Dougaku was desperate to not let you get a hit.
But you guys hit it. Again and again.
Until the very end, we played with pride
And we played baseball our way.
GAME!
GOOD GAME!
You really tried your hardest.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!
It's really cooled down, hasn't it.
When you're working hard, the time just flies by
But even if you're lazing about, it's gone in a flash, too.
What are you trying to say?
Has anyone new joined the baseball team?
At this point in the year
there aren't really a whole lot of people who switch clubs, you know.
Wow, how pathetic~ Even we've gotten 3 new people to join us.
"We"?
This shop.
Part-timers.
Huh? Why would you even need part-timers here?
Well, if I keep doing everything myself, I won't be able to make it to practices.
What? Again... You're going to keep being Takemiya's coach?
Of course! I'm going to use this summer's loss as motivation to come back stronger than ever.
I'm already so looking forward to next year!
Oh, sorry...
How silly of me to be talking about next year in front of someone who won't be here.
Listen here, just because I'm leaving Jotoku
Doesn't mean I don't have a next year.
That's it, swing all the way. All the way through!
What do you think? Feels good, right?
HEY! THAT'S DANGEROUS! That little...
Sorry! -My hand hurts
Thanks. I'll be giving this back now.
You're done already? -Hey, don't give up so easily!
I don't think baseball's for me after all.
I don't really understand the rules, either.
Just learn them! If you were smart enough to get into Jotoku...
We'll be leaving now. -Excuse us.
Hey, wait a minute!
Hey! You're giving up way too fast!
It's impossible to force someone to do something they clearly don't want to.
Yeah, but if we wait for people who want to play, even forever isn't long enough.
What's with you all of a sudden?
Each day that passes brings me one step closer to being coach again.
When that time comes, if we don't have 9 people...
We won't be able to do anything.
Man, I really wanna play baseball.
A game, I mean.
Tokyo University's entrance exams are our games now.
Yeah, I get know, but...
But a game without Coach is just so boring.
He's really competitive
Until we win against Dougaku, it basically means
High school baseball isn't over for Coach.
Another traumatic experience for him, huh.
Let it be already. Coach has already made up his mind.
No way, I bet he's still on the fence about it.
Alright, supposing what you say is true
And Coach is hung up on his past
Then whether we win or lose doesn't matter.
Then what does matter? -Well, that's...
WILL YOU GUYS GIVE IT A REST?!?!
SHH!!!
WHAT THE HELL?! These guys were talking, too!
Anyway...for now, let's just do what we gotta do.
How long are you gonna pretend like we don't have exams to take?
We look forward to learning from you!
PLEASE TEACH US WELL!
So I heard you're quitting?
Yes, I'm quitting. Well, I'm quitting, but...
For every person determined to leave
there is also one who must step in to fill their shoes.
To whom are you referring?
This man you see before you.
As of next April, I'll be joining the administration at Takemiya.
Which basically means I'm coming back to the world of business.
Ah, is that so.
"Ah, is that so?" How are you so carefree about this?
If you're not in the top eight in the prefecture, the baseball club will be abolished.
Abolished?!
Good. People need a certain level of stress to motivate themselves.
No, no, please! Just let me have a normal amount of stress!
We're not going to coddle you.
Defeated in the first game... The great leaders of our past would be ashamed of you.
Say something!
This is partially your fault, too!
I've got nothing to do with it.
See? He's a total stranger to the world of baseball now.
Oh, give me a break!
You just stir the pot and then pretend like you don't know anything.
Stir the pot...What does that even mean?
Ever since you showed up, I've been fighting non-stop with my son.
That was going on long before I got here.
That's ridiculous!
Until recently...
that kid wouldn't even talk to me.
If only we could just get enough people together,
We could have a farewell game for you.
There's no need for that. I appreciate the thought.
Coach!
Tone-san.
Kaede-san said you'd probably be here.
Oh, I read your article.
The final one.
Ah, sorry about that. It felt kind of unfinished.
That's not true.
It was a beautiful swan song, full of hope.
It was definitely Coach's quotes that made it so.
Mine?
Even if you hear just one, you'll be full of hope.
I don't really know why, but I always had this feeling like
something amazing was about to happen and I would get excited.
In the end, though, nothing at all happened far more often.
Well, at the very least, you start feeling like
"I'll try it!" or "I'll take it on!"
What the...
You have a pretty good arm, don't you.
Maybe I'll step up to the plate, too.
I've just been sulking around.
Ah...
That fashion magazine.
Well, for now anyway I'll just try to submit all the projects I want to do.
Even though it might land me in an even worse place.
A high-risk venture, huh?
That "Swing with all your might!" advice you gave...
Is it limited to high schoolers?
Not at all.
But, well, when you become an adult
Some things take a lot more courage.
They do, don't they.
At this rate, I'm likely strike out without even taking a swing.
Don't worry about hitting it well.
JUST SWING WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT!
Yes, sir!
You look like you're in good shape for the autumn tournament.
You mean because we didn't exert ourselves so much in the summer tournament?
No, no...
But, I really wish Dougaku could've gone to Koushien.
Nothing gets done if you keep dwelling on the past.
Well, it looks like you have no shortage of talent to choose your lineup from.
Well, anyway... good luck.
Good lu--!!
I DON'T NEED ANY ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE LIKES OF YOU!!
It gives me the creeps.
STOP!
ATTENTION! BOW!
Long time no see, huh?
Welcome back.
I hear you're quitting as Jotoku's coach.
I hear you're finally going to coach in the pros.
We're talking about you right now.
It was just like you said.
What do you mean?
In the end,
I guess this wasn't a place I should be.
You're admitting that surprisingly easily, aren't you.
Please excuse me.
Yowakutemo Katemasu Even if we're weak, we can win
Aoshi-sensei and the clumsy high school baseball team's high hopes
Subs by SpaceCase ?*??(???)????
(This show is brought to you by the generous people at Softbank, Nissay, Kao,
Suzuki, Try Home Tutors, and Ajinomoto)
Woah~ Of course, Akaiwa would get all A grades.
Well, it gives me a little leeway.
I got a C in Science 2.
Me, too. Science 3 was a D.
How about you, Shirao?
Yeah... I think Tokyo University's gonna be a little hard.
Wow, but you got A's for Waseda and Keio.
Wow, you really got your grades up in a short time, didn't you.
And how about you Okadome?
Okadome-kun?
WHYYYYYYYY?!
Okadome!
Not getting an A-Grade at this point in time is worrisome.
You're overthinking it.
I can't not think about it!
I'm telling you, you'll be fine.
You really don't care what happens to me.
That's not it...
Be honest, you want me to fail, don't you?!
What are you saying right now?!
We grew up together, and we've always gone to the same school.
You're probably totally tired of me by now.
I am not
You might actually believe I'll be fine, but
You ignoring me like this is hurtful.
I'm in pain over here!
Ugh! I can't concentrate so just shut your mouth!
Don't concentrate so hard on something else when someone is trying to have a serious conversation with you!
Aw, damn it!
What are you getting all worked up about?!
I have a reason. This is my chance now.
Huh?
Argh.
I'm going home without you.
Ah~ Wait a minute! I just need a little more time.
I've been waiting forever!
See you tomorrow.
I love you.
Uh...I meant, YEAH!
Huh? -Too late now, idiot.
Er, I mean, This whole time, I've kinda...been going over it in my head
I mean, repeating it... -What are you saying?!
I love you.
I...
love you, too.
Oh yeah?
Yeah.
'kay.
It's going to be the off season for high school baseball season before long.
Yeah, there's really nothing that's as good as a baseball game, is there?
Amongst all the students I've taught,
There hasn't been anyone who has researched and loved baseball as much as you.
It's true!
No, really. To make yourself be catcher even though you're a lefty.
I wasn't able to live up to your expectations, though.
In my kind of baseball, winning isn't everything.
You tried desperately to get a read on the batter
And get that info to the pitcher.
It's just that you didn't really have the skills for it.
You tried your absolute best to live up to my instructions.
Just seeing that made me happy enough. Yeah.
Yeah, but even now...
I'm happy with you.
Before the countdown to the new year,
Kame... Kame? Hee hee hee
What is it? -Are you okay?
Kamezawa-kun's... -Hey, hey, hey!
Move it!
To Kamezawa passing his GED.
CHEERS~!
Congratulations, Kamezawa-kun! CONGRATULATIONS!
Please save those words for March when I pass Tokyo University's test!
That's exactly right! Good luck, 3rd years!
Of course! -Yes -Yes.
Alright, I'm gonna get home and study.
Huh? What about Hatsumode at the shrine?
Okadome-san?
Just leave him alone, okay?
Everyone has their own way of preparing.
It'd be great if everyone got into their first-choice, though.
You'll definitely pass.
We're sending positive vibes your way.
Really, good luck!
Thanks -Thanks.
Riko-san, you seem different somehow.
Ah, it's just... don't look at me so much!
It's just Osha Lady's, our magazine's, policy...
I've flipped through that magazine but it's, how should I say...
DON'T SAY IT!! -Totally lame...
Stop it, Yuzu?Tarumi.
Huh? Did you hear that just now? -What, what?
Oh, just leave Yuzu-Tarumi alone.
Everyone already knows anyway.
For real?! While I was studying and working my butt off, you guys...!!!
What? What does everyone know?
You didn't tell him yet? -There's no way I'd tell my old man.
It's, you know~
Here you are. -Congratulations, Akaiwa.
I think this every year seeing the students
But three years really flies by
It does, doesn't it.
Especially this year. Since Aoshi-kun came, it's gone by really fast.
After only ever just watching baseball
To think that I'd join a team and become a coach!
And that you'd go so far as to battle it out in a game.
Thank you, Aoshi-kun.
No, it's I who should be thanking you.
I didn't do anything.
You did do something.
You told me to be the baseball club's coach and even gave me a glove.
Oh yeah, at the opening ceremony, huh.
Thank you for that.
You're very welcome.
Ah! Ah! Ah...! It's almost time!
3...2...1...!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Happy New Year
I passed, too.
Nice going. Congratulations.
Thank you.
I passed Tokyo University, Science 3.
I passed Tokyo University, Science 1.
I also passed Tokyo University Science 1!
You did well! Congratulations.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
How about you, Shirao?
I'm going to Waseda!
I see.
Tokyo University didn't work out, huh?
That's okay~ Aim to be a regular at Waseda.
That's right, go and build up a strong team.
Yes, sir!
And how about...
Hm?
Okadome-kun?
PARDON THE INTRUSION!
Kei Okadome
will study hard for another year.
Work hard.
Thank you.
He's fast. -Okadome-san
It'd be nice if he didn't take his anger out on us.
I WILL BE INVINCIBLE NEXT YEAR!
(Admission Notice - Shunichi Kamezawa)
(Tokyo University, first term)
Sagami no umi ni Akane sasu tokoro
? As a red glow sweeps over Sagami Bay ?
Sobieru yama ni takamari shi
? Our overflowing hope and brilliant futures ?
Afureru kibou yo Kagayaku mirai yo
? Swell higher than the towering mountains ?
(Diploma Ceremony)
iza warera iza warera
? And now we are~ And now we are ?
Manabi no oka yori Tabi tatan
? Traveling beyond this hill of learning ?
Ah, Harukaze Kirite Ama gakeru
? Ah, Soaring on the spring breeze ?
Ah, Odawara Jotoku
? Ah, Odawara Jotoku ?
Warera ga bokou
? Our alma mater ?
First of all, let me congratulate the seniors on their graduation.
Thank you.
Although, well... I'll be leaving Jotoku today as well.
In other words,
Today is a day of goodbyes for all of us.
When I look around here, a lot of memories come back to me.
But, getting together with everyone here in this room
where we met everyday... That won't happen again.
How sad.
And I feel like that because we were able to
come to this room because we faced baseball without fear.
Iseda.
Yes, sir.
All by yourself you protected Mitsuyasu,
who always felt indebted to his brother.
Even if a person feels friendship for another,
There aren't many people whose actions show they're trying to protect that friendship.
That's really cool.
Always keep that special part of yourself
I'll...
I'll work even harder.
Mitsuyasu.
Yes, sir.
You're so soft-spoken that, at first,
I didn't even know if you actually wanted to play or not.
But you chose baseball, same as your amazing brother.
Anyone can respect that kind of determination.
But
Truthfully?
You don't need it
That determination.
You had this amazing look on your face
Like baseball was the best thing ever.
That's why, from now on,
For the good of the Jotoku Baseball Club
You keep that joy on your face.
Yes, sir.
I'll stay happy.
Shikata.
Yes, sir.
I was surprised, by you.
I mean,
Even though no one forced you to stay on the baseball team
You put down your roots here
By showing us the real you.
And just look at all the friends you've made here.
How wonderfully you betrayed my first impression of you.
Yes, sir. I'm sorry.
Ushimaru
Yes, sir.
You treat everyone, no matter who they are,
with the same level of kindness.
So, you were always quietly watching over everyone from behind, weren't you?
And that's why, after practice was over
So many times I saw
Everyone would go to where you were
and make a circle.
And that's when I noticed.
If we don't think of the batting order as a "lineup"
but rather as a ring,
There is no top, nor a bottom
That way you have
Of treating everyone the same no matter what
It taught me a lesson.
Thank you for teaching me.
Kashiyama.
Yes, sir.
I said once, "Baseball is pointless.
Nobody will be bothered much
if we play or not."
I said that.
Yes, sir.
You are a guy who uses his time extremely efficiently
So you hate pointless things.
Well, then,
Do you think this was a waste of time?
No, sir. It was not a waste.
Rather than avoiding something you think is pointless,
if you tackle it with purpose
something pointless becomes valuable.
Therefore, from now on, rather than saying something is worthless
and abandoning it
you attack it head on
with that efficient nature of yours, okay?
Yes, sir. I will.
Kamezawa
Yes, sir.
This is already my second time saying goodbye to you
And the first time was terrible.
There was this one guy
who called your seat in class a "retired number" and wanted to leave it empty.
What the heck...
And from then on, little by little
everyone began to take on
the roles you used to have.
This baseball team changed.
And it's thanks to you.
That's why you'll be fine.
Because
No matter where you go, you are still you.
Yes, sir. This was crazy fun.
Okadome.
Yes, sir.
"NO ONE'S FASTER THAN ME!!!"
Who were you saying that to anyway?
Haha. Yeah, I wonder...
I only
heard it as you saying it to yourself.
Yes.
The feelings of pride you had at being one of the few we scouted for our team
And of wanting to fix mistakes in your past...
There are guys that say that
not letting go of the past is a bad thing, but
because you held on
There was chance to move forward.
You were able to take that first step, weren't you.
And that is why
You were able to become strong.
And so
Work hard.
Put all your energy into your efforts.
Because you are unparalleled.
The reason I was able to become invincible.
Is thanks to you, Coach.
Damn it...
Ebato
Yes, sir.
First of all,
Thanks for all your hard work as Captain.
You were alway worrying, stressing yourself out
So many things would bother you.
And that's why catcher is a position
perfect for you.
That position is the only one that can be protected
While looking at all your teammmates' faces.
Basically, it's a position that
only a person who's able to take in others'
thoughts and feelings directly can do.
This is what I think
What you saw as something worrisome
We considered to be a chance.
So, those frequent "chances" we had
Because you worked through them in your own way...
Just like this
You were standing in the center of this team.
Yes.
Thank you.
Shirao
Yes, sir.
You are the one
who brought Jotoku this far.
"Even if I'm terrible and others are looking down on me,
As long as we have Shirao..."
It was that kind of feeling
That brought everyone here.
But you know
The person who worked the hardest
to make sure those expectations were met
That was you, Shirao.
I think it must've been lonely and hard at times
But I was helped more times than I can count
by the boy who shouted, "Alright!"
and was always smiling.
Thank you.
No, it's really me who should be thanking you.
Akaiwa.
Yes, sir.
Smart and rich...
You were unaccustomed to not having things come easily to you.
So, when it got the tiniest bit hard,
you were like, "My life is over" ; "I want to run away"
Well, actually you did run away once, huh.
Ah...
Akaiwa
Yes, sir
Look behind you.
But
You were able to come back here, weren't you.
When you said,
"I suck at baseball, but it's my specialty!"
It really stuck with me.
I mean, we're all bad at baseball, but we love it
It's our specialty.
If it's our specialty, we should do it.
That's true
Yeah.
And that's why
Yes?
From now on when you have to find your resolve
Just like now, turn around
Remember the people who supported you
And make a decision that'd make them proud.
Yes, sir.
Okay, Yuzuko.
Yes, sir.
Your face has really changed.
You look so happy.
But you
Have a tendency to dream big
And when you come crashing back to reality
The shock from that is correspondingly huge as well.
But you know
That's fine by me.
People like that continue to grow,
And you were able to share that experience
with everyone in this baseball club.
That's why no matter where you go as well, you'll be fine.
Yes, sir.
That and
Thank you for inviting me to join the baseball team.
If you hadn't invited me
I wouldn't be standing here now.
Thank you.
Thanks.
I love baseball.
I never thought the day would come when I could say that so bluntly.
I've finally, as of this moment,
Been able to let go of the regret I've been holding on to.
That's thanks to you guys.
I'm glad I met all of you.
I love you guys.
Truly...
Thanks.
THANK YOU!
So? What's going to happen?
Our last practice, maybe?
Practice?
I haven't heard anything about that.
Just hold your horses for a bit, okay?
Aoshi-kun, hurry!
What in the world are you trying to make me do?
A game!
A GAME?!
Yes, the goodbye game for the seniors and Aoshi-kun.
A game... against who?
With this many people, we don't really need an opponent.
Let's all play a game together.
Sounds fun, let's do it~ Let's do it!
A game, huh
Woah, look over there. Dougaku's Devil Coach!
He's here... Demon!
What business do you have here?
Thank you so much for coming.
What is the meaning of all this?
I came all the way out here because I thought you wanted
to talk about having a friendly game next month
Ah, don't worry about that right now.
It's your rival Coach Tamo's last day here.
He is not my rival!
It's should be fine, right?
I have no objections to you as an opponent.
Well, I do!
Coach is all worked up, too!
ALL RIGHT, A GAME!! -YEAH!
Hey, you brats! Don't get all excited for no reason!
It's too early to get excited.
Why?
Hm?
Even if Devil Coach joins us, we still only have 17 people.
That's okay.
We'll be able to find one more somewhere.
Are you really okay with me?
Please play with us!
Let's have a fair game. -A fair game!
Wait just a minute.
How are we supposed to win when everyone on your team knows each other so well and we don't?
You mean because everyone will take my side?
That's what one would normally think.
I don't remember having given any such orders.
No matter their opponent, these guys will give their all.
That's what Jotoku baseball means.
Here we go~
There's no way we're losing!
Yo, Hotshots!
Let's see the results of you practicing all day every day since summer started!
Yo, Akaiwa!
Don't go easy on her just because she's your girlfriend!
Go easy on me~
Like I would!
Oh, ow! Ouch...!!!
You should be able to field such an easy ball, Old Man.
How about you not let them get a hit?!
What did you say?!
Hey, Akaiwa!
Hold on, hold on!
Calm down, calm down!
Farewell, Tarumi-san.
Goodbye!
Is my brother...doing well?
Well, he's always bragging to the other guys
that he's got a smart little brother.
Ah...
I can't really imitate Coach,
But I can channel his spirit!
Please do well.
Woah, I hit it! I actually hit it!
HURRY UP AND RUN!
PLEASE GO!
HURRY, HURRY, HURRY!! GO! GO! GO!
Riko-san~
Hm?
If you need an assistant or there's anything I can do, please let me know.
Thanks for the offer.
And...
Please go on a date with me.
What?
Whaaat?!
DON'T SPACE OUT ON THE FIELD, TONE!!
Excuse you?!
WOAH!!!
She's faster than you.
Yeah she is.
BASH! THAT! BALL!
You're distracting me!
Sorry.
Ah... darn it!
This is your fault!
I'm being unjustly accused!
This really is an awesome school, isn't it?
Jotoku~
Yes, it is.
Get under it, Okadome! -YOU TRY IT, YOU LITTLE BRAT!!
Nice one, Ronin! -Ronin-senpai!
SHUT YOUR FACE!!
If I hit the ball, then you have to continue on as coach, Aoshi-kun!
Then I won't let you get a hit~
Alright, bring it!
You've really made up your mind, haven't you.
Let's meet in the Tokyo Six League, Akaiwa.
See you there.
Ahhh!
You asshole...!!
YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE!!
PROTECT THE COACH!!
YEAH! GO!
RUN! RUN! RUN, RUN, RUN!
GO~! RUN, COACH!!
OK! NICE, NICE!
Nice batting, Coach!
Yay~! -Yay!
Do you still have regrets left on the field?
Of course, in my own way
In just one year, you wouldn't have those sad kind of memories, right?
What would you know about that?
I watched your prefectural tournament game.
I don't need to hear your opinions.
Swinging without looking at the ball.
What a clumsy strategy.
However, I did at least slightly get the feeling you wanted to win.
That's different from the Jotoku I remember.
What is this?
Put it on.
For what?
I mean,
If you're giving up the game, do it only after you've finally finished an inning.
Will your shoulder be alright doing something like this?
If you're worried about me,
then catch the ball.
Catch onto it tightly. If you don't move, you'll be able to catch them.
Ah~
Finally three outs.
But you still have a long way to go.
You're cool, Aoshi-kun.
Yeah, this is good. Take this experimental data and put it through sequential analysis
Yes, sir.
Huh? Where are you going?
(97th Annual All Japan High School Baseball Championship Tournament Kanagawa Prefecture)
I'd really like them to win the first game.
Talking all big~
Even though we were knocked out in the 2nd game.
They'll be fine. They'll definitely win.
I need them to win or my article series is over.
GO, JOTOKU!
TRY YOUR BEST, JOTOKU!
Don't try to be a pitcher! It doesn't matter if you're good!
Only get the balls that come to your glove side!
Mitsuyasu!
Don't be afraid!
You have to want the ball to come to you!
Create chaos! We're gonna win!
Kashiyama!
HE'S OUT!
OUT!
Alright, nice!
YES, SIR!
Don't try to hit it well.
Just swing with all your might!
YES, SIR!