While watching the television, keep the room bright, and don't sit too close to the TV, okay?
Wasn't Akaishi-kun amazing today?
The TV announcer was praising him too.
Said he's one of the best catchers in this tournament.
Akaishi is the best. No doubt about it.
You too, no?
Doesn't every team's battery think that? At least until they lose.
So, when is it?
What?
Your surgery.
Summer’s storm rocks the night sky
Your frightened figure, cast blue by the summer rain
Frozen for a moment under the meaningless umbrella
Then through the crowd, we dash off into the rain
Our hands together, gripping onto the plastic umbrella handle
Our fingers tighten when the clouds start to rumble
Here with you, showering in the rain, washing away those summer days
Washing away from my heart, the sand of memories that have long gathered
Here you are, showering in the rain, perhaps reminiscing those of the past days?
Falling on our umbrella, that summer rain
Is a Lie Alright?
What are you doing?
The cicadas are too annoying.
That's nothing new.
Do you know where Kou went?
He went to see Akane-san.
So that's why.
That's why what?
Uh... No, nothing.
But it sure is hot. And it's not getting cooler even at this hour.
Don't get a stomachache from eating so many of those.
I've been wondering...
If Tsukishima Wakaba had grown up,
Instead of Akane-chan, wouldn't she be more like you?
I called your place last night,
And your mother picked up.
What did she say?
"She'll be out the day after tomorrow, so don't worry."
She sure is bad at lying.
I saw through right away.
I don't want Akaishi to know.
Personally, I only have to aim for his mitt.
But if the catcher can't concentrate the whole game, that'd be a problem.
He's so hopelessly one-track minded, after all.
I know.
You aren't good at lying either, so I'll tell him...
"She'll be out the day after tomorrow, so don't worry."
I'm actually pretty good at lying.
I know.
Just kidding, just kidding.
It's on the day of the final.
My surgery.
I thought that'd be it.
So, how risky is it?
Who knows... Doctors are great at telling lies.
You'll be fine, Akane-chan. Wakaba will protect you.
Even though we've never met?
She will.
Okay.
Then, please extend the date after the final to a later time.
Roger.
But, please let Aoba know...
The truth.
Oh really? The day after tomorrow, huh?
What a relief.
So she'll be there at the final match then?
Stupid, she needs to rest at home afterwards.
She said she'll cheer for us on TV.
Oh... Ah well, that's fine too.
Did you have your date worked out too?
Everyone, it's dinner time!
Aoba.
Come out with me for a while tomorrow.
To where?
To visit Wakaba's grave.
Won't I just get in the way? Go by yourself.
Defeat Ryuou Academy!
And so!
Let's charge into Koshien!
And come, my wedding.
What time?
To visit the grave.
After lunch.
Okay.
These trains sure are empty at this hour.
What did you say?
Do you have to sit that far away?
It's empty, so who cares where I sit.
This distant feel sure hasn't changed.
What did you say?
I didn't say anything.
Tokoroyama Cemetery
Hey, we don't have time to stand around.
Go ask Waka-chan for tomorrow's victory and then head back already.
There's that...
And there's something else we gotta ask for.
What?
Success for Akane-chan's surgery.
S-surgery? When?
Tomorrow.
How come no one told me?!
Don't tell the others, alright?
Is it a risky surgery?
Doesn't matter. It'll succeed either way.
Wakaba wouldn't let you cry again, would she?
Do you know where Kou went?
He went to visit Aoba-chan's sister's grave.
Together with Aoba-chan.
The grave? Those two together?
Yes.
My oh my.
Keep this from Azuma, alright?
We can't have our 4th fall into a slump right before the important match.
Did you hear what we said?
The way you "keep secrets", people from 100 meters away can hear it.
What?!
Kitamura and Tsukishima went to visit the grave together?!
What are you doing?
Got some change?
Mister! Please have this.
Thank you for all these years.
Do you still remember him?
He gave us a beating when we were messing around at the cemetery.
Quite a beating too.
What were we fighting about back then?
Back then you...
You must have done something to piss me off.
What the heck...
Akane-chan grew up on this street.
If Wakaba had met her back then, what a shock it'd have been.
"It's alright if you are with her."
That's what Waka-chan just told me.
Are you a psychic now?
Anyway, I'll worry about Akane-san for the both of us...
So tomorrow...
It won't affect the game.
By the time it starts, the surgery will be over, and we'll have the results already.
That it's been a success?
Nah...
A great success!
Hello!
Buckle your belt before coming out.
Sorry about coming so late.
How was it?
You two haven't gone out alone for quite a while, right?
It was nothing.
I only went with him to ask Waka-chan for tomorrow's victory.
How rare to see him asking you out.
Did you hear? He's got a date with Akane-san after the game!
What a lucky guy.
I can go see a movie with you if you want.
Are you sure you want to ask me out like that?
My feeling for you is serious, you know.
Tsukishima.
Come help pitch for a while!
Okay!
Ryuou's ace throws even faster and trickier than that!
Aye.
Okay, here comes a slider.
She's doing Oikawa's breaking pitches so perfectly.
She must have put in a lot of effort to master so many of them...
Kitamura-kun will make sure those efforts won't be wasted.
Are we really going to Koshien if we win tomorrow?
Your blisters broke?
Oh boy...
Back in middle school, if I had known this dream-like situation was coming, I would have...
What?
Nothing at all.
Say...
You like Tsukishima Aoba, don't you?
Yeah.
I like you too.
Did you know? I'm super good at lying.
What's the farthest you can throw, if you get serious?
About 300 meters maybe.
I see.
That actually sounded real coming from your mouth.
Thanks.
For what?
I'm happy even if it's a lie.
C'mon Nakanishi! How long are you gonna bat?! Switch!
Someone's lighting fireworks outside.
Must be Kou.
He said he was gonna buy some fireworks.
What a reliable ace. He doesn't look the slightest bit nervous even before the big game.
You think so?
He was up late last night, spacing out by the window.
I was pretending to be asleep.
No matter how worried and nervous he is, he won't let us see it.
That's true.
He's been a good liar for a long time now.
It won't affect the game.
By the time it starts, the surgery will be over, and we'll have the results already.
Wakaba wouldn't let you cry again, would she?
The Fastest Right Arm of the Tournament, Kitamura Kou VS. the Genius, Mishima Keitarou
Prelim MVP, Oikawa Takurou VS. the Monster, Azuma Yuuhei
Northern Tokyo Prelim Final Seishu Academy VS. Ryuou Academy
There's still time to sleep.
Same to you... You're up so early.
You couldn't sleep?
My body feels fine.
Since you're up, help me do some form checking before the game.
I'm pitching?
Like I said, this is for form checking.
There isn't anything more you can learn from me.
Far from it.
You still have way more experience.
Go ahead!
Are you worried about something?
This isn't your usual level of control.
Akane-san and I talked on the phone last night.
About what?
Secret.
You like her, don't you?
Yeah.
Waka-chan and her, who do you like more?
Can't really compare with someone that's gone.
Then...
What about me?
Is a lie... Alright?
Sure.
Temporarily Closed for Today
Closed - Takigawa Soba
Temporarily Closed - Kitamura Sports
Hmm? Where's Aoba-chan?
She had to go somewhere, so she'll come straight from there.
Where else could she possibly need to go today?
Do you know anything, Kou?
He's drooling... Is our ace gonna be okay?
As long as he doesn't fall asleep on the mound.
Hey...
Are we really going to Koshien if we win?
Probably.
It'd be great if they win.
Well, they're pretty much gonna lose for sure.
Let's hope this will be a match without regrets.
I wonder if everyone is emotionally ready for this.
Operating
Aoba-chan, maybe you should go to the stadium now...
It's fine. There's still time.
But...
It's fine.
Wake up, Kou.
We're at Jingu.
Did you have a good dream?
It's just starting.
This dream of ours.
Azuma-kun!
We're counting on you, Azuma!
Kou-chan!
Kitamura-kun!
Senda-san, you're awesome!
Hey stop, that hurts!
Get off already!
Akaishi.
Pray.
I don't wanna start praying just before the game.
Just do it.
Fine, fine. God, take care of us, 'kay?
Do it properly!
Geez...
Alright now?
That's good.
It's gonna be fine.
Shortstop, pass to center!
Every one of them...
Has been on the news, TV, and magazines so many times...
A bona fide star team this is...
What was that?
Ah, nothing.
Nakanishi.
Have you seen Momiji anywhere?
She was over there in the stands...
Over where?!
There! There!
Momiji, Kou-chan is looking this way!
Yes!
What?
Yes!
What? "Yes" what?
If we win, Koshien's next!
You just noticed?
The much awaited moment is finally here.
A mail from Ao-chan.
What's it say?
Give a V sign toward Kou!
“The one you love rarely loves you back”
To your words, I could only nod “right, right”
My heart is all yours, yet yours is with her
“Let’s do our best”, you said
But what should I do, tell me
A way to get you to notice me
Tell me you love me, love me, love me
Look into my eyes and tell me
Even if you think it’s just a rehearsal
Kisses, arm pillows, hugs, everything
Won’t you try them all with me??
And just like that, fall in love with me
Preview
Man, I'm so nervous.
This final match sure is something.
Do you know what "nervous" means?
There's only one thing I regret about staying with this team:
I can't play against Kitamura Kou anymore.
Guess you'll just have to give that up.
Next time! Cross Game 48:
Yes
Akaishi.
Don't just let me have everything.
Sub Smith - 2010.03.07