you could call it my code name." Kyou: "That's a Willwear part specifically for you, right?" Asami: "Yes..." Kyou: "Give it to me later. I'll add it to your Willwear by night's end." Asami: "All right." Rin: "Okay, so who're we missing?" Sena: "Just a man who doesn't pick up his trash." Haruka: "I got a message saying he'll be late because he's helping out at a branch." una: "Then, Assistant Inspector Kuroki Takeru will join us at the rendezvous point." Rin: "Since we have a new member, let's cover the basics. Willwears were developed as an auxiliary power device. Given their output, when they're used for crime—" Asami: "I know. The actuators, which use synthetic muscle, can make Willwears difficult to counter with standard equipment. The government is currently moving toward amending the Police Act—" Rin: "Thanks. On to the real subject at hand, then. Today, at 7:46 AM, two Willwear units infiltrated the Iwasaki Material Laboratory, in Oomiya District, Saitama City." Sena: "Two?" Rin: "Correct. They share the same base, but one unit appears to have specialized equipment. After seizing 250kg of gold, the two units entered the tracks of the Second City Express Saitama Line, and they're currently heading toward Tokyo Station at an average of 50kph." Train: "Chuo Express departing for Tokyo Station." Rin: "Ugh, how much longer do we have to follow this launch method?" una: "Until other agencies transfer over to us, I guess. After all, this is partly to conduct various tests." Rin: "Then I guess it'll be this way for the next ten years." Asami: "Excuse me, boss. I've determined the perps' Willwear specs from the lab's security camera footage. They can liquefy materials with ultrasonic vibrations." Kyou: "A heavy-machinery attachment from Yuusei Heavy Industries, then." Haruka: "But isn't the base unit the Autumn Group's IW series?" Sena: "Another modded Willwear? There've been lots of those lately." Asami: "There's a high possibility that they're backed by organized crime. In my opinion—" una: "Oh, let's save the speculation for later. Now, let's not get too ahead of ourselves..." Rin: "Incoming message from Saitama HQ." Rin: "They're going to seal off the Warabi Tollgate." Asami: "So we'll try to stop them right before Arakawa? I can see why." Sena: "We can't." Asami: "Why not?" Sena: "The perps are intentionally drawing attention to themselves." Sena: "Most likely, they won't stay on this road." Kyou: "Ah, they switched to the Outer Loop Express." Asami: "Does that mean they'll move to Route 5?" Asami: "Contact police HQ! Request a sniper team!" Haruka: "Request denied." Asami: "Huh?" Haruka: "We've just identified the perps as two males, aged sixteen." Rin: "Is that good intel?" Haruka: "Yes. I'll put it on the main monitor." Haruka: "They've outed themselves on the net." Asami: "What idiots." una: "Indeed. You can't have a mistress if you aren't married." Asami: "That's not what I meant!" una: "Oh." Asami: "I meant they'll get caught right away by doing things like that." Sena: "Precisely." Asami: "Huh?" Sena: "They might not be thinking much at all." Rin: "If they reach Ikebukuro, there are too many routes they could take." Rin: "The mobile assault vehicle will be standing by at Shinjuku Station. Sena-kun, prepare Oscar I." Sena: "Roger." Asami: "Wait a minute. We have yet to receive official approval." Sena: "As long as we stay inside, equipping Willwear shouldn't be a problem, right?" Haruka: "We've arrived at the standby platform." una: "Itabashi authorities have raised no objections." Madoka: "Oscar I, equip inner unit." Haruka: "Vitals, all green." una: "All green." Rin: "All green, lock." Haruka: "Inner unit, begin output." Kyou: "Oscar I, set Elf Sigma Unit." Rin: "Given what we know of the perps' equipment, I'd prefer to also deploy Oscar II, but..." una: "I wonder where he's gone off to." una: "Speak of the devil..." Haruka: "Kuroki-san, we're at this platform today!" Kuro: "Okay, got it!" Kuro: "Sorry to keep you waiting. Kuroki Takeru, reporting for duty." Haruka: "I'm glad you made it in time." Kuro: "Yeah, having you guys come to Shinjuku was a huge help." Kuro: "So..." Kuro: "Where are these brainless perps?" Asami: "Um, so that's the guy who didn't take out his trash." Haruka: "Kuroki-san." Asami: "And the girl?" Haruka: "No idea... I wonder who she is." Kuro: "Kazari Asami!" Asami: "Y-Yes?" Kuro: "I thought that was you." Kuro: "Here's your notepad. You should notice being pickpocketed." Haruka: "What?!" Asami: "H-Hey!" Kuro: "Catch!" Asami: "Th-Thank you." Asami: "But why are you bringing a suspect to the scene of a different crime?" Kuro: "I wouldn't have made it back in time otherwise." Kuro: "The suspect fell ill while being escorted, so I had her rest." Kuro: "It just means I duly observed the Code of Criminal Investigations, Article 104, right?" Asami: "Those are just words!" una: "Sorry to interrupt, but the operation has been cancelled." Kuro: "Huh?" Kyou: "But the termination request originated in Suginami Ward. Isn't the operation site in Itabashi Ward?" una: "Well, there's an animation company in Suginami with a project on a tight deadline, and they outsource their 3D rendering to a company in Itabashi. If that area has a blackout, they'll have to cancel the episode, so a city council member gave his support." Kuro: "What's anime got to do with politics?" una: "The anime company's agency apparently handles said council member's campaign strategy for his soon-to-be-public gubernatorial bid." Rin: "Damn it all! Everything and everyone is just a pawn in their power play!" Asami: "It was an impossible operation to start with. Let's focus on minimizing collateral damage and holding ourselves to the tenets of justice—" Kyou: "Whoa!" Kyou: "The perps have over ten thousand followers now." Asami: "Huh?" Girl: "Um, what about me?" Kuro: "Maybe we can put her in the back?" Kuro: "I have to get ready to sortie, too." Haruka: "Oh, you can't do that right away." Kuro: "Why not?" Haruka: "I thought you wouldn't get here in time, so I charged mine up first." una: "What should we do?" una: "The perps are headed toward Ikebukuro." Rin: "For now, put the other case's suspect in the transport. Sena-kun?" Sena: "Here." Rin: "Delay the perps on the expressway. Oscar II will rendezvous with you later, so play it safe." Sena: "Any civilian vehicles?" una: "They've already been diverted." Sena: "Then I have no objections." Sena: "I can handle sorting the trash just fine on my own." Rin: "Oscar I, permission to sortie granted." una: "Permission confirmed." Haruka: "Oscar I, data-link to mobile assault vehicle confirmed. Request permission to launch." una: "Permission granted." Rin: "Permission granted." Sena: "Launching!" Perp: "Huh? What is that?" Sena: "Cyril Kashiwagi and Mariano Edralin Tanaka, correct?" Sena: "This is the police. You will be arrested for armed robbery, property damage, obstruction of justice, and other charges." Sena: "Power off your Willwears immediately and surrender." Kyou: "Oh, boy... So that's how it's gonna be, huh?" Asami: "They're still posting to the net." Asami: "Maybe they think we'll hold back because they're minors." Asami: "Or could it be..." una: "Three... Two... One." Rin: "Warning was ignored. Now at Level 2. Oscar I, deploy a drone, just in case." Sena: "Roger." Sena: "You have the right to an attorney. If you know anyone— Punch!" una: "All right, attack confirmed." Haruka: "Level 4. According to Provision 12 of the Secret Service Act, you're now allowed to use material force." Sena: "Roger that. In accordance with the law, I will now exercise material force." Kids: "What's that?" Sena: "Bastard!" Perp: "He fell for it." Perp: "There! Take that!" Sena: "Damn you... You think you can get away?" Sena: "I can still get you, even if you're behind me." Sena: "It's no good, Section Chief." Sena: "I can't fire from here." Rin: "Send me the data." Haruka: "God, so many rubberneckers!" Kyou: "Guess that's why they were live streaming." Asami: "If I may, I propose that the perps are heading for Chofu Airport. We should get there first." Rin: "What is Oscar II's charge status?" Haruka: "It's at forty-three percent." Kuro: "All right, I'll get going." Asami: "Are you even listening to me?" Kuro: "You're referring to how one of their posts had a station number, right? For Takaido Station or whatever." Asami: "Huh?" una: "Oscar I, report the perps' current location." Sena: "Command, this is Oscar I. The perps are headed toward Ikebukuro." Rin: "See? Their mention of Takaido was a trap. Let's flank them around Edogawabashi." Kuro: "Roger." Haruka: "Vitals, all green." una: "All green." Rin: "All green, lock." Haruka: "Inner unit, begin output." Kyou: "Oscar II, set strike interceptor unit." Rin: "Hmm?" Asami: "How did he know it was a trap?" Rin: "If they really wanted an audience, they'd be more straightforward." Rin: "Kazari-san, you're thinking too hard. Relax a bit, okay?" Perps: "Let's go! Combine! Yahoo!" Sena: "The perps are gaining speed! Request permission to fire!" una: "Sorry, there's a building of significance to the former prime minister nearby, so..." una: "Huh?" Sena: "Something wrong?" una: "Can you see? From the direction opposite Oscar II, there's..." Kuro: "Whoops." Kuro: "Cut it out, you two. This is the police. Further resistance—" Perps: "Whoops!" Kuro: "What?" Perps: "Bye-bye!" Haruka: "A Störche?" Asami: "Huh?" Rin: "That's going way too far!" una: "They're making a run for Gyoen." Kuro: "What's with them? After I went to the trouble to get here, they're just going back to Shinjuku?" Kuro: "I won't let you get away! Come with me!" Sena: "Whoa! Wh-What the... Oscar II, stop! I've told you before not do this." Kuro: "That's why I've been trying my best not to!" Sena: "I don't need bureaucratic talk from you! Just..." Asami: "What's with those two?" una: "Kyoukai-san, what's Oscar I's strength, and do we have emergency missiles?" Kyou: "It should be fine." Asami: "Huh?" Kuro: "Command, request confirmation of target-capture site." Sena: "Hey..." Sena: "Stop! Stop!" Haruka: "Roger. Searching for potential capture sites." Perps: "Huh? What's wrong?" una: "Confirmed hit. Sending address now." una: "It's a building scheduled for demolition. Keep it contained within the property." Kuro: "I'll do my best." Sena: "If I'd known I'd be in such a repulsive operation..." una: "Do you need medical attention? For your wounded heart?" Sena: "The thought is more than enough." Asami: "Cancel the operation immediately! It's too disorganized and dangerous!" Rin: "We still have Code of Criminal Investigations, Article 21, so don't worry." Asami: "I can't accept this. I'll report to HQ where justice truly lies—" Rin: "There's no such thing." Asami: "Huh?" Rin: "This is a job." Asami: "What?" Kyou: "More importantly, Kazari-san," Kyou: "can you head to the capture site?" una: "Oh, I was just thinking that myself." Haruka: "Agreed." Rin: "Only one of us here can take action, anyway." Asami: "Huh?" Kuro: "You guys, follow!" Asami: "What's with this insane plan? I'll just have to take charge, after all." Sena: "Sorry for repeating, but we're the police. You are under arrest for armed robbery, property damage, obstruction of justice, and..." Perps: "Crap! We were so close to getting away!" Sena: "Toward the bay?" Perps: "Huh?" Kuro: "We already figured that out when you guys tried to lure us to Chofu." Kuro: "By now, the quicksand areas in Ryogoku and Nihonbashi are all cordoned off." Perps: "Screw this! We have the power output of two units. Melt, bastard!" Asami: "Oh, is this it?" Sena: "That won't work. We've already coated our units, after figuring out your specs." Perps: "Damn it, bastard!" Kuro: "Oh? Why don't you power down your Willwears?" Sena: "Hey, they're minors." Kuro: "So what?" Perps: "I don't give a crap anymore! I'm gonna melt you! It's all your fault!" Perps: "W-We're minors!" Sena: "I've determined that you can't be reasoned with." Sena: "Oh, I'm out of power." Sena: "It's because you fooled around and made me waste power!" Kuro: "What? You're blaming me?" Kuro: "Boss! Can we start Phase 7 yet?" Rin: "Still getting a final confirmation." una: "I see... Shinjuku Ward can't authorize it?" una: "That's unfortunate. Tell the ward mayor that, at this rate, the secret club, Sappo—" Woman: "H-Hey! Fine, do whatever you want!" una: "We have permission." Rin: "Just one more." Perp: "Seriously, screw this! I'll use all the power we've got left!" Kuro: "You know... You should really try to expand your vocabulary!" Kyou: "There's no time left. Want me to unlock the sublimation module?" una: "Permission granted." Rin: "Permission granted." Kyou: "Permission confirmed." Kuro: "This ends here." Kuro: "Bye, minors." Kuro: "Destructive Ram Cannon, fire!" Kuro: "Yeah!" Asami: "Did I get here in time?" Suit: "Out of power." Suit: "Commencing emergency purge for pilot safety." Suit: "Out of power." Asami: "No!" Suit: "Commencing emergency purge..." una: "This is an experimental division. We must avoid having our faces seen at any cost. So..." Asami: "No!" Ad: "Care to try the welcome party course menu from the renovated Abumiya?" Ad: "You'll find the perfect place here!" una: "She's still a minor." Haruka: "We haven't let her drink." Rin: "Then why's she like this?" Kyou: "I think she's been in shock the whole day. It's the real world." Kuro: "It's because you get too hung up over the details." Sena: "It isn't exactly good to ignore details, either." Kuro: "Oh?" Haruka: "Don't take it so seriously." Haruka: "By the way, about the perps' posts..." una: "They were by someone else." Rin: "What should we do? We don't have any jurisdiction to investigate." una: "The Störche was taken into Saitama Prefectural Police custody, too." Haruka: "Then we have no cards to play." Sena: "How does the brass feel about Unit 8, anyway?" Rin: "Naturally, they're concerned." una: "They even assigned a special person like Kazari-san to us." Asami: "Oh, I'm not special at all." Asami: "High expectations have been placed on me. The continued existence of this division depends upon my report—" Kuro: "Oh, about your report." Asami: "Huh?" Kuro: "Make sure you include the fact that you got your notepad snatched in your report." Asami: "Huh?" Sena: "Well, of course she should." All: "Yeah." Asami: "They're right..." Asami: "But it still stings!"

M: "Soon." M: "Soon, I'll have it... I'll have it all." Amu: "Tonight's the night! Tonight, we'll have Refloat Waterfront, an unprecedented projection mapping event to restore the submerged district. I'm your reporter, who's already super excited, Shinmei Amu!" Eriko: "Thank you, Amu-san." Amu: "Sure!" Eriko: "So what's in store for us at this event? Take a look at this. First, mist machines installed at each station on the big loop line will create a massive mid-air mist screen. When the clock strikes midnight, special trains at all the loop-line stations will project the light of restoration over the district. On that starry night screen, we'll see..." Hachi: "And thus, the Babylon System turned to terror..." Mutos: "In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." Hachi: "Huh? A password?" Hachi: ""Zion," maybe?" Girl: "Are you kidding me?" Girl: "What do you mean, this is the end?" Girl: "You'd better not be expecting to get out of this scot-free." Girl: "Hey, don't ignore me, jackass!" Girl: "Why don't you say something, huh?" Girl: "Th-Thank you..." Girl: "Thank you so much." Hachi: "Nice to meet you, Mythos." Mutos: "So you're Bird?" Hachi: "Yeah. What was that just now?" M: "My "big sister" in my twenty-seventh fake family, which I'm disbanding today." Hachi: "Fake families? On a monthly rotation?" M: "Good guess." Hachi: "This is the thirty-second floor, after all." M: "Anyway, playtime is over." M: "She snapped, thinking I wasn't going to pay her father's big loan anymore." Hachi: "So you decided to pay off the loan, at least?" M: "I dislike unnecessary trouble." Hachi: "It would be idiotic to get injured here." Hachi: "The desert, huh?" Hachi: "You like the desert?" M: "Yes, it's sanitary." Hachi: "By the way, isn't the password at the entrance an Atbash cipher?" Hachi: "Was "Zion" intentional irony?" M: "I thought you, of all people, would understand." Police: "So, regarding the string of incidents since last month, the laptop of the comatose suspect now undergoing treatment, Doumoto Kakeru, contained files such as how-to's for modifying Willwears." Hachi: "I had the Willwear you wanted transported to the location we discussed." M: "Thank you. When you decrypted this and answered my call a year ago, my heart skipped a beat." Hachi: ""Planning to execute the most entertaining crime of all time. Looking for partners."" Hachi: "I want to see it soon." M: "You said you would become my best partner, did you not?" Hachi: "Yes." M: "Then do this for me." Hachi: "Option 5?" Hachi: "Fine, it'll be fun. Then let's be even more careful and delete each other's information from the cloud." M: "Yes, so we can become conquerors." Asami: "I have a new lead on the attempted bombing of the airplane! A mechanic who resigned right after the incident confessed to letting a third party into the hangar after the pre-flight maintenance." Rin: "And that individual rigged the plane?" Asami: "Yes. The mechanic had suffered huge investment losses, so the generous bribe blinded him." Rin: "Any connections to Logos?" Asami: "His computer was trashed, so there's no clear-cut evidence connecting him to Logos. However..." Rin: "However?" Asami: "The description of the saboteur is basically a dead ringer for the boy in the hospital." Kuro: "So we have a link to Logos?" Haruka: "Great!" Asami: "But... The office also told me this, but wouldn't continuing the investigation overstep our bounds?" Asami: "Each incident's been assigned to a specific precinct..." Rin: "It'll be fine. I have that sorted out." ews: "So we're looking forward to tonight's event!" ews: "It's sure to light a fire under the Tokyo waterfront reconstruction efforts." Hinata: "President?" Hinata: "Hello?" Hachi: "Sorry to bother you on your day off. Can I see you today?" H: "Oh, I'm free... Why?" Hachi: "There's something I want to tell you. I'll be waiting in the student council room." H: "Oh, okay." Hachi: "Then I'll see you later." H: "What should I wear?" Hayashi: "Yes, that works." Hayashi: "I'll let you handle the legwork." una: "Oh, this is a huge help." Hayashi: "Same here. Many people react negatively when we take any action." ews: "Refloat Waterfront! Here, in the capital city of Tokyo, a new era will begin tonight." Haruka: "According to the suspects' statements, they all received an e-mail from Logos out of the blue. The specifics were different, but each message contained a specific reference to what the suspect wanted at the time or how the suspect could wreak havoc. Each message contained a unique link that gave the suspect access to a special site. The e-mails bounced through several overseas servers, and the addresses were all different. We don't know where they were sent from." Haruka: "And the site is inaccessible, except through the e-mail links. Also, we don't know how Logos determined what the suspects desired." Kuro: "Did they just cast a wide net?" Asami: "That's not possible. In Fukamura's case, they even asked if he wanted to meet Shinmei Amu." Rin: "I doubt Doumoto, AKA the Fisherman, was the leader." Rin: "Remember what he said?" Dog: "I'm going to have my revenge... on them..." Rin: "There has to be another... Maybe two?" Hayashi: "Huh?" Hayashi: "T-To the police in Takanawa?" Hachi: "Hey! Thanks for coming, Hinata-kun." H: "N-No problem." H: "What did you want to talk to me about?" Hachi: "What's "I love you" in Latin?" H: "Huh? U-Um, "te amo."" Hachi: "Correct." Hachi: "How about "I want your lip," then?" H: "L-Lip?" Hachi: "Take your time." H: "O-Okay." H: "This is, um... It's not like we're doing anything wrong—" Det: "You're Hachijou Tomoki-kun, the one who contacted us, correct?" Hachi: "Yes, that's me." Det: "Would you come with us to the Takanawa station?" Hachi: "Yes, gladly." H: "P-President?" Hachi: "I am the leader of the criminal organization Logos." Hachi: "I'm known as Bird." H: "No way..." Asami: "He's Kouki Education Academy's student council president." una: "He's the student who wrote all those papers about Willwear incidents, isn't he?" Hayashi: "His statements all check out." Kuro: "Seriously? This kid's the leader of Logos?" Sena: "He knew all the confidential information. We have to believe it." Rin: "Why did you decide to turn yourself in?" Hachi: "Because there's nothing more to do." Rin: "What do you mean?" Hachi: "I wanted to see something interesting, something I'd never seen before." Haruka: "That's why you were having Willwears run around? To have fun?" Hachi: "I suppose, in that sense, I didn't exactly meet everyone's expectations." Asami: "So you're saying you did it because it was fun, but now that you're bored, you'll stop?" Hachi: "I recognize that voice. I've met you before." Hachi: "Then maybe you were the final straw. With amazing people like you in Unit 8, I thought I couldn't possibly escape." Asami: "I've never met you." Hachi: "You're the one who saved Hinata-kun. Actually, I caused that incident so that I could collect data on you," Hachi: "using the school's security cameras." Rin: "Do you even care that you involved other students?" Det: "Excuse me. Chief Yamabuki, we have orders to transport the suspect to main HQ. We're to take custody." Rin: "Understood." H: "Sis!" una: "Boss, please take your sister home." una: "We'll go back to Kichijouji." Rin: "What a surprise, huh?" Rin: "I'm still making sense of it." H: "What will happen to him?" Rin: "Main HQ has taken over." H: "It's not true that he's the leader of Logos, right?" Rin: "I might end up having to look into it." Rin: "I've been keeping this secret from you all this time, but I'm Unit 8's head." H: "Wh-Why is everyone lying to me?" M: "Goodbye, fake Emily." Kuro: "Guess that's one case down for the count." Kyou: "I heard Logos is finished now?" Kuro: "Yeah, pretty much." Haruka: "I'm not sure how I feel about that." Kuro: "Yeah..." Sena: "Still, it's not like we're out of a job." Asami: "That's right! You're so right!" una: "Yes, it's Funasaka." Asami: "Unit 8 will continue to strive to stamp out all Willwear crime!" una: "What?" una: "Okay, I understand." Haruka: "Who was it?" una: "Main headquarters." Kuro: "So they want us to look into it, after all?" una: "No, Unit 8 has been disbanded." Kuro: "Huh?!" Haruka: "No way!" Asami: "What the... What the hell is going on?" Asami: "God damn! Even though I have reported so much!" Rin: "What? Disbanded?" una: "Yes. As of 23:59 today, our Willwears will be taken off-line, and our access to the police network will be revoked. Once the paperwork is in order, we'll be transferred to the USDF." Asami: "Transferred? What's the meaning of this?" Asami: "The only choice is to permit its continued existence! I assume you've read my reports?!" Dir: "I don't have that kind of time." Asami: "Huh?" Dir: "I never needed your reports. All I needed was the wearable device you were initially provided." Dir: "We were monitoring Unit 8 24-7 through that device." Asami: "B-But that's spying!" Dir: "Look who's talking." Dir: "You know what you agreed to do, right?" Liko: "Uploading!" Haruka: "Well, now I can join in tonight's countdown. Lucky me." Kyou: "That's right. Projection mapping, was it?" Haruka: "What? Kyoukai-san?" Kyou: "Sorry. If we're disbanding, I have to deliver the Wear data to my headquarters." Kuro: "I'm going home, too. See you." Sena: "Hey!" Kuro: "Yeah?" Sena: "On a day like this, at least..." Kuro: "At least what?" Sena: "Wash out and toss your coffee can." Rin: "Asami-chan, I'm heading out." Rin: "Asami-chan?" Kuro: "For Sena, this place may have been a demotion." Kuro: "But for me, it was a step up." Kyou: "I had fun, too. I'm glad I met you all." Kuro: "Hey, since we're parting ways," Kuro: "tell me your name." Kyou: "Didn't I tell you before that it's Sado Namihei? Yeah, right. Well, I'll still be commuting to Kichijouji for a while, so I'll see you around." Kuro: "I didn't hate this job." Kuro: "I could feel I was keeping people safe." Kyou: "But what choice do we have? You can't stop change. Not in people, organizations, or cities. Though, it is sad to see the unit shut down." Kuro: "Yeah, to have it shut down..." Kuro: "Oh, come on. This place is closing, too?" Kuro: "Wait, why is it open?" Kuro: "Hey!" M: "Wh-Who are you?" Kuro: "That's my line. This is private property. You'll be arrested for trespassing." M: "I'm the owner. You're the one trespassing." Kuro: "You're the owner? You're lying. You're just a kid. Or are you the owner's kid?" M: "I'll show you the registration certificate if you'll leave." Kuro: "I don't want to see that crap." M: "Huh?" Kuro: "I just wanted to space out here." Kuro: "This was one of my go-to spots whenever I felt down." Kuro: "Before, I was looking for a fight more than peace and quiet, though. There was a scary guy named Inagi in my neighborhood" Kuro: "who was always on me for breaking the rules. I'd get thrown into the electric bathtub a lot." Kuro: "Terrible memories here, I guess." M: "You don't look that peaceful right now, either." Kuro: "But..." Kuro: "Whenever I came here, I'd feel like I could keep going." Kuro: "And why are you here?" M: "To destroy." Kuro: "Huh?" Techs: "How's it going? Good, we're basically done. I see. Soon, this place will be..." Rin: "Then, to celebrate Kazari Asami's return to main headquarters, cheers!" All: "Cheers!" Haruka: "Now that Unit 8's gone, you can hold your head high and go back to your elite career track." Asami: "I was supposed to become the next leader of Japan's ACTIVE Project..." Asami: "But now..." una: "I'd say that dream is still within your grasp." Asami: "B-But for the time being, I'll be sent to the Osaka or Aichi police force..." Asami: "It's... It's my fault for being a spy..." Haruka: "Well, you didn't really end up spying on us." Asami: "I'm sorry." una: "It doesn't matter now. I'm used to the transfer switcheroo." Haruka: "Right, you ended up here because of Bloody Mary..." Madoka: "If I may..." una: "I'm not hung up over Bloody Mary anymore." Madoka: "That's not what I'm talking about. As the boss hypothesized, it makes more sense that there'd be one more in Logos." Rin: "Then Hachijou's turning himself in was a ruse?" Sena: "A ploy to buy time, in case the investigation might find them?" Asami: "Why bother doing that?" una: "So there's a final plan?" Madoka: "And that will soon end..." Sena: "They're not after money." Haruka: "Don't you find it weird that Hachijou turned himself in?" Asami: "What if they think they can get him out?" Rin: "Either by breaking him out, or by getting him released..." Sena: "They can't get him released without powerful connections..." Haruka: "Oh!" Haruka: "I have to go! It's almost time!" Rin: "Oh, the projection mapping?" Kuro: "I wonder if this is how the giant robot people felt, too." una: "This is a pretty good spot." Haruka: "Let's just forget about everything and enjoy the countdown." Amu: "Less than a minute to go in the countdown! Everyone ready?" Crowd: "Yeah!" Sena: "Orochi..." Rin: "Huh?" Haruka: "Orochi's..." Rin: "Ro?" una: "The National Public Unified Intelligence Matrix." Amu: "Thirty seconds!" Asami: "The government acted during the hijacking case last year, and if we assume someone noticed..." Rin: "To determine its undisclosed location and analyze government response, they triggered several seemingly unrelated crimes?" Amu: "Ten!" People: "Nine!" Sena: "It can't be..." una: "But if that's the case..." All: "Six! Five! Four!" Sena: "Then..." All: "Two! One!" ews: "Emergency Earthquake Alert. Please be prepared for a strong quake. Emergency Earthquake Alert." Amu: "A-An earthquake?" ews: "Prefectures projected to experience magnitude 7 earthquakes soon are: Kanagawa, Tokyo, Saitama," Rin: "Magnitude 7?" ews: "Ibaraki, Chiba, and Gunma." Haruka: "At a time like this?" ews: "The earthquake is expected to happen at any moment. Please go to a safe place." Man: "What, it's not happening?" Girl: "Thank God. I was so nervous..." Official: "Prime Minister!" Pm: "What in the world happened? Did the seismometer malfunction?" Min: "We don't know the specifics, but it seems someone breached the seismometer network." Official: "We believe that caused the malfunction." Pm: "Then fix it fast. Talk about a bad omen during a rebuilding event." Official: "Prime Minister, we have an even bigger problem. The major earthquake alert triggered a National Public Unified Intelligence Matrix failsafe system, and someone's exploited a loophole." Pm: "What do you mean?" Official: "The administrator rights for Orochi's "O" and "chi" have been taken over, and "ro" was automatically wiped due to the security protocol." Pm: "Huh?" Pm: "Then you're saying..." Min: "If we also lose admin access to the backup "ro"..." Pm: "We'll lose control over the entire government system in Japan?" M: "I shall be the one who rules."

Rin: "The National Public Unified Intelligence Matrix." Rin: "It oversees all public institutions within Japan. A depository of all information existing in Japan, the system is the beating heart of the nation." Rin: "And it was taken over by Logos. With Japan in its grasp, Logos halted the entire transportation and communications infrastructure, leaving only the bare minimum to sustain life in metropolitan areas." Rin: "At that point, the government declared a state of emergency. A 24-hour curfew was instituted for all vehicles, save a few exceptions, and citizens were prohibited from leaving home after 8 PM." Rin: "Systems are designed to acquiesce to figures of greater authority." Rin: "However, such authority isn't necessarily designated by the system itself." Mutos: "In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." Sena: "I guess the TV networks are still down." Sena: "Any luck there?" Haruka: "The same. I can use it offline, but when I try to connect to the Internet..." Liko: "I can't seem to connect, sorry. I can't seem to connect, sorry." Kuro: "The police radio's still down, too..." Kyou: "But there is a silver lining here. Since Unit 8 was about to be shut down, the command vehicle was cut off from the network, and escaped damage." Kyou: "Our Wears can communicate with each other through radio." Kuro: "Radio comms haven't been compromised?" Kyou: "Analog radio's fine." Kyou: "Digital radio is out, though." Sena: "Do we have any other information? Anything, council-related or not." Kyou: "The only odd thing is a rumor about a ghost appearing in the dead of night." Kuro: "A ghost?" Kuro: "What's that about?" Kyou: "There have been sightings reported in Ogikubo and Kamishakujii." Kyou: "They say it's a dead ringer for Liko-chan, so die-hard fans are sneaking out for a peek." Kuro: "A peek? But no one's supposed to be out after 8 PM!" Kuro: "Wh-What's up with her?" Haruka: "She's frustrated because she can't do stuff online." Kuro: "Oh, that must be tough, all right." una: "Come to think of it, a newspaper journalist I know mentioned that the governor's been hospitalized." Haruka: "Maybe he's just running away from this hot mess." Kuro: "It'd be front-page news any other day, but..." Sena: "When presses can't print or deliver papers, they can't do anything with that information." Asami: "Boss!" Rin: "Asami-chan?" Asami: "What were you doing here? If you'd let me know beforehand— Oh, I guess that's not possible." Rin: "I wanted to attend Hachijou Tomoki's questioning." Asami: "Hachijou's?" Rin: "I was hoping to get information about his co-conspirators..." Rin: "But it was a waste of time. They wouldn't even tell me about their lines of questioning." Asami: "They probably don't have anything concrete to share with you." Asami: "Hachijou seems to be engaging them in intricate debate and wordplay." Rin: "Play?" Rin: "After reducing society to this?" Asami: "How's your sister, by the way?" Asami: "She must be in shock." Rin: "Well, I can't say she's doing all right." Rin: "After all, her senpai in the student council was responsible for this." Dir: "Kazari-kun." Asami: "Director?" Dir: "Come with me. Hachijou's asking for you." Ar: "Huh?" Asami: "In just three days, the nation has been decimated. If the state of emergency continues, it could even result in a global financial crisis." Asami: "What's so funny?" Hachi: "Well, you're saying the same things as the other detectives. I'm disappointed. I thought the youngest assistant inspector would understand me a bit better." Asami: "So you requested me for a conversation partner?" Hachi: "I dislike boredom." Asami: "Did you sacrifice yourself for your collaborators?" Hachi: "Sacrifice?" Asami: "You volunteered yourself as bait to buy time for your collaborators to seize control of the National Public Unified Intelligence Matrix, and delay police action, if only temporarily. Am I wrong?" Hachi: "You're half right. But "sacrifice" is a bit off the mark." Asami: "Why?" Hachi: "I dislike ironclad plans. There's nothing fun about them. Especially one-sided games like this. Well, the responsibility for that lies with the oblivious adults involved." Asami: "Where are your collaborators?" Hachi: "Collaborators?" Hachi: "So you misunderstand me after all." Asami: "What's so funny?" Hachi: "Logos isn't an organization. It's just a style," Hachi: "for taking over the system known as Japan." Asami: "Do you have no respect for Japan's history and culture—" Hachi: "Let's not talk about things like that. It's a system that moves a group of weak people who choose to lean against the symbol called "Japan." Can't we agree that's how it is?" Asami: "But you all chose to come together, so—" Hachi: "To me, Mythos is just one pawn in the game." Asami: "Mythos?" Hachi: "It's a code name." Hachi: "Mine is Bird. Oh, I'll give you a hint to make the game more interesting." Asami: "A hint?" Hachi: "Try to get Orochi's "ro" before Mythos." Asami: "Orochi's "ro"..." Hachi: "The unified information Mythos has obtained is only from Orochi's "o" and "chi,"" Hachi: "so only half of the whole. After all, when faced with an external threat, a defense system is activated whereby the most important data in the deepest parts of the system, the "ro," is automatically deleted. But the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications keeps a backup in a different location." Kaidou: "Confirm this with the MIAC." All: "Yes, sir!" Hachi: "If Mythos secures "ro" first, Japan will fall completely into Logos's..." Hachi: "No, Mythos's hands." Sdf: "What's in this building?" Miho: "Who knows?" Sdf: "Making a 500-meter radius a no-entry zone and ordering us to guard the place is a big deal." Miho: "Whatever their reasons, we'll just follow our orders." Rin: "The MIAC has confirmed the backup's existence, but they insist security is airtight." Kuro: "Is this the time for a turf war?! They should at least share information with the government!" una: "For better or worse, this is what the nation has become." una: "You can't expect them to change this "Japan style" at the drop of a hat." Haruka: "What should we do? Kichijouji isn't a small area." Rin: "Let's divide the past cases among us, and see if we can dig up a lead." Kuro: "What exactly do we do, though?" Kyou: "Look for a ghost, maybe?" Boy: "S-Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! I'm sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!" Cops: "You know you can't go out after 8 PM!" Boy: "I'm sorry!" Cops: "Go home!" Boy: "Okay!" Cops: "What's with all this ghost talk during a crisis? This is the eighth report." Cops: "Did you hear that? Huh?" Cops: "Look." Cops: "It's not a ghost, is it? Don't be stupid." Cops: "Where'd the girl go? Huh?" Cops: "H-Hey, you can't be outside after 8 PM..." Rin: "So, did you find anything, Kyoukai-kun?" Kyou: "Yes, it's just what I'd suspected." Kyou: "It's a hologram projector equipped with a motion detector." Kuro: "A motion detector?" Kyou: "The hologram has several patterns based on detected motion." Kyou: "Other traffic signals are probably rigged with the same kind of detector." Kuro: "So it was just some prank?" una: "But is it just a prank? The sightings are clustered around Musashisakai, Mitaka, Ogikubo, Kamishakujii, and Kichijouji." Sena: "Uh, is it okay for us to be acting outside our jurisdiction?" una: "The governor's been hospitalized, so we'll only face reprimand when he's discharged. Until then, let's do as we please." Kyou: "Um, this device is operated remotely." Sena: "Remotely?" Kuro: "Under the current conditions?" Kyou: "It seems to use analog radio waves." Hayashi: "First Dog, then Bird." Hayashi: "Now we just need Monkey." Hachi: "Soon, I think..." Hachi: "Mythos, win this fight if you want to be my equal." Hinata: "Sis?" Kyou: "Excuse us." Hinata: "Huh?" Kuro: "Oh, so this is the boss's hideout?" Sena: "Stop! That's rude." Haruka: "He's right, Kuroki-san!" Kuro: "Fine, fine." Hinata: "Wh-What's this about?" Rin: "I'll explain later. Hinata, please stay here." Hinata: "You'll explain later?" Rin: "Please." Hinata: "Okay." Kyou: "Found it." Hinata: "Huh?" Kyou: "It was being controlled from this laptop." Hinata: "Controlled?" Rin: "Hinata, your laptop was being used" Rin: "by Hachijou Tomoki. He snuck a program onto her laptop that booted the computer, and then sent signals to a transmitter that turned the motion sensor on and off." Kyou: "The more important issue is the file cleverly hidden in the transmission software." Kuro: "A hidden file?" Kyou: "When you decrypt the file, there's another encrypted file inside. The last gate requires" Kyou: "voice activation." Sena: "I see. So it requires a spoken password to open the file." Kyou: "That's right." Kyou: "Open, tulip." Kyou: "See?" Kuro: "A password, huh? We'll just have to make him cough it up, but I doubt he'll be forthcoming." Sena: "But this is his own game. There's no point in him making us do all this." Haruka: "Then there's a hint somewhere?" Rin: "Hinata, do you have any thoughts on this?" Hinata: "Well, all I know is that he said something strange just as the police arrived..." Hinata: "Oh!" Rin: "What?" Haruka: "What happened?" Hinata: "When they came..." Hachi: "How about "I want your lip," then?" Kuro: "Heh, what a cool customer." Hinata: "That's what I thought, too, but maybe the president meant "RIP."" Rin: ""Rest in peace"?" Sena: "Wait." Sena: "The original phrase is in Latin, isn't it?" Kuro: "And she'd have to speak the phrase herself." Hinata: "Me?" Rin: "Just try." Hinata: "Requiescat in pace." Kyou: "The file's open." Haruka: "Well done!" Rin: "Hachijou set your voice pattern and that password as the decryption key." Hinata: "W-Wait a minute." Hinata: "Does that mean he knew about the work you do?" una: "I believe so." Hinata: "Then, to him," Hinata: "I was also just..." una: "It's some kind of structure." Kyou: "It'd be best if we could run an image search, but in our current state..." Kuro: "Wait! I've seen this building before." Kuro: "If I remember correctly, it's the one near Inokashira Park." Sena: "Oh, the Intelligent Building." Rin: "That's where Orochi's "ro" is?" Haruka: "But we'll need permission from various agencies in order to sortie." Kuro: "Those are the rules, but..." Sena: "There's no time for that. If Orochi's "ro" is stolen, Japan will fall completely under their rule. This is not the time to be fixated on details." Kuro: "That's the first time we've agreed." Sena: "If anything happens, I'll take responsibility." Kuro: "Don't be a hero, partner." Sena: "Don't talk like that. It nauseates me." Kuro: "What?" una: "Okay, that's enough." una: "Boss?" Rin: "Everyone..." Asami: "Kobayashi-san!" Koba: "Hey, I rushed down from my store on my bike." Koba: "My hobby happens to be amateur radio." Asami: "So what's Funasaka-san's message?" Koba: "Oh, yes." Koba: "He wants you to rendezvous with them because they've learned where "ro" is." Asami: "Really?" Koba: "They're going to sortie." Asami: "Thank you, Kobayashi-san. I'll go there right away." Dir: "You won't do any such thing." Dir: "Kazari-kun, Unit 8's Willwears aren't your personal property." Asami: "But, Director, right now..." Dir: "Answer me." Dir: "What side are you on? The police's or Unit 8's?" Asami: "As a police officer assigned to Unit 8, I cannot disobey a superior's orders." Dir: "You need to learn more about politics. If you wish to become an important official, you must follow the government will." Asami: "But right now..." Dir: "I have no desire to listen to your pleas! You should just obey my orders, as your superior!" Kai: "Then I approve. Go, Kazari-kun." Dir: "D-Director General..." Kai: "I authorize Unit 8 to sortie." Kai: "You are the only ones capable of acting in this emergency." Asami: "Yes, sir." Dir: "But, sir..." Kai: "You should just obey my orders, as your superior. I hereby order Special Public Security Fifth Division, Third Mobile Assault Unit 8," Kai: "to protect Japan." Asami: "Understood!" Kyou: "Confirming switch to analog radio." Kuro: "Okay." Haruka: "Got it." una: "All good." Rin: "Yes, I can hear you." Sena: "Okay, let's go." Kuro: "I knew they'd get here before us!" Miho: "Terrorists... Neutralize the enemy." Haruka: "What? Chief, the attackers are USDF Willwear units!" Sena: "Huh?" Kuro: "Why is the SDF attacking us?" una: "And they're not pulling any punches. They're clearly out for blood." Rin: "IFF again? It makes a good trap." Haruka: "We don't stand a chance!" Madoka: "Don't worry, we can win." una: "Are you sure?" Madoka: "We only need to secure one position." Kyou: "That's right. Orochi's "ro" is protected by a door that will open through simultaneous access via computer and physical key. Mythos not only has to open the door, but also must reset administrator access. That will take time." Rin: "Got it. Everyone, return to the command vehicle and prepare for raid!" All: "Roger!" M: "I've decrypted the password. Dear SDF," M: "please buy me a little more time." Kyou: "Go ahead." una: "We are the police." una: "Please cease resistance." una: "If you don't, we'll have to hurt you just a little." Kuro: "It's no use! They've cut off external audio mikes!" Rin: "We have no choice. Deactivate all sublimation modules!" Sdf: "These terrorists know what they're doing." Miho: "There are fewer terrorists? Wait a minute!" Sena: "Orochi's "ro" is two floors down?" Sena: "No way... Miho? Listen! In the basement, the National Public—" Sena: "External communications have been shut off!" Asami: "I'm here! Where is everyone?" Kyou: "Good, I just finished making adjustments. Please take this." Kuro: "Whirling Slam!" Sena: "I don't have time to fight you right now." M: "A little more... Just a little more..." una: "Boss, we can't last any longer!" Haruka: "Found it! I found the SDF's command vehicle in the back!" Rin: "Severing their comm link might return their IFF to normal. Oscar II!" Kuro: "C-Crap!" Asami: "Simulation pattern Sakigake, activate!" Kuro: "Well done! My compliments!" Asami: "Huh?" Kuro: "In accordance with the Secret Service Act, I will now exercise material force." Kuro: "Destructive electro-vibration shock wave!" Miho: "Head, respond. Head!" Miho: "The link's been severed..." Miho: "Souichirou? Why are you here?" Sena: "That's my line." Miho: "Stop attacking! Stop right now!" Sena: "Seems they identify you as an enemy now, too." Asami: "Oscar I!" Sena: "What's that?" Asami: "The sleep-inducer from the giant humanoid incident." Asami: "Now we only have to stop Mythos, right?" Sena: "Yeah." Asami: "The door's open!" Sena: "Did we get here in time?" Miho: "Or are we..." Official: "The net! The net's back on-line!" Pm: "The system's been regained, I see. Good!" M: "Are you happy, Japan style, the system that exiled me?" M: "But now, everything is mine..." M: "I've won." H: "Why is Liko-chan up there?" Liko: "Sorry, everyone watching this screen."

Pm: "So he has everything?" Min: "Yes, Mythos was faster at securing admin access than we were." Min2: "It seems Unit 8 didn't stop him in time because the USDF interfered." Min3: "The USDF systems were taken over by Logos. It's MIAC's responsibility for not immediately reporting the compromise!" Pm: "Now, stop. This is hardly the time to play the blame game. The greater problem is that even our civilian systems have been taken over." Kyou: "This is the reason so many devices have been hijacked by admin privilege overrides." Kyou: "The freeware, Liko. As you all know, it's a popular app than can be installed on any computer. If you installed a legally gray-zone patch available on the Internet to expand its functionality, your device was effectively taken over." Kyou: "Without your knowledge." Kuro: "A back-door app..." Kuro: "Logos was using it to find more potential patsies?" Sena: "Then whoever developed and distributed Liko was..." Haruka: "Probably Logos, or rather, Mythos." Kyou: "Yes, the likelihood is high. Also, Liko has morphed into a completely different program: Benu, a program for control as well as surveillance." Asami: "Because concealing its existence is no longer necessary?" una: "It's taken over more than seventy percent of civilian computers. Do you think Mythos is a minor, after all?" Rin: "They need disciplining." Asami: "What?" Madoka: "Disciplining?" Rin: "For us adults to uphold common decency, we need to discipline naughty children!" Mutos: "In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." M: "With the impure as his father and mother, how can the infant hope to become a human?" M: "Tonight, a child of God will be born..." M: "All right, next..." M: "Next?" Min4: "How did this happen? Weren't our emergency measures ironclad?!" Min: "Your Finance Ministry skimped on the security allocation to keep the opposition happy! We didn't—" Pm: "I said to save the blame game for later!" Off: "Prime Minister!" Pm: "Yes?" Pm: "Why do you have the Defense Ministry and the police with you?" Sec: "At any rate, it's a saving grace that our lifeline and communications infrastructure are still intact. But the fact that we can't even reboot the stock market without Mythos's permission..." Pm: "Chief Cabinet Secretary..." Sec: "Y-Yes, sir?" Pm: "The US has informed us that their carrier strike group is en route. We've denied the terrorist attack by Logos, but it's only a matter of time..." Sec: "Chairman Sasaki of the finance alliance and Diet member Ishikawa from the local Diet caucus request an audience." Pm: "I don't have time for that right now!" Lady: "We can barely travel or do anything with our money, and the TV and radio are still off-line. Yet there's no explanation from the government!" Lady: "This goes far beyond simple lack of accountability on their part! This is your chance to stand with us, the opposition, and return power to the hands of the people!" una: "Sorry to make you all stay overnight." Kuro: "Well, it's a state of emergency." Haruka: "All the other divisions seem to be barely keeping up with safeguarding their own. It's the least we can do." Kyou: "Thank God the supermarket's still open." Kuro: "Should we go buy a change of clothes later?" Kuro: "Boss? I thought you went to headquarters with Sena..." Haruka: "Did you forget something?" H: "Um, I'm her sister." una: "Oh, Hinata-san. Did you need something from our boss?" H: "Well, there's this thing on my laptop." M: "It used to be so fun..." Hachi: "I hope this will be our final conversation." Hachi: "My parents should be in Poland." Hayashida: "I can't get in touch with them. Anyway, about Mythos's real name and location..." Rin: "Oh, come on!" Asami: "If we could at least reach his parents..." Rin: "It'll take time. They're overseas." Ina: "Rin..." Rin: "Oh, is something wrong, Inagi-kun?" Ina: "There was an inter-partisan meeting." Ina: "Anyway, have you heard?" Rin: "Heard what?" Ina: "It appears the prime minister has made a major decision." Ina: "The SAT has issued orders to the USDF." Asami: "What's going on?" Ina: "They have shoot-to-kill orders for Mythos, Logos's self-proclaimed leader, as a terrorist jeopardizing national security." Asami: "Shoot to kill?" Rin: "A minor?" Ina: "Should Mythos be killed, administrator access goes to the next in line, the chief cabinet secretary." Ina: "Given the security risks, I guess they're between a rock and a hard place. That Mythos is a minor will be buried, in accordance with the Specified Secrets Protection Bill." Asami: "Boss?" Rin: "If that's the law and there's a directive..." Kaidou: "What's going on here?" Ina: "Director General..." Kai: "Inagi-sensei, someone from the Diet office is looking for you." Ina: "Oh, thank you for letting me know." Rin: "Director General Kaidou, about what we were discussing just now—" Sena: "Chief," Sena: "Mythos has made contact." Kai: "That's why I came back here from the prime minister's residence." Rin: "What does he want?" Sena: "To talk to Bird, AKA Hachijou." Asami: "Huh?!" Rin: "Did they run a trace?" Sena: "He routed the request through overseas servers, so it'll be hard to trace. We also received word from Funasaka-san's Kichijouji group." Sena: "Something from Logos was on Hinata-san's laptop." Haruka: "Got it." Kuro: "Okay, I'm putting it up." Benu: "The system you are using is under Logos control. Please be aware that you will not be able to perform any tasks not authorized by Logos..." una: "Isn't this Benu, the hijacked version of Liko?" Haruka: "That's not the only thing, though. A notice from Liko-chan is still showing up. What did you ask Liko-chan to do?" H: "I just asked her to collect data for my paper..." Madoka: "Something isn't right." Kyou: "Well, Bird messed around with Hinata-san's laptop, right? It's possible that this laptop escaped the Logos takeover due to its being used for the holograms." Haruka: "A blind spot? But I doubt the data has much to do with Logos." Hachi: "Mythos?" Hachi: "Very well." Hachi: "Hello?" M: "Hi. I guess your real name is Hachijou Tomoki?" Hachi: "Why the sudden call?" M: "It's to come up with the ultimate plan." Hachi: "Will that be fun?" M: "It will. I'm wondering if our past MO is for the best. Up to now, was there anyone with whom you felt you could talk as equals?" M: "I can have you released right now. In return..." Hachi: "You want to rebuild society?" M: "Yes. Let's split admin rights to do that. One, seven, four, two, eight, nine, two, zero, seven, five," Rin: "What's going on?" M: "three, three, four, two, three, nine, eight, seven, two, zero." Hachi: "I understand how you feel. Well, later, then." M: "All right, I'll let the government know." Asami: "That was a Vernam cipher, right?" Hachi: "Well done." Asami: "Does Mythos intend to initiate a deal using that information?" Hachi: "Now that he even controls everyone's savings, I doubt the government can refuse." Sena: "This wasn't part of the original plan, was it? There's no need to take such a roundabout route." Hachi: "Right. I wasn't expecting this, personally." Hachi: "This is a surprise! I guess I need to return a surprise in kind." Asami: "Mythos must have used the cipher to tell Hachijou the admin-access password. If the access is shared, even if one's taken out, the other can retaliate." Rin: "Can you decrypt it?" Asami: "Not without knowing the random number key." Rin: "Sena-kun, where's the command vehicle?" Sena: "It's been repaired. It's back in Kichijouji." Asami: "But the railways have been restricted, so we can only use air routes." Asami: "Um, boss..." Rin: "Yes?" Asami: "About the prime minister..." Rin: "Oh, the director general said they just wanted his advice. Our tasks remain confirming Mythos's identity and bringing him in." Sena: "Yes." Asami: "But how do we figure out who he is?" Sena: "It's Funasaka-san!" Sena: "They found out who Mythos is." Asami: "What?!" Rin: "Huh?" Asami: "Please tell us more!" Rin: "This is Yamabuki." Sena: "Apparently, Hinata-san's Liko was gathering data." Rin: "Yes, I understand." Sena: "They're locating his hiding place now. Funasaka-san?" una: "Looks like he bailed from this hideout. Is there another safe house, or is he here somewhere?" Rin: "Wait a minute. He's evidently made contact asking the government to negotiate." M: "Well?" M: "Have you prepared a flight for me yet?" Sec: "We still need a little more time for fueling. We also want air-traffic control systems to be fully restored." M: "Are you trying to buy time? You'd better not try to pull anything. I've made appropriate countermeasures." Kuro: "I see! Our guess would be the missiles you used back in the poker incident." Kuro: "Hey, minor. Been a while." Kuro: "It's me! Remember? Sorry I barged in like that back then. I was kind of on-edge." M: "You!" Kuro: "I thought you might be the guy from the bath... Well, I had kinda guessed based on the route you used, but anyway... Mythos, your game ends here!" M: "Impossible! Even if you figured out who I am, how did you locate that ship?" Kuro: "You told Hachijou lots of things, didn't you?" M: "Huh?" Kuro: "Hachijou sold you out with regard to your planned escape route." Kuro: "He brokered a deal before you did." M: "Huh? What do you—" Kuro: "You've been betrayed." M: "Lies!" M: "That's impossible, after I've come this far!" M: "He's Bird!" M: "He'd never..." Kuro: "You're smart, so I'll assume you know what happens next." Kuro: "Then, I'll go ahead with the protocol. This is the police! Power down the Willwear, and you'll—" M: "Are you sure you want to go that route? I'll blow up all the buildings around here. Fire." M: "Huh? Damn it!" Kuro: "You're not getting away!" M: "You specifically targeted this location!" Kuro: "Yeah, we're smart, too." Kuro: "We jammed all the networks and analog lines we could think of." Kuro: "That Wear of yours isn't linked to anything now. In other words, it's a standalone unit!" M: "Huh?" Kuro: "You're completely isolated. Get it?" M: "Isolated?" M: "Isolated?" M: "After being expelled from the system known as Japan, I'm isolated now? How ironic." M: "I won't let that happen! I'll get out of here, and exercise system-admin privileges. And when I do, the one enslaved" M: "will be you." Rin: "Sitrep?" una: "Not good. Oscar II's pinned him down, but Mythos's Wear has a higher MTQ, so bringing him in won't be easy. If Mythos leaves the area where Oscar III and Kyoukai-san are jamming communications, he may exercise admin privileges and take out our system." Rin: "Is it really that cult leader who's Mythos?" una: "Yes, there's no question." Asami: "Um, I was living overseas when it all happened, so I don't really know the details..." Rin: "About the Fruit of Tragedy?" Asami: "Right." Rin: "It's nothing good. A cult committed mass suicide," Rin: "taking many innocent lives." una: "The cult's leader was a boy of only five" Asami: "And that boy is Mythos, from Logos?" M: "If I can just get out of the jamming area..." Kuro: "Not gonna happen!" M: "Don't be stupid! My Wear is more powerful!" Kyou: "So, that Willwear is the one being developed for military use in the EU." Haruka: "But our pilots have more training!" Kyou: "Its specs so surpass ours, that may not make a difference." Haruka: "Crap!" Madoka: "Oscar I, set Elf Sigma unit." Sena: "Chief," Sena: "Mythos may cause our system to shut down." Rin: "I need you to buy time. Government agencies and the Willwear Association are jointly trying to access Orochi." Sena: "Oh, they're going to reset the password?" una: "Yes, so in the meantime, we need Mythos to stay within the jamming area. Use analog radio to communicate." Kuro: "Bastard, get off your high horse!" M: "You're just scum who has a few years on me." Kuro: "Shut up! Don't poke fun at adults—" Haruka: "What are you doing?! You let him escape the jamming area!" M: "I can now exercise admin privileges again." Sena: "I won't let you!" Sena: "Wh-What?" Haruka: "Crap! He's getting away!" Asami: "Oscar VI is landing a kick!" Kuro: "Oops..." Kuro: "There!" M: "I see... You absolutely insist on fighting me, then?" Pm: "How much longer until we regain admin access?" Tech: "Unfortunately, there are many layers of protection." Pm: "Not even Unit 8 can last forever against him." Pm: "Defense Minister..." Min: "Sir?" una: "I still can't find it. Looks like he used his admin privileges to delete his family registry and a lot of other info." Madoka: "Even information about his family?" una: "Yes." Rin: "So we only have the data Hinata asked Liko-chan to get... He attracted unwanted attention wherever he went, so he didn't attend elementary school." Rin: "I wonder if he's self-funding through investment." H: "I see... He had a little sister." M: "Could you refrain from interfering further? It's not as if I want to hurt anyone. I'm just trying to rule the country that expelled me. Your lives will not be changed." Kuro: "Of course they'd be changed! This isn't a dictatorship! See some sense, will you?" M: "You're the ones who made me see sense. Police did nothing. You have no right to talk!" una: "Based on Liko's data, he changed his surname several times. His sister moved overseas to escape negative publicity," una: "but he wasn't allowed to follow her." Rin: "Why not?" una: "Some of his cultists were scattered overseas, so it was deemed too dangerous to let him go." Sena: "I see. So all this time, he's been trapped in Japanese society." Sena: "However..." M: "It's no use. Unit 8's gear is no match for mine." Kuro: "Listen, Mythos... We're partners living in the same country. Don't you think we should observe the rules?" M: "That is meaningless talk. I need no partners. Well... It's about time to get rid of you all." Asami: "You're lying." Asami: "You wanted Hachijou, AKA Bird, to be your partner. You wanted someone to talk to. Am I wrong? I also thought, at first, that I didn't need any partners, so I understand..." Asami: "You want friends, don't you?" M: "Don't sound so pleased with yourself." Asami: "A-Akatsuki Revised, activate! Take that, and that, and that, and that, and that—" Asami: "A fiasco!" Haruka: "Not this way!" Rin: "Crap, the jamming's down!" Kyou: "We didn't plan for this!" M: "You cannot overpower me, either." Sena: "Chief, what's the status on the password-reset effort?!" Rin: "Still waiting to hear. Can't you manage to keep him there?" M: "I've won—" una: "These markers are USDF's..." Madoka: "...special ops." Usdf: "Slasher platoons, this is 01." Usdf: "Report positions, over. This is 21. All men are in firing position, over. Unit 8, USDF now has jurisdiction in this operation. Retreat." Rin: "We haven't received any such order. Until we do, abandoning our directive to take the target into custody would be a violation of our duty." Usdf: "Then we'll just carry out our directive." Sena: "Command vehicle, what should we do?" una: "The brass is in disarray, and we can't get through." una: "I suggest a temporary retreat." Kuro: "No, we're staying. If we just stand by and watch him die," Kuro: "we can't call ourselves cops!" Haruka: "Um, they're going to attack for real." Asami: "I really don't want to die." Kuro: "Right? So, Mythos, it's time to power down your Wear! As someone who shared the bath with you, I don't want to see you die!" M: "Stop projecting your feelings on—" Kuro: "You had good memories there, didn't you?" M: "It's none of your business!" Kuro: "Cut the crap already! To be honest, I want to beat you up before arresting—" Usdf: "If you insist on obstructing our operation, we will neutralize you, as per protocol." Kuro: "We're acting per protocol here, too. Hey! Is death your ultimate goal?!" M: "I have Bird. As long as he's alive, it doesn't matter." Kuro: "You're still holding on to that?!" M: "A message from Bird?" Hachi: "Hi, Mythos. I have been utterly disappointed by your need for partners. We will never see each other again. Goodbye." M: "I..." M: "I..." una: "Boss, can I use that intel now?" Rin: "That?" Rin: "Okay, I grant permission." una: "Um, we'd like Tomohisa-san, AKA Mythos-san, to hear something." una: "Your sister is probably alive." M: "Huh?" una: "We found evidence among the information Liko collected." una: "She seems to have changed citizenships and such. But if a reunion is possible, we recommend not throwing your life away." Kyou: "Well, that was a close call the other day, huh? If the government hadn't managed to reset the password before he surrendered..." Asami: "The USDF might have shot him." Liko: "Liko's totally back!" Kuro: "Oh, she's really back!" Asami: "Oh, Liko-chan's okay now?" Haruka: "Yeah, Mythos was pretty straightforward in his testimony about fixing her." Asami: "Can we really trust him?" Rin: "Why not?" una: "From his point of view, Liko was meant to be one-time use, but she gave him the information he most wanted." una: "He's no longer alone." Sena: "If this has become a symbol of hope for Mythos, I suppose he wouldn't booby trap it." Asami: "Actually, about Hachijou..." Rin: "He went off somewhere after passing through Singapore?" Asami: "Yeah. What do we do about him now?" Kuro: "His release was an extra-legal measure, so we can't touch him now. But if he ever comes back, I'll knock him out cold! That's how I choose to think of it. We have plenty of cases to go around. We shouldn't get too hung up on him." Asami: "Right." Kuro: "So, about the wrap party for our good work..." Asami: "I found a restaurant. It's a Chinese place." Rin: "All right, then!" una: "Tonight, for once, let's..." Madoka: "...party 'til dawn?" Kyou: "I may come along, for once." Haruka: "I guess I can't say no." Kuro: "Other than Kazari, the minor, the rest of us can party 'til dawn." Sena: "No, I'll take the last train home." All: "Huh?" Sena: "I have to take out the non-combustibles in the morning." Kyou: "I... I see." Kuro: "I'm not convinced, but whatever. Let's party!" All: "Yeah!" Asami: "Oh, by the way, I just turned twenty." All: "Huh?" Sena: "Kazari-kun, why didn't you report such an important event?" Kuro: "Okay, we'll be celebrating Asami's birthday today, too." Asami: "Huh? Er... Are you all okay with that?"

H: "All set." H: "Sis!" H: "If you don't get up, you'll be late! What the..." H: "After you got home drunk, you drank some more?" H: "Man, you're so hopeless..." H: "I made you French toast, okay?" Rin: "Thanks, Hinata..." H: "I'm gonna get going." Rin: "Take care." H: "Oh, today is recycling day. Take out the cans and bottles, okay?" H: "Don't forget!" Rin: "So sleepy. In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." Rin: "This is the story of the services performed by ACTIVE in Japan." Liko: "Morning!" Liko: "Welcome to Liko's TV program guide! Do you want the usual? Okay, Morning Electro-Circus it is!" Rin: "Hinata went and installed some weird app again." ews: "So, their flamboyant arrest act destroyed the expressway, resulting in partial blockage of Yamate Avenue." ews: "Let's hear what Manabe Youichi-san, a former defense official and police expert, has to say." ews: "Manabe-san, Unit 8, Japan's ACTIVE, has overstepped its bound yet again." Manabe: "Well, there are many factors to consider. Given that the criminals were armed to the teeth, you're forced to respond in kind, to a certain point." ews: "So you're saying excessive force is necessary." Manabe: "That's not quite what I said." ews: "What about you, Ishiguro-san?" Ishi: "It's way over the top. What a bunch of clowns." ews: "How much of our tax money are they going to waste? We requested an interview with the police, but they only gave us their usual line. "Our understanding is that Unit 8 has upheld the law with their actions, which were blameless." "We will refrain from publicly commenting on specifics, due to national security."" Rin: "They call us at the first sign of trouble, but they're still territorial, huh?" Asami: "Good morning." Asami: "Well, if no one's here, it's easier to snoop around." Kyou: "Red alert! We have an emergency sortie request from Okinawa's Naha Police Department." Kyou: "Please equip Willwear." Asami: "Roger. Wait, why is it Kyoukai-san?" Kyou: "Please hurry!" Asami: "I know." Kyou: "Your Willwear is ready." Asami: "Brief me on the case while I change." Kyou: "Huh? Oh, uh, right... The famous aquarium was attacked." Asami: "Churaumi? That isn't Naha's jurisdiction. It's Ishikawa's." Kyou: "Huh?" Kyou: "Uh, the attackers fled to Naha Airport by sea..." Asami: "The emergency sortie request is a lie, isn't it?" Kyou: "Oops, you got me." Asami: "Why are you barging in here?!" Kyou: "Oh, don't worry. I don't get turned on by that kind of "inner" suit." Asami: "That's not the issue here!" Kyou: "I thought we should customize your new Wear, that's all." Asami: "Thanks, but no thanks!" Kyou: "Oh, but..." Asami: "Even without your unwanted help, I've already memorized the manual!" Kyou: "But your Wear is from the Wakaba Group—" Asami: "I don't need you to explain it to me!" Kyou: "Hey! Let me at least do the Wear's data graph—" Asami: "I understand why you need the data, given that you're from the Willwear association. But if you're looking to customize mine, please take care of the battery first. I don't want to go through what Sena-san did!" Kyou: "I guess trying to force customization was the wrong move..." Mutos: "Those with means grow ever richer," Mutos: "while those without grow ever poorer. Ask," Mutos: "and it will be given to you." H: "Good morning, president!" Hachi: "Oh, good morning, Yamabuki-kun." H: "I e-mailed you the council meeting agenda. Please review it." Hachi: "All right. You work fast, Yamabuki-kun." H: "Thank you!" Dude: "Kouki Education Academy, in Shinagawa..." Asami: "Why is no one here?" Asami: "It's already nine o'clock! Isn't anyone on call? What's up with this unit?!" Asami: "I'll report this lack of discipline to HQ!" Haruka: "Morning!" Asami: "Good morning." Haruka: "You're here early, Asami-chan." Asami: "Relatively speaking, I suppose I am." Haruka: "Here we go!" Asami: "Um, what's that?" Haruka: "It's a super rare LED bus sign that says "Towing." Liko-chan told me there was a sighting this morning, so I just had to rush over! Good job, Liko-chan." Asami: "That's the reason you're late?" Haruka: "I got permission from the section chief. He said everyone except you would be late." Haruka: "He, himself, will get in after noon." Asami: "Even the boss?!" Rin: "I'm so sorry." Cop: "We did request backup, so I don't want to make an issue of it, but..." Rin: "Go ahead." Cop: "Will it always be on us to write the letter of apology?" Rin: "I apologize. Regulations stipulate that we always operate by official request, so..." Cop: "We have a bunch of quicksand refugees from Tokyo, you know. We're in a crunch here." Rin: "I am well aware of that." Cop2: "I believe we've previously made a point of requesting speedier arrests." Rin: "I apologize. The perpetrators' Willwear units were modified beyond what could be foreseen." Cop2: "I'm not asking for excuses." Rin: "I am truly, truly sorry..." Kaidou: "I chose you because you remain calm and collected." Kaidou: "You don't rashly pursue justice. You apprehend criminals within the bounds prescribed by the law." Kaidou: "That's how I'd assessed you, at least. I understand there can be many unforeseen circumstances, but I'd like you to endeavor to minimize collateral damage." Kaidou: "Our relations with the Defense Ministry already require a delicate touch." Rin: "Excuse me." Rin: "To hell with the lot of them..." Ina: "Rin?" Rin: "Oh, hey!" Ina: "Here for the usual ritual?" Rin: "Yeah, doing the apology circuit. What about you, Inagi-kun?" Ina: "Off to the election committee office for various application forms." Ina: "My boss might run for office." Rin: "Right, it's almost time for gubernatorial candidacy announcements." Ina: "Hey, do you have some free time?" Misaki: "That's what he said I'd find..." Benut: "There are enemies. Enemies trying to kill you." Benut: "Get them before they get you!" Teach: "Thus, just as the redevelopment of western Tokyo began to pick up steam, a rapid recovery of groundwater in the Kanto plains—" Students: "Whoa, it's shaking! Hey, the net!" Teach: "Wh-What's going on?" H: "What? What's going on?" Ina: "Why don't you have Hina-chan take over the rounds?" Ina: "I bet she can get through anything with that smile of hers." Rin: "Yeah, I know I lack social skills. I only told Hinata about this side of things, anyway." Ina: "Guess you have it rough, too. So, what I wanted to talk to you about—" Rin: "Hang on, sorry." Rin: "Hello?" una: "We have a sortie request from the Shinagawa PS." una: "The location is the Kouki Education Academy." Rin: "Huh?" una: "Apparently, a firefighter Willwear is destroying the campus." Hachi: "This way! This way, everyone!" Hachi: "I'm going to lower the shutters, okay?" Teach: "O-Okay." Hachi: "Everyone to the gym! Hurry!" H: "President?" Hachi: "I'll make sure there are no underclassmen left behind. Yamabuki-kun, stay with the others!" H: "President..." Haruka: "The Willwear is Dainippon Textiles' DSE-4800. It seems to be jury-rigged with the Iwasaki ISR-20 module that was outlawed two years ago." Rin: "The Iwasaki?" Rin: "Wasn't that developed for personnel working to restore quicksand districts?" Haruka: "Yes, it was a refresher option module for construction-engineering Willwear. Those types typically provide high-oxygen air or aromatherapy, but this one utilized gray-zone narcotics to help users endure harsh working conditions." Rin: "I remember now." Rin: "I'll be there ASAP. I'm close, so it should be soon." Rin: "Of all places, why is it at Hinata's school?" Ina: "Tokyo might soon find itself in a difficult position." Rin: "Huh?" Ina: "I am the secretary to a politician, after all. I hear a lot of things." Ina: "Many factions are starting to make their moves..." Ina: "Each with their own ideas of justice." Rin: "Then, all we have to do is..." H: "President!" H: "What are you doing here?" Hachi: "Yamabuki-kun, you followed me? I thought I might be able to figure out the attacker's destination if I accessed the school's security cameras." Asami: "Obtained access to the security cameras." Asami: "Sending feed to main screen." Kuro: "I see someone. A hostage? Let's zoom in on a still." Asami: "The boss?!" Asami: "But she's wearing..." Kuro: "I think she mentioned being proud of having a much younger sister at this school." Kyou: "She must be real smart. It's a super elite school." Haruka: "The protective capsule's closing. The girl's been taken hostage!" una: "To secure an optimal ejection angle, the command vehicle will move to Beta 08. Everyone, prepare to sortie." All: "Roger!" Rin: "Hinata?" una: "Yes. She's trapped in the protective capsule attached to the attacker's Willwear." Rin: "What's the capsule's durability?" una: "IARC rating is level 2." Rin: "Is there anyone else we need to rescue? Whatever intel you have is fine." una: "It seems most of the civilians have evacuated to the gym," una: "but they said they lost contact with a student named Hachijou." Rin: "Here's our strategy. After incapacitating the target, we gain direct access" Rin: "to the Willwear and force a system shutdown. Haruka-chan, Kuroki-kun—" Asami: "Wait!" Rin: "What?" Asami: "The target's Wear has an MTQ 1.3 times that of Oscar II's. There's no guarantee that Kuroki-san can incapacitate it." Rin: "We'll lure the target to the partially collapsed second campus building, then destroy the building, burying it." Asami: "Not another reckless plan! Your methods are too crude! Besides, if you force a shutdown, it'll mean cutting off the oxygen to the capsule's occupant! If the rubble isn't cleared fast enough, your sister—" Rin: "We cannot give my sister special treatment. Minimizing collateral damage is our prio—" Asami: "My Fine Familia is capable of incapacitating that Wear. With my cutting-edge, advanced Wear unit," Asami: "it's possible to minimize collateral damage and prioritize civilian safety." Kyou: "Sure, it's possible." Asami: "I am able to maximize that possibility!" Kuro: "Hey, it's not so easy when you're out there in the real world." Asami: "That's no problem! I've cleared SS-rated simulations!" Rin: "Fine. I hereby order you, Kazari Asami, to sortie as Oscar VI." Asami: "Roger!" Kuro: "Hey, boss..." Haruka: "Vitals, all green." Rin: "Lock." Haruka: "Inner unit, begin output." Kyou: "Oscar VI, set Fine Familia Unit." Asami: "I won't do things the way they're used to." Asami: "The police are a force of justice!" Haruka: "Oscar VI, data-link to mobile assault vehicle confirmed. Request permission to launch." una: "Permission granted." Rin: "Permission granted." Asami: "Launching." Mutos: "Is it Unit 8 that is foolish, or Japan itself, as a system?" Asami: "Target confirmed." Asami: "Descending." Asami: "This is the police!" Asami: "Power down the Willwear and surrender immediately!" Suit: "The auto-lock function is off. Would you like to enable it?" Asami: "Huh? Of course I would." Suit: "Stabilizer mode is recommended. Would you like to enable it?" Asami: "No!" Suit: "Is that definitive?" Asami: "I said, "No"!" Suit: "Would you like to record footage for use at trial?" Asami: "Ugh, what's going on? Kyoukai-san?" Kyou: "Yeah, I thought it would still be in initial startup mode. That's what I was trying to fix this morning." Asami: "Huh?" Kyou: "By default, the Wakaba Group Willwears come with a helpful assistant function, so even normal civilians can use them." Asami: "What normal civilian would use this?" Kyou: "It's designed with an eye toward mass consumption." Asami: "I don't care why. Tell me how to turn it off!" Haruka: "Oscar VI!" Asami: "Thank God for new models. The shock absorbers kick in much faster than the others!" Asami: "This is the police. You are currently charged with destruction of property" Asami: "and obstruction of justice! Further, the sensors are picking up drug use! God, I can't see anything!" Rin: "Kyoukai-kun!" Kyou: "I'm getting rid of the pop-ups on this end. Just a bit longer." Hachi: "Where's Yamabuki-kun?" Hachi: "Yamabuki-kun?" Asami: "They're going away! All right." Asami: "Activate Simulate Pattern Akatsuki!" Haruka: "Not bad." Kyou: "It's only simulation software, but still, she's able to keep up." Asami: "There it is! The capsule's release hatch!" Asami: "No way!" Kyou: "Send the data here." Kyou: "Got it. Somehow, they've fortified this part alone." Sena: "But why that one?" una: "They intended to use the capsule from the start?" Kuro: "Why is she losing her cool?" Rin: "Sena-kun, stand by on-site." Sena: "Roger." Asami: "Get... off..." Kyou: "Calm down! You read the manual, didn't you?" Asami: "Oh, right. A leg move..." Asami: "Kick Dash Iota!" Kyou: "That's way too high." Comm: "What about the people taking refuge inside? DSE system shutoff confirmed. The attacker is still alive! Contact JR! There may be blackouts!" Asami: "I... did this?" Comm: "Urgent message from Takawa 05 to Takawa HQ. Takawa HQ, acknowledged." Sena: "I admit I'd started to get my hopes up, but I guess I'll have to reassess." Comm: "The Saitou Building has collapsed due to Unit 8 action for Directive 153. Backup requested." Kuro: "She passed, right?" Kuro: "She adapted to unforeseen circumstances, and produced results." Sena: "Well..." Hachi: "Um, are you okay?" Asami: "Oh, yes..." H: "Thank you. You saved me." Asami: "N-No problem." Hachi: "I'll take her to the hospital, just in case." Hachi: "Keep up the good work." Asami: "Oh, is it okay for you to be here?" Rin: "Keep your chin up, Oscar VI. That building had been evacuated." Rin: "Let's go home." Asami: "I failed, didn't I?" Rin: "Why?" Asami: "Why?" Asami: "As a police officer of justice, my actions were inexcusable!" Rin: "Don't worry." Rin: "Police officers aren't just." Asami: "Huh?" Rin: "It's fine for you to be just. But what we should protect is the law. Don't bring personal justice into the workplace." Rin: "You'll be disciplined in due course." Mutos: "That proved more fruitful than anticipated." Mutos: "Perhaps we'll throw more obstacles at Unit 8." Mutos: "Perhaps they will become our enemies..." Mutos: "Enemies?" Mutos: "Enemies of Logos?" Mutos: "Talk about clichéd." Rin: "Hinata, are you okay?" H: "Oh, Sis... Sorry for the scare." Rin: "I was so shocked to get a call from the police station." H: "I'm sorry." H: "But I'm okay." H: "Oh, there is one thing I'm worried about." Rin: "What?" H: "Who's going to make you breakfast tomorrow?" Rin: "Silly!"

Liko: "Okay!" Liko: "I've implemented your selection!" Rin: "I've been waiting for this, Asami-chan! Whoo, whoo!" Haruka: "Wow, it's a cosplay of Shinmei Amu-chan, who's super popular right now." Kyou: "Oh, that's her?" Asami: "I did say I would submit to any disciplinary action for destroying the building, but..." Rin: "Yeah, think of it as an act of mercy from me, so that you'll never want to undergo disciplinary action again." Rin: "You have to say her signature phrase, too! The one that goes, "Everyone MiNacle!"" Asami: "I'd rather die!" Sena: "How chaotic is this unit going to become?" Sena: "We've taken yet another step back from my vision." Asami: "Everyone!" All: "MiNacle! In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." All: "This is the story of the services performed by ACTIVE in Japan." Kuro: "Take a seat." Asami: "Uh, what?" Kuro: "Just sit here." Asami: "But..." Kuro: "Two of the Japanese cocktails called "kakuyakuroman," please." Asami: "Two?" Kuro: "They're strong, but really good." Asami: "I'm underage!" Kuro: "Oh." Kuro: "Change one of those to a non-alcoholic beer. To tell the truth, I thought you were just some idiot out to make trouble." Asami: "Huh?" Kuro: "But I think you aren't half bad." Kuro: "That's why we're having this toast." Asami: "Well, if that's what this is about..." una: "Well, let's begin, Kazari-san." Rin: "Good job with the punishment karaoke." All: "Cheers!" Kuro: "Nice drinking there!" Asami: "It's non-alcoholic beer." Kuro: "I still can't believe you dressed up like that." Kuro: "You could've claimed workplace harassment and said no." Asami: "I didn't want to back down." Kuro: "You have real integrity." Asami: "You think I'm stupid, don't you?" Kuro: "Stupid?" Kuro: "More like an idiot." Asami: "A-An idiot?" Asami: "I may not look like much, but I'm..." Haruka: "Now, there's no point in having a serious talk with a drunk." Rin: "Yeah." Asami: "Um, I've been wanting to ask you something..." Asami: "Are you and Sena-san on bad terms?" Kuro: "What makes you think that?" Asami: "I haven't really seen you talk to each other, outside of missions." Kuro: "Well, we don't have many shared interests, so there isn't much point in talking, I guess. But he goes along with how I do things without making a fuss, so we get along just fine professionally." Asami: "So you're saying you get by with minimal communication?" Sena: "Kazari-kun..." Sena: "What are you talking about?" Asami: "Oh, well, I just never knew that kind of teamwork was possible." Haruka: "Mornin'!" Kyou: "Good morning. Thanks for last night." Haruka: "No way! You're interested in something that isn't a mecha?" Kyou: "I just wondered how accurate Kazari-san's cosplay last night was." Kyou: "The real deal is super cute." Haruka: "They're going to broadcast her concert today, live on satellite TV." Kyou: "Oh! Then I should schedule it..." Haruka: "Oh, you're into that sort of thing, too?" Kyou: "Huh?" Haruka: "You're pretty versatile!" Kyou: "Um..." Haruka: "Amu-chan's a guy." Kyou: "Huh?" Kyou: "What?!" Amu: "Good morning! I look forward to working with you all today! Good morning." Director: ""I'll give you a chance for an" Amu: "Good morning." Director: "exclusive live broadcast of Unit 8's antics." Amu: "Good morning." Director: "Have your staff standing by at Shinmei Amu's concert hall. The usual news anchor will be fine."" ews: "That means me, doesn't it? Why didn't you tell me anything?" Director: "It's got to be a prank. Who sends these things anymore?" ews: "But it's pretty specific! "We'll use a Willwear stolen from Cycle Tech two days ago, and infiltrate the concert hall using a surprising tactic."" Director: "Word is that Cycle Tech doesn't even develop Wears." Asami: "Good morning!" Sena: "Morning. It's unusual for you to be late." Asami: "I've just developed a regular schedule. It's you who's unusually early, Sena-san." Sena: "The First Investigation Division with the Osaka Police?" Rin: "Yeah. It's a sweet deal, isn't it?" Sena: "I suppose." Rin: "You took the long way, coming here from the Defense Academy. You can go if you want. We did get a new member, after all." Asami: "I won't make another mistake." Asami: "From this day forward, I'll be my true perfectionist self." Sena: "Huh?" Girl: "Brother!" Girl: "I brought lunch." Mutos: "It's you today?" Girl: "Yeah." Girl: "May I eat with you?" Mutos: "Sure." Girl: "Um..." Mutos: "Who told you to act like a slut?" Girl: "I-I'm sorry!" Mutos: "Get out. Never come here again." Mutos: "Dog?" Mutos: ""I'll expose Unit 8. Shame them on a national broadcast"?" Mutos: "Wait, a concert hall?" Doc: "Mythos and Bird are both wimps. This is what you call "keep it simple, stupid."" Det: "Let me ask you one last time. Did you really do this all alone?" Misaki: "That's right. Just make a public announcement already. Say it was to get back at the Oonishi Conglomerate." Det: "How did you get the Willwear? If you're saying you managed to obtain and maneuver the Willwear all on your own, you're looking at a long sentence for drug use, too." Det: "If you had someone's help, you should say so now. Oh, and about the hidden folder on your computer..." Misaki: "Who said you could look at that?" Det: "You could say this is damning evidence." Rin: "Logos?" una: "Yes, though who knows if it's the organization's name or what?" Rin: "Logos, huh? I wonder what their goal is." una: "Boss, I have a great follow-up tip." Rin: "What's that?" una: "There's a great steak place nearby. Take the next left." Asami: "It can't be." Asami: "I can't see the perp having that kind of knowledge or wherewithal to pull it off." Asami: "First of all, I don't even see the motive." Asami: "Who is it?" Asami: "Who created the situation that forced my hand?" Haruka: "It's a warning from HQ about a sensitive matter." Sena: "Huh?" Haruka: "Two days ago, a cutting-edge Willwear unit was stolen... From Cycle Tech." Kyou: "Really? But they kept it secret that they were even developing one." Haruka: "What kind of Wear is it?" Kyou: "It provides support for live-stage productions. A single unit can handle lighting, sound effects, stage direction, filming, editing, and even MA. It's a real multitasker." Asami: "Why would that get labeled "sensitive"?" Sena: "There's a rumor that the Defense Ministry's developing a counterintelligence Wear with night vision and such. Maybe it's somehow involved." Haruka: "The other side's still sneaking around like rats, huh?" Asami: "I'm sure politics are involved, too." Haruka: "Well, that'd mean the end of our involvement right there." Haruka: "I sure hope nothing happens." Sena: "What the..." Staff: "Kominato-san, are you sure we should be acting without permission?" ews: "What if the perp's actually here?" Staff: "But you even brought equipment." ews: "It's too late to quibble. So that's the target?" Staff: "Yes, an idol who's a hot item lately..." ews: "Wow! He's cute! I can't believe he's a guy." Amu: "It's here! Open it, quick!" Staff: "They did mention they'd be using a huge mascot." ews: "If we're talking infiltration, the wooden horse of Troy is a classic, but..." Staff: "What's that?" Staff: "Was that the setup?" ews: "No way!" ews: "I win!" ews: "This is Kominato. Prepare the live feed! I'm going there now!" Bot: "Sing for me, Amu-chan!" Bot: "I'll take a PV with this Willwear! But it's not "P" for "promotion," but "P" for "private."" Amu: "No! Please stay away!" Staff: "Yes, we have an intruder. Please hurry." Bot: "I-I'm recording this! I'm going record this myself, just for me, Amu-chan's..." ews: "What? Other networks got wind of it, too?" Staff: "Someone leaked it! Other networks are setting up an urgent special broadcast." Amu: "Just for you?" Amu: "How can you say something like that?" Amu: "Shinmei Amu belongs to everyone! I don't want to dislike you." Bot: "I'm... I'm..." Bot: "Yeah... You're right." Bot: "I'm sorry, Amu-chan." Bot: "I'll leave now." ews: "Hey! We haven't even started the live broadcast! Jeez, why did you even come here? You even told us your intentions." Doc: "What the hell? You can't just give up." Doc: "That's why you're still a loser at thirty-six." Doc: "Guess I have no choice." Doc: "Damn Mythos." ews: "You think you can get away now? Turn yourself in!" Bot: "Huh? Wh-What is this?" Sena: "Haruka-kun, Kuroki touched this, didn't he?" Haruka: "No clue." Sena: "He even changed the settings without asking..." Sena: "Where is he?" Haruka: "He had a double hamburger, so he said he'd be running it off for a bit. Want me to call him?" Sena: "No, there's no point asking him about this." Sena: "He even installed this!" Haruka: "Oh, but this is pretty useful. It's free, but it can do a lot of stuff." Liko: "I finished leveling up in the game you requested!" Liko: "Oh, and I compiled the poker strategy guide you requested yesterday!" Sena: "Delete." Sena: "I'm sure he'll install it again, but still..." Asami: "Sena-san, how can you tell what Kuroki-san's thinking?" Sena: "Huh?" Asami: "You get along fine professionally, right?" Sena: "With a guy who doesn't even try to listen to anything I have to say?" Asami: "Huh?" Sena: "What's with this app?" Liko: "I do apologize for the inconvenience," Sena: "I have to answer a stupid survey just to uninstall it!" Haruka: "Oh, that's the setup?" Liko: "but please help us to improve our software!" Sena: "That's it. I'm going to Osaka." Haruka: "This is Unit 8." una: "I see, at Shimomaruko." una: "Huh? Shinmaruko? Oh, the arena?" Rin: "Kyoukai-kun, which unit could deal with that new model?" Kyou: "If you want to overpower it immediately, I'd go with the Alpha unit." Rin: "Okay, so Sena-kun and Kuroki-kun." Sena: "This sucks." Kuro: "I can get to Noborito the fastest." Asami: "We aren't using that route." Kuroki: "Then I'll find my own way there." Asami: "Roger! We'll make arrangements." Crowd: "Hurry! Get Amu-chan outside! Hurry up!" Cops: "It seems a female newscaster has been left behind. Confirm how many are in need of rescue. Roger!" Bot: "A-Are you okay? Please wake up. Hey!" Bot: "Crap! Move... Move, damn it!" Bot: "I... I just want to get out of here..." Sena: "This is the police! You are under arrest for forcible obstruction of business, property damage, and damage to the building." Bot: "Thank God you're here." Haruka: "Target ignored the warning and attacked. Immediate escalation to Level 4. According to Provision 12 of the Secret Service Act, you're now allowed to use material force." Sena: "We can't! We were caught off-guard, and vision and hearing are shot." Kyou: "Both sensors at maximum threshold. Protective channels have been activated." Asami: "We're still fine. Our channel's still on-line. Oscar II, follow my instructions. Haruka-san, please instruct Oscar I." Haruka: "Got it." Sena: "Roger." Kuro: "All right!" Kuro: "Hey, you! According to Provision 12—" Asami: "Wrong direction! At your six!" Kuro: "Huh?" Haruka: "Oscar I, target is thirteen degrees to your right, four meters away!" Asami: "Oscar II, aim a punch three meters straight ahead." Ah: "Ninety degrees to the right!" Kuro: "Who said that one?" Ah: "It was me!" Ks: "Are you talking to me?" Haruka: "Direct strike with the right arm." Kuro: "All right!" Asami: "Oscar II, that instruction was for Oscar I!" Kuro: "That's easy for you to say..." Haruka: "Oscar I! Huh?" Kyou: "Impossible. The perp's tuned his visual and audio functions to the limit!" Rin: "What does that mean?" Kyou: "He can instantly calculate direction of attack based on the sound caused by displaced air, as well as adjust his stance to avoid the attack. Boss, request permission to use munitions up to Rank B!" Rin: "Granted!" Asami: "That was fast!" Kyou: "Oscar I and II, munitions headed your way!" Kyou: "Confirming permission to launch emergency-assault unit." Madoka: "Confirmed." una: "Launch permission granted." Rin: "Permission granted!" Kyou: "Launching!" Sena: "My vision's back." Sena: "Why did you hit me?" Kuro: "Right back at you!" Bot: "Um..." Ks: "Huh?!" Bot: "Please help me already." Kuro: "We didn't come here to help you!" Sena: "We're here to arrest you!" Sena: "Oh, that must be it." Kuro: "Huh?" Sena: "He's fast." Kyou: "Speed and directivity differ from the first attack." Kyou: "Could a third party be remotely controlling it? Is it equipped with a remote control system for industrial units?" Kuro: "Here!" Sena: "Got it." Bot: "Wait! I can't control my movements!" Sena: "Argument denied!" Mutos: "A weighted sticky shot..." Mutos: "Then their next move will be to incapacitate the enemy with an ECM net." Sena: "Crap!" Kuro: "Has he been drilling with this unit or something?" Kyou: "Incoming! Set noise-canceler mode!" Rin: "Noise-canceler mode?" Kyou: "I've already analyzed the enemy's audio attack." Kyou: "By emitting its antiphase, I've neutralized it." Haruka: "Huh?" Haruka: "Th-The batteries! The core batteries of all units were forcibly purged! They're on backup power now." Kyou: "That's impossible! I'm heading to the site." Kyou: "Can you distract the perp while I do repairs?" Kuro: "Bastard! What's he thinking?" Mutos: "I was correct that they'd leave the battery-vulnerability fix for the next scheduled checkup." Mutos: "They think like model grown-ups, after all." Amu: "Stop!" Amu: "I-If you like me, please stop being so violent! Please!" Bot: "I-Is that..." Haruka: "Good job! Act your heart out, Asami-chan!" Bot: "Amu-chan..." Mutos: "They infiltrated the system via the Wi-Fi system for live broadcasts?" Mutos: "I see. They intend to reset this system and kick me out." una: "We've succeeded in deceiving the other Wear. Next line: "I like you, too."" Asami: "What?" una: "Hurry." Asami: "I like..." Amu: "...you, too." Bot: "Huh?" Asami: "Um, what's next?" una: ""I'm just so nervous."" Asami: "Um... I... I'm just so nervous." una: ""I'm just a girl at heart, you know."" Asami: "Th-That's way too embarrassing to say!" una: "Assistant Inspector Kazari!" Asami: "Ugh... Fine! I-I'm just a girl at heart, you know." Bot: "Amu-chan!" Mutos: "Good grief." Bot: "Huh? This is..." Haruka: "Who's overriding the system? He's unbelievably fast!" Bot: "Huh?" una: "Now that it's come to this, Asami-kun, let's have you sing and dance." Asami: "What?!" una: "I'll send over data for the moves and lyrics. External speakers, on." una: "One, two..." una: "One, two, three. Go!" Asami: "Hey, let's keep it a secret." Asami: "Don't tell anyone, okay?" Asami: "I'm still embarrassed, you know..." una: "This won't work!" Rin: "Got it! I'll fix it on my end." Rin: "Auto-tune function activated!" Bot: "It's... really her?" Haruka: "He took control back again!" Mutos: "The concert should soon come to a close." Mutos: "Now let us destroy the idol." Bot: "No, don't move and hit things... I-I'm not going to let you" Bot: "hurt Amu-chan!" Mutos: "Go ahead, if you don't mind breaking all your bones." Haruka: "We might have admin access now." una: "Did he just set a password?" Haruka: "No way..." Rin: "Who is this guy?" Asami: "Crap... I need backup." Kuro: "Sorry to keep you waiting! I'm here to finish him!" Sena: "Forcing shutdown!" Kyou: "If remote control becomes possible, maybe we should rethink network connectivity in Wears." ews: "Viewers, what do you think happened here?" ews: "Look at the destruction." Asami: "Um..." Kuro: "Looks like your "concert" was broadcast live." Asami: "What?!" Kuro: "Guess that'll be another apology letter." Sena: "Well, I guess I can hang around for a while longer." ews: "That's right! Consider the numerous irresponsible acts!" ews: "Can you, the viewers, even comprehend their actions?" ews: "They misused the scene of the attack as a karaoke room!" ews: "If this isn't misuse of our taxes, what is?" Mutos: "Thanks, Unit 8." Mutos: "That was fun."

una: "Regarding the Kouki Education Academy student's essay, it appears to have been an analysis of data sent by an unknown sender." Rin: "But that's not something you can analyze just like that." Haruka: "Huh?" Kuro: "What's wrong? You're not on call." Sena: "I just remembered I only put it to sleep." Sena: "Someone tends to mess around with it without permission." Liko: "Want to shut down?" Kuro: "Why do you have to put everything in folders?" Kuro: "Well, I'm off for a run." Sena: "Hey, wait a minute." Asami: "It's rare to see them having a normal conversation like that." Haruka: "Not sure I'd call it a conversation. More like a lecture." Sena: "I said wait!" Kuro: "What? If it's about your desktop..." Sena: "It's about Kazari Asami." Kuro: "You want to shoot her down that bad?" Sena: "Quite the opposite." Kuro: "Huh?" Sena: "She's an even bigger troublemaker than you, but at least she tries." Sena: "I'd like your help in getting her up to speed as soon as possible." Sena: "Also, she's a minor. We shouldn't bring her when we drink—" Kuro: "Don't be such a stiff. Oh! I need to repay you for the last time." Sena: "Jeez, you're so like her. Both of you lack attention to detail. Here's the change. In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." ght: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have begun our descent. Please return your seats and trays to their upright positions, and fasten your seatbelts." Secretary: "Five minutes behind schedule. Sir, we have plenty of time." Diet: "Yeah." Secretary: "Your daughter may have entered the ceremony hall by now." Diet: "She sent me this right before takeoff. When I was informed a train derailed today, of all days, I was prepared for the worst, but thank God there were fewer than ten casualties. Bigger numbers mean more time." Secretary: "I was just hoping we wouldn't get stuck in economy for our flight back." Pilot: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Manabe, your pilot. We were about to begin our approach," Pilot: "but we will now enter a holding pattern due to a problem at the airport." Diet: "What? But we're almost there... My daughter's getting married!" Media: "Defense Minister! What's going on? Did North Korea fire a missile?" Minister1: "Not at all." Minister1: "It's nothing." Minister1: "Prime Minister, an aerial tanker is ready to go." Pm: "Good." Pm: "But how to interpret this situation? Unlike the hijacking six months ago, all we have this time is a bomb threat on the plane." Min2: "The flight happens to have Dietman Gouhara, from Shimane District 3." Pm: "That's beside the point." Min3: "Perhaps it's a malicious prank?" Min1: "But the threat was very specific, which lends it credibility. The bomb was allegedly set in Flight 206's main wheel well, and they even set the holding pattern." Pm: "That's the problem. Orochi's "ro" unit is smack in the middle of that designated airspace." Min3: "There's a chance that the flight may crash. We should evacuate residents." Pm: "But if we don't exercise caution in our public statements, they'll find out about Orochi..." Mutos: "What will the government's next move be?" Customer: "Wow, I'm so excited. I want to eat a fruit sandwich." Sena: "Yes?" Rin: "Sena-kun, are you free right now?" Sena: "Yes. I successfully purchased a clubhouse sandwich. Only thirty are made per day. I'm heading to Hakkeijima now to try out a restaurant famous for soufflé pancakes—" Rin: "Sorry! We have an emergency." Sena: "Huh?" Rin: "The brass has ordered us to do an EOD." Sena: "But..." Rin: "You're about to say they should just dispatch an EOD squad, right? But it's not a dud. There was a tip that a plane's been rigged with a bomb." Rin: "You're the only one specialized in EOD. Also, the flight's in a holding pattern above Kichijouji." Sena: "So it's in our own backyard... Roger. How's the fuel holding up?" Rin: "For now, the United SDF will be doing aerial resupply." Rin: "Mobile assault vehicle, linking." Amano: "Linking." Hoshi: "Linking." Diet: "Hey, what's going on? When are we going to land?" ght: "I'm so sorry for the delay. We'll land as soon as the airport clears us for—" Diet: "If Haneda won't clear us, why not another airport?" ght: "I'm very sorry. We're exploring all available options, including landing at a different airport." Sena: "I'm back." Rin: "Sorry again. We'll brief you while you suit up." Sena: "Got it." Kuro: "I'll go, too." Sena: "Why?" Kuro: "Well, two's better than one, and all that." Sena: "It'd only distract me, so don't." Rin: "According to the perp's statement, the bomb was planted in Flight 206's main wheel well. The bomb will detonate if the flight crosses the borders of the five wards around Musashino City. It will also detonate if the flight's altitude falls below 15,000 feet." Sena: "So it can't leave this designated area?" Rin: "Seems like it." Sena: "What are they after?" Rin: "At the moment, there don't seem to be any demands. For now, the mobile assault vehicle will depart Kichijouji and rendezvous with the USDF at Haijima." Sena: "Understood." Benou: "There has been movement." Mutos: "Found them." Mutos: "They panicked. Fools cannot help but let their tongues wag." Mutos: "For now, I just want to find the entrance today." Mutos: "Will we need Bird's help, as well?" Train: "We apologize for the disruption. Although the express train bound for Tokyo is scheduled to depart, it will leave after the mobile assault vehicle passes through." Rin: "Sena-kun, it appears they're ready to refuel. Can you go on ahead?" Sena: "Got it." Kuro: "All right..." Asami: "Kuroki-san?" Kuro: "I'm gonna get ready anyway." Asami: "I think it should be me, or at least Haruka-san. Why do you harass him so much?" Kuro: "Harass?" Asami: "That's right! You're not letting Sena-san focus—" Rin: "That's enough! Kuroki-kun, please go." Kuro: "Roger!" Asami: "Boss? Please explain!" Rin: "He's our best at dealing with critical situations in emergencies." Staff: "That's Unit 8..." Sena: "I'm here from Special Public Security Fifth Division, Third Mobile Assault Unit 8." Miho: "It's been a while, Garbage Man Sena-kun." Miho: "I'm Ooshikouchi Miho, from the USDF. Glad to work with you." Sena: "Er, right..." Miho: "Since you're not that surprised, I suppose some intel's gone your way. Anyway, that's how it is." Sena: "Um, so..." Miho: "You want to say, "Why don't you handle it, then?" I'd be happy to, but the brass ordered us to help with refueling and do nothing else." Stuff: "Vitals, all green. All green. All green." Stuff: "Lock." Stuff: "Inner unit, begin output." Stuff: "Oscar II, set strike interceptor unit." una: "Oops, we were a second too late..." Kuro: "I'll go after them. Just launch me!" una: "Take care." Rin: "We're counting on you." Kuro: "All right, time to get to work." Diet: "Cut the crap! Why do we keep going around and around? What the hell's going on?!" ght: "Sir, please calm down. We'll soon be—" Diet: "I'm sick of hearing that from you! I'm a member of the National Diet. I want a proper explanation!" Pilot: "This is Manabe, your pilot." Pilot: "I will now explain our situation. Our navigation systems have developed a malfunction, preventing us from landing safely. The USDF is sending a tanker to refuel us in mid-air, then specialists will repair the system. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please bear with us for a while longer." Diet: "Oh, the USDF!" Kids: "Oh, a plane! A plane!" Miho: "We'll get ready on our end, then." Sena: "All right." Rin: "Oscar I, this is just for your information." Sena: "What is it?" Rin: "The government has decided not to disclose the bomb's existence to the public." Sena: "Huh?" Sena: "That's ridiculous. If we don't disarm the bomb in time..." Asami: "Why would they do that? If they don't order an evacuation and the worst happens, it'll be a disaster!" una: "My guess would be..." Rin: "Orochi's "ro"?" Sena: "The National Public Unified Intelligence Matrix?" una: "Correct. The specifics are classified, but one of the three split data-modules is said to be in Kichijouji." Haruka: "Huh? That actually exists?" Rin: "The government fears the data will be targeted if there were a large-scale evacuation?" Asami: "Nonsense! So as long as the data is safe, they don't care what might happen to civilians?" Rin: "That's not it. There is no "might."" Rin: "Failure is not an option in this mission." Kuro: "Crap." Miho: "Hey, I'm free after the refueling. Can I come watch you work?" Sena: "When did you get so malicious?" Miho: "What do you mean?" Sena: "We can't let anyone else get our data." Miho: "You're pretty loyal for a Unit 8 agent." Sena: "Thanks for noticing." Miho: "You used to be on our side. Well, never mind. I'm going ahead." Miho: "HQ, this is Senbu. Starting refuel." Comm: "Start confirmed. Start confirmed." Sena: "Kyoukai-san, I've never seen the Wears the USDF is using." Kyou: "Neither have I. Based on their form, I'd say they resemble Iwasaki's next-generation prototypes." Kyou: "Their stabilizers look pretty damn good." Miho: "Go ahead, garbage man." Sena: "Thank you for the courtesy." Sena: "Command, this is Oscar I. I'm going to check if there are any other bombs outside the main wheel well." Miho: "Still tiresomely meticulous, I see. I'm glad we broke up." Sena: "Stop twisting words around." Miho: "Later, officer!" Sena: "Good work." Kuro: "Hey." Kuro: "This side's more stable." Sena: "I knew you'd follow me, you crude scatterbrain!" Kuro: "They say two's better than one." Kuro: "If anything goes wrong, I'll figure it out with my big love and courage." Sena: "You're mixing up some song and the Bible. Why can't you keep the two separate?" Kuro: "No one asked you to. You should really stop being so nitpicky." Sena: "Whatever. Just stay out of my way." Kuro: "Fine, sure." Asami: "Why? I thought he'd tell him to go back." Haruka: "Once he shows up, you have no choice but to put him to use." Asami: "That's how it is?" Sena: "Nothing here?" Sena: "Maybe there." Secretary: "Sir, I've made arrangements for reaching the ceremony hall once we've landed." Diet: "Great! I should text my daughter that I'll be there soon!" ght: "Sir, please keep your phone in airplane mode." Sena: "From here on out, can you keep yourself out of my field of vision?" Kuro: "Yeah, yeah." Sena: "Here it is." Kyou: "At first glance, it looks pretty orthodox. If it had a remote detonator, it would've been trickier." Sena: "Talk about a silver lining. Maybe it's safe to gear down." Kyou: "The change in mass due to refueling didn't cause an issue, so I'd say you're 98% safe." Control: "206, do you copy?" Pilot: "This is 206, copy." Control: "A police squad will enter the right main wheel well. Gear down." Pilot: "Roger. Gearing down main wheels." Sena: "This looks really old-school." Sena: "I told you to stay out of my field of vision." Kuro: "I thought that was for outside." Sena: "I'm saying to give me some space." Kuro: "Don't treat me like a stalker! The world doesn't revolve around you!" Sena: "Kyoukai-san, send over data for S— no, PB03 bombs." Kyou: "All of it?" Sena: "Yeah. I'll sort out the exact type on my end." Sena: "Got one. I think I can handle this." Sena: "What?" Sena: "Wh-What is this?!" Haruka: "Is that Tenten-kun, the guardian mascot for warding off fire disasters?" Asami: "I'm surprised you knew that." una: "Don't worry, that doesn't pose any threat." Sena: "B-But..." Kuro: "See? You can never tell what might happen!" Diet: "I see... They delayed the start by two hours. That should be enough time." Secretary: "Well, sir..." Diet: "What?" Secretary: "Due to all the issues, the flight's heading to either Second Tokorozawa or Yurigaoka Airport. So even if they finish the repair right now, we'd only arrive at the ceremony hall at—" Diet: "What?!" Kuro: "Damned weasel bastard!" una: "I wonder what the perp's thinking..." Haruka: "Maybe he has no intention of blowing up the plane, given that he put a fire guardian mascot there." Kyou: "What do you think?" Kuro: "Who the hell knows?! Meteor shower mode, type Jacobini 13!" Sena: "All right. Just need the password now." Sena: "Whoa!" Sena: "You've got to be kidding." Rin: "Oscar I!" una: "I really wonder what the perp's trying to do." Diet: "Hey, that's Unit 8! That's why we're running late!" Kuro: "See, two's better than one." Sena: "I haven't contested that fact. I just don't like you." Kuro: "Huh?" Kuro: "Now isn't the time to turn on me, you defense ministry flunky!" Sena: "What did you say? It's because of people like you that our division gets a bad public rap!" Kuro: "Don't act so high and mighty. Even if it's a step down for you, for me, it's a way up the ladder. You should be happy for me!" Sena: "Like hell I can be now!" Kuro: "Huh?" Sena: "Boss, did something happen?" Rin: "Hurry, both of you! Their second engine's down!" una: "We may be headed for an emergency landing." Sena: "An emergency landing? But..." una: "Right. It'll blow if it loses altitude." Kyou: "Hurry! You just need to enter the password to defuse the bomb!" Kuro: "Fine!" Sena: "Wait a minute... Stop winging it, seriously!" Kuro: "Details are the only thing you're good with. Keep it together!" Haruka: "Oscar I, the flight's only 200 feet from minimum altitude." Haruka: "170..." Sena: "You scatterbrain, scatterbrain, scatterbrain!" Kuro: "Good luck, blockhead!" Asami: "They won't make it in time! Ten." una: "Oscar I!" Haruka: "Five. Four. Three. Two. One." Sena: "Final analysis!" Kuro: "What happened?" Kuro: "Good job, blockhead!" Sena: "Shut up, scatterbrain." Copilot: "Malfunction in right main wheel!" Ks: "Huh?" Pilot: "We'll make a belly landing!" ght: "Lower your heads! Tighten your stomach! Brace your legs! Tighten your stomach!" Diet: "I'm going to die! Who called Unit 8?!" Haruka: "Paramedic and firefighting backup support units in position!" Asami: "Start landing mission." Kyou: "Please don't! Stop!" Rin: "Just do it! I give you full permission!" una: "Just do it!" Pilot: "We're maintaining balance?" Kyou: "How could you sacrifice the units?" Control: "Control tower to firefighting command. Report on aircraft's condition." Kuro: "Well, it all worked out... With our help." Sena: "But Kyoukai-san's furious." Kuro: "Then let's go celebrate without saying hi. Let's drink the night away." Diet: "Hey, was it you two? Dumbass! Scum! I missed a once-in-a-lifetime moment because of you two!" Sena: "Huh?" Diet: "Why was it Unit 8? They should've left it to the professionals, but you just had to butt in!" Kuro: "We're professionals, too." Diet: "Y-You bastard..." Sena: "So we can't possibly partake in the celebratory drinks here. We appreciate the thought, though." Secretary: "Sir, we can still make it in time. Let's hurry." Diet: "Mark my words! I had no intention of letting the police have that!" Sena: "Huh?" Diet: "Unbelievable! I will pursue this as an issue! A major one!" Sena: "Was he talking about Willwears?" Kids: "Hey!" Kids: "You're the ones who saved us, right?" Kids: "This is to thank you." Kuro: "Oh, thanks." Sena: "Wait." Sena: "They may construe this as taking a bribe." Sena: "We appreciate the thought." Kuro: "Man, you're a real piece of work." Rin: "In the end, we still don't know what the perp was after." una: "If we only had more freedom, we could snoop around more..." una: "But doing any more would move into politics." Pm: "So we managed to safeguard it?" Min3: "Yes, Orochi's "ro" is safe." Min1: "There was no suspicious movement, so it must've been a coincidence." Mutos: ""To be human is to have the freedom to control one's fate."" Mutos: "Who said those words?" Bird: "Marcus Aurelius Antonius?" Mutos: "Yes, that is correct, Bird." Bird: "Congratulations, Mythos. Thanks to the government's bumbling, we now know where "O" and "chi" are, as well." Mutos: "I must say, you are my best partner." Mutos: "Thank you."

una: "You did that all for your little sibs?" una: "Swear you'll turn over a new leaf, and I'll pretend this never happened." una: "Keep gambling to a hobby, okay? In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." una: "Oh? Logos?" Rin: "Some say their existence is just an Internet rumor." Hayashi: "Let's cut to the chase." Hayashi: "We believe the criminal organization known as Logos exists." Rin: "And why would the star of public safety share that with us?" una: "And under the table, at that." Hayashi: "I saw in a report that several incidents you handled" Hayashi: "may have involved Logos. That's why." Hayashi: "I thought I should inform you, just in case." Rin: "I thought our opinions were prone to be ignored." Hayashi: "It's true that some don't approve of an experimental department voicing opinions." una: "Now, now... So, Hayashida-san, what's Logos after? Money, as usual?" Hayashi: "We don't know yet." Rin: "This is only a hunch," Rin: "but it could be just to stir up mischief." una: "Mischief, eh?" Kuro: "Are the bigwigs done yet? Uh, who're you?" Hayashi: "So you're Kuroki-kun?" Hayashi: "I'll take my leave now." Kuro: "If you're done talking work, we need you two back there. Everyone's waiting." una: "Yes, yes." Rin: "Sorry we're late!" Asami: "We've been waiting." Sena: "How did the work talk go?" una: "Oh, it went, I guess." Staff: "How may I help you?" Haruka: "I'd like another of this pomegranate cocktail said to be good for female hormones!" Asami: "Hormones?" Asami: "She honestly needs more? I'll also have more hormo— I mean, pomegranate juice." Kuro: "Also, a pitcher of beer." Kuro: "Okay, cheers!" Sena: "You're moving way too fast." Rin: "So you're really paying this time, Kuroki-kun? What brought this on?" Asami: "It's apparently to celebrate his casino win." una: "Casino?" Sena: "The one in Special District Numazu." Kuro: "I wish you guys could've seen my valiant self!" una: "Well, that's impressive." Kuro: "All hail the passing of the casino bill!" Rin: "Actually, there was a gambler who made headlines a few years ago, wasn't there?" una: "Bloody Mary?" Sena: "She was called the Empress of Illegal Casinos, wasn't she?" Sena: "I stopped hearing about her after the bill was passed, though." Haruka: "So she was never caught?" una: "That's how it came to pass that I joined this division." Ah: "Huh?" Sena: "K-Kuroki... You're acting proud, but what was your total windfall, anyway?" Kuro: "About 200,000 in the red, I guess." Sena: "Huh?" Staff: "Pomegranate cocktail, pomegranate juice, and a pitcher of beer." Asami: "Oh, where are Kyoukai-san and Madoka-san?" Kuro: "I invited them, but Kyoukai-san's working late. Madoka just ignored me." Asami: "Ignored? Target disembarked from the Minatomirai Line at Nihon-Oodoori Station at 19:27h, then took the Metropolitan Government Building exit. Target appears headed toward the harbor." Asami: "Why am I doing this?" Rin: "Madoka-chan doesn't ignore people. Maybe she just answered you really quietly?" Kuro: "Then I wonder if it's just like what the Ogikubo guys said." una: "What's this about?" Haruka: "Madoka-chan can be a little mysterious, so the Ogikubo Branch was saying that she might be a spy from Logos or some other type of government agency." Sena: "Of course it's just a joke, though." Kuro: "We're an odd bunch, so Madoka could be a spy with Internal Affairs." Asami: "A s-spy with Internal Affairs?" Rin: "All right, let's look into this." una: "I suppose we have no choice." Rin: "Asami-chan..." Haruka: "We're counting on you." Asami: "Huh?" Asami: "19:50h. Target is walking in Yamashita Park." Asami: "No irregular behavior observed." Asami: "20:35h. Target is playing a UFO catcher game at the arcade near Chinatown's east gate in Naka Ward, Yokohama City." Asami: "Target acquires a stuffed animal of a presumably minor character." Asami: "21:22h. Target enters Nyan Ma La, a Chinese restaurant in the area." Asami: ""Extra Spicy"?" Asami: "Deducing entry into the restaurant to be dangerous. Standing by outside." Madoka: "Liver-leek stir-fry." Staff: "Coming right up." Asami: "That's odd... It's already been over two hours since she went in." Staff: "Welcome." Asami: "Um, I'm meeting someone here." Asami: "She's gone? That's impossible." Asami: "What?" Ina: "To prevent miniaturized missiles from being fired..." Rin: "Play in a casino poker match?" Ina: "Yes. According to Tokyo Prefecture, that's the perp's demand." Ina: "The specifics are rather strange. There's a math instructor named Onodera Ryou at Kichijouji's Touzai Cram School." Ina: "We're to play and win against him. Anyone can play him at once, no matter how many." Rin: "But why us?" Rin: "There must be others who are good at poker." Ina: "You know about the explosion in Yamashita-chou last night?" Rin: "Oh, you mean..." Ina: "Five poker experts have already been defeated." Rin: "So they're saying to do whatever it takes to win, even cheating?" Ina: "Don't get the wrong idea." Ina: "It's not that you're fraudsters. You just have more leeway in equipment and the division..." Rin: "Okay!" Rin: "That'll be the official line." Rin: "And that's the deal." Kuro: "Even if it's Inagi-san asking, why not just cut right to it, and destroy all missiles within the prefecture?" Kyou: "That would be difficult." Sena: "Huh?" Kyou: "The missiles have a shield-machine function. They're typically buried underground. They aren't particularly strong, but it's near impossible to find them before launch." Kuro: "I see. Then I'll do it! I can do poker!" Rin: "Yeah, denied." Kuro: "Huh?" Rin: "Where's Madoka-chan, by the way?" Kuro: "She's off duty..." Haruka: "Oh, did you know Asami-chan actually tailed her?" Asami: "Huh? But you said to do it." Haruka: "It was just a joke at a drinking party." Asami: "What?! I went all the way to Yokohama!" una: "We can review that incident at a later time. I'll play the poker game." Kyou: "You, Funasaka-san?" Haruka: "Is this a joke?" una: "I'm sorry I kept this from you for so long. I may not look it, but in my younger days, I nearly destroyed myself with drink, women, and gambling." Kh: "Huh..." Kuro: "Uh, but still..." Sena: "If you almost destroyed yourself, doesn't that mean you're bad at it?" Rin: "Hmm..." Rin: "Okay. I'll let Funasaka-san handle this." Madoka: "Leek-liver stir-fry." una: "Onodera-san, was it?" Ono: "Oh, y-yes." una: "Nice to meet you." Ono: "N-Nice to meet you, as well. So, who's the one who keeps sending players to me?" una: "As I suspected, this man doesn't seem to know anything." Haruka: "How may I help you?" una: "Vodka martini." una: "Shaken, not stirred." Haruka: "Certainly, sir." Asami: "Sh-She's got the whole act down." Kyou: "It just might turn out to be a square match." una: "Check." Ono: "O-Okay. 200." una: "Call." Asami: "Um, I have no idea what the rules are." Rin: "Kyoukai-kun..." Kyou: "On it. I sent the rule data over." Asami: "Th-Thank you." Ono: "O-Okay, 500." una: "Having two queens is giving him confidence." una: "Call." Ono: "1,000." una: "At the least, he has a two pair, sevens and queens." una: "He could have a full house, but..." una: "Call." Dealer: "Showdown, please." Ono: "T-Two pair, queens and sevens." una: "Three of a kind. I win." Kuro: "All right!" Old: "Hello, miss." Old: "Here again?" Old: "Want to join us? We won't lose today. It's time for payback. These days, not too many people understand the true nature of gambling like you. Who would've thought that legalizing gambling would change so many things? Yeah, all those special arenas and Internet streams..." Old: "Even the guy who used to hunt us enjoys safe, legal gambling now." Madoka: "Hunt you?" Old: "Yeah, although he was a loser who failed in his investigation." Old: "He lost again. Guess he only won the first round." Old: "What's wrong?" Old: "Guess we won't be seeing her card-handling today. Yeah, her skills remind me of those of that legendary female gambler. She was only active for a year, wore a china dress, and hid her face. She must've only been a teen back then." Old: "I wonder what Bloody Mary's up to these days." Ono: "Straight." una: "Th-This man's good at his game. He was hesitant at first, but he gradually grew expressionless. He might as well be wearing a death mask now." una: "I can't discern what he's thinking at all!" Station: "The 20:07 train bound for Special District Numazu, Suruga Island..." Kuro: "Onodera's out for the kill." Sena: "Is Funasaka-san okay?" Rin: "Haruka-chan, commence Operation Manchaku No. 6!" Haruka: "Hello! Would you like anything to drink?" Ono: "No, thank you." Asami: "We have the data. Heart rate, breath rate, and perspiration levels are all elevated. They're above normal values." Rin: "He's lying. Funasaka-san, he's bluffing." una: "Call. All in." Dealer: "Showdown, please." una: "Three of a kind." Ono: "Straight." una: "Huh?" una: "Wh-What the..." Rin: "Impossible." Asami: "I'm getting alternating normal and abnormal readings!" Sena: "Could he be..." Ono: "Your tricks are a waste of time." Ono: "I can fool a polygraph with ease." una: "I... I lost." Ono: "This won't do. I need you to try a little longer. If you don't, another missile will go flying." Sena: "How did he know about the missiles?" Rin: "Wait, so he's..." una: "You're the one who came up with this death game?!" Ono: "What choice did I have? It's the casino's fault for blacklisting me out of fear due to my skills." Haruka: "But how did you get the missiles?!" Ono: "I got them from people who call themselves "Logos."" Kyou: "Logos!" Sena: "He didn't even bother hiding the name." Ono: "There should be a couple more missiles." Ono: "Logos is supposed to decide when to launch them." Ono: "But if I lose, the missiles won't be launched." Ono: "So let's try a little longer." Ono: "You can try any trick you have up your sleeve." Kuro: "Then, for starters, we'll swap out players!" Ono: "Sure. I don't mind." Kuro: "Oh, and there's someone here who wants to speak with you." Kuro: "Switch on. File number fox trot." Ono: "Well, well..." Asami: "Wh-Who's that?" Rin: "Onodera's mother." Kyou: "I'm surprised you managed a connection with her." Rin: "It's fake. Fortunately, even her audio data was available on social networking sites." Rin: "Listen to me, Ryou." Holo: "Listen to me, Ryou. Please stop causing trouble! I don't remember raising you to be this way." Holo: "Remember when you were little? How I'd—" Ono: "Sorry. My mom was a drunken loser with a wandering eye." Ono: "She's the one who drilled me in poker, too. By her command, I honed my skills to earn our keep." Ono: "Full house." Kuro: "I lost in an instant?" Ono: "I'm prepared to get caught. If I have to live another dull day, I'd rather have one last match. That'd be enough for me. I've had enough." Sena: "Pull yourself together! You're just getting started!" Kuro: "It's no use! We're in trouble!" Kuro: "If I lose, a missile will be launched. Being 200,000 in the red is my personal responsibility, but missile damage?!" Sena: "This is a rare case of accurate self-introspection, but..." Asami: "Now isn't the time to be impressed by that!" Kyou: "What now?" Kyou: "No one can win against a guy like him." Ono: "Oh? That's all? Are you sure? A city's going to go up in flames." Ono: "I wonder what Logos will target. I can't wait to find out." Mutos: "Let's see how far the police can track Logos... Hmm?" Mutos: "Dog... Like I said, our goal isn't to hurt people. What's the missile targ— Huh?" Kuro: "What? Aren't you off duty?" Madoka: "I'll play him." All: "What?!" Haruka: "You know how to play poker?" Old: "Oh, the livecast..." Bar: "Wait just a moment. I'll try this circuit..." Old: "Oh, look. It's the girl." Madoka: "Straight. That's a win, right?" Haruka: "Madoka-chan won?" una: "But that's just one round." Madoka: "Flush." Ono: "Full house." Madoka: "Four of a kind." Ono: "Straight flush." Haruka: "She's his equal..." Haruka: "And both are equally impassive." Haruka: "It's like two dead people playing against each other." Old: "Not good. She lacks her usual flair. Is she too distracted by the audience?" Ono: "Full house. Two pair." Ono: "Flush." Sena: "Crap! She's falling behind!" Rin: "Asami-chan, access the dealer robot's controls." Rin: "We'll control the cards that are dealt." Asami: "I can't. That robot has an anti-fraud function, AKA a conscience circuit. Any external tampering, and it'll freeze." Rin: "Damn Community Safety Division... No one asked for that!" Madoka: "Time out." Ono: "Very well." Ono: "Only fifteen minutes, though." una: "Madoka-kun?" Rin: "Sena-kun, ready the Wear." Sena: "Understood." Sena: "What's the projected missile target?" Ono: "Fifteen minutes." Ono: "I guess I win." Madoka: "No, you lose." una: "M-Madoka-kun..." una: "You... You're..." Old: "Bloody Mary. You know you're about to lose your place in society?" Kyou: "Madoka-san's..." Rin: "...the legendary..." Asami: "...gambler?!" Ono: "I had no idea Bloody Mary was so young. You have my respect." Ono: "That is, if you're really her." Madoka: "Straight." Ono: "Flush." Haruka: "Another draw?" una: "No, we're moving toward a conclusion." Kuro: "Yeah. This is a big game." Kyou: "I hope our predictions are correct with regard to the missile launch site." Kuro: "This is it. This hand will decide it." Ono: "Could it be a straight flush? No, the possibility of that is low." Ono: "Maybe a flush? If it's just a straight, I win, but..." Doc: "Why are they just staring at each other? Maybe I'll heat things up." Mutos: "Dog!" Asami: "Thermal signature detected... Crap, the missile's been launched!" Rin: "What's the launch point?" Asami: "Candidate two, Azabu Juuban. It's flying southwest." Rin: "Oscar I." Sena: "I'll give it a shot." Asami: "Twenty-five seconds until impact! No, it won't be in time!" Sena: "Request deactivation of sublimation function." Rin: "Permission granted!" Ono: "I see it now... Your poker face has a slight flaw. When you bluff, your eyes twitch ever so slightly. That's right, this is a bluff. All in!" Madoka: "Call." Dealer: "Showdown, please." Ono: "Full house. I win." Sena: "Type 21 charged-particle launcher, fire!" Madoka: "You don't deserve to gamble. You're just a corpse that drowned in gambling, a drifter in the darkness. The true pleasure of gambling is to leave it and return to the light of day." Ono: "Say what you will, loser." Madoka: "Straight..." Madoka: "flush." Madoka: "I win." Madoka: "Also, this..." Madoka: "was deliberate." Ono: "I... lost?" Madoka: "The end of one game is the beginning of another." Madoka: "Let's meet again." Haruka: "Um, would you like anything to drink, Madoka-san?" Madoka: "Pomegranate hoppy." Asami: "Oh, for female hormones? Okay." una: "What would you like to eat?" Madoka: "Liver-leek stir-fry... Oh." Haruka: "Liver-leek stir-fry!" Staff: "We don't have anything like that." Kuro: "Pretty please?" Madoka: "Um, Funasaka-san, I..." una: "Hmm?" Madoka: "I really didn't recognize you until then..." una: "What are you talking about?" Rin: "You rushed over while off-duty to help your teammates. What's so bad about that?" Kyou: "A little cosplay won't get you arrested." una: "But if I were to say anything..." Madoka: "Yes?" una: "Moderation is key with any hobby. For your younger siblings' sakes, as well." Madoka: "Right!"

Asami: "Aren't I the odd one out? Everyone else is male..." una: "Now, now. It was fate that we ran into each other at the station. Please stick around a little longer." Asami: "Thanks to you, my first day off in a while is ruined. You're this close to workplace harassment." una: "Kazari-kun..." Asami: "What?" una: "I'm really excited right now. Like a little boy." Asami: "That makes it closer to sexual harassment." una: "It's starting." Crowd: "Morgan! Drew! Morgan! Drew!" Asami: "What are those?" una: "Look, Kazari-kun!" una: "Drew and Morgan." una: "They are Japan's world-class giant robots!" Asami: "Huh? In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." una: "I see... And here I was hoping you'd become a fellow fan." Asami: "When you're from a different generation, different things have nostalgic value." una: "Nostalgic value? Japan used to be at the bleeding edge of robotics, and their expertise with giant robots, in particular, was unparalleled." una: "You could say Drew and Morgan symbolize that. Actually," una: "many years ago, I once rode on Drew's palm." Asami: "You did?" una: "Aren't you jealous?" Asami: "But why was it necessary for them to appear out of the water?" una: "Because that's how it was traditionally done in anime." Asami: "Huh? Anime?" una: "Back in the day, there were lots of anime series with robots. Kids who loved that stuff grew up and worked to make their dreams of developing robots come true." una: "Their dreams fueled an entire genre's growth." Asami: "Is that seriously true?" una: "Growing up, my dream was to become a robot pilot." Asami: "Huh..." una: "These are the scientists and small factory artisans who devoted their lives to giant-robot development." Asami: "Small factories?" una: "Without their superior technique and passion for their work," una: "Drew and Morgan would have never seen the light of day. This was a while ago, but I once rode on Drew's palm—" Asami: "You already told me that." una: "Ah." Asami: "But in the end, giant robots were..." una: "Yes. Though it was hoped they'd be optimal for dangerous work, such as construction or excavation, or for disaster relief," una: "fuel inefficiency was their weakness. And the damning strike was..." Asami: "Willwears." una: "Right. With greater functionality and cost effectiveness, the Willwears' emergence sealed the robots' fate. Development of giant humanoid robots went rapidly into decline. The final blow was the Third Quicksand Phenomenon." Asami: "The Kanto Bottomless Belt, right?" una: "Yes. The area with a high small-factory concentration is now an evacuation zone." Asami: "Can they still move?" una: "Morgan can. But they couldn't figure out what was wrong with Drew." una: "The technology's too old." Guard: "Hey! Back away from the railing! It's not safe." Guard: "Hey!" Guard: "It's that geezer again." Old: "The rivets are crying. The rivets are crying..." Guard: "Are you okay? Are you hurt? We've told you many times. The rivets are crying..." una: "What's the matter?" Guard: "Oh, he's from a nearby hospice." una: "Hospice?" Guard: "This isn't his first time here. We keep warning him, but... Well, he's quite advanced in years." Guard: "Let's go, Grandpa." una: "Wait a minute." una: "Are you, by chance, Dr. Kasumigaseki?" Asami: "You know who this is?" una: "I'm certain that he's the father of Drew and Morgan..." Asami: "Huh?" una: "Dr. Kasumigaseki!" Staff: "On good days, he can recall a lot. That's when he's absolutely amazing! He'll take apart broken TVs and vacuum cleaners in a flash, and fix them like magic!" Asami: "Does he have any family?" Staff: "No, he doesn't seem to. But I think he has a visitor sometimes, one of his old colleagues." Kobayashi: "Yes, that would be me." Kobayashi: "I'm the only one who lives nearby now." una: "I thought Dr. Kasumigaseki was still tasked with Drew and Morgan's maintenance, even after robot development was canceled." Kobayashi: "It was the government. When the area around his factory became a designated evacuation zone, the government confiscated the robots." Kobayashi: "I heard it was some moneymaking scheme by the officials." una: "Where did the artisans involved in robot development go?" Kobayashi: "They switched to careers in industries where they could still apply their skills, like rail transport and aeronautics." Kobayashi: "Just like I did. These clocks are becoming bygone artifacts, but I do get repair requests once in a while." una: "I see." Kobayashi: "We..." Kobayashi: "We were all putting our hearts and souls into careers we believed in. We never thought we'd see a whole field disappear." Kobayashi: "Now I wonder what our dreams even were..." una: "I'm sorry to have kept you so long." una: "You can go now, Kazari-kun." Asami: "What about you, Funasaka-san?" una: "I'll ask around to see if Dr. Kasumigaseki can maintain those robots again. There's nothing to lose." Asami: "You really want to go that far?" una: "He is a great scientist and a national treasure. That isn't the only reason, though. Back then, I was sneaking into the factory almost every night because I wanted to see Drew." una: "But..." Yfuna: "I-It moved!" Kasu: "You're trespassing. I'm calling the police." Kasu: "You're the one who's been sneaking into the factory every night, aren't you?" Yfuna: "Well, yeah. The security here sucks. Lemme go, mister." Kasu: "Don't call me "mister." I'm a doctor. Dr. Kasumigaseki." Yfuna: "I love robots! Just once in my life, I'd love to pilot one!" Kasu: "Hmph. Then you should seriously pursue becoming a pilot." Yfuna: "A pilot?" Kasu: "That's right. You should try to become Drew's pilot. And don't slack off. Study hard and work toward your dreams!" Yfuna: "Study?" Kasu: "If that doesn't appeal to you, I'll report trespass—" Yfuna: "Um, wait! Not that, please!" Kasu: "So will you do it or not?" Yfuna: "Me, a pilot?" Yfuna: "Okay, that doesn't sound bad." Yfuna: "All right, doc. I'll become Drew's pilot." Yfuna: "I promise!" Kasu: "I'll be waiting for you, boy." Yfuna: "Okay!" una: "To him, it might have been a trivial lecture. But having a dream to work toward is a big deal for boys. I'm only here today" una: "because he gave me a dream that day. I couldn't fulfill my promise from back then, but I'd like to repay him, at least." una: "Is that strange?" Shimura: "Damn this robot exhibit. They took Morgan from me." Shimura: "Logos? They're the ones who sent me a weird e-mail before." Shimura: "Hey! What the hell?!" Shimura: "It's on autopilot?" Shimura: "Wh-What the..." Shimura: "What's this?" Shimura: "No way... It was true?" Robot: "We open at 10 AM. We open at 10 AM. We open at—" Shimura: "Logos is more hardworking than I thought." Shimura: "Sorry to keep you waiting, Morgan." Shimura: "Let's launch!" U8: "What? We're up against a giant humanoid heavy machine?" Sena: "This has to be a joke." Kyou: "It's at least twenty meters tall. Are you sure it's still working?" Asami: "Funasaka-san..." una: "Morgan was stolen?" Rin: "The stolen giant humanoid heavy machine is moving from Okachimachi to Akihabara along the Yamanote Break Water." Rin: "It's not responding to any contact." una: "Kazari-kun, do we have any security camera footage from the area?" Asami: "Putting on main screen." una: "It's Morgan!" Haruka: "It's about to pass by the Third Anime Center." Sena: "Local authorities seem to have placed a cordon, but..." Cops: "Stop! Stop! Are you listening to us?" Rin: "As soon as we arrive at Akihabara's special use platform, Kuroki-kun and Sena-kun are to suit up, understood?" Sena: "Roger." Kuro: "You can count on us!" una: "Boss..." una: "I have a request." Madoka: "Vitals, all green." Madoka: "Lock." Haruka: "Inner unit, begin output." Kyou: "Oscar II, set strike interceptor unit." Rin: "Understood. You are free to act as you wish." Rin: "Asami-chan, please provide backup support." Asami: "Huh?" Kuro: "Okay, going ahead." Kuro: "Heh." Kuro: "So what if it's a giant humanoid machine? It's just an antique with nothing but sheer size. It's no match for us." Sena: "Though I hate to admit it, I agree. But its sheer mass is a problem. Let's deal with it before there's any more collateral damage." Kuro: "Got it!" Sena: "This is the police. Power down the humanoid machine immediately." Shimura: "There you are, Willwear." Shimura: "Pests!" Sena: "Wh-Why am I so sleepy?" Sena: "Oscar II!" Kyou: "Oscar I, cut external monitors, and put some distance between you and the machine!" Sena: "What?" Kyou: "The humanoid machine has a sleep-induction device developed by Nemuron." Sena: "A sleep-induction device?" Kyou: "It works by using vibrations at a specific wavelength to deliver sleep-inducers to the brain. It's limiter's been removed. It's very dangerous." Sena: "Wake up, Oscar II!" Sena: "Oscar II!" Sena: "Even asleep, you lack class!" Kyou: "The vibration's effective range is approximately fifty meters." Sena: "Then I'll just maintain range and attack." Kyou: "I think that'd be a bad idea." Sena: "What?" Haruka: "Why?" Kyou: "That machine's heavily armored to the extreme. With no data on it, it's impossible to deduce good targets. A mistake could lead to collateral damage to the city from ricochets." una: "Using civilians as hostages..." Rin: "Funasaka-san, Madoka-chan found what you requested. This is the suspect. We're pretty sure he's the perp." Rin: "Shimura Makoto, age fifty-two. He received official pilot training back then. He was supposed to be Morgan's pilot." una: "Morgan's official pilot..." Rin: "But the project was canceled, and his life thereafter is the picture of a downward spiral. He's also suspected of sending numerous harassing e-mails intended to prevent the robot exhibit." Asami: "What's this?" Haruka: "Shimura's apartment. I had local authorities stream their feed." Kyou: "An unforgotten dream, huh?" una: "Boss, can you get permission to launch Drew, stat?" Rin: "Okay, got it." Asami: "Why Drew?" una: "Because only Drew can stop Morgan now." Asami: "But Drew's broken. Even if it could start up, once it gets close to Morgan, the sleep-induction will..." una: "That won't happen. If I were him," una: "I wouldn't turn down a chance at a robot battle." una: "Ever!" Asami: "You're sure confident!" una: "Please, doctor... The Morgan you created" una: "is being used for evil by a thoughtless individual!" una: "Only Drew can save us from this crisis. You can do this... No, only you can do this, Dr. Kasumigaseki!" una: "Please!" Voice: "Doc!" Asami: "You're the one from the clock shop." Kobayashi: "I've gathered the old crew. We'll help, doc!" Crew: "Let's do this, doc!" Crew: "Let's bring Drew back to life!" una: "Thank you all for your help!" Kasu: "My lab coat." Kasu: "My lab coat! Hurry up!" una: "Dr. Kasumigaseki!" All: "Doc!" Kasu: "First, remove the rusted rivets." All: "Yes, sir!" Kasu: "I have a pretty good idea what the issue is. It's just one part. Don't dawdle! Hurry!" Kuro: "Oscar II to command vehicle. Good morning." Rin: "Oscar II, your priority is to minimize damage. Lure the target to the mud zone as best you can." Kuro: "Roger!" Sena: "We'll do our best." Crew: "Carry it! Hurry up and link it up!" Asami: "Funasaka-san?" Asami: "By the way, who's going to pilot Drew?" una: "I will, of course." Asami: "You?" una: "When I was a boy, I wanted to be a pilot. I still remember how to pilot it as clear as day." una: "It was just an online course, though." Asami: "An online course?" Kasu: "I'm counting on you, young Funasaka!" una: "Yes, doc!" una: "It activated." Kasu: "Good." una: "Drew," una: "launch!" Shimura: "Now that I've wreaked havoc, I have no regrets. All I have to do now is reach the location Logos designated and escape." una: "Stop right there, Morgan!" Kuro: "Hey, that voice..." Sena: "Funasaka-san?" una: "I won't let you have your way any longer!" Shimura: "Drew! Great idea!" Asami: "Command vehicle, sending live footage." Haruka: "Funasaka-san, are you okay?" Kuro: "Command vehicle, we think we can apprehend the perp now." Rin: "Let Funasaka-san handle it. Don't make any rash moves." una: "I will not let anyone use robots for evil!" una: "Drew Drill Punch!" Shimura: "Get off your high horse!" Shimura: "Morgan Shovel!" Asami: "Funasaka-san!" Shimura: "Morgan is more powerful! Admit defeat before this power!" una: "Full action, huh?" Asami: "This isn't good. If we don't do something..." Shimura: "Take this steel-clad metal fist!" Shimura: "And now..." Haruka: "Funasaka-san!" Asami: "Funasaka-san, don't lose!" Shimura: "Goodbye, Drew. The world's best robot pilot" Shimura: "is me." Asami: "Run, Funasaka-san!" Shimura: "What's wrong, Morgan? Why won't you move? Why?!" Shimura: "It's out of fuel?" Kuro: "Bingo!" Kuro: "Perp apprehended." Asami: "Funasaka-san..." una: "You'll only last so long at full action. You should have known that this fuel inefficiency drove the giant robots into ruin." ews: "Yesterday evening, in an unprecedented case, a giant humanoid heavy machine on display at the robot exhibit was stolen, and another humanoid heavy machine was deployed to bring it under control." ews: "Shimura Makoto, age fifty-two and unemployed, was arrested..." Asami: "I'm sure the doctor will be thrilled to learn he can work with robots again." Asami: "What strings did you have to pull?" una: "That's a trade secret. Our success in this case helped, as well." Staff: "Oh... Thank you for your help yesterday." una: "Can we see Dr. Kasumigaseki?" Staff: "Well..." Staff: "It happened early this morning." Asami: "Oh, no..." Staff: "But look at his face. He looks so happy." una: "Doctor..."

Haruka: "This uncivilized sound..." Gran: "What are you doing?" Haruka: "Huh? Um..." ga: "The compressor" ga: "makes a nice sound, doesn't it?" Haruka: "Whoa! You get it, too?" ga: "I know someone named Morita who's into trains." Gran: "Oh, are you..." Liko: "Search complete!" Gran: "Oh! I thought so! You're Naganuma-san!" Haruka: "Huh?" Gran: "Good luck in the gubernatorial elections! You take your work seriously. I like that!" ga: "Thank you! I'll do my best." Gran: "I'll be cheering you on!" Haruka: "Huh?" Haruka: "I was looking forward to an abandoned train-line tour..." Asami: "In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." Cop: "Perp is currently heading west from Governor Terao's office, on Shin Mejiro Avenue! The governor was out of the office, and no property damage was done!" Swat: "Stop right there!" Swat: "Stop!" Swat: "What's with that Willwear?" Swat: "Retreat!" Swat: "Retreat!" Kuro: "Seriously?" Cop: "We'll handle luring the perp, so please take care of him!" Asami: "That's what we'd like to do, but..." Sena: "Do we have the prefecture's go-ahead yet?" Rin: "There's zero chance of that. I'm getting a BS reason about how the prefecture's roads can't be destroyed." Kuro: "God!" Haruka: "Sorry to be late!" Rin: "Sorry, and on your day off, too." Haruka: "No problem." Haruka: "Wow, this looks a pain in the butt." una: "Target is currently en route toward the metropolitan government building at 2kph." Kyou: "It appears the EM dome uses parts from an overseas arms manufacturer." Haruka: "What's he after?" Rin: "Punishing the governor." Haruka: "Huh?" Rin: "There was a post on a social network site about the attack." una: "He seems pretty off the rails." Haruka: "Why don't they just go to the metropolitan government building, and get it over with?" Rin: "Yeah, that made me wonder, too." Haruka: "Then we can wrap this up, and I can go see abandoned train lines!" Rf: "Huh?" Haruka: "Um..." Gov: "Just target me! What moved you to take such dangerous action? This is an act of terrorism, involving innocent civilians!" Hinata: "Poor governor... First, corruption charges kill his popularity, and now this." Hachi: "Not necessarily." Hinata: "Huh?" Hachi: "He might be thinking he can turn it all around, if he plays his cards right." Rin: "So fast! Nice work, Madoka-chan!" Rin: "The Peace Party... The opposition candidate, huh?" una: "Kobari Masataka, age forty, single." Haruka: "Kobari?" Ina: "At the moment, we're just gathering supporting evidence. For now, let's contact HQ—" Tvs: "Naganuma-san!" Tvs: "We hear the person responsible is from your group of supporters! Didn't you see any warning signs?" Tvs: "You'll surely be expected to assume responsibility." ga: "Please, not right now..." Ina: "We have been unable to contact him for the past month or so." Ina: "We'll hold an official press conference later." Tv: "Please! Just one comment!" Eriko: "Governor!" Eriko: "The attacker has publicly stated that you are his target." Eriko: "How do you intend to counter this threat?" Eriko: "Don't worry!" Eriko: "I have led this prefecture for seven and a half years!" Eriko: "As incompetent as I, Terao Kazuyoshi, may be, I refuse to be a burden on my constituents!" Eriko: "I will protect their peace and safety!" Rin: "I find it hard to believe that he and Inagi-kun are responsible." Haruka: "I'm not sure how much longer Kuroki-san and his crew can wait!" Rin: "Huh?" Kuro: "If we frame it as traffic support for now, we won't need permission, right?" Kuro: "This street is currently blocked from use. Wait at least, uh..." Kuro: "One hour until it's cleared!" Asami: "He's waiting?" Kobari: "Will you really keep your promise?" Man: "There's no need for concern." Man: "Go straight to the metropolitan government building, no matter what happens." Kobari: "I have no choice!" Sena: "Oscar VI!" Asami: "Got it!" Asami: "The target's headed to Shinjuku via the train tracks!" Haruka: "He hopes to reach the metropolitan government building from the track guardrails." Haruka: "Let me handle this!" Haruka: "His biggest mistake was entering the tracks!" Rin: "Haruka-chan's unusually fired up." Rin: "We have permission. All Oscar units, return to exchange battery packs." Sena: "Cut it out, Oscar II!" Kuro: "Oscar II, I, and VI have returned!" Asami: "Please let me down!" Rin: "Hang on, I'll open the aft hatch." Kuro: "Roger!" Hinata: "Thanks! I'll return it later." end: "Okay, no problem." Hinata: "President?" Hachi: "Oh, sorry." Hachi: "Something about that incident's bothering me, so I'm borrowing your computer." Hinata: "Oh, the TV finally gave out?" Hachi: "It was pretty old." Hinata: "What? He still hasn't been caught?" Hachi: "No. There's some talk that he was against projection mapping." Hinata: "That reconstruction event?" Hachi: "What are you doing?" Hinata: "Oh, sorry." Liko: "Would you like to patch the software?" Hachi: "Isn't this the Liko modding tool that's distributed underground?" Hinata: "I borrowed it from a friend. I heard it'd make her even more useful than before." Liko: "Liko's updated!" Hachi: "She's just freeware, anyway, and it's your computer, after all. I don't see a problem." Hinata: "Thank you." Hinata: "It's just that I haven't found enough references for my paper topic." Hachi: "And you want Liko to help you?" Hinata: "Yes, it's about the Fruit of Tragedy." Hachi: "You're writing about that terrorist attack?" Hachi: "Um... It was about a decade ago, right?" Hinata: "Right. But I haven't found anything about the cult leader back then." Hachi: "Yeah, that might be hard to find." Kuro: "Will this work?" Sena: "I support this plan. It's logical and appropriate." Asami: "I'm impressed it was put together so quickly." Haruka: "Madoka-chan, please request permission. How is it there, Kyoukai-san?" Kyou: "Proceeding with preparations, as requested." Haruka: "All right! Just wait, perp! I'm furious that I had to cancel my tour!" Asami: "There's more to find?" Haruka: "Just a little something that might help when we apprehend the perp." Rin: "Permission granted!" Madoka: "Permission granted!" una: "We have permission from all rail agencies." Rin: "Okay, now we just need to execute the plan!" Kuro: "All right! Let's stop this guy!" una: "Oh!" una: "Sorry to interject when you're all ready to go..." una: "But the governor has not given permission." Rin: "Huh? But this doesn't fall under his jurisdiction!" una: "Well, apparently, the new elevated tracks on Shinjuku Station's north side belong to the prefecture." All: "Huh?!" Asami: "You've got to be kidding." Rin: "What's wrong with the governor? He's the one being targeted!" Gov: "Everyone..." Gov: "We are now prepared to apprehend the terrorist!" Eriko: "Is that" Eriko: "a missile?" Gov: "No. I'd foreseen the rise of numerous futuristic crimes, and asked my alma mater, OIT, or the Oshamanbe Institute of Technology, to develop this using my private funds. It's a non-lethal, criminal-suppression rocket! It is equipped with a unique anti-phase, high-voltage generator, which enables it to neutralize that EM dome with little issue!" Rin: "So that's his play..." una: "He interfered with our work to regain his approval ratings." Rin: "Still, using that won't leave the perp unscathed." Asami: "Um, what are you looking at, Haruka-san?" Haruka: "A diorama of the very first Amarube railway bridge, which was part of the San'in Line." Haruka: "Don't you just love the sturdy steel framework? Look at the power and beauty of its form!" Asami: "Let's not use this time for personal hobbies." Haruka: "Do you notice anything?" Asami: "Huh? There's a father with a young daughter in all of the dioramas." Haruka: "Yes. This pair is the key" Haruka: "to cracking this case." Asami: "But Kobari is single and has no children." Haruka: "I thought so." Rin: "That's it!" Rin: "Continue the operation! We'll get to Shinjuku first!" Rin: "Funasaka-san, contact the governor!" Gov: "What? The rocket can't be launched? What's going on?" Secretary: "It's aviation law." Rin: "It would violate aviation law article 99, section 2. You won't get away with claiming ignorance." Rin: "We could, however, proceed with our operation without infringing on any laws." Gov: "Damn that Unit 8!" Eriko: "After so much preparation, why let Unit 8 take over?" Gov: "I have determined that doing so would better let us safeguard our citizens." Eriko: "But, Governor, aren't you against Willwear use?" Gov: "Well," Gov: "regardless of my personal opinions, civilian lives come first. That is my civic duty, after all." Rin: "I guess politicians have to be this shameless to succeed." Rin: "Let's go over the operation. Kyoukai-kun will soon finish" Rin: "preparing the anti-phase, high-voltage generator." Sena: "Once we hook it to the Shinjuku Station rails and activate its voltage, the repulsion will blow a hole in the target's EM dome." Kuro: "Then we'll rush that point. That role falls to me, obviously!" Asami: "No, I can handle close-quarters combat." Haruka: "Let me go." Asami: "Huh?" Rin: "Haruka-chan?" Asami: "No way! Haruka-san, you're specialized for network and search operations." Haruka: "Do you all know anything about signals and security devices?" Haruka: "Besides, there's one more important reason why I should go." Asami: "Is it something to do with the dioramas?" Haruka: "Oh, that'd be two reasons, then!" Rin: "So can I count on you?" Haruka: "Yes!" una: "Commencing preparation to equip Willwear." Madoka: "Vitals, all green." Rin: "Lock." ?: "Meti-structure, set Ibuki unit." Haruka: "Here it comes! The Chiki 5500, a cargo train for transporting long rails!" Asami: "It's finally time to put an end to this. Er... Huh?" Haruka: "Wow, I've never seen it before! It really does pack a punch!" Asami: "Was this the important reason?" Haruka: "Here comes the enemy." Rin: "Power on the anti-phase, high-voltage generator!" Haruka: "Forget it!" Haruka: "Switch the third crossover and the sixth scissors crossing. Next, switch the second single cross and the seventh scissors crossing. Infiltrate the fourth switch system, switch the double slip, DC, and Y-junction." Haruka: "Going in!" Haruka: "Just as I expected." Haruka: "Prepare backup operation!" Haruka: "There's nowhere left to go." Asami: "Will she really be all right by herself?" Kuro: "We have to trust her." Haruka: "The original Amarube bridge was the best." Kobari: "Huh?" Asami: "What?" una: "What is she talking about?" Haruka: "The way it reaches into the sky, without pretense..." Haruka: "And all those bare steel beams get to you." Kobari: "What are you talking about?" Haruka: "Building a bridge in such a place is like challenging nature itself, don't you think? All that passion and expertise in one bridge! It really tugs on your heartstrings!" Asami: "Wait, he's actually listening?" Haruka: "I've never seen the original itself, of course," Haruka: "but I was able to experience the feeling, thanks to a wonderful diorama. Kobari-san," Haruka: "it was your diorama." Asami: "He's the one who made it?" Haruka: "I like trains, buses, extinguishers, and signals... All kinds of things made by people." Haruka: "It's thanks to you, Kobari-san." Haruka: "But why are you trying to run, even if it means destroying Shinjuku Station?" Haruka: "You love trains!" Haruka: "You're a kind man who also loves children." Haruka: "records state that you're childless." Haruka: "But you send a fixed monthly sum under a different name to a Filipino girl, don't you?" Kobari: "Huh?" Haruka: "I'm sorry, but it's my job to look around." Haruka: "I learned the girl won't live long unless she gets an organ transplant in America. She's your daughter," Haruka: "isn't she?" Man: "I'll give you my full support for the organ transplant. But you are not to speak a word of this, other than about your relationship with Naganuma. That is my condition." Kobari: "I have no daughter. My goal is" Kobari: "to punish the governor! That's all!" Rin: "No, Oscar III! Get away from him!" Kobari: "Get out! Please get out!" Haruka: "I won't!" Haruka: "All right!" Asami: "Oscar II!" Kuro: "Got it!" Kuro: "Okay, go!" Rin: "Power on the generator!" Kobari: "I'm sorry." Kuro: "Hey, that doesn't look good!" Asami: "Oscar III!" Haruka: "Please remember the main Sekihoku Line's..." Haruka: "Shoubou Pass! Remember the powerful DD51 trains that raced up the steep slope with their twin engines! Isn't that" Haruka: "just like you and your daughter?" Haruka: "Missing either one would mean failure!" Haruka: "You'd be overcome by the slopes of the pass! You have to keep running together, hand-in-hand," Haruka: "on that long rail known as life!" Haruka: "Please don't commit any more crimes." Haruka: "Don't sever the link that holds the two engines together!" Haruka: "I want to help both you and your daughter. That's why you need to tell us the whole truth" Haruka: "by turning yourself in!" Asami: "He stopped." Kobari: "I... I just..." Man: "You are not to speak a word." Haruka: "Kobari-san..." Doc: "And here I thought you'd chosen your daughter over your hobby, you loser." Doc: "Bye, Kobari-san." Kobari: "Oh, no! I've lost control of the system!" Haruka: "What?" Kuro: "Huh?" Rin: "At a time like this?" Kyou: "This is bad! The Wear can't withstand this amount of output." una: "Oscar III!" Haruka: "Kobari-san?" Kobari: "I have no daughter..." Kobari: "I have no daughter!" Haruka: "Kobari-san..." Haruka: "Kobari-san!" Asami: "Oh, no..." Mutos: "Who gave him" Mutos: "Logos's Willwear without permission?" Eriko: "Some have voiced approval of the governor's response to the most recent incident. The governor's supporters are hopeful about the upcoming elections..." Kyou: "Funasaka-san." Kyou: "About Kobari's Willwear... A program enabling external control" Kyou: "was snuck into its system." una: "Do you think you can trace it to the mastermind?" Kyou: "It will be difficult." Kyou: "I wish my council had investigative authority, as well." una: "I hear you." Eriko: "As previously reported, Diet member Naganuma Daizou, of the Peace Party, who was planning to enter the upcoming gubernatorial race, was found dead today, at 4:20 PM, in his room at the Akasaka Diet dormitory. The cause of death was acute cardiac arrest. Some sources report it was a suicide, but no link between him and the attack on the governor has been established." Rin: "Why would he commit suicide?" Ina: "He'd turned down Kobari's request for help." Ina: "He'd received reports that their intermediary was operating an illegal organization. But he felt responsible, feeling that the decision had made Kobari reckless. In the end, only the governor" Ina: "gained anything from this." Rin: "I don't understand." Rin: "There are all these dots around this case that I can't connect. I can't quite put a finger on it, but I think there's a reason... Several reasons, even." Ina: "Someone who was involved" Ina: "is still hiding?" Asami: "Haruka-san?" Haruka: "I couldn't do anything..." Asami: "That's not true! You gathered donations for Kobari-san's daughter's surgery." Haruka: "But now, Kobari-san's wish" Haruka: "will never come true." Haruka: "Sorry." Haruka: "Let me stay like this a while."

Driver: "Crap!" Driver: "What the hell?!" Rin: "Oscar II, the out-of-control vehicle has been identified as a tanker truck. It's currently headed toward Tokyo on the Toumei Expressway, around the 14.3-kilometer marker. Its cargo consists of gasoline and lighter fluid." Rin: "To prevent any accidents, exercise utmost caution when stopping the vehicle." Kuro: "Oscar II, roger that." Driver: "I-I'm gonna hit it!" Asami: "Boss, an unidentified flying object is approaching from twelve o'clock. It may be a Willwear." Rin: "Huh?" Kuro: "Crap, I might not make it..." Kuro: "Oscar I? Thank God..." Kuro: "Huh?" Kuro: "A civilian?" Kuro: "Um, thank you for your cooperation. What's your division?" Kuro: "Hey! Come on, at least tell me your name!" Asami: "In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." Madokak: "Oscar IV, equip inner unit." Haruka: "Vitals, all green." Kuro: "All green." Rin: "All green, lock." Haruka: "Inner unit, begin output." Kyou: "Oscar IV, set Koutetsujin Nanakamado Unit." una: "Oscar VI on scene." Asami: "It looks like a boy's been left behind back here." una: "This is built like a safety deposit box..." una: "Hmph, this is nothing." una: "That's the Wear from yesterday." Asami: "How could a civilian manage to get in, when my Fine Familia couldn't?" una: "That..." una: "That can't possibly be a mass-market model." Asami: "Then what is it?" Asami: ""The police's new guardian angel? The Ulti-maid at work."" Haruka: "There goes the press, randomly naming things again." Asami: "Looks like the name came from a celebrity blog this time, though. "With the Third Mobile Assault Unit 9's creation, Unit 8 is already yesterday's news."" Haruka: ""The Ulti-maid is sick." "The Ulti-maid is way too cool." "Thirty-four Ulti-maid fan clubs born nationwide"?" una: "It's all the rage." una: "I heard there will even be Ulti-maid rice crackers now." Kuro: "Why does it get a fan club, and we don't?" Asami: "Maybe because we're a little rough around the edges?" Sena: "I am not!" Kyou: "Well, I can see why, though. Its capabilities are pretty amazing. I kind of wish I could dismantle and examine it." Sena: "Why not ask the Council about it?" Kyou: "Well, it's not from any of the affiliate manufacturers." Haruka: "Really? But the whole point is to keep the Council in the loop, even if you're secretly developing one." Asami: "Maybe some university made one without telling anyone?" una: "Or maybe the police really are behind it?" Rin: "I asked the brass, but they said they hadn't heard of it. They were pretty shocked, so I think they were telling the truth." Kyou: "Still, if a Wear like that goes into mass production, we'll have to reconsider Unit 8's equipment." Haruka: "I doubt a division dubbed "the garbage men" will get a bigger slice of the budget." Asami: "There might not even be any use for us anymore." Asami: "Huh? Hey, don't all clam up on that!" Kuro: "Well..." Sena: "Yeah." Sena: "Why are you following me?" Kuro: "Oh, I forgot to tell you earlier, but I'll be waiting for you tomorrow at 6 PM, at Okamoto Tarou in Shibuya's Keiou." Sena: "What for? I don't remember agreeing to meet up with you." Kuro: "It's for drinks. I had someone cancel on me, so I'll include you in the fun." Sena: "Drinks? Now, of all times?" Kuro: "Is that so wrong?" Sena: "We were just talking about the Ulti-maid." Kuro: "So what? It's not our enemy or anything." Kuro: "I'd even call it a dependable ally that has our backs." Kuro: "That stuff about there being no use for us anymore is just talk. At worst, we'd just be reassigned somewhere else." Sena: "For once, you have a point." Kuro: "Right? So let's go for drinks." Sena: "That's where you lose me." Kuro: "Well, my friend's organizing it, and he said some real babes are coming..." Sena: "There's nothing less credible than the promise of babes at a drinking party." Kuro: "You don't have to come if you don't want. But one of them does look a lot like Baba Micchii, I hear." Sena: "Baba Micchii..." Haruka: "Asami-chan, are you free tomorrow?" Asami: "Yeah, I have nothing really going on. Why do you ask?" Haruka: "Oh, there's going to be a great event tomorrow!" Haruka: "That's what was supposed to happen, anyway." Kuro: "Why is it these two?" Haruka: "Why is it these two?" Kuro: "My friend said he was having" Kuro: "a drinking party, and invited me." Haruka: "Well, mine, too." Sena: "And said organizer also canceled last-minute?" Haruka: "The girl he was supposed to bring isn't here, either." Sena: "So Baba Micchii won't be here, either?" Kuro: "Why is that my fault?" Asami: "Who's this Baba Micchii?" Haruka: "No idea." Sena: "And here I'd chosen Italian clothing to match the Italian food today." Miho: "Souichirou?" Kuro: "We've reserved the entire place today— Hey! Whoa, major babe!" Asami: "Don't be rude, Kuroki-san!" Sena: "No way..." Miho: "What a coincidence." Miho: "I was asked to come here for Mayumi, since she had to cancel." Haruka: "Oh, okay..." Haruka: "So Mayumi asked you." Miho: "Yes." Sena: "So this "Mayumi" is the Baba Micchii lookalike?" Asami: "Just who is Baba Micchii?" Miho: "It's nice to meet you all. I'm—" Asami: "Oh!" Asami: "Ooshikouchi Miho-san?" Kuro: "Huh? Wait, you know each other?" Asami: "No, but I've seen her several times in magazines and on TV." Haruka: "Right! You've been on magazine covers!" Asami: "Yes, a rising star in the USDF." Kuro: "USDF? Oh! You were at the jumbo jet incident!" Miho: "Guess we won't need introductions." Asami: "Right!" Miho: "Still, I didn't expect to see Souichirou in a place like this." Miho: "If I remember right, you wore that brand on our first date, too." Sena: "D-Did I?" Kuro: "What's this about a first date?" Miho: "Sena Souichirou is my ex." All: "Huh?!" Miho: "To be precise, my ex-ex-ex-ex-boyfriend, I think." Haruka: "I have to say, I'm really surprised" Haruka: "to learn that Ooshikouchi-san and Sena-san used to date!" Miho: "You can call me Miho." Kuro: "May I ask a question? Why would a lady like you be with a blockhead like Sena?" Sena: "Who're you calling a blockhead?" Miho: "We were in the same year at the Defense Academy." Ah: "The same year?" Miho: "Souichirou was the star." Miho: "After me, that is." Miho: "But in marksmanship, he was my better." Miho: "He shot me through. Right here." Kuro: "It's the same at Unit 8. Sena's the star. But I wonder... Maybe the better fit for you would be someone like me!" Sena: "Since when are you a better choice than me?" Miho: "Oh, you remembered I don't like tomatoes?" Miho: "That makes me happy." Sena: "Oh, well..." Haruka: "Um, why did you break up?" Sena: "Sorry, but I should get going—" Kuro: "Yeah, go home, blockhead." Miho: "You don't have to go, Souichirou." Miho: "This wine you picked is excellent. It pairs well with rabbit. This white wine reflects your deep knowledge of Italian wines, as well." Miho: "That's why we broke up. He always strives for perfection, and has the same expectations of his date. That's Souichirou's shortcoming. Even for dates, he'd send a minute-by-minute breakdown of the schedule the day before. And he'd tell me what to wear." Miho: "He'd ask me to walk at a certain speed, too." Haruka: "That'd be tiring." Asami: "True." Kuro: "I totally get it! He makes me tired every day, as well." Sena: "H-Hey!" Rin: "Sena-kun, a building-demolition heavy machinery device has gone berserk in Tachikawa City." Rin: "There are already several casualties. We couldn't reach Kuroki-kun, so we hoped to catch you, at least." Sena: "You idiot!" Cops: "Please stay away! It's dangerous! Hey, where's backup?" Cops: "Yes, that's right. We think it's a malfunction. We've had difficulty even getting close enough to turn it off." Kyou: "Based on your blood alcohol levels, we can't clear you two for duty." Kuro: "Really?" Haruka: "Sorry." Asami: "I'll be Sena-san's backup, now that he's gone ahead." Rin: "Hang on." Rin: "I'm detecting an unidentified flying object." Asami: "Unidentified..." una: "Wait!" Cop: "Get back! Please get back! It's dangerous!" Sena: "Well, it's sure not holding back." Sena: "All right..." Sena: "I can't predict its movement!" Sena: "U-Ulti-maid..." Rin: "I thought so." Miho: "You haven't changed." Miho: "You're still slow to adapt in unpredictable situations." Sena: "It can't be..." una: "I see, it was the Defense Ministry's..." una: "It appears it was the USDF's prototype." Sena: "There were two times in my life that I was utterly taken by surprise. The first was during my college years, when I..." Sena: "No, when you agreed to my request. The second was when I learned you're Ulti-maid." Miho: "To be precise, it's called "Senbukai."" Miho: "Why not?" Miho: "You need some surprises in life." Rin: "So you don't know anything on your end, either, Inagi-kun?" Ina: "Nothing specific. It's true that the Defense Ministry seeks to expand" Ina: "USDF jurisdiction by gaining Willwear sole-usage rights..." Rin: "But that runs counter to the Basel Conference's decision." Ina: "Right, it opposes the ACTIVE project that allows the police to arm themselves with Willwears." Ina: "But that's the direction this nation's headed in." Ina: "Either way, it's out of your control." Ina: "You should just keep doing what you've always done." Rin: "Yeah, we're adults here." Miho: "There were two things in my life that surprised me, as well." Miho: "The first was when you asked me out. The second was when you dumped me." Sena: "That's a misunderstanding." Miho: "I suppose I should thank you for letting me pretend I was the one who dumped you in front of your curious group of friends." Sena: "Like I said, it's not as if I dumped you." Miho: "Yeah, right." Miho: "You stopped responding to my messages." Miho: "You were trying to let it fizzle out, weren't you? How pathetic." Miho: "You didn't even have the guts to tell me it was off." Miho: "You're the only stain on my perfect life. It's not as if I even liked you, you know. You were just so desperate to win me over that I felt sorry for you." Sena: "Yeah, I'm sure." Miho: "How dare you dump me?" Miho: "You're far inferior to me. I am a USDF elite and a Wear-prototype pilot. You're in Unit 8, a division scorned as garbage men." Sena: "Stop it!" Miho: "What did you say?" Sena: "You can insult me all you want. But don't badmouth Unit 8!" Miho: "That look suits you much more." Miho: "By the way, are you free tomorrow?" Miho: "It isn't right?" Sena: "Yeah, I think something isn't right between us." Sena: "Why are we meeting like this after we broke up?" Miho: "You're right." Miho: "Then do you want to get back together?" Miho: "And this time, I'll be the one who dumps you." Miho: "Then maybe the stain on my life will disappear." Sena: "That's so pointless." Miho: "I know. Don't take that seriously." Miho: "I'm just meeting with you to pass the time, and nothing more. Who'd go out with you?" Miho: "That's ridiculous." Sena: "Um..." Sena: "You idiot, you idiot, you idiot, you idiot!" Sdf: "We've just received the next message from the perp. He's rigged a timed explosive in an Oomiya building under construction." Sdf: "The bomb's been confirmed." Sdf: "We can probably get good data from this. Dealing with this will serve as Senbukai's public announcement." Sdf: "I heard the press will be involved." Sdf: "We're counting on you, First Lieutenant Ooshikouchi." Miho: "Yes, sir!" Rin: "The brass is telling us to cooperate with the USDF. Sena-kun..." Sena: "Here." Rin: "We also have our reputation to maintain, but when public safety is at stake, we can't be found lacking." Rin: "I'm counting on you." Sena: "Understood." Miho: "You're just in the way, Souichirou. Go home." Sena: "We're both here on orders." Miho: "I don't care." Sena: "Sure, you were impressive when we were students." Sena: "But I've gained experience at Unit 8." Sena: "Don't think I'm the same man as back then." Miho: "Oh? Then show me what you're capable of. The bomb's in the right-hand room" Miho: "after this corridor." Sena: "Laser sensors?" Miho: "That's right. Hitting a laser will detonate the bomb, timer or no timer." Sena: "Listen. If we fail this mission, we'll both be blasted to smithereens along with this building." Miho: "Oh, how fun." Sena: "So I want to apologize." Miho: "What are you talking about?" Sena: "The movie we saw on our first date... I made the wrong choice." Sena: "I knew that." Sena: "You were bored." Sena: "I'm sorry." Kuro: "That ass! He's showing off?" Miho: "Yeah. Watching someone else's romance is pointless." una: "No, he just forgot he's on the general comms." Sena: "Right." Sena: "I'm sorry." Miho: "Nice... Very nice, Souichirou." Sena: "Huh?" Miho: "Apologize to me more!" Sena: "Uh, okay..." Haruka: "Does she have a weird fetish or something?" Sena: "I'd like to apologize for making you eat tomatoes." Asami: "Um, shouldn't we stop listening?" Kyou: "But we'll lose track of what's going on." Miho: "That's right! Keep going!" Sena: "When we went to Grand Maison for your birthday, I was so nervous, I neglected proper etiquette and took the seat of honor." Sena: "Forgive me." Miho: "Yes! That was so humiliating! Come on, apologize more!" Miho: "More! More!" Miho: "What's with this guy? Is he toying with us?" Sena: "Be careful." Sena: "I'm detecting explosives." Miho: "I see... If it hits the floor, it goes boom." Sena: "This reminds me of when we met up again." Miho: "When the jumbo jet was in a holding pattern?" Sena: "Hey, hey!" Sena: "They just keep coming." Miho: "Keep it together, Souichirou!" Sena: "They've stopped?" Miho: "Hurry up! There's no time left!" Sena: "R-Right." Kyou: "Could the perp be" Kyou: "trying to collect Willwear data?" Sena: "This is..." Rin: "The entire floor's a detonator?" Kyou: "Equipped with a heat sensor, too." Asami: "I guess they can't fly, then." Kuro: "What now?" Miho: "This is no time for us to compete." Miho: "Go, Souichirou. I'll keep you stable." Sena: "Got it." Sena: "Your split-second decision-making is as good as ever. I guess the biggest apology I have to make to you" Sena: "is for me." Sena: "I want to apologize for myself." Miho: "Shut up, Souichirou." Sena: "I told you this before, but I didn't dump you." Sena: "You were always perfect." Sena: "That's why I wanted to be perfect, too." Miho: "I said shut up!" Miho: "Huh? What?" Sena: "But I couldn't be." Sena: "No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't be perfect for you." Sena: "I couldn't stand that about myself." Sena: "I'm not worthy of you." Sena: "That's why I..." Sena: "I..." Sena: "Bomb disarmed." Sena: "Now we just need to find this joker. Wh-What?" Sena: "M-Miho, are you trying to kill me?" Miho: "No! Senbukai's acting without my control!" Usdf: "This is..." Usdf: "First Lieutenant Ooshikouchi?" Rin: "What's going on?" Kyou: "Ulti-maid's IFF seems to be defining Sena-san as an enemy target." Usdf: "Senbukai may have malfunctioned due to interference. Retrieve Senbukai stat! Don't let Unit 8 get their hands on it!" Miho: "Do something, Souichirou! Stop Senbukai!" Kyou: "Oscar I, fire at the Ulti-maid's feet." Miho: "Shoot, Souichirou!" Sena: "Forgive me." Kuro: "USDF's strong..." una: "Like I said, we need you to stop your Wear now!" Usdf: "Are you giving us orders?" Rin: "This is not the time to be petty!" Miho: "Souichirou, I want to apologize to you, too. It's a lie that you were a stain on my life!" Miho: "I... I..." Sena: "Thank you, Miho." Miho: "The truth is, I... I..." Sena: "Miho, I..." Sena: "I..." una: "The sublimation module! Get out, Oscar I!" Asami: "Run!" Kuro: "Sena! Can you hear us, Sena?!" Sena: "Why does your voice have to be the last thing I hear?" Sena: "Oh, I guess this is my punishment..." Haruka: "USDF?" Rin: "I didn't expect them to actually come!" Sena: "Miho! M-Miho!" Miho: "Souichirou..." Hachi: "I was right! I should let her know." Hinata: "President?" Hinata: "What are you doing?" Hachi: "Good timing, Hinata-kun. Isn't your sister a member of the police force?" Hinata: "Oh, yes." Hachi: "I need to talk to her about something important. Would she know someone high up?" Hinata: "Well, she's in the Community Safety Division..." Hachi: "Oh, I guess it'd be hard, then." Asami: "Funasaka-san..." Asami: "Who's Baba Micchii?" una: "Ah, that's..." Kuro: "Oh. She was a handful, but I do feel bad for her." Haruka: "Yeah." Tv: "There are rumors that you're Ulti-maid. Is the Ulti-maid really under the Defense Ministry?" Miho: "No comment." Tv: "Don't you think pleading ignorance is irresponsible? With the Ulti-maid's feats being so public, how can you know nothing of it?" Kyou: "Sena-san?" Kyou: "Could you come with me to the manufacturer's car?" Sena: "Okay." Sena: ""The truth is," huh?"

Bank: "Here you go." Kid: "Wow! Fishies! Look at the fishies!" Security: "Wh-What's going on?" Girl: "Huh?" Girl: "A shark?!" Doc: "Huh... It's more secure than I expected." Doc: "But..." Doc: "Fire!" Doc: "Shot." Doc: "All mine!" Mutos: "What's he doing? Is he trying to sabotage the plan?" Mutos: "Dog... In response to an increase in heinous crimes, a new movement is picking up steam in police and security forces around the world." Rin: "It's the same one behind the attacks over the last few days." Sena: "A bank this time?" Sena: "He's becoming more aggressive." una: "Is there a link between him and Logos?" Rin: "Even if there were, the brass is choosing to treat Logos as an urban legend for now, so to save face, they won't let us do anything." Kyou: "We've determined the Willwear the perp is using. Evidently, it was originally developed by a fishing gear manufacturer for leisure use." Asami: "Angling?" Kyou: "Yes, though it's been heavily modified. It's equipped with basic holographic capabilities. It was originally intended for use as fake bait." Kuro: "Holographic bait? Poor fish." Haruka: "Huh?" Haruka: ""Fisherman"?" una: "True, assigning code names does make it easier." Rin: "Yeah. Now we just have to track him down. Given his MO, maybe he has no ties to Logos." Mutos: "Your pranks are getting out of hand, Dog." Doc: "Pranks?" Mutos: "It's all deliberate, isn't it?" Mutos: "Why else be so retro in your methods?" Doc: "I prefer "simple."" Bird: "We didn't give you the Willwear for playing games. And yet you're going around attacking banks and jewelry stores, attracting unnecessary public attention." Doc: "I'm apparently being called the "Fisherman"!" Mutos: "I believe we'd asked you to steal the new freeze shot that Teito Labs is developing." Doc: "Oh, you mean these?" Doc: "I'm doing what I said I'd do, so quit your whining." Mutos: "From a Logos perspective—" Doc: "Logos is not an organization. It's a bunch of loosely linked individuals moving in the same direction. And they're all disposable." Doc: "You were the ones who said that." Mutos: "Are you going to dispose of Logos, too?" Doc: "Mythos, you were the one who took over my Wear operations during the Shinmei Amu incident, weren't you? And, Bird, when I rigged the flight with a bomb, you were the one who blocked my ransom e-mail, weren't you?" Bird: "That incident was not intended for ransom. I believe we provided you with fair compensation." Doc: "You guys may be smart, but you lack wisdom." Doc: "You see my point, don't you? With Logos's power, we can do anything. We can have money, women... Everything we want. But you guys just go around giving psychos free Wears, and watching them self-destruct." Doc: "Why don't you get some money from all this? If anyone gets caught, you can just get rid of them, you know?" Mutos: "This is why I despise idiots." Doc: "Huh?" Bird: "What we need are obedient tools. We don't need fools with mush for brains." Doc: "What do you mean? Isn't Logos the three of us?" Mutos: "Three of us? You thought you were our equal?" Bird: "Mythos, that's enough. Dog, thank you for handling various errands until now. We now release you from your responsibilities." Mutos: "I told them not to kill him..." Mutos: "This is why I hate contracting the mafia." Bird: "We had no choice. Dog had it coming. More importantly, we'll need to find a new tool for our purposes." Men: "Wasn't the job to take him alive? That's too much work. We can say he put up a fight." Secretary: "This is bad, Governor." Secretary: "The data file is now in Inagi's hands." Gov: "Inagi?" Sec: "The staffer for the late parliamentarian Naganuma." Gov: "Oh, that youngster. But it's not easy to get around the protections on that file." Sec: "Well, it appears the file's been dropped at a specialized lab for analysis." Inagi: "As you can see, there are many layers of protection preventing it from being decrypted. Not to mention, the data's been put on magnetic tape to hinder decryption. It's set up so brute force methods will destroy the file itself." Rin: "You're saying there's evidence of the governor's corruption on here?" Inagi: "It was created as insurance by a former aide of the governor's." Inagi: "I'd heard of it before. The file came into the open after the aide's death." Rin: "Then you should take it to police HQ, not a public company." Inagi: "Until we can confirm what's on it, it carries no weight as evidence." Inagi: "Besides, many of the governor's cronies are on the police force. If they destroy the file before we crack it, that'd be the end." Rin: "I hate to admit it, but you're right." Inagi: "That's why I talked to you." Inagi: "So that someone who has boots on the ground is aware of what's going on." Rin: "So I'm your insurance?" Inagi: "I won't protest if that's your interpretation." Rin: "If you plan to use that file as campaign leverage, I wouldn't want you to be counting on me." Inagi: "Decrypting the entire file and using its contents will take time. Rather than a campaign strategy, I see it as a way to repay Naganuma-sensei." Rin: "I see." Rin: "Okay." Gov: "Isn't there something, anything, we can do?" Secretary: "We've located the lab, but it's under tight security—" Gov: "Is there no one capable of recovering it?" Sec: "S-Someone—" Doc: "Keep it down." Gov: "H-Help me!" Doc: "Shut up." Gov: "Wh-Who the hell are you?" Sec: "It's the Fisherman from the news." Gov: "Wh-What does a criminal want with th-the governor?" Doc: "I want to know where Logos's top guns are. Info on how I can learn that would suffice." Sec: "Logos..." Gov: "That's just an Internet rumor!" Doc: "Don't waste time with games of make-believe." Doc: "You hooked up with Logos to crush your opponent in the upcoming elections. You set up Kobari as your patsy." Gov: "I... I don't know anything! That's the truth!" Doc: "Fine. Then die here." Sec: "I'm the one who negotiated with Logos. I'll tell you what you want to know," Sec: "but I have one condition." Ina: "Not working, huh?" Lab: "We'll have to directly access the magnetic data—" Lab: "What is it?" Lab: "The Fisherman! Why is he here?" Inagi: "It can't be." Rin: "Hello?" Inagi: "Rin, I have a situation." Rin: "What's going on?" Ina: "The Fisherman showed up at the lab." Rin: "Huh?" Doc: "Codename "Dog-kun" has fired a freeze shot!" Doc: "Easy peasy." Doc: "Just you wait, Bird and Mythos!" Announce: "The main entrance is blocked. Please evacuate using the side exits." Announce: "This is not a drill. We repeat, please evacuate immediately." Lab: "Inagi-san, hurry!" Inagi: "I know!" Announce: "The main entrance is blocked." Announce: "Please evacuate using side exits." Doc: "That was too easy." Doc: "You're Inagi, huh?" Doc: "I'll be taking this." Inagi: "Give it back!" Inagi: "Crap!" Doc: "If you don't run, you'll be frozen solid—" Kuro: "Inagi-san!" Ina: "Kuroki?" Doc: "Oh, nice hustle." Doc: "Must be hard prioritizing human lives." Kuro: "Shut up!" Doc: "See ya!" Kuro: "Inagi-san, are you hurt?" Ina: "I'm fine. Get him." Kuro: "I know!" Ina: "I'm counting on you, Kuroki." Csi: "He didn't hold back at all. He must have a hell of a grudge." Sec: "I've given the Fisherman a special transmitter. If he succeeds, he'll contact us." Gov: "About that group, Logos..." Sec: "It's true I asked them to do a job, but they're the ones who always initiated contact. I've never reached out to them." Gov: "Then what should we tell him?" Sec: "Don't worry. I've already taken steps." Kuro: "This is the police. Pull over immediately, and power down your Wear." Doc: "Don't wanna!" Kuro: "You ass, who do you think you are?" Girl: "A-Are you okay?" Kuro: "Of course." Doc: "Take this!" Kuro: "Bastard..." Kuro: "That's payback." Doc: "I'm gonna puke..." Kuro: "This is Oscar II. I want to finish this now. Requesting deactivation of sublimation module." una: "Um, well, we don't have permission from all the agencies yet." Kuro: "That means letting him get away for no reason!" Doc: "Let's settle this next time!" Kuro: "You're not getting away!" Doc: "Here's a present." Doc: "See ya!" Gramps: "Are you okay?" Kuro: "S-Sorry for worrying a civilian." Hinata: "President, did you hear about this? Kouki Brain Data was attacked." Hachi: "Don't you find that strange, Hinata-kun?" Hinata: "Huh?" Hachi: "I feel like it's not something the Fisherman we know would've done." Hinata: "Now that you mention it..." Hachi: "If only we had a way to get word to Unit 8..." Hinata: "Should I ask my sister?" Girl: "Please get to work." Hh: "Oh, right." Rin: "Really?" Ina: "Yes. He knew about me and the data." Ina: "Maybe the Fisherman and the governor are linked... Or, maybe he's trying to extort the governor?" Rin: "Funasaka-san?" una: "Sorry, boss. He escaped while we were getting permission from various agencies." Rin: "Ugh! If only we had more authority!" Bird: "The tail we thought we'd removed is still active. Dog's more resilient than we thought." Mutos: "More like the adults are way too incompetent." Bird: "What about information on Dog?" Mutos: "I've erased anything about him that could lead back to us, but..." Doc: "I really am awesome! This feels damn good!" ko: "Get your filthy hands off me!" Cop: "Come back to the facility. Nothing good will come of running away." Doc: "Wow! She's totally my type!" ko: "Let me go!" Cop: "What the..." ko: "Huh?" Doc: "Sorry to make you wait." ko: "Wh-Who are you? Why are you in a Wear?" Doc: "I'm Dog. Also known as the Fisherman." ko: "Fisherman?" Doc: "Strike! Hey. Go out with me." Rin: "He took off with a girl who was being taken into custody? Why?" Asami: "Now an abduction's on his tab?" Haruka: "No, according to eyewitness statements, they left holding hands, all friendly." Asami: "On a date? As a fugitive?" Sena: "Maybe he's confident he won't get caught." Kuro: "If I'd been allowed to use the Shindenhou then, we could've arrested him." Kyou: "We couldn't reach the governor, so what choice did we have?" una: "Oh." una: "Got an S1 hit on 123. We know who the girl is." Rin: "Haruka-chan, track her cell." Haruka: "On it." ko: "Oh, your friends stabbed you in the back? That sucks." Doc: "But I'm gonna get revenge on them." ko: "Revenge, huh? I'd like that, too." Doc: "On who?" ko: "My ex." Doc: "Your ex?" ko: "Yeah, he dumped me for another woman." ko: "God, it pisses me off." Doc: "Unbelievable. How dare he make you cry?" ko: "Right?" Doc: "Well? Will you go out with me?" ko: "Are you sure you won't get caught?" Doc: "I've got things set up in Guam, just in case. If we can get there..." ko: "Overseas, huh? That sounds awesome! I think I'd suffocate if I stayed here, anyway." Doc: "Right?" Doc: "It's me." Sec: "Why aren't you contacting us?" Doc: "No reason." Gov: "Where's the data file?" Doc: "I want you to come get it personally, Governor. I'll hand it over in exchange for the Logos information. Come alone, okay?" Gov: "Fine. Tell me where." Gov: "The quicksand district... Perfect." Gov: "Sink him into the sea, along with the data." Rin: "The quicksand district?" Haruka: "If that girl with the Fisherman is the one who turned on that cell, then yes, without a doubt." Asami: "But why would she turn on her cell? That means giving up her location." Sena: "Could it be an SOS? Or..." Asami: "Or?" Haruka: "She might just be stupid." Doc: "Easy peasy." ko: "Yeah, later." Doc: "Who were you talking to?" ko: "My ex." Doc: "Gimme that!" ko: "Jeez, jealousy is so unattractive." Doc: "That's not it!" ko: "Oh, and I decided to patch things up with my ex, so I want to get going." Doc: "Seriously?" Kuro: "I can go out once it's done recharging." Kyou: "The other Wears are ready, too." Rin: "Hold back on any sorties. The governor's one-upped us." Kuro: "The governor?" Haruka: "All routes to the quicksand district have been blocked off." Haruka: "We can't get permission." una: "He's trying to head us off and bury the data." Sena: "Isn't there something we can do?" Asami: "Rules are rules." Inagi: "Rather than a campaign strategy, I see it as a way to repay Naganuma-sensei." Rin: "I see..." Rin: "Yeah." Rin: "We'll sortie." Rin: "We won't let the prefecture shut us down." Cops: "We have permission to fire. Open fire on command to neutralize the target." Doc: "The governor set me up." ko: "Hey, can I have my cell back?" Doc: "This way." ko: "What're you doing?" Asami: "I didn't expect us to take advantage of aviation law, article 80." Haruka: "I have the transportation minister's permission. The governor can't stop us now." Gov: "Those Unit 8 scumbags!" Kyou: "We'll reach the site in ten minutes." Sena: "I'll go this time." Rin: "No... Kuroki-kun." Kuro: "Roger! I'll get him this time, for sure—" Rin: "You rescue the girl." Kuro: "Huh?" Asami: "The boss is going out?" una: "It's been a while." Haruka: "Vitals, all green." una: "Lock." Haruka: "Inner unit, begin output." Kyou: "Oscar V, set Primavera Pantera Unit." Doc: "Listen. You stay here." ko: "What?" Doc: "If I get caught, you won't get off easy, either." : "Gimme a break!" Doc: "Damn it all... Everyone's trying to make a fool of me." Kuro: "I should be the one dealing with him." Rin: "He should still have one more freeze shot." Rin: "My Wear is capable of the highest speed in a pinch." Rin: "Besides..." Kuro: "Inagi-san's involved?" Kuro: "I may be crossing the line, but can I ask..." Rin: "Nope." una: "Permission granted to launch." Asami: "Permission granted." Rin: "Launching." Cops: "It's no good! He's moving too fast!" Cops: "We have multiple casualties! Request immediate rescue. Help!" Cops: "We've lost eyes on the Wear! Repeat, we have multiple casualties!" Doc: "You can come out now. Hey!" Rin: "It stops here, Fisherman." Doc: "Bastard! Where'd you take Noriko?" Doc: "Huh?" Rin: "She's already been taken into protective custody." Rin: "You're next." Rin: "Power down the Wear and give yourself up." ko: "I guess I can't run away anymore." Kuro: "Too bad for you." Rin: "I've also found the data you stole." Doc: "You bastard! Die!" Rin: "Apprehend." Rin: "Who told you about the data?" Doc: "You..." Rin: "Deactivate sublimation module." una: "Deactivating." Haruka: "Deactivating." Madoka: "Deactivating." Doc: "I'm not gonna get caught!" Haruka: "That's not good! If push comes to shove, the chief's at a disadvantage!" Kyou: "Sublimation module, deactivated." Rin: "Roger." Rin: "Walking Volley!" Doc: "I refuse to get caught!" Doc: "I'm going to have my revenge..." Doc: "on them..." Doc: "I'm gonna..." una: "No! That's the last freeze shot! Get out! Now!" Rin: "Apprehend." Rin: "You're kidding me!" Rin: "Nowhere left to stand..." Rin: "Thank you, Oscar II." Kuro: "You're welcome." Kuro: "So, about you and Inagi-san..." Rin: "Leave it! The Fisherman, AKA Doumoto Kakeru, was exposed to extreme low temperatures due to his Willwear being over capacity at the time of the freeze shot's final activation. He's now in a coma. At least we can publicly confirm the existence of an organization named Logos that aids and abets criminals," Rin: "but we don't know whether they're actually connected to the governor." Ina: "But thanks to your help, the data's back, safe and sound. Thanks, Rin. If unreasonable regulations limit Unit 8's effectiveness, it's the politicians' job to correct them." Ina: "I'll win the election in Naganuma-sensei's stead." Ina: "I'll become governor." Mutos: "Now Logos's existence is out in the open." Bird: "It's only two weeks sooner than planned." Bird: "Well, that's within the correctable range."

Tsuchigomori: "Hm?!" Hanako: "Here we go." Schoolgirl A: "Hey, have you heard" Schoolgirl A: "the strange rumors about one of this school's Seven Wonders? About the seventh Wonder, Hanako-san of the Bathroom, and the girl who became his assistant?" ene: "Bathroom cleaning yesterday. Bathroom cleaning today. Bathroom cleaning tomorrow." ene: "Bathroom, bathroom, and more bathroom. I've had enough!" Hanako: "Hang in there, Yashiro!" Mokke: "Go! Go!" ene: "The least you could do is lend me a hand!" Hanako: "No way. I keep the effects of your curse to a minimum, and in exchange, you give me your labor." Hanako: "That was our deal." ene: "B-But this is too much work for just me. I won't even have time for a date if a hot guy asks me out." ene: "If only the mokke would help me out, at least." ene: "As if—Huh?!" Hanako: "As dust rags?" ene: "No! Even if they do get twisted up like rags sometimes!" Hanako: "So much whining. Whatever am I to do with you?" ene: "Why do you sound kind of happy?" Hanako: "I'm really sorry," Hanako: "but you can't be my assistant if you don't clean the bathroom. But I'll think up ways to make it fun for you. How does that sound?" ene: "What kinds of ways?" Hanako: "Ta-da!" Hanako: "The Kamome Academy Summer Bathroom Daikon Festival!" ene: "Excuse me?!" Hanako: "Ow, ow, ow. More whining. Whatever am I to do with you?" ene: "I still want to know why you look so happy!" ene: "Maybe I should ask Aoi for advice." Aoi: "Hmm..." Aoi: "I think anything can be fun if you do it with someone you like." Akane: "Someone you like!" Akane: "You're so right, Ao-chan!" ene: "And so, I asked Kou-kun to bring him along." Kou: "Hey, Hanako." Hanako: "Bring who along?" Kou: "Teru-nii! You promised not to exorcise him!" Hanko: "Ch-Change! Swap me out, coach!" Hanako: "Yashiro, help!" ene: "I'll be Minamoto-senpai's mop." Hanako: "Go away! Please leave!" Hanako: "What's the big idea, boy?! We've been to hell and back together, haven't we?!" Kou: "I convinced him to just help us clean. At least, I thought I did." Teru: "Kou is telling the truth, Number Seven." Teru: "I didn't come looking for a fight. I'm only here to clean up filth." Hanako: "See?! He wants to clean me! He wants to "clean" me!" ene: "Minamoto-senpai..." Hanako: "No more of that guy! He tries to get rid of me at the drop of a hat!" ene: "Aww..." Hanako: "Don't you "Aww..." me!" ene: "But who other than Minamoto-senpai could make my heart flutter so much that cleaning a bathroom seems fun?" Hanako: "I've got it!" Hanako: "In that case, Yashiro..." ene: "Huh?" Hanako: "I can stay by your side the whole time you're cleaning." Hanako: "So all you've got to do is fall for me." ene: "That's..." ene: "That's..." ene: "not happening." Hanako: "That stings!" ene: "I'm Yashiro Nene, and this is my everyday life. Ever since I met Hanako-kun," ene: "my after-school time has taken a turn for the weird." ene: "It was a bright, beautiful day of bathroom cleaning." ene: "Hanako-kun!" ene: "Huh?" Hanako: "Yashiro..." ene: "Hanako-kun? Where are you?!" Hanako: "H-Help..." ene: "Hanako-kun?!" Hanako: "Yashiro... Help... me..." ene: "Hanako-kun?!" Mokke A: "Stop." Mokke B: "What are you doing?" Mokke C: "Butt out." Hanako: "I owe you one, Yashiro." ene: "N-No problem. So, what happened?" ene: "Was Hanako-kun bullying you?" Hanako: "I'm innocent! Where did you pull that from?! I'm obviously the victim here!" ene: "The way you usually act." Mokke A: "We weren't bullying him." Mokke B: "Nope." ene: "Of course not. You're good little mokke." Mokke A: "We were just trying to kill him." ene: "Huh?" Mokke A: "We want to become a Wonder." Mokke B: "And if we kill a Wonder, we can." ene: "You want to be one of the Seven Wonders?" Mokke A: "We do." Mokke B: "We'll make him warm and comfy, then dead." ene: "No killing." Mokke: "Ugh." ene: "Why not just give them what they want?" Hanako: "It's true that the Seven Wonders have a few openings right now," Hanako: "but they'd abuse the position for sure." Mokke A: "Would not." Mokke B: "Nope." Mokke C: "We'd be a nice Wonder." Hanako: "Well," Hanako: "I could at least give them a test." ene: "You mean it?! Isn't that great, mokke-chan? Give it your best shot!" Mokke A: "We will." Hanako: "Now, start by introducing yourselves." Mokke: "We are mokke." Mokke A: "Nice apparitions." Hanako: "What makes you a desirable candidate?" Mokke G: "We're cute." Mokke F: "Soothing." Mokke D: "Merchandisable." Mokke B: "Earn money." ene: "See? Unlike you, they make people feel better!" Hanako: "Who ever heard of a therapeutic Wonder? Next, what motivated you to apply?" Mokke A: "We'll destroy this school." Hanako: "Can I reject you now?" Mokke A: "That was a joke." Mokke B: "Have a candy." ene: "Wh-What's your real reason?" Mokke: "To destroy the world." Mokke A: "We wanted to be a Wonder." Mokke B: "If only." Mokke C: "If only." Hanako: "Why did you even think you had a shot?" ene: "I wonder why the mokke are so hung up on destroying things." Hanako: "Beats me. Cute or not, they're still apparitions. Maybe they're just vicious." Mokke A: "No." Mokke C: "We're nice apparitions." Mokke F: "We don't kill people." ene: "Then why?" Mokke A: "We'll destroy the school and make a candy plantation." Mokke B: "To do that, we'll become a Wonder." Mokke C: "We'll put all the humans to work." Mokke A: "Please. We'll make it a happy plantation." Hanako: "Forget about it." Mokke B: "We'll play music." Mokke C: "We even made a "see-dee." Look." Hanako: "A CD?" Hanako: "What am I supposed to do with this?" ene: "I know! If you want candy, why not get someone to make you some?" Mokke A: "Make?" Mokke B: "A candy maker?" ene: "You know, like Tsuchigomori-sensei. He made lollipops with us in class." Hanako: "Oh! He might make you some if you ask nicely." Mokke: "Oooh." Tsuchigomori: "Come get them." Tsuchigomori: "Wh-What on..." Hanako: "Tsuchigomori-sensei..." Hanako; Nene: "Rest in peace." ene: "After being forced to make tens of thousands of lollipops, Sensei was set free."

Hanako: "Here we go." Akane: "Today, with this group," Akane: "I'd like to perform the ultimate Kokkuri-san." ene: "This is After-school Yashiro Nene. Let me introduce my lovely classmates." ene: "Akane Aoi, my best friend! She's almost fatally popular! The queen of popularity!" ene: "Aoi Akane, our student council vice president! He's known Aoi since they were kids, and he's almost fatally crazy about her!" Akane: "Ao-chan is as angelic as ever today." ene: "Yamabuki Lemon, Akane-kun's friend! He's almost fatally addicted to his phone!" Lemon: "Oh, an SSR." ene: "And I'm almost fatally... What am I?" Aoi: "A high-school girl in love with love?" ene: "Yeah, that! Wait, no, I'm not!" Akane: "Yeah, yeah. Now, allow me to explain Kokkuri-san!" Akane: "Kokkuri-san is easy to do! First, take a sheet of paper, draw a torii gate, and write "yes" and "no."" Akane: "Next, write down all 50 hiragana in the syllabary." Akane: "Finally, place a 10-yen coin over the torii. Once everyone's index finger is on it," Akane: "then it's summoning time." ene: "Have you always been into occult stuff, Akane-kun?" Akane: "I don't like it at all." ene: "Why do this, then?" Aoi; Lemon: "Yeah." Akane: "It all started a few months ago." Aoi: "Kokkuri-san, huh?" Aoi: "Seems fun. Seems fun. Seems fun." Akane: ""Seems fun." In order to help her enjoy the best and safest possible Kokkuri-san, I undertook painstaking preparations. And then..." Akane: "I found it! By the way, I mixed my blood into the ink!" ene: "Huh?" Lemon: "Are you dense?" Aoi: "Oh, Akane-kun." Aoi; Akane; Lemon; Nene: "Kokkuri-san, Kokkuri-san, please come to us. If you're here, please move to "yes."" ene: "Is this a good idea? It seems kind of dangerous." ene: "Y-You know, let's stop after all." ene: "Huh?!" Akane: "It's here!" Aoi: "Wow! The lights went out!" Akane: "Oh!" ene: "What is it?!" Lemon: "For real?!" Aoi: "I'm so excited." ene: "What kind of spirit is it?!" ene: "It's a mokke." Aoi: "The 10-yen coin moved!" Lemon: "Whoa!" Akane: "We did it!" ene: "I wonder how the mokke will answer?" Akane: "Now, then—" Lemon: "What'll tomorrow's weather be?" Aoi: "Wow!" Lemon: "Whoa!" Akane: "How mysterious!" ene: "No, that was definitely "candy" (ame), not "rain" (ame)." Mokke: "Indeed." Akane: "Now for the real test." Akane: "Wh-Wh-Who is my crush?!" Lemon: "Let me guess. You just wanted to ask that all along." Mokke: "Mokke." ene: "It's trying to answer "candy" again!" ene: "Huh?" Lemon: "Wha...?" Akane: "What?!" Aoi: "Akane-kun, really?" Aoi: "Huh." Akane: "No, Ao-chan! This must be some kind of mistake! I don't..." Akane: "care about this guy one bit! See? Look!" ene: "S-Stop that!" Akane: "Come on, look." ene: "You'll kill Yamabuki-kun!" Akane: "See, Ao-chan? Ao-chan?" Aoi: "Be happy together." Akane: "Ao-chan, wait! It's not like that!" Mokke: "If there's no candy, I'll take this." ene: "Umm..." ene: "Use Kokkuri-san with care." Mitsuba: "I want friends." suhiko: "Easy to say, Mitsuba-chan, but you're an apparition." suhiko: "Regular humans can't see you, so making friends is a tall order." Sakura: "Dear me. Whatever shall we do?" suhiko: "Oh, well. I guess I'll have to step up to the plate. Mitsuba-chan!" suhiko: "Feeling lonely? Then feel free to call your Natsuhiko-senpai just plain old "Natsuhiko."" suhiko: "Nailed it!" suhiko: "Oh, it feels so good." Mitsuba: "Come on! Please?!" Sakura: "Would you like me to spread a rumor that you can make lots of friends?" Mitsuba: "You can change apparitions by spreading rumors about them, right, Nanamine-senpai?" Sakura: "Yes, but..." Mitsuba: "I can't think of anything else to try at this point." Mitsuba: "Please! I'm begging you! Turn me into someone with a life!" Sakura: "Calm down. That's a last resort." Sakura: "Now, how about that over-accessorized exorcist boy?" Mitsuba: "I can't have a friend with a lame earring!" Sakura: "So you're picky. I see. In that case, how about him?" Tsukasa: "You want friends?" Mitsuba: "Nanamine-senpai said making human friends would be too hard to start with. But you're around my age, Tsukasa-kun, and we're both apparitions. So I thought maybe..." Tsukasa: "Hmm..." Tsukasa: "All right." Mitsuba: "Huh?" Tsukasa: "I'll make you one!" Mitsuba: "No! Stop! I didn't mean I want to physically make friends!" Tsukasa: "What?! You wanted to be friends with me? You should have just said so!" Mitsuba: "I did." Tsukasa: "Then as of today, we're friends." Mitsuba: "Huh?!" Mitsuba: "Tsukasa-kun... You'll be my friend?" Tsukasa: "Yup." Mitsuba: "You know, there's something I want to try with a friend." Tsukasa: "Wow, really?! There's something I've always wanted to do with a friend, too!" Mitsuba: "What is it? Fireworks?" Tsukasa: "You try, too, Mitsuba!" Mitsuba: "Sure! I'll give it a shot! Hey, what are you do—" Tsukasa: "Do you think fireworks..." Mitsuba: "Huh?" Tsukasa: "...would still crackle and pop in your tummy?" Mitsuba: "N-No! Stop it!" Tsukasa: "Why? You said you'd try it." suhiko: "Give it a rest!" suhiko: "That didn't even last ten minutes." Sakura: "I should have known better." Sakura: "Cheer up." Sakura: "I'll at least join you for whatever you wanted to do with your friend." Mitsuba: "Really?" Sakura: "Yes." Mitsuba: "Then..." suhiko: "Okay, say cheese!" Mitsuba: "Friendship Power Explosion! The Friend pose!"

Hanako: "Here we go." ene: "Are you okay?" ene: "You're so see-through." ene: "Do apparitions catch cold?" Tsuchigomori: "We do." ene: "Tsuchigomori-sensei?!" Tsuchigomori: "They call it "apparition fever."" ene: ""Apparition fever"?" Tsuchigomori: "Yes, and as its name implies," Tsuchigomori: "apparition fever is a cold that apparitions can catch. In addition to the usual sneezing, coughing, and fever, our disguises weaken," Tsuchigomori: "and our traits as..." Tsuchigomori: "apparitions tend to show through." Tsuchigomori: "As a ghost, Number Seven became more transparent than usual." ene: "Your traits as apparitions?" Tsuchigomori: "In my case... Look." ene: "Oh, you're right." ene: "Will you get better?" Tsuchigomori: "It's just like a regular cold. A little rest will cure us." Tsuchigomori: "As long as we don't push ourselves, like she did." Yako: "I don't have apparition fever. Just a bit of a headache." ene: "But you're coughing, Yako-san." Yako: "That was... a menacing growl!" ene: "On what planet?!" Tsuchigomori: "Good grief. This is what you get for walking around acting tough." Yako: "Misaki..." ene: "Hanako-kun?!" Hanako: "Awesome!" Hanako: "Yashiro! I caught my first cold in decades! Wait till the boy sees this!" ene: "Hanako-kun?!" Hanako-Kun: "Yay!" ene: "Hanako-kun, wait!" Tsuchigomori: "Take care." Kou: "Apparition fever?" ene: "Yes, that's right." Kou: "So that's it. Hanako rushed me like a bat out of hell, so I figured..." ene: "Hanako-kun!" Kou: "...he must've finally shown his true colors!" ene: "Hanako-kun! ...kun! ...kun! Hang in there! Hanako-kun!" Hanako: "Yashiro...?" ene: "Hanako-kun! Hanako-kun!" Hanako: "Is she worried about me? Huh. That makes me" Hanako: "kind of happy." Hanako: "Yashiro's legs... are cold." Hanako: "Yashiro, do you chill easily?" ene: "Hanako-kun, what's going on? I've got no clue how you could get me confused with that thing." ene: "Well? Isn't that right, Kou-kun?! Kou-kun! Hey! Hey, come on! I said, hey!" Kou: "P-Please try to calm down, Senpai!" ene: "Come on! Why?! Tell me why!" Mokke A: "We've found him." ene: "That voice... A mokke!" Mokke A: "The Wonder is weakened." Mokke B: "We've been waiting for this." Mokke C: "To kill him." Mokke D: "Death by warm fuzzies." Mokke: "Ready or not!" ene: "Hanako-kun!" Kou: "Hanako!" Tsuchigomori: "So," Tsuchigomori: "what happened to cause all this?" ene: "They pressed themselves up against Hanako-kun, so I think he gave his cold to them." Yako: "How foolish." Tsuchigomori: "And Number Seven-sama?" Kou: "He seemed way better once he passed it on!" Hanako: "I feel great!" Tiara: "Hey, are you okay?" Tiara: "Come home with me?" Tiara: "You clean up well for a filthy bunny. You were like a dirty rag, so I got Teru-oniichan to wash you." Tiara: "Remember?" Tiara: "Then I'll introduce myself. I am the eldest daughter of the venerable Minamoto Clan, Minamoto Tiara, age five!" Tiara: "Age five! Now, starting today, you're my slave!" Tiara: "I'll show you my family. Dad is at work, and Mom isn't home," Tiara: "so we'll start with Kou-oniichan!" Kou: "Hey. What's up?" Tiara: "Listen!" Kou: "Wanna play upsy-daisy? Sure! C'mere!" Tiara: "Yay!" Kou: "Whee!" Tiara: "Hey, look! Look!" Kou: "Oh, yeah. You picked it up, right?" Tiara: "Yeah!" Kou: "Hmm... Well, if Teru-nii gave his okay, it oughta be fine." Kou: "Keep an eye on it, and make sure it doesn't cause trouble." Kou: "Tell me right away if you need help." Tiara: "I will!" Kou: "Great!" Tiara: "Kou-oniichan is nice, but he can't get a girlfriend because he looks too intense." Kou: "Don't teach it weird stuff." Tiara: "Let's keep going!" Tiara: "Teru-oniichan." Tiara: "Teru-oniichan goes out at night to get bad guys." Tiara: "So he's napping now." Tiara: "Shh." Tiara: "Look. He's so handsome, he even sleeps handsomely." Tiara: "I'll marry Teru-oniichan when I grow up." Tiara: "Teru-oniichan!" Teru: "Hi there, Princess. Did you come to wake me? Great job." Tiara: "Now, starting today, you're my slave! ...slave!" Tiara: "Hey!" Tiara: "Don't go outside on your own!" Tiara: "Let's go home." Tiara: "Silly slave. We're having a big dinner for you tonight." Tiara: "So hurry up."

Hanako: "Here we go." ene: "Hi!" ene: "I'm Yashiro Nene, and my favorite flavor of candy is strawberry! I know this is sudden, but right now," ene: "I've turned into a mokke. H-How did this happen?" ene: "I can't remember a thing." Mokke A: "Newbie." Mokke B: "Haven't seen you before." ene: "Oh! The mokke!" ene: "Please help me! This may be hard to believe, but it's me, Nene!" Mokke A: "Nene." ene: "Mokke-chan, have a candy." ene: "...have a candy." ene: "...have a candy." Mokke A: "Never met you." Mokke B: "Total stranger." Mokke C: "Give us candy." ene: "Oh, come on!" Elder Mokke: "Wait." ene: "Wh-Who are you?!" Elder Mokke: "I am a special mokke: the Elder Mokke." Elder Mokke: "I am acquainted with universal truth." Elder Mokke: "I shall show you." ene: "It's so dark. Who knew there was a place like this under the school?" Elder Mokke: "Behold." ene: "Wh-What's this?" Elder Mokke: "This is our history, our origins. We are many, and we are varied." Elder Mokke: "When we gather, we combine and transform." Mokke A: "After we transform, we mostly go back to being mokke." Mokke B: "But sometimes we don't." Mokke C: "When we don't, we keep living like that." ene: "Th-That can't be." Mokke A: "While we live, we forget that we were mokke." Mokke B: "It happens sometimes." Mokke C: "Oh, what fun." ene: "You mean...?" Elder Mokke: "We mean that the whole world..." ene: "The whole world...?" Elder Mokke: "...is mokke." ene: "The world is mokke?!" Mokke C: "Mokke are the source of all things." Mokke B: "Protein." ene: "Even the human body is mostly made up of proteins!" Elder Mokke: "He, and she, and even he..." Elder Mokke: "were all mokke once." ene: "Whaaat?!" Elder Mokke: "Fear not. You have merely returned to mokke." ene: "N-No..." ene: "I've been Yashiro Nene since the day I was born!" Mokke B: "Seize her!" ene: "The mokke are actually the ancestors of everything?! But I want to be human again!" Giant Mokke A: "The world was once mokke." ene: "S-Stop it!" Giant Mokke B: "The world will one day return to mokke." ene: "Someone, h-help." Mokke A: "We are the ancestors of all." Mokke B: "We are great." Mokke C: "Revere us." Mokke D: "Worship mokke." Mokke E: "Candy." Mokke: "Mokke! Mokke! Mokke! Mokke! Mokke! Mokke! Mokke!" Hanako: "Yashiro." Hanako: "Yashiro." ene: "Mokke. Mokke." Hanako: "Yashiro!" Hanako: "Hello?" Hanako: "What are you up to?" Mokke: "Brainwashing." Hanako: "Hey! Cut that out." Girl: "Hey, what are you doing?" Big Sister: "Stop that!" Big Sister: "Going near monsters is dangerous." Sakura: "Hello." Sakura: "You just want to make friends with humans, don't you? The researchers here labor day and night to raise monsters." suhiko: "What for?" Sakura: "A noble purpose." suhiko: "Oh, yeah?" Sakura: "All the monsters here are immature, with challenges to overcome." Sakura: "As a researcher-in-training, you should pay close attention." suhiko: "Yes, ma'am! I'll learn the ropes!" suhiko: "As if." suhiko: "I'm really an agent for the counter-monster task force. I heard about a dangerous facility that raises monsters, and now I'm infiltrating it." Sakura: "Remember," Sakura: "I'm your boss." suhiko: "It's not every day I meet a beauty like her. But depending on my findings, I may end up wrecking this place." Tsukasa: "Wow!" Sakura: "That one is impossible to manage when she's in a bad mood." Tsukasa: "Hmm... You sure want to rampage!" Tsukasa: "But if you're gonna do that..." Sakura: "Get down." suhiko: "Huh?!" Tsukasa: "Isn't it faster just to burn down the whole building?" Sakura: "I don't know if those two are a bad match, or too good of one." Kou: "Go for it! One more time! All right! Way to go!" Sakura: "That monster is trying to train its body and clear its mind." Kou: "Who's a good monster?" suhiko: "Of what?" Sakura: "Talk to it, and you'll find out." suhiko: "Hey. I'm the new guy around here." Mokke: "Candy!" suhiko: "Wh-Wh-What the...?" Kou: "They say they only tried to kill and rob you 'cause you had candy." suhiko: "S-Say what?!" Kou: "Hey." Mokke: "Ow." Kou: "What do I always say? You can't just take things." Sakura: "Teaching ethics to monsters is a challenge." suhiko: "I may have picked one hell of a place to work." suhiko: "What kind of vicious monster will it be this time?" Sakura: "The next one isn't violent in the least. He just doesn't seem to get along with the researcher assigned to him," Sakura: "who's made great strides in the field of monster studies." suhiko: "I get that he's a great researcher," suhiko: "but if they're a bad match, why not swap him out?" Sakura: "Well..." Sakura: "You don't want to leave?" Mitsuba: "Nope." suhiko: "Was that a good idea?" Sakura: "His problem was a lack of emotional honesty." Sakura: "He's never been able to express himself like that before." Sakura: "So..." Sakura: "I'll watch over him a little longer." Sakura: "It should be fine with both of us here." suhiko: "As a counter-monster agent," suhiko: "I can't afford to let such a dangerous place slide. But I don't want to see a beauty cry," suhiko: "so I'll make something up for HQ." Big Sister: "The time has finally come." Sakura: "Today, we will achieve our noble purpose." suhiko: "Do you think the little tykes are doing okay?" Sakura: "They'll be fine." Sakura: "They've all grown up so wonderfully." Boy: "Real monsters!" Girl: "Here." Boy: "Do you want to play with us?" Mitsuba: "Er... Uh..." Boy: "Join in!" Sakura: "I'm sure they'll come home soon, weighed down with more candy from the townspeople than they can carry."

Teacher: "The span of time before we had written accounts of history is called prehistory." Raido: "The girl who sits next to me, Aharen Reina-san..." Teacher: "And as far as prehistory goes..." Raido: "seems distant for some reason." Miyahira: "Congratulations on your enrollment, everyone." Miyahira: "I'm Miyahira, your homeroom teacher." Eptitle Sign: "Episode One Isn't This Too Close?" Miyahira: "I teach physical education." Miyahira: "It's nice to meet you." Miyahira: "Now, why don't you all introduce yourselves?" Raido: "My name's Raido. Nice to meet you." Raido: "I was so nervous I could barely talk..." Raido: "High school's going to be different." Raido: "I never really fit in in middle school because of how unfriendly I look." Raido: "But that ends now." Miyahira: "Next, please." Raido: "Step one is getting to know whoever sits next to me. First, I need to learn their name..." Raido: "I missed her introduction, huh?" Raido: "There! Good morning, Aharen-san." Raido: "I hope we'll be good seatmates." Raido: "The cold shoulder, huh?" Raido: "I get it. She must be afraid of how I look. I practiced for this... Smile. Smile." Raido: "Smile! There." Raido: "Nice weather today, isn't it, Aharen-san?" Raido: "No dice, huh?" Raido: "I can't give up, though. My wonderful high school life is riding on this first step!" Raido: "The campus is pretty big, huh? The bread at the school store is supposed to be good. Do you know what club you'll join? Isn't deciding hard?" Raido: "Not a single response, huh?" Raido: "I can't let this get to me!" Raido: "I'll give up on a flashy new life in high school..." Raido: "I just want her to talk to me. Just once." Raido: "She never said a thing..." Raido: "Might as well go home." Raido: "Bye, Aharen-san." Raido: "See you tomorrow." Raido: "I must've imagined it..." Raido: "She really does feel distant. It's like she's so far away..." Raido: "even though she's sitting next to me." Raido: "She's petite, too. Maybe it's messing with my depth perception." Raido: "Does she... not like me?" Raido: "Here. You dropped this." Raido: "Still nothing, huh?" Male Teacher: "Okay, that's all for today. Don't forget your homework." Raido: "Next class is..." Raido: "Wh-What is it?" Raido: "Do you need something?" Raido: "Are you saying something...?" Raido: "She is saying something!" Raido: "She's right in my face, but she still sounds so far away!" Raido: "Wait..." Raido: "Maybe back then..." Raido: "Did she actually say something?" Raido: "Isn't this a little too close, though?" Raido: "Oh, you forget your book?" Math Teacher: "An expression that made of multiple monomials is called a polynomial. And the monomials that make up the polynomial are called its "terms."" Raido: "What is she thinking? Well, I guess it's fine." Raido: "Her face and hands are really tiny. She's like a doll." Raido: "Seriously, isn't this too close? What is it? Did you need something else?" Raido: "I guess she wants to eat lunch together. And she's still so close!" Raido: "Kinda oversized, don't you think?" Raido: "Y-Your lunch looks good." Raido: "She's feeding me? You don't need to..." Raido: "Okay, I'll try it, so stop." Raido: "She ate the whole thing. She's got a way bigger appetite than you'd think." Raido: "I guess we're walking home together, too." Raido: "You want to go in here?" Raido: "She wanted to stop at a photo booth?" Raido: "What now?" Raido: "Karaoke, huh?" Raido: "The mic's not picking her voice up, is it?" Raido: "I wonder why she suddenly became so friendly." Raido: "Good morning, Aharen-san." Raido: "And yet when I greet her, I get nothing. It's really hard to tell with her." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "Was she just acting weird yesterday?" Raido: "I guess that's fine, too." Book Sign: "Japanese History" Raido: "Things'll just to back to how they were." Raido: "That said..." Raido: "If you forgot your book, wanna share mine?" Aharen: "But I... don't want to bother you..." Raido: "It's okay. It's not a bother." Aharen: "I..." Aharen: "I've never been good with people..." Aharen: "I don't know how close to get. I got too friendly when people were even a little nice, and they didn't like it... so they kept their distance." Aharen: "I wanted to stop acting like that now that I'm in high school." Aharen: "I was trying to be careful, but..." Aharen: "Yesterday you picked up my eraser and talked to me, Raido-kun..." Aharen: "And I was really glad." Aharen: "But when I got home, I thought I might've overdone it again. I'm sorry. I won't do it any—" Raido: "I don't think that kinda thing's a big deal. And as long as you don't go overboard, it's fine." Aharen: "Thank you." Raido: "O-Okay, but could you let go? C-Class is starting." Aharen: "Mm." Teacher: "Now, if you'll turn to the next page... We have the recorded portion of the past, which we call history," Raido: "She didn't let go, huh?" Teacher: "and then prehistory, which predates said records." Raido: "It's really hard to tell with her..." Raido: "In more ways than one." Raido: "Aharen-san? Wh-What's the matter?" Raido: "You were calling for me but I didn't notice? Sorry." Raido: "What was that?" Raido: "Aharen-san's voice is so quiet that I keep missing things, which is tough... Is there a way around this?" Raido: "Learning to decode movements of the mouth... Lipreading." Raido: "If I can master this, I'll be able to talk to her no matter how quiet she's being." Raido: "And so... I need to practice with you, little sis." Sister: "Ugh, so annoying. Fine, let's get started. You're a dumb brother!" Raido: "Euro done braider?" Sister: "Squid, octopus, tentacles. What a loser." Raido: "Skid onto pus tent a cool... Water luger?" Bg Chatter: "Good morning." Raido: "Okay, I've mastered lipreading. Try saying something." Raido: "Her lips are barely moving, huh?" Raido: "There must be another way..." Raido: "That's it! When you need to talk to me, write a note on a slip of paper and throw it my way." Raido: "Okay, this is working. Keep it up, Aharen-san." Raido: "You know what, Aharen-san? Let's stop." Raido: "Wait..." Raido: "When she grabbed me, I could hear her pretty clearly. Was it because she was close?" Raido: "No!" Raido: "What if it was bone conduction?" Raido: "I've got it, Aharen-san. Bone conduction! Let's try that next." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "Good morning, Aha— You forgot— Lunch—" Raido: "No dice. This is making my ears ring, not helping me hear." Raido: "I won't give up though, Aharen-san!" Raido: "I should try some other options." Raido: "I'm heading to school." Sister: "Nii-chan?!" Case Sign: "Morse Code" Book Cover: "Entry-Level Telepathy" Sister: "What gives? You're taking all that to school?" Raido: "Telepathy." Raido: "Carrier pigeons." Raido: "Morse code." Raido: "Hand signals." Raido: "Arrow messages." Raido: "Smoke signals." Raido: "I'm out of ideas, huh?" Aharen: "I'm sorry." Aharen: "You've been trying all kinds of things for me. Thank you. But it doesn't look like anything worked... I'm sorry." Raido: "No, I should be the one apologizing." Raido: "You seem to want to talk to me a lot, Aharen-san." Raido: "And I feel bad for not always being able to hear you." Aharen: "No, it's okay." Aharen: "Thank you." Raido: "And I'm sorry for making you push yourself." Aharen: "Push myself?" Raido: "I mean, you're talking louder than usual, aren't you?" Aharen: "Not really. This is how I always talk. I'm not being any louder." Raido: "I-If you say so." Raido: "Going home together's become part of our routine, huh?" Raido: "What was that earlier, though? A 10-yen coin and a 50-yen coin!" Young Man A: "Aw, man..." Young Man B: "What're you doing? Seriously." Raido: "Is my hearing getting better? I see. Talking with Aharen-san has made me sensitive to even the softest sounds..." Raido: "Does she really need to crawl all over it?" Raido: "Maybe she wants that plushie." Raido: "Okay! I'll nab one." Raido: "M-Maybe we should go, Aharen-san..." Raido: "W-We did play a lot, so..." Raido: "Aharen-san?" Raido: "Starting with 500 yen?!" Raido: "She's really set on getting one." Raido: "But she can't really see from above..." Raido: "A stool?" Raido: "Is Aharen-san a regular around here?" Raido: "Crane games require really precise spatial awareness." Raido: "Isn't this hard for her with distance judgment issues?" Raido: "First try!" Raido: "Congratulations. That was impressive." Raido: "Aharen-san's good at this." Raido: "Wait!" Raido: "She was doing that to gauge its position." Raido: "But she got one on her first try. She's got extra credits left." Raido: "I wonder where she'll go next..." Raido: "The same one, huh?" Sfx Sign: "S N U G" Raido: "Isn't that a little excessive? And it's all the same one." Raido: "Well, now that you've caught a bunch, why don't we head home, Aharen-san?" Raido: "Does she still want more? Is she after every prize in the joint? What a terror!" Raido: "For me?" Aharen: "You seemed to want it, Raido-kun." Raido: "She wasn't after them for her, then." Aharen: "And you did a lot for me today... I wanted to thank you." Raido: "Thanks." Raido: "I wasn't expecting all of them." Raido: "You can have one, Aharen-san." Raido: "As thanks for winning them." Aharen: "Thank you." Raido: "I'm back." Sister: "Welcome home, Nii-chan." Sister: "Mom's gonna be on a business trip starting tomorrow, by the way." Raido: "Okay." Raido: "Where did you get those?! Since you've got a bunch, can I have one? No can do. They were gifts, after all." Sister: "What?" Raido: "This really is too close, right? It's like she keeps getting even closer." Raido: "Were you carrying that around with you, Aharen-san?" Bag: "Melon Bread" Aharen: "Where's your lunch?" Raido: "My mom's on a business trip. I'll be buying mine for a while." Aharen: "Say, "Ahhh."" Raido: "Nah, that's okay." Raido: "I get it already... So please, one dish at a time." Raido: "What kind of creature is that?" Raido: "Oh, it's Aharen-san." Raido: "Are you okay? You feeling ill?" Raido: "Hey... A-Aharen-san?" Aharen: "I woke up early, so I'm tired..." Raido: "Is that all? I thought she might be sick or something." Raido: "Come on. Class is about to start. Look lively." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "She'll be okay." Raido: "I'm impressed you stayed awake." Raido: "She's asleep with her eyes open!" Raido: "I guess this was inevitable." Raido: "It's lunch break, Aharen-san." Raido: "No response... Guess I'll go buy some bread or something." Raido: "Okay, I get it, so please stop crawling up me!" Raido: "What's this?" Raido: "Lunch for me?" Raido: "You made this?" Aharen: "I was hoping you'd like it... so I woke up early and put a lot of effort into it. But then I was so tired, I was a bother again." Aharen: "I'm sorry." Raido: "Nah." Raido: "It's no big deal. If you're tired, you can lean on me. The lunch is good, too. Thanks." Aharen: "Th-Thank you..." Aharen: "I... think I will a little..." Raido: "G-Go for it. I think this goes way beyond just "leaning."" Raido: "Aharen-san really is impossible to predict." Raido: "It's so hard to tell with her... in more ways than one." Raido: "Aharen-san... uh..."

Ishikawa: "Hey, you wanna go camping in the mountains?" Raido: "You're always coming up with stuff from out of nowhere, huh?" Ishikawa: "Well, thinking about it won't get us anywhere. Let's all go!" Sato: "Sounds like fun! I'm in." Ishikawa: "You should come too, Oshiro-san." Oshiro: "I-If you think I should..." Raido: "Aharen-san, are you..." Ishikawa: "All right! Sounds like everyone's in." Raido: "I don't know if I've ever seen Aharen-san this excited about anything before." Eptitle Sign: "Episode Ten We're Camping, Huh?" Ishikawa: "Hey, Raido! Were you waiting long?" Sato: "Is Aharen-san not here yet?" Raido: "Not yet." Raido: "Aharen-san isn't usually late..." Sato: "Are you sure you can handle all of the ingredients?" Ishikawa: "Okay, the rest of us will bring the rice, and you handle everything else." Raido: "She was really looking forward to it... This is weird. Could it be...?" Raido: "She was so excited she was up late, and has now overslept?! I'll go and check!" Ishikawa: "O-Okay." Raido: "She was right there, huh?" Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "Up you go..." Aharen: "I packed so much, my bag ended up over-stuffed." Ishikawa: "Are you okay?" Raido: "That's rough. But you should be okay now." Sato: "Is something wrong?" Oshiro: "I can carry Reina-chan's things, then." Aharen: "Thank you." Ishikawa: "We really appreciate you giving us a lift, Sensei." Miyahira: "Oh, don't worry about it. And I'll be by tomorrow, to pick you up." Sato: "You should've joined us!" Miyahira: "I'm a little too busy, I'm afraid. Maybe next time." Ishikawa: "So much open space!" Sato: "This feels great!" Raido: "Why don't we set the tents—" Raido: "Up in seconds, huh?" Raido: "Aharen-san is seriously fired up. It's nice to see. I just hope she doesn't end up spinning her wheels..." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Ishikawa: "Well, it's a little early, but why don't we start preparing dinner?" Sato: "Good idea, with the sun setting early." Ishikawa: "Aharen-san, did you bring the ingredients?" Raido: "We shouldn't need to worry about food." Raido: "Did you... forget the ingredients?" Raido: "Don't cry, Aharen-san. We've got rice, so we'll be fine." Aharen: "I wanted to help so much... but I got so worked up, I ended up failing..." Aharen: "I'm sorry." Raido: "Aharen-san, it's okay. I have an idea." Raido: "Mr. Groundskeeper." Raido: "Would it be all right if we collect edible plants from the woods?" Groundskeeper: "Sure, no problem at all." Raido: "Okay, let's all look for stuff we can eat." Sato: "You say that, but... do you know what we're looking for, Raido-kun?" Raido: "A little bit, yeah." Ishikawa: "Nice! This sounds like fun!" Raido: "That's chocolate vine fruit." Oshiro: "Here." Raido: "This is late oyster. It's edible." Raido: "I think we can find some mountain yams over there, too." Ishikawa: "Awesome!" Raido: "Aharen-san, can you handle the fishing at this stream? Fishing in mountain streams is tough. I won't expect much," Raido: "but this should be a good distraction to help Aharen-san cheer up." Raido: "In the meantime, I..." Raido: "will get us food, with this!" Raido: "Fish in mountain streams will hide in the shadow of rocks if they sense danger." Raido: "I'll use that tendency to trap them!" Raido: "Now!" Oshiro: "U-Um..." Raido: "What's up, Oshiro-san?" Oshiro: "C-Can I help you? Sato-san said she and Ishikawa-kun would gather more vegetables, and that I should help over here." Raido: "Is that right? Well..." Oshiro: "Can I see the spear, then?" Raido: "I wanted to use the spear... Wait... is Oshiro-san planning to run me through with the spear, to get some alone time with Aharen-san?!" Raido: "Oshiro-san, there!" Oshiro: "Right!" Oshiro: "A relative of mine is a fisherman. I would help out, whenever I visited him..." Raido: "Thanks, Oshiro-san. You've been a big help." Oshiro: "I-It's nothing..." Raido: "I'm sorry. Since I'm always spending time with Aharen-san, I kinda thought you might be mad about it..." Oshiro: "Right. I am jealous." Oshiro: "I honestly wondered if I should skewer you with this thing..." Raido: "Is that bloodlust?!" Oshiro: "But... when I see Reina-chan with you, she has this look I've never seen before... which made me understand something. You might be scary, and I might be jealous..." Oshiro: "but you're not a bad person." Raido: "Well, that's good. In that case, let's grab more fish..." Raido: "...or maybe we won't need to." Oshiro: "Doesn't seem like it." Groundeskeeper: "Yep, this should all be okay." Ishikawa: "All right!" Sato: "Wow!" Raido: "Okay, I'll prepare the rice, so you handle the side dishes." Aharen: "I've got it." Everyone: "Time to eat!" Sato: "So good!" Oshiro: "It really is." Aharen: "Thanks for the help, Raido-kun." Ishikawa: "Hey, you're right! This is tasty." Raido: "Nah. We all worked together to make it. It tastes good to eat together, too, huh?" Ishikawa: "And I win again!" Raido: "You're good at this, Ishikawa..." Oshiro: "I think it's time I turn in." Sato: "What? You're gonna sleep?" Oshiro: "This is the around the time I normally do, so... Goodnight." Aharen: "Goodnight." Ishikawa: "Huh, talk about good habits." Sato: "Sleep well!" Ishikawa: "Hey, Raido..." Ishikawa: "Why don't we have a little adventure?" Raido: "Adventure?" Sato: "I have to say, this clearing really is huge." Ishikawa: "It's fine. We've even have phone signal." Raido: "I should've brought my phone..." Ishikawa: "Hey, Hana-chan..." Sato: "It's Sato-san!" Ishikawa: "My bad, Sato-san." Ishikawa: "Anyway, these two... why don't we give them some alone time?" Sato: "I like the sound of that!" Raido: "How far are we going to walk? Hey, Ishikawa." Raido: "Huh?" Raido: "Ishikawa...? Sato-san?" Raido: "Don't tell me... is this..." Raido: "treachery?!" Raido: "Leaving us behind in the woods, at night, while they go home on their own?!" Raido: "We've been abandoned... that is to say, we're stranded!" Aharen: "Where'd they go?" Raido: "Oh, it should be fine. They said they needed to use the bathroom." Raido: "This situation... I need to keep things calm, to make sure she doesn't panic. And the first rule of being lost at night..." Raido: "Is to not wander far." Raido: "Wanna do some star-gazing?" Raido: "When you're stranded, it's important to maintain your composure." Raido: "I'll keep her spirits up by talking about constellations." Raido: "Look, Aharen-san. That star..." Raido: "I don't know any constellations, huh?" Aharen: "The stars..." Aharen: "There are so many. They're really pretty, aren't they?" Raido: "Yeah. They are." Ishikawa: "This is looking good to me!" Sato: "Yeah!" Aharen: "Raido-kun..." Aharen: "W-Well... I..." Raido: "What is it?!" Raido: "It's coming this way!" Ishikawa: "Is it me, or is this really bad?" Sato: "A wild animal?" Raido: "Look out!" Ishikawa: "Raido!" Raido: "Aharen-san!" Raido: "That's... your dog, isn't it?" Ishikawa: "Hey!" Sato: "Aharen-san, are you okay?!" Aharen: "It's okay. This is Nui. My dog." Ishikawa: "I-Is that right?" Ishikawa: "You brought the ingredients I forgot? Thank you." Sato: "What a smart boy!" Ishikawa: "That's one loyal dog." Aharen: "It's already late, so you can head home tomorrow." Aharen: "Good boy..." Ishikawa: "Well, that was close enough. Let's hit the sack." Sato: "Sounds good." Raido: "I can't sleep on a different pillow, huh?" Oshiro: "I was having a hard time sleeping and woke up at a weird time..." Oshiro: "A-Are you awake, Reina-chan?" Aharen: "I was having trouble sleeping." Oshiro: "Did you not sleep at all?" Oshiro: "What should we do? Sato-san's gonna wake up..." Aharen: "It's okay. I'll move over to you." Aharen: "How's this?" Oshiro: "Close! Too close, Reina-chan!" Aharen: "I actually wanted to ask for some advice..." Oshiro: "About what?" Aharen: "I was thinking of... telling Raido-kun..." Aharen: "how I feel about him." Aharen: "But... I started getting afraid... and I couldn't bring myself to." Aharen: "If I tell him, and then..." Aharen: "if we can't spend time together in the same way anymore... that would be scary." Oshiro: "Your hands are so cold, Reina-chan." Oshiro: "But you really are strong. If it was me, I wouldn't even consider telling him." Oshiro: "So..." Oshiro: "I'm sure it'll be okay, knowing you." Aharen: "Thank you..." Aharen: "Raido-kun's up. He must not have slept, either." Oshiro: "Reina-chan!" Oshiro: "Go over to him." Oshiro: "I've been watching you two for long enough, so I know..." Oshiro: "I'm sure it'll be okay." Aharen: "Thank you." Aharen: "Okay... I'm going." Oshiro: "Wait..." Oshiro: "Reina-chan... good luck." Oshiro: "Yeah. Thank you." Raido: "Huh? You can't sleep either, Aharen-san?" Raido: "Did you wake up hungry? Want to split this?" Raido: "Nothing beats late-night instant noodles, huh?" Raido: "Thanks for the food." Raido: "Aharen-san, was half enough for you?" Raido: "It's kind of cold, huh?" Aharen: "It's okay. This isn't that cold." Aharen: "But now you're..." Raido: "I'm okay. I'm almost hot, after eating." Aharen: "Thank you." Aharen: "Listen, Raido-kun..." Aharen: "There's something I wanted to tell you... that I started when we were stargazing." Aharen: "I... well... I think you're..." Raido: "Aharen-san, I..." Ishikawa: "Hey, Raido." Sato: "Good morning." Raido: "Hey. Good morning." Sato: "What is it?" Ishikawa: "Remember when we went camping the other day?" Ishikawa: "Those two kind of had a thing going, right?" Sato: "They came so close, too." Ishikawa: "Something still might've happened, y'know? We'll see if anything's different." Raido: "Aharen-san, good morning." Ishikawa: "Good morning... Aharen-san?" Sato: "Good... morning?" Raido: "Aharen-san has... perhaps... slightly... put some weight on, huh?" Raido: "Is it overeating? No, I don't think so. Wait, could it be..." Raido: "Rikishi training?! Aharen-san must be prepping to be a sumo wrestler. I've heard of women's sumo, but I don't think it's hit the big time yet." Raido: "It'll be a hard sport to make a living at... but knowing Aharen-san, I bet she could pave the way. A path to the new world... of women's professional sumo!" Aharen: "I can't reach..." Raido: "Go ahead." Aharen: "Thanks." Raido: "Wait, speaking of rikishi..." Raido: "They have assistants. I can support Aharen-san's dreams as her assistant!" Aharen: "It was so cold, I put on extra layers... But I overdid it, and now it's hard to move." Raido: "Oh, that's why you're so puffed up." Aharen: "Can you help me get some of it off?" Ishikawa: "Hey, look!" Sato: "They're gazing into each other's eyes!" Raido: "How did she even put on all of this on at once...?" Raido: "Aharen-san vanished?! Is this... like an onion?! Did removing too many layers from Aharen-san make her disappear, like an over-peeled onion?!" Raido: "Oh, you were just underneath the pile." Aharen: "Thanks. I can move now." Aharen: "But now I'm cold..." Raido: "I'll warm you up." Ishikawa: "Hey, could this be...?" Sato: "Is he going to...?" Ishikawa: "I think the two of them are their usual selves, after all." Sato: "Seems so. Oh, there you are, Oshiro-san." Oshiro: "Y-Yeah." Ishikawa: "Come to think of it, you went to bed early when we were camping, right?" Oshiro: "Huh? Yeah." Ishikawa: "Back then..." Ishikawa: "I got my hopes up, thinking something might happen between them." Ishikawa: "But in the end, seems like nothing did." Oshiro: "Nothing...?" Oshiro: "Yeah. I guess you're right. They seem the same as usual." Miyahira: "Hey, it's cold today, so why don't we make hotpot at your place?" Tobaru: "Sounds good." Miyahira: "Oh, it's Raido-kun and Aharen-san." Tobaru: "Running into these two, in public..." Tobaru: "I need to be careful so I don't collapse." Tobaru: "Are they...?" Tobaru: "She's wrapping a scarf around him!" Tobaru: "Esteem warning! Brace for esteemed impact!" Tobaru: "That excessively long scarf... Their love is so strong! It's overkill of esteem!" Miyahira: "Wh-What is it, Momo-chan? What brought this on?" Tobaru: "Oh, sorry..." Tobaru: "Just for a while... let me stay like this." Miyahira: "What is that about?!" Raido: "Thanks. This is warm. But won't you be cold, now?" Aharen: "It's okay." Tobaru: "They're sharing a single scarf?! Such a direct approach of esteem, at this late hour!" Miyahira: "Wh-What's wrong, Momo-chan?!" Miyahira: "Hey! No, Momo-chan, not in public!" Tobaru: "What is that?!" Tobaru: "A puddle at her feet... All of that, to avoid her getting her feet wet?! Full score on technical basis, artistic basis, and synchronization!" Tobaru: "Synchronized swimming...! Esteemarghble!" Tobaru: "I'm at... my limit..." Miyahira: "Momo-chan, we can't!" Tobaru: "I can't take anymore..." Miyahira: "You weren't feeling well?" Tobaru: "Yeah. Could I lean on you?" Miyahira: "Those two seem a little different, I think."

Sis: "Hey, hey, Nii-chan! Come check it out!" Raido: "It's snowing..." Sis: "It's been pretty cold, after all. Think it'll stick?" Eptitle: "Episode Eleven It Snowed, Huh?" Raido: "There's so much snow... Don't see this often." Raido: "And it's really cold. Makes me want a hot drink." Raido: "What the... A giant snow-based lifeform?! Don't tell me..." Raido: "This is mankind's judgment. Nature has finally unleashed its fury over our deluded devotion to industrialization!" Aharen: "Good morning." Raido: "Oh. Good morning, Aharen-san." Raido: "You made an igloo, huh?" Aharen: "Please, come inside." Raido: "Okay, I'll check it out." Raido: "Tables and chairs, too? Impressive." Aharen: "Welcome to Café Aharen." Raido: "A café? Is that what this is supposed to be? I'll play along." Raido: "Well, I didn't have much for breakfast, so I'll take the morning special." Aharen: "Please enjoy." Raido: "This is one serious café, huh?" Raido: "Nothing beats a hot drink on a cold day, don't you think?" Raido: "I never imagined I'd get to relax like this on my way to school." Raido: "Wait, on my way to..." Raido: "We're gonna be late, huh?" Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "The time really flew today. I'm glad we didn't end up being late." Aharen: "There's still some tea. Do you want to drop by the café on the way home?" Aharen: "There're snacks, too." Raido: "That sounds great." Raido: "It collapsed... I guess the head was too heavy for the structure." Raido: "Aharen-san." Raido: "All that is created will eventually fall apart. That's true for everything in this world. It's a fact of life." Raido: "And so..." Raido: "When things fall apart, we rebuild. Let's make it again together." Aharen: "Thank you." Aharen: "It's done." Raido: "Isn't so much a rebuild as it is a totally different thing, huh?" Raido: "Aharen-san, your hands..." Aharen: "The snow's pretty cold." Aharen: "My hands are warm, so I'll heat yours up." Aharen: "Hey, that's a bit warmer." Aharen: "Yeah. Thanks. I'm better now." Aharen: "Raido-kun..." Raido: "Aharen-san?" Aharen: "Good morning. Let's get going." Raido: "Okay. Let's." Raido: "Aharen-san seems stiff." Raido: "Don't tell me she's finally..." Raido: "gone mechanical?! After a long journey in pursuit of an immortal shell, she's at last become fully cyberized!" Aharen: "When I woke up this morning, my shoulders and stuff were all really stiff." Raido: "Oh... You got stiff shoulders, huh? Probably from building igloos yesterday." Raido: "If it's that bad, let's take you to the nurse's office." Raido: "Sensei? Are you around?" Raido: "Looks like she's out." Raido: "In that case..." Raido: "Oshiro-san the stretching expert, are you around?" Raido: "I guess not." Raido: "Oh well..." Raido: "I can help you stretch. That should help a little." Raido: "How's that? It doesn't hurt, does it?" Aharen: "I'm okay." Raido: "There. Are you able to move now?" Aharen: "I could do with some more. And harder this time, please." Raido: "Really? Okay." Raido: "How's this?" Aharen: "More." Raido: "What, even harder? You want me to really stretch you out?" Raido: "You're super sure about this?" Raido: "Okay. If that's what you want, Aharen-san..." Aharen: "I feel a lot better. Thanks." Raido: "Well, I'm glad I was able to help." Raido: "Isn't that a little too stretched out?" Raido: "My shoulders have been kind of stiff from studying lately, too." Aharen: "I can help." Raido: "You'll rub my shoulders? Thanks. I'd appreciate that." Raido: "I want to tell her to do it harder... But I'm not sure she can." Raido: "I know, Aharen-san. Would you be willing to walk on my back?" Aharen: "B-But that'd be heavy..." Raido: "It's fine. I'm not that delicate." Aharen: "Okay..." Raido: "Thanks." Aharen: "Here I go..." Raido: "Yeah, if you will." Aharen: "H-How's that? Not too heavy?" Raido: "Yeah. It's fine. Just right, in fact." Aharen: "I'm glad." Raido: "Yeah. That's a good spot." Aharen: "Raido-kun?" Aharen: "Did you fall asleep? You okay?" Aharen: "Class is gonna start, Raido-kun." urse: "Man, I am so late! Huh? Class is starting, you two." Aharen: "Right. Understood." Raido: "I'm feeling a lot better now. Thanks." Ishikawa: "Raido. Aharen-san." Ishikawa: "Wanna head home together? The field's covered in snow, so my club has the day off." Raido: "Sure. Sounds good." Ishikawa: "Care to join us, Sato-san?" Sato: "Yeah, okay." Aharen: "Wait." Aharen: "Huh. She's not there." Ishikawa: "Well, let's go." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Sato: "Do you think they're going out now? Or not?" Ishikawa: "Kinda hard to tell, right?" Sato: "Maybe a good look at their faces will reveal something..." Sato: "I'm not getting an emotional read from that!" Raido: "Aharen-san, are you hungry?" Ishikawa: "Let's all grab something to eat, then." Sato: "I know you were hungry, but that's crazy." Raido: "Looks like she's falling asleep..." Raido: "I'm gonna go use the bathroom." Ishikawa: "Nice try. You had eyes on them the whole time, Hana-chan." Sato: "You noticed?!" Ishikawa: "Of course I did! We're childhood friends, aren't we?" Sato: "Well, still, stop calling me Hana-chan!" Ishikawa: "Okay, okay, Sato-san." Sato: "It's just... trying to figure out if they're dating or not has exhausted me. But a normal couple wouldn't act this way, right?" Sato: "Except, maybe they just aren't a normal couple." Ishikawa: "What's your idea of a normal couple, then?" Sato: "Well, when you start dating, you wanna walk home together or go out to eat just the two of you. I'd think that, normally, they'd be more clingy when they're alone, too." Ishikawa: "You put a lot of thought into what's normal and not, huh?" Sato: "I mean, everyone is so quirky, it makes me wonder if I'm not normal for being normal. And once I get to thinking that, it's like I don't even know what normal means. They're definitely a quirky bunch." Sato: "But... the variety makes it interesting, wouldn't you say?" Sato: "You've always been like this, Ishikawa-kun. Actually, I think you're pretty interesting, too." Ishikawa: "Yeah?" Ishikawa: "Though, to tell the truth, I think you're interesting, too, Sato-san." Sato: "Wha—" Sato: "I-I'm not that interesting..." Ishikawa: "Hey, Raido." Raido: "Sorry about the wait. Anything happen?" Sato: "Like what?" Ishikawa: "We can head home once Aharen-san wakes up." Sato: "That's some crazy metabolism Aharen-san has." Aharen: "What should I wear tomorrow?" Aharen: "Okay. Let's go with this." Raido: "Aharen-san said she wanted to go to the mall since we have the day off... I wonder what for." Raido: "Don't tell me..." Poster Sign: "-Official Tournament-" Raido: "Aharen-san..." Raido: "Are you entering the tournament?!" Raido: "This clashing game of hand spinners is all the rage among elementary kids. She's entering the Blade Spinner Burst tournament!" Raido: "I know Aharen-san is a reigning champion! She's going to be defending her title!" Raido: "I'm sure she was up late last night deciding how to customize her gear!" Aharen: "Sorry for the holdup, Raido-kun." Aharen: "Were you waiting?" Raido: "Nah, not at all." Aharen: "Sorry I took so long. I was up late last night." Raido: "No, it's okay. She really stayed up working on her customization!" Raido: "Well, let's head in." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Booth A: "Here, little lady. Try this." Booth B: "This is good, too." Booth C: "Try some of ours." Booth D: "Here you are." Raido: "She's getting stuffed, huh?" Raido: "And it doesn't seem like Aharen-san has any particular plan... It's like she's trying to get the lay of the land, sampling a bit of everything." Raido: "But she doesn't have to eat everything people hand her." Aharen: "I just can't say no when someone offers." Raido: "Don't tell me Aharen-san's..." Raido: "actually a hotel tycoon? She's building luxury hotels in future vacation hot spots!" Raido: "Food is a quintessential part of tourism. She's trying to gauge national trends via the available cuisine!" Aharen: "I'm going to be making New Year's dinner. My family has a tradition of sparing no expense for it." Raido: "Oh, is that what you're up to?" Aharen: "Do you like crab, Raido-kun?" Raido: "I sure do." Aharen: "Okay. I'd like this, please." Booth E: "You got it." Aharen: "I'll come by later to pick it up." Raido: "Is this... Could it be?" Raido: "Are we just spending the day enjoying the mall?" Raido: "Okay! Let's make this the best day ever!" Atsushi: "Hey, it's King Aha!" utaba: "Aharen Reina!" Raido: "There goes that idea, huh?" Poster Sign: "Official Tournament" Raido: "Hi there, you two." Raido: "What're you doing at the mall?" utaba: "Isn't it obvious? We're totally on a date! A date!" Atsushi: "Like heck we are! You just wanted to tag along!" utaba: "H-Hey! You don't have to tell them the truth! What about you?" utaba: "Wait, are you two..." utaba: "Actually, I couldn't care less what you're doing." utaba: "Come on, Akkun!" Atsushi: "Nah." Atsushi: "Listen, apprentice. Why are you always at the king's side?" Atsushi: "King Aha, have you..." Atsushi: "forgotten that I was your first apprentice?!" Atsushi: "Have I done that bad a job?" Atsushi: "I understand. In that case..." Atsushi: "Junior apprentice, I challenge you to a duel!" Raido: "A duel?" Atsushi: "Yeah." Poster Sign: "Official Tournament Official Tournament" Atsushi: "In the Blade Spinner tournament that's about to start. It's an elimination tournament, and when people enter in succession, they spread them into separate blocks. If we both keep winning, we'll meet in the finals!" Atsushi: "Now, junior apprentice..." Atsushi: "Are you in?!" Raido: "Yeah. Of course!" Raido: "Well... See you in the finals." Envelope Sign: "Participation Prize" Raido: "Didn't see us both losing in the first round." Raido: "Don't cry, Atsushi-kun. You did your best." Raido: "Huh? Where's Aharen-san?" Mc: "And the winner of the unlimited division is..." Mc: "Aharen Reina-san! In her fifth consecutive championship!" Raido: "You were participating, too?" Aharen: "Yeah. I've entered every time. I was up late customizing my spinner and hardly got any sleep." Raido: "I knew it!" Atsushi: "You're amazing, King Aha!" Aharen: "I know that I won, but look over there." Mc: "And the winner of the girls division is Futaba!" Atsushi: "Futaba won?!" utaba: "Y-Yeah..." utaba: "You're always playing with these things, Akkun... I picked it up so we could talk about it. I never thought I would win." Atsushi: "Futaba..." Atsushi: "You're awesome! You've gotta teach me how you did it!" utaba: "I-I don't mind." Raido: "Looks like a happy ending." utaba: "Well, you two can go back to your date." Raido: "Date?" Raido: "All we were doing was having fun, eating, and enjoying the mall." utaba: "What? Isn't hanging out at the mall like that... I mean, that's a date, right?" Aharen: "I was hungry... and we had time..." Aharen: "I just thought..." Raido: "Is that how it is?" Raido: "That's a fancy lunch you've got today." Aharen: "I did a practice run with the dinner I'm going to make. Have some, Raido-kun." Raido: "You made this with the stuff you bought at the shopping mall, huh?" Raido: "Thanks for the food." Raido: "This crab... is phenomenal!"

Raido: "What is this? You're scaring me, Aharen-san," Raido: "staring into empty space out of the blue..." Oshiro: "Reina-chan..." Oshiro: "How can you tell?" Oshiro: "I'm hiding even more carefully than before. But ever since what happened... they've seemed kind of different. Maybe they really are..." Oshiro: "She noticed me again! I have to wonder..." Oshiro: "How is she this sharp?" Raido: "Aharen-san, you've been staring past me all day." Raido: "Is something there?" Raido: "I've suddenly got chills." Raido: "I think I'm gonna head straight home today. Sorry." Aharen: "Oshiro-san." Oshiro: "She suddenly called out to me! But why?!" Aharen: "It's finally just the two of us." Aharen: "Raido-kun was considerate enough to give us time alone." Oshiro: "Y-You think...?" Aharen: "I realize I haven't told you about what happened yet." Oshiro: "D-Do you want to talk about it?" Oshiro: "Reina-chan, are you... w-well... Are you g-going out with Raido-kun?" Aharen: "Oshiro-san?" Oshiro: "Reina-chan worked up her courage..." Oshiro: "And Raido-kun just...!" Eptiitle Sign: "Episode Twelve This Is a Duel, Huh?" Raido: "A letter of challenge. That means a duel, I guess." Raido: "This has to be a misunderstanding. I can't imagine Oshiro-san wanting a duel..." Oshiro: "Raido-kun." Raido: "Hey, Oshiro-san..." Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido" Raido: "No misunderstanding there." Oshiro: "As promised, Reina-chan isn't here, right?" Raido: "Right. I came alone." Oshiro: "Good. I don't want her to see me like this." Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido" Oshiro: "You and I are going to have a duel!" Raido: "I'm dead meat, huh?" Oshiro: "The winner has to do whatever the loser says." Oshiro: "I challenge you to Reversi." Oshiro: "You've got no martial arts experience, so... this should be fair, right?" Raido: "Yeah. It should be. That's a relief. Understood. You're on. You can be black and go first." Oshiro: "Now..." Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido" Oshiro: "I have some questions for you, and depending on the answers..." Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido" Oshiro: "You should brace yourself for when I win!" Raido: "I really am dead meat, huh?" Raido: "No. I just need to win. I'm sure she's doing this for a reason. I need to win and get it all out in the open!" Raido: "She took the corners before I even noticed!" Oshiro: "I..." Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido" Oshiro: "I've never lost in Reversi, not even to Reina-chan." Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido" Teacher: "All right everyone, a new semester means new seats." Teacher: "Please move to the desk you drew." Oshiro: "I hope I can get along with my new seatmate." Oshiro: "G-Glad to be sitting next to you, Aharen... Reina-chan." Aharen: "Likewise." Oshiro: "Sh-She's so cute. I've never seen her up close before. She's tiny, like a doll." Oshiro: "The total opposite of big old me." Oshiro: "Next class is P.E." Oshiro: "Wh-What is it?" Aharen: "Can I borrow yours?" Oshiro: "I'm sorry my jacket's so big..." Aharen: "Thanks. I forgot my gym clothes." Oshiro: "Reina-chan is small and cute, and a little absent minded." Oshiro: "Because her voice is so quiet, she gets really close when she talks. Every time she does, it gives me a start. Before sitting next to Aharen-san, I've never been through so many surprises." Oshiro: "You like Reversi?" Aharen: "Yeah. What about you, Oshiro-san?" Oshiro: "Yeah! Me, too." Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido" Oshiro: "Okay. Now we just need to put the podium back." Oshiro: "Oh, I can do that." Aharen: "It's okay." Oshiro: "A-Are you all right?" Aharen: "I'm alive." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Oshiro: "Your face is covered in dust..." Aharen: "Thanks." Oshiro: "You can't do that to yourself. Unlike me, you're cute. So you should try to look nice." Oshiro: "Here." Aharen: "I think you're cute, too, Oshiro-san." Ishikawa: "Raido? He rushed off somewhere." Aharen: "Thanks." Sato: "Kinda rare for them not to go home together, right?" Ishikawa: "I wonder if something happened." Raido: "There's something you want me to do if you win, right?" Oshiro: "Well..." Oshiro: "If you don't feel the same way about her..." Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido" Oshiro: "then I want you... to stay away from Reina-chan." Raido: "If that's what you really want..." Raido: "then I can't afford to lose anymore. I'm going to give everything I've got!" Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido Hell for Raido" Oshiro: "He's fighting back? From that kind of disadvantage?" Headband Sign: "Hell for Raido" Oshiro: "He managed to win on the last play?! B-But why?" Oshiro: "If you don't like Reina-chan, then..." Oshiro: "What difference does it make if you lose?" Raido: "You seem to be mistaken about something. The truth is..." Aharen: "I... well... I think you're..." Aharen: "Sorry. Never mind." Raido: "Aharen-san." Raido: "There's something I need to tell you. About how I feel." Raido: "I..." Raido: "like Aharen-san!" Oshiro: "R-R-Reina-chan?! How long have you been there?" Aharen: "Just got here... I found your hair clip, so I was looking for you." Oshiro: "Thanks." Aharen: "And..." Aharen: "I'm sorry, Oshiro-san. I should've explained what happened. I gave you the wrong idea." Aharen: "Back then, I couldn't say it." Aharen: "But then Raido-kun told me how he felt." Aharen: "I... was really happy. But I couldn't say anything, and I..." Aharen: "And when he looked so surprised, I thought I'd messed up again." Aharen: "So I ran off without saying anything." Aharen: "I thought I'd just misjudged how to get close again." Oshiro: "S-So that's what happened..." Oshiro: "I-I'm really sorry, Raido-kun!" Raido: "Don't worry about it. Everybody makes mistakes." Raido: "Aharen-san." Raido: "I was surprised about what happened, but as for your sense of distance..." Raido: "I like that, too." Aharen: "R-Raido-kun... I..." Aharen: "I like you, too, Raido-kun." Ishisato: "All right!" Raido: "How long have you two been there?" Ishikawa: "We saw Aharen-san was looking for you, so we got curious!" Sato: "We went after her! And then..." Ishisato: "Right?!" Sato: "I'm so glad, though! My heart was absolutely pounding!" Ishikawa: "Yeah, yeah! Me, too!" Oshiro: "If I stay close to her..." Oshiro: "Reina-chan's going to hear my heart pounding!" Oshiro: "Ever since then, I've been too nervous to do anything but watch at a distance." Oshiro: "But after that, I was able to talk with Reina-chan again..." Ishikawa: "This is great, Raido! Aharen-san!" Oshiro: "Now that I think about it, I'm here now because Raido-kun found me." Sato: "Seriously! Congratulations, you two!" Raido: "Thanks, guys." Sato: "I'm couldn't be happier if it was me!" Raido: "The girl who sits next to me, Aharen-san," Raido: "has trouble with judging how close to get to people." Raido: "Aharen-san and I are now..." Math Teacher: "Okay, that's it for today. I know spring vacation is coming up, people, but don't let it get to your heads!" Class: "Okay." Raido: "Come on, Aharen-san, let's head home." Aharen: "Sorry. I need to do something." Raido: "Aharen-san? Could this be the infamous..." Raido: "Cold spell?! The ennui that descend upon long-time couples and spouses!" Raido: "The best cure is to spice things up." Raido: "The shape of those leaves..." Raido: "Cassava? It's a type of tropical root vegetable, and the skin and core of raw cassava root is said to be poisonous." Raido: "Aharen-san, I know you want some excitement, but..." Raido: "Wait!" Raido: "Tapioca is made from cassava!" Raido: "Aharen-san is trying to start her own tapioca milk tea business!" Raido: "But there's a lot of risk in building an enterprise around one beverage. She's bound to have more in mind..." Raido: "Mascot characters! She's going to make tapioca pearls into cute mascots with personality in order to develop a new customer base!" Raido: "Aharen-san's thirst for adventure knows no bounds! I was anxious about the risk and thought about letting her go it alone. But..." Raido: "Hold it right there. I can't believe you'd do this without telling me." Aharen: "You caught me." Aharen: "Sorry for keeping it a secret. I wanted to surprise you... And I've never done this before, so I was scared of messing up." Raido: "Don't worry about that stuff. If you're scared, I want to be there to help." Aharen: "Thank you." Raido: "We can tend to these together from now on." Aharen: "They bloomed nicely." Raido: "That worked out great." Raido: "I kinda noticed along the way, but these aren't cassava, huh?" Aharen: "These flowers are called lupinus." Raido: "Oh, lupinus. They sure are pretty, huh?" Aharen: "What they symbolize seemed a perfect fit." Raido: "What lupinus symbolizes..." Raido: "It's imagination, right?" Raido: "That is pretty appropriate." Raido: "Wait, hang on. They have another meaning, don't they?" Raido: "I think it's..." Raido: "Greed, right?" Raido: "I see." Raido: "Huh? Why are you puffing up all of a sudden?" Aharen: "You're so dense, Raido-kun." Raido: "Are you mad?" Raido: "Well... wanna head home?" Aharen: "I'm sorry I called you dense." Raido: "I wonder what Aharen-san was mad about yesterday. I still don't always understand her." Math Teacher: "Okay, that'll do for today." Raido: "All right. Another day done." Raido: "Close as ever, huh?" Aharen: "Come by later. I'll be waiting." Raido: "She asked me to come to the unused tea room." Raido: "Just the two of us. With no one else around. Maybe this is another thrill to get us out of the cold spell?" Raido: "She's just making tea normally. Wait, don't tell me, Aharen-san. Are you... Sen no Rikyu, the tea master who spread the art of the tea ceremony through the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods? There are theories that Rikyu used the intel he gained at tea circles to become the puppetmaster of Japan from the shadows! Is this your way of telling me you know all my secrets? Aharen-san, are you trying to blackmail me?! Do you like bell peppers, Aharen-san?" Raido: "I hate these things. Let's feed them to her." Raido: "I put my pants on backwards by accident! I need to hide it so no one notices!" Raido: "I won 300 yen in the lottery. Let's keep it quiet." Raido: "Aharen-san, just how much do you know about me?!" Raido: "But I know all the basics of a tea ceremony myself! You can't shake me down that easy!" Raido: "So bring it!" Raido: "This is just tea, huh?" Raido: "With sweets?" Raido: "What exactly is going on...?" Raido: "I know you want excitement, but a duel seems a little excessive!" Tobaru: "My head is still spinning..." Raido: "I like Aharen-san!" Aharen: "I like you, too, Raido-kun." Student: "Sensei! Are you okay?!" Tobaru: "I'm still not feeling right from the aftershocks of that great esteem eruption..." Miyahira: "Momo-chan." Tobaru: "What is that?" Raido: "Now wait a minute, Aharen-san!" Aharen: "Welcome, Oshiro-san." Oshiro: "H-Hello there. I'm really glad you invited me." Raido: "She called Oshiro-san? Is she going to be the referee? Is this duel really happening?!" Ishikawa: "Sorry about the holdup!" Sato: "We had cleanup duty." Sato: "Thanks for inviting us, Aharen-san!" Ishikawa: "You even made tea!" Sato: "Thanks for giving us permission to use the room and the equipment." Miyahira: "No trouble." Aharen: "You came early, Raido-kun, so I wanted you to test-taste the treats I made." Raido: "What about the duel?" Raido: "Actually, never mind." Aharen: "I was nervous since I've never done this before, but I'm glad you're all here." Aharen: "I wanted to share these with all of you." Raido: "That does sound good. It's more fun to enjoy stuff in a group. Let's have some tea, then." Sato: "Look at how the cherry blossoms are blooming!" Miyahira: "That's right. You're all going to be second-years soon." Raido: "Everything okay? You look worried." Aharen: "I... I was worried that I'd mess up a bunch and be all alone again in high school. But that didn't happen. Every day's been so much fun thanks to everyone who came today." Aharen: "So... I wanted to show how grateful I am." Raido: "I see. That's why you had the tea party." Raido: "Aharen-san?" Aharen: "I'm scared." Aharen: "What if I end up in a different class from you all?" Aharen: "I don't know if I'll be able to make friends with new people." Raido: "It'll be okay." Raido: "Even if we end up in different classes, I'll be there when you need me." Aharen: "The other meanings of lupinus flowers..." Aharen: "There are two more aside from the ones you mentioned." Raido: "There are?" Aharen: ""You bring me peace" and "I'm always happy."" Aharen: "Thank you..." Raido: "Besides, Aharen-san, it's not just me." Raido: "The others will be there, too." Ishikawa: "Hey, there they are!" Sato: "Miyahira-sensei thought you wanted to look at the cherry blossoms." Miyahira: "I called it, didn't I?" Raido: "Even if we're in different classes," Raido: "there's more than just school." Raido: "There're all kinds of people in the world." Raido: "Nice people." Raido: "Friends that you haven't met yet." Raido: "I'm sure there're lots of them." Aharen: "Thank you." Tobaru: "They look so happy together." Tobaru: "They're positively esteemgenic! I've been hanging on until now, but... it's too much!" Miyahira: "Momo-chan?" Sato: "Tobaru-sensei?!" Miyahira: "Momo-chan!" Oshiro: "I-I've got some tissues!"

Raido: "Upon starting high school, the first friend I made was the girl who sits next to me, Aharen-san." Raido: "There were some distance issues early on, which made things kind of awkward..." Raido: "But lately, I feel like I understand her a little better." Raido: "Oh, Aharen-san. Good mor...ning?" Episode Title: "Episode Two Are We Being Followed?" Raido: "What the heck happened to Aharen-san?" Raido: "Was she... in a fight?" Raido: "Did she get ambushed by guys from another school on her way here?!" Raido: "She's even closer than normal..." Raido: "Am I next?" Aharen: "I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Raido: "Oh, I'm okay. It didn't hurt. But what happened to you?" Aharen: "I got something in my eye. And since I had one eye shut, it was hard to gauge distances..." Raido: "So no street brawl with punks, then." Raido: "I've got some eye drops. Help yourself. Can you put them in yourself?" Raido: "Okay, Aharen-san, let me do it. Before it's all gone." Aharen: "Sorry. I'm no good with eye drops." Raido: "I get you. Go ahead and sit down." Raido: "Okay, here we go." Raido: "Um, Aharen-san..." Raido: "Open your eye." Raido: "Pardon me." Raido: "Hold still now, Aharen-san." Raido: "Is she scared of the eye drops?" Raido: "This calls for desperate measures." Aharen: "Squish..." Raido: "Don't move now, Aharen-san. I should get the dropper as close as possible... And squeeze it at the absolute last second." Raido: "But I've gotta be careful not to actually touch her eye..." Aharen: "Um... could you hurry it up, please?" Raido: "Oh, sorry." Raido: "Well? Did that get it out?" Raido: "Hmm? What'd you say?" Aharen: "Um, it's kind of embarrassing... to have your face so close." Raido: "Oh! Sorry." Raido: "She normally gets plenty close herself, though." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "You want to thank me?" Raido: "Don't sweat it. It was no big deal. I'm good for lunch." Raido: "I think I got something in my eye..." Aharen: "Let me return the favor for you." Raido: "Okay. Just be gentle." Raido: "Uh... could we maybe not do this instead?" Raido: "Aharen-san." Raido: "Wake up. We've gotta switch rooms for the next class." Raido: "Am I just imagining things?" Raido: "You don't need to pull, Aharen-san. We won't be late, even if we walk normally." Raido: "Is someone following us? I feel like I'm being watched lately... Could it be... a hitman?!" Raido: "No way. Have I ever done anything to make someone hold that kind of grudge against me?" Raido: "Surefire Raido Shot!" Raido: "Oh, crap..." Raido: "Man, I'm already stuffed. I'll just leave the bread in this desk." Sister: "That was my pudding! You're awful, Nii-chan!" Raido: "I can't believe I'm such a monster." Raido: "Well... since yesterday, I've had the feeling someone's watching me." Raido: "A-Aharen-san..." Raido: "Yeah! It's okay. I feel better now. S-So you can..." Raido: "That can't just be my imagination!" Raido: "She's way bigger than me! And ready to strike! No good! I'm done for!" Aharen: "Oshiro-san..." Raido: "You know her?" Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Oshiro: "It's okay now. I've calmed down." Raido: "So, why were you—" Aharen: "There, there. He's not scary." Raido: "Talk about high strung..." Oshiro: "R-Reina-chan... I mean, p-please stop trying to menace Aharen-san! She's so small and cute that bad guys will obviously try and prey on her! A-And as her childhood friend, it's my job to protect her!" Raido: "So she's watching over you." Oshiro: "In elementary and middle school, I was always there to protect Reina-chan..." Raido: "So she's a stalker, huh?" Oshiro: "But I've been so scared of you... that I couldn't bring myself to step in!" Oshiro: "So scared of you... scared... scared... scared..." Aharen: "There, there. You're not scary." Oshiro: "Don't, Reina-chan! You can't get near bad guys like him!" Aharen: "Raido-kun's not scary. And he's not a bad guy." Oshiro: "I-I-I'm... I'm sorry. But... now that he's entrapped you this much..." Raido: "Entrapped?" Oshiro: "I'll just have to... I'll just have to..." Raido: "You'll just have to what?" Oshiro: "I-I'll have to maintain a safe distance while continuing to keep watch from afar!" Raido: "This is rough in its own way." Raido: "Good morning, Aharen-san." Raido: "You sick?" Raido: "Are you gonna be okay? Make sure to take it easy." Raido: "What is it? What's wrong, Aharen-san?" Raido: "I can't even hear you this close now." Raido: "Did the cold mess your throat up?" Raido: "I'm sorry, Aharen-san. Class is starting, so we'd better settle down." Math Teacher: "Okay, let's continue where we left off yesterday." Raido: "I wonder what was up with Aharen-san just now. She was suddenly a lot more energetic than usual..." Raido: "Of course! She's feeling motivated." Raido: "Aharen-san must be all fired up today." Raido: "Okay, in that case, I had better keep up!" Math Teacher: "Who'd like to volunteer to come up and solve this?" Math Teacher: "Okay, Aharen." Math Teacher: "Yep, that's correct." Math Teacher: "I'm curious... What's the drawing for?" Raido: "Aharen-san is really on fire today. She's got me beat!" Art Teacher: "We'll be doing figure sketches today." Blackboard Sign: "Figure sketching" Art Teacher: "Which means we're going to need a model... Any takers?" Raido: "Okay, this time..." Raido: "A-Aharen-san?" Art Teacher: "Ah, looks like we've got two models ready to go! Let's have you model together, then." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Teacher: "I'm going to return your tests now. Raido." Raido: "Coming." Blackboard Sign: "Because we're friends" Teacher (2): "This will be our topic of discussion for the day. Raido." Raido: "Right." Bloackboard Sign: "Because we're friends I've changed as a person. But even so, it isn't always obvious when viewed from the outside." Raido: "I believe there are things that are hard to tell someone because they're your friend." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "Okay, ready to head home?" Raido: "You're even fired up about walking home, huh, Aharen-san?" Raido: "Uh, it's really hard to walk like this... Can't you walk next to me?" Raido: "I see." Raido: "Aharen-san's seemed kind of different today." Raido: "She's been standing in front of me, trying to get my attention..." Raido: "Could it be that she wants me to notice something?" Raido: "I get it now, Aharen-san." Raido: "I'm sorry that it took me all day to notice." Raido: "Aharen-san..." Raido: "You cut your hair, didn't you?" Raido: "What's wrong, Aharen-san?" Raido: "I'm back." Sister: "Welcome home, Nii-chan." Raido: "What was up with Aharen-san today?" Raido: "If she didn't cut her hair, then..." Sister: "Nii-chan, your fly's open! You perv!" Raido: "Is that what Aharen-san was trying to tell me...?" Sister: "Uh... Whoa, sorry. I didn't think you'd take it so hard." Oshiro: "I guess Raido-kun isn't here today." Oshiro: "Which means... I can look after Reina-chan as much as I want!" Oshiro: "I always used to sit next to her... I can't help noticing it doesn't look like she's heading home, even though class is over." Oshiro: "I know! I bet she forgot her umbrella." Oshiro: "There!" Oshiro: "Use mine, Reina-chan!" Oshiro: "It's not a bomb, Reina-chan!" Oshiro: "Yes! Take it!" Oshiro: "No one lost it, Reina-chan!" Oshiro: "The teacher gave my umbrella back... But how do I get Reina-chan to use it?" Oshiro: "Huh? She's gone... Is she in the bathroom?" Oshiro: "This is my chance to leave it on her desk." Banners [Doubled On Both Sides]: "H a i l B u d d h a H a i l B u d d h a Rest in Peace Rest in Peace" Oshiro: "It's not a cursed umbrella that comes back no matter what you do!" Lock Sign: "Seal Seal" Oshiro: "My umbrella!" Oshiro: "What do I do?! Now I can't go home either!" Oshiro: "She noticed me! I bet she's mad and thinks I was pranking her!" Oshiro: "She's coming after me!" Oshiro: "She's really slow, though." Oshiro: "But..." Oshiro: "Little by little!" Oshiro: "I'm being cornered!" Oshiro: "What do I do?! There's nowhere to run now! I know! I can hide on the roof!" Oshiro: "Huh?! It's locked!" Oshiro: "Sh-She's gonna yell at me!" Oshiro: "S-So you had an umbrella, huh, Reina-chan?" Oshiro: "I was trying to give you mine. I'm sorry I got scared and ran off." Oshiro: "And... I'm sorry you have to hold it so high. Are you okay? Is your arm tired?" Aharen: "I'm good." Oshiro: "She really doesn't seem like it! U-Um, I can hold it. You'll stay drier this way." Oshiro: "S-Sorry, Reina-chan. I guess it's too high up with me." Oshiro: "I guess we'll just have to wait for the rain to ease up." Oshiro: "Are you cold, Reina-chan? I'm sorry I got you wet!" Oshiro: "This is my spare sweater. Put it on." Oshiro: "I-It's kinda big, huh? I'm sorry." Oshiro: "I-Is she mad? Is this going to be like before?! Corporal punishment?!" Aharen: "Thank you." Oshiro: "But you got wet because of me..." Aharen: "You let me borrow your sweater." Aharen: "And I'm always grateful." Aharen: "Thanks for always walking home with us." Aharen: "You're usually too far away to hear me. I finally got to thank you." Aharen: "I appreciate it." Oshiro: "Reina-chan..." Oshiro: "Oh no! Don't tell me..." Oshiro: "She actually knew I was following her on the way home?!" Aharen: "The rain's stopped." Ishikawa: "Hey, Raido. You took yesterday off. What happened?" Raido: "Oh, my heart was just feeling a little creaky." Banners [Doubled On Both Sides]: "Rest in Peace Rest in Peace" Lock Sign: "Seal" Raido: "What in the world...?" Raido: "She's being even more cautious than usual, huh?" Raido: "Okay, you'll be black, Aharen-san. First move's yours." Raido: "Sorry, Aharen-san. I'm actually a Reversi super pro." Raido: "You're facing the Raido family's undefeated ten-time champion." Raido: "I've never lost to my sister once. I always leave her crying." Raido: "As much as I'd like to show mercy, this is war." Raido: "So I'm sorry, Aharen-san, but I'm going to give this all I've got!" Raido: "What is this aura?!" Raido: "Is Aharen-san a pro too?!" Raido: "Was that a divine move?!" Raido: "She sucks!" Raido: "How weird. She definitely had the aura of a champion..." Raido: "Wait, don't tell me..." Raido: "Aharen-san, were you holding back?" Raido: "You're a terrible liar, Aharen-san." Raido: "Why did you hold back?" Aharen: "I like this game a lot. And when I get serious, I get tunnel vision..." Aharen: "So I tend to hold back out of habit." Raido: "Aharen-san, I..." Raido: "I'd rather lose than have you let me win!" Raido: "This is supposed to be a contest." Raido: "I want you to come at me with everything you've got." Raido: "I want to fight you when you're being serious!" Aharen: "Are you sure?" Raido: "I am, Aharen-san." Raido: "Come on. This time, don't show me any mercy. Let's go!" Raido: "What a shame. Looks like we're out of time."

Raido: "I feel like my hair's gotten kind of long." Raido: "What the heck happened to you, Aharen-san?" Raido: "What in the world made her hair stand on end like that?" Raido: "Don't tell me..." Raido: "She's hardcore into death metal?!" Raido: "Aharen-san, no! Headbanging can injure your neck!" Raido: "Death metal is the embodiment dissatisfaction with society. Getting into is a sign of frustration with the status quo." Raido: "Which means..." Eptitle Sign: "Episode Three We're Changing Seats, Huh?" Raido: "Aharen-san." Raido: "If something's bothering you, do you want to talk about it?" Aharen: "Well, I had really bad bedhead this morning, and this..." Aharen: "I tried to fix it myself... but it didn't go well." Raido: "Is that all?" Raido: "Then let's fix it later." Raido: "I made it worse, huh? If one of the guidance counselors sees this..." Raido: "they'll shave her head!" Raido: "There's gotta be something I can do... I know!" Oshiro: "H-He found me!" Raido: "Wait a second!" Raido: "We need your help!" Oshiro: "You have bedhead...? Okay, I'll see if I can fix it. Let me get ready." Raido: "Kinda serious about this, huh? Oh? Oshiro-san, your house is a hair salon, and Aharen-san used to go there? This should work fine, then." Oshiro: "I'm going to give you a cut for a slightly different style, okay?" Oshiro: "Here goes." Raido: "Isn't that a bit much?" Raido: "That's not slightly different!" Raido: "Wait, Oshiro-san..." Oshiro: "If Reina-chan has a weird haircut, then that filthy pest will leave her alone!" Raido: "She's laughing!" Raido: "I'm sure of it. Run for it, Aharen-san! If you don't..." Raido: "That's a pretty nice haircut, huh?" Oshiro: "What do you think?" Raido: "Thank you, Oshiro-san. I haven't cut Reina-chan's hair in a long time, so it was nice." Aharen: "I'm going to the bathroom." Oshiro: "If you want... I-I can cut yours, too, Raido-kun." Raido: "I could save the cash my parents give me for a haircut..." Raido: "for me!" Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Oshiro: "Okay, I'm going to get started." Raido: "I leave it to you." Raido: "Bloodlust?!" Raido: "Wait... Is Oshiro-san..." Raido: "gonna shave me bald?!" Oshiro: "A-All done." Raido: "It's perfect. Thank you." Raido: "I'm sorry. I sorta thought you were so jealous of me that you might shave me bald." Oshiro: "Well, I am jealous of you, and I was thinking about shaving your head... But I don't want Reina-chan to get mad at me, so I didn't." Raido: "Well, I'm very glad that you didn't. Thank you." Reina: "Thank you. Do you want to eat lunch with us? You can have some of mine as thanks." Oshiro: "Thank you, Reina-chan!" Raido: "Meatballs for lunch?" Aharen: "Here." Aharen: "Thank you. This is for you." Raido: "That's not gonna reach." Oshiro: "I'm still too embarrassed!" Raido: "Your lunch always look so good. I'm really impressed that you make it every day." Aharen: "Thanks." Raido: "The hair problem's been solved. But with the way she's acting..." Raido: "I think Aharen-san still might be stressed out over something." Raido: "Aharen-san, is there anything else bothering you?" Aharen: "Ow." Raido: "What's wrong?" Aharen: "My hands are all dried out..." Aharen: "And it's not just my hands." Aharen: "My lips are, too." Aharen: "Could you take care of it for me?" Raido: "Lip balm?" Aharen: "My lips are cracked, so I'd appreciate it." Raido: "But... couldn't you apply it yourself?" Aharen: "Let's try." Raido: "Not great at judging distances when it comes to her face, huh?" Raido: "Okay, stop right there. I'll do it." Raido: "Pardon me..." Raido: "I see cracks on the edge of your mouth, too." Raido: "And some here." Raido: "I'll get those as well." Raido: "Here, too..." Raido: "That oughta cover it, I think. No! Bad job! What now? Has putting lip balm on always been this hard?" Raido: "At this rate, Aharen-san's going to be cracking all over!" Oshiro: "Um..." Oshiro: "Let me take care of it." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Oshiro: "Before we apply the lip balm, let's use some toner and moisturizer. And then the lips..." Aharen: "Thank you." Raido: "As good a job as ever, huh?" Oshiro: "I-It was nothing. Um, is it okay if I tidy up your eyebrows?" Oshiro: "Your eyelashes could use a bit of a curling, too." Oshiro: "Since you seem stiff, let's stretch you out." Oshiro: "And a massage to help your lymphatic system..." Oshiro: "Plus a little foot care." Raido: "She's getting the full course, huh?" Oshiro: "A-All done." Raido: "Do you happen to have any hand cream? Hers were pretty dried out." Oshiro: "I forgot!" Oshiro: "Here. You can put this on yourself, right?" Oshiro: "I used too much, so you two can have some." Oshiro: "O-Oh... Reina-chan! Thank you." Raido: "She's looking perfect now, but..." Raido: "Is there anything else bothering you?" Aharen: "Thanks for asking." Aharen: "Can I see your notes from the last lesson?" Raido: "Sure." Raido: "The person in front of me is so tall that I can't see the chalkboard." Raido: "I get it! She was doing that in an attempt to see the board." Raido: "The guy in front of her... He's been working out for the baseball team and getting bigger and bigger as a result." Raido: "I'm glad. I was worried something was wrong..." Raido: "Wait." Raido: "Not being able to see the board must be rough. Let me help out." Aharen: "Thank you." Raido: "First off..." Raido: "I stacked some extra desks to get you more height. You can see better now, right?" Raido: "You're too scared to concentrate now? You're afraid of heights?! Sorry!" Raido: "Sorry, Aharen-san... My arms have about had it..." Raido: "This lets you see the board, but it isn't good for taking notes." Raido: "Sorry. Now I can't see." Raido: "This ended up being the best option, huh?" Raido: "Plus, you can copy my notes easily." Aharen: "Thank you, Raido-kun. Whenever I have trouble seeing the board, is it okay if I come sit by you?" Raido: "Sure. Anytime." Miyahira: "Next week, we'll be moving seats in homeroom." Raido: "That's great, Aharen-san. As long as you're not behind someone big again, you'll be able to see the board." Raido: "This is for the best. I know that. We might not be able to talk as much as we have been once we change seats..." Raido: "But that's fine. No one stays around forever." Raido: "So I need to treasure this time I have left sitting next to Aharen-san!" Raido: "For one last week before we move..." Raido: "What can I do for her?" Gym Teacher: "We're playing softball for P.E. today." Gym Teacher: "It'll be a co-ed game. Let's start with warm-ups." Raido: "Excuse me. My usual partner is out today, so I'm on my own..." Gym Teacher: "That works out. One of the girls was left hanging, too." Raido: "Let's stretch, Aharen-san." Raido: "It'll be harder to help Aharen-san out like I have been once we change seats." Raido: "I'll make sure she gets a good stretch for the health benefits." Raido: "You okay?" Aharen: "I'm okay." Raido: "Are you really, though? I hear an awful lot of cracking." Aharen: "Harder, please." Raido: "Is that just how your body is? Are you sure you want me to push harder?" Raido: "Seriously, are you okay?" Gym Teacher: "Okay, that's enough warm-up." Gym Teacher: "We'll start the game now. Gather around." Raido: "Just how flexible are you, Aharen-san?!" Raido: "The score's tied, and it's the final inning. I'm pitching with two outs and the bases loaded. And batting is..." Raido: "Aharen-san!" Raido: "That's the infamous batting "scales" stance!" Aharen: "This is way more comfortable." Raido: "This is a serious showdown. Sorry, but I'm not holding back, Aharen-san!" Gym Teacher: "Ball!" Raido: "The umpire is being pretty strict, huh?" Gym Teacher: "Ball." Raido: "The strike zone is from the batter's armpit down to their knee..." Raido: "Hers is kinda small, huh?" Raido: "Aharen-san is calling a home run?!" Aharen: "My arm itches." Raido: "Don't lower your stance, Aharen-san! That gives me even less room to work with!" Raido: "But for her to go that deep... It shows how serious she is." Aharen: "This heat is making me droopy..." Raido: "If this is the last thing I can do for her before we change seats... I need to respond to her ardor in kind!" Raido: "Game on, Aharen-san!" Gym Teacher: "Ball!" Gym Teacher: "Ball! That's ball four." Crowd: "Wow! That was great!" Home Ec Teacher: "Today I want you to prepare a meal of your choice. Decide the menu among your groups and get cooking." Raido: "I don't know a thing about cooking. The rest of our group is Ishikawa and Sato-san..." Raido: "I have no idea how good they are either. But we'll be okay, because..." Raido: "we've got the expert chef Aharen-san in our group." Home Ec Teacher: "Go ahead and begin." Raido: "Okay, I'm counting on you, Aharen-san!" Raido: "Huh, that's probably a bad sign." Raido: "She's too worn out from P.E. to move." Raido: "This means I'll just have to..." Raido: "make something for Aharen-san so she'll have the energy to cook! If I can't fix plenty to feed her, I won't be able to feast on her cooking! Before we change seats, this is my chance to pay Aharen-san back" Raido: "for all the lunches she's shared with me!" Raido: "Going hard on something new totally tapped me out, too..." Raido: "I wish I could've had Aharen-san's meatballs... one last time..." Aharen: "Thanks, Raido-kun. I've got it from here." Aharen: "Aharen-san... She ate all of my cooking." Raido: "It's in your hands now..." Home Ec Teacher: "Even without any meat, this is an impressive job. You pass!" Ishikawa: "Great work, Raido, Aharen-san. Let's dig in now." Raido: "A-And fast..." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Aharen: "I wanted you to have some of my meatballs, Raido-kun... But there was no meat, so we couldn't make them during home ec." Aharen: "I appreciate the food, Raido-kun. Here." Raido: "Thank you. Don't mind if I do." Raido: "Um... I'm kinda stuffed since we ate during home ec... Could you please stop?" Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "What's wrong, Aharen-san?" Aharen: "Actually, I was hoping to ask a favor..." Raido: "What the heck's gotten into Aharen-san? She wants me to record these weird moves?" Raido: "Wait... is this like a U-Tube thing?" Raido: "Is Aharen-san recording this because she wants to become a U-Tuber?" Raido: "I understand the desire to become famous, but U-Tube is a harsh mistress." Aharen: "Thanks for recording for me." Raido: "Wait... Could it be, Aharen-san?" Raido: "That's her serious face!" Raido: "Aharen-san... you've found a dream, huh?" Raido: "In that case, I shan't deter you. Before we change seats, if this is the last thing I can do for you..." Aharen: "Why are you crying?" Raido: "I want to encourage your dream!" Raido: "I'll help any way I can, okay?" Raido: "From now on, my dream is making sure Aharen-san's dream comes true!" Aharen: "Really?" Raido: "Yeah. You name it." Raido: "We're rehearsing together?" Aharen: "It's easier to learn the choreography with two people." Raido: "Aharen-san wants me to become a U-Tuber, too!" Raido: "Me, a celebrity?" Raido: "It takes a lot of hard work to make a career out of something you enjoy. But still..." Raido: "I'm sure Aharen-san and I can pull it off!" Raido: "No sense fighting it. Time to go all in!" Raido: "Let's do a good job." Aharen: "Thanks." Raido: "If we keep working together on content," Raido: "we'll be able to keep hanging out after we've changed seats." Raido: "The two of us working hard to become U-Tubers... It's as good a way to spend my youth as any." Raido: "And eventually, we'll be Japan's... No, we'll be the world's most famous U-Tubers!" Raido: "We'll entertain people and enrich lives the globe over!" Raido: "Nailed it. This'll be our last dance before changing seats." Raido: "Okay, I think that does it. Looks like the footage came out nicely." Aharen: "You were a huge help. Thank you." Raido: "Don't be silly. We're just getting started." Raido: "The whole world is just waiting for me and Aharen-san!" Miyahira: "Okay, ladies, it's time for the original dances you were assigned last week. First up will be..." Miyahira: "Okay then! It was very weird, but very nicely done! You pass." Raido: "It was just for class, huh?" Raido: "This is the first video of Aharen-san and I dancing that we uploaded yesterday. The views could start climbing anytime now." Raido: "It could be going crazy viral." Raido: "This past week flew by." Raido: "But it's for the best. Changing seats will be a good thing for Aharen-san. And that's fine." Raido: "Aharen-san?" Aharen: "I'm kind of sad about sitting farther away from you." Raido: "It's okay. Even after we move, I'll still show you my notes. And I'm sure whoever you sit next to will be nice. Plus, we'll still get to walk home together." Raido: "This is for the best..." Raido: "It has to be!" Miyahira: "Okay, I think that's everyone in their new seats. I hope these work out for you all." Raido: "We didn't end up going anywhere, huh?" Raido: "And Aharen-san's still got a tall guy in front of her."

Tobaru: "Now then, let us begin. "Days pass swiftly, spent doing veritable servant's work..." Tobaru-sensei's a bit intimidating, but she's kinda mysterious, too, y'know? I even heard she has health problems. Ishikawa-san. No chatting." Ishikawa: "R-Right!" Tobaru: "I'll continue... "One must serve those held in esteem." This prose is so beautiful, no matter how many times I read it... I will brook no chit-chat interruptions." Tobaru: "The word "veritable" is used here to emphasize the feelings involved." Tobaru: "And the use of "esteem" indicates a positive sentiment. It's an expression of emotional gravitas." Tobaru: "Raido-san and Aharen-san are flirting in class!" Tobaru: "I should give them a warning..." Tobaru: "Those two... They're not flirting!" Eptitle Sign: "Episode Four Isn't That Overdoing It?" Tobaru: "He's sharing the book she forgot! Raido-san even positioned it so it would be easier for her to see." Tobaru: "A schoolboy's act of kindness toward a schoolgirl... You have my veritable esteem! Rarely do I witness anything so worthy of it! The sweet innocence of this pair of high schoolers... It's too esteemed for me to bear!" Ishikawa: "Sensei, are you okay?" Tobaru: "Forgive me. I was suddenly struck by the gravitas..." Tobaru: "This won't do! I must be more cautious. My passion for classical works of romance always gets me wound up when I see men and women together. And these two in particular... Despite their nonchalant appearance, I'm certain they're inextricably bound!" Tobaru: "It's all right! I must calm myself. They can't possibly get any closer..." Blackboard Sign: "Esteemed/Cordial" Tobaru: ""Cordial", like "esteemed," has another meaning these days." Blackboard Sign: "Esteemed/Cordial" Tobaru: "The classical definition was different. Does anyone know it?" Tobaru: "They're even closer together! She's practically on top of him now!" Ishikawa: "Um... Sensei? Are you sure you're...?" Tobaru: "My apologies. I just need a moment. My heart was just... overwhelmed by the esteem..." Tobaru: "And now..." Tobaru: "Aharen-san is returning his consideration. They're sitting so they can both see! And they're in perfect formation as a result! How veritably cordial!" Tobaru: "These children are so sweet... Esteemed and cordial!" Tobaru: "I need to focus on class before my heart gives out! And... thus... th-that is why..." Tobaru: "Wh-What's this? The boy in front of them is tall enough to block the board, hence Raido-san lifted her up so she could see! And with one arm, so that he can continue taking notes himself!" Tobaru: "What an act of kindness! It's... so esteemed... Esteem of the year!" Ishikawa: "Tobaru-sensei just collapsed!" Raido: "Maybe she really is in fragile health." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "Do you think Tobaru-sensei will be okay?" Raido: "Wh-What's wrong, Aharen-san?!" Raido: "She's not responding to me... Don't tell me... it's that!" Raido: "Demonic possession!" Raido: "Aharen-san's been taken over by the devil!" Raido: "Holy water?! Aharen-san is trying to cast the devil out! Go ahead." Raido: "You okay?" Aharen: "I was choking on some food. Thank you." Raido: "I need to understand what Aharen-san is trying to convey faster, or it could lead to real trouble. But... I don't think you could even generously describe her as "expressive."" Raido: "Aharen-san, we have to do something. Shall we practice being more expressive?" Raido: "You can count on me." Raido: "Let's begin with a basic smile. Make the same face that I do." Raido: "Okay, try it." Raido: "That's a good start. Next, we'll get your facial muscles flexible so it's easier to make expressions. I'm going to massage your face." Raido: "There. You feel less tense now." Raido: "Maybe a little too relaxed." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Movie Sign: "Advanced Screening Love, Tanks, and the Bon Festival Dance" Raido: "Next, we'll practice being emotionally moved." Usher: "Um, excuse me..." Raido: "I'm sorry... Could you give me a minute?" Raido: "Okay, let's keep trying new things." Raido: "This will be the finishing touch!" Raido: "I challenge you to a staring contest!" Raido: "Come on, Aharen-san! It's time to surpass your master!" Raido: "That's a hilarious face... But it's not enough!" Raido: "What's wrong, Aharen-san? You'll need a funnier face than that!" Raido: "A funny face?" Raido: "You win. I give up. Please stop making that face." Raido: "Congratulations, Aharen-san. I have nothing more to teach you. From now on, I'll be able to tell what you're thinking even if you don't say it." Raido: "Now smile!" Raido: "Let's compare with these older pics to see how you've improved." Raido: "No change at all, huh?" Raido: "Well, now that you've finished training, let's treat ourselves. I should be better at reading Aharen-san's expressions now. Let's see if I can guess what kind of CD she wants..." Raido: "Here we go!" Raido: "Rap?!" Raido: "Do you listen to much rap?" Raido: "You wanna try some?" Raido: "Good morning, Aharen-san." Raido: "How was that CD? Would you mind if I borrow it?" Aharen: "I'm still so tired, wish I was sleeping in the dark. Got me feeling like taking a sit by the park. Really hoping today's test gets delayed, 'cause I didn't study at all, in spite of what teacher said." Raido: "Did Aharen-san just rap?!" Raido: "Is this because of that CD from yesterday? She's a quick learner, huh?" Raido: "I get it! Rap has a strong backbone of personal expression. Versus other music styles, it's really message oriented. For someone like Aharen-san who has so much trouble finding her voice, this might be perfect!" Raido: "I've finally found the ideal way to communicate with Aharen-san!" Raido: "Now I just need to respond to her rap with some hot rhymes of my own!" Raido: "M-My name is R-Raido and I'm here to say... I'm walking to school... in a major way?" Raido: "Rap's kinda hard, huh?" Raido: "I'd better study up for Aharen-san's sake." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "Hey." Sister: "What?" Raido: "You're the little sis and I'm the big bro. Where's the respect, yo? Ain't you got none to show? Gotta remember to give me my props. I'mma keep at it until your dissing stops." Sister: "Huh? What are you doing?" Raido: "Ma!" Mother: "What is it?" Raido: "What're the sides on tonight's menu? If it's TBD, then I gotta choice few. You know the kinda veg I like to chew? Gimme that cabbage and bok choy, whoo!" Mother: "Is that right? Okay, then." Raido: "I did it! My dope rhymes left them both speechless. I've got this!" Raido: "Aharen-san." Raido: "Yo, yo, yo! Social studies is next on the sched. You got your books, or are you on a ledge?" Aharen: "I got it covered, with the test being en route. All the same, thanks for looking out." Raido: "We're doing it!" Raido: "Communicating like this, we can understand each other even better than before." Raido: "Rap is awesome! But..." Raido: "What kinda stuff you got in your lunch? It always looks good and you bring a bunch." Aharen: "Thanks, man. I made meatballs again today. Say, Raido-kun, want some coming your way?" Raido: "That isn't really what I was trying to say. Taking your lunch wouldn't feel right!" Aharen: "You don't want a bite?" Raido: "Actually? All right." Aharen: "You can sample whatever you like in sight." Raido: "If you're being so generous, I better be polite. This is what I was afraid of..." Raido: "Everything's turned into a freestyle battle!" Raido: "Yo, yo, yo, I can't take it all! I don't want you to get weak and fall!" Aharen: "I'm gonna eat some too, so don't worry." Raido: "Well then, let's both dig in—and hurry!" Aharen: "It's good to eat something nutritious." Raido: "Not only that, but also... delicious. Looks like there's no clear winner. We'll have to call it a draw." Aharen: "That was fun. Let's do it again." Raido: "Yeah. We'll use these mics to sling words at each other again." Teacher: "It's against school rules to bring in personal microphones." Raido: "Okay." Raido: "Well, it's not like we need mics to rap." Raido: "My name is Raido and I'm... uh... walking, yo? Back home is, er... where I... go? Now, you go." Aharen: "That's right, that's right, we're going home." Raido: "The mic's integral, huh?" Raido: "Thanks for breakfast." Raido: "I'm heading out." Sister: "Huh? What are you doing?" Sister: "Maybe I was a little too harsh yesterday... Oh, I know!" Raido: "Rapping didn't pan out..." Raido: "But I was still able to communicate with Aharen-san, so it's all good." Sister: "Nii-chan! I'm the little sis, you're the big bro, and I was a little cold yesterday, I know! So I got something to apologize, yo!" Raido: "Huh? What? What brought this on?" Sister: "I-I bought it because everyone in class had one... But I'm bored with it, so you can have it." Raido: "Thanks." Sister: "I'm heading out!" Raido: "A hand spinner, huh?" Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "I don't get it." Aharen: "Good morning." Raido: "Good morning." Aharen: "What's that?" Raido: "You play with it like this." Raido: "You wanna see?" Raido: "Okay, sure." Raido: "I think she likes it. That's good." Raido: "You can take it home if you want." Raido: "Is it really that interesting?" Tobaru: ""Cordial" has a positive connotation, and much like "esteemed," in Heian literary trends, it was heavily used as..." Tobaru: "Raido-san is staring at Aharen-san during class. I know they're close, but..." Raido: "How is she doing that?!" Raido: "It's one smooth trick into another! I can't tear my eyes away!" Raido: "No, now's not the time to be impressed! Aharen-san, you should put that away during class." Tobaru: "I was wrong! He's explaining the parts Aharen-san doesn't understand. And quietly, so as to avoid embarrassing her!" Tobaru: "What an act of kindness!" Tobaru: "Veritably cordial..." Ishikawa: "Are you okay, Tobaru-sensei?!" Raido: "Aharen-san, it's dangerous to do that while walking." Aharen: "I keep doing it without thinking..." Raido: "Are you serious? That's scary." Bg Girl 1: "Is this good or what?! Taiyaki" Bg Girl 2: "Mine's great, too!" Raido: "Aharen-san." Raido: "A-Aharen-san... You sure you're not overdoing it?" Raido: "She's totally addicted. I had better do something!" Raido: "I'm worried about Aharen-san's future..." Raido: "But if I just take it away when she's clearly hooked on it..." Headline Signs: "The Purpose of Life Without Hand Spinners She wailed, "I just wanted to spin it...!"" Raido: "What am I supposed to do?!" Aharen: "Thanks. I've spun it plenty, so you can have it back." Raido: "You were just trying it out and couldn't figure out what was fun about it?" Raido: "Oh. Okay, then. Yeah. Still, those moves..." Raido: "How do you do that?" Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Sister: "Nii-chan, you sure you're not overdoing it?" Raido: "A cool breeze, the rustling of the trees..." Raido: "It's nice how quiet that park is." Raido: "All that fidgety spinning has exhausted me lately." Raido: "A wild beast?! What's it doing in a place like this?" Raido: "Did it escape? They say that escaped animals can be really aggressive..." Raido: "Is it going to attack us?!" Raido: "The second I look away, it'll go for the jugular. I can't break its gaze!" Woman: "I'm so sorry! The leash just slipped out of my hand. This naughty little thing..." Raido: "The threat has passed." Raido: "It's safe now, Aharen-san." Raido: "Another wild beast?! Aharen-san's frozen in fear! I have to help her!" Raido: "What's that?! Have the locals gone into a bloodthirsty frenzy?! They've formed a war party to attack trespassers... This park isn't peaceful all! It puts the wild in wilderness!" Atsushi: "I'm first!" Kid A: "No fair, Akkun!" Kid B: "I'm gonna win!" Raido: "Calm down, me. Those are just kids. Aggressive as they might be..." Raido: "What's wrong, Aharen-san?" Atsushi: "It's King Aha!" Raido: "Do you know them, Aharen-san?" Atsushi: "I knew it was you!" Kid A: "Wow!" Aharen: "Remember the hand spinner?" Aharen: "I was playing with it in the park, and I guess they looked up to me." Aharen: "And now they treat me like this..." Atsushi: "King!" Kid A/B: "King!" Raido: "They declared you their king?" Atsushi: "King, what kind of moves do you have for us today?!" Kid B: "King!" Kid A: "King!" Atsushi: "Come on, please!" Raido: "Aharen-san doesn't know what to do. I'd better say something..." Raido: "Come on, kids, quiet down. You're clearly bothering Aharen-san." Raido: "There. That did it." Atsushi: "Who the hell are you? The king's new apprentice? We were first, y'know!" Kid A: "That means we outrank you." Kid B: "Go fetch us some juice." Raido: "Kids these days are terrifying!" utaba: "Hey! Akkun, you guys need to give it a rest!" Atsushi: "Ugh, it's Futaba... What's it matter to you?! Buzz off!" utaba: "Since I'm your childhood friend, I have to look after you!" Atsushi: "What's that even mean?!" Raido: "I don't fully understand, but I think we're safe now." utaba: "This is all your fault... Aharen Reina! It's because of you!" Raido: "Not safe after all, huh?" utaba: "She's seducing you, Akkun! Don't you see that?!" Akkun: "The king wouldn't do that!" utaba: "She totally is!" Raido: "That's enough of that, you two." utaba: "Who're you supposed to be? Do I need to set off my personal alarm?!" Raido: "No. Sorry." utaba: "I challenge you, Aharen Reina! You're gonna play me in Reversi, and when I beat you, you have to leave Akkun alone!" Raido: "Believe me when I tell you... you don't want to do this." utaba: "Seriously, who are you? Her apprentice? Do I need to call the cops?" Raido: "No. Sorry." Atsushi: "You only picked that 'cause you're good at it!" utaba: "Oh, shut up!" Raido: "Young lady. If you want to play against Aharen-san, you'll have to beat me first." utaba: "I guess you are her apprentice. You'll be black, then. You go first." Raido: "Right. This is where I show her, as an adult, how harsh the world can be!" utaba: "What was that? So much for all your big talk!" Raido: "Kids are really good at Reversi these days, huh? Aharen-san?" utaba: "So, the evil mastermind finally steps forward!" Raido: "She's serious. Aharen-san is going to avenge me!" Raido: "No way! Aharen-san lost?! At Reversi?!" Aharen: "I lost on purpose. I thought it'd get her to back down. You did the same thing, right?" Raido: "Y-Yeah. Of course. Who would get serious against a kid?" utaba: "You... You weren't that great at all! Looks like I win! Now you have to leave Akkun alone like you promised!" Atsushi: "The king lost on purpose. Can't you tell that?" utaba: "Wh-What'd you say?!" Atsushi: "Think about it! No one's so bad that they would lose every single piece!" Atsushi: "You're always bugging me! What's your problem?! Scram already!" Kid A/B: "Scram! Scram!" utaba: "Akkun, you jerk! I don't care anymore!" Atsushi: "What's with her? Well, whatever. King! Now we can—" Atsushi: "King...?" Aharen: "You went too far. Go apologize to Futaba-chan." Atsushi: "B-But..." Aharen: "You feel bad, right?" Aharen: "Then you can apologize." Atsushi: "O-Okay. I-I'm gonna apologize!" Atsushi: "I'm sorry, Futaba!" Raido: "That wrapped up nicely. Ready to go home?" Atsushi: "Seriously!" Raido: "Aharen-san?!" Aharen: "So much happened and now I'm exhausted..." Raido: "You okay? Are you gonna make it home?" Raido: "A giant beast!" Aharen: "This is our dog, Nui." Aharen: "Well..." Aharen: "See you tomorrow."

Raido: "O-Ow... Ouch! Come— Hey! What— A-ha-ren-san?" Aharen: "Sorry." Raido: "What's got you so worked up?" Raido: "That's..." Raido: "The monster collecting/breeding game, known as HokeKo for short... It was the big thing a few years back, and plenty of people still play it, but..." Aharen: "I recently heard it was popular. So I tried it out and got into it." Raido: "You heard that recently?" Raido: "Maybe she has no sense of distance with trends either." Eptitle Sign: "Episode Five Isn't That a Little Too Heavy?" Raido: "While we're here, why don't we battle?" Aharen: "I've never played against anyone." Raido: "It's okay. I haven't in a long time either." Raido: "Let's go ahead and start." Raido: "I'll choose... After generations of careful breeding and then expert management... Behold my dream 7V Yankeeras! And Aharen-san's throwing out a..." Raido: "Y-You sure you wanna go with that one? I see. Aharen-san only just started playing, so she must not have a stronger monster. Shoot... But this is my chance to get a win on Aharen-san! And it'd be rude to hold back. Okay, as the more experience player, I'll do the kind thing and blow her away with a single move!" Announcer: "Battle start!" Raido: "I have the upper hand in speed, so I go first! That did it! I finally managed to beat Aharen-sa—" Raido: "It's still standing? How?!" Raido: "That's... A single-use item that let's you survive a critical hit with 1 HP! I see. That's how she did it! I'm impressed you endured that. But now... An attack from such a low-level monster won't be strong enough to do anything to Yankeeras, the toughest monster of all!" Raido: "It's super effective, huh? How did she manage that?!" Raido: "I get it! That move lowers your opponent's HP to whatever yours is." Raido: "Impressive, Aharen-san. You've put up a great fight. But in this next turn, when my faster monster attacks first, it'll be the end for you! The time has finally come for me to beat Aharen-san at something!" Raido: "Turn two! Start!" Raido: "Now go, Yankeeras! We'll end this in one strike!" Raido: "Wait, what? Why is... Whoa, hey, wait—" Raido: "I lost..." Raido: "But how? How did she attack me first?" Raido: "I see! That was an attack designed to always land first! She staged a classic comeback from seemingly impossible odds! Everything went according to her plan... It was all a trap!" Raido: "She had me dancing in her palm!" Raido: "Aharen-san is truly impossible to fathom." Aharen: "I wanna go again." Raido: "What? Er, well..." Raido: "Sorry. I've had enough." Raido: "Aharen-san..." Raido: "Sorry, mind if we stop in for a bit so I can use the bathroom?" utaba: "There it is!" utaba: "That monster Akkun likes! If I give this to him for a birthday present, I'll win his heart!" utaba: "It's that wicked shotacon who's trying to lure Akkun away from me!" utaba: "Well, whatever. I'm too busy for her." utaba: "Oh, this? It's not for me or anything. It's for someone else. It'd be expensive to buy one, but this way, it'll probably only cost me 500 yen at most! How do you like that? Am I smart, or what?" utaba: "All right, you just stand there and watch! Witness my brilliant technique!" utaba: "This isn't how it was supposed to be... This is a scam! I'm calling the cops on this place! Someone get me the consumer rights center!" utaba: "Aharen Reina?! Hey! Don't butt in!" utaba: "Why's she giving me that "just you watch" face?! And she started off with 500 yen! She's flaunting her financial advantage... That's so nasty! Fine! Let's see how far you get... Which'll be nowhere! Because it's rigged!" utaba: "Aharen Reina... You'd win all those just to show off?! How rotten can you be?!" Coupon Sign: "1 FREE CRANE GAME" utaba: ""One free crane game"?" utaba: "Here. You dropped this." utaba: "What are you doing?! Are you trying to give me the ticket?!" utaba: "I'm getting one as a present for Akkun. So I have to win it myself! I won't take your charity!" Aharen: "I see. Sorry. Thanks for picking that up for me." utaba: "It's fine. Just watch this. I'm going to grab it on my last try." utaba: "There's one in the perfect position... I bet that dummy overlooked it! But this is my last try... I can't mess it up! How should I move...? Oh, of course." utaba: "She didn't realize I could just copy her! What a knucklehead!" utaba: "Did you see that, Aharen Reina?! I got one!" utaba: "What's that supposed to mean?! You don't think I'm a threat?! Fine, then! I'm done with you anyway! I'm going home! I'll remember this!" utaba: "Still, that Aharen Reina really is dumb! She ignored one in the perfect spot," utaba: "and she kept showing me her technique..." utaba: "Did she... do that on purpose?" utaba: "She better not expect me to thank her..." Raido: "Sorry for the wait, Aharen-san." Raido: "I see you made out at the crane game again. Nicely done." Raido: "What? For me? Nah, that's okay. You gave me a ton before..." Raido: "I'm sorry, Yankeeras! I couldn't protect you!" Raido: "Good morning, Aharen-san." Aharen: "Uh... did something happen?" Raido: "Huh? I'm the same as usual." Aharen: "Did you put on some weight?" Raido: "What's wrong, Aharen-san?" Aharen: "It's nothing." Book Title: "A Diet So Simple Even a Monkey Can Do It" Raido: "Good morning, Aharen-san." Aharen: "You didn't see anything, did you?" Raido: "Hmm? What do you mean?" Aharen: "Oh... It's nothing." Raido: "I'm sorry, Aharen-san... but I did see you reading that book about dieting." Book Title: "A Diet So Simple Even a Monkey Can Do It" Raido: "Is Aharen-san feeling self-conscious about her weight?" Raido: "Unnecessary restrictions can be bad for you... And more than anything, I don't see how she needs to lose weight. But even if I tell her that, there's no guarantee she'll listen." Raido: "A Diet Even a Seal Could Do! In that case, the least I can do is make sure she does this the healthy way!" Bag Signs: "Asahiya Potato Chips Salted Protein Supplement" Raido: "Aharen-san, I think you're fine the way you are." Raido: "Still... I don't want to deny any desire you might have for self-improvement. So I'll be rooting for you." Raido: "To that end... A Diet Even a Seal Could Do! I recommend this book if you're thinking about starting a diet." Aharen: "I wasn't really thinking about dieting." Raido: "Oh... Okay." Miyahira: "Okay, everyone in your seats." Miyahira: "We'll be having exams next week. I hope you'll all do your best. Anyone who fails must retake a supplementary make-up exam, so do your best." Sato: "Okay..." Raido: "A make-up exam? Thinking back on last time..." Raido: "When trying to find my rank, it was faster... to start at the bottom." Raido: "And I haven't studied at all this time either! This is bad, huh?" Raido: "That's Aharen-san for you. She looks totally serene. She's not at all worried about exams. That royal dignity is the privilege of having actually studied! I know! I could have her help me study." Raido: "Maybe she could be my saving grace!" Raido: "Aharen-san." Raido: "Would you like to start studying after school?" Raido: "We can cram together and help each other understand things we don't get. Rest assured this is not because I haven't been studying at all and am totally doomed otherwise! It's a win-win arrangement!" Raido: "Okay! Let's find someplace quiet we can study after class." Raido: "The library's quiet, so it's good for studying." Atsushi: "King Aha! Awesome! She's studying!" utaba: "Hey! Aharen Reina, I challenge you in math!" Atsushi: "Why would the king even bother?" utaba: "Th-This is none of your business, Akkun!" Atsushi: "Sure it is! I'm her number one apprentice!" Raido: "I guess this is the best option after all." Aharen: "This is nice. I haven't been studying at all. I'm glad we could do it together." Raido: "Wait, you haven't?" Raido: "You looked ready to go. I thought you were all set." Aharen: "I was just freezing in the face of doom." Raido: "I see... Then let's compare our previous tests, and whoever scored higher will be the tutor for that subject." Raido: "She did better than me in everything, huh?" Ishikawa: "Ugh, I hate being on cleanup duty!" Ishikawa: "And exams start tomorrow... Let's split up and finish this stat." Sato: "We'll do the floor. Can you two handle the rest?" Raido: "Got it. Well, let's get started, Aharen-sa—" Raido: "Aharen-san?! You came prepared, huh?!" Aharen: "I love cleaning, and I'm good at it. I've got this." Raido: "A secret weapon?!" Raido: "Is Aharen-san..." Raido: "going to destroy anything she can't reach in a fury?!" Raido: "Oh, that's how it works." Raido: "She's pretty hardcore about this, huh?" Raido: "She said she was good at it, but she's acting like a professional." Raido: "Could it be that Aharen-san... comes from a family of assassins?!" Raido: "She's been trained since birth to be an underworld "cleaner"! Her lack of expression comes from being trained to suppress her emotions!" Raido: "And now that I know her identity... she's going to clean me up next!" Aharen: "All done." Sato: "This stain just won't go away..." Raido: "She's mixing up a suspicious liquid! Don't tell me... Is she going to poison me?" Ishikawa: "Wow, this cleaning solution is really killing the dirt!" Sato: "Thanks so much, Aharen-san!" Aharen: "She really does just like cleaning, huh?" Sato: "We're all done, so we're heading out." Raido: "Okay. We're just about done, too." Sato: "See you!" Raido: "Once we're finished, let's study some more." Aharen: "I'll put the shelves back. Raido-kun, you put the podium back." Raido: "That bookshelf is kinda big... Are you sure?" Raido: "Aharen-san's really into this." Raido: "That was a close one. Aharen-san, are you okay? You're not hurt, right?" Raido: "Thank goodness. It'd be a real mess to get injured right before exams..." Aharen: "Um, are you okay?" Raido: "Me? I'm fine." Aharen: "I'm sorry." Aharen: "This depends on what goes here..." Raido: "Oh, I see. That's the part you mentioned. Okay, in that case..." Raido: "Hey, that's everything on the test. We've covered all the material. Now I'll be a lot more confident going into exams tomorrow." Raido: "Thanks. I only got it all done with you tutoring me, Aharen-san." Raido: "Huh? What was that?" Raido: "Hey... Aharen-san? Wh-What is it?" Aharen: "This is the first time..." Aharen: "The first time I was able to help you. I'm so happy." Aharen: "You're always doing so much for me..." Aharen: "And I'm always relying on you and causing you trouble." Aharen: "Even earlier... I was trying to do the cleaning on my own because I'm good at it, but I still made trouble for you." Aharen: "So... I'm glad I finally got to repay you." Raido: "It's okay. I've never felt like you were trouble." Raido: "Besides, this wasn't the first time." Raido: "You're always helping me, Aharen-san. I rely on you as well." Raido: "Thank you for everything." Aharen: "Yeah. Thank you, too." Raido: "Let's do our best on our exams." Raido: "Let's do our best on our exams." Raido: "Okay... Uh..."

Miyahara: "Today is a special class. You're free to use the pool as you like." Raido: "As we like?" Raido: "What should I do?" Aharen: "Raido-kun." Raido: "Aharen-san? Good timing. Why don't we..." Raido: "That's some gear, huh?" Eptitle Sign: "Episode Six Are We Too Good?" Aharen: "The water poses great danger." Raido: "Yeah. That is true. But the pool's pretty shallow. I think we'll be good. I'm here, too, so don't worry." Aharen: "Okay." Raido: "W-Wanna try swimming?" Raido: "Are you ready?" Raido: "And... go!" Raido: "A-Are you okay? Did your leg get caught on something?" Aharen: "Sorry. I can't swim." Raido: "That explains the whole setup..." Raido: "Sorry." Raido: "If you want, I can teach you how to swim." Raido: "Just watch." Raido: "Come to think of it... I'm bad at swimming, huh?" Raido: "Oshiro-san, you're pretty good in the water." Oshiro: "Yeah. I swim a bit on the side. Would you like me to teach you?" Raido: "Thanks. That'd be a big help." Oshiro: "I think you two should be okay now." Raido: "Thanks." Raido: "You're a good teacher." Oshiro: "Say, I know. How about a test?" Raido: "Sure. Since we're here, why don't we have a race?" Raido: "I'm up against Aharen-san, who only just learned how to swim..." Raido: "I can win this." Oshiro: "Get ready. And... go!" Raido: "Can you match my speed, Aharen-san?!" Raido: "I don't see her!" Raido: "Victory is mine!" Oshiro: "Were you under the surface that whole time?" Aharen: "I can't get the hang of breathing, so I did it all in one breath." Raido: "Aharen-san... don't you need to... breathe more?" Ishikawa: "Sorry! I left my paddles behind..." Raido: "Mind if we borrow them for a bit?" Raido: "A sky-high serve?!" Raido: "Could Aharen-san be..." Raido: "a ping-pong girl?!" Raido: "So she sucks at ping-pong, huh?" Raido: "Come to think of it..." Raido: "Have I ever beaten Aharen-san even once?" Raido: "This could be my best chance at beating her." Raido: "I'm going all out, Aharen-san!" Raido: "We're evenly matched." Raido: "Whoever makes the best serves has this in their pocket." Raido: "So be it. I didn't see myself breaking out my secret weapon so soon, but..." Raido: "I nailed my ultimate serve." Raido: "You drop the ball onto your paddle. All you need to do is adjust the angle and the serve will land all on its own." Raido: "I call it... the Newton Serve!" Raido: "Aharen-san hasn't figured out serving. I've got this!" Raido: "Impossible! Is she..." Raido: "using the Newton Serve?!" Raido: "I had no idea Aharen-san was so talented at mimicry!" Raido: "She was able to return the Newton Serve?!" Raido: "Aharen-san's getting better!" Raido: "In the middle of a match!" Raido: "What a coincidence..." Raido: "So am I!" Raido: "We're at match point now." Raido: "And this ball will decide who has the advantage!" Raido: "A serious competition..." Raido: "This rally couldn't be more intense!" Aharen: "Rallying like this is fun." Raido: "With Aharen-san..." Headline Signs: "A Doubles Pair Unlike Any Other The Greatest Team Ever! A Historically Incredible Duo" Raido: "I feel like I could aim for the top of the world!" Raido: "The ball's falling on my side!" Raido: "God Breath!" Raido: "That's the end of the game. I guess it's a draw." Raido: "I've made a decision, Aharen-san." Raido: "Let's take on the world together." Sato/Ishikawa: "We did it!" Sato: "That was great!" Raido: "The hurdle for global competition... is high, huh?" Ishikawa: "Yeah!" Raido: "Bowling? This could be the perfect chance for me to settle the score after our ping-pong game!" Raido: "Wanna go bowl?" Raido: "What...? She chose the heaviest ball— the sixteen pounder!" Raido: "I can't back down." Raido: "What a coincidence. I went with the same weight." Scoreboard Sign: "Aharen Raido" Raido: "That stance..." Raido: "It's the two-handed throw that was the standard in pro bowling for a time!" Raido: "I'm sure of it! Aharen-san must be a bowling prodigy! She's a ten-pin angel descended from on high upon the chaotic lanes of our world!" Raido: "A-Are you okay?! You're not hurt, are you?" Aharen: "So heavy..." Raido: "You had no idea what you were doing," Raido: "so you just picked a ball at random? You've never been bowling before?" Raido: "Let's get you a lighter ball, then." Raido: "Victory will be mine this time." Aharen: "I did it." Raido: "She's really good for a first-timer, huh?" Scoreboard Sign: "Aharen Raido" Raido: "But I can't let her beat me. Things haven't been going my way," Raido: "but now it's time to nail this set!" Raido: "That toss seems too good, huh?" Scoreboard Sign: "Aharen Raido" Raido: "If I can knock over just one more pin, I'll win. But my arms are reaching their limit after throwing this heavy ball so much." Raido: "Nevertheless, it's time for my arms to surpass their limits!" Raido: "Our bowl-off ended in a draw, too..." Raido: "Basketball? I know! Now that the feeling in my arms is back, we can settle things with this." Raido: "We've got basketball in P.E. tomorrow, right? Wanna play a little for practice?" Raido: "She's all fired up, huh? Okay, we'll play one on one, first to three points. One point for scoring a basket, and one point for taking possession. How's that sound? Here I come, Aharen-san!" Raido: "The shot!" Raido: "Aharen-san..." Raido: "kinda sucks at basketball, huh?" Raido: "I can win this!" Raido: "At long last, I'll be able to settle my rivalry with Aharen-san!" Raido: "Okay! I've made all three shots!" Ren: "Your turn, Aharen-san." Raido: "Here she comes! She vanished?!" Aharen: "I got one." Raido: "No, that's not what happened. In reality..." Raido: "she fell! She's already small, and when she slipped, she was in my blind spot!" Raido: "Impressive, Aharen-san..." Aharen: "Here we go." Raido: "But I will stop you this time!" Raido: "When did she— She's so fast! Wait, no! Because of her size, I misjudged how far away she was! Still..." Raido: "I won't let you get to my left or right!" Raido: "Under the legs?!" Aharen: "I missed. I lose." Raido: "I finally won..." Raido: "But you've got amazing potential, Aharen-san." Raido: "Aharen-san." Raido: "If we work together, I know we'll be unstoppable." Raido: "Let's take the world on at basketball!" Raido: "Tomorrow's game during P.E. will be our first step." Raido: "The hurdle for global competition really is high, huh?" Muscle Guy: "Go to hell, you bastards!" Raido: "Go to..." Raido: "After watching that movie yesterday, I've got an appetite for destruction!" Raido: "But it's not like there'll ever be a zombie outbreak in Japan." Raido: "Perfect!" Raido: "Mind if I play?" Raido: "You wanna play, too?" Aharen: "Can I?" Raido: "Yeah, of course." Raido: "The screen's kinda high for Aharen-san, huh?" Raido: "You're too close. Try backing up some." Raido: "Aharen-san's never played this game before." Raido: "She's delicate like a tiny herbivore. I'll have to protect her! Bring it on, you zombie scum!" Raido: "Aharen-san's on her own now..." Raido: "At this rate..." Raido: "she's doomed. She'll be helplessly turned into zombie food!" Raido: "Look! She's already surrounded!" Raido: "A headshot?!" Raido: "At that range?! Wait, her terrible sense of distance must allow her to aim perfectly, no matter how far away!" Raido: "Is she giving me a credit to get back in the game?" Raido: "No! She's dual-wielding!" Raido: "I think I've picked up Aharen-san's trouble at gauging things." Raido: "I know that she's tiny..." Raido: "but she seems like a giant right now!" Raido: "Need the bathroom?" Raido: "Okay, I'll play in the meantime." Raido: "Huh?" Raido: "Aharen-san? I thought you went to the bathroom." Raido: "No way!" Raido: "Aharen-san's never made a face like that before!" Ren: "Um..." Raido: "Does she have amnesia?! Has she forgotten all about me?! It's me! You remember me, don't you?! Raido! Oh, Raido-kun?" Raido: "Thank goodness! She remembers me." Raido: "Are you having trouble with the crane game? Do you want me to get it for you?" Raido: "Still... for Aharen-san to have trouble with a crane game..." Ren: "Wow!" Ren: "You got it in one try! You're amazing, Raido-kun!" Raido: "Something's definitely different. The trouble with her memory must be affecting her personality! At times like this..." Ren: "Let's play over here next!" Raido: "It's best to go along with the patient without arguing." Ren: "I lost! This sucks!" Raido: "But she was blowing them away just earlier!" Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Ren: "I did it!" Ren: "Yeah!" Ren: "Gosh, Raido-kun, you always make the same face! You should smile more! Come on!" Raido: "Wike dis?" Ren: "No, more like this." Raido: "Wike dis den?" Ren: "That's funny!" Ren: "Laughing made me hungry." Shirorin: "Shirorin!" Raido: "You're okay with only half a taiyaki?" Ren: "Yep. That's enough. If I eat a whole one, I get so full I can't eat dinner." Raido: "Aharen-san..." Raido: "Just who are you?" Raido: "You're clearly not the Aharen-san I know. A lot has made me feel that way today," Raido: "but above all else..." Raido: "Aharen-san could never be that light of an eater. Yet you look just like her, you know who I am, and you responded right away when I called you by her name." Raido: "The only conclusion that leaves me with..." Raido: "is that you're a body double! You were raised to act as a decoy for Aharen-san! What have you done with her?!" Aharen: "Raido-kun." Raido: "No way! Aharen-san..." Raido: "Are you a clone?! Are there dozens of you out there?!" Raido: "Which Aharen-san are you...?" Aharen: "Ren-chan." Ren: "Onee-chan!" Raido: ""Onee-chan"?" Ren: "Yep! Reina-neenee's my big sister." Aharen: "You always put my uniforms on..." Ren: "Sorry!" Aharen: "This is my little brother, Ren." Ren: "I'm Ren! I'm in fourth grade! I've heard all about you!" Aharen: "Were you having fun with Raido-kun?" Ren: "Yeah! He's really nice, just like you said. He thought I was you, so I went along and we had fun together!" Raido: "So that's it." Ren: "Yeah! Sorry for playing a trick on you!" Raido: "Oh, it's fine. Don't worry about it." Ren: "Nice to meet you!" Raido: "Nice to meet you." Ren: "I'm gonna go home first, okay?" Raido: "That's her little... brother." Aharen: "Thanks for playing with Ren today." Raido: "Sure." Raido: "It's kind of cold out, huh?" Aharen: "I run hot, so I'll warm you up." Raido: "Th-Thanks. I'm warmer now, so... Y-You can let go." Raido: "You didn't have to go that far." Aharen: "Why are you always putting on my clothes, Ren-chan?" Ren: "Because your clothes are so cute! I love them. Should I stop?" Aharen: "It's fine."