Subject: Kimagure Orange College Episode #22 [FanFic] From: stsai@netcom.com (Stephen Tsai) Date: Mon, 14 Nov 1994 03:35:21 GMT Message-ID: Kimagure Orange College [Writer's foreword: This is the twenty-second episode of a fan- fict series based on the characters in Kimagure Orange Road. They are intended to take place after the movie, "I Want to Return to that Day", and follow the characters Kasuga Kyosuke and Ayukawa Madoka as they start the next phase of their lives in college. If you missed the previous episodes, notes about the new characters, and previous events are listed after the ending credits. In addition, previous episodes are available at the ftp.std.com ftp site. One thing I would like to say up front: Although I have graduated from college, my experience is in the American college system and culture. The span of my experience in the Japanese advanced education system is limited with what I can pick up watching anime, reading manga, and consulting with friends, pen pals and anime clubs. Any mistakes, inconsistencies, etc. are neither intentional nor are they meant to show disrespect for the Japanese education system. In fact, I would appreciate any constructive criticisms, corrections, and insight any readers might offer me. Mail all such letters, praises or flames to stsai@netcom.com.] Episode 22 - Hardball! For the pride of Seishun-kan! [Fade into Seishun-kan's* front yard. Autumn leaves cover the lawn as a cool breeze blows. Drying clothes hang unattended on the line as no activity is apparent outdoors. However, behind the house, the sliding door to the manager's room is open to allow fresh air inside.] *House of youth Kasuga Narration: With the fall season coming to a graceful end, we all looked forward to the first signs of the coming winter. However, Ooya-san* had other ideas. The other tenants and I found ourselves recruited to participate in the renters' baseball tournament, scheduled to take place during the last half of the local sports tournaments that started on Taiiku no Hi**. We were told that participation was...expected. *Owner **Athletics Day (October 10-Established to commemorate the Tokyo Olympic Games, which were held Oct 10-24, 1964.) [Fade to Egami's room/office in the boarding house. Ledgers, papers, and receipts are carefully filed away on shelves and the normally cluttered desk is cleared of papers. Seated in front of the desk are Katsu and Kasuga.] Egami: [While pacing back and forth.] ...and finally we must because we are a team! [Meaningful tone as he stops pacing and faces Katsu and Kasuga.] I'm sure I can count on your best efforts! Kasuga: [Unsure.] But...I didn't play baseball in school. I mean...we're not athletes or anything. Katsu: [Nods.] We have classes too. Anyway I don't think either of us have the experience to guarantee success. Egami: [Interrupts.] Nonsense! I checked on both your backgrounds when you applied to rent last spring. [Turns to Katsu.] You were runner-up for your prefecture in the junior-high tournament! Katsu: That was tennis! Egami: [Turns to Kasuga.] And you're not supposed to be that bad an athlete yourself. Skiing, tennis "A" class...I understand you even once tried out for the karate class! Kasuga: [Protests die in his throat.] Aa ahh...[To himself as he remembers the bruises.] He's thorough with his research, that's for sure... Egami: So it's decided! With our team this year, we cannot lose! We will avenge last year's loss with triumph! Katsu: Last year's? But I heard you lost 17 straight tim... Egami: [Blusters.] Th-that's why we must build a new image! Our new team will blaze our team name to a trail of glory that will wipe out that humiliation! [Cut to the main hallway downstairs. Katsu and Kasuga walk out quietly, trying to ignore the look Sakurai gives them. Fujimoto watches patiently as both Katsu and Kasuga sit down on the inside step.] Sakurai: Told you. Katsu: Urusai...* *Be quiet... Kasuga: Taking it a little too seriously isn't he? Sakurai: He's like this every year. Fujimoto: This is the one time of year he extols "For the pride of Seishun-kan" over the rent payments. Kasuga: I thought Sakurai-san said it was "Yujou-kan."* *House of friendship. Sakurai: He changed it this year. He figures the name is cursed or something. Kasuga: What? Sakurai: Egami-san calls it "The Curse of Takemoto". He was a former tenant, and some say the best baseball player we ever had. He was the one who came up with the name "Yujou-kan". After a while, there was a dispute over the rent money and Takemoto-san was evicted. The boarding house hasn't won a tournament since. Fujimoto: Isamu-san can be so superstitious. [Laughs.] I'm sure we'll do well this year. Sakurai: [Dubiously.] If you say so. Katsu: Come on, it's just a coincidence. There's no such thing as curses or spooks. [Smiles.] Right Kasuga? Kasuga: Sure. [To himself.] Although there was that time up in the mountains*. [Nervously changes the subject.] Fujimoto-san, how does this renter's tournament work? *KOC Episode 10 Fujimoto: Let's see...as I understand it, each rental property is to field a team from its tenants. In the event of a property that doesn't have sufficent renters like Seishun-kan or if a landlord is unable to get sufficient participation, friends and relatives of the tenants are eligible. Kasuga: Well...[Goes through the list of tenants in his head.] we don't have enough to field a team. So... Katsu: [Finishes the thought.] ...so we have to come up with friends and classmates to fill out the roster? Nine people total? Fujimoto: Isamu-san usually also wants to have a relief pitcher and a pinch hitter if he can get them. If you two have any friends that are athletically inclined, I'm sure he would appreciate it if you recruit them. [At that moment, someone is heard coming up the steps outside. The door opens, nearly knocking Kasuga over, and a girl walks in.] Kasuga: Oi! Watch where you're going! [Turns around. Slightly surprised.] Akane... Akane: Hey Kyosuke! [Laughing.] What are you doing sitting there like that? Kasuga: [Somewhat annoyed.] I guess I wanted to get knocked down by the next person to come in the door. [Takes a closer look at Akane, who's wearing a tattered dress, covered with dirt.] Are you all right? What happened? Are you hurt? Akane: What? [Looks around.] Who are you talking to? When I knocked you down with the door, you must've banged your head. Kasuga: No, look at you! What happened? Akane: Oh this? [Smiles.] Ah, now I see. This is for the drama class I'm taking; I just got out and I thought I'd stop by. Kasuga: Oh. [Relieved and gets up.] How've you been? Akane: [Sighs.] Busier than I've ever been in my life. I think I've finally found what I want to major in and I've been studying like mad. [Frowns.] You look apprehensive...what's wrong? Kasuga: [Places his hand behind his head and laughs.] Nothing really. Egami-san has "allowed" us to volunteer to play for Seishun-kan's baseball team in the upcoming renters' tournament. Unfortunately, he didn't think to ask us how we felt about it. Akane: [Laughs sarcastically.] Oh come on Kyosuke, you're such an athlete. This is the perfect opportunity for you to show Madoka-san what an incredible baseball player you are. And besides...[Shrugs.] Baseball is fun. [Suddenly, Egami dashes out of his office.] Did I hear someone say that baseball was fun? Kasuga: [Grins.] Yes you did Ooya-san. You remember my cousin Akane don't you? Egami: [Smiling.] Of course, of course. Yukimasa-san, I really appreciate that you've decided to play for the pride of Seishun- kan. We'll win with your help. Akane: [Startled.] Chotto matte kure!* I don't want... *Wait a minute! Egami: [Interrupting.] Then it's decided. [Walks back to his office and slams the door.] Akane: But...[Turns and glares at her cousin.] Kyosuke! I'll get you for this. Kasuga: [Laughing.] But baseball is fun, right? [Akane fumes.] So, what have you been studying so diligently? Akane: [Beaming.] Well, I've decided to...[Looks down at her watch.] Oh no, I've been here too long! I have to run or I'll be late for practice. [Turns to go.] I'll fill you in later. Ja ne!* [Leaves.] *Bye! Katsu: [To Kasuga.] What's with her? Kasuga: [Ruefully.] I never have any idea. [Cut to the next day at the Butsumetsu undergraduate library. In one of the many cubicles for group study, Ayukawa and Kimura are finishing up their homework assignments.] Kimura: [Pencil flying.] ...by applying a Groebner basis to the system, we are able to observe that ax_1 + bx_2 + cx_3 = 0 if and only if the constants a, b, c all equal 0. Therefore, we clearly have that dX/dt = sinh(arcsec(x_1(t) + x(2(t))) and thus, the position vector must be linearly independent of the tangent vector and hence the acceleration is constant. Ayukawa: OK. [Jots down the proof and results.] I guess we're done ahead of schedule. Oh! Before I forget, are you interested in playing baseball with Kasuga-kun's boarding house team? He called me last night to ask if I wanted to join their team. They're short a few people. Kimura: Baseball? Ayukawa: Un! Have you ever played before? Kimura: [Thinks about it for a moment.] Hmm...well...no... Ayukawa: You know what baseball *is*, don't you? Kimura: Hmm... [Fade to memory...] Kimura Akiko: [Irritated tone.] Anata! You're disturbing Keiko's studies! Kimura Masaki: [Pleadingly.] But the baseball game is on! Kimura Akiko: No! [Flips the television off.] Keep your priorities straight! [Fade back to the present...] Kimura: [Nods confidently.] Un! I know about baseball! [Cut to the school gymnasium. Miyasato Yoko finishes warming up in her karate gi. Her right hand is still wrapped in a stiff bandage, though the splint has long since been removed. After momentary consideration, she decides to forgo board-breaking and instead starts on the speed bag.] Teacher: [Watching.] You're still not going to go out for your qualification? Yoko: Ah...no. I'm going to give my hand a little more time to heal. Teacher: [Shrugs.] Suit yourself. If you don't take your belt test soon, your sister's going to catch you. Egami: [Watching from the gymnasium entrance.] Oi Miyasato-san! Yoko: [Irritatedly.] The rent's in the mail slot! Egami: Yes I found it. I'm here to talk about something besides your rent. Yoko: [Stops hitting the speed bag.] Eh? Egami: [Proudly and dramatically.] I'm here to recruit you and your sister to the boarding house team! Yoko: [Loses interest.] Oh that... Yuko told me she was going to ask Saito-san about that. "Yujou-kan" or something like that. Egami: [Irritatedly.] Seishun-kan! Yoko: [Waves off, clearly not paying attention.] Yeah sure whatever... What makes you think I'm the least bit interested? Egami: [Caught off-guard.] Wh-what do you mean?!? You have to play! Yoko: [Cooly.] I read your contract; it doesn't say anything about extracurricular activities. Egami: [Losing confidence.] Well...I mean... Yoko: [Sly tone.] Of course I *could* be persuaded to play... Egami: [Attracting attention with his exploding temper.] JOUDAN DAROU*?!? [Manages to cool off a bit to avoid making any more of a scene than he already has.] What makes you think I value your participation enough to pay you?!? *ARE YOU KIDDING?!? Yoko: [Apparently nonchalantly.] Oh well...[Picks up a ten- kilogram dumbell and starts a set of forearm curls.] Good luck next year... Egami: [After he watches her finish three sets of fifteen repetitions.] O...OK. One hundred yen. Yoko: [Drops the free weight close to Egami's foot.] Don't be ridiculous! Five thousand yen! Egami: [Winces as the weight rolls over his foot and into his shin.] Ite*! [Frustratedly.] I'll double my offer to two- hundred yen! *Ouch! Yoko: Twice nothing is still nothing! Four-thousand! Egami: One-thousand! Yoko: Two-thousand. Egami: Fifteen hundred and that's my final offer! Yoko: I accept! Egami: [Menacingly.] But if we don't win, I'll make your life a living hell...! Yoko: [Intimidated by Egami's manner.] A-ahh...gotcha... [Egami turns around and huffs and puffs his way out of the gymnasium. After finishing her workout, Yoko walks over to the locker room and changes into street clothes. As she does, she mentally goes over her itinerary for the remainder of the day, reminding herself not to forget to drop by one of the school buildings for a special errand.] Yoko: [To herself.] Baseball... [Smiles a bit.] I guess I'd better tell him... [Cut to the Butsumetsu computer laboratory later that afternoon. Several students are completing their class assignments. Others are engaging in less scholastic activities.] Saito: [Typing furiously while staring at the screen.] Kono, kono, kono...shi-ne*! *...die! Kasamatsu: [Despairingly as he watches a tank-shaped icon disappear from his screen.] Aaii...! Saito: [Gloating as his screen flashes the victory message.] So much for the "Red Ninja Armored Brigade..." Kasamatsu: [Defensively.] You...you cheated! Cutting off my supply platoon like that-- Saito: Any port in the storm they say. [Ends his session of the game on the computer.] I have to get going. Oh, did you decide to play after all? Kasamatsu: Play what? Saito: [Irritatedly.] The baseball game I told you about! Katsu-san and Yuko-san told me they needed more players for the "Seishun-kan" baseball team. Kasamatsu: Oh that... I guess so...[Logs off his terminal.] Saito: Eh? [Notices the new mail flag pop up on his computer screen. He waits until Kasamatsu heads for the front of the room to retrieve his books so he can read it in private. He smiles as he calls the new letter up.] >From chun-li@ugrad.edu.butsumetsu.ac.jp Wed Oct 24 12:22:33 1988 Date: Wed, 24 Oct 1988 12:22:33 +0900 (GMT) Subject: Re: Baseball To: baka@ugrad.cs.butsumetsu.ac.jp Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Baka-chan, I think it's exciting that you are going to play baseball for your friends' boarding house team! I'm sure you will distinguish yourself on the field of competition. You know I'm also playing for my boarding house team! We call ourselves "Yujou-kan", so if you play that team, please look for me. Also remember, no matter what happens, I'll be cheering for you. Even if we are competitors on the field, we'll always be friends at heart. Gambatte!* *Good Luck! Chun-Li [Cut to the next day at the Butsumetsu baseball team practice facility. Half the players are running sprints and practicing fielding. The other half are lined up behind a link fence cage closed in on three sides. On the mound, a pitching machine retrieves a baseball from the attached ball hopper and fires it into the open-end of the cage.] Assistant Coach: Full count. Choke up on the bat, open your stance and concentrate on putting the ball in play. Don't just pull it, utilize all areas of the field. Go! Hayashibara: Hai! [Turns his attention back to the pitching machine and hits a line drive through the left gap of the infield.] Egami: [Walking onto the practice field.] Hayashibara-san! Do you have a minute? Hayashibara: Egami-san? [Turns his attention back to practice.] I'm afraid I can't talk right now. Egami: [Almost drooling as he watches Hayashibara hit his next ball against the right field wall.] I'll be brief. Our boarding house is participating in the renters' baseball tournament. Since we don't have enough actual residents, I would like you to fill one of the open slots. Hayashibara: [His concentration not leaving the pitching machine.] Sorry, I can't. Since I'm not renting, it wouldn't be right for me to participate. Besides, practices and schoolwork keep me busy. Egami: Too bad...[Starts to leave.] Ayukawa-san will be there. Hayashibara: [Freezes.] A-Ayukawa-san? [Fails to swing at the pitched ball.] Assistant Coach: [Annoyed expression.] Oi! Pay attention to the ball! [Points to Egami.] You! Leave the field! Egami: [Speaking quickly as the athletic trainers home in.] She's agreed to play. [Thinks for a moment.] She said she hopes you'll be there! [To himself.] I'll make it up to him later... Hayashibara: Ayukawa-san said that? [Hesitates.] But... Egami: [Misunderstands the hesitation.] Don't worry, you're fully eligible according to the rules. [Thumps his chest jovially as trainers start to escort him out.] Trust your Isamu-ojisan! *Uncle Isamu! Hayashibara: [To himself.] "Isamu-ojisan"? [To Egami.] Er, that's not the problem...[Another ball flies by.] Assistant Coach: [Irritated.] Stop talking and start swinging! Trainer 1: [Stops pushing Egami.] Is he your uncle? Egami: You wouldn't let all your friends down would you? Can I count on your participation? Coach: Swing! Trainer 2: [To Hayashibara as he points towards Egami.] Well, is he? Hayashibara: [To the coach.] Hai! Egami: Good! I'll call you with the details later. [Runs away as fast as his short legs can carry him.] Trainer 1: [Points to Egami as he leaves the field.] *That* was your uncle? Hayashibara: What? No, wait! I wasn't talking to you! I...[Sighs.]...I've been had. COMMERCIAL BREAK [Cut to the open highway between cities. The heat of the high sun is making the air heavy with humidity. One lone man is walking along the highway, with sweat pouring down his face. He is obviously exhausted and scans the horizon for any hope of vehicular rescue. Just as he's about to give up all hope, a rising cloud of dust reveals an oncoming vehicle. His hope fades to disbelief as a miniature tank pulls up on the side road and the hatch opens to reveal a red-haired girl in a police uniform.] Leona: [Looks inquiringly at the man's trousers.] Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy Jeans you're wearing? Man: [Nods with shock and surprise.] U...un... Leona: San-kyuu! [Closes the hatch and drives away.] [Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.] END COMMERCIAL BREAK [Cut to the Ueno High School baseball field. Several groups of people are waiting as organizers point each group to their respective places. On the field, two of the other teams finish up their game.] Umao: [Running towards home plate.] Ushiko-san! Ushiko: [Wearing catcher's protective gear.] Umao-san! [A cloud of dust rises as Umao slides into home plate.] Umao: Wherefore art thou Ushiko-san? Ushiko: Wherefore art thou Umao-san? Umpire: [Motioning with his thumb.] Out! [As other teams prepare, Egami gathers his group together for last minute instructions.] Egami: [Going over a sheet of paper on a clipboard.] Yukimasa, first base. Sakurai, third base. Ayukawa, second base. Hayashibara, shortstop. Kasuga, pitcher. Kasamatsu, catcher. Katsu, center field. Kimura, right field. Miyasato Yoko, left field. [Makes an entry on his clipboard and turns to Yuko and Saito.] I want a strong bench for this game so I want you two ready to come in when you're needed! Man 1: [From behind the dugout.] So this is your motley crew this year? Egami: [Tenses up.] Hiroshi-kun... [Walking up to the team dugout is a medium-height man with neatly groomed hair. He is wearing thin, black-rimmed eyeglasses and an opposing team's baseball jersey. His expression complements his cool confident manner.] Igarashi: [Smoothly and confidently.] I'm amazed you even had the courage to show up at this tournament after your humiliation last year. Then again, one often mistakes courage for foolishness. Egami: [Irritatedly.] You are not welcome here! Igarashi: [Ignores Egami.] Let's see...[Visually sizes up the team members.] Fifty-fifty boy-girl, all new team, [Glances at Sakurai, Fujimoto and Eiji.] well, almost all new...[Notices Hayashibara.] and even a college player. [Turns to Egami with amusement.] But even this desperate maneuver will not help you. Egami: This year your bravado won't avail you. We are prepared to take back our House's honor! Igarashi: Hahahah... [Smiles confidently.] Egami-san, you'd better be more prepared to meet me at the tournament winner's circle. [Straightens his glasses.] I expect you to honor your wager when you lose for the eighteenth time. [Leaves to rejoin his team.] Egami: [After muttering a profanity under his breath.] The time has come! For the pride of Seishun-kan, you must all play your best! You are warriors of destiny! Break this shameful streak, and let blow the winds of change! We will be VICTORIOUS! [As the manager continues his oratory, some players begin to show their disinterest and whisper amongst themselves.] Saito: [Puzzled.] What exactly is he saying? Kasamatsu: [Equally puzzled.] I'm not sure, something about how us playing will enable him to break wind and assure victory. Egami: [Thrusts his face into the conversation.] ARE YOU TWO PAYING ATTENTION!? Saito and Kasamatsu: [Sweating.] H-Hai! Kasuga: [To Sakurai.] Oi, if this is a boarding house game, where's Tanaka-san? Katsu: He was probably too smart to get drafted. Sakurai: Actually, I don't think Ooya-san would ask him. For some reason, Fujimoto-san told me she doesn't trust or like him. [As the umpire signals to both teams, the members of Seishun-kan leave the bench and take their positions on the field. The team members throw a few balls to warm up as Kasuga throws his first warm-up pitches.] Fujimoto: Where do you want me? Egami: You handle first base. [Turns to Yuko.] Miyasato-san, you'll be at third. Fujimoto: Hai. [Leaves the bench and assumes the first-base coaching position.] Egami: [Makes sure Fujimoto isn't watching, turns to Eiji and hands him a pair of binoculars and a walkie-talkie.] You know what to do. Eiji: [Holds out his hand with an expectant expression.] A-hem! Egami: Wa-wakatta*...! I'll give you a cup ramen when we get back to the hou-- *O-of course...! Eiji: Fork over the cash! Egami: [Belatedly as he slips Eiji a 500-yen coin.] Honor can be so expensive to defend... [To Eiji as he gets off the bench.] Remember, this is just between you and me. Mariko-san, well, she probably wouldn't approve. Eiji: [Nods.] Un. [Leaves.] Saito: [To Egami after Eiji leaves.] Oi jiisan...* *Hey old man... Egami: [Grits his teeth.] ... Saito: Do you know where "Yujou-kan" is? They're a renter's team aren't th-- Egami: [Angrily.] How dare you mention that loser's name to me?!? Saito: [To himself.] Ouch! I guess that must be some hated rival... [Cut to the top of the first inning. Kasuga stands on the mound and studies the first batter as he digs in.] Kasuga: [To himself.] OK...here's my chance! I can impress Ayukawa and my friends! [Tries to remember everything he can about the basic pitching motion.] A pitcher's first pitch can determine the tone he sets for the game so...[Winds back and delivers.] let's make it a good one! [Everyone watches as the pitched ball flies out of Kasuga's hand and hits the seventeenth row stands behind the umpire. Both Kasamatsu and the batter look at each other as Kasuga tries to lower his cap bill to hide his embarrassment.] Umpire: [After taking a moment to blink with disbelief.] Ball! [Kasuga tries to settle down, but surrenders two walks and a single to load the bases. Bearing down, he manages to get the next two on pop flies.] Igarashi: [Confidently to the rest of the lineup.] Let them have their little victories. [To the next batter.] Takayuki-kun, show them what it's like to play in the big leagues. Itasaka: [Nods confidently as he finishes his warm up swings and walks up to the plate.] Un. [Kasuga receives the sign from Kasamatsu, kicks and fires his pitch. Itasaka sneers slightly as he rears back...] Kasamatsu: Su-sugoi...!* *W-wow...! Kasuga: [Watches with dismay as the baserunners hoot and jeer as they clear the bases.] Shi-shimatta*... [Imagines Ayukawa looking at him from behind with just a trace of disappointment. As the next batter steps to the plate, he finds himself unable to turn around to confirm or deny Ayukawa's opinion.] I gotta get this strikeout! [Rears back to throw and concentrates as he does. The batter at the plate watches helplessly as three straight pitches dipsy-doodle past him with surprising speed, power and spin.] *Oh shoot... Umpire: Strike three! Batter out! Akane & Ayukawa: [Stunned expressions.] Aa...! Igarashi: [Smiles confidently as his players take the field.] Well, if things continues like this, Egami-san will be wishing for a repeat of last year's result. [Frowns a bit.] But those last few pitches were so strange... [As the members of Seishun-kan get ready for their first at-bats, Ayukawa walks over to Kasuga.] Ayukawa: [Whispers harshly.] What do you think you're doing?!? Kasuga: Well I...[Looking down with some shame.] Akane: [Craftily.] Kyosuke, yaru ja nai no!* *Kyosuke, way to go! Ayukawa: Akane! [Turns back to Kasuga.] You're not only risking discovery, but you're cheating too! How could you do that for just a game? If we're going to win, we should win honestly. I can't stop you from using your power, but if you do, you're doing it on your own. Akane: Come on Madoka-san, lighten up! It's only a game, let's have some fun. [Grins.] Ne Kyosuke?* *Right Kyosuke? Kasuga: A...Ayukawa...[Stops as she turns away and ignores him.] Kasuga Narration: Ouch...coming from Ayukawa, that hurt. The last thing I wanted to do was upset her, but I couldn't let the other team walk all over me. Not with Hayashibara around... [Cut to the bottom of the first inning. With one out and Akane waiting on second base, Ayukawa stands on the plate with Hayashibara on the on-deck circle.] Catcher: [Deliberately suggestive manner.] You know you'd look so much better if you wore a looser shirt... Ayukawa: [Coldly as she waits for the pitch.] Pay attention to your own uniform. Catcher: [A little disappointed.] Sheesh...what a cold- hearted... [Ayukawa hits a sharp grounder through the left-field gap and overruns first base for a single as Akane advances to third. Egami comes out from the dugout as Hayashibara gets ready to go to the plate.] Egami: Oi, before you go out, here's what I want you to do ...[Whispers into Hayashibara's ear.] Hayashibara: Isn't that being rude? Egami: [Indignantly.] Of course not! It's psychological warfare! [Hayashibara shrugs and walks up to the plate. As he does so, he points to the left field bleachers in a dramatic and unmistakeable fashion.] Pitcher: [Foaming at the mouth.] Why that...impudent...young upstart! [Deviously rubs one side of the ball with a hidden dab of oil.] I'll show him experience and treachery will overcome youth and skill every time...! [Rears back and fires a pitch. Hayashibara watches the pitch without taking a swing.] Umpire: Strike 1! Pitcher: Ha! He's afraid to swing at my pitches. ["Reloads" his fingers and fires again.] Guess he's not so hot after all-- Catcher: Sugoi...that's gotta be at least 150 mete-- Pitcher: [To his catcher as he watches with dismay as the ball sails into the trees behind the school grounds.] Urusee...!* *Shut up...! [Hayashibara circles the bases behind Ayukawa and Akane scoring three runs. After obligatory congratulations, they all return to the dugout, passing Kasuga on the on-deck circle on the way. He watches as Hayashibara gets the congratulations of the rest of the team.] Kasuga Narration: He's always the hero. Ayukawa... [Watches as Ayukawa is also being congratulated.] probably thinks he's great right now... [Cut back to the Seishun dugout.] Ayukawa: [To Hayashibara as everyone sits back down and turns their attentions back to the game.] That was great! You really slammed it! Hayashibara: [Smiles with gleaming teeth.] The least I could do. [Perfunctorily.] But, the pitcher is cheating. Ayukawa: Eh? [Watches Kasuga take a strike.] Hayshibara: See how he's bringing his hand to his glove? He's got something hidden; probably something oily. I've known a few other pitchers who resort to throwing illegal pitches and he's doing it too. Ayukawa: Can't we tell the umpire? [Watches Kasuga ground out to shortstop.] Hayashibara: It's very tough to *prove* an illegal pitch. The pitcher will deny it and those pitches don't leave any evidence for the umpire to find. Ayukawa: [Watches Kasuga return with dejection to the dugout.] S-sou ka...* *I see... [Cut to the bottom of the second inning. The score is 6-3 in favor of Igarashi's team, with Katsu waiting on first base. Kimura steps up to the plate with uncertainty.] Catcher: [As the pitcher sets.] Oi, your shoe's untied. Kimura: Eh? [Looks down.] Hontou desu ka?* [Fails to see the ball fly past her.] *Really? Umpire: [As the pitched ball hits the catcher's glove.] Strike 1! Egami: [Unable to believe what he's seeing.] Wh-what are you doing?!? Catcher: [Throws the ball back to the pitcher.] Just kidding! [Deliberately suggestive manner.] You know you'd look so much better if you wore a looser shirt... Kimura: [Blushes.] Yada...!* *Stop it...! Umpire: [As the pitched ball hits the catcher's glove.] Strike 2! Egami: [Yelling from the dugout.] Neboken-ja neeyo!* *Are you half asleep (rudely) Kimura: [Turns to look at Egami.] Eh? Umpire: [As the pitched ball hits the catcher's glove.] Strike 3! Batter out! Kimura: [Very disappointed.] S-sonna*...! [Returns to the dugout.] *Can't be...! Catcher: [To himself.] Too bad about her...[Watches as the next batter comes to the plate.] It's another kawaiikochan*! Maybe she'll fall for the same stunt... [Clears his throat and prepares for the next pitch.] Aren't you warm? How about wearing a looser shirt...? *Cutie! Yoko: [While keeping her eyes on the pitcher.] How about I break your knees? Catcher: ... Egami: [First makes sure Fujimoto is occupied talking to Katsu at first base, then starts talking into the walkie-talkie as he watches Yoko dig in.] Well, have you deciphered them yet? [Cut to the far side bleachers. In the relief pitchers' area, Eiji is looking at the opposing catcher with his binoculars. On his knee is a clipboard with a set of crudely pencilled drawings of hand motions and scribbled notes with each diagram.] Eiji: [Talking into the walkie-talkie.] He's signalling for a fast-ball! Egami: [To Yuko who waits for his signal at third base.] Oi! [Signals in the expected pitch, which Yuko relays to Yoko.] Yoko: [Notes the sign to herself.] Fast ball...[Rears back as the pitch comes towards the plate and hits a screaming line-drive down the middle.] Pitcher: [Barely manages to duck as the ball flies past his head.] Ikkene*...! [By the time he manages to get back to his feet, Yoko is standing ready on first base and Katsu is at third. Mutters under his breath.] Yaro**...! [Walks over to his catcher as Akane comes to the plate and whispers harshly into his ear.] You're supposed to distract them! *Oh shoot...! ** Catcher: [Pointing towards Yoko at first base.] But I didn't want to go around on crutches for... Pitcher: Baka*! Don't you remember what the losing team's supposed to do? Do you want to have to spend the whole day painting? *Idiot! Akane: [Suspiciously to herself.] What was all that about...? [Cut to the top of the fifth inning. The score is now 8-5 in favor of Igarashi's team. The runners lead away from first and second with no outs.] Kasuga: [To himself.] This is hard work...[Wipes the sweat from his brow and checks the runner at first. After making sure the runner isn't taking too liberal a lead, he throws his pitch at the batter. The batter takes a 2 and 1 count and rips a line drive grounder towar