Summary
Resuming from last week, Masaki makes it back home and the game is called in the 7th inning. Seidou has successfully progressed to the fourth round matches. On Seidou’s side, everyone is celebrating, while Yurakou is mostly in tears.
As the teams line up to pay respects to each other, Yurakou’s third years tells Seidou that they were happy to have faced a team like Seidou as their last opponent in their high school baseball years. In response, Zono tells that Yurakou really made them sweat in the first part so they were strong opponents themselves. Miyuki then adds that “not to mention, weren’t my pitch calls being read?”. Yurakou responds that that was their 野球妖怪 (baseball demon) coach. However, even though they knew what the pitches were, they could not do anything about them in the second half anyway. The conversation ends with Yurakou telling them to beat Inajitsu and make it to Koshien.
At the stands, the reporter duo is applauding with the rest of the audience. Although Seidou was initially caught going in Yurakou’s pace, they weren’t affected by it. After this first match, starting with their new ace, Mine wonders how Sawamura plans to use today’s experience going forward. Furuya has yet to play in the tournament, but Seidou has progressed onward as expected, together with Yakushi, Inajitsu, and Sankou.
Outside the stadium, Kataoka is seen talking with Sasaki. Sasaki mentions that they lost in the end due the strength of Seidou’s players. He had also expected things to drag out a little longer with the starting pitcher since Furuya was still in the bench. He commends Kataoka on his quick decision, and Kataoka responds that he had wanted to switch out Sawamura at a better spot since he is the ace, but there were other players who were ready to play to their strengths then. He continues that the third years really pushed the team forward today.
Sasaki responds that a truly strong team is one that has several players who are able to move without being given directions. He adds that Kataoka has built a good team, and takes his leave. Kataoka is visibly surprised by the compliment and bows in respect. However, Sasaki suddenly turns around and says, “By the way, about your starting pitcher…”
The scene cuts to Hachiyaouji’s game where the captain, Kawabata Masanori (川端
雅紀), who plays second base, executes an excellent catch while sliding and throws to first base while getting up, succesfully outing the batter. Kanemaru is amazed that he was able to make such a play especially since that hit should have been in the outfield territory.
Miyuki comments that Sousei’s Nara (奈良) and Hachiya-ouji’s Kawabata are famous for their defense skills and fighting for the top spot in Tokyo. Hearing this, Kawamochi tells Haruichi that he certainly does not lose to them, so they should just prove who the number one second baseman in Tokyo is in the upcoming matches. He adds that he is, of course, the number one short stop. After all, their goal is to be Japan’s top combo.
Miyuki, Nabe and Furuya are discussing the match on the side. Nabe comments that their first 3 batters in the lineup are fast runners and bats left. The ones who moved down the lineup previously hit as cleanup members so their lineup has been reinforced. Miyuki continues that they were originally a defense-heavy team, but they have been working to strengthen their offense power during the off season. As a team, they are all fast runners. He instructs Furuya to pay attention and observe their players.
On the other end, Sawamura is sitting off by himself and observing the game. However, Okumura, who was sitting behind him, suddenly speaks up and mentions that his performance today was a far cry compared to the match with Seihou. He asks Sawamura if it was because of the pressure due to it being the first match of the season.
Sawamura responds that it hasn’t really sunk in yet what exactly caused him to be so flustered. Unknowingly, he ended up doing more than what he should have. He acknowledges that everyone in the team is fighting for that one win, so it was no surprise he was switched out due to the pitching he did.
Okumura then asks if Sawamura slept well the previous day. He responds that he actually woke up very early. Then Okumura asks if he ate breakfast, and Sawamura responds that he did but not much. Then Okumura asks if he heard the cheers from the bench and Sawamura reponds that he probably did.
On the side, Toujou and Kanemaru are observing the interaction and Toujou comments that Okumura seems to be providing “counseling?” to Sawamura. Kanemaru then comments that despite how things may seem, those two do get along really well.
Sawamura continues that this is the summer tournament and watching Yura’s players cry, he could not lightly say “the next time (would be better)”, but he wants to contribute to his team with his pitching.
Hearing that, Okumura responds that he is willing to accompany Sawamura whenever he needs. The chapter closes with Sawamura commenting that Okumura seems more like a husky than a wolf today.
Originally serialized in Shuukan Shounen Magazine Issue #14, 2019.
All images are copyrighted by Terajima Yuuji / Kodansha.
Scoreboard
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 計 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 由良 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| 青道 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2✕ | 10 |
Thoughts
Once in a while, I really like a chapter like this that allows some interaction between the characters and develop on their relationship, particularly in preparation for future matches. There’s some inner reflection on Sawamura’s part - he is still struggling with the events of the day, but at the same time, there is a realization that the expectation on his part from the team is his pitching.
I think it was a cute how Sawamura thinks Okumura is like a husky. What is it with this kid and animal names?!
Amusingly, Yurakou would encourage Seidou “to defeat Inajitsu and make it to Koshien”. Is there no love for Inajitsu?!
Looks like the next match will focus on Furuya, his first tournament match after his recovery, and well as Kuramochi-Haruichi combo, to prove that they are the best in the Tokyo area! I must say that I have high expectations for the upcoming match.
Sadly, the author is taking a break next week so it’ll be another two weeks before we see what happens next.