There was no room for me in that game.
Reflecting, preparing...
If you don't perform when you need to,
you won't get any chances.
All you can do is watch from here.
I won't forget how much this hurt...
Because I want to stand on that mound again!
154 km/h pitcher Furuya defeated
Komadai makes semifinals
Hongo's shut out
Both pitchers send stands into frenzy
It was close, Wakana.
They played a good game yesterday, but...
Who is that? Eijun-kun?
Yeah.
He's just now replying to my message from yesterday.
March 30
Farewell, Osaka
Farewell, Osaka!
Good game.
Good game We had to leave Koshien before I even knew it. 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 (lol)
We had to leave Koshien before I even knew it.
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.
The one thing I learned is that it sucks to lose Mwahahahahaha
The one thing I learned is that it sucks to lose!
That guy's... incredible
That guy's... incredible.
Haruno, is this newspaper from Osaka?
Yes, Sachi-senpai!
I bought all the newspapers available before we boarded the Shinkansen.
You're on top of things, Haruno!
Second-year aces
Seido vs Komadai Fujimaki
The demon pitchers face off
Hongo
Furuya
Captain says it all "A complete loss!"
Komadai makes semifinals
Missing the train would've been icing on the cake!
Every time there was a strikeout, the whole stadium would tremble.
Spirit
It was so exciting, Yui-senpai.
Yeah!
And that guy was incredible...
Furuya-kun!
Hongo-kun!
Huh?
From the other team?
I mean, he was really good.
Sure, but...
He's one of the best pitchers in the country.
Furuya-kun did just as well.
Eleven strikeouts His 138 pitches fail to bear fruit
"I'll be back this summer."
Did you see the spring tournament bracket?
Yeah, the D block looks pretty crazy.
It's Yakushi and Inashiro in the third round.
Torigoe
Konishiki
Inashiro Industrial
Natsume Academy
Central Engineering
Kawahisadome
Yakushi
I wanna see that game.
And Yakushi has a game at Koshien Stadium tomorrow.
That'll be right after they get back!
Doesn't this mean one of them won't get a seed for the summer?
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.
They didn't have much time to practice in Osaka.
I heard Yamaguchi-kun and Ono-kun have gained weight, too.
We need to get ready, too.
Yeah.
It's our last summer.
You sure, Kominato? I'll go on ahead.
Oh, yeah.
I have something to take care of.
Okay, then. See you later.
He didn't get many good plays at Koshien Stadium.
He probably needs to get over that.
Mom and Dad said they'd come to Koshien Stadium to watch.
You're walking a different path than mine.
You don't need to follow me any more.
Just stick to your own path, Haruichi.
Another interview request?
That's the fourth one since we came back.
We've been invited to several friendlies, too.
We'll have to adjust the schedule.
You're going to play in those games?
Yes, as many as we can.
Facing strong opponents will be stimulating for the boys, too.
Well, given Furuya's pitching at Koshien Stadium,
I guess teams can't leave him alone.
I imagine Kataoka-san will get more invites from the alumni and the boosters, too.
We do rely on their funding to run the team.
I imagine he'll be quite busy for a while.
You made it to the quarterfinals!
It was a very close game!
This summer, you'll make the semifinals!
No, even further!
We have the spring tournament coming up.
I'll watch the team for him.
That will be a great help.
Not at all. Coaches need to be able to handle all kinds of jobs.
Koshien Stadium is a really special place.
I feel like the boys look different since they came back.
Egosearching
Wh-Why are you trembling, Haruno?
Are you crying?
But Sachi-senpai said it's your last summer...
Oh, you...
We still have four months, right?
That's right.
Just four months!
Four whole months!
Don't you have an interview or something?
How come you're out here, running?
I'm tired of interviews.
They keep asking the same questions.
Don't try to get everything your way!
I'm not.
Let me go instead!
Furuya, you're done with practice for today!
But I just started.
You're done! No more, period!
You pitched in consecutive games,
so you need to prioritize recovering from the Koshien games.
That's right!
Go find a quiet corner to practice your interview skills!
Nori...
Those who shone at Koshien Stadium and those who didn't
all want to go back.
I think they feel it strongly.
Well, I imagine they'll get greedy now.
Let's go!
This is the third-years' last summer on the team.
What changes will the new first-years bring?
With our performance last year and the showing at the Spring Invitational,
we'll attract some strong talent!
I looked at the list, and it's quite impressive.
Our starters will need to stay on their toes.
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.
One advantage we do have...
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,
and what they need to do to get stronger.
That's the road to winning the national title.
Tremble
But darkness follows the light.
To truly soar, we'll need to strengthen our base.
Yes, sir. This is where the going gets tough.
Please lead us.
See you tomorrow.
Right!
Was that Kominato-kun?
Hey, Kominato.
So you decided to come...
I like those eyes.
Want to bat?
It's true!
He cut his hair!
I can see his eyes!
He's turning red!
I heard he cut it himself.
What? If you've got something to say, say it!
He's breaking bad!
Harucchi's a delinquent now!
Koshien Stadium has changed Harucchi!
So that's what you were thinking.
That should make it easier to see the ball.
It's long overdue if you ask me.
An image makeover...
What's happened to you?!
Don't over-exaggerate!
Were you suffering alone?!
Or are you a body double?!
Or a first-year impersonating him?!
Could you be the third Kominato brother, Haruhiko-kun?!
Come back, Harucchi!
Eijun-kun...
Smile
Maybe it's time to shut up.
I-It's his older brother!
That's it, no more talking.
It's the mighty Kominato genes!
Did you see that?
Should I be formal or casual? How should I talk to you?!
Yeah.
That was surprising.
They do look alike.
I won't say anything.
Just ignore the idiots.
The Harucchi I knew is gone!
Congratulations Seido High School on reaching Koshien Stadium
Where's Furuya-kun?
There! That's him!
Hey, wake up!
Seiseisha comes from behind
Emerges victorious in duel with Yakushi
Hongo still hot
Enjo scores three runs
Hakuryu batters held to three hits
Final Tomorrow Komadai Fujimaki x Seiseisha
I saw the game on TV!
It was incredible!
He pitches so fast!
Man, I'm in the same class as these two.
What a pain!
He's sleeping!
How cute!
Tojo, Kominato...
Why are you in a different class?
These two need you here, not me!
My seat's surrounded.
Yoshikawa...
Oh, Kanemaru-kun.
I guess we're in the same class again.
Y-Yeah.
Furuya-kun seems to have his hands full.
Everyone, stand back!
Look! He's hibernating!
Look at this face, like he's dreaming of polar bears!
Oh, but Sawamura-kun is with him, so I guess he'll be okay.
He must not be disturbed! Off with you!
I hope I can fit in soon, too.
Well, I guess it'll work out.
Komadai Fujimaki Wins
Second-year aces
Seido vs Komadai Fujimaki
The demon pitchers face off
Hongo
Furuya
Holds off Seiseisha's batters
Hongo amazes
Twelve strikeouts
they only got on base three times
Winners
Even if they hit Hongo Masamune's pitch...
Komadai Fujimaki
It's a large, well-kept field.
Looks like we're here early.
Did you leave your bags at the dorm?
Huh? Y-You...
Hey, Yuki!
Don't just run past us!
Did you get here early, too?
My house is close by.
What? No fair! You're not living in the dorm?
I'll come by sometime!
You're Okumura from Daikyo Senior, right?
Daikyo graduates usually go to Kurebayashi or Tsuruta in Kanagawa.
Why'd you pick this school?
What about you?
You must've had other schools talking to you besides Seido, right?
Not really.
Liar!
I mean it!
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.
Most kids in our year know who you are.
We'll be teammates, eating from the same pot.
I'm looking forward—
Hey, Yuki, you're leaving now?!
Think a little more about your timing!
I'm not staying in the dorm.
That's great! He's really self-centered!
Why are you laughing about it?!
Koshu, don't you leave, too!
Seido Spirit Dorm
Hey, hurry up!
They'll be here before we're ready!
I've waited so long for this day.
Just sit down! We need to get ready!
Okay...
I wonder what new challenges these guys will bring.
I'm Taiga Ito from Kitazawa Middle School.
I'd like to play third base and bat cleanup!
Next!
Yes, sir!
I'm Masashi Yuki from Akado Middle School!
I'd like to play all the positions, so I don't limit my potential!
Is that Tetsu-san's brother?
Looks like him.
He's got a good physique.
He was the cleanup for Kokubun Senior, right?
High school baseball is just a stop on the way
to becoming a player in the major leagues.
Oh, he talks big.
The majors, eh?
He has the leader's genes?!
A lot of guys from well-known teams.
Lots of senior leaguers.
Rei-chan said scouting was pretty easy this year.
Very few pulled out at the last minute.
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?
Is he that Yui?
The captain of the world series team?
I thought he'd be taller.
It's an honor to be in the same room as you, Furuya-san.
If you ever want to throw a few, just let me know.
I'm a catcher.
Oh, really? Then let's go...
You've already had your massage!
Besides, he's a new recruit.
You'd be too rough on him!
That's fine by me.
I've been wondering what Furuya-san's pitches are like for a long time.
Okay, let's go.
I said not to!
I'm Hirofumi Asada from Muto Middle School!
I'd like to play pitcher!
Yesterday, I learned that I don't like to be Punk'd!
Here it comes!
It worked!
Don't be mad. It's a tradition for this room.
I'm third-year Kuramochi. Nice to meet you.
I love your reactions!
Appeal! More appeal!
I can't do this.
Living in a dorm with those two demons is going to kill me.
It's over. I'll have to drop out of high school.
He's tall, but seems really weak.
He hunches over, too.
Guys like that don't last long.
Next!
Sir!
I'm Takeshi Mogami from Akebono Middle School.
I'd like to play shortstop!
My favorite players are Maezono-senpai and Kominato-senpai!
For real? Can I really be in this room?
Sharing a room with two of the main players is too much to ask!
Welcome.
Nice to meet you.
Wow...
This room is way too good.
Once these two start to like me, I'll be a team leader in no time!
They'll be expecting great things from me. Oh, man!
I can be a bit shy, so please be gentle!
I'm Takuma Seto from Daikyo Senior.
I'd like to play second base.
I have some quick legs!
Legs?
It's nice to meet you.
Yeah.
I finally get someone younger than me in the room.
I've been waiting for this.
Shinji...
It's interesting that a Daikyo player chose Seido.
They usually go to Kanagawa, right?
I'm Koshu Okumura from Daikyo Senior.
I'd like to play catcher.
I don't like any of the players in particular.
Oh, another one from Daikyo Senior?
I'm second-year Kimura. Nice to meet you.
And that guy...
I'm sure you know.
He's Miyuki-senpai, the captain.
He's not a very fussy guy here, so just relax.
I'm Okumura, also a catcher. It's nice to meet you.
I saw him glaring at me.
The rest of my time here will be a lot of fun!
The first-years are here introducing themselves!
Why are you smirking like that?!
I'm the captain.
E-Everybody's watching.
Is that everyone?
There's one more.
He fractured his leg and hasn't made it to the dorm yet.
Including him, there are thirty-five.
There are several applicants for support staff as well.
I see.
That's good to hear, right, Haruno?
Yes.
I'm Coach Kataoka!
I'm Ochiai, also a coach.
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,
and what they'll need from here on out...
They've all been steeped in it.
Start by looking for and feeling with your skin
the kind of baseball we want to play.
Yes, sir!
He's firing them up, I see.
Those words of encouragement for the new recruits
lit a fire under the current team as well.
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!
Yes, sir!
The 59 second- and third-years
received 35 new recruits.
The team now has 94 members.
Seeking to make consecutive Koshien appearances...
Let's go!
Yeah!
...the new Seido High School baseball team is now setting off.
"Joining"
"Joining."
Please, everyone!
Eijun-kun, focus on the lead-off batter.
You've finally opened your mouth!
Let's use this chance to settle our differences, Haruichi-kun!
At least he's headed in the right direction.
This could work.
Show everyone your presence.
I need a winning shot that only I can throw.
I need to go higher, and then some!
On the next episode of Ace of the Diamond Act II:
Next Time
"Go Straight."
Let's win the national title!