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Gurazeni: Money Pitch (2018) - S02 - CR vs Commie

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Commie

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 01 [1080p]

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 13v2 [EEE6219E]

September.

After four months away, I'm finally back in the majors.

Slipped through! The Spiders have the winning run on base!

It slipped through! The Spiders have the winning run on base!

The cool winds of May have given way to the unforgiving heat of summer.

And all this time, for four long, long, long months,

And all this time, for four long, long, long months, I've been out of action!

I've been out of action!

Including today, we have 23 games left in our season.

Including today, we have twenty-three games left in our season.

Three Central League teams are in a dead heat for the pennant.

In first place, the Osaka Tempters.

In second, the Bunkyo Mops.

And us, the Jingu Spiders, are one game out, in third.

And I probably should have said this earlier,

And I probably should've said this earlier, but my name is Bonda Natsunosuke!

but my name is Bonda Natsunosuke!

Bonda Natsunosuke

Recruited out of high school, I've spent eight years as a middle relief pitcher.

In his eighth year as a middle relief pitcher

Contract: 18 million

I make 18 million yen a year!

What? Why was I out of the action for four months, you ask?

I didn't hit a slump and drop to minors, if that's what you're thinking!

I didn't hit a slump and drop to the minors, if that's what you're thinking!

As a matter of fact, I'd been having an amazing season since game one!

As a matter of fact, I'd been having an amazing season since opening day!

I had twenty appearances through late May!

I made 20 appearances through late May!

For a middle reliever, your appearance stat is everything.

For a middle reliever, your number of appearances is everything.

I started thinking I'd get sixty appearances this season,

I started thinking I'd get 60 appearances this season, with a corresponding massive pay increase!

with a corresponding massive pay increase!

But right at the end of May...

I think we'll play today, but the weather report's not promising.

It'll be a struggle to get to the 5th and make this count as an official game, huh?

It'll be a struggle to get to the fifth and make this count as an official game, huh?

Manager. Call from Nagoya.

Yes? Tanabe here.

Manager, bad news!

Akiba has a fever!

What?!

I have him resting right now,

I have him resting right now, but I don't think he'll able to start tomorrow.

but I don't think he'll able to start tomorrow.

Didn't we send him to Nagoya a day in advance?

Akiba, who we sent to Nagoya a day in advance?

He needs to take better care of his health!

This is trouble...

This is trouble.

What will you do?

Given the weather, we'll be lucky to make it to the 5th...

Given the weather, we'll be lucky to make it to the fifth.

So we can probably get by with just a reliever or two.

Hey, Sakota, phone the clubhouse.

Tell Natsunosuke: "Get changed and go jump on a shinkansen."

Tell Natsunosuke: "Get changed and go jump on a bullet train."

"Tomorrow, you're starting!"

M-Manager...

It'll shock the hell out of the Nagoya Wild Ones.

They'll be expecting Akiba, the right-hander, to start.

And then we send out the lefty, Natsunosuke?

They'll be scrambling to cope just before the game starts.

And Akiba has a fever, so they can't really blame us!

Sakota, do it!

B-But...

What is it?

I'm not on board with this.

What?

It's not fair to Natsunosuke to use him this way.

He's a valuable left-handed relief pitcher.

We should use him the way he's meant to be used.

Sakota...

Look, I see what you're getting at,

but part of this is about wanting to give Natsunosuke a chance.

A chance?

This season, he's gotten his usual one-man outs,

This season, he's gotten his usual one-man outs, but he's also done some longer outings.

but he's also done some long relieving.

He even played a game as a spot starter!

We've been using him as a handyman,

We've been using him as a handyman, but your run-of-the-mill pitcher can't do all that.

but your run-of-the-mill pitcher can't do all that.

The fact that he can fill all those roles is a sign of his skill.

It's true that he's been pretty versatile this season!

He's been in the zone, I guess.

Natsunosuke is twenty-six years old this year.

Natsunosuke is 26 years old this year.

I doubt he's abandoned the dream of being in the pitching rotation, right?

I-In the pitching rotation?

Natsunosuke?

I've been thinking that if someone in the rotation lost steam,

I'd put Natsunosuke in there instead.

Natsunosuke!

Get going to Nagoya!

What?!

I'm starting tomorrow?!

Don't blame me if it's a disaster!

Hey, Natsunosuke! You made it!

Shiina-san!

Shiina!

Akiba's in the room next door. Support Staff Manager Degawa's with him.

Akiba's in the room next door.

Oh, but don't go visiting Akiba's room. We can't have him getting you sick.

Support Staff Manager Degawa's with him.

Oh, but don't go visiting his room.

We can't have him getting you sick.

Right!

Well, come on in!

I can't believe our manager sent you all the way out here with no notice.

I'm pitching in the second game, but that's a six-day break.

He could've just moved me up a day.

Seems to me he's giving you a starter test, Natsunosuke.

Well, you've been pitching great all season.

It might be about time for you to join us!

"Join us..."

"Join us."

The starters, he means?

This might come off as rude to say,

This might come off as rude to say, but you're seriously underpaid right now.

but you're seriously underpaid right now.

I think you deserve to make more.

Which means you need to be a starter.

If you manage to fill in like this and get results,

If you manage to fill in like this and get results, you'll earn the management's trust in a major way!

you'll earn the management's trust in a major way!

So a little advice on your start tomorrow...

When playing the Wild Ones, you must keep their first and second hitters off base.

When playing the Wild Ones, you must stop their first two batters from reaching base.

Their lead-off is Fuyuki-san, twenty-nine years old.

Their lead-off batter is Fuyuki, 29 years old.

He's thought to be the best outfielder playing right now.

Contract: 110 million.

Batting second is Demura-san, twenty-eight years old.

Batting second is Demura, 28 years old.

Similarly, he's said to be the best second baseman in the league,

Similarly, he's said to be the best second baseman in the league, and he makes 98 million a year.

and he makes 98 million a year.

And waiting in the wings after them is the man who makes exactly ten times what I do,

And waiting in the wings after them

the left-handed slugger making 180 million a year, Sekiya!

is the man who makes exactly ten times what I do,

Fuyuki and Demura are right-handers, so I bet you haven't faced them much.

the left-handed slugger making 180 million a year, Sekiya-san!

Contract: 180 million

Fuyuki and Demura are right-handers,

so I bet you haven't faced them much.

That's true...

I think maybe once this season?

They're tricky players with major legs.

We call them the do-anything pair.

Whether or not they get on base will vastly affect your chance of giving up runs.

Every middle relief pitcher wants to reach the starting rotation someday.

So after what Shiina-san said,

So after what Shiina said, I can't deny that I felt even more pressure to make the most of this chance.

I can't deny that I felt even more pressure to make the most of this chance.

Then, the next day...

This is Bonda's second start this season.

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CR
▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 01 [1080p]

September.
After four months away, I'm finally back in the majors.
Slipped through! The Spiders have the winning run on base!
The cool winds of May have given way to the unforgiving heat of summer.
And all this time, for four long, long, long months,
I've been out of action!
Including today, we have twenty-three games left in our season.
Three Central League teams are in a dead heat for the pennant.
In first place, the Osaka Tempters.
In second, the Bunkyo Mops.
And us, the Jingu Spiders, are one game out, in third.
And I probably should have said this earlier,
but my name is Bonda Natsunosuke!
Bonda Natsunosuke
Recruited out of high school, I've spent eight years as a middle relief pitcher.
In his eighth year as a middle relief pitcher
Contract: 18 million
I make 18 million yen a year!
What? Why was I out of the action for four months, you ask?
I didn't hit a slump and drop to minors, if that's what you're thinking!
As a matter of fact, I'd been having an amazing season since game one!
I had twenty appearances through late May!
For a middle reliever, your appearance stat is everything.
I started thinking I'd get sixty appearances this season,
with a corresponding massive pay increase!
But right at the end of May...
I think we'll play today, but the weather report's not promising.
It'll be a struggle to get to the 5th and make this count as an official game, huh?
Manager. Call from Nagoya.
Yes? Tanabe here.
Manager, bad news!
Akiba has a fever!
What?!
I have him resting right now,
but I don't think he'll able to start tomorrow.
Akiba, who we sent to Nagoya a day in advance?
He needs to take better care of his health!
This is trouble...
What will you do?
Given the weather, we'll be lucky to make it to the 5th...
So we can probably get by with just a reliever or two.
Hey, Sakota, phone the clubhouse.
Tell Natsunosuke: "Get changed and go jump on a shinkansen."
"Tomorrow, you're starting!"
M-Manager...
It'll shock the hell out of the Nagoya Wild Ones.
They'll be expecting Akiba, the right-hander, to start.
And then we send out the lefty, Natsunosuke?
They'll be scrambling to cope just before the game starts.
And Akiba has a fever, so they can't really blame us!
Sakota, do it!
B-But...
What is it?
I'm not on board with this.
What?
It's not fair to Natsunosuke to use him this way.
He's a valuable left-handed relief pitcher.
We should use him the way he's meant to be used.
Sakota...
Look, I see what you're getting at,
but part of this is about wanting to give Natsunosuke a chance.
A chance?
This season, he's gotten his usual one-man outs,
but he's also done some long relieving.
He even played a game as a spot starter!
We've been using him as a handyman,
but your run-of-the-mill pitcher can't do all that.
The fact that he can fill all those roles is a sign of his skill.
It's true that he's been pretty versatile this season!
He's been in the zone, I guess.
Natsunosuke is twenty-six years old this year.
I doubt he's abandoned the dream of being in the pitching rotation, right?
I-In the pitching rotation?
Natsunosuke?
I've been thinking that if someone in the rotation lost steam,
I'd put Natsunosuke in there instead.
Natsunosuke!
Get going to Nagoya!
I'm starting tomorrow?!
Don't blame me if it's a disaster!
Hey, Natsunosuke! You made it!
Shiina-san!
Akiba's in the room next door. Support Staff Manager Degawa's with him.
Oh, but don't go visiting Akiba's room. We can't have him getting you sick.
Right!
Well, come on in!
I can't believe our manager sent you all the way out here with no notice.
I'm pitching in the second game, but that's a six-day break.
He could've just moved me up a day.
Seems to me he's giving you a starter test, Natsunosuke.
Well, you've been pitching great all season.
It might be about time for you to join us!
"Join us..."
The starters, he means?
This might come off as rude to say,
but you're seriously underpaid right now.
I think you deserve to make more.
Which means you need to be a starter.
If you manage to fill in like this and get results,
you'll earn the management's trust in a major way!
So a little advice on your start tomorrow...
When playing the Wild Ones, you must keep their first and second hitters off base.
Their lead-off is Fuyuki-san, twenty-nine years old.
He's thought to be the best outfielder playing right now.
Contract: 110 million.
Batting second is Demura-san, twenty-eight years old.
Similarly, he's said to be the best second baseman in the league,
and he makes 98 million a year.
And waiting in the wings after them
is the man who makes exactly ten times what I do,
the left-handed slugger making 180 million a year, Sekiya-san!
Contract: 180 million
Fuyuki and Demura are right-handers,
so I bet you haven't faced them much.
That's true...
I think maybe once this season?
They're tricky players with major legs.
We call them the do-anything pair.
Whether or not they get on base will vastly affect your chance of giving up runs.
Every middle relief pitcher wants to reach the starting rotation someday.
So after what Shiina-san said,
I can't deny that I felt even more pressure to make the most of this chance.
Then, the next day...
This is Bonda's second start this season.
I know Akiba has a cold,
but this is less like a substitute and more like an ambush.
Hey, it's no big deal.
There's nothing we'd like better than a sidearm southpaw.
You're here, Bonda.
I always knew the day would come
when I would face you as a starter.
Batting first: right fielder, Fuyuki.
Play ball!
Will I go from handyman to starting rotation pitcher?
It's the do-or-die moment!
Fuyuki starts off with a bunt for a hit!
Yes!
Safe! Safe!
He really set the tone with that first hit, eh, Color Commentator Yamamoto Masa-san?
He's probably really shaken them.
That's how Fuyuki rolls.
Batting second is the second baseman, Demura.
How's he going to approach this?
Demura won't settle for a sac bunt.
Fuyuki and Demura getting on base will increase your chance of giving up runs.
That's Fuyuki for you.
Up against an unfamiliar starter, but he went right for the kill.
Fuyuki probably looks down on Natsunosuke.
With the Demura-Fuyuki lead-off pair, you can really expect anything.
A stolen base, a hit and run, or a sacrifice bunt, of course.
The sacrifice bunt is the least likely scenario.
Because they look down on him.
The most likely is a steal.
He'll probably just go for it, despite Natsunosuke being a southpaw!
Natsunosuke, I think this might be a starter test for you.
Ace it and come join us, okay?
Demura.
He must be expecting a steal.
We'll use that and...
A bunt hit-and-run?
You'll make it to first, too.
We'll have runners on the corners.
When Fuyuki gets on base in early innings, I let those two decide the gameplan.
Out! Out!
He totally had him, but the first baseman dropped the ball!
Safe! Safe!
Fuyuki got a major break there.
It was a great pick-off, yeah.
He's not half-bad...
Come on, first baseman!
So close!
Looks like Demura's bunting for a hit, too!
The pitcher again?
It's turning out exactly like Fuyuki-san's bunt!
Safe! Safe!
Okay, he avoided the tag!
He's safe on first, but...
Oh no!
Wait, that was a feint?!
Bonda's got him cornered with the ball in hand!
He should probably just throw it instead of chasing him down.
Natsunosuke, don't hold the ball any longer!
Throw it here!
Demura-san is heading for second!
If Fuyuki and Demura don't get on base,
you can keep down your chances of giving up runs.
Natsunosuke, you don't have to go for the tag out!
He's out!
Out! Out!
Natsunosuke!
I'm going for the tag out!
I-Idiot!
Don't do it, Natsunosuke!
That isn't the starting pitcher's job!
Natsunosuke...
You don't have to do everything yourself!
Chill out, man...
Out!
N-Natsunosuke!
Is Bonda okay?
He's on the ground and not getting up.
You think he's okay?
I had broken my right wrist.
That was just before the start of interleague play.
It took two months to heal.
They said I wouldn't get back in the game for three to four months.
I'd been going full blast with my pitches this season,
as if to say, "I'm your ace middle reliever, right?"
It might be about time for you to join us!
For a pitcher, joining the starter rotation is a serious promotion.
It would increase my contract, too.
I guess I was desperate to make that chance count,
but I screwed up.
There should've been a way to do that without getting injured!
I was a loser who got a big opportunity and failed to see it through.
After the rains came and went, as summer hit its peak, I was finally discharged.
I did my rehabilitation exercises in the clubhouse training room.
Hey, Natsunosuke.
Toku-san!
You sure you should be running?
Doing color commentary today?
No, actually.
Looks like the thing I was most worried about happened.
Y-Yeah... I messed up.
I guess great heights come with great falls.
No, Natsunosuke. That's not quite right.
Whether you're in the heights or the depths,
being a baseball player means you get out there and play.
I'm saying that when you're in an intense sport,
playing hard goes without saying.
But this is the first real injury you've had in your entire pro career, right?
That's true. I've never been injured before.
I actually only realized once it happened.
Seven years as a pro, and you'd never been injured.
As a rule, throwing a ball is an activity that invites injury.
That's a natural part of being a pitcher.
This is a sign that you were gifted with a hardy constitution.
"The best ability is availability."
You may have your own amazing talent, in a way.
Be grateful to your parents.
But I got injured this time!
That happens with fifty-fifty plays.
But outside of unforeseen disasters like that,
you might have a physique that resists injury.
Did Toku-san come here to cheer me up?
Anyway, about that running...
It's not irritating the break, is it?
It might be a little...
But I think it should be okay.
Look, don't be in such a rush right now.
You've gotta rest the break, okay?
Yes, I will!
Toku-san was right to warn me.
The swinging upset the bone setting.
You should avoid running for a little while longer.
I'd set my major league comeback back by ten days.
I finally lost the cast at the end of July.
In August, I visited the minor league Toda Stadium in Saitama
for a little practice in real games.
Our team's managed to hang on at the top of the pack,
but our pitching staff's in a bad way.
Come back to us soon, okay, Natsunosuke?
Right! I'll do my best!
Sakota-san was right.
Osaka-Bunkyo-Jingu
Even by August, the Central League's top three teams
Spiders Hanging in There!
were in a dead heat for the pennant, and we were hanging in at third!
Holding on to Third!
But when you return, you're back on middle relief.
I'm back to being a handyman?
It makes sense, I guess.
I messed up my chance to be a starter.
Well, don't feel too bad.
First things first: get yourself back in the game.
Train yourself for both one-man-outs and long relieving.
The top three teams still have thirty games left,
but the manager expects things to stay deadlocked for a while.
So in the late season when the pennant's at stake,
that's when we'll really need you.
The pennant...
The manager is counting on you as his ace middle reliever.
That full-blast effort you put in before you got injured.
Y-Yes, sir!
My first beer in two and a half months... It tastes so good!
Three more from the tap!
Just help yourself, okay, Senpai?
Shibuya-senpai and I will pick up the tab!
Yes, yes, yes!
Don't mind if I do!
You were so depressed when they first sent you to the hospital.
It's a relief to see you back in good form.
Right, Yukio?
Yes. You were totally inconsolable back then.
You bet I was!
I'd made twenty appearances from the season opener to May!
I thought I was gonna get to sixty this year!
Then all of a sudden, I'm out of the game!
It was like dropping from heaven to hell!
But now you're back to playing real games.
It's a great thing!
It is!
Anyway, Akira...
They keep skipping over you in the rotation.
You're not getting rusty, are you?
Like hell! I'm not rusty!
Are you drunk already? Don't start picking fights!
Just get yourself back in the rotation and win a game or three!
Butt out! I'm doing my best, okay?
You too, Yukio! Get that batting average up by .020!
That'll get you to .300!
Yeah, yeah. I'm doing my best!
I just need to do my best, right?
Though .020 might be out of reach...
You know, we did this to encourage you, but you're trying to fire us up instead.
Anyway, do your best, both of you! For the sake of the team!
And for me!
I mean, if we keep this up, we've got a real shot!
At the pennant!
That's right!
We've come this far! We've gotta get that pennant!
Yes! This is our big chance!
Let's do it! Let's grab that pennant!
Yeah, that's the way!
Can't get that pay increase unless we get the pennant!
C'mon, eat up, you guys! Don't hold back!
Yeah, eat up!
Right!
Bring more, more!
Yes!
Excuse me! Repeat for three!
I pitched a few games in the farm.
Manager, we have word from Toda.
How did things go?
He pitched three innings, three up and three down.
Oh, wow!
That's eight straight perfect innings in four games!
Okay, looks like he made it in time.
He's been out of the action for four months.
He needs to make up for lost time.
Starting tomorrow, bring Natsunosuke back to the majors!
Right!
In the unforgiving heat of September,
I'm back in the majors after four months away.
I got lucky.
Akira and Yukio didn't especially distinguish themselves,
but the team worked hard and are still in the race for the pennant.
I said it before, but for a middle reliever, your appearance stat is everything.
At best, I'll get to play ten games in the twenty-two we have remaining.
I got twenty appearances before I broke my wrist,
which will give me a season total of thirty.
That won't get me much of a raise.
But...
Hey, Natsunosuke.
I might need to send you out in an inning or two!
Warm up that shoulder!
Yes, sir!
I'm finally back!
We're a mere one game out of first place.
Any of the top three could still snag the pennant.
If I can contribute to the win in this deadlock situation,
I might win brownie points with the management.
Now, the real test is coming!
That's right, there's money buried under the pitch!
Money pitch!
Natsunosuke here!
There's another player who came up to the majors with me.
Itsuki Roppa.
He's my age, an outfielder recruited out of college, in his fourth year as a pro.
His contract: 6.5 million.
But he's got that archetypal grass-lot baseball attitude.
He's married, and his wife is five months pregnant.
He's a great guy who's a blast to have around,
but he's lacking a lot of that pro fire!
Next time: "The Softy"
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 02 [1080p]

I broke my right wrist just before interleague play started.
Four months later, in September, I finally returned to the majors.
Luckily for me, the three top CL teams are in a tight race for the pennant,
Spiders
Mops
Tempters
W             L             T            GB
Central League Standings
and my Jingu Spiders are in third, just one win behind the leading Osaka Tempters.
If I can contribute to a pennant win in this do-or-die moment,
I can make up for the four months I spent out of action!
It's my third day back in the majors,
and our showdown with the second-place Bunkyo Mops—
the last of a three-game series—has begun.
Natsunosuke, enough.
Swap out for Asai.
Huh? But I've only thrown five pitches...
Just swap out.
O-Okay...
What the heck's going on here?
I was hoping to go all out now that I'm finally back in the game,
but I won't get an appearance today either...
A guy who came up from the minors with me is playing in today's game.
Batting eighth, right field, Itsuki.
Roppa-kun!
Sonny boy!
Itsuki Roppa.
He's twenty-six years old, just like me.
He throws right and bats left.
He was recruited out of college four years ago.
His contract is 6.5 million.
He's been brought up to the majors after an amazing hot streak in the minors.
Jingu Spiders  Match Schedule August 22  Jingu vs. Tokorozawa Jaguars Today's match is at 13:00
Hey, batter! Hit it here!
Here it comes!
It's going long!
I got it! I got it!
Out!
Hey, nice play!
Nice play!
Yeah, yeah!
Now, bring it on!
Yeah!
C'mon, drop! Drop!
It dropped!
It's fair! It's fair!
Yes! A double!
Safe!
That hit gets me up to .300!
Hey, I'm taking a lead! I'm taking a lead!
Yeah, a hit! I'm going all the way home!
That's gonna be dicey!
Back home!
Run, legs! Run!
Out!
What's the call?
Out! Out!
Heck, go figure!
And here I thought I'd make it.
He's so cheerful after getting tagged out at home.
Boy, he got me good!
It's a fair-weather Sunday.
On this beautiful day...
That dusty uniform...
That sun-baked smile...
What are you, an old man playing grass-lot ball?!
Sonny boy's having another active day.
Itsuki's wife and his father-in-law.
They live nearby,
so they'd always come to Toda Stadium to cheer him on for his minor league games.
By the way, even among pro ballplayers,
you sometimes see people with husky builds.
They also tend to be real jacked in the nude, but not this guy.
Boy, it's hot today!
This guy really has the physique of an old man in grass-lot ball!
When you make baseball your living, you see more bad times than good.
The guys on the farm team always have a slight whiff of tragedy about them.
But there's none of that from this guy.
He really plays baseball because he enjoys it!
I can't believe I'm a grown-up getting to play baseball every day!
I get paid for it, too!
And I just love the slow pace of the farm!
That's what it feels like.
Personality-wise, he's the quintessential "guy not cut out for the pros."
"How is he not cut out for it," you ask?
He's got a good batting average, but he has precious few RBIs.
He bats sixth, which is a good place in the order for RBIs,
but this season, he only has four!
"Is he the type to buckle under pressure," you ask?
No, that would actually be preferable!
This guy just doesn't think about anything!
He just hits whatever they throw at him!
Doesn't matter if there's a runner or not!
As a result, he has precious few walks, too.
Incredibly, he only has one this season!
Though the fact that he still bats at .300
suggests the incredible potential he has.
His physique makes him look like he trots along when he runs,
but he's actually got surprising speed.
So he's got a surprising number of infield hits.
And because he's fast, he's a perfectly reliable fielder, too.
That beer was great!
Even the way you drink beer...
You're such an old man!
Are you really the same age as me?
Yeah!
Maybe the reason you seem like such an old man
is because you're hitched?
I'm a child by comparison.
That's what I said, but that's sarcasm.
The real reason he seems like an old man
is because he's an old man playing grass-lot ball at heart!
I'm more than just hitched!
I've also got a kid coming at the end of September!
Really?
That's just a month and a half away!
Izakaya Yama-ariki
I see, I see. You're gonna be a daddy?
You'd better get up to the majors soon, then!
I thought I'd go up when you came down, yeah.
But of course, they wanted a southpaw pitcher.
Good for you, though! You finally get to pitch in a game!
You'll be back in the majors in ten days, I bet!
There are moments that make me think,
"No matter how well this guy hits in the farm,
he'll never make it to the majors again."
He's just not cut out to be a pro, personality-wise.
For instance, when he's not hitting well,
and he comes up to bat with the bases loaded,
could he take the walk to force a runner in?
When there's a runner on third,
could he hit a grounder to second to bring the runner home?
Both cases would get him an RBI.
Both win-wins.
But in both cases, he'd swing away and strike out in three!
He's the type of guy where that's so easy to imagine.
Guys cut out to go pro will hang in there and do what it takes to eke out the run.
You know...
For the sake of my incoming kid,
I gotta get my first hit as a pro on the board.
What, you've never gotten a hit in the majors?
Yeah, sad to say.
That's right.
In his four years as a pro, he only spent one month in the majors, so...
Well, I guess that makes sense.
Roppa-kun.
Sonny boy.
Hey, Yui. Dad.
We came to pick you up.
Thank you, Bonda-san, for looking after him.
No problem.
Excuse us.
Take care!
Take care.
Piyopiyo Honpo
is a Japanese-style confectionery chain with fifteen stores in Saitama Prefecture.
Itsuki married the only daughter of the owners,
and they live with his in-laws.
So whenever he quits baseball,
he'll have a job lined up as president of Piyopiyo Honpo!
You can see how a guy like that wouldn't bend over backwards to get to the majors.
Not that I envy him or anything.
As a mere pro baller with an uncertain future,
and his body as his only resource,
I know I can't stay here forever!
I need to get back to the majors as soon as possible...
Or I'll get a pay cut next season!
Today, Itsuki is starting, batting eighth and playing right field.
This is his third time at the plate.
His last two at-bats, he made good contact,
but the defense's amazing fielding kept him in check.
You know...
For the sake of my incoming kid,
I gotta get my first hit as a pro on the board.
Yui, how are you feeling?
I'm just fine.
The baby's kicking a lot!
Going...
Going...
At last, my first hit...
...in the pros!
The center-fielder robbed the home run!
What an amazing play!
Oh, Roppa-kun...
Sonny boy...
Itsuki, in his first start in a year, has been robbed of three hits today!
Rotten luck for him, huh, Tokunaga-san?
Yes, it's a terrible shame.
But that center-fielder's moves were amazing, weren't they?
That homer would've given them the lead.
What rotten luck.
Itsuki...
Itsuki, don't get discouraged.
Give us your best on defense.
Sure!
Itsuki's 0 and 3, but they're still letting him play?
Well, it stands to reason. He should've had three hits.
And I've heard that since they brought him up,
his batting practice performance has been amazing.
W-Wow... Itsuki...
At this rate, can't not put Itsuki in the starting lineup.
But while everyone might be thinking, "Itsuki's had some rotten luck today,"
I can't help but think his poor results come from a lack of real pro spirit.
You could call it "The determination to get a hit."
When a player with that determination comes up for their third at-bat,
they might go for a cheap hit.
Like clipping it just over the shortstop's head, you know?
Itsuki just hits like it's an extension of batting practice.
At the same time, I can't deny that Itsuki is in the zone.
And I'm in the zone, too!
I was producing results in the farm. That's why they called me up.
But for two days, they haven't put me in the game.
Natsunosuke, our pitching staff's in a bad way.
Come back to us soon, okay?
That's what he said.
But both yesterday and the day before,
there have been moments when I thought "is this my turn?"
But they called in a different left-hander instead.
Anyway, I'm back now. Be patient!
Do the job you're given, for the sake of the team!
The accomplishments will follow!
Natsunosuke.
Get warmed up.
Yes, sir!
And then, in the 8th inning...
It broke out through left center!
It's a double!
There's two outs, but the man on deck has had two hits today.
It's their 3-hole, Tomoto!
You gotta assume the Spiders will bring out a lefty here.
Natsunosuke, you're up.
It's here!
It's finally here!
The Spiders are announcing a change of pitcher.
Now pitching: Bonda!
Jersey 39.
His broken right wrist now healed,
left-hander Bonda is finally back after four months!
I'm finally...
I'm finally back...
Back here!
You did it, Natsunosuke!
Having Bonda back is a major win for the Spiders, huh?
Yeah, good thing he made it back in time.
He was their ace middle reliever before he broke his wrist.
And the last four months have probably been really hard on him.
Hopefully, he'll make up for the four months he spent out of action.
That's right.
Go for it, Senpai!
Take him out, Natsunosuke!
Time to get a fresh start.
Crawl your way back to the top, Natsunosuke.
It's the top of the 8th, and the game is tied.
There's two outs and a runner on second.
This is definitely a place where a pitcher earns his keep.
I guess the management really does trust me!
I'm gonna get you out!
I've got it! I've got it!
Got him! Pop fly to second!
No, I've got it! Leave it to me!
No, second! Second!
Itsuki, leave this to me!
The runner scores from second!
The Mops take the lead!
A clutch hit to shallow right field!
A hit!
I... I gave up the hit that put them in the lead!
Itsuki!
Don't say you're gonna catch it and then pull out!
Roppa-kun...
Sonny boy...
The Spiders are announcing a change of pitcher.
Segawa will be pitching for Bonda.
Determination.
Itsuki, you don't have enough determination for catching the ball.
Someone with determination would never pull out on the catch.
They'd go for it, even if it meant a collision!
That ended up being the winning run.
With the pennant on the line,
I was unable to help my team today.
Piyopiyo Honpo
Papa's fourth at-bat was a ground out to first!
He wasn't able to get his first pro hit.
But, Hiroshi, Papa will get his hit tomorrow!
If they let me play, that is!
Given how you played today, I'm sure they will.
Hiroshi, Papa's big boy Hiroshi!
Will Papa play tomorrow? What do you think?
Sonny boy's been so worked up since he learned the baby was a boy.
He's even picked out the name, and they both call him that.
But actually, Roppa-kun, at my check-up today...
What happened at your check-up?
We found out the baby is breech.
B-Breech?
But he was just fine last month...
Is that something that can just happen in the ninth month?
Rarely, but it does happen.
They might have to do a C-section.
A-A C-section?!
I-I'd rather avoid that.
They'll open you up with a scalpel, right?
It's very likely they'll have to.
How can it turn breech in the ninth month?
Please be born safely, Hiroshi!
Papa's working hard so you can watch him play ball!
Hiroshi!
When I thought back on today's match,
I got so annoyed, I didn't want to go back to my empty apartment.
I was finally back in the majors. I got my appearance today.
And more than anything...
I wanted to be healed by her smile!
Kitchen Ajihei
It's been five months, I think.
I didn't want her to see me with my bandages on...
But I hope she hasn't quit in the meantime.
Welcome!
Go ahead and grab an empty seat.
She's here! Yuki-chan!
Do you know what you'd like?
F-Fried chicken 'n' rice!
One fried chicken 'n' rice!
Okay, one chicken 'n' rice!
She didn't ask me anything but my order,
but just seeing her smile sets my heart at peace!
The Jingu Spiders and Bunkyo Mops were tied up in the 8th,
when Pitcher Bonda, returning after four months with an injury,
gave up a hit to player Tomoto, allowing a 6-5 Mops victory.
Wow, Bonda got hurt?
Did we have a pitcher named Bonda?
Yeah, the left-handed reliever with the horn-rimmed glasses.
Oh, him!
I'm sitting right here, darn it!
The first-place Tempters lost today,
Well, it's not like they know what I look like...
so the Mops have pulled into first place by half a game.
Spiders
Mops
Tempters
W         L        T       GB
Central League Standings
The Spiders are now 1.5 games behind the Mops, in third place.
Aw, the Tempters fell to second place?
Hey, don't sweat it, Yuki-chan.
The Mops'll get knocked down again soon.
And the Spiders are totally done for.
Yeah, it's totally the Tempters this year!
Well, I sure hope you're right...
No, no! I'm not giving in that easily!
Sorry, Yuki-chan,
but I'm going to work like crazy in the 19 games left in the season,
and help my team win the pennant!
I need to make up for these last four months!
Here's your fried chicken 'n' rice!
Thanks!
Wow, what a great smell!
That's Yuki-chan's personal recipe, fried chicken 'n' rice!
Now, we start with the rice...
Delicious!
This is the flavor!
I'm charged up with love and energy!
Tomorrow's the day!
Money pitch!
Natsunosuke here.
Itsuki Roppa is knocking it out of the park in practice,
but he just can't hit in the clutch!
He's messing us up on defense, too, and he got me a loss as a pitcher!
The manager's sick of it, too,
and he's thinking of sending him down to the minors.
I'm trying a lecture to get him motivated again, but...
Next time: "Rising to First"!
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 03 [1080p]

Now pitching: Bonda!
Jersey 39.
His broken right wrist now healed,
left-hander Bonda is finally back after four months!
It was the last of a three-game series against the second-place Mops.
I was finally getting my first mound appearance back in the majors.
But then...
I'm gonna get you out!
I've got it! I've got it!
Got him! Pop fly to second!
There was a pop fly behind the second baseman,
No, I've got it! Leave it to me!
and the right fielder, Itsuki, called for it and then pulled out...
No, second! Second!
Itsuki, leave this to me!
On the record, I gave up the hit that let them take the lead,
The runner scores from second!
The Mops take the lead!
and the team lost a crucial match.
A clutch hit to shallow right field!
A hit!
I... I gave up the hit that put them in the lead!
Eighteen games left.
Tonight's opponent is a man who makes exactly ten times my salary,
Sekiya of the Wild Ones!
The last-place Wild Ones are showing some grit with two outs and bases loaded,
but Bonda's standing in for the closer, Segawa.
He's got three-hole Sekiya right where he wants him. Two balls, two strikes.
A recent match for first place between the Mops and the Tempters ended in a tie.
So if the third-place Spiders, one game behind, want to stay in contention,
they can't afford to lose this match!
If I keep racking up contributions to a pennant win,
I can increase my contract next season!
I'll get you out, no matter what!
Strike! He's out!
Yes!
A confident pitch, packed with emotion...
The top of the 12th is over, and it's six to six!
There won't be an inning after this.
The Spiders can't lose this one now!
If we walk off with this one, I'll get the win!
The Mops and the Tempters tied their last game,
so if we win this one, we'll rise to second place!
And I'll get major contribution points!
Come on, batters! Win this one for me!
I really want to make up for those four months I lost!
Ohno got a piece of it!
Now in the bottom of the 12th, just like the Wild Ones,
the Spiders have the bases loaded with two outs.
They're in position to walk off with the win!
The Spiders sent in their right-handed pinch hitter Hasegawa,
but the Wild Ones are sending their righty, Yamakawa, to the mound.
The Spiders will pinch hit for the pinch hitter.
Itsuki.
The Spiders used all their other left-handed pinch hitters,
so they're using their last one, Itsuki, who's never recorded a pro hit!
In my four years as a pro, I've had nineteen at bats.
I don't want to go 0-for-20!
Hiroshi! Today, Papa's going to get you a hit!
Itsuki's in the zone. He's worth using here.
They're bringing Roppa-kun in for the do-or-die moment!
Sonny boy!
Itsuki! Please, get this done!
Ball!
Ball!
Ball!
That's ball three!
Is the pitcher, Yamakawa, afraid of Itsuki, a player with no hits to his name?
He keeps skirting the strike zone!
Itsuki definitely has an aura about him today.
If he gets a walk, we'll win this!
Yes.
It's a ball! He'll walk one in!
He...
...hit it?!
It's down the first base line!
His first hit in the pros!
The Spiders walk off with it!
You're out!
First baseman Sekiya gets the third out with a spectacular play
and instantly turns the loss into a tie!
Itsuki Roppa may be the unluckiest player alive!
Even in his last start, three days ago, he was robbed of all his hits!
No, this one was a bit different.
That pitch was well away. It might've been a ball if he'd taken it,
but he reached and pulled it anyway.
It resulted in a really sluggish hit.
Itsuki... you...
With three balls and no strikes,
why would you swing for that obvious ball?!
You could have walked a run home!
I know you're feeling your oats and antsy to swing, but still...
Itsuki... if you keep batting like this,
you'll get dropped back to the minors!
After that day, the top three teams remained in place,
as did the one-game difference between us and the first-place Mops.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight.
Exercises to turn a breech baby...
Is this really gonna fix it?
So much fuss over a little breech baby!
I had Yui with a cesarean myself!
Even so, dear...
An operation still comes with the risk of hemorrhage.
Dad! Don't jinx us here!
S-Sorry...
Hiroshi... Papa's only purpose in life is to meet you!
The first of the three-game series between the Mops in first and the Spiders in third.
It's the top of the 9th, and the Spiders have the bases loaded with two outs.
And it's Itsuki up to the plate!
Roppa-kun!
Sonny boy!
It's a situation just like yesterday, with Itsuki brought in to pinch hit.
But the big difference is the score.
We're getting massacred today, ten to nothing!
Knowing this guy...
Is he the type that can't hit in the clutch,
but will knock it out of the park when it won't make a difference?
If he actually does hit it, I'm going to groan.
Ball!
He hit it!
It's taking the same course as yesterday!
Get through this time!
It goes through!
Roppa-kun!
Sonny boy!
It's through! Fair ball!
The runner on third scores!
So does the runner on second!
The right fielder's finally got it...
And the runner from first scores, too!
Itsuki clears the bases with a three-RBI triple, his first hit in four years as a pro!
Roppa-kun!
Sonny boy!
Itsuki...
Hiroshi, did you see that?
Hiroshi! You can hear that, can't you?
Your papa got a hit!
I know you can hear these cheers!
Yes!
But it was a drop in a bucket.
Itsuki's first hit was a cause for celebration,
but he did it in such an Itsuki way.
Let's take Sekiya of the Wild Ones.
If he'd been in these same situations,
he'd probably have delivered the polar opposite result.
Yesterday, I just happened to strike him out,
but he would've hit yesterday and struck out today.
Itsuki is a world away from someone like him.
This put a two-game gap between us and the Mops.
There were sixteen games left.
I think I know what you're gonna say.
"Why couldn't you hit like this yesterday?"
If I had, you would have gotten the win.
I wouldn't say that.
You got your first hit today. It's worth celebrating!
I know it doesn't look good.
I might finally be sent back to the minors.
But... H-Hiroshi...
Until Hiroshi is...
Hiroshi?
Until Hiroshi is born,
I want to stay in the majors, come hell or high water!
I've never seen that look on his face before!
When we hit the last stretch of the pennant race,
will Itsuki be of any use to us as a batter?
What do you think?
I dunno.
I'm afraid that the answer is...
no!
It's a shame, but I'm going to send him down.
I'll call up another left-handed batter in his place.
Until Hiroshi is born...
B-Bonda...
This is the most serious I've seen you get about baseball since we first met.
But, and this is something I've been wanting to say for a long time,
this is what makes you such a softy!
Until your child is born?
So after that, you're okay being sent to the minors?
It shouldn't matter if your kid is born or not.
You should want to stay in the majors forever!
You're playing baseball for your family?
Don't make me laugh!
Baseball is a thing you should play for yourself!
If you do well, you rejoice.
If you suck, you kick yourself.
That's all there is.
Being dropped to the minors is like being told that you suck,
so kick yourself for that, and that alone!
And staying in the majors is the opposite.
If you're going to play baseball, you'll want your skills acknowledged, right?
Instinctively!
Family doesn't need to be a part of that!
B-Bonda...
I'm sorry to say this, but unlike you, before I got injured,
I was fighting on the front lines of the majors.
Right now, the thought of fighting for a roster spot isn't even crossing my mind!
I just want to make up for the four months I spent out of the majors!
And to do that, I have to contribute to our pennant win!
Any great things I do now will have twice or thrice the impact!
Enough to overwrite the four months I spent contributing nothing!
I'm not like you, okay?
I'm sorry to dump on you like that.
I'll understand if you don't want to talk to me for a while.
B-Bonda...
But... if you don't fix that soft side of yours,
no matter how great you do in batting practice,
you'll s-still be dropped to the minors really soon.
I'm going to send Itsuki to the minors.
But Manager, Itsuki Roppa is clearly in the zone.
Based purely on batting practice, he could be our cleanup hitter!
And he just got three RBIs today.
I'm aware of all that.
But I need more competitive players who will influence the outcome of each game.
People who aren't so unlucky.
I understand what he's saying.
So, Manager, who would you bring up in exchange?
I hear Mikawa, the third-year lefty, is batting well.
He leads the minors in game-winning RBIs.
Mikawa, eh?
I hear he's still a bit raw,
but he does seem worth trying in majors, I'd say.
Manager, shall I make the call right now?
No, not yet.
Let's leave Itsuki in for the Dome series.
We can make the swap for the Hiroshima road trip.
Very well.
Another great day of hitting in batting practice.
But he seems a little different today.
He was smacking the ball into the stands before,
but today, it's all line drives right up the middle.
The Spiders take to the plate in the top of the 9th,
two runs behind with one out and a man on second.
Manager Tanabe is calling upon Itsuki to pinch hit here.
Listen up, Itsuki. I want you to pull the hit.
Help the runner advance at the least.
Roppa-kun...
Sonny boy...
Itsuki...
The right fielder doesn't even budge!
It's outta there!
Pinch hitter Itsuki ties the game with a two-run homer!
Roppa-kun!
Sonny boy!
Itsuki...
Itsuki...
Natsunosuke, it's all tied up.
You're up next inning.
Okay!
Yes!
Bonda sits down the side in order in the bottom of the 9th!
We're into extra innings!
Natsunosuke, stay in there next inning!
I'll leave you in until we get a run!
Of course, if a runner gets into scoring position, you're done!
R-Right!
This is where I earn my keep!
Strike! Out!
Bonda held things down from the 9th to the 11th.
And then, Segawa was brought in to close the game.
The Mops have been driven into a tie in a game they had won.
A dinger from pinch hitter Itsuki
and pitching from long reliever Bonda have been the highlights here.
Well done, Natsunosuke!
Nice pitching!
It's because of you that we held them to a tie!
If we'd lost, we'd have fallen three games behind.
This should win me big contribution points!
It's the third game of the series between the Mops in first and the Spiders in third!
Itsuki will be pinch hitting again tonight!
He's the one that gave the Spiders a tie last night.
Tonight, he comes up with one out and men on first and second.
In the top of the 8th, the Mops have a two-run lead.
The Mops' pitcher is left-hander Fukai!
Of course they'd send in a southpaw today.
But we're not pinch hitting for Itsuki.
A hit!
It's a line drive, just like yesterday!
It's outta there!
Itsuki, with a come-from-behind three-run homer!
It's in the stands!
A come-from-behind...
Natsunosuke, we're one run ahead.
We're counting on you next inning.
Yes, sir!
I need to hold the lead Itsuki gave us!
I am gonna get these guys out!
Play ball!
And then...
I pitched a perfect 8th inning, and let Segawa-san close it out.
The game MVP interview is with the Spiders' Itsuki Roppa!
Thank you very much.
Roppa-kun!
Sonny boy!
Nice pitching, Natsunosuke!
That hold was crucial!
You guys did a great job again today!
Keep it up, okay?
Major contribution points today!
The three-game series against our pennant opponents, the Mops,
ended with one win, one loss, and one tie,
so we remained one game behind.
I can't take Itsuki off the team now.
Let's bring him with us to Hiroshima.
Y-Yes, sir...
In the three-game series with the Mops,
Itsuki Roppa had three at bats, three hits, two homers,
and eight RBIs!
In our first game of the three-game series with the Setouchi Carnabeats,
they put Itsuki in as a starter, and...
The Spiders come from behind to take it, six to four!
Itsuki Roppa was a major force in this game, getting three hits in four at bats!
Bonda Natsunosuke, who pitched in the 6th inning, will get the win.
Thanks to Itsuki, I got my fourth win of the season.
And on that day, the Tempters and the Mops both lost,
and we finally took our place at the top!
Itsuki would keep hitting,
and we'd have smooth sailing on to the pennant...
...or so we thought.
Natsunosuke here.
Itsuki's hitting streak abruptly comes to an end.
The pennant race comes down to a direct showdown between us and the Osaka Tempters.
And then, during the final battle in Jingu,
Itsuki's wife is hospitalized for a C-section.
He hears that his newborn child is sent to the ICU,
and it's a huge shock to Itsuki.
Next time: "Celebrate! The League Pennant!"
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 04 [1080p]

I've been wanting to say for a long time....
This is what makes you such a softy!
Until your child is born?
So after that, you're okay being sent to the minors?
It shouldn't matter if your kid is born or not.
You should want to stay in the majors forever!
You're playing baseball for your family?
Don't make me laugh!
Baseball is a thing you should play for yourself!
I guess my scolding worked,
because Itsuki suddenly started hitting the next day.
A game-tying two-run home run.
In the next game, he hit a three-run homer to give us the lead!
And in the three-game series against the Setouchi Carnabeats...
He hit up a storm!
Then after he put those runs on the board,
I held down the game,
and we won three in a row!
11 for 20 in eight games!! Remaining in 1st Place Recruited out of high school four years ago, Itsuki Roppa Breaks Out!
Doyo Sports The Spiders Find Themselves a Reliable Son!
Itsuki's broken out,
with eight hits, one homer, and eight RBIs in twelve at bats in three games!
Tempters
Mops
Spiders
The team's in first place with ten games to play!
Hey there, man of the hour.
When we get back to Tokyo,
a bunch of media outlets want to interview you at the clubhouse.
It shouldn't take up much of your time.
Takeoka-san, I'm sorry.
Please cancel it.
Huh? You have something to do?
I'm sorry to be rude, but I want to focus on my game...
Or I guess I could say I just want to rest for today.
I see. Well, it is what it is.
On Monday, when we got back from the away series...
Take me to Ebisu.
I have the day off!
Business Hotel Yamato
Ever since Bonda chewed me out in the Dome...
This is what makes you such a softy!
I haven't been home. I've been sleeping here every night.
It's only been six days since I started living here,
but it's got me hitting like a demon in the clutch!
What Bonda said definitely gave me motivation,
but leaving my house in Saitama to be all alone...
This environment where I can just analyze myself in peace...
I think that's part of what's helping me hit.
But is it time I finally went home?
I left my near-term wife to come here!
Hiroshi...
I think so! I'll go home, just for today!
I've got a giant pile of laundry, anyway!
I need to see her face just for one day!
But I'm afraid that if I go home, it's going to end my hitting streak...
Am I only able to hit because I'm facing this battle alone?
Please turn left at the next light.
Right.
What?
I-Itsuki?!
S-Stop! Stop! I'll get off here!
Itsuki!
B-Bonda?
What are you doing here?
Oh, w-well...
What are you doing here?
I saw you leaving that business hotel, so I got out of my taxi in a hurry!
My house is in the area.
Oh... I see...
You didn't go straight home to Saitama from Tokyo Station?
The truth is... I've been staying there since six days ago.
What? Six days ago?
I commuted to our Dome games from there.
Then since that day?
But I've had all I can stand. I'm getting homesick.
I'm going home just for today.
See you.
Actually, maybe I won't.
If I go home and see my family's faces,
I think it might break this tension inside of me.
What? What are you talking about?!
I get it! It's because of what I said!
Hey, listen...
I understand why you'd want to harden your heart
and play ball from a hotel instead of going home,
but if that's all it is, I think it's okay to go home for a day.
Bonda...
And the reason you started hitting isn't because you hardened your heart.
It's because you stopped swinging for the fences and aimed for line drives.
Your swing's more level now, and that's been the key.
Y-You think?!
So I just have to keep swinging that way?
Yeah, I think so.
Anyway, just go home for a day.
R-Right!
I-I get it! Thanks!
Piyopiyo Honpo
Roppa-kun!
Sonny boy!
Yui!
Dad! Mom!
Hiroshi! Papa's home!
You have Hiroshi kicking so hard!
He's going to break right through my tummy!
Sonny boy, you've been amazing!
The workers, our relatives... They're all just delighted!
Yeah, nothing beats family after all!
But the next day,
Roppa's hitting streak screeched to a halt!
Why?!
Why can't I hit anymore?!
What is it, Itsuki?
Bonda...
Why can't I hit anymore?
Y-You...
You can't figure it out unless a pitcher like me tells you?
Well, n-no...
Y-You really don't know?
Y-Yeah...
You've been hitting well, so they studied you!
S-Studied? M-Me?
There's no way! I've only had a few at bats!
Those scouting scorers in the majors are sharp.
They probably spent that three-game series against Hiroshima stripping you naked.
N-Naked? They can do that?
It's possible in the majors!
Then they know my weakness? What is it?!
How the heck am I supposed to know?
But it means the opposing teams have got their eye on you already!
If you can't get over this, you'll never put up any real numbers.
R-Real numbers?
Hey, Itsuki...
Don't give me that "I never thought about that before" expression...
Itsuki Roppa's slump continued.
By contrast, I—the guy who came up from the minors with him—was on a hot streak!
I'd pitched in nine games and gotten seven holds.
Since I started pitching again, we'd had eleven wins, six losses, and one tie.
It's clear that I was seriously contributing!
Here we go!
As I thought, Natsunosuke is an indispensable part of our team!
Yes!
Is this the difference between me,
and Bonda, who's had real major-league experience?
I can feel the "wall of the majors" so clearly right now!
Then after a few losing series, the third-place Mops fell out of the running.
The pennant would come down to us or the Tempters!
Sports Morning Spiders  Tempters Will it be Koshien? Will it be Jingu? Showdown!!
All that was left was a two-game showdown between our two teams!
Doyo Sports Showdown for the Top!! Jingu or Koshien?
Today we'd play at Jingu,
and tomorrow we'd move to Koshien for the final game!
If we even tie today, we clinch the pennant!
But if we lose today and have to go to Koshien tomorrow,
we'll be at a real disadvantage! That away game is trouble!
We need to seal the deal today, with our home field advantage!
Heya!
Morning.
This'll be our last time taking a taxi to the ballpark together, huh?
I can't believe the manager let me stay in the majors to the end.
If it comes down to the wire, you'll get a chance to hit, too.
Hey, Bonda...
Could you give me a tongue-lashing like you did the other day?
What?
Then... Then maybe I'll start hitting again.
This guy. Why's he gotta be so soft?
Hello? Oh, Dad...
What? Hiroshi was born?!
Wh-Where's Yui? When did you go to the hospital?
Why didn't you call me?!
Her water broke at 4:00 this morning.
Operation Room
I decided not to call.
They had to do the C-section, and the surgery ended up being a bit tricky.
Yui's doing fine, but Hiroshi was born not breathing.
Hiroshi's in the ICU?!
What?!
Don't worry!
The doctor's experienced. He says babies like these usually make it.
N-No way!
But he was born not breathing, wasn't he?!
How do they know he'll make it?!
I... I'm coming home right now!
You idiot!
You dunderhead!
A pro baseball player shouldn't be talking about coming home on the day of a match!
Y-You don't want me to come home?
But isn't that why you called me?!
What? What?
The doctor says he can be saved!
So you go out there and fight, Itsuki Roppa!
You want me to fight?!
This is the situation where I feel least like fighting!
You know that, don't you?!
This is why we call you a softy!
Itsuki Roppa's job is to swing the bat!
Dad!
The game that will decide the pennant race is about to get started!
If the Spiders tie or win today, they'll clinch the pennant!
But if the Tempters win,
they'll go to Koshien tomorrow for the last game to determine the pennant!
Mom and Dad wouldn't answer my calls after that.
And now that I'm on the bench,
I have no way of contacting the outside world.
What happened to Hiroshi?
Yui got cut open, too...
Is she in a lot of pain?
I can't be playing baseball right now!
My heart's going to break out of my chest!
To be honest, thoughts like "the pennant's on the line today"
and "if we lose today, we'll be in Osaka tomorrow"
are the furthest things from my mind!
Hiroshi's the only thing I can think about!
Well, we're not ones to talk,
but there sure is a lot of pressure on the Tempters, huh?
My heart is beating like a drum, of course.
This is what Kozato-san said during warmups at Kobushi Stadium:
In this dead heat for the pennant,
since coming back to the majors, you've pitched in ten games with seven holds.
And you gave up no runs in eleven and a third innings.
If we end up clinching this thing,
we'll all know you really contributed to it.
To be honest, you're the man in the bullpen that the manager trusts most.
If things are looking good today,
we'll let you throw before the closer, Segawa.
Y-You mean, the 8th inning?
Yes!
I really have been on fire since I got back in the majors.
Right now, I'm doing my job.
I'm doing my job with the pennant at stake!
Probably due to the anxiety and pressure, neither team is hitting well.
It's a scoreless game at the end of the 7th!
Natsunosuke, it's the 8th. You'll be pitching as planned.
Right!
Pitcher: Bonda.
The Spiders have made the first move, eh?
Color Commentator Tokunaga-san?
Yes, because Bonda is the middle reliever the Spiders trust most.
They'll have Bonda pitch in the 8th, followed by the closer, Segawa, in the 9th.
They're placing their bets on their hitters in the bottom of the 8th and the 9th.
Eight years in the pros. Bonda Natsunosuke, a pitcher who makes 18 million yen per year.
This is a crucial moment, with one of baseball's biggest prizes at stake,
and he's been trusted to take the mound!
This one's big!
Gone! It's outta here!
The Tempters take the lead with a stunning home run!
Poor Bonda!
Wh-Wh-What have I done?!
What will we do, Manager?
I retired the rest of the hitters, but...
Is this how my life will always turn out?
After coming back to the majors, I was pitching great.
I contributed so much to the pennant race.
But now, at the most important time...
I got up on that mound, and there was so much pressure...
Maybe I just can't cut it. I'm second-rate.
The pressure totally got to me.
When we go to Koshien tomorrow, that huge crowd is going to break our team!
Scapegoat
Then I'll be the scapegoat!
He hit it!
I-Itsuki...
Was he brought out to pinch hit?
But what's the cheering all about?
In the bottom of the 9th, pinch hitter Itsuki hits the game-tying home run!
It's anybody's game again!
The game went into extra innings,
and it became an all-out war between the pitching staffs of both clubs.
The Spiders seal the pennant with a tie!
The players are storming the mound!
The Spiders' first title in seven years!
We did it!
Senpai!
Manager Tanabe slowly, slowly heads for the mound, relishing every moment!
Now they're throwing him into the air!
Three times, four times, five times, he flies through the air!
I... I feel so conflicted...
This pennant race remained tangled to the very end, but they took it all!
Congratulations! Congratulations, Jingu Spiders!
Great job, Natsunosuke!
Shibuya, Yukio! Congratulations!
As your senpai, I couldn't be happier!
We'll get Manager Tanabe's thoughts on the title win in a moment.
Itsuki is the real MVP!
Get a comment from Itsuki!
Forget that! Interview them together!
Itsuki?
A ph-phone...
Let me borrow a phone!
D-Dad! You finally picked up!
You idiot!
What kind of player makes a call while his manager's having his victory interview?!
We have TVs in the hospital, you know!
We all saw it!
H-How's Hiroshi?!
I told you he was likely to pull through!
Everything went fine!
You mean it, Dad?!
The doctor assured us he's fine.
There's nothing left to worry about.
He's sleeping in the ICU right now.
H-H-Hiroshi!
Sonny boy. You did well, fighting against yourself.
You really did it!
Three cheers for the Spiders!
Three cheers for Itsuki Roppa!
Dear!
Today's big hero is Itsuki, clearly!
Roppa-kun did it!
Central Hospital
So that's Itsuki Junior, eh?
They took the tubes out this morning.
That day in the taxi, you really scared me!
Thanks for everything, Bonda.
I should be the one thanking you.
You saved me.
Listen up, Bonda.
I-I gotta confess.
The reason I could hit that day...
All the players on both benches that day were fighting with nerves and pressure.
But there was just one player who couldn't think about the game.
That was me.
It's sort of pathetic, but all I could think about was my kid.
"If we don't clinch it today, it's the Koshien tomorrow" and such...
I wasn't thinking about any of that.
I was worried about my private life,
so I felt no pressure at all about the game.
Because I wasn't thinking about how the game was going at all!
That's why I could hit!
That's the unvarnished truth!
I'm not a hero!
I'm a failure as a pro baseball player!
Y-You son of a...
Are you being honest, humble, or what?
Who the hell cares about that?!
Itsuki Roppa!
Thank you! You saved me!
If we'd lost the pennant because of me,
I might've never recovered from that!
Thank you, thank you!
It's great to have a peer around, huh?
He saved me from becoming a scapegoat,
so those tears were real!
Natsunosuke here.
Boy, this is really bad!
I had to do a live broadcast on radio,
but I had a drink before the show to loosen me up!
Then, on the show, I ended up accidentally criticizing the Japan Series!
The studio went crazy! What'll I do?
Next episode: "Just Between Us."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 05 [1080p]

Our Jingu Spiders took the Central League pennant for the first time in seven years.
Then, one day in the off season...
Hey, hey, Natsunosuke...
You didn't have to come dressed in a three-piece suit...
Well, I know that,
but it was the only formal outfit I had.
It's okay.
Let's go, let's go.
It's not even a TV show.
It's radio, man.
Otowa Radio
Performer Green Room
Heya.
Heya.
Heya.
It's nice to be here with you today.
It's his first time doing one of these,
so please be kind.
Look at you, all dressed up.
Sorry, but would you mind if I hit the can first?
Go on ahead.
Go left down the hallway. It'll be the last door on the right.
Right, right...
I'm a real bundle of nerves.
I need a little help from alcohol to relax me.
Time for the informative variety show, Night Off.
It's Matsumoto Hideo's "Digging Deeper! Just Between Us!"
It's 5:40 again tonight.
I'm Matsumoto Hideo!
Matsumoto-san's a popular play-by-play announcer during the season.
It's outta there! A home run!
But in the off-season, when there are no night games,
he's a radio personality, running a lifestyle tips show from the studio.
My partner today is singer-actress Isshiki Aki-chan!
Isshiki Aki here!
Nice to be here!
Nice to have you!
We have a timely round-table today with some special guests.
"The Setup Men's Climax! Just Between Us!"
Yeah!
Let's introduce our guests:
Pitcher Tsujimoto of the Bunkyo Mops!
A pleasure.
Pitcher Genda of the Osaka Tempters!
Hey there.
And pitcher Bonda Natsunosuke from the Jingu Spiders!
N-Nicetacheema...
Oh, boy.
Natsunosuke's super nervous.
First, let's look back on your pitching this season.
We'll start with Tsujimoto from the Mops.
Yes.
Well, it's a cliché to say it,
but I'm just pleased I managed to throw a full season without getting injured.
Genda from the Tempters?
Well... ditto, I guess.
But hey,
if I'm making an appearance on a show like this in the off-season,
I must've done pretty well for myself.
What about you, pitcher Bonda of the Spiders?
C'mon, Natsunosuke.
Talk! Manage to talk!
I was doing real good through May with twenty mound appearances,
but I got hurt before interleague play
and ended up out of action for about four months of the season.
He managed it!
Looking good, Natsunosuke!
That's right!
You crashed into Demura of the Nagoya Wild Ones at second.
Yeah.
I got myself injured because I sucked,
but I didn't think I'd end up out of the game for four months.
But after returning to the majors for the season's final stretch,
you did some great pitching that contributed to your team's pennant win!
Is that what you really think, Matsumoto-san?
Huh?
Well, yes, it really is!
What do you think, Tsujimoto, Genda?
How do you think Bonda did?
Well, let's see...
It's true that Bonda-kun was incredible after getting back to the majors.
Middle relievers like us internalize the idea
that we need to utilize the ball zone more so than the strike zone.
But since coming back to the majors,
I feel like Bonda-kun was really sinking his teeth into the strike zone.
I'm not a flamethrower like these two here.
So I'm terrified every time I pitch into the strike zone.
I'm just awful.
I'm sure that's not true.
You had a few truly awesome pitches there at the end.
If you're talking about how "the best ability is availability" then I'm sorry to say it,
but it's really true.
I'm crap.
I got hurt, after all.
What's going on here?
Don't be so hard on yourself, Bonda-san!
Something seems off with Natsunosuke... I think.
Toku-san, Otowa Radio wants me to appear on a show.
Oh, I recommended you for that, actually.
But why?
Well, I feel like you really earned it this year.
And mass media exposure is important, too.
Getting invited to things like these
can be an important motivator for ball players.
"I want to be a player who's always in the media."
Because you don't get invited unless you contribute.
That's the line I fed him to set this up, but...
I mean, consider this:
unlike these two, I have a low contract.
Um, our contracts aren't anything special, actually.
You both have contracts that are several times mine, actually.
N-Natsunosuke!
What are you doing?!
Someone already getting a crap paycheck like me gets thrown out for four months...
Why wouldn't I get desperate once I'm back?
D-Don't say "crap paycheck"!
Not on the air...
Um... Is Bonda-kun really nervous?
What did I just say?
Did I just say "crap paycheck"?
Did I give voice to the internal cry of my soul?
Did I say Tsujimoto-san and Genda-san's contracts were several times mine?
What am I saying?!
Unlike me, these two are seriously first-rate middle relief pitchers!
Tsujimoto-san made 87 million this season!
Genda-san made 79 million this season!
They both had over seventy mound appearances this season.
I only ended up with thirty-one.
There's no question they'll both get to 100 million next season!
What am I doing sitting next to these guys?
Otowa Radio
U-Um, I mean...
I saw Tsujimoto-san's foreign car in the parking lot outside the studio...
I've seen it in Jingu before.
You have more than one foreign car, huh?
It must be nice to make almost 90 million a year.
You can buy as many luxury cars as you want!
Natsunosuke!
That inferiority complex... There's definitely something wrong with him!
Toku-san and Support Staff Manager Takeoka are panicking...
Oh... Oh no...
Did I say something weird again?
Is it because of the whiskey I drank before?
Is it interacting badly with my nerves?
Th-The combination of drunkenness and nerves
is making me say extremely embarrassing things!
Toku-chan...
It's hilarious, so we'll let it go!
Stupid director! How can you be so relaxed?
Well...
Bonda-san, I'm sure you'll get a big contract increase next year.
You might be able to afford a luxury car or two yourself!
Matsumoto-san, don't feed him!
Don't take the bait, Natsunosuke! Don't do it!
A-Are you kidding?
No matter how much they raise my contract,
I'll never be able to buy a luxury car!
I only make 18 million!
Don't reveal your contract on the friggin' air!
This guy...
Is he stupid?
There's no way I'll go from 18 million all the way up to 70 or 80 million.
Even if it goes up into the 20s, I have expenses and taxes.
I definitely won't have that much left over...
I'd get a domestic car on installments, at best.
Well, there are a lot of foreign cars out there.
I'm sure you'll be able to get one.
Still, as a player with few guarantees for the future,
I really should put it in the bank...
I really should put it in the bank...
I really should put it in the bank...
I really should put it in the bank...
Natsunosuke! Don't say that penny-pinching stuff out loud!
It sounds too sad!
You're destroying the dreams of the listeners!
Toku-san... Did I say something wrong again?
Well, Bonda-san, let's set that stuff aside for now.
I want to get to the main event.
About the Climax Series...
The Climax Series?
Of course, all three of you played important roles in the Climax Series, but...
Wait a minute, Matsumoto-san!
I'd like to preface this discussion with a statement.
Bonda-san?
Natsunosuke!
What are you going to say now?!
The Japan Series is a Japanese pro ball tradition going back seventy years.
But you ever noticed we haven't really had it for the past few years?
Japan... hasn't had the Japan Series?
N-Natsunosuke...
Where did that come from?!
It's true. The Japan Series is dead.
What?
Um, what exactly... do you mean?
What people're callin' the Japan Series
is more like the Climax Final Finals.
Climax Final Finals?
Yeah.
Final Stage First Stage
Climax Final Finals
It's a finals between the two teams that win the Climax Series.
Yes, and... that's what we call the Japan Series.
Sure, but that's what I'm saying.
I can see where Natsunosuke's going with this!
I think it's only really the Japan Series
if it's the two pennant winners playing each other.
So living in this "Climax Final Finals" world as we do,
we got years when we got a real Japan Series, and years when we don't.
Natsunosuke, don't take that to its natural conclusion!
So what I'm sayin' is, we didn't have a Japan Series this year.
He said it!
But... Maybe it's not that bad.
A world where you don't get a Japan Series every year...
It makes the Japan Series more valuable!
We're having a Japan Series for the first time in three years!
He's finished!
If you say that stuff on live radio...
You can't remain in this world!
You'll have to retire!
Those gloomy expressions on Toku-san and Takeoka-san's faces...
I said something awful again, didn't I?!
This guy... I thought he was acting strange.
Is he drunk or something?
In other words...
Bonda-kun, it was the Jingu Spiders who won the Central League pennant,
but our second-place Tempters beat you in the Climax Series.
So you're saying a team like us going to the Japan Series
means it isn't a "real" Japan Series?
In the final stage of the Climax Series,
the Spiders lost to the second-place Tempters,
and the Japan Series was between the Pacific League winners, Tokorozawa Jaguars,
and the Osaka Tempters.
In other words, Bonda of the Spiders is mad about not making it to the Japan Series...
...and using a public broadcast to criticize the rules of pro baseball!
And Genda of the Tempters is really mad about the insult!
G-G-Genda-san, what are you talking about?
Hey! Bonda!
Oh no!
No honorific?
Um... Um... Um...
What did I say?
Natsunosuke drank some booze to take the edge off his nerves, I bet!
Genda-san, please calm down!
Bonda's been drinking.
You can smell it a little.
He probably did it to relax for the show,
but it's totally backfired.
I don't understand... I don't understand...
I don't understand anything!
During the first stage of the Central League's Climax Series,
the second-place Tempters beat the third- place Bunkyo Mops two games to one.
Though pitcher Tsujimoto pitched two no-run innings,
the Mops' hitting just never took off, right?
Y-Yes, that's true.
But, hey, what can you do?
The plan was, because you all pitched so well in the Climax Series,
we'd look back on some of the great pitching you did...
I-I see...
I-I did the best I could, really.
Y-Yes, you did.
You did very well, Bonda-san.
Bonda, during the Climax Series, in the final stage,
you faced nine men and gave up no hits.
"No hits."
It sounds good when you put it that way, but...
Ball!
That's ball four!
He walks a man in!
The Tempters get a run to take the lead!
Tokunaga-san, what do you think of Bonda's pitching there?
He threw each pitch as carefully as he can.
It's just... Tano's on fire right now.
I don't think walking in a run here is too bad an outcome.
The question is how he handles the next batter.
Yeah, that walk was just fine!
If he'd gotten a hit, they'd have scored two runs!
A grounder to second!
It's a 4-6-3 double-play!
The top of the inning is over!
Bonda gave up a run here,
but I think we can say his sensible pitching kept the damage to a minimum, right?
That's right.
Bonda did what he came out to do.
It's true that the Tempters have taken the lead,
but it's a gap they can catch up to easily.
But then our batters...
They were totally shut out by the Tempters' pitching staff!
The Tempters win!
The Spiders couldn't get a single run!
We lost because of the walk I gave up.
No, that wasn't your fault.
Nobody thinks you dragged the Spiders down or anything!
The reactions online around that time were...
Bonda's being amazing on Otawa Radio!
Is it his conscience talking?
Bonda's rebelling against pro baseball itself!
Otowa Radio has the most amazing guest on it!
Wow, this is crazy.
Are you kidding me?
Apparently, everyone was talking about it!
Excuse me, but I'd like to go back to the previous subject.
Bonda's complaints about pro baseball's rules...
I told you, Genda-san, lay off!
But...
W-We didn't want...
...to go back...
...to that...
...topic...
I'm telling you...
Isn't it clear from my gloomy expression?
I'm frustrated. I'm hurting. I'm sad.
A pathetic man revealing his public grudges on a l-live broadcast...
I th... th-th-th...
I thought it would give everyone a real fright!
So I made a little joke! A joke!
Shocked you, didn't I, Matsumoto-san?
It was a practical joke?!
And that was entertainer Bonda Natsunosuke's radio debut!
Hey, Bonda-kun! Don't do stuff to confuse us!
Natsunosuke!
Hell!
Thank goodness! I sobered up at some point!
Practical joke, my foot!
Like hell!
And the reactions online were...
Darn it.
Takeoka-san got mad and went right home.
I'm never ever putting you on the radio again.
I'm sorry.
But...
But giving up the walk-in run that kept us from going to the Japan Series
really has been dogging me all this time...
Let's get a drink!
What can you do but drink at times like these?
You're paying, of course.
B-But...
What is it?
I'll pass for today.
Yeah, I guess you wouldn't be in the mood after that.
Are you genuinely sorry?
Well, then let's get some ramen and head home.
Okay...
It was a chilly, painful autumn night.
Money Pitch.
Natsunosuke here!
An older pitcher, Korekawa-san, who's leaving for a Kobe ballclub,
joins me at the lunch place where my beloved Yuki-chan works.
On TV, they were showing the last game of the Japan Series.
Then Korekawa-san starts talking to Yuki-chan like they're good friends!
Next time: "Lonely Season."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 06 [1080p]

The teams that don't participate in the Japan Series
have a fall camp of sorts.
We Spiders get about fifteen days in Shikoku.
The ones chosen to go are invariably youngsters—
promising youngsters, at that.
The truth is, I've never once been chosen to go.
Probably because I've never qualified as "promising."
While I'm twenty-six now, being selected would be a badge of honor.
And considering I took four months off this season,
I do want to get back in shape...
Hey, Natsunosuke!
Hey, Coach Kozato.
You should stay here.
You really went all-out during the pennant race at the end of the season.
There's no reason for you to go all the way to Shikoku
and beat up on yourself any more.
Got it.
Does that mean they approve of the job I did?
Well, whatever.
I'll do my best here in Tokyo.
That said, some of our regulars train at the indoor practice facility at Jingu.
The other players train at the minor league Toda Stadium in Saitama.
Incidentally, the veteran pitchers who pitched the entire season
also train at Toda.
Sekijima.
Sekijima (23 years old) (No wins as a pro)
Shohno.
Shohno (25 years old) (No wins as a pro)
Korekawa-san.
The four of us were grouped together with the same practice regimen.
Okay, let's swap.
Man, this is rough!
Boy, you guys sure are young!
But that night...
What? Sekijima got released?
Yeah...
He just called me.
I...
I see...
Recruited out of high school five years ago,
and never once made it to the majors.
It's sad, but inevitable.
Looks like we're down to three.
Then, that night...
What? Shohno got let go, too?
I just ran into him, and he told me.
Recruited from an amateur league,
he spent five years with less than ten mound appearances.
It's sad, but that's the professional world for you.
Just us today, huh?
With the Climax Series over, we're into release season.
I'm sure you won't be affected, though.
I guess I'm next in line.
Cut that out, Korekawa-san.
Don't jinx yourself like that.
Korekawa-san is an incredible pitcher, recruited out of college,
who rocketed to ten wins in his first year.
He stagnated in his second year with seven wins.
In his third year, he had some bad luck with just five wins.
His fifth year, he got hurt and didn't make any major league appearances.
This year was his fifth, and he made it back to the majors,
but started only two games and was knocked out early in both.
The highest his salary ever went was 34 million in his third year,
and this year, he played for 23 million.
I haven't done the team any good in two years.
I might get the call sometime during this fall camp.
I'm telling you, that won't happen!
Maybe it's natural that Korekawa-san would start thinking that way,
but the next day came and went,
and so did the day after that, and he didn't get the call,
so we kept up our daily practice.
But...
One evening...
Natsunosuke.
I finally got the call from Support Staff Manager Takeoka-san.
Huh? Wh-What did he say?!
I... I'm being traded.
Traded?
Yes, to the Kobe Oxen.
Kobe?
Who'd they trade you for?
Apparently, they're still discussing whether it'll be for players or money.
Hey, are you sure it's going through?
The trade itself is set in stone.
The Japan Series is going on right now.
Apparently, they want to announce it as soon as it's over.
B-But... Korekawa-san,
I'm sorry to say this, but at least it's just...
Yeah, I'm glad.
At least it's just a trade!
The words "free agent" kept bouncing around in my head.
Yeah, that's right.
A trade means you're still needed, at least.
Yeah.
And anyway, Kobe is my home town.
I'm happy with that.
A-Also,
a trade means you still have your current contract.
Hey, cut out that money-minded talk.
I'm just happy I get to keep playing baseball.
Sorry...
You're right, of course.
Okay, then! Korekawa-san, let's go drinking!
It'll be my treat, to celebrate the good news!
I'm not sure I'm quite in the mood.
Then food! Let's get some food, at least!
Food, eh? Well, whatever you want.
W-We're in...
We're in Shibuya.
We're right next to Ebisu, where she works...
Okay!
Here, here!
As you can see, it's not a very fancy place.
That's fine by me.
The last time I came here was right after I made it back to the majors.
It's been two months!
Safe!
He's safe by a hair!
In the bottom of the 6th, the Tempters have bridged the gap!
It's tied, five to five!
It's the Japan Series in Koshien!
Neither the Tokorozawa Jaguars nor the Osaka Tempters are giving an inch!
What's with this place?
Everyone's rooting for the Tempters...
Yes! Yes!
She's here! Yuki-chan!
Thanks for coming by! Right over here!
Welcome!
Let me know the minute you decide.
Everything on the menu here is great.
I love places like this.
It's been a while.
This fried chicken 'n' rice is my favorite.
I always get the ginger pork at places like this.
Man, I'm stuffed!
Thank you for the meal.
Tasty, huh?
Yeah, it was great.
Hey, Korekawa-san,
you sure you don't want one off the tap?
Just one, then.
Anyway...
She's been so wrapped up in the Japan Series.
I knew she was a Tempters fan, but this is something else.
Yeah! Go, Tempters!
The other regulars are rooting for the Tempters to humor her.
It's obvious they're just to trying to get on her good side, of course.
But as usual, she's so pretty...
You know I'm the main one responsible
for putting your beloved Tempters in the Japan Series!
Reliever Bonda throws his seventh pitch with a full count!
It's a ball!
He walks him in!
The Tempters put the game's first run on the board!
I got the rest of the order out in that inning
and pinned my hopes on our hitters, but...
Would you believe it, they were shut out by the Tempters' pitchers!
The Tempters win!
But you don't even know that I'm a pro baseball player.
Great job, Tempters!
I've been a hell of a Tempters fan since I was a kid!
Hey, miss, another beer!
Right!
Pour another from the tap!
Korekawa-san, you said you'd only have one!
It's because the Tempters are in the Japan Series.
I wanna cheer them on!
Here you are!
Hey, miss, I've been watching you.
You seem like one hell of a Tempters fan.
Oh, could you tell?
You were born in Kansai, right?
Whereabouts?
Straight from Osaka!
Oh! See, I hail from Kobe!
Wouldn't it be great if the Tempters win?
The Tempters'll totally win today!
They're talking!
K-Korekawa-san and Yuki-chan...
I-I...
I've been visiting this place for over a year now,
and I've never talked to her once!
Delicious!
When I was little, my dad would take me on the Hanshin Line
to catch games at the Koshien.
Our house was on the Hanshin Line.
I got taken to lots of games, too.
When I was in grade school, the Tempters were perpetual losers.
How about you?
They became champions once when I was a kid!
It was just the craziest!
I was in high school then.
I went to Dotonbori and saw the guys jumping in the river.
My dad did the beer dunk... on himself!
Who's that guy?
He sure is getting chummy with Yuki-chan.
Tano's clutch hit sends Sasa home.
The Tempters take a one-run lead!
The Tempters took the lead!
Yes!
Yuki-chan's aura of joy!
It makes me happy, too!
Sir, the Tempters are going to win!
Yeah, since the teams came into this one three to three,
and this is the deciding game.
I'm sure all the regulars are thinking,
"I want to see her moment of joy when the Tempters win."
And... Wait, if this keeps up...
Will I end up seeing it, too?!
The Tempters are the best in Japan!
Oh, we won!
I-I'll say it again... in my mind, anyway...
It was the walk I gave up that sent your beloved Tempters to the Japan Series!
The Osaka Tempters came in second in the Central League...
Now they're going to be the best in Japan.
I don't need to see her moment of joy, do I?
There's no way I can stay here until the 9th inning!
I wish I could fly to the Koshien right now!
Oh, come on!
Koshien...
Koshien's a great stadium, isn't it?
Hey, have you ever eaten the Koshien's famous grilled squid?
You bet I have! I just love it!
I've eaten it a lot, too.
They put those grills in the most random hall, huh?
They redid it recently! Now it feels like a proper fast food restaurant!
I know.
I think they cleaned it up too much. It lost its atmosphere.
Back in the day, when I was taken to the Koshien,
I was always in the bleachers or the nosebleeds.
If you ended up behind the floodlight pillars, it was hard to watch the game.
They've taken out the big pillars now, so that doesn't happen anymore.
I know that, too.
They also removed the Ginsan roof's supports, so it's a lot easier to see!
Before
True enough.
After
They also made the seats bigger, which makes watchin' a lot more comfortable!
Though that makes the corridors narrower.
The Koshien...
It might have packed you in like sardines,
and obstructed your view of the game with floodlights and such,
but I liked that old-fashionedness.
I liked the chaos of it.
That's how the Koshien's floodlights should be.
Rather than trim and tidy fast food,
the grimy stalls were better, weren't they?
K-Korekawa-san, do you have a problem with the new stadium?
No, I don't.
Oh, but...
I thought the wideness of foul territory was one of the Koshien's defining features.
Now it's the size of a normal stadium.
And the stands jut out over the pitch.
The larger the foul territory,
the easier it is for a pitcher to get outs with fly balls, which I really enjoyed.
Huh?
Natsunosuke...
You never pitched at the old Koshien, did you?
Korekawa-san!
P-Pitched... at the Koshien?
Having some distance between the catcher and the backstop
also makes pitching a little harder, though.
The longer the distance, the slower your pitches feel.
Um... Have you two ever played ball at the Koshien?
N-No, of course not!
Of course not!
It's not like they rent it out for grasslot baseball...
She talked to me for the first time!
The Jaguars' Bourbon hits a three-run homer to take the lead!
It's eight to six in the top of the eighth!
Are the Jaguars about to win this thing?!
The Tempters are done for.
Now, we don't know that yet.
But those three runs really hurt.
We only just took the lead...
D-Don't cry, sir! We ain't lost just yet.
Korekawa-san.
Actually, I was just humoring you before because you're so pretty.
I thought that if I said I was a Tempters fan,
we could get worked up about it together.
K-Korekawa-san... Wh-What are you saying?
You're just like the other customers.
No, it's true that I was a Tempters fan.
I loved them when I was a kid.
But there's another team I love better.
The Jingu Spiders!
Even though you're from Kansai? You love a Tokyo team?
I can't really explain my circumstances to you.
Here, miss. Keep the change.
Natsunosuke, please let me pay.
N-No, I said I'd pay...
Really, I'll bring your change!
Everyone!
I've taken her heart!
What?!
Y-Yuki-chan...
What's he doing to her?!
Natsunosuke, let's beat it!
Thanks for the meal!
What was all that?
Hey, Korekawa-san!
What are you doing?
Korekawa-san!
Boy, she really was a looker!
Natsunosuke, you've got your eye on her, right?
Come on, I can tell.
That's why I wanted to tease you a bit.
It'll be harder for you to go there now, right?
Korekawa-san!
You just used me as your excuse!
You should go by yourself!
No, that's not...
I really hate you, you know?
What? Are you drunk already, Korekawa-san?
I hate you.
Because you get to stay with the Jingu Spiders.
That's why I messed with you.
Korekawa-san...
Those five seasons I spent with the Spiders out of college...
I came to love the team.
I'm a huge Spiders fan now!
After I heard I was being traded...
As time passed, I started feeling really sad.
But today convinced me that I can't stay as I am now.
Because even after all I said to that girl,
she didn't realize I was a pro baseball player.
Just a warning, but that means you've got a long way to go, too.
Hey, the Tempters came back to win it!
I bet she's happy.
That day, the Tempters beat the Tokorozawa Jaguars
and earned the title "Best in Japan."
Yuki-chan-san, was it?
Well, I'll be rooting for you to win her heart someday.
From all the way off in Kobe.
Good luck to you.
Korekawa-san...
Farewell,
Jingu Spiders.
Korekawa-san!
Couldn't we hit up one more place?
Yeah... Sure.
The next year, Korekawa-san didn't manage one appearance with the Kobe Oxen.
That same year, he retired.
Natsunosuke here.
The world of pro baseball can be pretty harsh, huh?
Our catcher Tohko-san got declared DFA,
and he has to go through tryouts.
But he'll have to face the 38-year-old pitcher with a total 115 wins, Nishigouchi,
who was also declared DFA from the Sapporo Purple Shadows!
Next time: "Declared for Assignment."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 07 [1080p]

Tohko-san is DFA?!
Yeah. Voluntary retirement, they said.
Voluntary retirement?
Apparently, the club dangled a front-office job as bait.
Is Tohko-san finally hanging up his glove?
Tohko Junji-san was our fourth catcher,
always bouncing between the majors and the minors.
He joined out of college ten years ago, and he's now thirty-two.
His contract: 5 million.
He hit for the cycle in a game this season,
but he was never quite able to secure a spot in the majors.
Seems to me he has a lot of good playing years left in him.
But to get a front-office job with no real achievements to your name...
I gotta say, that's a pretty awesome deal!
Wh-What did you say?!
You refused to take the voluntary retirement?!
And you asked them to make you a free agent?
Yeah, I don't want to retire yet.
A free agent could still get picked up somewhere else.
Is someone offering to pick you up?
Not yet.
I'll bet it all on the tryouts.
Tryouts?
Tryouts are held in November, jointly, by the twelve ball clubs.
They're basically a test for the free agent players.
Are you stupid?
Don't you know how generous they're being by offering you a spot in the front office?
They asked me to start as a scout.
No, it's more than generosity.
They might think you have the chops to be management some day.
You were team captain in college, remember?
It's possible.
However, I'm not ready to hang up my glove just yet.
But you know how tryouts are.
It's a fixed race from the start.
Even if you do great there, no club's going to pick you up.
Yeah, tryouts are pretty much a formality these days...
If you think you can take the job should the tryouts not work out,
it's not going to be so easy.
I know that.
But, Kita...
Even though I had less than a month in the majors this season,
I got nineteen hits in forty-nine at bats, two home runs,
and batted .388.
It's just team circumstances that kept me in the minors.
If I get a real go, I think I could put up real numbers on the board.
But, Junji,
the pro baseball world gets flooded with new, younger players every year.
You'll be thirty-three years old next year.
It's the perfect time to pack it up!
I appreciate the warning.
Nishigouchi is going free agent?
Doyo Sports Nishigouchi Contract 150,000,000
38 years old, 115 wins
Purple Shadows Free Agent!
So it's come to that...
You took Nishigouchi under your wing, didn't you?
Back when you were manager of the Kobe Oxen...
"Due to injury, he only had two appearances this season," it says.
Can't we bring Nishigouchi onboard?
As a left-handed starter?
Yes.
We need a left-handed starter, don't we?
Nishigouchi, eh?
I'm not sure...
If his injury's totally healed, maybe...
Why don't we give him a test, then?
I think he's got plenty of fight left in him.
But, Manager, we can't approach players until tryouts.
And the GM's doing his thing now, too.
He's trying to secure that foreign southpaw pitcher.
Oh, is he? That's right, I recall...
Nishigouchi's contract this year was 150 million, eh?
It's sad, but after tryouts, it'll go down to 20 million.
A newbie foreigner will cost at least 50 million.
Then we should go with Nishigouchi, who's already well established in Japan.
It'll be a bargain.
But...
38 years old, 115 wins
Doyo Sports Nishigouchi Contract 150,000,000
Purple Shadows Free Agent!
I think I can still do this.
I'm going to bet it all on tryouts.
You can do it, dear! I know that you can!
Yeah!
The first round of tryouts would be held at Jingu Stadium,
Meiji Jingu Stadium
and the second at the Fukuoka Dome.
Natsunosuke!
You're really gonna go for tryouts, huh?
Yeah.
You came at the perfect time.
Pitch to me.
Pitch to you?
A major league pitch. I haven't seen one in a while.
A major league pitch?
I just need to see them.
I'll imagine you're Nishigouchi, the Purple Shadows' southpaw who'll be at the tryouts.
I'm not sure how much help I'll be, then.
You're doing fall training.
You'll probably be able to throw a decent pitch.
Let's start off light.
No wonder you're in the majors.
Throw me more!
Sure.
By the way,
the Spiders' negotiations to land the foreign southpaw had hit a rough patch,
and by November, it still hadn't been resolved.
Do your best, dear.
Yes, I will.
When I think about it rationally,
there's probably not a single club that will sign me.
But...
Tanabe
What'd you say?
You still haven't worked things out with the foreign southpaw?
Tomorrow! He'll be signed tomorrow!
Tomorrow's tryouts!
Just forget it! You've hit the time limit.
Let's pick up Nishigouchi.
Really, we're down to the last little details.
We're set to have it worked out during tryouts tomorrow.
Jeez. He's not even a major player in the MLB.
He thinks he's so hot...
Here's what we'll do:
The end of tryouts tomorrow will be your hard limit.
If you don't call me by then, we're going with Nishigouchi!
Business Hotel Maru
If there's one thing that might turn this around for me,
it's Manager Tanabe.
He really took care of me in the past.
Meiji Jingu Stadium
I'll have to bet it all on that.
Nippon Professional Baseball  12 Club Joint Tryouts
In total, sixty-three pitchers and fielders participated in that year's tryouts.
Well, let's do some fielding practice with a runner on second.
It really is a showdown between Tohko-san and Nishigouchi-san...
Okay, let's put that practice with Natsunosuke to good use.
Just as long as Manager Tanabe is watching me...
As expected, the call still hasn't come.
I'll get a hit off this 115-win pitcher and prove I've still got it.
Tohko-san, I know you'll be able to hit off of Nishigouchi-san!
You've prepared so much!
If Manager Tanabe doesn't pick me up for next season,
I'll be in serious trouble!
It's fast!
Strike!
Wh-What's someone like this doing in tryouts?
That's a hell of a swing.
Yeah...
He's tense.
Kozato-san, do you think we'll get the call?
I don't know...
We won't.
They won't work that contract out before tryouts are over.
That American southpaw probably doesn't want to come to Japan.
There must be an MLB club or two interested in signing him.
But they're not closing the deal,
so he's stringing us along as well.
I'm sure that's what it is.
Did you see that pitch from Nishigouchi?
He's still got it, right?
Second pitch!
This 115-win pitcher is desperate, too.
He's racked up 115 wins since coming out of college.
He's gotten wins at a good pace.
But he had a rough rookie season with the Kobe Oxen.
When you're recruited out of college, you're expected to contribute immediately,
but his body was wimpy, and so were his pitches.
We couldn't make use of him right away.
But one thing he did have was amazing control.
What's with this guy?
If he could throw 5 kmph faster, he'd be a hell of a player.
Anyway, I had him run and eat to bulk up a bit,
and worked him into a pitching form that let him throw 5 kmph faster.
I took good care of him and kept giving him chances.
And gradually, he began to show results.
By the end of the second season, he'd achieved a speed of 145 kmph.
I can tell that the manager made a star out of Nishigouchi.
But as the team's pitching coach, picking up a 38-year-old feels so...
The proof is the fact that we're the only ones showing interest.
Got a piece of it!
Nishigouchi's pitches really are sharp.
But Junji needs to be able to hit these things
or there's no way he'll pass tryouts.
The fact that you can be released even when you can pitch so well
shows how hard life is for a pro.
But this season, I hit many, much sharper pitches from Central League pitchers.
There's no way I can't hit these.
But... so far, he hasn't thrown a single breaking ball.
If he does throw me a curve, will I be able to deal with it?
Still, I can't believe he's up against Tohko, of all people.
How's this matchup going to work out?
To be honest, I thought Tohko would do fine as a free agent.
But the club wanted to nail him down.
So they recommended he retire and take up a job in the front office.
He was captain of his college team.
He's a smart fellow with a real sense of responsibility.
And in his life as a pro,
he had the talent to be on the major league bench,
but team circumstances had him stuck in the minors.
We'd call him to the majors as a handyman,
then send him back down immediately.
He's been living that way for years,
even though he was a star slugger at a prestigious university.
Someone like him can see the big picture between the majors and minors.
He'll understand how players feel, too.
They probably saw his potential to help our team down the line.
Perhaps they thought if they could get him in a suit at thirty-three,
they could groom him for a future management position.
If he'd chosen the voluntary retirement,
he could have ensured himself a stable future.
But it's hard for a player who's out there in the field every day
to just accept a job like that.
Especially a player with talent like Tohko's.
Yes...
Manager.
You know that reporter, Kitamura with Doyo Sports?
Oh, him?
He went to college with Tohko.
Perhaps because Tohko was in the same year as him,
he spent four years stuck on the second-string team.
But now, he's an ace reporter with Doyo Sports.
It's usually the second-stringers who find their niche after graduation.
Kitamura's the perfect example of that.
Yes. And now, ironically, Tohko is being seen with that lens, too.
Which means...
Junji.
If you're going to take it this far,
then hit one of those 115-win pitches...
If Manager Tanabe doesn't pick me up at these tryouts,
I'll be in serious trouble.
I was born in Hokkaido.
When I was traded from the Kobe Oxen to my home team, the Purple Shadows,
I was really so happy.
I married my childhood sweetheart. We had two kids in Hokkaido.
We lived pretty close to my parents,
and it gave me the peace of mind to really throw myself into baseball.
Three years ago, we bought a luxury apartment in the center of Sapporo,
choosing a payment plan of 100 million over three years.
But right after that...
The factory that my father left my older brother started failing.
I supported him financially as best I could.
But between the apartment payments and that,
we were left with almost no savings.
Sure, I paid off the apartment loan this year,
but if I can't sign with anyone for next year,
I won't be able to pay the massive taxes of my 150 million contract!
Tohko-san, it's a breaker!
I knew it!
Curve!
It's going!
But the center fielder can get it.
I got him out, at least. That's a decent start.
My first at bat was a fly out that advanced the runner.
That day, Tohko-san had four at bats and no hits.
Nishigouchi-san faced five batters.
He gave up no hits and no runs, and he struck two men out.
The second round of tryouts is at the Fukuoka Dome.
What'll Tohko-san do?
Fukuoka. I'll bet it all on the next round in Fukuoka!
Great. I had a great first day.
I think I made a good show to Manager Tanabe.
Tohko choked a little,
but Nishigouchi had quite a day, didn't he?
I think we could pick up Nishigouchi.
We never got the call, either.
Hello? Tanabe here.
I see... I see.
Yes, I see.
The foreigner's contract squeaked through at the last minute.
It's a shame, but we won't be able to pick up Nishigouchi.
I'll have to give up on him.
That was the deal.
And in the second round of tryouts...
Tohko-san exploded with four hits in four at bats!
And Nishigouchi-san kept pitching up a storm...
But in the end,
no club came forward to pick them up.
The only ones recruited at tryouts were players in their twenties.
It's common sense, I guess.
Two men in their thirties were always going to be a hard sell.
I'm going to have to sell my apartment and my car.
It's the only way I can support our family next year, let alone pay our taxes...
I wish I didn't have to do this to my family,
but it's our only choice.
And then I...
I've been looking for a job, Natsunosuke.
I thought I could get a job as a bullpen catcher with one of the twelve clubs,
but at this time of year, they're all filled up.
Tohko-san...
But...
Yes? Tohko here.
One league's trash...
...is another league's treasure.
A-A Taiwanese club?
Around the same time...
A-A Taiwanese club?
Yes... Yes.
Of course, I'd be happy to talk to them.
It wasn't just the Japanese baseball world that came to tryouts.
Scouts from other countries came, too.
The same Taiwanese ball club had reached out to both of them.
They'd happened to come to the second round of tryouts in the Fukuoka Dome.
You could call it a miraculous turnaround,
but it only happened because they both did so well at tryouts.
Nishigouchi-san signed with the Taiwanese ball club,
and left his family in Sapporo while he moved to Taiwan.
I won't have to give up the apartment yet.
Menu
I'm so glad I decided to hold on to my glove!
I got myself another chance.
Thank you! I owe it all to you guys!
Congratulations!
Let's have a toast!
I sure am glad for you, Tohko-san!
Give it your best!
Yes, I'm going to make a name for myself there,
and come back to Japanese baseball!
They were the only two who got the call from foreign ball clubs at the tryouts.
The path to success at tryouts is a narrow one.
Junji...
Do your best.
Natsunosuke here.
Boy, that was a shock!
On fan appreciation day, Shibuya Akira and I
put on costumes to infiltrate the stands,
but we just happen to sit next to my crush, Yuki-chan!
And then that jerk Akira starts hitting on her...
Hey, cut it out, stupid!
Don't get any closer to her!
Next time: "Fan Appreciation Day."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 08 [1080p]

Kitchen Ajihei
One draft beer and one liver and chives!
Yuki-chan from Kitchen Ajihei in Ebisu.
She's one amazing woman.
Twice-cooked pork, extra rice, and two servings of gyoza!
The place is full of regulars with crushes on her.
She's way too pretty for a plain old diner!
Don't you want your usual liver and chives today, Ota-san?
Do you have a date now, maybe?
No way! I'm going back to work!
Some of them get a little bit out of their lane...
I gotta find a way to get her!
...and pursue her with impure intentions!
Yuki-chan, do you buy lottery tickets?
Nope! I heard you won one recently, though!
If I had, I'd get the large helping of rice!
But while some men can talk to her here, they lack the courage to ask her on a date.
It's not like it's a snack bar or a club.
But there's this one outrageous group that invited her out one time...
The young salaryman trio.
They took her to Jingu Stadium,
where I was taking out the heart of the Tempters' lineup one after another...
Oh! A drag bunt!
First base scoops it up, to the pitcher...
Whoa! Pitcher and batter collide!
Not again!
Strike! Out!
What?!
You damn blind ump!
I'll beat you up, you moron!
Yer outta here!
I freakin' hate you, Bonda!
We made eye contact!
...and it really made Yuki-chan mad.
She's mad!
I'd love to invite Yuki-chan out again.
You really got it for Yuki-chan, huh?
Well, I wouldn't exactly say that...
R-Really?
I just want something platonic with the four of us.
One meat and veggies and two beers!
But where should we invite her?
Inviting her for a drink is too suggestive.
Yeah, makes her think we've got ulterior motives.
How about a group hiking trip?
Hiking?!
No, that's a pain.
So much preparation.
Do people even do that these days?
Let's pick something more laid back.
How about a friendly group trip to the ice skating rink?
Skating?
Skating?
I'm in!
Really?!
Yuki-chan, are you sure?
Sure!
Yes!
Who dares wins!
Ice Skating Rink - Meiji Jingu Park
Why can't any of us guys actually skate?
Hey, don't cling to my shoulder!
What am I supposed to do? I can't stay up!
Yuki-chan's the only one who can skate.
C'mon, don't stay there forever! Come on!
Y-Yuki-chan, no! Don't let go!
Hey, don't hog all the fun!
Don't leave me behind!
I haven't skated like that in so long!
The men's division was pathetic.
I can't believe she's such a good skater.
I'm a great skater, actually!
I've done it since I was a kid!
That's why I came today!
That's mean! You made it sound like you couldn't!
You've shamed your three male companions!
But I feel like we stumbled into a closer relationship to Yuki-chan!
Now, which of the three of us...
...will make Yuki-chan ours?
Hey, there are a lot of people in the park today, huh?
I wonder what's going on...
It's got to be a rugby match.
And the Spiders are having fan appreciation day today at Jingu Stadium.
Fan Appreciation Day?
Hey, you want to go?
Huh? But it's the Spiders...
You're a Tempters fan, aren't you?
Yeah, but I wanna go there again!
Though I just went there the other day.
The other day? You went there recently?
Yeah, I went with a friend during the Climax Series!
The Climax Series?
I sometimes get tickets from customers.
It was the final match, too!
Oh, the one where the Tempters won thanks to a run walked in?
Yeah!
Lucky you, Yuki-chan!
Yeah, it was just the best!
So many people...
It's like a temple festival outside.
Is this how fan appreciation day is?
Oh, we can get in for free? Sweet!
Come on, let's go in!
I'm reliving the excitement of that day!
This is it! This is the place where...
The Tempters win it!
Yuki?
Yes! Yes!
I've always been a fan of the Tempters,
but getting to see them win in person this year
has made me fall in love with them even more!
It really was exciting!
If only I had seen Yuki-chan's excitement then!
It's time for the Spiders' players East versus West game!
We've divided our players into east and west teams based on their birthplaces!
Yeah!
The Eastern Army's commander is Terasugi.
And the Western Army's commander is Shiina.
Shiina here!
Terasugi here!
Now we'll explain how the game works!
It's bleachers hide-and-seek!
Four of the players will hide in the stands alongside you, the fans!
First, from the east!
Ohno!
Kato!
Nitta!
Akiba!
Now the players from the west: Sakai, Kawasaki, Inoue,
Maeda, Kamayatsu, and Segawa!
The six of them will also enter the stands and search for the four east team players!
They're only allowed to hide along the first base line.
Six players from the west, please close your eyes!
No peeking, okay?
Now, the four players from the east... get hiding!
He's coming!
Come over here!
Let's see. Where should I hide?
Over here!
Ohmigosh! Ohno!
Come here!
But that's not all there is to this game!
We also have two players participating in special costumes!
Please come out, you two!
Coming!
What? Who is that?
Wow!
And who are these two players?
Is that...
No spoilers, people in the stands!
That's Shibuya and Bonda, right?
Yeah.
Bonda?
That sounds familiar...
He's a middle reliever. A southpaw.
He's the pitcher who walked in the only run in the last game!
That's ball four!
He walks a man in!
The Tempters get a run to take the lead!
He's the one who gave us the win!
Yuki-chan, are you grateful to Bonda?
I sure am!
Though I never thought that run would give us the win!
Now, our two costumed players are also entering the stands.
Shibuya-san! Bonda-san!
Come over here!
Where should we hide?
Hey, there's space here!
There's space here!
Now, the four uniformed players have finished hiding!
Our two cosplayers are the only ones left!
You'd better hide soon!
Yeah, yeah. We're on it.
Let's see...
Natsunosuke, over there!
Here we go.
Sure thing.
Excuse me. Sorry about this.
I'm sitting next to a real cutie pie!
Yuki-chan!
Wh-What's Yuki-chan doing here...
on the Spiders' fan appreciation day?!
Wh-What's Yuki-chan doing here?
And she's making eye contact with me for some reason!
Those are those guys from Ajihei!
Did they invite her out again?
Shibuya and Bonda are sitting next to us!
Well, is everyone ready for bleachers hide-and-seek?
Western Army, you may begin your search!
Okay, go on! Find them all!
You got it!
Where could they be?
Where are those guys hiding?
There are a lot of fans wearing Spiders merch today!
It'll be hard to find those uniformed players!
B-But why has Miss Yuki-chan been staring at me?
Is she thinking "Bonda's so attractive"?
Or is it because some players sat next to her for the beachers hide-and-seek?
Pretty much everyone else is staring, too...
Um...
Yuki-chan's hand...
Could I shake your hand?
Sh-Shake my hand?
Sure thing.
Are you four friends?
I... I guess...
Akira talked to Yuki-chan?!
Is one of you her boyfriend?
No, not at all!
We're just acquaintances!
A-Akira! How can you say something so rude?
These guys would never cross the "customer and waitress" line!
I found Kato!
He was right here!
Yeah, great job, you guys!
Five left!
I found Yukio over here!
He found me!
The Western Army has found two of them already!
I found Nitta!
He found me!
Hey, he found Nitta!
It appears Nitta has been found as well!
Now, including the cosplayers, three players remain!
Can they find them before the time limit is up?
Um... Excuse me...
Yes?
I'd like to shake hands with Bonda there, too.
You know me?
Of course I do!
Because we just told her, of course.
Miss Yuki-chan, Tempters fan, knows Bonda of the Spiders?
Good luck next year!
Yuki-chan?
Her reaction to Akira and her reaction to me were totally different!
Hey.
Seeing him up close, he looks kind of familiar...
Is it my imagination?
Oh no!
I guess they'll find you if I act this way. I'm sorry.
What's with this girl? Is she a fan of Natsunosuke's or something?
I... I shook Yuki-chan's hand!
I'm sorry.
I'm such a huge Tempters fan!
Bonda-san is the one that sent us to the Japan Series,
so I just got so happy!
Y...
Yuki-chan?
I won't wash this hand today!
Yikes...
Yuki-chan, how could you? That's an awful thing to say!
Oh no! What did I just say?
I'm sorry! I'm sorry, so sorry!
That was really insensitive of me!
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
Yuki-chan's actually pretty scatterbrained.
Hey, it's fine. Don't let it bother you.
Anyway, we're hiding right now, so don't be so conspicuous, okay?
Oh no!
Just pretend you don't see us, okay?
Hey, Bonda.
I wasn't trying to do this, but we ended up next to a real cutie pie, huh?
Yuki-chan is a hit in Akira's heart!
Well, Yuki-chan really is cute...
But you'd better not make a move, okay?!
Not that he really could, given our situation.
Hey, is it okay for me to make a pass on her?
It doesn't matter to me what team she roots for.
What are you saying?!
I found Akiba!
Akiba has been found! Please come down to the field!
Oh no! I'd better hurry before we're found!
So you're a Tempters fan, miss?
That's fine. We get lots of them at Jingu.
H-Hey...
Y-Yeah...
Thanks for coming to our appreciation day.
I hope you have lots of fun.
All that aside...
The Tempters are good, but I feel fate has brought us together.
Please cheer for the Spiders in the future, too.
R-Right... I guess I can.
And if you do come to cheer for the Spiders, I'll give you some great tips.
What are they?
May I?
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
What? Really?!
Yes, yes!
What did he say?
And one more thing!
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
Really?!
Right? It's true! And then...
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
Akira...
Is that true? I'm so surprised!
And here's a little trick...
I don't share this one with amateurs.
You're really going to like this!
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
Akira's gone from zero to hitting on Yuki-chan!
I know his record with women...
With that woman, he did this...
With that woman, he did that...
And that time...
And those two at the same time...
What if Yuki-chan falls for him?!
Mumble, mumble, mumble.
I was thinking of Yuki-chan as a potential wife!
Akira, there's no way you're that serious about her!
Maybe I'm overthinking it...
But this is bad!
I'm a worse marriage prospect than him!
Akira made double what I did this season: 36 million!
Akira could make her much happier than I can!
Hey, there! That's Akira and Natsunosuke!
What's with those costumes?
Oh, he found us!
I can't believe you put those on!
It seems our cosplay pair has finally been found!
Yeah! We found 'em all!
And we made it just before time was up!
Shibuya and Bonda, please come down!
See ya!
Now it's time to ask the players questions submitted to our webpage!
It's the "You Wanted to Know" corner!
We'll pass the mic along to the player...
Hey, Akira.
What were you muttering into that girl's ear?
Playboy Shibuya Akira has lost his stuff, I guess.
I didn't make a single pass.
I passed on a little gossip, that's all.
I don't have confidence in myself right now.
I got three wins and four losses this season.
For a rotation pitcher...
Actually, I couldn't even hold my rotation slot.
If I'd been in rotation, I'd have gotten twenty-five or twenty-six games this season,
but they only had me start fifteen.
I was on fire in the early season, too.
Akira pitched complete games in all of his first three starts this season,
and his ERA was an incredible 1.00.
But he lost all three.
Each time, he was up against the opposing team's ace and lost to them
because our team's batters couldn't get a single run.
Then as the season went on, he lost his rhythm...
My contract's probably going down next year.
It's hard to go after a girl when I think of that.
By the same tack, you got injured but still contributed to the pennant win.
You have a chance at getting a better contract.
I didn't even appear in the Climax Series.
Next year, I'll be twenty-seven years old.
This might be my do-or-die season.
I won't have time for women.
I'm gonna do my best!
Akira...
Yes, it's all about the money pitch!
There's money buried under the pitch.
Well, I did manage to figure out where she works, at least.
Those three salarymen said, "We're regulars at Kitchen Ajihei in Ebisu."
O-Oh no!
Y-You're sure it wasn't Yoyogi?
Natsunosuke here!
Wow, what a celebration!
Color Commentator Toku-san just got engaged!
But unbeknownst to him, he's been fired! It's awful!
I try to let him know ASAP,
but he's on a pre-wedding trip with his girlfriend to Guam,
and I can't get in touch with him!
Next time: "Marrying While Unemployed?!"
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 09 [1080p]

Heya!
Hey there!
Otowa Radio Matsumoto
Matsumoto-san of Otowa Radio is a popular commentator
who's done pro baseball play-by-play ever since he joined with the company.
Hello!
Hey!
When he's announcing for a night game, he always enters the stadium at 2 PM.
The home team will be doing batting practice around then.
He'll go right to interviews with the manager, the coaches, and the players.
At 3:20,
the day's starting pitcher will finish his warm-ups,
and he'll come in from the outfield.
One hour before broadcast,
he'll meet up with his station's director, color commentator, and bench reporters.
Then he'll have a light meal.
He always gets either curry or udon from the Jingu Stadium snack bars.
At 5:40, he starts his broadcast.
Then, at 6:00...
Welcome to Jingu Spiders vs. Kawasaki Blue Comets, the first in a three-game series.
The Spiders' starter, Shiina, winds up and throws his first pitch!
It's a strike!
A fastball clipping the outside corner!
And then, one day...
Otowa Radio Z
Here, your pick-me-up.
Hey, thanks, Toku-chan.
It must be rough,
getting back from the stadium and moving right on to preparing for tomorrow's game.
That preparation is what makes a play-by-play announcer.
But what are you doing here at this hour?
I'm doing color commentary tomorrow, remember?
I thought I'd learn a thing or two from you...
and do my own prep for once.
It'll be a nice change of pace. And we're pairing up tomorrow, too.
You can really use that PC, huh?
Why don't you try a PC out, too?
They're really useful.
No, I need to write it all in by hand.
The words won't fly off my tongue unless I do.
But I have to say, you've been all-in these days, huh, Toku-chan?
I don't want to get fired, is all.
By the way, Matsumoto-san.
You know Nogawa of the Mops? The pitcher?
Nogawa?
He just came into the majors yesterday...
You didn't hear about it?
Oh, just two years in the league, twenty years old.
He pitched a great game four days ago in the minors. Seven shutout innings!
Oh, really?
And the scheduled starter, Sasamoto, has been in a bit of a slump lately...
He hasn't had a quality start his last two games.
Yeah, he didn't last a full five innings in his last two games.
So I checked up on Nogawa, thinking they might use him as a long reliever.
But if Sasamoto's starting, I'm sure he'll have made adjustments.
Well, the third time is frequently not the charm...
It might be good to read up on Nogawa. Just to be safe.
If I do that, I'll be getting home after 3 AM!
And it breaks through left-center field!
Two runners come home!
The starter, Sasamoto, has given up four runs in only two innings!
He only has one out, with two men on base!
It's turning out just like Toku-chan said!
Looks like the Mops have given up on Sasamoto!
Pitcher: Nogawa.
This is twenty-year-old Nogawa, who just came up to the majors two days ago.
This will be his first appearance as a pro.
Okay, we're going to commercial!
Your prediction came true, Toku-chan!
I've got tons of material on Nogawa!
I'll bet the other stations are freaking out right now!
Hey, hey! Get us some data on Nogawa already!
How can we not have any data on him?
I give up!
Toku-chan, fine play!
I've gotta work hard if I want to keep my job!
It was things like these that caused Matsumoto-san
to form a special attachment to Toku-san.
And now...
Pro baseball fans feeling down during the off season,
we're here for you! It's 5:40 PM!
Time for the informative variety show, Night Off.
It's Matsumoto Hideo's "Digging Deeper! Just Between Us!"
My partner today is...
Otowa Radio's Mizugoshi Nanako!
And our guest is the pro baseball color commentator...
Tokunaga here. Nice to be here!
Tokunaga-san's here to talk about pitching prospects in the Central League.
Which young pitcher will transform the Central League next season?!
During the off-season, Matsumoto-san hosts this variety show.
Great job, everyone!
Toku-chan, your comments today were so unconventional!
You've really been on fire lately!
Y-You think?
Your color commentary's been getting rave reviews, too!
Okay, Toku-chan. See you later!
Thank you for having me.
I'll be off, too.
Toku-chan! Toku-chan...
You'll stay with us as a color commentator next season too, won't you?
What? You're keeping me on next year?
Of course we are!
We're still finishing up the contract arrangements, of course...
But there's no need to worry about yours!
I'll see to it!
Thank you so much! I'll do my best!
Great to work with you again!
Yes! I already got my contract for next season!
Hey, Natsunosuke. How you doing?
Toku-san!
Sorry it's so sudden, but let's have a prefecture clique meetup tomorrow.
Tell Yukio, too.
Sure. Got it.
There's someone I want to introduce you to.
Also, I learned Otowa Radio's keeping me on color commentary next year.
That's great to hear!
It figures, though. Everyone says your commentary has gotten really good.
Hey, it's not that great.
Once you're done with pro ball, maybe I'll introduce you around the station.
Yes, please do!
I've got you!
This is Akemi. Akemi.
I'm Akemi!
We're getting married.
T-Toku-san!
That's so great!
Congratulations!
Well, I wanted to get married while I was still an active player,
but I guess waiting this long was the right choice.
Are you gonna have a ceremony?
We dunno yet.
But my folks back in Yamanashi will get on my case otherwise,
so maybe we'll have a small one, at least.
Right?
Yes!
I see! Toku-san is finally getting married!
Marrying at thirty-six...
It feels a bit late in life, but I guess that's how people do it these days!
Go on, down those glasses!
Look at you! Baseball players sure can down their alcohol!
Go on, have another!
Is Akemi-san from that place in Roppongi that Toku-san used to visit a lot?
She's so sweet and attentive.
I'm really envious.
Hey, Akemi-san! What do you do for a living?
How did you two meet?
Um... Well...
Idiot!
Ow!
Wh-What was that for?
Don't ask such intrusive questions!
C'mon, let's have another toast!
Toast, toast!
Congratulations!
After getting engaged and having his contract renewed for next season,
Toku-san had hit peak happiness at this time.
But in another restaurant not far from there,
the head of Otowa Radio's sports department
was having a meal with a certain big-name color commentator.
Of course! I'd be delighted to join you.
Thank you so much!
We were hoping to make you our main color commentator, Jinno-san,
so we look forward to working with you.
This is wonderful.
I'm just so honored that you approached me.
Otowa Radio employed me until about ten years ago, after all.
Not at all.
Looking back... I really was so immature back then.
My commentary was, too.
But I've spent these last ten years picking up in-the-field experience.
Well, not only did you do amazing things back when you were a player,
you've had a fruitful career with eighteen years in the booth and as a coach.
And you've even served as head coach for two ball clubs!
I'll be making use of all that experience in my commentary.
You'll see some truly mature work from me.
We can't wait!
Paying him is going to be rough, though.
We'll need to scrape up the money somewhere.
Otowa Radio Z
Really? We're signing Jinno-san?
He's big time!
Yeah, the chief went and sealed the deal.
But a man of Jinno-san's caliber will cost a pretty penny, won't he?
The manager said to cut someone to make it happen if we need to...
Cut? We're losing a commentator?
But who?
I dunno. But the easiest one to cut would be...
The youngest.
Toku-san, huh?
Yeah...
What? Toku?
Yeah, I can see it...
Not Toku!
Thanks for inviting me out.
It's nice to go out now and then.
So... You color commentators...
You're going through contracts now. It must be rough...
Did the director, Ogiwara-chan, say anything to you about yours?
After our last show, he said he wants me to stay on next year.
Really? Th-That's good to hear...
That was before they struck the deal with Jinno-san.
A-Anyway... You know...
Hey, Matsumoto-san, listen.
Down the line, I want to be a coach for the Spiders.
Oh... Good luck with that!
To get there, I need to rack up a few quality years as a commentator.
You know, because my playing career was pretty mediocre.
R-Really?
The truth is, at the start, I underestimated what commentators do.
I thought you could just say whatever.
But I've realized that you can't just chat about what's going on on the field.
I couldn't see the whole picture.
I didn't have the vocabulary. My reports lacked depth.
It might sound trite,
but I also realized that I need to read books about things other than baseball, too.
Now that you mention it,
the older commentators do read a lot more than you'd expect.
Everyone does the research and learns about baseball.
I need to acquire more depth as a human being
to set myself apart from the others.
Because in our world, you never know when you might get the axe.
Toku-chan, you've changed a lot since you first started in this business.
Hey, even I can grow up a little.
Yes, Toku-chan...
I hope you'll use this as a stepping stone to return to the field some day.
Sure. But, Matsumoto-san, it's easier said than done.
For men as mediocre as me, even if we work really hard as a commentator,
there's no guarantee we'll ever get to put on a uniform again.
I know myself better than anyone.
But as long as Otowa Radio's paying my bills,
it would be ungrateful not to give them my best.
Work as hard as you can on the work that's in front of you, year after year.
That's what life's all about.
Toku...
How am I supposed to tell him now?
I wanted to clue him in on the big-name color commentator they're hiring...
Otowa Radio Z
You're not signing Toku-chan next year?!
That's right.
We reached an agreement with Jinno-san, who has both a record and renown.
B-But, Boss, it's not like we're overstaffed...
It's not a matter of staff count. It's a matter of budget!
But I can't tell Toku-chan about this!
He's still only in his second year!
If you don't tell him, who will?!
Otowa Radio Z
B-But...
I can't do this!
I already told him I'd see to it that he got a contract, too!
Announcer Room
Wh-What?!
I-I'm supposed to tell Toku-chan he's fired?!
Please, Matsumoto-san!
You and Toku-chan are friends!
You're the one who brought him in!
Try to tell him as soon as possible!
His ability to find another job in time will depend on it!
W-Wait a minute! You can't do this to me!
I'm counting on you, Matsumoto-san!
H-Hey!
You've gotta be kidding me!
Bar
What will I do?
I'm supposed to tell Toku that he's fired?
How is that an announcer's job?
But I don't have time for this!
Toku needs to find a source of income for next year!
The company's made up its mind,
so I need to tell him ASAP.
Oh, but...
He's been working so hard!
I can't tell him!
No! I need to tell him!
He'll be in real trouble if I don't!
The number you're calling is either switched off or not reachable.
I can't even get in touch with him!
Otowa Radio Z
What's going on with Toku?
His phone's been out of range since yesterday!
Is he off messing around somewhere?
At the same time, it's a bit of a relief that I can't get through...
And Toku is single. That makes it a little less urgent, I guess.
No, I can't let myself believe that!
H-Hey.
M-Matsumoto-san?
What are you doing here so early?
W-Well, Bonda-kun, I heard you often come running here at this time of day...
So... I thought I'd come to see you...
Is it some kind of emergency?
Well, I've been calling Toku-chan since two days ago,
and I can't get through at all...
Has he gone off somewhere, perhaps?
Toku-san's home in Yamanashi.
Yamanashi isn't out of signal range!
He's at a hot spring in the mountains with some friends from high school.
A hot spring?
They've rented out a little hot springs inn on the Nagano border,
and they're spending a few nights there.
Oh, so that's why I couldn't get through.
Places like that still exist, huh?
So? When will he be back?
I don't know, but... Matsumoto-san...
What could you need to get in contact with Toku-san about that urgently?
Oh, well...
Hey, is it bad news?
No, of course not!
Look, this is weird!
You wouldn't come here to talk to me otherwise!
No, no, it's nothing!
I'm sorry! This has nothing to do with you!
T-Toku-san's been fired?!
We need to tell him as soon as possible, right?
He's fired? Th-That can't be...
Toku-san is about to get married!
Married?
Married?!
He said they're making it official next year.
T-Toku... has a fiancée?!
Oh god, marrying while unemployed?!
Waiting until after the show to head out left it pretty late,
but we should reach the mountain spring before midnight at this rate.
Yeah.
Now that I think about it, this is too important for a phone call, right?
I need to tell him in person.
I get that, but...
Why do I have to come along with you?
Don't be like that. I couldn't do this by myself.
And you're the only person I can ask.
Tokunaga-san went home already.
A friend drove him.
He said he had to get back to Tokyo before day's end.
It's seven already?
Toku-san?!
Hello?!
Matsumoto-san!
Hey, Natsunosuke!
I'm at Haneda! Haneda Airport!
Haneda?!
Haneda?
I'm on my way to Guam.
Guam?!
I'm with the lady you met the other day.
W-Wait a minute!
M-Matsumoto here.
Hey, Matsumoto-san, sorry.
I see you tried to call me a few times, but I've been too busy to call back.
Hey, we've gotta go.
I'll be back in the evening five days from now.
So long!
W-Wait, Toku!
Toku! Toku!
Toku!
And so, Toku-san went to Guam in ignorant bliss.
Bar
Marrying while unemployed...
That's rough.
So he didn't tell Toku-san?
He could call him in Guam, though, right?
But Matsumoto-san said...
"They're enjoying their pre-wedding trip.
I don't want to spoil that.
I think I should tell him after he gets back."
That's a fair point, I guess.
But Toku-san... What's he going to do now?
Poor guy...
Maybe they can work it out after the wedding?
"Work it out"? He can't even get married like this!
Why not?
Because he can't! He'll be unemployed!
You think Akemi-san would go along with that?
I-Is that what it's about?
Yeah, that's how the world works.
It hits too close to home for me...
You can't get married unless you have steady income.
The world of pro baseball really is rough.
Even Toku-san, who got 49 wins, is in these straits.
We don't have a real accomplishment to our names, either.
We need to hit the big time while we're still active players.
Yeah.
Reality weighed heavy on Yukio and me.
Natsunosuke here.
Toku-san makes it home, and he's shocked to learn he's been fired!
Matsumoto found him a coaching job at an independent league in Fukui,
but will his fiancée, Akemi-san, go with him to Fukui?
Is this the end for Toku-san's marriage?
Meanwhile, another situation develops.
Next time: "Sudden Turnaround!"
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 10 [1080p]

Toku-chan... Guam was the right choice!
Yeah, this is awesome.
Maybe we'll come back for our honeymoon.
Oh, I'd love that!
Yeah! I'll have to work hard!
Unaware that he'd been fired from his color commentary job,
Toku-san was enjoying sweet bliss in Guam with Akemi-san.
Toku-chan had a fiancée?
Yes. Which means he's going to marry while unemployed.
Marrying while unemployed? Tough luck for him.
Ogiwara-chan, don't act like it's not your problem.
Couldn't you find some way of keeping him on staff?
Of course I couldn't! I'm just an underling!
Besides, they've already officially signed Jinno-san...
But, and this is just between us,
Jinno-san's name wasn't on the list of potential color comms targets.
But then apparently someone higher up told the chief,
"Just shut up and hire Jinno-san!"
It came from above?
Jinno-san's such a big name commentator, and he commands big paychecks.
I feel bad for Toku-chan, but someone had to be cut to free up the funds.
Anyway, it can't be changed now.
So let Toku-chan know once he gets back, okay?
Be sure to tell him quick! He'll need to get back on the job hunt.
H-H-Hey!
See you later!
Darn it. Pushing all this on me...
Bonda-kun?
Hey, Matsumoto-san. This is Bonda.
I'm in the neighborhood. Would you like to meet up?
If nothing changes, Toku-san will get back from his pre-wedding trip
and go straight from heaven to the depths of hell.
Yeah...
So, I have a favor to ask.
What is it?
Couldn't you get Toku-san a job somewhere?
There's no way!
If it were that easy, we wouldn't be in this mess.
You need to try!
I'm not sure what to do...
Can't you introduce him to someone, Bonda-kun?
There's no way!
I'm still just a player, and I'm still young...
You know I don't have any connections like that!
It could be anything.
What about assistant director at your station?
Come on, it's Toku-chan. He was a color commentator until this year.
Offering him an AD job would be an insult!
I see...
Now that you mention it, I guess it couldn't be anything...
Besides, he was a major league pitcher with forty-nine wins to his name.
You can't ask him to take some nondescript role.
Are there really no color man jobs anywhere?
Everything's filled already.
What about local stations?
Not likely.
Local stations prefer to hire only players from their home clubs.
I guess that makes sense...
But Bonda-kun, you really care about Toku-chan, huh?
Of course. We're from the same area,
and he looked after me in my early pro career.
I want to help him if I can.
Nothing here, I don't think.
A sports magazine?
But I doubt Toku-chan can write articles...
Independent leagues?
An independent league?
Yes.
Five or six years ago, I was introduced to the GM
for an independent league's Fukui Dynamites.
I just found his business card!
Fukui, huh?
Yeah. And I called to ask if they have any open coaching slots.
Apparently, he's in Tokyo on a business trip right now!
He said we could meet up late tonight.
Bonda-kun, you'll come along, right?
Yes, of course!
Perfect timing!
We'd be happy to take on the former Spiders player, Tokunaga-san!
That was fast!
But what's the salary of a coach in an independent league?
If he'd be willing to take 300,000 a month...
No bonuses, of course.
300 grand times 12... That's 3.6 million a year.
If he'll agree to that, we'd gladly take him on.
Given his current situation, it's not a bad offer for Toku-san at all.
But he's getting married, too...
Okay. We'll talk to him about your offer.
Oh, will you?
An independent league is a place where he can chase his dream.
Coaching will add to Toku-chan's skill set,
and he could get called back to center stage someday.
That's my hope, anyway.
But doing radio commentary is already a center stage position.
An independent league is moving pretty far into the wings.
Will Toku accept that?
Fukui, eh? That's pretty far...
But coaching is a good job.
Better than being unemployed, anyway.
The guys in the minors play independent league teams a lot.
If things go well, some pro club might pick him up as coach.
Wasn't Takai-san, our minor league pitching coach,
a coach in an independent league once?
But that guy was a star player with 130 wins to his name.
He went there with a guarantee that he'd be back in our club someday,
so his case is different from Toku-san's.
You think?
I guess even the indies won't help unless you're a big-time star.
The real question is whether or not Toku-san will accept it.
It all comes down to how he feels.
And whether Akemi-san is willing to follow him to Fukui or not.
So, when's Toku-san getting back?
Tomorrow.
And so, Toku-san returned.
Make sure you quit your job in Roppongi once we're married, okay?
I hear you, Toku-chan.
As I thought, Akemi-san works in Roppongi.
I think this is the right flight...
Huh? Natsunosuke?
And Matsumoto-san?
What's going on?
Toku-chan!
Toku-san!
S-So, what you're saying is...
I'm... fired?
I hear you're getting married?
Yeah. To her.
Wait... I'm marrying while unemployed?
After I worked so hard!
Toku-san!
Toku-chan! Toku-chan!
I know it's a shock.
But there's more to it.
I got you a job as a coach in an independent league.
Huh?
I'm just a play-by-play man.
What I did was the best I could do.
Still, thank you.
I'm sure he appreciates having the option, at least.
An independent league? The Fukui Dynamites?
They said they'll guarantee a salary of 300,000 a month.
300,000 a month. That's 3.6 million a year.
It's actually a bit better than what I made at Otowa Radio.
But I was hoping to marry her next year...
Fukui's so far away. Would she follow me there?
A woman who's been belle of the ball in Roppongi, Tokyo...
Would she move to Fukui?
But...
What other work can I do in Tokyo?
Absolutely nothing.
No. Even if there were something,
I don't want a job that takes me out of baseball!
That said, the indies?
Being a baseball commentator at Otowa Radio was keeping me in the pro baseball world.
I was hoping to become a coach for the Spiders or some other team someday.
But as an ex-player with no accomplishments to his name,
if I leave the pros, there's no guarantee I'll ever make it back in.
Anyway, I can't tell her about this yet.
But this independent league coaching offer...
He made it sound like it fell into his lap,
but is it possible that Matsumoto-san went out and found the job for me?
The day after Toku-san got back from Guam,
Jinno Jiro, the big-name commentator who was the cause of his firing...
Nice shot, Mr. Head.
Stop it. That's not me.
The new head coach of the great Bunkyo Mops, Kugutsu Akihiko-sama.
For over ten years after we joined the Blue Comets,
you and I were fixtures at second and shortstop.
Then, after we hung up our jerseys,
we ended up as coaches and commentators,
following similar paths.
That's why, when I heard you got named the Mops' head coach,
I was as happy as if had been me.
And I heard you ended up back at Otowa Radio, right?
Yeah, I managed to sneak my way in.
I hope you'll take today to share some of your experiences
as head coach of two ball clubs with me.
Well, I was just head coach of the Setouchi Carnabeats and the Kobe Oxen.
I doubt it'll be much help.
I suppose not.
Frankly, being head coach of the Bunkyo Mops
comes with much greater pressure than being manager of a rinky-dink club.
I know it's harsh, but it's true.
Kugutsu.
I guess my stories of being head coach won't be much use to you after all.
I'm sure that's not true.
But when I was younger,
I was a base coach for the Mops, if only for a year.
Some stories from that time might be more useful to you.
Base coach?
I'll be head coach, though.
The point is they run a tighter ship over there than you might imagine.
In all respects.
Yeah, but that can be a good thing.
You don't get that kind of atmosphere in just any old ball club.
Good luck with your commentary.
What's with this guy?
I think that head coaching job has really gone to his head.
Also, Kugutsu. I might be worrying too much here, but...
What's this?
Well, you're joining a very popular club, you know.
You never know when someone might get jealous and try to dig up some dirt on you.
And you think that's a concern?
I doubt it's anything to worry about.
I'm totally clean.
There's no dirt for anyone to dig up.
This guy... Even the way he talks has changed.
Why do people have to be like this?
Coach for an independent league team in Fukui?
They're setting up their team for next season,
so they want an answer within the week.
You can't do commentator work for Otowa Radio anymore, then?
Yeah... At least not next season.
So, what are you thinking?
Well, I don't know.
How do you feel?
What does it matter how I feel?
R-Realistically speaking, I think it's the only choice.
That's right. Of course it is.
You can't work in any field other than baseball, right?
Because if you leave baseball, you might never make it back in, right?
Then I suppose you have to go to Fukui, don't you?
Wh-What about you?
I...
While Toku-san was talking to Akemi-san about that,
another situation was progressing.
What's the matter, Kugutsu?
Why'd you call me out like this?
L-Look at this, would you?
What's this? A copy of a picture?
A golf course?
Y-You know Weekly Buncho, right?
Weekly Buncho? Yeah, what about it?
One of their reporters came by with that.
And?
That's from ten years ago,
when I went golfing with executives from a certain real estate company.
At the time, I was on their payroll as a spokesman.
But since then,
it's come out that that company had secret ties to a mob syndicate!
What?!
He came to me asking for an interview about it,
but obviously, I don't know anything about it!
The guy on the far right was in the mob!
D-Do you think this will affect my position with the Bunkyo Mops?
Of course it will! This is terrible!
And not just the Mops! There's no ball club that would ever let this slide!
Listen, Toku-chan...
I...
I...
Oh, my marriage is over!
I'd go with you, of course!
What?
Really?
Toku-chan?
Yes?
You weren't thinking, "My marriage is over," were you?
No...
I can't believe you thought that! What an insult.
But are you sure it's okay?
It's fine.
To be honest, if we'd stayed in Tokyo,
I might not have been able to quit my job in Roppongi.
I think we'd have a rough time living on just your salary.
I've made up my mind!
Now I can graduate from that risqué stuff!
If we live in Fukui, we can probably get by just on your salary.
It'll be fine.
I'm going to be your wife, Toku-chan.
I... I...
I'm so glad I didn't get married when I was a player!
I'm so glad that I waited!
She was totally the right choice!
Oh, don't cry, now!
Bunkyo Mops' New Head Coach Kugutsu's Underworld Connections
The Weekly Buncho scoop resulted in a media firestorm.
I-I don't know anything! I'm not involved!
That was ten years ago!
Boy, this is the kind of scandal the Mops hate the most.
Bunkyo Mops' Head Coach Kugutsu Scrapped
Poor Kugutsu...
Phone for you, dear.
From whom?
Someone with the Bunkyo Mops.
Otowa Radio Z
What? Head coach of the Mops?
They chose me to replace Kugutsu.
J-Jinno-san?
I-I'm sorry. I'll have to drop the commentator deal.
I understand, Jinno-san.
It's natural that a man of your caliber would receive an offer like that.
I'm sorry!
We'll withdraw our offer.
I hope you'll join us some other time.
I see. I'm so glad to hear that.
We'll find a replacement for you, Jinno-san.
I'm really, really, really...
...grateful!
Jinno-san looks so happy!
Kugutsu, someone got dirt on you.
Don't say I didn't warn you!
That's the story.
So now we have to ask Toku-chan to come back for commentary next season...
Well, it's great news, but...
Right?! You'll tell him yourself, won't you?
Please!
Fine.
I'm so glad!
I made you break the news of his firing to him,
so I can't really poke my nose in now, can I?
Very true.
But afterward, you need to apologize to Toku-chan,
and officially ask him to work with us again, okay?
Leave it to me!
I'll talk to the manager, have him for dinner, and get it done.
And that's that.
You'll take it, won't you?
Oh... Well, I guess...
Apparently, the Fukui Dynamites were kind of straining to hire you anyway.
Their budget was really tight.
I was starting to look forward to it, though...
But if they withdrew that quickly when they heard the new situation,
I guess they didn't actually need me that badly?
So, can we count on seeing you next year?
Yeah... Though I'm still a little dazed.
Boy, Toku-san, you've really been through the ringer,
but I'm glad to hear you'll be a commentator again!
I guess.
Now you can get married without any worries.
And now it's you guys' time to have contract negotiations.
They've started, right?
Ours are next week.
Y-Yeah...
Y-Yes.
I'm gonna do my best!
It's our once-a-year battle with the ball club!
Cheers!
But, man, I really am glad I chose her.
But wait, does that mean...?
Well, I guess I'll stick with my Roppongi job after all!
Is that what she'll say?
That was the only thing Toku-san had left to worry about.
Money Pitch!
Natsunosuke here.
The baseball world is in the middle of contract negotiations.
Shibuya Akira and Ohno Yukio get great news on their first try.
And now, at last, it's my turn.
But I'm also identified at the place where Yuki-works,
and Yuki-chan finally recognizes me,
and I head towards negotiations with a spring in my step!
But the club's assessment process is really harsh, you know?
Next time: "Contract Renewals, Part One."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 11 [1080p]

The pro baseball world is currently in the middle of contract negotiations.
Did you get to 250, Shiina-san?
No.
The Spiders' ace, Shiina-san,
renewed his contract for 240 million, a 40 million increase.
240 million, eh?
You were right on the money, Natsunosuke.
I guess so.
But since we won the pennant,
I thought he'd at least make it to 250.
When you're already that highly paid, huge increases are hard to come by.
So, when are your negotiations?
Day after tomorrow.
Tomorrow for me.
You're tomorrow, Yukio?
I set my goal for this season to appear in every game,
but in the end, I only made 135 appearances.
135 out of 143 is really good.
And you pulled a .279 batting average.
I only had ten home runs.
Last year, I hit fourteen in 48 games.
No, ten is a nice number.
It makes a better impression than nine.
Don't worry. Your contract's going up.
Thirty-six. Maybe thirty-seven.
Th-Thirty-seven million?
I make 20 million now... You think they'd give me that much?
We won the pennant, so thirty-eight's on the table.
No, you're wrong.
It'll be thirty-nine.
Thirty-nine...
...million?
Under normal circumstances, you might even get 40 million.
You did appear in 135 games, after all.
40 million?
But 40 million would be double what you're making now.
So I think they'll stop you just short of that.
Is that how it works?
Natsunosuke's predictions tend to be right on the money.
Thank you very much!
I'm going to work even harder next year!
Ohno Yukio renewed his contract, going from 20 million to 39 million.
You got it right again, Natsunosuke.
Yukio was so happy.
Well, he was only making 10 million the year before.
He's really come a long way. He's even got me beat now.
And tomorrow's your big day.
I... I recorded three wins, four losses.
ERA 4.45.
Fifteen appearances as a starter, one as reliever.
I was skipped in the rotation a few times, too.
If I'd stayed in the entire time,
I would've gotten 25 or 26 appearances.
My salary's definitely going down.
No, it'll stay the same.
In fact, it might even increase a little.
A-Are you serious?
I mean, you still started fifteen games.
Sure, you personally didn't record a lot of wins,
but the team won many of the games you started.
Y-Yeah! That's how I feel about it!
You still contributed to the pennant win.
And at the start of the season,
you faced one roster ace after another.
No way the team won't recognize that those losses were no fault of your own.
You think?
You're such a worrywart.
We won the pennant, you know.
Well, if you say so.
36 and a half million?
Not only did my salary not go down, you're tacking on 500 grand?
N-Natsunosuke's prediction was a bullseye!
We can't low-ball a pitcher who started fifteen games.
Obviously.
We don't just base these things on whether you get wins or not.
Out of games you started, we won nine and lost six.
That's a win percentage of sixty.
What's the 500,000 for, then?
We won the pennant, you know.
We couldn't just keep it the same, so we tacked on the extra 500 grand.
Natsunosuke... Everything you said is coming true!
But, GM,
don't you think we're being a bit stingy with Shibuya-kun here?
We could make it a nice, round number.
That's a good point.
I'm making the call to turn the 500,000 into an even million.
We'll make it 37 million!
You know what that's about, right?
They were going to make it 37 million from the start.
They just put on that little ceremonial drama to make you happy.
You think so?
Anyway, I'm definitely happy!
And man, you really are sharp when it comes to stuff like this!
Kawasaki-san...
Hey, there.
Hi, Natsunosuke, Akira.
You guys went through it today, too?
Just me.
How'd it go?
Awesome.
Glad to hear it.
Mine starts at 4 PM. I've got a bit of time to kill.
Please, join us.
Thanks.
Who was after you?
No one went in after me.
I see.
Then I bet those sly old foxes are formulating a strategy to deal with me.
This season, in Kawasaki-san's twentieth in the pros,
the veteran pitcher finally hit 150 wins.
Doyo Sports Kawasaki Maruo 150-win pitcher for the Spiders
On this day, he and the team failed to reach an agreement, prolonging the talks.
Looks like Kawasaki-san is fighting them.
Yeah.
It says he wants a multi-year contract.
Two years, you think? Three years?
Three years, apparently.
He's 39 next year...
So at the end of the deal, he'll be 40, 41...
There's no way that's happening.
Kawasaki-san must have confidence in his longevity.
But this year, he went three and four like me.
The paper says he was offered an extension on his 60 million contract.
You know, I would've expected Kawasaki-san's contract to go down,
so I guess that's also part of the pennant effect.
Kawasaki-san once made 230 million a year,
but he was down to 60 million this year.
How much could you even get paid in total for three years at age 39?
100 million?
Nah, 60 million for three years, I bet.
Three years for 60 million?
So he'd be splitting his one-year salary up over three years?
Sounds like it.
20 million a year for three years...
That's awfully low.
But there'll be performance-related bonuses,
so it'll add up to a lot more overall, or at least that's what I think.
Still, it's an impossible demand.
Although I admire his determination to stay in the game.
He's been doing it twenty years, after all.
He's working at a level we can't even imagine.
Speak of the devil.
It's Kawasaki-san!
Huh?
Hey!
'Sup!
Hey, there.
Want to run together?
Yeah!
This guy's got real stamina for his age.
His physical abilities haven't dropped at all.
And he's genuinely just strong.
I'm no match for this old guy.
And his body is unbelievably limber.
He's got me and Natsunosuke outclassed.
I guess that's how you win 150 games. Truly amazing.
Listen... I want to win 200 games.
I didn't know he had that goal.
If I play to age 45, I can make it to 200.
So he wants to play seven more years?
You read the newspaper, too, right?
I bet you saw my demand for a multi-year contract and thought I'd gone crazy.
No, not at all!
Knowing you're aiming for 200 explains it.
Anyway, I need a guaranteed three more years in the pros,
and then I'll take it one year at a time.
Even if that three-year contract goes through, to get those last 50 wins,
he'll have a quota of seven or eight wins per year.
That's going to be a tall order at his age...
Looking at your body, I feel like you might just do it.
Natsunosuke...
I bet by the time you retire at 45,
you'll be back up to a 100 million contract.
Natsunosuke, this old man will take that as his future motivation.
And then, during Kawasaki-san's second round of negotiations...
You can keep insisting, but a multi-year contract is a no-go.
Take this one-year deal and do well, and there'll be another one waiting.
I have a dream.
I'll go through this dance as many times as it takes.
All right.
Then here's what we'll do.
We'll add 10 million to our offer.
That's 60 plus 10, 70 million.
You'll accept that, won't you?
The multi-year is impossible.
GM!
Look, it's all right.
I'm making this call.
Doyo Sports Kawasaki re-signs for 70 mil
He Caved! Single-year contract signed
Kawasaki-san was so adamant, but in the end, he folded.
Actually, I wonder if this was his plan from the start.
He hasn't stayed in the pros twenty years for nothing.
His record was the same as yours: three wins, four losses.
Yet I got a million yen added, while he got 10 million...
Is he really chasing 200 wins?
Did he really want a multi-year contract?
Who's the real sly old fox?
Only Kawasaki-san knows the truth.
By the way, you've got your talks tomorrow, right?
Try to guess your own contract!
That's the hardest of all.
Though I can guess what the club will offer me from past experience...
Here you go!
Kitchen Ajihei
Thank you for coming!
Check for table two, please!
Yuki-chan...
She's as radiant as ever!
Here you go!
Fried chicken 'n' rice!
Here we go!
Delicious!
My season at twenty-six.
18 million yen per year.
Heading toward contract negotiations,
a player analyzes his own accomplishments and contributions,
Hey, isn't that Bonda of the Spiders?
and presents the number he's hoping for.
Bonda?
Of course, the player and club may value those contributions very differently.
Hey.
Are you Bonda-san, from the Spiders?
I knew it.
I'm a huge fan of the Spiders.
I'm sorry to interrupt your meal, but I'd love to shake your hand.
S-Sure...
I hope you get us to the Japan Series and make us best in Japan next year.
Can I have one, too?
Sure.
Um, excuse us.
Can we also...?
Excuse me, Bonda-san.
Sorry, I only have a work notepad on me right now, but...
Could I have your autograph?
Sure.
Jingu Spiders 39 Bonda Natsunosuke
Here.
Thank you very much.
I'd love one, too. Sorry it's just a notepad again.
He's giving out autographs.
Who is that?
Bonda of the Spiders.
Oh, the southpaw middle reliever.
Contributing to the league pennant
must have increased my name recognition a little bit.
Even though somewhere in my heart,
I was sure that this was one place I'd never been recognized.
They say he's a pro baseball player!
A pro baseball player?
Let's see, an autograph card...
He is?
Yuki-chan, could you get us his autograph?
Who is he again?
Um, B-Bonda?
Bonda from the Spiders.
Sure thing.
Bonda-san? I feel like I've heard that name before...
Excuse me.
Sorry. Could we get your autograph for the shop?
You can make it out to Kitchen Ajihei...
R-Right...
I remember!
I'm sorry.
I'm such a huge Tempters fan!
Bonda-san is the one that sent us to the Japan Series,
so I just got so happy!
Mr. Tutankhamen?
Yes...
I was Tutankhamen.
I-I was at the Spiders' fan appreciation day,
and I said something really awful to you...
I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
I'm sorry!
Yuki-chan?
Y-You remember me?
O-Of course I do!
Really, don't worry about it!
Here you are...
To Kitchen Ajihei Bonda Natsunosuke Jingu Spiders 39
Thank you very much.
Did our Yuki-chan do something to offend you?
No, no, not at all.
Yuki-chan, what's the matter?
Actually... You see...
You did that?
Then...
Here, an apology for our Yuki-chan's rudeness.
Go on, Yuki-chan. Pour for him.
R-Right.
H-Here you are.
Y-Yeah... Thank you.
Yuki-chan!
Give him this to eat with it!
S-Sure!
Th-This is on the house, too!
Hey, Yuki-chan!
You sit there and pour for him a while.
Ma'am...
Forget work. Come on, please do this.
Here.
I wasn't mentally prepared for this sudden encounter.
I can't seem to say anything!
Pro baseball players make a lot of money, right?
How much do you think Bonda-san makes?
Don't know.
I don't think he made it to 20 million this year.
Oh, really?
Says 18 million here.
What? 18 million?
18 million, huh?
18 million?!
He's rich!
But for a pro baseball player, that's not much.
What? At 18 million?
Then how much do pro baseball players usually make?
Depends on the player.
Some make hundreds of millions, and some just make a few.
Then is a player making 18 million in the baseball world...
High? Middling? Low?
Can't say, but for the majors, it's on the lower side.
Low?!
Sure, I might be low right now.
I only make 18 million.
But one day, I'll be on the high end!
And my first step to see that day come...
Bonda-san.
Here.
R-Right.
Please do your best.
Right!
I'll do my best tomorrow!
Nothing, just a personal matter.
This season was my best one since joining the pros.
I feel like I contributed to us winning the league pennant, too.
I'd wager they'll offer me a 7 million yen increase.
That's 25 million yen.
Bonda-kun,
through May, you served us well as a middle reliever.
You had twenty appearances by then,
which was as many as you'd had all the previous season.
If you'd kept that up, you might've had over sixty mound appearances.
Sadly, you got hurt just before interleague play,
and you were out of the game for four months.
You returned in September, in the middle of a dead heat pennant race
between us, the Tempters, and the Mops.
Then you appeared in eleven games and got seven hold points.
Those seven holds definitely contributed to our league pennant win.
In that stretch, you made eleven appearances
and racked up four wins, four losses, and two saves at a 3.01 ERA.
You also totaled twenty hold points for the season.
We plugged this data into our club's assessment program,
and it gave us your next year's contract.
It's definitely going up.
I have eleven appearances and ten holds more than last year.
And as the club acknowledges, I contributed to the late pennant race
and helped us win it.
24.5 million.
Bonda-kun.
We fully appreciate how hard you worked in our late-season pennant race.
The management really trusts you, too.
But that injury was unfortunate.
Of course, you were injured during a game, so we won't detract for that,
but as you spent four months out of the majors,
there's a limit to how much we can add on for you.
If you hadn't been injured, you might have reached 40 million.
Well, we're counting on you next season, too.
Do your best.
No, wait a minute.
That 500 grand is too awkward.
I'm making the call to add on another 500.
Let's go with 25 million.
G-GM!
Are you sure?
Yeah, I am.
Bonda-kun clearly contributed to our win.
Bonda-kun, please do your best at 25 million next year.
As I thought, they added on that extra 500,000.
As I predicted, they were planning to offer me 25 million all along.
But if I compromise here, I lose.
Excuse me. Could I make an appeal?
You're appealing the offer?
You're not satisfied with 25 million? Then...
How much do you want?
I want another million.
26 million!
26 million?!
There's no way. Don't be ridiculous.
This is the best we can offer!
We won't go one yen higher!
But...
After you hear my argument,
I think you'll be obliged to give me that extra million.
Bonda-kun?!
Natsunosuke here.
It's a meager yet precious one million.
I really am desperate over this!
But the club refuses to accept my appeal.
Things are getting cut really close here...
That's when some very interesting information reaches my ears.
Yes, I'll hang in there a little longer!
I'm going to get myself an extra million!
Next time: "Contract Renewals, Part Two."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Pitch!

▶ [HorribleRips] Gurazeni S2 - 12 [1080p]

You're not satisfied with 25 million? Then...
How much do you want?
I want another million.
26 million!
26 million?!
After you hear my argument,
I think you'll be obliged to give me that extra million.
Bonda-kun?!
This one million will make a big difference.
It's only one million.
But when I first entered the majors, my scout, Yasuda-san, said...
Being a pro is all about money.
When it's time for contract negotiations, be greedy.
Even if it's just for a million or two.
Every year, do everything you can to get that boost.
When it adds up, it'll make a big difference.
It's important to gradually build up those numbers.
If I get over sixty appearances next season,
I can get double my contract to 50 million.
But they'll stop me just short of that by about 2 million,
so I won't reach 50 million.
But if I add on an extra million now to get to 26 million,
then even if they make that cut, I'll make it to 50 million.
Next year, the next year, and the year after that...
This million yen now will have a huge impact on my earnings!
Do you remember the Jingu Spiders 4,000th win memorial game in October?
It was against the Mops at Jingu Stadium.
R-Right...
We'd reached first in the standings once,
but after that, first place kept changing hands each day.
Before that match, the Tempters were in first by half a game.
Jingu Stadium
The matchups were us versus the Mops,
Koshien Stadium
and the Tempters versus the Wild Ones.
After that, we were going to play five games on the road.
In other words, if we'd lost that day,
the chances of getting our memorial win at home would've plummeted.
That game, our starter was the 38-year-old Kawasaki-san,
who had two wins in the seasons so far.
Haven't started in a while.
At that point, Kawasaki-san had reached 149 career wins.
I'm hitting 150 wins this game for sure.
Everyone wanted to get our 4,000th victory and Kawasaki-san's 150th win.
Kawasaki-san is a team legend, after all.
Kawasaki-san did a great job that day, giving up no runs through the fourth.
But...
In the fifth, when he could've qualified for the win, he gave up a two-run homer.
In the bottom of that inning, a pinch hitter was sent in for him.
Don't worry. You did well today.
But just then, we started hitting
and turned it around!
Maybe I'll get that win after all!
I'm the one who took over after that.
Natsunosuke, just handle two innings for now.
Yes, sir.
Other Games
Around the same time, we learned that the Tempters at Koshien
were losing 7-0 in the 5th.
Whoever wins here will take first place!
I pitched well again that day,
and I held them to no runs in the sixth and the seventh.
Natsunosuke, you're on fire today. Handle another inning, won't you?
What?
In the end, I pitched the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings to secure the hold.
And of course, Segawa-san was all set to go in as closer in the 9th.
But leading off that inning was their cleanup, Norman,
whom they weren't going to pinch hit for.
A left-hander, eh?
Natsunosuke, stick in through Norman, would you?
I struck out Norman.
Now Segawa-san will finish the game, huh?
Well, I'd prefer not to change in the middle of an inning...
Have Natsunosuke handle the last two.
I was still on fire, so I easily got the last two outs also.
Celebration!
Jingu Spiders 4,000 Total Wins
The Spiders land their record 4,000th win!
Kawasaki gets his 150th win in the pros!
And with that win, the Spiders also take first place in the league standings!
The point I'm appealing on is that I contributed to our memorial win at Jingu,
and that I also got Kawasaki-san his 150th win.
And although we played seven games after that,
we ended up remaining in first the whole time.
In other words, the moment we secured our eventual first-place ranking,
I was the one on the mound.
But, Bonda-kun, we knew all that.
That's why we offered you 25 million yen.
You're saying you took that fact into account already?
That's right. So we can't add on another million.
We heard you out, so that's that, right?
Do you accept?
I'm so glad. Well, I have some things to take care of...
Wait a minute! My appeal isn't over yet!
There's actually more to the story than that.
If you hear me out to the end,
you'll understand the logic of giving me the extra million.
B-Bonda's hanging in there!
You contributed to us getting our 4,000th win
and Kawasaki-kun's 150th win at home.
That was also the moment our team rose to its lasting first place position.
In other words, you contributed to the team's record, and to its legacy.
But as I said before, we've factored all that into your 25 million.
We can't offer any more.
But at that match—
I'm afraid we're just running in circles like this.
Let's take an hour break and cool our heads.
Yes, let's do that.
Time for a break, a break!
Break time, break time!
I really do have to see to something.
It's a standard club trick. Buy time by saying, "Let's cool our heads."
Most players will use the break time to reflect on their weak hand,
regret being stubborn, and fold like that.
But what a time to call for a breather...
I'd worked myself into a frenzy, and now it's all gone.
It's Bonda!
Let's see...
Wh-What is it?!
I-I haven't signed anything yet!
No, it's not about the contract negotiations...
The fact that the news reached me then was a massive stroke of luck.
Or at the very least, it gave me the push I needed.
Boy, you are stubborn...
He certainly is determined.
I thought that after the break, he'd sign the contract just like that.
But I'm afraid you're just wasting your time.
It's a fair amount, no matter how you slice it.
Can't we come to an agreement?
I'm telling you, hear out the rest of the story or—
Listen.
This isn't all about you.
We have negotiations with a lot of other players today.
We can't indulge your selfishness forever.
If you refuse to hear me out, can we at least delay the negotiations?
We can resume another day.
How dare you?! You're not a star player, you know!
Be reasonable!
We can't afford to take that kind of time.
All the negotiation slots are filled for at least the next ten days.
So us players in the 20 millions are supposed to shut up and do as we're told?
Whether we make 20 million or 100, we players are our own advocates.
We're all desperate here!
Don't quibble with us!
Hey...
S-Sorry.
I'm sorry. Forgive me.
I went too far.
No... as did I.
I suppose you leave us no choice.
But all we're doing is hearing your pitch.
We can't promise you anything.
Thank you very much.
That game was in all the sports papers.
But would our 4,000th victory and Kawasaki-san's 150th win have been
that big a deal on their own?
That day, there was another reason the game was in all the papers.
Because of showbiz gossip.
Showbiz gossip?
Yes!
Showbiz gossip?
Yes!
Bonda!
Behind home plate at #Jingu.
I think the couple next to me is...
And there we go!
Bonda held on through the 8th, too!
Segawa will be the closer in the 9th!
A one-run game! You think we'll make it out?
This is bad, though...
We need to leave the stadium this inning.
Once the match ends, the crowd will come pouring out...
I want to see the end, but I guess we gotta go!
Meiji Jingu Stadium
We'd better get a taxi fast...
A singer and an actor.
That young star couple's relationship was exposed.
Those two Spiders fans had come with all their defenses in place,
yet a sharp-eyed fan tweeted about it online,
and that tweet went viral...
It was major news.
There had never even been rumors about the two of them before then.
In all the sports papers the next day,
Sports Morning Star Couple's Relationship Exposed Shiraki Yugo x Shinoyama Chie
"Star couple's relationship exposed! Shinoyama Chie, Shiraki Yugo!"
And below that, it talked about the Spiders' 4,000th memorial victory
and Kawasaki's 150th win as a pro.
Um, are you two dating?
Um...
No, we're just friends.
But you seemed quite close while you were watching the game.
Like a couple.
What? Where did that come from?
A fan tweeted about you online.
What? Online?
What are those cheers for?
Apparently, Bonda took the mound in the 9th,
and struck Norman out.
Bonda did?!
Will they be okay without Segawa in the 9th?
Well, Norman's a left-handed hitter...
It looks like Bonda is pitching to the next batter, too!
Then Bonda's hanging in to the end today?
Are they going to be okay?
Are you two fans of the Spiders?
Yes, we are!
That's how we started...
They admitted it!
They're dating!
What?
Time to celebrate, you guys!
Bonda got us through the inning!
Yes!
Now we're in first place!
Great job, Bonda!
...he shouted out, they say.
But that all happened outside the stadium.
Our evaluation only takes into account your play on the pitch.
But it put our memorial victory on the front page.
But that had nothing to do with you.
But it's not unconnected, is it?
That match, fans started tweeting about the game,
and it took some time for the reporters to catch on...
I bet that big couple hadn't planned to watch the game to the 8th.
The longer they stayed there,
the more likely it was that they'd be spotted by the fans.
In the end, by the time they left the stadium,
the reporters had already caught up with them.
There wouldn't have been an article if they hadn't.
What kept them rooted to the stadium until the eighth
was watching me hold onto that 3-2 lead with my pitching.
And I'm pretty sure things would've been a lot different if they hadn't been found.
Great job, Bonda!
That moment was played repeatedly on TV, too.
The match they'd gone to see was the Jingu Spiders' memorial 4,000th victory.
Each time the gossip story was played in the media,
our 4,000th victory was mentioned, too.
As was Kawasaki-san's 150th win.
In other words,
you want a million yen as a performance fee for making the memorial game exciting?
Well, I think I see what you're getting at.
All right, we'll boost you 500,000.
How about 25.5 million?
GM!
Please, let that be enough.
You can't do that! You can't be the first one to fold!
Bonda-kun's the one who will fold!
You're hurting our position with the players!
No, this won't hurt us.
I'm making a judgement call.
And I'm moved by your appeal.
GM!
Excuse me. 500,000 is nice,
but the truth is, there's more to the appeal than that.
There's more?!
It's actually still unfolding... Or you could say, it's been revived.
Oh, so you haven't heard yet.
Could you open that computer and look at the top trending topics?
Let's see...
What does it say?
"Big couple announces engagement.
Ceremony set for next spring. Shiraki Yugo, Shinoyama Chie.
Two months pregnant."
What?!
That news went live one hour ago.
I suspect it's the top story on all the talk shows right now.
Great job, Bonda!
Their relationship was made public
when the two went to see a baseball game at Jingu Stadium.
That game was the Spiders' 4,000th victory,
and the two are apparently big Spiders fans.
Thus, Bonda has sent the couple a message of congratulations.
Hey, this is Bonda Natsunosuke with the Jingu Spiders!
Jingu Spiders Player Bonda Natsunosuke
Shiraki-san, Shinoyama-san, congratulations on your engagement!
Keep cheering for the Spiders, okay?
That was Bonda's congratulatory message!
They came to interview me during the break earlier.
The story will probably be played repeatedly over the next few days,
and it'll be picked up by newspapers and magazines...
Their relationship and wedding would've come to light eventually anyway.
But the timing of the exposure was so convenient for Bonda.
Y-You've got us.
An appeal like that...
All right. We'll make it 26 million.
Thank you!
I'm sorry for all of my rudeness.
It's all right. Do your best for us next year, all right?
Excuse me, then!
Goodness me...
Well, seeing a baseball player appeal his heart out like that
is a sign of his professional spirit!
It's a good thing.
And they're expecting him to be our ace middle reliever next year.
I'm glad we left him feeling happy.
Besides, it's not as if it makes a big difference to us whether it's 25 or 26.
Yes!
18 million to 26 million!
I got me an 8 million yen pay raise!
For a guy who didn't play for four months due to injury, that's fantastic!
Yakiniku Jolena
To all three of us for securing our contract renewals!
It's great that we know we'll be playing here next year.
Ohno Yukio got a 19 million raise to 39 million.
Shibuya Akira got an extra million, taking him to 37 million.
Boy, Yukio, you've really left me in the dust now.
I still don't feel like I've earned that number 3 jersey, though.
No, you've made your way into the regular lineup.
Your contract's going to keep going higher and higher.
I can't be sure of that just yet.
If they bring in a foreigner who can hit, they'll drop me in no time!
Yukio's started climbing the pro baseball ladder at a nice pace.
I can't say I'm not a bit envious,
but I'm also proud of him as a fellow Yamanashian.
By the way, who's paying the check today?
Yukio's, since he earns the most now.
But I'm the youngest!
You and I are the same age, Natsunosuke.
But I was born in October, and you were born in September.
That makes you the oldest here.
Hey, I make the least money of all of us!
What's the big deal?
The three of us won't even break 50,000.
It's okay, Senpai.
I'll pay today.
Yukio...
But just for today.
That will be 48,500 yen.
Sure thing.
I'd like a receipt, please.
That Yukio... Is it just my imagination, or does he look taller today?
One way or another, we all got great contract increases.
I'm glad we got to celebrate with that party.
By the way, once I was by myself...
Argh!
But, but, but... Maybe I shouldn't have said all that to the management!
That's right!
I'm sure I upset them!
I bet they thought I was just splitting hairs!
But, but... I really did want a better salary!
What do I do? What do I do?!
At any rate, I managed to make it safely to the end of the year.
This is my workplace.
I'm Bonda Natsunosuke, twenty-seven years old and entering my ninth season.
I make 18... I mean, 26 million yen a year!
The Spiders lead three to two!
Top of the 8th, Carnabeats at bat.
With runners on first and second with two out, they're in position to tie the game!
Bonda will be pitching for Ichioka.
Jersey number 39!
Well, I guess it's time to get to work!
This hitter's contract is 22 million.
As someone making 26 million, I can't possibly lose.
This is gonna be your season, Natsunosuke!
Now Bonda takes the mound.
There are hopes that he'll be the season's ace middle reliever.
Bonda-san...
Natsunosuke...
We're counting on you!
You can do this easy!
Let him hit it if you have to! I'll catch it for you!
Show us the new Bonda with his improved contract.
Money Pitch...
"There's money buried under the pitch."
That's a phrase I made up.
I'm going to keep digging it up,
for as long as I'm a pro baseball player!
Money Pitch!

Texto alterado

Abrir arquivo

Commie
▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 13v2 [EEE6219E]

September.
After four months away, I'm finally back in the majors.
It slipped through! The Spiders have the winning run on base!
The cool winds of May have given way to the unforgiving heat of summer.
And all this time, for four long, long, long months, I've been out of action!
Including today, we have 23 games left in our season.
Three Central League teams are in a dead heat for the pennant.
In first place, the Osaka Tempters.
In second, the Bunkyo Mops.
And us, the Jingu Spiders, are one game out, in third.
And I probably should've said this earlier, but my name is Bonda Natsunosuke!
Recruited out of high school, I've spent eight years as a middle relief pitcher.
I make 18 million yen a year!
What? Why was I out of the action for four months, you ask?
I didn't hit a slump and drop to the minors, if that's what you're thinking!
As a matter of fact, I'd been having an amazing season since opening day!
I made 20 appearances through late May!
For a middle reliever, your number of appearances is everything.
I started thinking I'd get 60 appearances this season, with a corresponding massive pay increase!
But right at the end of May...
I think we'll play today, but the weather report's not promising.
It'll be a struggle to get to the fifth and make this count as an official game, huh?
Manager. Call from Nagoya.
Yes? Tanabe here.
Manager, bad news!
Akiba has a fever!
What?!
I have him resting right now, but I don't think he'll able to start tomorrow.
Didn't we send him to Nagoya a day in advance?
He needs to take better care of his health!
This is trouble.
What will you do?
Given the weather, we'll be lucky to make it to the fifth.
So we can probably get by with just a reliever or two.
Hey, Sakota, phone the clubhouse.
Tell Natsunosuke: "Get changed and go jump on a bullet train."
"Tomorrow, you're starting!"
M-Manager...
It'll shock the hell out of the Nagoya Wild Ones.
They'll be expecting Akiba, the right-hander, to start.
And then we send out the lefty, Natsunosuke?
They'll be scrambling to cope just before the game starts.
And Akiba has a fever, so they can't really blame us!
Sakota, do it!
B-But...
What is it?
I'm not on board with this.
What?
It's not fair to Natsunosuke to use him this way.
He's a valuable left-handed relief pitcher.
We should use him the way he's meant to be used.
Sakota...
Look, I see what you're getting at,
but part of this is about wanting to give Natsunosuke a chance.
A chance?
This season, he's gotten his usual one-man outs, but he's also done some longer outings.
He even played a game as a spot starter!
We've been using him as a handyman, but your run-of-the-mill pitcher can't do all that.
The fact that he can fill all those roles is a sign of his skill.
It's true that he's been pretty versatile this season!
He's been in the zone, I guess.
Natsunosuke is 26 years old this year.
I doubt he's abandoned the dream of being in the pitching rotation, right?
I-In the pitching rotation?
Natsunosuke?
I've been thinking that if someone in the rotation lost steam,
I'd put Natsunosuke in there instead.
Natsunosuke!
Get going to Nagoya!
What?!
I'm starting tomorrow?!
Don't blame me if it's a disaster!
Hey, Natsunosuke! You made it!
Shiina!
Akiba's in the room next door.
Support Staff Manager Degawa's with him.
Oh, but don't go visiting his room.
We can't have him getting you sick.
Right!
Well, come on in!
I can't believe our manager sent you all the way out here with no notice.
I'm pitching in the second game, but that's a six-day break.
He could've just moved me up a day.
Seems to me he's giving you a starter test, Natsunosuke.
Well, you've been pitching great all season.
It might be about time for you to join us!
"Join us."
The starters, he means?
This might come off as rude to say, but you're seriously underpaid right now.
I think you deserve to make more.
Which means you need to be a starter.
If you manage to fill in like this and get results, you'll earn the management's trust in a major way!
So a little advice on your start tomorrow...
When playing the Wild Ones, you must stop their first two batters from reaching base.
Their lead-off batter is Fuyuki, 29 years old.
He's thought to be the best outfielder playing right now.
Contract: 110 million.
Batting second is Demura, 28 years old.
Similarly, he's said to be the best second baseman in the league, and he makes 98 million a year.
And waiting in the wings after them is the man who makes exactly ten times what I do,
the left-handed slugger making 180 million a year, Sekiya!
Fuyuki and Demura are right-handers, so I bet you haven't faced them much.
That's true...
I think maybe once this season?
They're tricky players with major legs.
We call them the do-anything pair.
Whether or not they get on base will vastly affect your chance of giving up runs.
Every middle relief pitcher wants to reach the starting rotation someday.
So after what Shiina said, I can't deny that I felt even more pressure to make the most of this chance.
Then, the next day...
This is Bonda's second start this season.
I know Akiba has a cold, but this is less like a substitute and more like an ambush.
Hey, it's no big deal.
There's nothing we'd like better than a sidearm southpaw.
You're here, Bonda.
I always knew the day would come
when I would face you as a starter.
Batting first, right fielder, Fuyuki.
Play ball!
Will I go from handyman to starting rotation pitcher?
It's the do-or-die moment!
Fuyuki starts off with a bunt!
Yes!
Safe! Safe!
He really set the tone with that first hit, eh, Color Commentator Yamamoto Masa?
He's probably really shaken them.
That's how Fuyuki rolls.
Batting second is the second baseman, Demura.
How's he going to approach this?
Demura won't settle for a sac bunt.
Fuyuki and Demura getting on base will increase your chance of giving up runs.
That's Fuyuki for you.
Up against an unfamiliar starter, but he went right for the kill.
Fuyuki probably looks down on Natsunosuke.
With the Demura-Fuyuki lead-off pair, you can really expect anything.
A stolen base, a hit and run, or a sacrifice bunt, of course.
The sacrifice bunt is the least likely scenario.
Since they look down on him.
The most likely is a steal.
He'll probably just go for it, despite Natsunosuke being a southpaw!
Natsunosuke, I think this might be a starter test for you.
Ace it and come join us, okay?
Demura, he must be expecting a steal.
We'll use that and...
A bunt and run?
You'll make it to first too.
We'll have runners on the corners.
When Fuyuki gets on base in early innings, I let those two decide the game plan.
Out! Out!
He totally had him, but the first baseman dropped the ball!
Safe! Safe!
Fuyuki got a major break there.
It was a great pickoff, yeah.
He's not half-bad.
Come on, first baseman!
So close!
Looks like Demura's bunting too!
The pitcher again?
It's turning out exactly like Fuyuki's bunt!
Safe! Safe!
Okay, he avoided the tag!
He's safe on first, but...
Oh no!
Wait, that was a feint?!
Bonda's got him cornered with the ball in hand!
He should probably just throw it instead of chasing him down.
Natsunosuke, don't hold the ball any longer! Throw it here!
Demura is heading for second!
If Fuyuki and Demura don't get on base, you can keep down your chances of giving up runs.
Natsunosuke, you don't have to go for the tag out!
He's out!
Out! Out!
Natsunosuke!
I'm going for the tag out!
I-Idiot!
Don't do it, Natsunosuke!
That isn't the starting pitcher's job!
Natsunosuke...
You don't have to do everything yourself!
Chill out, man.
Out!
N-Natsunosuke!
Is Bonda okay?
He's on the ground and not getting up.
You think he's okay?
I had broken my right wrist.
That was just before the start of interleague play.
It took two months to heal.
They said I wouldn't get back in the game for three to four months.
I'd been going full blast with my pitches this season, as if to say, "I'm your ace middle reliever, right?"
It might be about time for you to join us!
For a pitcher, joining the starter rotation is a serious promotion.
I'd get paid more too.
I guess I was desperate to make that chance count,
but I screwed up.
There should've been a way to do that without getting injured!
I was a loser who got a big opportunity and failed to see it through.
After the rains came and went, as summer hit its peak, I was finally discharged.
I did my rehabilitation exercises in the clubhouse training room.
Hey, Natsunosuke.
Toku!
You sure you should be running?
Doing color commentary today?
No, actually.
Looks like the thing I was most worried about happened.
Y-Yeah... I messed up.
I guess great heights come with great falls.
No, Natsunosuke. That's not quite right.
Whether you're in the heights or the depths, being a baseball player means you get out there and play.
I'm saying that when you're in an intense sport, playing hard goes without saying.
But this is the first real injury you've had in your entire pro career, right?
That's true.
I've never been injured before.
I actually only realized once it happened.
Seven years as a pro, and you'd never been injured.
As a rule, throwing a ball is an activity that invites injury.
That's a natural part of being a pitcher.
This is a sign that you were gifted with a hardy constitution.
"The best ability is availability."
You may have your own amazing talent, in a way.
Be grateful to your parents.
But I got injured this time!
That happens with fifty-fifty plays.
But outside of unforeseen disasters like that, you might have a physique that resists injury.
Did Toku come here to cheer me up?
Anyway, about that running...
It's not irritating the break, is it?
It might be a little...
But I think it should be okay.
Look, don't be in such a rush right now.
You've gotta rest the break, okay?
Yes, I will!
Toku was right to warn me.
The swinging upset the bone setting.
You should avoid running for a little while longer.
What?
I'd set my major league comeback back by ten days.
I finally lost the cast at the end of July.
In August, I visited the minor league Toda Stadium in Saitama for a little practice in real games.
Our team's managed to hang on at the top of the pack, but our pitching staff's in a bad way.
Come back to us soon, okay, Natsunosuke?
Right! I'll do my best!
Sakota was right.
Even by August, the Central League's top three teams were in a dead heat for the pennant,
and we were hanging in at third!
But when you return, you're back on middle relief.
I'm back to being a handyman?
It makes sense, I guess.
I messed up my chance to be a starter.
Well, don't feel too bad.
First things first: get yourself back in the game.
Train yourself for both one-man-outs and long relieving.
The top three teams still have 30 games left,
but the manager expects things to stay deadlocked for a while.
So late in the season when the pennant's at stake, that's when we'll really need you.
The pennant...
The manager is counting on you as his ace middle reliever.
That full-blast effort you put in before you got injured.
Y-Yes, sir!
My first beer in two and a half months... It tastes so good!
Three more from the tap!
Just help yourself, okay?
Shibuya and I will pick up the tab!
Yes, yes, yes! Don't mind if I do!
You were so depressed when they first sent you to the hospital.
It's a relief to see you back in good form.
Right, Yukio?
Yes.
You were totally inconsolable back then.
You bet I was!
I'd made 20 appearances from the season opener to May!
I thought I was gonna get to 60 this year!
Then all of a sudden, I'm out of the game!
It was like dropping from Heaven to Hell!
But now you're back to playing real games.
It's a great thing!
It is!
Anyway, Akira.
They keep skipping over you in the rotation. You're not getting rusty, are you?
Like hell!
I'm not rusty!
Are you drunk already?
Don't start picking fights!
Just get yourself back in the rotation and win a game or three!
Butt out! I'm doing my best, okay?
You too, Yukio! Get that batting average up by .020!
That'll get you to .300!
Yeah, yeah. I'm doing my best!
I just need to do my best, right?
Though .020 might be out of reach...
You know, we did this to encourage you, but you're trying to fire us up instead.
Anyway, do your best, both of you!
For the sake of the team!
And for me!
I mean, if we keep this up, we've got a real shot!
At the pennant!
That's right!
We've come this far! We've gotta get that pennant!
Yes!
This is our big chance!
Let's grab that pennant!
Yeah, that's the way!
Can't get that pay increase unless we get the pennant!
C'mon, eat up, you guys! Don't hold back!
Yeah, eat up!
Right!
Bring more, more!
Yes!
Excuse me!
Repeat for three!
I pitched a few games in the farm system.
Manager, we have word from Toda.
How did things go?
He pitched three innings, three up and three down.
Oh, wow!
That's eight straight perfect innings in four games!
Okay, looks like he made it in time.
He's been out of the action for four months.
He needs to make up for lost time.
Starting tomorrow, bring Natsunosuke back to the majors!
Right!
In the unforgiving heat of September, I'm back in the majors after four months away.
I got lucky.
Akira and Yukio didn't especially distinguish themselves,
but the team worked hard and are still in the pennant race.
I said it before, but for a middle reliever, your number of appearances is everything.
At best, I'll get to play ten games in the 22 we have remaining.
I got 20 appearances before I broke my wrist, which will give me a season total of 30.
That won't get me much of a raise.
But...
Hey, Natsunosuke.
I might need to send you out in an inning or two!
Warm up that shoulder!
Yes, sir!
I'm finally back!
We're a mere one game out of first place.
Any of the top three could still snag the pennant.
If I can contribute to the win in this deadlock situation, I might win brownie points with the management.
Now, the real test is coming!
That's right, there's money buried under the diamond!
Money Diamond!
Natsunosuke here!
There's another player who came up to the majors with me.
Itsuki Roppa.
He's my age, an outfielder recruited out of college, in his fourth year as a pro.
His contract: 6.5 million.
But he's got that archetypal grass-lot baseball attitude.
He's married, and his wife is five months pregnant.
He's a great guy who's a blast to have around, but he's lacking a lot of that pro fire!
Next time: "The Softy"
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 14v2 [60DD40CF]

I broke my right wrist just before interleague play started.
Four months later, in September, I finally returned to the majors.
Luckily for me, the three top CL teams are in a tight race for the pennant,
and my Jingu Spiders are in third, just one game back from the leading Osaka Tempters.
If I can contribute to a pennant win in this do-or-die moment,
I can make up for the four months I spent out of action!
It's my third day back in the majors, and our showdown with the second-place Bunkyo Mops—
the last of a three-game series—has begun.
Natsunosuke, enough. Swap out for Asai.
Huh? But I've only thrown five pitches.
Just swap out.
O-Okay.
What the heck's going on here?
I was hoping to go all-out now that I'm finally back in the game, but I won't get an appearance today either.
A guy who came up from the minors with me is playing in today's game.
Batting eighth, right fielder, Itsuki.
Roppa!
Sonny boy!
Itsuki Roppa.
He's 26 years old, just like me.
He throws right and bats left.
He was recruited out of college four years ago.
His contract is 6.5 million.
He's been brought up to the majors after an amazing hot streak in the minors.
Hey, batter! Hit it here!
Here it comes!
It's going long!
It's coming right at me!
Crap!
I got it! I got it!
Out!
Hey, nice play!
Nice catch!
Yeah, yeah!
Now, bring it on!
Yeah!
C'mon, drop! Drop!
It dropped!
It's fair! It's fair!
Yes! A double!
Safe!
That hit gets me up to .300!
Hey, I'm taking a lead!
Better watch out!
Yeah, a hit!
I'm going all the way home!
That's gonna be dicey!
Catcher!
Run, legs! Run!
Out!
What's the call?
Out! You're out!
Damn, go figure!
And here I thought I'd make it.
He's so cheerful after getting tagged out at the plate.
Boy, he got me good!
It's a fair-weather Sunday.
On this beautiful day...
That dusty uniform...
That sun-baked smile...
What are you, an old man playing grass-lot ball?!
Sonny boy's having another active day.
Itsuki's wife and his father-in-law.
They live nearby, so they'd always come to Toda Stadium to cheer him on for his minor league games.
By the way, even among pro ballplayers, you sometimes see people with husky builds.
They also tend to be real jacked in the nude, but not this guy.
Boy, it's hot today!
This guy really has the physique of an old man in grass-lot ball!
When you make baseball your living, you see more bad times than good.
The guys on the farm team always have a slight whiff of tragedy about them.
But there's none of that from this guy.
He really plays baseball because he enjoys it!
I can't believe I'm a grown-up getting to play baseball every day!
I even get paid for it!
And I just love the slow pace of the farm system!
That's what it feels like.
Personality-wise, he's the quintessential "guy not cut out for the pros."
"How is he not cut out for it," you ask?
He's got a good batting average, but he has precious few RBIs.
He bats sixth, which is a good place in the order for RBIs,
but this season, he only has four!
"Is he the type to buckle under pressure," you ask?
No, that would actually be preferable!
This guy just doesn't think about anything!
He just hits whatever they throw at him!
Doesn't matter if there's a runner or not!
As a result, he has precious few walks too.
Incredibly, he only has one this season!
Though the fact that he still bats at .300 suggests the incredible potential he has.
His physique makes him look like he trots along when he runs,
but he's actually got surprising speed.
So he's got a surprising number of infield hits.
And because he's fast, he's a perfectly reliable fielder too.
That beer was great!
Even the way you drink beer...
You're such an old man!
Are you really the same age as me?
Yeah!
Maybe the reason you seem like such an old man is because you're hitched?
I'm a child by comparison.
That's what I said, but that's sarcasm.
The real reason he seems like an old man is because he's an old man playing grass-lot ball at heart!
I'm more than just hitched!
I've also got a kid coming at the end of September!
Really?
That's just a month and a half away!
I see, I see. You're gonna be a daddy?
You'd better get up to the majors soon, then!
I thought I'd go up when you came down, yeah.
But of course, they wanted a southpaw pitcher.
Good for you, though! You finally get to pitch in a game!
You'll be back in the majors in ten days, I bet!
There are moments that make me think,
"No matter how well this guy hits in the minors, he'll never make it to the majors again."
He's just not cut out to be a pro, personality-wise.
For instance, when he's not hitting well,
and he comes up to bat with the bases loaded,
could he take the walk to force a runner in?
When there's a runner on third, could he hit a grounder to second to bring the runner home?
Both cases would get him an RBI.
Both win-wins.
But in both cases, he'd swing away and strike out in three!
He's the type of guy where that's so easy to imagine.
Guys cut out to go pro will hang in there and do what it takes to eke out the run.
You know...
For the sake of my incoming kid,
I gotta get my first hit as a pro on the board.
What, you've never gotten a hit in the majors?
Yeah, sad to say.
That's right.
In his four years as a pro, he only spent one month in the majors, so...
Well, I guess that makes sense.
Roppa.
Sonny boy.
Hey, Yui. Dad.
We came to pick you up.
Thank you for looking after him, Bonda.
No problem.
Excuse us.
Take care!
You too.
Piyopiyo Honpo is a Japanese-style confectionery chain with fifteen stores in Saitama Prefecture.
Itsuki married the only daughter of the owners, and they live with his in-laws.
So whenever he quits baseball,
he'll have a job lined up as president of Piyopiyo Honpo!
You can see how a guy like that wouldn't bend over backward to get to the majors.
Not that I envy him or anything.
As a mere pro baller with an uncertain future,
and his body as his only resource,
I know I can't stay here forever!
I need to get back to the majors as soon as possible.
Or I'll get a pay cut next season!
Today, Itsuki is starting, batting eighth and playing right field.
This is his third time at the plate.
His last two at bats, he made good contact, but the defense's amazing fielding kept him in check.
You know...
For the sake of my incoming kid,
I gotta get my first hit as a pro on the board.
Yui, how are you feeling?
I'm just fine.
The baby's kicking a lot!
Going...
At last, my first hit...
...in the pros!
The center fielder robbed the home run!
What an amazing play!
Oh, Roppa...
Sonny boy...
Itsuki, in his first start in a year, has been robbed of three hits today!
Rotten luck for him, huh, Tokunaga?
Yes, it's a terrible shame.
But that center fielder's moves were amazing, weren't they?
That homer would've given them the lead.
What rotten luck.
Itsuki...
Itsuki, don't get discouraged.
Give us your best on defense.
Sure!
Itsuki's 0-3, but they're still letting him play?
Well, it stands to reason.
He should've had three hits.
And I've heard that since they brought him up, his batting practice performance has been amazing.
W-Wow... Itsuki...
At this rate, I can't not put Itsuki in the starting lineup.
But while everyone might be thinking, "Itsuki's had some rotten luck today,"
I can't help but think his poor results come from a lack of real pro spirit.
You could call it "the determination to get a hit."
When a player with that determination comes up for their third at bat, they might go for a cheap hit.
Like clipping it just over the shortstop's head, you know?
Itsuki just hits like it's an extension of batting practice.
At the same time, I can't deny that Itsuki is in the zone.
And I'm in the zone too!
I was producing results in the farm system. That's why they called me up.
But for two days, they haven't put me in the game.
Natsunosuke, our pitching staff's in a bad way.
Come back to us soon, okay?
That's what he said.
But both yesterday and the day before, there have been moments when I thought, "Is this my turn?"
Yet they called in a different southpaw instead.
Anyway, I'm back now.
Be patient!
Do the job you're given, for the sake of the team!
The accomplishments will follow!
Natsunosuke.
Get warmed up.
Yes, sir!
And then, in the eighth inning...
It sneaks through into the left-center gap!
It's a double!
There's two outs, but the man on deck has had two hits today. It's their three-hole, Tomoto!
You gotta assume the Spiders will bring out a lefty here.
Natsunosuke, you're up.
It's here!
It's finally here!
The Spiders are announcing a change of pitcher.
Now pitching: Bonda.
Jersey number 39.
His broken right wrist now healed, left-hander Bonda is finally back after four months!
I'm finally...
I'm finally back...
Back here!
You did it, Natsunosuke!
Having Bonda back is a major win for the Spiders, huh?
Yeah, good thing he made it back in time.
He was their ace middle reliever before he broke his wrist.
And the last four months have probably been really hard on him.
Hopefully, he'll make up for the four months he spent out of action.
That's right.
You've got this!
Take him out, Natsunosuke!
Time to get a fresh start.
Crawl your way back to the top, Natsunosuke.
It's the top of the eighth, and the game is tied.
There's two outs and a runner on second.
This is definitely a place where a pitcher earns his keep.
I guess the management really does trust me!
I'm gonna get you out!
I've got it! I've got it!
Got him!
Pop fly to second!
No, I've got it!
Leave it to me!
No, second! Second!
Itsuki, leave this to me!
No, I've got this!
The runner scores from second!
The Mops take the lead!
An RBI single to shallow right field!
A hit!
I... I gave up the hit that put them in the lead!
Itsuki!
Don't say you're gonna catch it and then pull out!
Roppa...
Sonny boy...
The Spiders are announcing a change of pitcher.
Segawa will be pitching for Bonda.
Determination.
Itsuki, you don't have enough determination for catching the ball.
Someone with determination would never pull out on the catch.
They'd go for it, even if it meant a collision!
That ended up being the winning run.
With the pennant on the line, I was unable to help my team today.
Daddy's fourth at bat was a grounder to first!
He wasn't able to get his first pro hit.
But, Hiroshi, Daddy will get his hit tomorrow!
If they let me play, that is!
Given how you played today, I'm sure they will.
Hiroshi! Daddy's big boy, Hiroshi!
Will he play tomorrow? Whaddya think?
He's been so worked up since he learned the baby was a boy.
He's even picked out the name, and they both call him that.
But actually, Roppa, at my check-up today...
What happened at your check-up?
We found out the baby is breech.
B-Breech?
But he was just fine last month.
Is that something that can just happen in the ninth month?
Rarely, but it does happen.
They might have to do a C-section.
A C-section?!
I-I'd rather avoid that.
They'll open you up with a scalpel, right?
It's very likely they'll have to.
How can it turn breech in the ninth month?
Please be born safely, Hiroshi!
Daddy's working hard so you can watch him play ball!
Hiroshi!
When I thought back on today's game,
I got so annoyed that I didn't want to go back to my empty apartment.
I was finally back in the majors.
I got my appearance today.
And more than anything...
I wanted to be healed by her smile!
It's been five months, I think.
I didn't want her to see me with my bandages on...
But I hope she hasn't quit in the meantime.
Welcome!
Go ahead and grab an empty seat.
She's here! Yuki!
Do you know what you'd like?
F-Fried chicken 'n' rice!
One fried chicken 'n' rice!
Okay, one chicken 'n' rice!
She didn't ask me anything but my order,
but just seeing her smile sets my heart at peace!
The Jingu Spiders and Bunkyo Mops were tied up in the eighth,
when Bonda, returning after four months out from an injury, gave up a hit to Tomoto,
allowing a 6-5 Mops victory.
Wow, Bonda got hurt?
Did we have a pitcher named Bonda?
Yeah, the left-handed reliever with the horn-rimmed glasses.
Oh, him!
I'm sitting right here, damn it!
The first-place Tempters lost today, so the Mops have pulled into first place by half a game.
Well, it's not like they know what I look like.
The Spiders are now a game and a half behind the Mops, in third place.
Aw, the Tempters fell to second place?
Hey, don't sweat it, Yuki.
The Mops'll get knocked down again soon.
And the Spiders are totally done for.
Yeah, it's totally the Tempters this year!
Well, I sure hope you're right...
No, no!
I'm not giving in that easily!
Sorry, Yuki,
but I'm going to work like crazy in the 19 games left in the season and help my team win the pennant!
I need to make up for these last four months!
Here's your fried chicken 'n' rice!
Thanks!
Wow, what a great smell!
That's Yuki's personal recipe, fried chicken 'n' rice!
Now, we start with the rice...
Delicious!
This is the flavor!
I'm charged up with love and energy!
Tomorrow's the day!
Money Diamond!
Natsunosuke here.
Itsuki Roppa is knocking it out of the park in practice, but he just can't hit in the clutch!
He's messing us up on defense too, and he got me a loss as a pitcher!
The manager's sick of it too, and he's thinking of sending him down to the minors.
I'm trying a lecture to get him motivated again, but...
Next time: "Rising to First"!
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 15v2 [17F2B29C]

Now pitching: Bonda!
Jersey number 39.
His broken right wrist now healed,
left-hander Bonda is finally back after four months!
It was the last of a three-game series against the second-place Mops.
I was finally getting my first mound appearance back in the majors.
But then...
I'm gonna get you out!
I've got it! I've got it!
Got him!
Pop fly to second!
There was a pop fly behind the second baseman, and the right fielder, Itsuki, called for it and then pulled out...
No, I've got it!
Leave it to me!
No, second! Second!
No, I've got this!
Itsuki, leave this to me!
On the record, I gave up the hit that let them take the lead,
The runner scores from second!
The Mops take the lead!
and the team lost a crucial game.
An RBI single to shallow right field!
A hit!
I... I gave up the hit that put them in the lead!
Eighteen games left.
Tonight's opponent is a man who makes exactly ten times my salary,
Sekiya of the Wild Ones!
The last-place Wild Ones are showing some grit with two outs and bases loaded,
but Bonda's standing in for the closer, Segawa.
He's got three-hole Sekiya right where he wants him. Two balls, two strikes.
A recent game for first place between the Mops and the Tempters ended in a tie.
So if the third-place Spiders, one game behind, want to stay in contention,
they can't afford to lose this game!
If I keep racking up contributions to a pennant win, I can increase my contract next season!
I'll get you out, no matter what!
Strike three! You're out!
Yes!
A confident pitch, packed with emotion.
The top of the 12th is over, and it's six to six!
There won't be an inning after this.
The Spiders can't lose this one now!
If we walk off with this one, I'll get the win!
The Mops and the Tempters tied their last game, so if we win this one, we'll rise to second place!
And I'll get major contribution points!
Come on, batters! Win this one for me!
I really want to make up for those four months I lost!
Ohno got a piece of it!
Now in the bottom of the 12th, just like the Wild Ones, the Spiders have the bases loaded with two outs.
They're in position to walk off with the win!
The Spiders sent in their right-handed pinch hitter Hasegawa,
but the Wild Ones are sending their righty, Yamakawa, to the mound.
The Spiders will pinch hit for the pinch hitter.
Itsuki.
The Spiders used all their other left-handed pinch hitters,
so they're using their last one, Itsuki, who's never recorded a pro hit!
In my four years as a pro, I've had 19 at bats.
I don't want to go 0-for-20!
Hiroshi! Today, Daddy's going to get you a hit!
Itsuki's in the zone.
He's worth using here.
They're bringing Roppa in for the do-or-die moment!
Sonny boy!
Itsuki! Please, get this done!
Ball!
Ball!
Ball!
That's ball three!
Is the pitcher, Yamakawa, afraid of Itsuki, a player with no hits to his name?
He keeps skirting the strike zone!
Itsuki definitely has an aura about him today.
If he gets a walk, we'll win this!
Yes.
It's a ball!
He'll walk one in!
He...
...hit it?!
It's down the first base line! His first hit in the pros!
The Spiders walk off with it!
You're out!
First baseman Sekiya's miraculous defense results in the third out and instantly turns the loss into a tie!
Itsuki Roppa may be the unluckiest player alive!
Even in his last start, three days ago, he was robbed of all his hits!
No, this one was a bit different.
Huh?
That pitch was well away. It might've been a ball if he'd taken it, but he reached and pulled it anyway.
It resulted in a really sluggish hit.
Itsuki... you...
With three balls and no strikes, why would you swing for that obvious ball?!
You could've walked a run home!
I know you're feeling your oats and are antsy to swing, but still...
Itsuki, if you keep batting like this,
you'll get dropped back to the minors!
After that day, the top three teams remained in place,
as did the one-game difference between us and the first-place Mops.
One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight.
Exercises to turn a breech baby...
Is this really gonna fix it?
So much fuss over a little breech baby!
I had Yui with a cesarean myself!
Even so, dear...
An operation still comes with the risk of hemorrhage.
Dad!
Don't jinx us here!
S-Sorry.
Hiroshi, Daddy's only purpose in life is to meet you!
The first of the three-game series between the Mops in first and the Spiders in third.
It's the top of the ninth, and the Spiders have the bases loaded with two outs.
And it's Itsuki up to the plate!
Roppa!
Sonny boy!
It's a situation just like yesterday, with Itsuki brought in to pinch hit.
But the big difference is the score.
We're getting massacred today, ten to nothing!
Knowing this guy...
Is he the type that can't hit in the clutch,
but will knock it out of the park when it won't make a difference?
If he actually does hit it, I'm going to groan.
Ball!
He hit it!
It's taking the same course as yesterday!
Get through this time!
It goes through!
Roppa!
Sonny boy!
It's through! Fair ball!
The runner on third scores!
So does the runner on second!
The right fielder's finally got it...
And the runner from first scores too!
Itsuki clears the bases with a three-RBI triple, his first hit in four years as a pro!
Roppa!
Sonny boy!
Itsuki...
Hiroshi, did you see that?
Hiroshi! You can hear that, can't you?
Your dad got a hit!
I know you can hear these cheers!
Yes!
But it was a drop in a bucket.
Itsuki's first hit was a cause for celebration,
but he did it in such an Itsuki way.
Let's take Sekiya of the Wild Ones.
If he'd been in these same situations, he probably would've delivered the polar opposite result.
Yesterday, I just happened to strike him out,
but he would've hit yesterday and struck out today.
Itsuki is a world away from someone like him.
This put a two-game gap between us and the Mops.
There were 16 games left.
I think I know what you're gonna say.
"Why couldn't you hit like this yesterday?"
If I had, you would've gotten the win.
I wouldn't say that.
You got your first hit today. It's worth celebrating!
I know it doesn't look good.
I might finally be sent back to the minors.
But... H-Hiroshi...
Until Hiroshi is...
Hiroshi?
Until Hiroshi is born,
I want to stay in the majors, come hell or high water!
I've never seen that look on his face before!
When we hit the last stretch of the pennant race, will Itsuki be of any use to us as a batter?
What do you think?
I dunno.
I'm afraid that the answer is...
no!
It's a shame, but I'm going to send him down.
I'll call up another left-handed batter in his place.
U-Until Hiroshi is born...
B-Bonda...
This is the most serious I've seen you get about baseball since we first met.
But, and this is something I've been wanting to say for a long time,
this is what makes you such a softy!
Until your child is born?
So after that, you're okay being sent to the minors?
It shouldn't matter if your kid is born or not.
You should want to stay in the majors forever!
You're playing baseball for your family?
Don't make me laugh!
Baseball is a thing you should play for yourself!
If you do well, you rejoice.
If you suck, you kick yourself.
That's all there is.
Being dropped to the minors is like being told that you suck, so kick yourself for that, and that alone!
And staying in the majors is the opposite.
If you're going to play baseball, you'll want your skills acknowledged, right?
Instinctively!
Family doesn't need to be a part of that!
B-Bonda...
I'm sorry to say this, but unlike you, before I got injured, I was fighting on the front lines of the majors.
Right now, the thought of fighting for a roster spot isn't even crossing my mind!
I just want to make up for the four months I spent out of the majors!
And to do that, I have to contribute to our pennant win!
Any great things I do now will have twice or thrice the impact!
Enough to overwrite the four months I spent contributing nothing!
I'm not like you, okay?
I'm sorry to dump on you like that.
I'll understand if you don't want to talk to me for a while.
B-Bonda...
But if you don't fix that soft side of yours,
no matter how great you do in batting practice,
you'll still be dropped to the minors really soon.
I'm going to send Itsuki to the minors.
But Manager, Itsuki Roppa is clearly in the zone.
Based purely on batting practice, he could be our cleanup hitter!
And he just got three RBIs today.
I'm aware of all that.
But I need more competitive players who will influence the outcome of each game.
People who aren't so unlucky.
I understand what he's saying.
So, Manager, who would you bring up in exchange?
I hear Mikawa, the third-year lefty, is batting well.
He leads the minors in game-winning RBIs.
Mikawa, eh?
I hear he's still a bit raw, but he does seem worth trying in majors, I'd say.
Manager, shall I make the call right now?
No, not yet.
Let's leave Itsuki in for the Dome series.
We can make the swap for the Hiroshima road trip.
Very well.
Another great day of hitting in batting practice.
But he seems a little different today.
He was smacking the ball into the stands before,
but today, it's all line drives right up the middle.
The Spiders take to the plate in the top of the ninth, two runs behind with one out and a man on second.
Manager Tanabe is calling upon Itsuki to pinch hit here.
Listen up, Itsuki. I want you to pull the hit.
Help the runner advance at the least.
Roppa...
Sonny boy...
Itsuki...
The right fielder doesn't even budge!
It's outta there!
The pinch hitter, Itsuki, ties the game with a two-run homer!
Roppa!
Sonny boy!
Itsuki...
Natsunosuke, it's all tied up.
You're up next inning.
Okay!
Yes!
Bonda sits down the side in order in the bottom of the ninth!
We're into extra innings!
Natsunosuke, stay in there next inning!
Huh?
I'll leave you in until we get a run!
Of course, if a runner gets into scoring position, you're done!
R-Right!
This is where I earn my keep!
Strike three! You're out!
Bonda held things down from the ninth to the eleventh.
And then, Segawa was brought in to close the game.
The Mops have been driven into a tie in a game they had won.
A dinger from pinch hitter Itsuki and pitching from long reliever Bonda have been the highlights here.
Well done, Natsunosuke!
Nice pitching!
It's because of you that we held them to a tie!
If we'd lost, we would've fallen three games behind.
This should win me big contribution points!
It's the third game of the series between the Mops in first and the Spiders in third!
Itsuki will be pinch hitting again tonight!
He's the one that gave the Spiders a tie last night.
Tonight, he comes up with one out and runners on first and second.
In the top of the eighth, the Mops have a two-run lead.
The Mops' pitcher is left-hander Fukai!
Of course they'd send in a southpaw today.
But we're not pinch hitting for Itsuki.
A hit!
It's a line drive, just like yesterday!
It's outta there!
Itsuki with the come-from-behind three-run homer!
It's in the stands!
A come-from-behind...
Natsunosuke, we're one run ahead.
We're counting on you next inning.
Yes, sir!
I need to hold the lead Itsuki gave us!
I'm gonna get these guys out!
Play ball!
And then...
I pitched a perfect eighth inning and let Segawa close it out.
The MVP interview is with the Spiders' Itsuki Roppa!
Thank you very much.
Roppa!
Sonny boy!
Nice pitching, Natsunosuke!
That hold was crucial!
You guys did a great job again today! Keep it up, okay?
Major contribution points today!
The three-game series against our pennant opponents, the Mops, ended with one win, one loss, and one tie,
so we remained one game behind.
I can't take Itsuki off the team now.
Let's bring him with us to Hiroshima.
Y-Yes, sir.
In the three-game series with the Mops, Itsuki Roppa had three at bats, three hits, two homers, and eight RBIs!
In our first game of the three-game series with the Setouchi Carnabeats,
they put Itsuki in as a starter, and...
The Spiders come from behind to take it, six to four!
Itsuki Roppa was a major force in this game, getting three hits in four at bats!
Bonda Natsunosuke, who pitched in the sixth inning, will get the win.
Thanks to Itsuki, I got my fourth win of the season.
And on that day, the Tempters and the Mops both lost,
and we finally took our place at the top!
Itsuki would keep hitting,
and we'd have smooth sailing on to the pennant...
or so we thought.
Natsunosuke here.
Itsuki's hitting streak abruptly comes to an end.
The pennant race comes down to a direct showdown between us and the Osaka Tempters.
And then, during the final battle in Jingu,
Itsuki's wife is hospitalized for a C-section.
He hears that his newborn child is sent to the ICU, and it's a huge shock to Itsuki.
Next time: "Celebrate! The League Pennant!"
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 16v2 [1CE47598]

I've been wanting to say for a long time...
This is what makes you such a softy!
Until your child is born?
So after that, you're okay being sent to the minors?
It shouldn't matter if your kid is born or not.
You should want to stay in the majors forever!
You're playing baseball for your family?
Don't make me laugh!
Baseball is a thing you should play for yourself!
I guess my scolding worked, because Itsuki suddenly started hitting the next day.
A game-tying two-run homer.
In the next game, he hit a three-run homer to give us the lead!
And in the three-game series against the Setouchi Carnabeats,
he hit up a storm!
Then after he put those runs on the board,
I held down the game,
and we won three in a row!
Itsuki's broken out, with eight hits, one homer, and eight RBIs in 12 at bats in three games!
The team's in first place with ten games to play!
Hey there, man of the hour.
When we get back to Tokyo, a bunch of media outlets want to interview you at the clubhouse.
It shouldn't take up much of your time.
Takeoka, I'm sorry.
Please cancel it.
Huh? You have something to do?
I'm sorry to be rude, but I want to focus on my game...
Or I guess I could say I just want to rest for today.
I see.
Well, it is what it is.
On Monday, when we got back from the away series...
Take me to Ebisu.
I have the day off!
Ever since Bonda chewed me out in the Dome...
This is what makes you such a softy!
I haven't been home.
I've been sleeping here every night.
It's only been six days since I started living here, but it's got me hitting like a demon in the clutch!
What Bonda said definitely gave me motivation,
but leaving my house in Saitama to be all alone...
This environment where I can just analyze myself in peace...
I think that's part of what's helping me hit.
But is it time I finally went home?
I left my near-term wife to come here!
Hiroshi...
I think so! I'll go home, just for today!
I've got a giant pile of laundry, anyway!
I need to see her face just for one day!
But I'm afraid that if I go home, it's going to end my hitting streak.
Am I only able to hit because I'm facing this battle alone?
Please turn left at the next light.
Right.
What?
I-Itsuki?!
S-Stop! Stop! I'll get out here!
Itsuki!
B-Bonda?
What are you doing here?
Oh, well...
What are you doing here?
I saw you leaving that business hotel, so I got out of my taxi in a hurry!
My house is in the area.
Oh... I see...
You didn't go straight home to Saitama from Tokyo Station?
The truth is... I've been staying there for the last six days.
What? Six days?
I commuted to our Dome games from there.
Wait, isn't six days ago when he...
But I've had all I can stand.
I'm getting homesick.
I'm going home just for today.
See you.
Actually, maybe I won't.
Huh?
If I go home and see my family's faces, I think it might break this tension inside of me.
What? What are you talking about?!
I get it! It's because of what I said!
Hey, listen...
I understand why you'd want to harden your heart and play ball from a hotel instead of going home,
but if that's all it is, I think it's okay to go home for a day.
Bonda...
And the reason you started hitting isn't because you hardened your heart.
It's because you stopped swinging for the fences and aimed for line drives.
Your swing's more level now, and that's been the key.
Y-You think?!
So I just have to keep swinging that way?
Yeah, I think so.
Anyway, just go home for a day.
R-Right!
I-I get it! Thanks!
Roppa!
Sonny boy!
Yui!
Dad! Mom!
Hiroshi! Daddy's home!
You have Hiroshi kicking so hard!
He's going to break right through my tummy!
Sonny boy, you've been amazing!
The workers, our relatives... They're all just delighted!
Yeah, nothing beats family after all!
But the next day,
Itsuki Roppa's hitting streak screeched to a halt!
Why?!
Why can't I hit anymore?!
What is it, Itsuki?
Bonda, why can't I hit anymore?
D-Dude...
You can't figure it out unless a pitcher like me tells you?
Well, no...
You really don't know?
Yeah...
You've been hitting well, so they studied you!
S-Studied?
Me?
There's no way!
I've only had a few at bats!
Those scouts in the majors are sharp.
They probably spent that three-game series against Hiroshima stripping you naked.
N-Naked?
They can do that?
It's possible in the majors!
Then they know my weakness?
What is it?!
How the heck am I supposed to know?
But it means the opposing teams have got their eye on you already!
If you can't get over this, you'll never put up any real numbers.
R-Real numbers?
C'mon, Itsuki.
Don't give me that "I never thought about that before" expression.
Itsuki Roppa's slump continued.
By contrast, I—the guy who came up from the minors with him—was on a hot streak!
I'd pitched in nine games and gotten seven holds.
Since I started pitching again, we'd had 11 wins, six losses, and one tie.
It's clear that I was seriously contributing!
Here we go!
As I thought, Natsunosuke is an indispensable part of our team!
Yes!
Is this the difference between me, and Bonda, who's had real major-league experience?
I can feel the "wall of the majors" so clearly right now!
Then after a few losing series, the third-place Mops fell out of the running.
The pennant would come down to us or the Tempters!
All that was left was a two-game showdown between our two teams!
Today we'd play at Jingu, and tomorrow we'd move to Koshien for the final game!
If we even tie today, we clinch the pennant!
But if we lose today and have to go to Koshien tomorrow, we'll be at a real disadvantage!
That away game is trouble!
We need to seal the deal today, with our home field advantage!
Heya!
Morning.
This'll be our last time taking a taxi to the ballpark together, huh?
I can't believe the manager let me stay in the majors to the end.
If it comes down to the wire, you'll get a chance to hit too.
Hey, Bonda.
Could you give me a tongue-lashing like you did the other day?
What?
Then... Then maybe I'll start hitting again.
This guy. Why's he gotta be so soft?
Hello?
Oh, Dad.
What?! Hiroshi was born?!
What?
Wh-Where's Yui?
When did you go to the hospital?
Why didn't you call me?!
Her water broke at 4 o'clock this morning.
I decided not to call.
They had to do the C-section, and the surgery ended up being a bit tricky.
Yui's doing fine, but Hiroshi was born not breathing.
Hiroshi's in the ICU?!
What?!
Don't worry!
The doctor's experienced. He says babies like these usually make it.
N-No way!
But he was born not breathing, wasn't he?!
How do they know he'll make it?!
I'm coming home right now!
You idiot!
You dunderhead!
A pro baseball player shouldn't be talking about coming home on the day of a game!
Y-You don't want me to come home?!
But isn't that why you called me?!
What? Huh? What?
The doctor says he can be saved!
So you go out there and fight, Itsuki Roppa!
You want me to fight?!
This is the situation where I feel least like fighting!
You know that, don't you?!
This is why we call you a softy!
Itsuki Roppa's job is to swing the bat!
Dad!
The game that will decide the pennant race is about to get started!
If the Spiders tie or win today, they'll clinch the pennant!
But if the Tempters win,
they'll go to Koshien tomorrow for the last game to determine the pennant!
Mom and Dad wouldn't answer my calls after that.
And now that I'm on the bench, I have no way of contacting the outside world.
What happened to Hiroshi?
Yui got cut open too...
Is she in a lot of pain?
I can't be playing baseball right now!
My heart's going to break out of my chest!
To be honest, thoughts like "the pennant's on the line today"
and "if we lose today, we'll be in Osaka tomorrow"
are the furthest things from my mind!
Hiroshi's the only thing I can think about!
Well, we're not ones to talk,
but there sure is a lot of pressure on the Tempters, huh?
My heart is beating like a drum, of course.
This is what Kozato said during warmups at Kobushi Stadium.
In this dead heat for the pennant,
since coming back to the majors, you've pitched in ten games with seven holds.
And you gave up no runs in 11 and a third innings.
If we end up clinching this thing, we'll all know you really contributed to it.
To be honest, you're the man in the bullpen that the manager trusts most.
If things are looking good today, we'll let you pitch before the closer, Segawa.
Y-You mean, the eighth inning?
Yes!
I really have been on fire since I got back in the majors.
Right now, I'm doing my job.
I'm doing my job with the pennant at stake!
Probably due to the anxiety and pressure, neither team is hitting well.
It's a scoreless game at the end of the seventh!
Natsunosuke, it's the eighth.
You'll be pitching as planned.
Right!
Now pitching: Bonda.
The Spiders have made the first move, eh?
Your thoughts, Tokunaga?
Yes, because Bonda is the middle reliever the Spiders trust most.
They'll have Bonda pitch in the eighth, followed by the closer, Segawa, in the ninth.
They're placing their bets on their hitters in the bottom of the eighth and the ninth.
Eight years in the pros.
Bonda Natsunosuke, a pitcher who makes 18 million yen per year.
This is a crucial moment, with one of baseball's biggest prizes at stake, and he's been trusted to take the mound!
This one's big!
Gone!
It's outta here!
Crap.
The Tempters take the lead with a stunning home run!
Poor Bonda!
Wh-What have I done?!
What will we do, Manager?
I retired the rest of the hitters,
but is this how my life will always turn out?
After coming back to the majors, I was pitching great.
I contributed so much to the pennant race.
But now, at the most important time...
I got up on that mound, and there was so much pressure.
Maybe I just can't cut it. I'm second-rate.
The pressure totally got to me.
When we go to Koshien tomorrow, that huge crowd is going to break our team!
Then I'll be the scapegoat!
He hit it!
Go! Go!
I-Itsuki...
Was he brought out to pinch hit?
But what's the cheering all about?
In the bottom of the ninth, pinch hitter Itsuki hits the game-tying home run!
It's anybody's game again!
The game went into extra innings, and it became an all-out war between the pitching staffs of both clubs.
The Spiders seal the pennant with a tie!
The players are storming the mound!
The Spiders' first title in seven years!
We did it!
Bonda!
Manager Tanabe very slowly heads for the mound, relishing every moment!
Now they're throwing him into the air!
Three times, four times, five times, he flies through the air!
I... I feel so conflicted...
This pennant race remained tangled to the very end, but they took it all!
Great job, Natsunosuke!
Congratulations! Congratulations, Jingu Spiders!
Shibuya, Yukio! Congratulations!
As your elder, I couldn't be happier!
We'll get Manager Tanabe's thoughts on the title win in a moment.
Itsuki is the real MVP!
Get a comment from Itsuki!
Forget that! Interview them together!
Itsuki?
A ph-phone...
Let me borrow a phone!
D-Dad!
You finally picked up!
You idiot!
What kind of player makes a call while his manager's having his victory interview?!
We have TVs in the hospital, you know!
We all saw it.
H-How's Hiroshi?!
I told you he was likely to pull through!
Everything went fine!
You mean it, Dad?!
The doctor assured us he's fine.
There's nothing left to worry about.
He's sleeping in the ICU right now.
H-H-Hiroshi!
Sonny boy,
you did well, fighting against yourself.
You really did it!
Three cheers for the Spiders!
Three cheers for Itsuki Roppa!
Dear!
Today's big hero is Itsuki, clearly!
Roppa did it!
So that's Itsuki Junior, eh?
They took the tubes out this morning.
That day in the taxi, you really scared me!
Thanks for everything, Bonda.
I should be the one thanking you.
You saved me.
Listen up, Bonda.
I-I gotta confess.
The reason I could hit that day...
All the players on both benches that day were fighting with nerves and pressure.
But there was just one player who couldn't think about the game.
That was me.
It's sort of pathetic, but all I could think about was my kid.
"If we don't clinch it today, it's Koshien tomorrow" and such...
I wasn't thinking about any of that.
I was worried about my private life, so I felt no pressure at all about the game.
Because I wasn't thinking about how the game was going at all!
That's why I could hit!
That's the unvarnished truth!
I'm not a hero!
I'm a failure as a pro baseball player!
Y-You son of a...
Are you being honest, humble, or what?
Who the hell cares about that?!
Itsuki Roppa!
Thank you! You saved me!
If we'd lost the pennant because of me, I might've never recovered from that!
Thank you, thank you!
It's great to have a peer around, huh?
He saved me from becoming a scapegoat, so those tears were real!
Natsunosuke here.
Boy, this is really bad!
I had to do a live broadcast on radio,
but I had a drink before the show to loosen me up!
Then, on the show, I ended up accidentally criticizing the Japan Series!
The studio went crazy! What'll I do?
Next episode: "Just Between Us."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 17v2 [68143555]

Our Jingu Spiders took the Central League pennant for the first time in seven years.
Then, one day in the off-season...
C'mon, Natsunosuke.
You didn't have to come dressed in a three-piece suit.
Well, I know that, but it was the only formal outfit I had.
It's okay.
Let's go.
It's not even a TV show.
It's radio, man.
Heya.
Heya.
Heya.
It's nice to be here with you today.
It's his first time doing one of these, so please be kind.
Look at you, all dressed up.
Sorry, but would you mind if I hit the can first?
Go on ahead.
Go left down the hallway. It'll be the last door on the right.
Got it.
I'm a real bundle of nerves.
I need a little help from alcohol to relax me.
Time for the informative variety show, Night Off.
It's Matsumoto Hideo's "Digging Deeper! Just Between Us!"
It's 5:40 again tonight.
I'm Matsumoto Hideo!
Matsumoto's a popular play-by-play announcer during the season.
It's outta there!
A home run!
But in the off-season, when there are no night games,
he's a radio personality, running a lifestyle tips show from the studio.
My partner today is singer-actress Isshiki Aki!
Isshiki Aki here!
Nice to be here!
Nice to have you!
We have a timely round table today with some special guests.
"The Setup Men's Climax! Just Between Us!"
Yeah!
Let's introduce our guests: Tsujimoto, a pitcher for the Bunkyo Mops!
A pleasure.
Genda, a pitcher for the Osaka Tempters!
Hey there.
And Bonda Natsunosuke, a pitcher for the Jingu Spiders!
N-Nicetacheema...
Oh boy.
Natsunosuke's super nervous.
First, let's look back on your pitching this season.
We'll start with Tsujimoto from the Mops.
Yes.
Well, it's a cliché to say it, but I'm just pleased I managed to pitch a full season without getting injured.
Genda from the Tempters?
Well... ditto, I guess.
But hey,
if I'm making an appearance on a show like this in the off-season, I must've done pretty well for myself.
What about you, Bonda of the Spiders?
C'mon, Natsunosuke.
Talk! Manage to talk!
I was doing real good through May with 20 mound appearances,
but I got hurt before interleague play and ended up out of action for about four months of the season.
He managed it!
Looking good, Natsunosuke!
That's right!
You crashed into Demura of the Nagoya Wild Ones at second.
Yeah.
I got myself injured because I sucked,
but I didn't think I'd end up out of the game for four months.
But after returning to the majors for the season's final stretch,
you did some great pitching that contributed to your team's pennant win!
Is that what you really think, Matsumoto?
Huh?
Well, yes, it really is!
What do you think, Tsujimoto, Genda?
How do you think Bonda did?
Well, let's see...
It's true that Bonda was incredible after getting back to the majors.
Middle relievers like us internalize the idea that we need to utilize the ball zone more so than the strike zone.
But since coming back to the majors,
I feel like Bonda was really sinking his teeth into the strike zone.
I'm not a flamethrower like these two here.
So I'm terrified every time I pitch into the strike zone.
I'm just awful.
I'm sure that's not true.
You had a few truly awesome pitches there at the end.
If you're talking about how "the best ability is availability" then I'm sorry to say it,
but it's really true.
I'm crap.
I got hurt, after all.
What's going on here?
Don't be so hard on yourself, Bonda!
Something seems off with Natsunosuke... I think.
Toku, Otowa Radio wants me to appear on a show.
Oh, I recommended you for that, actually.
But why?
Well, I feel like you really earned it this year.
And mass media exposure is important too.
Getting invited to things like these can be an important motivator for ball players.
"I want to be a player who's always in the media."
Because you don't get invited unless you contribute.
That's the line I fed him to set this up, but...
I mean, consider this:
unlike these two, I have a small contract.
What?!
Um, our contracts aren't anything special, actually.
You both have contracts that are several times mine, actually.
N-Natsunosuke!
What are you doing?!
Someone already getting a crap paycheck like me gets thrown out for four months.
Why wouldn't I get desperate once I'm back?
D-Don't say "crap paycheck"!
Not on the air...
Um... is Bonda really nervous?
What did I just say?
Did I just say "crap paycheck"?
Did I give voice to the internal cry of my soul?
Did I say Tsujimoto's and Genda's contracts were several times mine?
What am I saying?!
Unlike me, these two are seriously first-rate middle relievers!
Tsujimoto made 87 million this season!
Genda made 79 million this season!
They both had over 70 mound appearances this season.
I only ended up with 31.
There's no question they'll both get to 100 million next season!
What am I doing sitting next to these guys?
U-Um, I mean...
I saw Tsujimoto's foreign car in the parking lot outside the studio.
I've seen it in Jingu before.
You have more than one foreign car, huh?
It must be nice to make almost 90 million a year.
You can buy as many luxury cars as you want!
Natsunosuke!
That inferiority complex... There's definitely something wrong with him!
Toku and Support Staff Manager Takeoka are panicking.
Oh... Oh no...
Did I say something weird again?
Is it because of the whiskey I drank before?
Is it interacting badly with my nerves?
Th-The combination of drunkenness and nerves is making me say extremely embarrassing things!
Toku...
It's hilarious, so we'll let it go!
Stupid director! How can you be so relaxed?
Jeez!
Well...
Bonda, I'm sure you'll get a big contract increase next year.
You might be able to afford a luxury car or two yourself!
Matsumoto, don't feed him!
Don't take the bait, Natsunosuke! Don't do it!
A-Are you kidding?
No matter how much they raise my contract, I'll never be able to buy a luxury car!
I only make 18 million!
Don't reveal your contract on the friggin' air!
This guy...
Is he stupid?
There's no way I'll go from 18 million all the way up to 70 or 80 million.
Even if it goes up into the 20s, I have expenses and taxes.
I definitely won't have that much left over.
I'd get a domestic car on installments, at best.
Well, there are a lot of foreign cars out there. I'm sure you'll be able to get one.
Still, as a player with few guarantees for the future,
I really should put it in the bank.
I really should put it in the bank.
Natsunosuke! Don't say that penny-pinching stuff out loud!
It sounds too sad!
You're destroying the dreams of the listeners!
Huh?
Toku, did I say something wrong again?
Well, Bonda, let's set that stuff aside for now.
I want to get to the main event.
About the Climax Series...
The Climax Series?
Of course, all three of you played important roles in the Climax Series, but...
Wait a minute, Matsumoto!
I'd like to preface this discussion with a statement.
Huh?
Bonda?
Natsunosuke!
What are you going to say now?!
The Japan Series is a Japanese pro ball tradition going back 70 years.
But you ever noticed we haven't really had it for the past few years?
What?!
Japan... hasn't had the Japan Series?
N-Natsunosuke...
Where did that come from?!
It's true.
The Japan Series is dead.
What?
Um, what exactly... do you mean?
What people're callin' the Japan Series is more like the Climax Final Finals.
Climax Final Finals?
Yeah.
It's a finals between the two teams that win the Climax Series.
Yes, and... that's what we call the Japan Series.
Sure, but that's what I'm saying.
I can see where Natsunosuke's going with this!
I think it's only really the Japan Series if it's the two pennant winners playing each other.
So living in this "Climax Final Finals" world as we do,
we got years when we got a real Japan Series, and years when we don't.
Natsunosuke, don't take that to its natural conclusion!
So what I'm sayin' is, we didn't have a Japan Series this year.
He said it!
But maybe it's not that bad.
A world where you don't get a Japan Series every year...
It makes the Japan Series more valuable!
We're having a Japan Series for the first time in three years!
He's finished!
If you say that stuff on live radio, you can't remain in this world!
You'll have to retire!
Those gloomy expressions on Toku and Takeoka's faces...
I said something awful again, didn't I?!
I thought he was acting strange.
Is he drunk or something?
In other words...
Bonda, it was the Jingu Spiders who won the Central League pennant,
but our second-place Tempters beat you in the Climax Series.
So you're saying a team like us going to the Japan Series means it isn't a "real" Japan Series?
In the final stage of the Climax Series, the Spiders lost to the second-place Tempters,
and the Japan Series was between the Pacific League winners, the Tokorozawa Jaguars,
and the Osaka Tempters.
In other words, Bonda is mad about the Spiders not making it to the Japan Series...
...and using a public broadcast to criticize the rules of pro baseball!
And Genda of the Tempters is really mad about the insult!
G-G-Genda, what are you talking about?
What?!
Huh?!
Hey! Bonda!
Oh no!
Is he mad?
Um... Um... Um...
What did I say?
Natsunosuke drank some booze to take the edge off his nerves, I bet!
Genda, please calm down!
Bonda's been drinking.
You can smell it a little.
Huh?
He probably did it to relax for the show, but it's totally backfired.
What?!
I don't understand... I don't understand...
I don't understand anything!
During the first stage of the Central League's Climax Series,
the second-place Tempters beat the third-place Bunkyo Mops two games to one.
Though Tsujimoto pitched two no-run innings, the Mops' hitting just never took off, right?
Y-Yes, that's true.
But, hey, what can you do?
The plan was, because you all pitched so well in the Climax Series,
we'd look back on some of the great pitching you did...
I-I see.
I did the best I could, really.
Huh?
Uh, yes, you did.
You did very well, Bonda.
During the Climax Series, in the final stage, you faced nine batters and gave up no hits.
"No hits."
It sounds good when you put it that way, but...
Ball!
That's ball four!
He walks a man in!
The Tempters get a run to take the lead!
Tokunaga, what do you think of Bonda's pitching there?
He threw each pitch as carefully as he can.
It's just... Tano's on fire right now.
I don't think walking in a run here is too bad an outcome.
The question is how he handles the next batter.
Yeah, that walk was just fine!
If he'd gotten a hit, they'd have scored two runs!
A grounder to second!
It's a 4-6-3 double-play!
The top of the inning is over!
Bonda gave up a run here,
but I think we can say his sensible pitching kept the damage to a minimum, right?
That's right.
Bonda did what he came out to do.
It's true that the Tempters have taken the lead, but it's a gap they can catch up to easily.
But then our batters...
were totally shut out by the Tempters' pitching staff!
The Tempters win!
The Spiders couldn't get a single run!
We lost because of the walk I gave up.
No, that wasn't your fault.
Nobody thinks you dragged the Spiders down or anything!
The reactions online around that time were...
Bonda's being amazing on Otawa Radio!
Bonda's going crazy on the radio! Is it his conscience talking?
Bonda's rebelling against pro baseball itself!
Otowa Radio has the most amazing guest on it!
Wow, this is crazy.
Are you kidding me?
Apparently, everyone was talking about it!
Excuse me, but I'd like to go back to the previous subject.
Bonda's complaints about pro baseball's rules...
I told you, Genda, lay off!
But...
W-We didn't want...
...to go back...
...to that...
...topic.
I'm telling you...
Isn't it clear from my gloomy expression?
I'm frustrated. I'm hurting. I'm sad.
A pathetic man revealing his public grudges on a l-live broadcast...
I th-th-th-th...
I thought it would give everyone a real fright! So I made a little joke!
A joke!
What?!
Shocked you, didn't I, Matsumoto?
What?!
It was a practical joke?!
And that was entertainer Bonda Natsunosuke's radio debut!
Hey, Bonda!
Don't do stuff to confuse us!
Natsunosuke!
Hell!
Thank goodness!
I sobered up at some point!
Practical joke, my ass!
Like hell it was!
And the reactions online were...
Darn it.
Takeoka got mad and went right home.
I'm never ever putting you on the radio again.
I'm sorry.
But giving up the walk-in run that kept us from going to the Japan Series really has been dogging me all this time.
Let's get a drink!
What can you do but drink at times like these?
You're paying, of course.
B-But...
What is it?
I'll pass for today.
Huh?
Yeah, I guess you wouldn't be in the mood after that.
Are you genuinely sorry?
Yeah.
Well, then let's get some ramen and head home.
Okay.
It was a chilly, painful autumn night.
Money Diamond.
Natsunosuke here!
An older pitcher, Korekawa, who's leaving for a Kobe ball club,
joins me at the lunch place where my beloved Yuki works.
On TV, they were showing the last game of the Japan Series.
Then Korekawa starts talking to Yuki like they're good friends!
Next time: "Lonely Season."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 18v2 [F0498494]

The teams that don't participate in the Japan Series have a fall camp of sorts.
We Spiders get about 15 days in Shikoku.
The ones chosen to go are invariably youngsters—
promising youngsters, at that.
The truth is, I've never once been chosen to go.
Probably because I've never qualified as "promising."
While I'm 26 now, being selected would be a badge of honor.
And considering I took four months off this season, I do want to get back in shape...
Hey, Natsunosuke!
Hey, Coach Kozato.
You should stay here.
You really went all-out during the pennant race at the end of the season.
There's no reason for you to go all the way to Shikoku and beat up on yourself any more.
Got it.
Does that mean they approve of the job I did?
Well, whatever.
I'll do my best here in Tokyo.
That said, some of our regulars train at the indoor practice facility at Jingu Stadium.
The other players train at the minor league Toda Stadium in Saitama.
Incidentally, the veteran pitchers who pitched the entire season also train at Toda.
Sekijima.
Shohno.
Korekawa.
The four of us were grouped together with the same practice regimen.
Okay, let's swap.
Man, this is rough!
Boy, you guys sure are young!
But that night...
What?! Sekijima got released?!
Yeah...
He just called me.
I...
I see...
Recruited out of high school five years ago,
and never once made it to the majors.
It's sad, but inevitable.
Looks like we're down to three.
Then, that night...
What? Shohno got let go too?
I just ran into him, and he told me.
Recruited from an amateur league, he spent five years as a pro with less than ten mound appearances.
It's sad, but that's the professional world for you.
Just us today, huh?
With the Climax Series over, we're into release season.
I'm sure you won't be affected, though.
I guess I'm next in line.
Cut that out, Korekawa.
Don't jinx yourself like that.
Korekawa is an incredible pitcher, recruited out of college, who rocketed to ten wins in his first year.
He stagnated in his second year with seven wins.
In his third year, he had some bad luck with just five wins.
His fourth year, he got hurt and didn't make any major league appearances.
This year was his fifth, and he made it back to the majors,
but started only two games and was knocked out early in both.
The highest his salary ever went was 34 million in his third year,
and this year, he played for 23 million.
I haven't done the team any good in two years.
I might get the call sometime during this fall camp.
I'm telling you, that won't happen!
Maybe it's natural that Korekawa would start thinking that way, but the next day came and went,
and so did the day after that, and he didn't get the call,
so we kept up our daily practice.
But...
One evening...
Natsunosuke.
I finally got the call from Support Staff Manager Takeoka.
Huh? Wh-What did he say?!
I... I'm being traded.
Traded?
Yes, to the Kobe Oxen.
Kobe?
Who'd they trade you for?
Apparently, they're still discussing whether it'll be for players or money.
Hey, are you sure it's going through?
The trade itself is set in stone.
The Japan Series is going on right now.
Apparently, they want to announce it as soon as it's over.
B-But, Korekawa, I'm sorry to say this, but at least it's just...
Yeah, I'm glad.
At least it's just a trade!
The words "free agent" kept bouncing around in my head.
Yeah, that's right.
A trade means you're still needed, at least.
Yeah.
And anyway, Kobe is my hometown.
I'm happy with that.
A-Also,
a trade means you still have your current contract.
Hey, cut out that money-minded talk.
I'm just happy I get to keep playing baseball.
Sorry...
You're right, of course.
Okay, then! Korekawa, let's go drinking!
It'll be my treat, to celebrate the good news!
I'm not sure I'm quite in the mood.
Then food! Let's grab a bite to eat, at least!
Food, eh? Well, whatever you want.
W-We're in...
We're in Shibuya.
We're right next to Ebisu, where she works...
Okay!
Here, here!
As you can see, it's not a very fancy place.
That's fine by me.
The last time I came here was right after I made it back to the majors.
It's been two months!
Safe!
He's safe by a hair!
In the bottom of the sixth, the Tempters have bridged the gap!
It's tied, 5-5!
It's the Japan Series at Koshien Stadium!
Neither the Tokorozawa Jaguars nor the Osaka Tempters are giving an inch!
What's with this place?
Everyone's rooting for the Tempters.
Yes! Yes!
She's here!
Yuki!
Thanks for coming by! Right over here!
Welcome!
Let me know the minute you decide.
Everything on the menu here is great.
I love places like this.
It's been a while.
This fried chicken 'n' rice is my favorite.
I always get the ginger pork at places like this.
Man, I'm stuffed!
Thank you for the meal.
Tasty, huh?
Yeah, it was great.
Hey, Korekawa.
You sure you don't want one off the tap?
Just one, then.
Anyway...
she's been so wrapped up in the Japan Series.
I knew she was a Tempters fan, but this is something else.
Yeah! Go, Tempters!
The other regulars are rooting for the Tempters to humor her.
It's obvious they're just to trying to get on her good side, of course.
But as usual, she's so pretty.
You know I'm the main one responsible for putting your beloved Tempters in the Japan Series!
The reliever, Bonda, throws his seventh pitch with a full count!
It's a ball!
He walks him in!
The Tempters put the game's first run on the board!
I got the rest of the order out in that inning and pinned my hopes on our hitters, but...
Would you believe it, they were shut out by the Tempters' pitchers!
The Tempters win!
But you don't even know that I'm a pro baseball player.
Great job, Tempters!
Huh?
I've been a hell of a Tempters fan since I was a kid!
What?
Hey, miss, another beer!
Right!
Pour another from the tap!
Korekawa, you said you'd only have one!
It's because the Tempters are in the Japan Series.
I wanna cheer them on!
Here you are!
Hey, miss, I've been watching you.
You seem like one hell of a Tempters fan.
Oh, could you tell?
You were born in Kansai, right?
Whereabouts?
Straight from Osaka!
Oh!
See, I hail from Kobe!
Wouldn't it be great if the Tempters win?
The Tempters'll totally win today!
They're talking!
K-Korekawa and Yuki...
I-I...
I've been visiting this place for over a year now, and I've never talked to her once!
Delicious!
When I was little, my dad would take me on the Hanshin Line to catch games at Koshien Stadium.
Our house was on the Hanshin Line.
I got taken to lots of games too.
When I was in grade school, the Tempters were perennial losers.
How about you?
They became champions once when I was a kid!
It was just the craziest!
I was in high school then.
I went to Dotonbori and saw the guys jumping in the river.
My dad did the beer dunk... on himself!
Who's that guy?
He sure is getting chummy with Yuki.
Tano's clutch hit sends Sasa home.
The Tempters take a one-run lead!
The Tempters took the lead!
Yes!
Yuki's aura of joy!
It makes me happy too!
Sir, the Tempters are going to win!
Yeah, since the teams came into this tied at 3-3, and this is the deciding game.
I'm sure all the regulars are thinking, "I want to see the look on her face when the Tempters win."
And, if this keeps up,
will I end up seeing it too?!
The Tempters are the best in Japan!
Oh, we won!
I-I'll say it again. In my mind, anyway...
It was the walk I gave up that sent your beloved Tempters to the Japan Series!
The Osaka Tempters came in second in the Central League.
Now they're going to be the best in Japan.
I don't need to see her happy face...
do I?
There's no way I can stay here until the ninth inning!
I wish I could fly to Koshien Stadium right now!
Oh, come on!
Koshien...
Koshien's a great stadium, isn't it?
Hey, have you ever eaten Koshien Stadium's famous grilled squid?
You bet I have!
I just love it!
I've eaten it a lot too.
They put those grills in the most random hall, huh?
They redid it recently!
Now it feels like a proper fast food restaurant!
I know.
I think they cleaned it up too much. It lost its atmosphere.
Back in the day, when I was taken to Koshien Stadium, I was always in the bleachers or the nosebleeds.
If you ended up behind the floodlight pillars, it was hard to watch the game.
They've taken out the big pillars now, so that doesn't happen anymore.
I know that too.
They also removed the Ginsan roof's supports, so it's a lot easier to see!
True enough.
They also made the seats bigger, which makes watchin' a lot more comfortable!
Though that makes the corridors narrower.
Koshien Stadium...
It might have packed you in like sardines and obstructed your view of the game with floodlights and such,
but I liked that old-fashionedness.
I liked the chaos of it.
That's how Koshien Stadium's floodlights should be.
Rather than trim and tidy fast food,
the grimy stalls were better, weren't they?
K-Korekawa, do you have a problem with the new stadium?
No, I don't.
Oh, but...
I thought the wideness of foul territory was one of Koshien Stadium's defining features.
Now it's the size of a normal stadium.
And the stands jut out over the field.
The larger the foul territory, the easier it is for a pitcher to get outs with fly balls, which I really enjoyed.
Huh?
Natsunosuke.
You never pitched at the old Koshien Stadium, did you?
Huh?
What?!
Korekawa!
P-Pitched... at Koshien Stadium?
Having some distance between the catcher and the backstop also makes pitching a little harder, though.
The longer the distance, the slower your pitches feel.
Um... Have you two ever played ball at Koshien Stadium?
N-No, of course not!
Of course not!
It's not like they rent it out for grass-lot baseball...
Sh-She talked to me for the first time!
The Jaguars' Bourbon hits a three-run homer to take the lead!
The score's 8-6 in the top of the eighth!
Are the Jaguars about to win this thing?!
The Tempters are done for.
Now, we don't know that yet.
But those three runs really hurt.
We only just took the lead...
D-Don't cry, sir!
We ain't lost just yet.
Korekawa.
Actually, I was just humoring you before because you're so pretty.
Huh?
I thought that if I said I was a Tempters fan, we could get worked up about it together.
K-Korekawa, what are you saying?
You're just like the other customers.
No, it's true that I was a Tempters fan.
I loved them when I was a kid.
But there's another team I love better.
The Jingu Spiders!
Huh?
What?
Even though you're from Kansai?
You love a Tokyo team?
I can't really explain my circumstances to you.
Here, miss. Keep the change.
Natsunosuke, please let me pay.
N-No, I said I'd pay.
Really, I'll bring your change!
Huh?
What?!
Everyone!
I've taken her heart!
Huh?!
What?!
Y-Yuki...
What's he doing to her?!
Natsunosuke, let's scram!
Thanks for the food!
What was all that?
Hey, Korekawa!
What are you doing?
Korekawa!
Boy, she really was a looker!
Natsunosuke, you've got your eye on her, right?
Come on, I can tell.
That's why I wanted to tease you a bit.
It'll be harder for you to go there now, right?
Korekawa!
You just used me as your excuse!
You should go by yourself!
No, that's not...
I really hate you, you know?
What? Are you drunk already, Korekawa?
I hate you.
Because you get to stay with the Jingu Spiders.
That's why I messed with you.
Korekawa...
Those five seasons I spent with the Spiders out of college...
I came to love the team.
I'm a huge Spiders fan now!
After I heard I was being traded...
As time passed, I started feeling really sad.
But today convinced me that I can't stay as I am now.
Because even after all I said to that girl, she didn't realize I was a pro baseball player.
Just a warning, but that means you've got a long way to go too.
Hey, the Tempters came back to win it!
I bet she's happy.
That day, the Tempters beat the Tokorozawa Jaguars and earned the title "Best in Japan."
Miss Yuki, was it?
Well, I'll be rooting for you to win her heart someday.
From all the way off in Kobe.
Good luck to you.
Korekawa...
Farewell,
Jingu Spiders.
Korekawa!
Couldn't we hit up one more place?
Yeah... Sure.
The next year, Korekawa didn't manage one appearance with the Kobe Oxen.
That same year, he retired.
Natsunosuke here.
The world of pro baseball can be pretty harsh, huh?
Our catcher Tohko got declared DFA, and he has to go through tryouts.
But he'll have to face the 38-year-old pitcher with a career 115 wins, Nishigouchi,
who was also declared DFA from the Sapporo Purple Shadows!
Next time: "Designated for Assignment."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 19 [C655D7D6]

What?! Tohko is DFA?!
Yeah.
Voluntary retirement, they said.
Voluntary retirement?
Apparently, the club dangled a front-office job as bait.
Is Tohko finally hanging up his glove?
Tohko Junji was our fourth catcher, always bouncing between the majors and the minors.
He joined out of college ten years ago, and he's now 32.
His contract: 5 million.
He hit for the cycle in a game this season, but he was never quite able to secure a spot in the majors.
Seems to me he has a lot of good playing years left in him.
But to get a front-office job with no real achievements to your name...
I gotta say, that's a pretty awesome deal!
Wh-What did you say?!
You refused to take the voluntary retirement?!
And you asked them to make you a free agent?
Yeah, I don't want to retire yet.
A free agent could still get picked up somewhere else.
Is someone offering to pick you up?
Not yet.
I'll bet it all on the tryouts.
Tryouts?
Tryouts are held in November, jointly, by the 12 ball clubs.
They're basically a test for the free agent players.
Are you stupid?
Don't you know how generous they're being by offering you a spot in the front office?
They asked me to start as a scout.
No, it's more than generosity.
They might think you have the chops to be management some day.
You were team captain in college, remember?
It's possible.
However, I'm not ready to hang up my glove just yet.
But you know how tryouts are.
It's a fixed race from the start.
Even if you do great there, no club's going to pick you up.
Yeah, tryouts are pretty much a formality these days.
If you think you can take the job should the tryouts not work out, it's not going to be so easy.
I know that.
But, Kita...
Even though I had less than a month in the majors this season,
I got 19 hits in 49 at bats, two home runs, and batted .388.
It's just team circumstances that kept me in the minors.
If I get an honest go at, I think I could put up real numbers on the board.
But, Junji, the pro baseball world gets flooded with new, younger players every year.
You'll be 33 years old next year. It's the perfect time to pack it up!
I appreciate the warning.
Nishigouchi is going free agent?
So it's come to that...
You took Nishigouchi under your wing, didn't you?
Back when you were manager of the Kobe Oxen...
"Due to injury, he only had two appearances this season," it says.
Can't we bring Nishigouchi aboard?
Huh?
As a left-handed starter?
Yes.
We need a left-handed starter, don't we?
Nishigouchi, eh?
I'm not sure. If his injury's totally healed, maybe...
Why don't we give him a test, then?
I think he's got plenty of fight left in him.
But, Manager, we can't approach players until tryouts.
And the GM's doing his thing now too.
He's trying to secure that foreign southpaw pitcher.
Oh, is he? That's right, I recall...
Nishigouchi's contract this year was 150 million, eh?
It's sad, but after tryouts, it'll go down to 20 million.
A newbie foreigner will cost at least 50 million.
Then we should go with Nishigouchi, who's already well established in Japan.
It'll be a bargain.
But...
I think I can still do this.
I'm going to bet it all on tryouts.
You can do it, dear!
I know that you can!
Yeah!
The first round of tryouts would be held at Jingu Stadium, and the second at the Fukuoka Dome.
Natsunosuke!
You're really gonna go for tryouts, huh?
Yeah.
You came at the perfect time.
Pitch to me.
Huh?
Pitch to you?
A major league pitch.
I haven't seen one in a while.
A major league pitch?
I just need to see them.
I'll imagine you're Nishigouchi, the Purple Shadows' southpaw who'll be at the tryouts.
I'm not sure how much help I'll be, then.
You're doing fall training.
You'll probably be able to throw a decent pitch.
Let's start off light.
No wonder you're in the majors.
Throw me more!
Sure.
By the way,
the Spiders' negotiations to land the foreign southpaw had hit a rough patch,
and by November, it still hadn't been resolved.
Do your best, dear.
Yes, I will.
When I think about it rationally, there's probably not a single club that'll sign me.
But...
What'd you say?
You still haven't worked things out with the foreign southpaw?
Tomorrow! He'll be signed tomorrow!
Tomorrow's tryouts!
Just forget it!
You've hit the time limit.
Let's pick up Nishigouchi.
Really, we're down to the last little details.
We're set to have it worked out during tryouts tomorrow.
Jeez. He's not even a big name in the MLB.
He thinks he's so hot.
Here's what we'll do:
The end of tryouts tomorrow will be your hard limit.
If you don't call me by then, we're going with Nishigouchi!
If there's one thing that might turn this around for me, it's Manager Tanabe.
He really took care of me in the past.
I'll have to bet it all on that.
In total, 63 pitchers and fielders participated in that year's tryouts.
Well, let's do some fielding practice with a runner on second.
It really is a showdown between Tohko and Nishigouchi.
Okay, let's put that practice with Natsunosuke to good use.
Just as long as Manager Tanabe is watching me...
As expected, the call still hasn't come.
I'll get a hit off this 115-win pitcher and prove I've still got it.
Tohko, I know you'll be able to hit off of Nishigouchi!
You've prepared so much!
If Manager Tanabe doesn't pick me up for next season,
I'll be in serious trouble!
It's fast!
Strike!
Wh-What's someone like this doing in tryouts?
That's a hell of a swing.
Yeah.
He's tense.
Kozato, do you think we'll get the call?
Huh? Oh, uh, I don't know...
We won't.
They won't work that contract out before tryouts are over.
That American southpaw probably doesn't want to come to Japan.
There must be an MLB club or two interested in signing him.
But they're not closing the deal,
so he's stringing us along as well.
I'm sure that's what it is.
Did you see that pitch from Nishigouchi?
He's still got it, right?
Second pitch!
This 115-win pitcher is desperate too.
He's racked up 115 wins since coming out of college.
And he's gotten them at a good pace.
But he had a rough rookie season with the Kobe Oxen.
When you're recruited out of college, you're expected to contribute immediately,
but his body was wimpy, and so were his pitches.
We couldn't make use of him right away.
But one thing he did have was amazing control.
What's with this guy?
If he could throw 5 kph faster, he'd be a hell of a player.
Anyway, I had him run and eat to bulk up a bit,
and then I worked him into a pitching form that let him throw 5 kph faster.
I took good care of him and kept giving him chances.
And gradually, he began to show results.
By the end of the second season, he'd achieved a speed of 145 kph.
I can tell that the manager made a star out of Nishigouchi.
But as the team's pitching coach, picking up a 38-year-old feels so...
The proof is the fact that we're the only ones showing interest.
Got a piece of it!
Nishigouchi's pitches really are sharp.
But Junji needs to be able to hit these things or there's no way he'll pass tryouts.
The fact that you can be released even when you can pitch so well shows how hard life is for a pro.
But this season, I hit tons of much sharper pitches from Central League pitchers.
There's no way I can't hit these.
But so far, he hasn't thrown a single breaking ball.
If he does throw me a curve, will I be able to deal with it?
Still, I can't believe he's up against Tohko, of all people.
How's this matchup going to work out?
To be honest, I thought Tohko would do fine as a free agent.
Huh?
But the club wanted to nail him down.
So they recommended he retire and take up a job in the front office.
He was captain of his college team.
He's a smart fellow with a real sense of responsibility.
And in his life as a pro, he had the talent to be on the major league bench,
but team circumstances had him stuck in the minors.
We'd call him to the majors as a handyman, then send him back down immediately.
He's been living that way for years,
even though he was a star slugger at a prestigious university.
Someone like him can see the big picture between the majors and minors.
And he'll understand how players feel.
They probably saw his potential to help our team down the line.
Perhaps they thought if they could get him in a suit at 33, they could groom him for a future management position.
If he'd chosen the voluntary retirement, he could've ensured himself a stable future.
But it's hard for a player who's out there in the field every day to just accept a job like that.
Especially a player with talent like Tohko's.
Yes...
Manager.
You know that reporter, Kitamura with Doyo Sports?
Oh, him?
He went to college with Tohko.
Perhaps because Tohko was in the same year as him, he spent four years stuck on the second-string team.
But now, he's the lead reporter for Doyo Sports.
It's usually the second-stringers who find their niche after graduation.
Kitamura's the perfect example of that.
Yes. And now, ironically, Tohko is being seen with that lens too.
Which means...
Junji.
If you're going to take it this far,
then hit one of those 115-win pitches...
If Manager Tanabe doesn't pick me up at these tryouts, I'll be in serious trouble.
I was born in Hokkaido.
When I was traded from the Kobe Oxen to my home team, the Purple Shadows, I was truly happy.
I married my childhood sweetheart.
We had two kids in Hokkaido.
We lived pretty close to my parents,
and it gave me the peace of mind to really throw myself into baseball.
Three years ago, we bought a luxury apartment in the center of Sapporo,
choosing a payment plan of 100 million over three years.
But right after that...
The factory that my father left my older brother started failing.
I supported him financially as best I could.
But between the apartment payments and that, we were left with almost no savings.
Sure, I paid off the apartment loan this year,
but if I can't sign with anyone for next year,
I won't be able to pay the massive taxes of my 150 million contract!
Tohko, it's a breaker!
I knew it!
Curve!
It's going!
But the center fielder can get it.
I got him out, at least. That's a decent start.
My first at bat was a fly out that advanced the runner.
That day, Tohko had four at bats and no hits.
Nishigouchi faced five batters.
He gave up no hits and no runs, and he struck two men out.
The second round of tryouts is at the Fukuoka Dome.
What'll Tohko do?
Fukuoka. I'll bet it all on the next round in Fukuoka!
Great.
I had a good first day.
I think I made a good show to Manager Tanabe.
Tohko choked a little, but Nishigouchi had quite a day, didn't he?
I think we could pick up Nishigouchi.
We never got the call, either.
Hello? Tanabe here.
I see...
I see.
Yes, I see.
The foreigner's contract squeaked through at the last minute.
It's a shame, but we won't be able to pick up Nishigouchi.
I'll have to give up on him.
That was the deal.
And in the second round of tryouts...
Tohko exploded with four hits in four at bats!
And Nishigouchi kept pitching up a storm.
But in the end,
no club came forward to pick them up.
The only ones recruited at tryouts were players in their twenties.
It's common sense, I guess.
Two men in their thirties were always going to be a hard sell.
I'm going to have to sell my apartment and my car.
It's the only way I can support our family next year, let alone pay our taxes.
I wish I didn't have to do this to my family,
but it's our only choice.
And then I...
I've been looking for a job, Natsunosuke.
I thought I could get a job as a bullpen catcher with one of the 12 clubs,
but at this time of year, they're all filled up.
Tohko...
But...
Yes? Tohko here.
One league's trash...
Huh?
...is another league's treasure.
A-A Taiwanese club?
What?
Around the same time...
A-A Taiwanese club?
Yes...
Yes.
Of course, I'd be happy to talk to them.
It wasn't just the Japanese baseball world that came to tryouts.
Scouts from other countries came too.
The same Taiwanese ball club had reached out to both of them.
They'd happened to come to the second round of tryouts in the Fukuoka Dome.
You could call it a miraculous turnaround,
but it only happened because they both did so well at tryouts.
Nishigouchi signed with the Taiwanese ball club and left his family in Sapporo while he moved to Taiwan.
I won't have to give up the apartment yet.
I'm so glad I decided to hold on to my glove!
I got myself another chance.
Thank you!
I owe it all to you guys!
Congratulations!
Let's have a toast!
I sure am glad for you, Tohko!
Give it your best!
Yes, I'm going to make a name for myself there, and then come back to Japanese baseball!
They were the only two who got the call from foreign ball clubs at the tryouts.
The path to success at tryouts is a narrow one.
Junji.
Do your best.
Natsunosuke here.
Boy, that was a shock!
On fan appreciation day, Shibuya Akira and I put on costumes to infiltrate the stands,
but we just happen to sit next to my crush, Yuki!
And then that jerk Akira starts hitting on her...
Hey, cut it out, stupid!
Don't get any closer to her!
Next time: "Fan Appreciation Day."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 20 [778AD965]

One draft beer and one liver and chives!
Yuki from Kitchen Ajihei in Ebisu.
She's one amazing woman.
Twice-cooked pork, extra rice, and two servings of pork dumplings!
The place is full of regulars with crushes on her.
She's way too pretty for a plain old diner!
Don't you want your usual liver and chives today, Ota?
Do you have a date now, maybe?
No way! I'm going back to work!
Some of them get a little bit out of their lane...
I gotta find a way to get her!
...and pursue her with impure intentions!
Yuki, do you buy lottery tickets?
Nope!
I heard you won one recently, though!
If I had, I'd get the large helping of rice!
But while some men can talk to her here, they lack the courage to ask her on a date.
It's not like it's a bar or a club.
But there's this one outrageous group that invited her out one time...
The young trio of office workers.
They took her to Jingu Stadium, where I was taking out the heart of the Tempters' lineup one after another.
Oh! A bunt!
First base scoops it up, to the pitcher...
Whoa! Pitcher and batter collide!
Not again!
Strike three! You're out!
What?!
You damn blind ump! I'll beat you up, you moron!
Yer outta here!
I freakin' hate you, Bonda!
Hey! We made eye contact!
Bonda...
...and it really made Yuki mad.
She's mad!
I'd love to invite Yuki out again.
You really got the hots for her, huh?
Well, I wouldn't exactly say that...
R-Really?
I just want something platonic with the four of us.
One meat and veggies and two beers!
But where should we invite her?
Inviting her for a drink is too suggestive.
Yeah, makes her think we've got ulterior motives.
How about a group hiking trip?
Hiking?!
No, that's a pain.
So much preparation.
Do people even do that these days?
Let's pick something more laid back.
How about a friendly group trip to the ice skating rink?
Ice skating?
Ice skating?
I'm in!
Really?!
Yuki, are you sure?
Sure!
Yes!
Who dares, wins!
Hold on!
Why can't any of us guys actually skate?
Hey, don't cling to my shoulder!
What am I supposed to do? I can't stay up!
Yuki's the only one who can skate.
C'mon, don't stay there forever! Come on!
Y-Yuki, no! Don't let go!
That's it! C'mon!
Hey, don't hog all the fun!
Don't leave me behind!
See? You can do it!
I haven't skated like that in so long!
The men's division was pathetic.
I can't believe she's such a good skater.
I'm a great skater, actually!
I've done it since I was a kid!
That's why I came today!
That's mean! You made it sound like you couldn't!
You've shamed your three male companions!
But I feel like we stumbled into a closer relationship to Yuki!
Now, which of the three of us...
...will make Yuki ours?
Hey, there are a lot of people in the park today, huh?
I wonder what's going on.
It's gotta be a rugby match.
And the Spiders are having fan appreciation day today at Jingu Stadium.
Fan appreciation day?
Hey, you want to go?
Huh? But it's the Spiders.
You're a Tempters fan, aren't you?
Yeah, but I wanna go there again!
Though I just went there the other day.
The other day?
You went there recently?
Yeah, I went with a friend during the Climax Series!
The Climax Series?
I sometimes get tickets from customers.
It was the final game too!
Huh?
Oh, the one where the Tempters won thanks to a run walked in?
Yeah!
Lucky you, Yuki!
Yeah, it was just the best!
So many people...
It's like a temple festival outside.
Is this how fan appreciation day is?
Oh, we can get in for free?
Sweet!
Come on, let's go in!
I'm reliving the excitement of that day!
This is it! This is the place where...
The Tempters win it!
Yuki?
Yes!
I've always been a fan of the Tempters,
but getting to see them win in person this year has made me fall in love with them even more!
It really was exciting!
If only I had seen Yuki's excitement then!
It's time for the Spiders' players East versus West game!
We've divided our players into east and west teams based on their birthplaces!
Yeah!
The Eastern Army's commander is Terasugi.
And the Western Army's commander is Shiina.
Shiina here!
Terasugi here!
Now we'll explain how the game works!
It's bleachers hide-and-seek!
Four of the players will hide in the stands alongside you, the fans!
First, from the east!
Ohno!
Kato!
Nitta!
Akiba!
Now the players from the west: Sakai, Kawasaki, Inoue, Maeda, Kamayatsu, and Segawa!
The six of them will also enter the stands and search for the four east team players!
They're only allowed to hide along the first base line.
Six players from the west, please close your eyes!
No peeking, okay?
Now, the four players from the east... get hiding!
He's coming!
Come over here!
Let's see. Where should I hide?
Over here!
Oh my god! Ohno!
Come here!
But that's not all there is to this game!
We also have two players participating in special costumes!
Please come out, you two!
Coming!
What? Who is that?
Wow!
And who are these two players?
Is that...
No spoilers, people in the stands!
That's Shibuya and Bonda, right?
Yeah.
Bonda?
That sounds familiar...
He's a middle reliever.
A southpaw.
He's the pitcher who walked in the only run in the last game!
That's ball four!
He walks a man in!
The Tempters get a run to take the lead!
He's the one who gave us the win!
Yuki, are you grateful to Bonda?
I sure am!
Though I never thought that run would give us the win!
Now, our two costumed players are also entering the stands.
Shibuya!
Bonda!
Come over here!
Where should we hide?
Hey, there's space here!
There's space here!
Now, the four uniformed players have finished hiding!
Our two costumed players are the only ones left!
You'd better hide soon!
Yeah, yeah. We're on it.
Let's see...
Natsunosuke, over there!
Here we go.
Sure thing.
Excuse me. Sorry about this.
I'm sitting next to a real cutie pie!
Yuki!
Wh-What's Yuki doing here on the Spiders' fan appreciation day?!
Wh-What's Yuki doing here?
And she's making eye contact with me for some reason!
Those are those guys from Ajihei!
Did they invite her out again?
Shibuya and Bonda are sitting next to us!
Well, is everyone ready for bleachers hide-and-seek?
Western Army, you may begin your search!
Okay, go on! Find them all!
You got it!
Where could they be?
Where are those guys hiding?
There are a lot of fans wearing Spiders merch today!
It'll be hard to find those uniformed players!
B-But why has Miss Yuki been staring at me?
Is she thinking "Bonda's so attractive"?
Or is it because some players sat next to her for the bleachers hide-and-seek?
Pretty much everyone else is staring too.
Um...
Yuki's hand...
Could I shake your hand?
Sh-Shake my hand?
Sure thing.
Huh?
Are you four friends?
I... I guess...
Akira talked to Yuki?!
Is one of you her boyfriend?
Huh?
What?
Huh?
No, not at all!
We're just acquaintances!
Oh?
A-Akira! How can you say something so rude?
These guys would never cross the "customer and waitress" line!
I found Kato!
He was right here!
Yeah, great job, you guys!
Five left!
I found Yukio over here!
He found me!
The Western Army has found two of them already!
I found Nitta!
He found me!
Hey, he found Nitta!
It appears Nitta has been found as well!
Now, including the costumed players, three remain!
Can they find them before the time limit is up?
Um... Excuse me...
Yes?
I'd like to shake hands with Bonda there too.
Huh? You know me?
Of course I do!
Because we just told her, of course.
Miss Yuki, Tempters fan, knows Bonda of the Spiders?
Good luck next year!
Yuki?
Her reaction to Akira and her reaction to me were totally different!
Hey.
Seeing him up close, he looks kind of familiar.
Is it my imagination?
Oh no!
I guess they'll find you if I act this way.
I'm sorry.
What's with this girl? Is she a fan of Natsunosuke's or something?
I... I shook Yuki's hand!
I'm sorry.
I'm such a huge Tempters fan!
Huh?
Bonda is the one that sent us to the Japan Series, so I just got so happy!
Y-Yuki?
I won't wash this hand today!
Yikes...
Yuki, how could you? That's an awful thing to say!
Huh?
Oh no! What did I just say?!
I'm sorry!
I'm sorry, so sorry!
That was really insensitive of me!
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
Yuki's actually pretty scatterbrained.
Hey, it's fine. Don't let it bother you.
Anyway, we're hiding right now, so don't be so conspicuous, okay?
Oh no!
Just pretend you don't see us, okay?
Hey, Bonda.
What?
I wasn't trying to do this, but we ended up next to a real cutie pie, huh?
Yuki is a hit in Akira's heart!
Well, Yuki really is cute...
But you'd better not make a move, got it?!
Not that he really could, given our situation.
Hey, is it okay for me to make a pass on her?
Huh?
It doesn't matter to me what team she roots for.
What are you saying?!
I found Akiba!
Akiba has been found!
Please come down to the field!
Crap!
I'd better hurry before we're found!
So you're a Tempters fan, miss?
That's fine.
We get lots of them at Jingu.
H-Hey...
Y-Yeah...
Thanks for coming to our fan appreciation day.
I hope you have lots of fun.
All that aside...
The Tempters are good, but I feel fate has brought us together.
Please cheer for the Spiders in the future too.
R-Right... I guess I can.
And if you do come to cheer for the Spiders, I'll give you some great tips.
What are they?
May I?
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
What? Really?!
Yes, yes!
What did he say?
And one more thing!
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
Really?!
Right? It's true! And then...
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
Akira...
Is that true?
I'm so surprised!
And here's a little trick.
I don't share this one with amateurs.
You're really going to like this!
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
Akira's gone from zero to hitting on Yuki!
I know his record with women.
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
With that woman, he did this...
With that woman, he did that...
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
And that time...
Mumble, mumble, mumble, mumble.
And those two at the same time...
What if Yuki falls for him?!
Mumble, mumble, mumble.
I was thinking of Yuki as a potential wife!
Akira, there's no way you're that serious about her!
Maybe I'm overthinking it...
But this is bad!
I'm a worse marriage prospect than him!
Akira made double what I did this season: 36 million!
Akira could make her much happier than I can!
Hey, there!
That's Akira and Natsunosuke!
What's with those costumes?
Oh, he found us!
I can't believe you put those on!
It seems our costumed pair has finally been found!
Yeah! We found 'em all!
And we made it just before time was up!
Shibuya and Bonda, please come down!
See ya!
Now it's time to ask the players questions submitted to our website!
It's the "You Wanted to Know" segment!
We'll pass the mic along to the player...
Hey, Akira.
What were you muttering into that girl's ear?
Playboy Shibuya Akira has lost his stuff, I guess.
I didn't make a single pass.
Huh?
I passed on a little gossip, that's all.
I don't have confidence in myself right now.
My record this season was three wins and four losses.
For a pitcher in the starting rotation...
Actually, I couldn't even keep my spot in the rotation.
If I had, I'd have gotten 25 or 26 games this season,
but they only had me start 15.
I was on fire in at the start of the season too.
Akira pitched complete games in all of his first three starts this season,
and his ERA was an incredible 1.00.
But he lost all three.
Each time, he was up against the opposing team's ace and lost to them
because our team's batters couldn't get a single run.
Then as the season went on, he lost his rhythm...
My contract's probably going down next year.
It's hard to go after a girl when I think of that.
By the same tack, you got injured but still contributed to the pennant win.
You have a chance at getting a better contract.
I didn't even appear in the Climax Series.
Next year, I'll be 27 years old.
This might be my do-or-die season.
I won't have time for women.
I'm gonna do my best!
Akira...
Yes, it's all about the money diamond!
There's money buried under the diamond.
Well, I did manage to figure out where she works, at least.
Those three office workers said, "We're regulars at Kitchen Ajihei in Ebisu."
O-Oh no!
Y-You're sure it wasn't Yoyogi?
Natsunosuke here!
Wow, what a celebration!
Color Commentator Toku just got engaged!
But unbeknownst to him, he's been fired! It's awful!
I try to let him know ASAP,
but he's on a pre-wedding trip with his girlfriend to Guam, and I can't get in touch with him!
Next time: "Marrying While Unemployed?!"
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 21 [AC60B9E7]

Heya!
Hey there!
Matsumoto of Otowa Radio
is a popular commentator who's done pro baseball play-by-play ever since he joined the company.
Hello!
Hey!
When he's announcing for a night game, he always enters the stadium at 2 PM.
The home team will be doing batting practice around then.
He'll go right to interviews with the manager, the coaches, and the players.
At 3:20, the day's starting pitcher will finish his warm-ups, and he'll come in from the outfield.
One hour before broadcast,
he'll meet up with his station's director, color commentator, and bench reporters.
Then he'll have a light meal.
He always gets either curry or udon from the Jingu Stadium snack bars.
At 5:40, he starts his broadcast.
Then, at 6:00...
Welcome to Jingu Spiders vs. Kawasaki Blue Comets, the first in a three-game series.
The Spiders' starter, Shiina, winds up and throws his first pitch!
It's a strike!
A fastball clipping the outside corner!
And then, one day...
Here, your pick-me-up.
Hey, thanks, Toku.
It must be rough, getting back from the stadium and moving right on to preparing for tomorrow's game.
That preparation is what makes a play-by-play announcer.
But what are you doing here at this hour?
I'm doing color commentary tomorrow, remember?
I thought I'd learn a thing or two from you...
and do my own prep for once.
It'll be a nice change of pace.
And we're pairing up tomorrow too.
You can really use that PC, huh?
Why don't you try a PC out too?
They're really useful.
No, I need to write it all in by hand.
The words won't fly off my tongue unless I do.
But I have to say, you've been all-in these days, huh?
I don't want to get fired, is all.
By the way, Matsumoto.
You know Nogawa of the Mops? The pitcher?
Nogawa?
He just came into the majors yesterday...
You didn't hear about it?
Oh, just two years in the league, 20 years old.
He pitched a great game four days ago in the minors. Seven shutout innings!
Oh, really?
And the scheduled starter, Sasamoto, has been in a bit of a slump lately.
He hasn't had a quality start his last two games.
Yeah, he didn't last a full five innings in his last two games.
So I checked up on Nogawa, thinking they might use him as a long reliever.
But if Sasamoto's starting, I'm sure he'll have made adjustments.
Well, the third time is frequently not the charm.
It might be good to read up on Nogawa.
Just to be safe.
If I do that, I'll be getting home after 3 AM!
And it breaks through into left-center field!
Two runners score!
The starter, Sasamoto, has given up four runs in only two innings!
He's only gotten one out, with two men still on base!
It's turning out just like Toku said!
Looks like the Mops have given up on Sasamoto!
Now pitching: Nogawa.
This is 20-year-old Nogawa, who just came up to the majors two days ago.
This will be his first appearance as a pro.
Okay, we're going to commercial!
Your prediction came true, Toku!
I've got tons of material on Nogawa!
I'll bet the other stations are freaking out right now!
Hey, hey! Get us some data on Nogawa already!
How can we not have any data on him?
I give up!
Nice job, Toku!
I've gotta work hard if I want to keep my job!
It was things like these that caused Matsumoto to form a special attachment to Toku.
And now...
Pro baseball fans feeling down during the off-season, we're here for you! It's 5:40 PM!
Time for the informative variety show, Night Off.
It's Matsumoto Hideo's "Digging Deeper! Just Between Us!"
My partner today is...
Otowa Radio's Mizugoshi Nanako!
And our guest is the pro baseball color commentator...
Tokunaga here. Nice to be here!
Tokunaga's here to talk about pitching prospects in the Central League.
Which young pitcher will transform the Central League next season?!
During the off-season, Matsumoto hosts this variety show.
Great job, everyone!
Toku, your comments today were so unconventional!
You've really been on fire lately!
Y-You think?
Your color commentary's been getting rave reviews too!
Okay, Toku. See you later!
Thank you for having me.
I'll be off too.
Toku! Toku...
Huh?
You'll stay with us as a color commentator next season too, won't you?
What?!
You're keeping me on next year?
Of course we are!
We're still finishing up the contract arrangements, of course.
But there's no need to worry about yours! I'll see to it!
Thank you so much! I'll do my best!
Great to work with you again!
Yes! I already got my contract for next season!
Hey, Natsunosuke. How you doing?
Toku!
Sorry it's so sudden, but let's have a prefecture clique meetup tomorrow.
Tell Yukio too.
Sure.
Got it.
There's someone I want to introduce you to.
Also, I learned Otowa Radio's keeping me on color commentary next year.
That's great to hear!
It figures, though. Everyone says your commentary has gotten really good.
Hey, it's not that great.
Once you're done with pro ball, maybe I'll introduce you around the station.
Yes, please do!
I've got you!
This is Akemi.
Akemi.
I'm Akemi!
We're getting married.
T-Toku!
That's so great!
Congratulations!
Well, I wanted to get married while I was still an active player,
but I guess waiting this long was the right choice.
Are you gonna have a ceremony?
We dunno yet.
But my folks back in Yamanashi will get on my case otherwise, so maybe we'll have a small one, at least.
Right?
Yes!
I see! Toku is finally getting married!
Marrying at 36...
It feels a bit late in life, but I guess that's how people do it these days!
Go on, down those glasses!
Look at you! Baseball players sure can down their alcohol!
Go on, have another!
Is Akemi from that place in Roppongi that Toku used to visit a lot?
She's so sweet and attentive.
I'm really envious.
Hey, Akemi! What do you do for a living?
How did you two meet?
Um... Well...
Idiot!
Ow!
Wh-What was that for?
Don't ask such intrusive questions!
C'mon, let's have another toast!
Toast, toast!
Congratulations!
After getting engaged and having his contract renewed for next season, Toku had hit peak happiness.
But in another restaurant not far from there,
the head of Otowa Radio's sports department was having a meal with a certain big-name color commentator.
Of course!
I'd be delighted to join you.
Thank you so much!
We were hoping to make you our main color commentator, Jinno, so we look forward to working with you.
This is wonderful.
I'm just so honored that you approached me.
Otowa Radio employed me until about ten years ago, after all.
Not at all.
Looking back... I really was so immature back then.
My commentary was too.
But I've spent these last ten years picking up in-the-field experience.
Well, not only did you do amazing things back when you were a player,
you've had a fruitful career with 18 years in the booth and as a coach.
And you've even served as head coach for two ball clubs!
I'll be making use of all that experience in my commentary.
You'll see some truly mature work from me.
We can't wait!
Paying him is going to be rough, though.
We'll need to scrape up the money somewhere.
Really?
We're signing Jinno?
He's big time!
Yeah, the chief went and sealed the deal.
But a man of Jinno's caliber will cost a pretty penny, won't he?
The manager said to cut someone to make it happen if we need to.
Cut? We're losing a commentator?
But who?
I dunno. But the easiest one to cut would be...
The youngest.
Toku, huh?
Yeah...
What? Toku?
Yeah, I can see it.
Not Toku!
Thanks for inviting me out.
It's nice to go out now and then.
So... You color commentators...
You're going through contracts now.
It must be rough.
Did the director, Ogiwara, say anything to you about yours?
After our last show, he said he wants me to stay on next year.
Really?
Th-That's good to hear...
That was before they struck the deal with Jinno.
A-Anyway... You know...
Hey, Matsumoto, listen.
Down the line, I want to be a coach for the Spiders.
Oh...
Good luck with that!
To get there, I need to rack up a few quality years as a commentator.
You know, because my playing career was pretty mediocre.
R-Really?
The truth is, at the start, I underestimated what commentators do.
I thought you could just say whatever.
But I've realized that you can't just chat about what's happening on the field.
I couldn't see the whole picture.
I didn't have the vocabulary. My reports lacked depth.
It might sound trite, but I also realized that I need to read books about things other than baseball too.
Now that you mention it, the older commentators do read a lot more than you'd expect.
Everyone does the research and learns about baseball.
I need to acquire more depth as a human being to set myself apart from the others.
Because in our world, you never know when you might get the axe.
Toku, you've changed a lot since you first started in this business.
Hey, even I can grow up a little.
Yes, Toku.
I hope you'll use this as a stepping stone to return to the field some day.
Sure. But, Matsumoto, it's easier said than done.
For men as mediocre as me, even if we work really hard as a commentator,
there's no guarantee we'll ever get to put on a uniform again.
What?
I know myself better than anyone.
But as long as Otowa Radio's paying my bills,
it would be ungrateful not to give them my best.
Work as hard as you can on the work that's in front of you, year after year.
That's what life's all about.
Toku...
How am I supposed to tell him now?
I wanted to clue him in on the big-name color commentator they're hiring...
What?!
You're not signing Toku next year?!
That's right.
We reached an agreement with Jinno, who has both a record and renown.
B-But, Boss, it's not like we're overstaffed...
It's not a matter of staff count. It's a matter of budget!
But I can't tell Toku about this!
He's still only in his second year!
If you don't tell him, who will?!
B-But...
I can't do this!
I already told him I'd see to it that he got a contract too!
Wh-What?!
I-I'm supposed to tell Toku he's fired?!
Please, Matsumoto!
You and Toku are friends!
You're the one who brought him in!
Try to tell him as soon as possible!
His ability to find another job in time will depend on it!
W-Wait a minute! You can't do this to me!
I'm counting on you, Matsumoto!
H-Hey!
You've gotta be kidding me!
What will I do?
I'm supposed to tell Toku that he's fired?
How is that an announcer's job?
But I don't have time for this!
Toku needs to find a source of income for next year!
The company's made up its mind, so I need to tell him ASAP.
Oh, but...
He's been working so hard!
I can't tell him!
No! I need to tell him!
He'll be in real trouble if I don't!
The number you're calling is either switched off or not reachable.
I can't even get in touch with him!
What's going on with Toku?
His phone's been out of range since yesterday!
Is he off messing around somewhere?
At the same time, it's a bit of a relief that I can't get through.
And Toku is single.
That makes it a little less urgent, I guess.
No, I can't let myself believe that!
H-Hey.
M-Matsumoto?
What are you doing here so early?
W-Well, Bonda, I heard you often come running here at this time of day.
So, uh, I thought I'd come to see you.
Is it some kind of emergency?
Well, I've been calling Toku since two days ago, and I can't get through at all.
Has he gone off somewhere, perhaps?
Toku's home in Yamanashi.
Yamanashi isn't out of signal range!
He's at a hot spring in the mountains with some friends from high school.
A hot spring?
They've rented out a little hot springs inn on the border with Nagano, and they're spending a few nights there.
Oh, so that's why I couldn't get through.
Places like that still exist, huh?
So? When will he be back?
I don't know, but, Matsumoto...
What could you need to get in contact with Toku about that urgently?
Huh?
Oh, well...
Hey, is it bad news?
No, of course not!
Look, this is weird!
You wouldn't come here to talk to me otherwise!
No, no, it's nothing!
I'm sorry! This has nothing to do with you!
What?! T-Toku's been fired?!
We need to tell him as soon as possible, right?
He's fired?
Th-That can't be.
Toku is about to get married!
What? Married?
Married?!
He said they're making it official next year.
T-Toku... has a fiancée?!
Oh god, marrying while unemployed?!
Waiting until after the show to head out left it pretty late,
but we should reach the mountain spring before midnight at this rate.
Yeah.
Now that I think about it, this is too important for a phone call, right?
I need to tell him in person.
I get that...
But why do I have to come along with you?
Don't be like that.
I couldn't do this by myself.
And you're the only person I can ask.
Tokunaga went home already.
What?!
A friend drove him.
He said he had to get back to Tokyo before day's end.
It's seven already?
Toku?!
Hello?!
Matsumoto!
Hey, Natsunosuke!
I'm at Haneda! Haneda Airport!
Haneda?!
Haneda?
I'm on my way to Guam.
Guam?!
I'm with the lady you met the other day.
W-Wait a minute!
M-Matsumoto here.
Hey, Matsumoto, sorry.
I see you tried to call me a few times, but I've been too busy to call back.
Hey, we've gotta go.
I'll be back in the evening five days from now.
So long!
W-Wait, Toku!
Toku!
And so, Toku went to Guam in ignorant bliss.
Marrying while unemployed...
That's rough.
So he didn't tell Toku?
He could call him in Guam, though, right?
But Matsumoto said...
"They're enjoying their pre-wedding trip. I don't want to spoil that.
I think I should tell him after he gets back."
That's a fair point, I guess.
But what's Toku going to do now?
Poor guy...
Maybe they can work it out after the wedding?
"Work it out"? He can't even get married like this!
What?
Why not?
Because he can't! He'll be unemployed!
You think Akemi would go along with that?
I-Is that what it's about?
Yeah, that's how the world works.
It hits too close to home for me...
You can't get married unless you have a steady income.
The world of pro baseball really is rough.
Even Toku, who got 49 wins, is in dire straits.
We don't have a real accomplishment to our names, either.
We need to hit the big time while we're still active players.
Yeah.
Reality weighed heavy on Yukio and me.
Natsunosuke here.
Toku makes it home, and he's shocked to learn he's been fired!
Matsumoto found him a coaching job at an independent league in Fukui,
but will his fiancée, Akemi, go with him to Fukui?
Is this the end for Toku's marriage?
Meanwhile, another situation develops.
Next time: "Sudden Turnaround!"
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 22 [42BF3B6A]

Toku... Guam was the right choice!
Yeah, this is awesome.
Maybe we'll come back for our honeymoon.
Oh, I'd love that!
Yeah! I'll have to work hard!
Unaware that he'd been fired from his color commentary job,
Toku was enjoying sweet bliss in Guam with Akemi.
Toku had a fiancée?
Yes.
Which means he's going to marry while unemployed.
Marrying while unemployed?
Tough luck for him.
Ogiwara, don't act like it's not your problem.
Couldn't you find some way of keeping him on staff?
Of course I couldn't! I'm just an underling!
Besides, they've already officially signed Jinno...
But, and this is just between us,
Jinno's name wasn't on the list of potential color comms targets.
But then apparently someone higher up told the chief, "Just shut up and hire Jinno!"
It came from above?
Jinno's such a big name commentator, and he commands big paychecks.
I feel bad for Toku, but someone had to be cut to free up the funds.
Anyway, it can't be changed now.
So let Toku know once he gets back, okay?
What?!
Be sure to tell him quick! He'll need to get back on the job hunt.
H-H-Hey!
See you later!
Darn it. Pushing all this on me...
Bonda?
Hey, Matsumoto. This is Bonda.
I'm in the neighborhood. Would you like to meet up?
If nothing changes, Toku will get back from his pre-wedding trip
and go straight from Heaven to the depths of Hell.
Yeah...
So, I have a favor to ask.
What is it?
Couldn't you get Toku a job somewhere?
There's no way!
If it were that easy, we wouldn't be in this mess.
You need to try!
I'm not sure what to do...
Can't you introduce him to someone, Bonda?
There's no way!
I'm still just a player, and I'm still young...
You know I don't have any connections like that!
It could be anything.
What about assistant director at your station?
Come on, it's Toku.
He was a color commentator until this year.
Offering him an AD job would be an insult!
I see.
Now that you mention it, I guess it couldn't be anything.
Besides, he was a major league pitcher with 49 wins to his name.
You can't ask him to take some nondescript role.
Are there really no color man jobs anywhere?
Everything's filled already.
What about local stations?
Not likely.
Local stations prefer to hire only players from their home clubs.
I guess that makes sense.
But Bonda, you really care about him, huh?
Of course. We're from the same area, and he looked after me early in my pro career.
I want to help him if I can.
Nothing here, I don't think.
A sports magazine?
But I doubt Toku can write articles.
Independent leagues?
An independent league?
Yes.
Five or six years ago, I was introduced to the GM of an independent league team, the Fukui Dynamits.
I just found his business card!
Fukui, huh?
Yeah.
And I called to ask if they have any open coaching slots.
Apparently, he's in Tokyo on a business trip right now!
He said we could meet up late tonight.
Bonda, you'll come along, right?
Yes, of course!
Perfect timing!
We'd be happy to take on the former Spiders player, Tokunaga!
That was fast!
But what's the salary of a coach in an independent league?
If he'd be willing to take 300,000 a month...
No bonuses, of course.
300 grand times 12... That's 3.6 million a year.
If he'll agree to that, we'd gladly take him on.
Given his current situation, it's not a bad offer for Toku at all.
But he's getting married too...
Okay. We'll talk to him about your offer.
What?
Oh, will you?
An independent league is a place where he can chase his dream.
Coaching will add to Toku's skill set, and he could get called back to center stage someday.
That's my hope, anyway.
But doing radio commentary is already a center stage position.
An independent league is moving pretty far into the wings.
Will Toku accept that?
Fukui, eh? That's pretty far.
But coaching is a good job.
Better than being unemployed, anyway.
The guys in the minors play independent league teams a lot.
If things go well, some pro club might pick him up as coach.
Wasn't Takai, our minor league pitching coach, a coach in an independent league once?
But that guy was a star player with 130 wins to his name.
He went there with a guarantee that he'd be back in our club someday, so his case is different from Toku's.
You think?
I guess even the indies won't help unless you're a big-time star.
The real question is whether or not Toku will accept it.
It all comes down to how he feels.
And whether Akemi is willing to follow him to Fukui or not.
So, when's Toku getting back?
Tomorrow.
And so, Toku returned.
Make sure you quit your job in Roppongi once we're married, okay?
I hear you, Toku.
As I thought, Akemi works in Roppongi.
I think this is the right flight.
Huh? Natsunosuke?
And Matsumoto?
What's going on?
Toku!
S-So, what you're saying is...
I'm... fired?
I hear you're getting married?
Yeah. To her.
Wait... I'm marrying while unemployed?!
After I worked so hard!
Toku!
Toku! Toku!
I know it's a shock.
But there's more to it.
I got you a job as a coach in an independent league.
Huh?
I'm just a play-by-play man.
What I did was the best I could do.
Still, thank you.
I'm sure he appreciates having the option, at least.
An independent league? The Fukui Dynamits?
They said they'll guarantee a salary of 300,000 a month.
300,000 a month.
That's 3.6 million a year.
It's actually a bit better than what I made at Otowa Radio.
But I was hoping to marry her next year.
Fukui's so far away. Would she follow me there?
A woman who's been belle of the ball in Roppongi.
Would she move to Fukui?
But...
What other work can I do in Tokyo?
Absolutely nothing.
No. Even if there were something, I don't want a job that takes me out of baseball!
That said, the indies?
Being a baseball commentator at Otowa Radio was keeping me in the pro baseball world.
I was hoping to become a coach for the Spiders or some other team someday.
But as an ex-player with no accomplishments to his name,
if I leave the pros, there's no guarantee I'll ever make it back.
Anyway, I can't tell her about this yet.
But this independent league coaching offer...
He made it sound like it fell into his lap,
but is it possible that Matsumoto went out and found the job for me?
The day after Toku got back from Guam,
Jinno Jirou, the big-name commentator who was the cause of his firing...
Nice shot, Mr. Head.
Stop it. That's not me.
The new head coach of the great Bunkyo Mops, Mr. Kugutsu Akihiko.
For over ten years after we joined the Blue Comets, you and I were fixtures at second and shortstop.
Then, after we hung up our jerseys, we ended up as coaches and commentators,
following similar paths.
That's why, when I heard you got named the Mops' head coach, I was as happy as if had been me.
And I heard you ended up back at Otowa Radio, right?
Yeah, I managed to sneak my way in.
I hope you'll take today to share some of your experiences as head coach of two ball clubs with me.
Well, I was just head coach of the Setouchi Carnabeats and the Kobe Oxen.
I doubt it'll be much help.
I suppose not.
Frankly,
being head coach of the Bunkyo Mops comes with much greater pressure than being manager of a rinky-dink club.
I know it's harsh, but it's true.
Kugutsu.
I guess my stories of being head coach won't be much use to you after all.
I'm sure that's not true.
But when I was younger, I was a base coach for the Mops, if only for a year.
Some stories from that time might be more useful to you.
Base coach?
I'll be head coach, though.
The point is they run a tighter ship over there than you might imagine.
In all respects.
Yeah, but that can be a good thing.
You don't get that kind of atmosphere in just any old ball club.
Good luck with your commentary.
What's with this guy?
I think that head coaching job has really gone to his head.
Also, Kugutsu, I might be worrying too much here, but...
What's this?
Well, you're joining a very popular club, you know.
You never know when someone might get jealous and try to dig up some dirt on you.
And you think that's a concern?
I doubt it's anything to worry about.
I'm totally clean.
There's no dirt for anyone to dig up.
This guy...
Even the way he talks has changed.
Why do people have to be like this?
Coach for an independent league team in Fukui?
They're setting up their team for next season, so they want an answer within the week.
You can't do commentator work for Otowa Radio anymore, then?
Yeah.
At least not next season.
So, what are you thinking?
Well, I don't know.
How do you feel?
What does it matter how I feel?
R-Realistically speaking, I think it's the only choice.
That's right. Of course it is.
You can't work in any field other than baseball, right?
Because if you leave baseball, you might never make it back, right?
Then I suppose you have to go to Fukui, don't you?
Wh-What about you?
I...
While Toku was talking to Akemi about that, another situation was progressing.
What's the matter, Kugutsu?
Why'd you call me out like this?
L-Look at this, would you?
What's this? A copy of a photo?
A golf course?
Y-You know Weekly Buncho, right?
Weekly Buncho?
Yeah, what about it?
One of their reporters came by with that.
And?
That's from ten years ago, when I went golfing with executives from a certain real estate company.
At the time, I was on their payroll as a spokesman.
But since then, it's come out that the company had secret ties to a mob syndicate!
What?!
He came to me asking for an interview about it,
but obviously, I don't know anything about it!
The guy on the far right was in the mob!
D-Do you think this will affect my position with the Bunkyo Mops?
Of course it will!
This is terrible!
And not just the Mops!
There's no ball club that would ever let this slide!
Listen, Toku.
I...
I...
Oh, my marriage is over!
I'd go with you, of course!
What?
Really?
Toku?
Yes?
You weren't thinking, "My marriage is over," were you?
No...
I can't believe you thought that! What an insult.
But are you sure it's okay?
It's fine.
To be honest, if we'd stayed in Tokyo,
I might not have been able to quit my job in Roppongi.
I think we'd have a rough time living on just your salary.
Huh?
I've made up my mind!
Now I can move on from that risqué stuff!
If we live in Fukui, we can probably get by just on your salary.
It'll be fine.
I'm going to be your wife, Toku.
I... I...
I'm so glad I didn't get married when I was a player!
I'm so glad that I waited!
She was totally the right choice!
Oh, don't cry, now!
The Weekly Buncho scoop resulted in a media firestorm.
I-I don't know anything!
I'm not involved!
That was ten years ago!
Boy, this is the kind of scandal the Mops hate the most.
Jeez, poor Kugutsu...
Phone for you, dear.
From whom?
Someone with the Bunkyo Mops.
Huh?
What? Head coach of the Mops?
They chose me to replace Kugutsu.
J-Jinno?
I-I'm sorry.
I'll have to back out of the commentator deal.
I understand, Jinno.
It's natural that a man of your caliber would receive an offer like that.
I'm sorry!
We'll withdraw our offer.
I hope you'll join us some other time.
I see.
I'm so glad to hear that.
We'll find a replacement for you, Jinno.
I'm really, really, really...
grateful!
He looks so happy!
Kugutsu, someone got dirt on you.
Don't say I didn't warn you!
That's the story.
So now we have to ask Toku to come back for commentary next season.
Well, it's great news, but...
Right?! You'll tell him yourself, won't you?
Please!
Fine.
I'm so glad!
I made you break the news of his firing to him, so I can't really poke my nose in now, can I?
Very true.
But afterward, you need to apologize to Toku, and then officially ask him to work with us again, okay?
Leave it to me!
I'll talk to the manager, have him over for dinner, and get it done.
And that's that.
You'll take it, won't you?
Oh... Well, I guess.
Apparently, the Fukui Dynamits were kind of straining to hire you anyway.
Their budget was really tight.
I was starting to look forward to it, though.
But if they withdrew that quickly when they heard the new situation,
I guess they didn't actually need me that badly.
So, can we count on seeing you next year?
Yeah.
Though I'm still a little dazed.
Boy, Toku, you've really been through the ringer, but I'm glad to hear you'll be a commentator again!
I guess.
Now you can get married without any worries.
And now it's you guys' time to have contract negotiations.
They've started, right?
Ours are next week.
Y-Yeah...
Y-Yes.
I'm gonna do my best!
It's our once-a-year battle with the ball club!
Cheers!
But, man, I really am glad I chose her.
But wait, does that mean...
Well, I guess I'll stick with my Roppongi job after all!
Is that what she'll say?
That was the only thing Toku had left to worry about.
Money Diamond!
Natsunosuke here.
The baseball world is in the middle of contract negotiations.
Shibuya Akira and Ohno Yukio get great news on their first try.
And now, at last, it's my turn.
But I get identified at the place where Yuki works, and she finally recognizes me,
so I head toward negotiations with a spring in my step!
But the club's assessment process is really harsh, you know?
Next time: "Contract Renewals, Part One."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 23 [DC53B7DD]

The pro baseball world is currently in the middle of contract negotiations.
Did you get to 250, Shiina?
No.
The Spiders' ace, Shiina, renewed his contract for 240 million, a 40 million increase.
240 million, eh?
You were right on the money, Natsunosuke.
I guess so.
But since we won the pennant, I thought he'd at least make it to 250.
When you're already that highly paid, huge increases are hard to come by.
So, when are your negotiations?
Day after tomorrow.
Tomorrow for me.
You're tomorrow, Yukio?
I set my goal for this season to appear in every game,
but in the end, I only made 135 appearances.
135 out of 143 is really good.
And you pulled a .279 batting average.
I only had ten home runs.
Last year, I hit 14 in 48 games.
No, ten is a nice number.
It makes a better impression than nine.
Don't worry. Your contract's going up.
36 million. Maybe 37.
Huh? 37 million?
I make 20 million now.
You think they'd give me that much?
We won the pennant, so 38 is on the table.
No, you're wrong.
It'll be 39.
39...
...million?
Under normal circumstances, you might even get 40 million.
You did appear in 135 games, after all.
40 million?
But 40 million would be double what you're making now.
So I think they'll stop you just short of that.
Is that how it works?
Natsunosuke's predictions tend to be right on the money.
Thank you very much!
I'm going to work even harder next year!
Ohno Yukio renewed his contract, going from 20 million to 39 million.
You got it right again, Natsunosuke.
Yukio was so happy.
Well, he was only making 10 million the year before.
He's really come a long way. He's even got me beat now.
And tomorrow's your big day.
I... I recorded three wins and four losses.
ERA 4.45.
Fifteen appearances as a starter, one as reliever.
And I was skipped in the rotation a few times.
If I'd stayed in the entire time, I would've gotten 25 or 26 appearances.
My salary's definitely going down.
No, it'll stay the same.
What?
In fact, it might even increase a little.
A-Are you serious?
I mean, you still started 15 games.
Sure, you personally didn't record a lot of wins, but the team won many of the games you started.
Y-Yeah!
That's how I feel about it!
You still contributed to the pennant win.
And at the start of the season,
you faced one roster's ace after another.
No way the team won't recognize that those losses were no fault of your own.
You think?
You're such a worrywart.
We won the pennant, you know.
Well, if you say so.
36 and a half million?
Not only did my salary not go down, you're tacking on 500 grand?
N-Natsunosuke's prediction was a bullseye!
We can't lowball a pitcher who started 15 games.
Obviously.
We don't just base these things on whether you get wins or not.
Out of games you started, we won nine and lost six.
That's a win percentage of 60.
What's the 500,000 for, then?
We won the pennant, you know.
We couldn't just keep it the same, so we tacked on the extra 500 grand.
Natsunosuke...
Everything you said is coming true!
But, GM,
don't you think we're being a bit stingy with Shibuya here?
We could make it a nice, round number.
That's a good point.
Huh?
I'm making the call to turn the 500,000 into an even million.
We'll make it 37 million!
Yes!
You know what that's about, right?
They were going to make it 37 million from the start.
They just put on that little ceremony to make you happy.
You think so?
Anyway, I'm definitely happy!
And man, you really are sharp when it comes to stuff like this!
Oh, Kawasaki.
Hey there.
Hi, Natsunosuke, Akira.
You guys went through it today too?
Just me.
How'd it go?
Awesome.
Glad to hear it.
Mine starts at 4 PM.
I've got a bit of time to kill.
Please, join us.
Thanks.
Who was after you?
No one went in after me.
I see.
Then I bet those sly old foxes are formulating a strategy to deal with me.
This season, in Kawasaki's 20th in the pros,
the veteran pitcher finally hit 150 wins.
On this day, he and the team failed to reach an agreement, prolonging the talks.
Looks like Kawasaki is fighting them.
Yeah.
It says he wants a multi-year contract.
Two years, you think? Or three?
Three years, apparently.
He's 39 next year...
So at the end of the deal, he'll be 40, 41...
There's no way that's happening.
Kawasaki must have confidence in his longevity.
But this year, he had a 3-4 record like me.
The paper says he was offered an extension on his 60 million contract.
You know, I would've expected Kawasaki's contract to go down,
so I guess that's also part of the pennant effect.
Kawasaki once made 230 million a year, but he was down to 60 million this year.
How much could you even get paid in total for three years at age 39?
100 million?
Nah, 60 million over three years, I bet.
Three years for 60 million?
So he'd be splitting his one-year salary up over three years?
Sounds like it.
20 million a year for three years...
That's awfully low.
But there'll be performance-related bonuses, so it'll add up to a lot more overall,
or at least that's what I think.
Still, it's an impossible demand.
Although I admire his determination to stay in the game.
He's been doing it for 20 years, after all.
He's working at a level we can't even imagine.
Speak of the devil.
It's Kawasaki!
Huh?
Hey!
'Sup!
Hey there.
Want to run together?
Yeah!
This guy's got real stamina for his age.
His physical abilities haven't dropped at all.
And he's genuinely just strong.
I'm no match for this old guy.
And his body is unbelievably limber.
He's got me and Natsunosuke outclassed.
I guess that's how you win 150 games.
Truly amazing.
Listen... I want to win 200 games.
What?
I didn't know he had that goal.
If I play to age 45, I can make it to 200.
So he wants to play seven more years?
You read the newspaper too, right?
I bet you saw my demand for a multi-year contract and thought I'd gone crazy.
No, not at all!
Knowing you're aiming for 200 explains it.
Anyway, I need a guaranteed three more years in the pros,
and then I'll take it one year at a time.
Even if that three-year contract goes through, to get those last 50 wins,
he'll have a quota of seven or eight wins per year.
That's gonna be a tall order at his age.
Looking at your body, I feel like you might just do it.
Natsunosuke...
I bet by the time you retire at 45,
you'll be back up to a 100 million contract.
Natsunosuke, this old man will take that as his future motivation.
And then,
during Kawasaki's second round of negotiations...
You can keep insisting, but a multi-year contract is a no-go.
Take this one-year deal and do well, and there'll be another one waiting.
I have a dream.
I'll go through this dance as many times as it takes.
All right.
Then here's what we'll do.
We'll add 10 million to our offer.
That's 60 plus 10, so 70 million.
You'll accept that, won't you?
The multi-year is impossible.
GM!
Look, it's all right.
I'm making this call.
Kawasaki was so adamant, but in the end, he folded.
Actually, I wonder if this was his plan from the start.
Huh?
He hasn't stayed in the pros 20 years for nothing.
His record was the same as yours: three wins, four losses.
Yet I got a million yen added, while he got 10 million...
Is he really chasing 200 wins?
Did he really want a multi-year contract?
Who's the real sly old fox?
Only Kawasaki knows the truth.
By the way,
you've got your talks tomorrow, right?
Try to guess your own contract!
That's the hardest of all.
Though I can guess what the club will offer me from past experience.
Here you go!
Thank you for coming!
Check for table two, please!
Yuki...
She's as radiant as ever!
Here you go!
Fried chicken 'n' rice!
Here we go!
Delicious!
My season at 26 years old.
Salary: 18 million yen.
Heading toward contract negotiations,
a player analyzes his own accomplishments and contributions,
Hey, isn't that Bonda of the Spiders?
and then presents the number he's hoping for.
Huh?
Bonda?
Of course, the player and club may value those contributions very differently.
Hey.
Huh?
What?
Are you Bonda, from the Spiders?
I knew it.
I'm a huge fan of the Spiders.
I'm sorry to interrupt your meal, but I'd love to shake your hand.
S-Sure...
I hope you get us to the Japan Series and make us best in Japan next year.
Can I have one too?
Sure.
Um, excuse us.
Can we also...
Excuse me, Bonda.
Sorry, I only have a work notepad on me right now, but...
Could I have your autograph?
Here.
Thank you very much.
I'd love one too.
Sorry it's just a notepad again.
He's giving out autographs.
Who is that?
Bonda of the Spiders.
Oh, the southpaw middle reliever.
Contributing to the league pennant must've increased my name recognition a little bit.
Even though somewhere in my heart,
I was sure that this was one place I'd never been recognized.
They say he's a pro baseball player!
A pro baseball player?
Let's see, an autograph card...
He is?
Yuki, could you get us his autograph?
Who is he again?
Um, B-Bonda?
Oh, Bonda from the Spiders.
Sure thing.
Bonda?
I feel like I've heard that name before...
Excuse me.
Sorry.
Could we get your autograph for the shop?
You can make it out to Kitchen Ajihei...
R-Right...
I remember!
I'm sorry.
I'm such a huge Tempters fan!
Huh?
Bonda is the one that sent us to the Japan Series, so I just got so happy!
Mr. Tutankhamen?
Yes...
I was Tutankhamen.
I-I was at the Spiders' fan appreciation day, and I said something really awful to you...
I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
Yuki?
I'm sorry!
Y-You remember me?
O-Of course I do!
Really, don't worry about it!
Here you are.
Thank you very much.
Did our Yuki do something to offend you?
No, no, not at all.
Yuki, what's the matter?
Actually...
Mumble, mumble.
What?! You did that?!
Then...
Here, an apology for our Yuki's rudeness.
Huh?
Go on, Yuki.
Pour for him.
What?!
R-Right.
H-Here you are.
Y-Yeah...
Thank you.
Yuki!
Give him this to eat with it!
S-Sure!
Th-This is on the house too!
Hey, Yuki!
You sit there and pour for him for a while.
Ma'am...
Forget work.
Come on, please do this.
Here.
I wasn't mentally prepared for this sudden encounter.
I can't seem to say anything!
Pro baseball players make a lot of money, right?
How much do you think Bonda makes?
Don't know.
I don't think he made it to 20 million this year.
Oh, really?
Says 18 million here.
What? 18 million?
18 million, huh?
18 million?!
He's rich!
But for a pro baseball player, that's not much.
What? At 18 million?
Then how much do pro baseball players usually make?
Depends on the player.
Some make hundreds of millions, and some just make a few.
Then is a player making 18 million in the baseball world high? Middling? Low?
Can't say, but for the majors, it's on the lower side.
Low?!
Sure, I might be low right now.
I only make 18 million.
But one day, I'll be on the high end!
And my first step to see that day come...
Bonda.
Here.
R-Right.
Please do your best.
Right!
I'll do my best tomorrow!
Huh?
Nothing, just a personal matter.
This season was my best one since turning pro.
I feel like I contributed to us winning the league pennant too.
I'd wager they'll offer me a 7 million yen increase.
That's 25 million yen.
Bonda, through May, you served us well as a middle reliever.
You had 20 appearances by then, which was as many as you'd had all the previous season.
If you'd kept that up, you might've had over 60 mound appearances.
Sadly, you got hurt just before interleague play, and you were out of play for four months.
You returned in September,
in the middle of a dead heat pennant race between us, the Tempters, and the Mops.
Then you appeared in 11 games and got seven hold points.
Those seven holds definitely contributed to our league pennant win.
In that stretch, you made 11 appearances and racked up four wins, four losses, and two saves with a 3.01 ERA.
You also totaled 20 hold points for the season.
We plugged this data into our club's assessment program, and it gave us your contract for next year.
It's definitely going up.
I have 11 appearances and ten holds more than last year.
And as the club acknowledges, I contributed to the late pennant race and helped us win it.
24.5 million.
Bonda,
we fully appreciate how hard you worked in our late-season pennant race.
And the management really trusts you.
But that injury was unfortunate.
Of course, you were injured during a game, so we won't detract for that,
but as you spent four months out of the majors, there's a limit to how much we can add on for you.
If you hadn't been injured, you might've reached 40 million.
Well, we're counting on you next season too.
Do your best.
No, wait a minute.
That 500 grand is too awkward.
I'm making the call to add on another 500.
Let's go with 25 million.
G-GM!
Are you sure?
Yeah, I am.
Bonda clearly contributed to our win.
Bonda, please do your best at 25 million next year.
As I thought, they added on that extra 500,000.
And as I predicted, they were planning to offer me 25 million all along.
But if I compromise here, I lose.
Excuse me.
Could I make a proposition?
Huh?
You have a proposition?
You're not satisfied with 25 million?
Then...
How much do you want?
I want another million.
26 million.
26 million?!
There's no way.
Don't be ridiculous.
This is the best we can offer!
We won't go one yen higher!
But...
after you hear my argument, I think you'll be obliged to give me that extra million.
Bonda?
Natsunosuke here.
It's a meager yet precious one million.
I really am putting it all on the line here!
But the club refuses to accept my proposition.
Things are getting cut really close here.
That's when some very interesting information reaches my ears.
Yes, I'll hang in there a little longer!
I'm gonna get myself an extra million!
Next time: "Contract Renewals, Part Two."
Seize tomorrow's success and today's money!
Money Diamond!

▶ [Commie] Gurazeni - 24 [CF7FCBE3]

You're not satisfied with 25 million?
Then...
How much do you want?
I want another million.
26 million.
26 million?!
After you hear my argument, I think you'll be obliged to give me that extra million.
Bonda?
This one million will make a big difference.
It's only one million.
But when I first entered the majors, my scout, Yasuda, said...
Being a pro is all about money.
When it's time for contract negotiations, be greedy.
Even if it's just for a million or two.
Every year, do everything you can to get that boost.
When it adds up, it'll make a big difference.
It's important to gradually build up those numbers.
If I make more than 60 appearances next season, I can double my contract to 50 million.
But they'll stop me just short of that by about 2 million, so I won't reach 50 million.
But if I add on an extra million now to get to 26 million, then even if they make that cut, I'll make it to 50 million.
Next year, the year after, and the year after that... This million yen now will have a huge impact on my earnings!
Do you remember the Jingu Spiders 4,000th win memorial game in October?
It was against the Mops at Jingu Stadium.
R-Right.
We'd reached first in the standings once,
but after that, first place kept changing hands each day.
Before that game, the Tempters were in first by half a game.
The matchups were us versus the Mops,
and the Tempters versus the Wild Ones.
After that, we were going to play five games on the road.
In other words, if we'd lost that day,
the chances of getting our memorial win at home would've plummeted.
That game, our starter was the 38-year-old Kawasaki, who had two wins in the seasons so far.
Haven't started in a while.
At that point, Kawasaki had reached 149 career wins.
I'm hitting 150 wins this game for sure.
Everyone wanted to get our 4,000th victory and Kawasaki's 150th win.
Kawasaki is a team legend, after all.
Kawasaki did a great job that day, giving up no runs through the fourth.
But...
In the fifth, when he could've qualified for the win, he gave up a two-run homer.
In the bottom of that inning, a pinch hitter was sent in for him.
Don't worry. You did well today.
But just then, we started hitting
and turned it around!
Maybe I'll get that win after all!
I'm the one who took over after that.
Natsunosuke, just handle two innings for now.
Yes, sir.
Around the same time, we learned that the Tempters at Koshien Stadium were losing 7-0 in the fifth.
Whoever wins here will take first place!
I pitched well again that day, and I held them to no runs in the sixth and the seventh.
Natsunosuke, you're on fire today. Handle another inning, won't you?
What?
In the end, I pitched the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings to secure the hold.
And of course, Segawa was all set to go in as closer in the ninth.
But leading off that inning was their cleanup, Norman, whom they weren't going to pinch hit for.
A left-hander, eh?
Natsunosuke, stick in through Norman, would you?
I struck out Norman.
Now Segawa will finish the game, huh?
Well, I'd prefer not to change in the middle of an inning...
Have Natsunosuke handle the last two.
Huh?
What?
I was still on fire, so I easily got the last two outs also.
The Spiders land their record 4,000th win!
Kawasaki gets his 150th win in the pros!
And with that win, the Spiders also take first place in the league standings!
The point I'm trying to emphasize is that I contributed to our memorial win at Jingu,
and that I also got Kawasaki his 150th win.
And although we played seven games after that,
we ended up remaining in first the whole time.
In other words, the moment we secured our eventual first-place ranking, I was the one on the mound.
But, Bonda, we knew all that.
That's why we offered you 25 million yen.
You're saying you took that fact into account already?
That's right.
So we can't add on another million.
We heard you out, so that's that, right?
Do you accept?
I'm so glad. Well, I have some things to take care of...
Wait a minute!
My proposition isn't over yet!
Huh?
There's actually more to the story than that.
If you hear me out to the end, you'll understand the logic of giving me the extra million.
B-Bonda's not giving up!
You contributed to us getting our 4,000th win and Kawasaki's 150th win at home.
That was also the moment our team rose to its lasting first place position.
In other words, you contributed to the team's record, and to its legacy.
But as I said before, we've factored all that into your 25 million.
We can't offer any more.
But at that game—
I'm afraid we're just running in circles like this.
Let's take an hour break and cool our heads.
Yes, let's do that.
Time for a break!
I really could use one!
I really do have to see to something.
It's a standard club trick. Buy time by saying, "Let's cool our heads."
Most players will use the break time to reflect on their weak hand,
regret being stubborn, and fold like that.
But what a time to call for a breather...
I'd worked myself into a frenzy, and now it's all gone.
It's Bonda!
Let's see...
Wh-What is it?!
I-I haven't signed anything yet!
No, it's not about the contract negotiations.
Huh?
The fact that the news reached me then was a massive stroke of luck.
Or at the very least, it gave me the push I needed.
Boy, you are stubborn...
He certainly is determined.
I thought that after the break, he'd sign the contract just like that.
But I'm afraid you're just wasting your time.
It's a fair amount, no matter how you slice it.
Can't we come to an agreement?
I'm telling you, hear out the rest of the st—
Listen. This isn't all about you.
We have negotiations with a lot of other players today.
We can't indulge your selfishness forever.
If you refuse to hear me out, can we at least delay the negotiations?
We can resume another day.
How dare you?!
You're not a star player, you know!
Be reasonable!
We can't afford to take that kind of time.
All the negotiation slots are filled for at least the next ten days.
So us players in the 20 millions are supposed to shut up and do as we're told?
Whether we make 20 million or 100, we players are our own advocates.
We're all desperate here!
Don't quibble with us!
Hey...
S-Sorry.
I'm sorry.
Forgive me.
I went too far.
No... I did as well.
I suppose you leave us no choice.
But all we're doing is hearing your pitch.
We can't promise you anything.
Thank you very much.
That game was in all the sports papers.
But would our 4,000th victory and Kawasaki's 150th win have been that big a deal on their own?
There was another reason the game was in all the papers.
Because of showbiz gossip.
What?
Showbiz gossip?
Yes!
Showbiz gossip?
Yes!
Bonda!
Behind home plate at #Jingu.
I think the couple next to me is...
And there we go!
Bonda held on through the eighth too!
Segawa will be the closer in the ninth!
A one-run game!
You think we'll make it out?
This is bad, though.
We need to leave the stadium this inning.
Once the game ends, the crowd will come pouring out.
I wanna see the end, but I guess we gotta go!
We'd better get a taxi fast.
A singer and an actor.
That young star couple's relationship was exposed.
Those two Spiders fans had come with all their defenses in place, yet a sharp-eyed fan tweeted about it online,
and that tweet went viral...
It was major news.
There had never even been rumors about the two of them before then.
In all the sports papers the next day,
"Star couple's relationship exposed!
Shinoyama Chie & Shiraki Yuugo!"
And below that, it talked about the Spiders' 4,000th memorial victory and Kawasaki's 150th win as a pro.
Um, are you two dating?
Um...
No, we're just friends.
But you seemed quite close while you were watching the game.
Like a couple.
What? Where did that come from?
A fan tweeted about you online.
What? Online?
What are those cheers for?
Apparently, Bonda took the mound in the ninth and struck Norman out.
Bonda did?!
Will they be okay without Segawa in the ninth?
Well, Norman's a left-handed batter...
It looks like Bonda is pitching to the next batter too!
What?!
Then Bonda's hanging in to the end today?!
Are they going to be okay?
Are you two fans of the Spiders?
Yes, we are!
That's how we started...
What?!
They admitted it!
They're dating!
What?
Time to celebrate, you guys!
Bonda got us through the inning!
Yes!
Now we're in first place!
Great job, Bonda!
...he shouted out, they say.
But that all happened outside the stadium.
Our evaluation only takes into account your play on the field.
But it put our memorial victory on the front page.
But that had nothing to do with you.
It's not unconnected, though, is it?
That day, fans started tweeting about the game, and it took some time for the reporters to catch on.
Huh?
I bet that star couple hadn't planned to watch the game to the eighth.
The longer they stayed there, the more likely it was that they'd be spotted by the fans.
In the end, by the time they left the stadium, the reporters had already caught up with them.
There wouldn't have been an article if they hadn't.
What kept them rooted to the stadium until the eighth was watching me hold onto that 3-2 lead with my pitching.
And I'm pretty sure things would've been a lot different if they hadn't been found.
Great job, Bonda!
That moment was played repeatedly on TV too.
The game they'd gone to see was the Jingu Spiders' memorial 4,000th victory.
Each time the gossip story was played in the media, our 4,000th victory was mentioned too.
As was Kawasaki's 150th win.
In other words, you want a million yen as a performance fee for making the memorial game exciting?
Well, I think I see what you're getting at.
All right, we'll boost you 500,000.
How about 25.5 million?
GM!
Please, let that be enough.
You can't do that! You can't be the first one to fold!
Bonda's the one who will fold!
You're hurting our position with the players!
No, this won't hurt us.
I'm making a judgment call.
And I'm moved by your argument.
GM!
Excuse me. 500,000 is nice, but the truth is, there's more to the proposition than that.
What?!
There's more?!
It's actually still unfolding... Or you could say, it's been revived.
Huh?
Oh, so you haven't heard yet.
Could you open that computer and look at the top trending topics?
Let's see...
What does it say?
"Star couple announces engagement.
Ceremony set for next spring. Shiraki Yuugo & Shinoyama Chie.
Two months pregnant."
What?!
That news went live one hour ago.
I suspect it's the top story on all the talk shows right now.
What?!
Great job, Bonda!
Their relationship was made public when the two went to see a baseball game at Jingu Stadium.
That game was the Spiders' 4,000th victory,
and the two are apparently big Spiders fans.
Thus, Bonda has sent the couple a message of congratulations.
Hey, this is Bonda Natsunosuke with the Jingu Spiders!
Shiraki, Shinoyama, congratulations on your engagement!
Keep cheering for the Spiders, okay?
That was Bonda's congratulatory message!
They came to interview me during the break earlier.
The story will probably be played repeatedly over the next few days,
and it'll be picked up by newspapers and magazines...
Their relationship and wedding would've come to light eventually anyway.
But the timing of the exposure was so convenient for Bonda.
Y-You've got us.
With an argument like that...
All right.
We'll make it 26 million.
Thank you!
I'm sorry for all of my rudeness.
It's all right.
Do your best for us next year, all right?
Excuse me, then!
Goodness me...
Well, seeing a baseball player argue his heart out like that is a sign of his professional spirit!
It's a good thing.
And they're expecting him to be our ace middle reliever next year.
I'm glad we left him feeling happy.
Besides, it's not as if it makes a big difference to us whether it's 25 or 26.
Yes!
18 million to 26 million! I got me an 8 million yen pay raise!
For a guy who didn't play for four months due to injury, that's fantastic!
To all three of us for securing our contract renewals!
It's great that we know we'll be playing here next year.
Ohno Yukio got a 19 million raise to 39 million.
Shibuya Akira got an extra million, taking him to 37 million.
Boy, Yukio, you've really left me in the dust now.
I still don't feel like I've earned that number 3 jersey, though.
No, you've made your way into the starting lineup.
Your contract's going to keep going higher and higher.
I can't be sure of that just yet.
If they bring in a foreigner who can hit, they'll drop me in no time!
Yukio's started climbing the pro baseball ladder at a nice pace.
I can't say I'm not a bit envious, but I'm also proud of him as a fellow Yamanashian.
By the way, who's paying the check today?
Yukio is, since he earns the most now.
What?!
But I'm the youngest!
You and I are the same age, Natsunosuke.
But I was born in October, and you were born in September.
That makes you the oldest here.
Hey, I make the least money of all of us!
What's the big deal?
The three of us won't even break 50,000.
It's okay.
I'll pay today.
Yukio...
But just for today.
That will be 48,500 yen.
Sure thing.
I'd like a receipt, please.
Is it just my imagination, or does Yukio look taller today?
One way or another,
we all got great contract increases.
I'm glad we got to celebrate with that party.
By the way, once I was by myself...
But, but, but... Maybe I shouldn't have said all that to the management!
That's right!
I'm sure I upset them!
I bet they thought I was just splitting hairs!
But, but... I really did want a better salary!
What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?!
At any rate, I managed to make it safely to the end of the year.
This is my workplace.
I'm Bonda Natsunosuke, 26 years old and entering my ninth season.
I make 18—
I mean, 26 million yen a year!
The Spiders lead 3-2!
Top of the eighth, Carnabeats at bat.
With runners on first and second with two outs, they're in position to tie the game!
Bonda will be pitching for Ichioka.
Jersey number 39.
Well, I guess it's time to get to work!
This batter's contract is 22 million.
As someone making 26 million, I can't possibly lose.
This is gonna be your season, Natsunosuke!
Now Bonda takes the mound.
There are hopes that he'll be the season's ace middle reliever.
Bonda...
Natsunosuke...
We're counting on you.
You can do this easy!
Let him hit it if you have to!
I'll catch it for you!
Show us the new Bonda with his improved contract.
Money Diamond...
"There's money buried under the diamond."
That's a phrase I made up.
I'm going to keep digging it up,
for as long as I'm a pro baseball player!
Money Diamond!

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Gurazeni: Money Pitch (2018) - S02 - CR vs Commie