Episode 6: Achieving a Dream, One Pitch and Swing at a Time
Once Daichi had rejoined the club, the members were all assembled under Misato's guidance. Overcoming intense training, they finally reached the day of the local tournament.
Misato
Now, the first game of the local qualifiers is here at last. Did everyone sleep well last night?
Member 1
Y-Yeah... Somehow...
Yuuki
1. "Are you nervous?"
Member 1
Don't underestimate the hold-back king! I went out on a run yesterday, so I got to sleep before midnight! T-Though, I did wake up earlier than usual...
Misato
Oh, my, waking up early is quite a good thing. Everyone, you should strive to do the same, okay?
Hatsune
Ah, there you are! Today, with my cheering, you'll be a million times more powerful than usual! Kiraaan!
Member 2
Oh! Always reliable, Hatsune! With Hatsune cheering me on, I'm unbeatable!
Misato
Oh, my, what reassuring support! Thank you, everyone!
Suzuna
Yo! Are you all fired up?
Daichi
S-Suzuna...? The real Suzuna!? I'll hit a home run today as a present for you... So if you could stay until the end to cheer us on... Uh, I'd be happy...
Suzuna
For real! I'm super looking forward to it! I'll be cheering for you, so fight on, Smarty and everyone!
Io
I'm very much looking forward to seeing how you've progressed. You worked so hard in practice. I'm certain that you'll win.
Kaya
Yeah, we were the ones who trained you, after all. There's no way you'll lose!
Jun
Yes, you're all very strong. You are sure to win. Put your full strength on display.
Ayane
Let us see tons of home runs! If it's you guys, then you can totally do it!
Yuuki
1. "Look forward to it."
Hatsune
Ah! The stands are filling with guests! We have to move quickly, too!
Hatsune
We've gotta get seats with a good view to cheer you on. Okay, do your best!
Member 3
Yeah. Keep your eyes on us!
Daichi
Suzuna is seriously cute...! All right! I'll look cool in front of Suzuna, and have her sign my stuff after!
Adult
Daichi! That's the spirit! You're the star of our town! Show us some big plays!
Misato
Ha ha, we have lots of fans showing their support. Let's rise to everyone's expectations!
Principal
My, my... You're all quite excited.
Misato
My, Mister Principal! Are you here to cheer us on as well?
Principal
Me, cheer on them? Never! I simply came to see the end of beach baseball.
Asahi
The end... What are you talking about?
Principal
Oh, Miss Misato. Did you not tell anyone aside from Daichi about the abolition of the club?
Asahi
Abolition...? But Daichi quitting the club should've prevented that...!
Principal
It had nothing to do with Daichi's disturbance -- the abolition was decided long before!
Daichi
Sorry, everyone. I only learned about it when I was let back into the club... But Miss Misato asked me to keep quiet to not worry everyone too much.
Misato
I heard about it when I became the advisor. I'm sorry for keeping it secret.
Misato
However, he promised that if you qualify for the national tournament, then the abolition will be cancelled...
Asahi
... So that's how it is.
Misato
Huh?
Asahi
It's okay, Miss Misato. It's certainly a shock to learn right before a game that we're going to be abolished, but we're not that weak!
Member 1
Nicely said, Asahi! Nobody can stop us now!!
Daichi
You guys... Heh, that's right. That's the kind of team we are now! We'll win to protect the club!
Principal
Gah... You talk a big talk.
Misato
Thank you, everyone...! I'm truly happy to have met students like you!
Misato
Then, it looks like the game will be starting soon. Do your best!
Daichi & Others
Yeah!
Asahi
... Daichi, how's your shoulder?
Daichi
Feeling great. I'm itching to throw as fast as I can. ... But you got a moment?
Asahi
...?
Opposing Player 1
This year's first game will be easy. The other team is some tiny school that I've never heard of.
Opposing Player 2
That pitcher's got nothing. This'll be a shutout!
Misato
... Oh, my, Daichi. He was pitching with his right hand in practice. Why has he switched to his dominant hand... Is something wrong...?
Daichi
All right. That's it for warm-ups. Time to play ball! ... Hi-yah!
Misato
My, his pitch was hit! It's going to fall in the center...!
Member 2
I'll run it down no problem! Heh heh, I'll get him out on second... Ah! I missed the ball!?
Misato
Oh, dear! But you can still make it! It's okay, stay calm!
Member 2
Gah... Okay, then, first base! Heh heh, simple!
Member 2
Hey, Daichi! No matter how many hits they get off you, I'll clean 'em up, so don't worry!
Daichi
Hah, bold words from someone who drops the ball that often.
Misato
Whew... Nice play! Good job chasing it down!
Later.
Opposing Player 1
We've gone through our entire lineup, and I still haven't gotten any hits! Why can't I hit these pitches? It's not like they're that fast!
Opposing Player 2
I almost feel like... he's letting some people hit. That pitcher might not be any ordinary pitcher.
Opposing Player 1
But their defense is nothing special... It should break down eventually.
Member 2
Hyah ha! How many times are you gonna hit it to second? Ah, damn!? The ball bounced away!
Member 2
I'm sorry, Daichi. Because of my error, they got their first runner out...
Daichi
Don't sweat it. If you beat yourself up over every error, you won't make it through the game. Just get back into it. Next up... Hi-yah!
Member 3
A fast one! Gah!?
Misato
My! The ball bounced into the outfield!
Asahi
(... The opponents are hitting the ball differently. They're trying to draw out flaws in our defense. Why won't you switch to pitching left-handed yet, Daichi?)
Daichi
No outs, runners on first and second. Hmph, the perfect handicap.
Daichi
You guys, don't be scared of errors. Keep going for the ball! ... Hi-yah!!
Misato
First base! Catch it firmly!
Member 1
Of course, Misato! That ball won't hurt me no matter where it... Ow, my stomach!!
Asahi
I-It bounced off him!? And flew all the way to the right!?
Misato
Oh, dear... They scored 2 points... Everyone, could you all gather around for a moment?
Member 3
Sorry, Daichi. My mess-up has gotten us into trouble...
Member 1
I should've warmed up better -- my body feels stiffer than I'd expected...
Daichi
Ahahaha! Look at you, old man, playing beach baseball at your age!
Member 1
G-Grrr... Am I already at that age...?
Member 3
What're you laughing about? We're giving up points!
Misato
My, Daichi, you mustn't laugh at others. More importantly, shall we come up with a game plan?
Asahi
How about that, Daichi. Looks like Miss Misato saw through you after all.
Daichi
... Looks like it. Did you notice that the batters are hitting balls to all of your positions? Get used to it, because this is what a real game feels like.
Member 3
You mean, you've been purposefully throwing with your left hand, to let us get accustomed to real games?
Misato
Ha ha, exactly! I'm sure that Daichi has been quite attentive to the rest of you. That's one aspect of teamwork.
Misato
I was wondering why he was throwing with his right hand, and I realized partway through how he was letting them hit.
Misato
Everyone said they weren't nervous, but this is our first game, so there's no need to push yourselves so. Because... Even I was feeling nervous. Ha ha.
Member 1
You're worrying too much, kid! My stomach might hurt now, but don't treat me like an old fogey! I've still got game!
Misato
Ha ha, you seem to be back to normal. Daichi, an excellent play!
Daichi
Hmph. I'd be just as much in trouble if you all end up holding me back. Then, let's come up with our next plan.
Misato
Oh, my, is there more? Could you tell us properly this time?
Daichi
Yeah, I'm gonna keep it simple. I won't let them get another hit this game!
Asahi
So you're finally throwing with your left...! Trust us, and throw as hard as you can!
Daichi
We're still scoreless this far, too. The opposing team is from a strong school, so they'll be throwing pretty good pitches of their own.
Daichi
We'll be in trouble if we don't get serious soon... So let's get fired up, and turn this thing around!
Yuuki
1. "I know we can win."
Daichi
Heh... There it is. I know that nobody here wants to lose, but hearing you say it makes it clear, I feel.
Asahi
Right? I felt the same way when I hit that home run off you.
Member 1
Gah ha ha! I knew it was the right choice to invite him to our team!
Member 2
My, my, you're surrounded by such wonderful friends... Your teacher is so very happy...
Opposing Player 1
Is that pitcher switching his glove from his right hand to his left? If his right shoulder is hurting, then why don't they have a replacement pitcher?
Opposing Player 2
Must be rough for an undermanned team from a tiny school like that... We should hurry and end this so they can rest...
Daichi
Nice catch, Asahi.
Asahi
Ouch... That's the Daichi I know. You're in top form!
Daichi
Of course! Then, time for round two! The real game starts now!!
Opposing Players
... No way.
Later.
Misato
Strike! Three outs in a row! Nice work, Daichi!
Daichi
This was no big deal. Honestly, this advisor of ours makes a big deal out of everything...
Daichi
More importantly, this is our last chance to counterattack. We're 2 points behind... We'll definitely bring it back!!
Daichi
Daichi is fifth in the batting order. We have to make it that far. Um, the first batter is...
Yuuki
1. "Me, in ninth."
Misato
Ha ha, you're always dependable. Swing as hard as you can!
Hatsune
Ah, Yuuki is the first at bat! Do your best! Show us the results of your training!
Hatsune
Everyone, let's send Yuuki our power! Play on, play on!
Suzuna
Smarty! Hit it out of the park! Give it a hundred percent!
Opposing Player 1
Is the cheering getting louder...? No, focus on the game, the game... Hah! ... Crap, my hand slipped!?
Yuuki
1. Swing at full force!
Misato
It flew into the outfield! Please, let this be a hit...!
Hatsune
Run as fast as you can! Fight on! Show us how cool you are!
Kaya
Run, run! Make this a safe hit!
Io
You can do it! Don't ever give up!
Opposing Player 2
All right, all right! This'll be easy! Huh, this is more of a stretch than I'd... No!
Misato
Yes! It's past the outfield! Hatsune and the others' cheering must have boosted his range!
Misato
Turning everyone's expectations into your strength is just the kind of hit you would have, Yuuki! You truly are reliable in situations like these! What a good kid!
Member 2
Heh heh! I'll make it onto base no problem. You guys had better make sure we keep it going all the way to Daichi! ... Hya ha!
Misato
My, my, a perfect bunt! We have a great scoring opportunity now!
Member 1
Gah ha ha! Leave it to me, Miss Misato! We don't even need Daichi's turn! I'll end this game myself!
Misato
I expect great things from you!
Daichi
Idiot! Even if you hit a home run, it'll still be a 2-2 draw!
Member 1
Grrr... Watch the determination of your elders!
Member 1
Damn it... I didn't get to look good in front of Misato...
Member 3
I'm next. Here goes.
Daichi
Yeah, I'm counting on you!
Member 3
(... If I hadn't messed up, Daichi wouldn't have given up those runs earlier. I need to make it through here, as my way to make it up to him. Even if it kills me, I'll get Daichi to bat, and we'll definitely win...!)
Opposing Player 1
That guy's bloodthirst is incredible... But he's had no hits up until now. If I just relax and throw normally, that'll be the game! ... Hi-yah!!
Member 3
... Grr!!
Asahi
No! It's rolling along the ground!
Misato
We can't give up yet! Don't lose steam until the end... Please! Make it!
Member 3
Graaaaah!!
Misato
I-Is he out...?
Asahi
No! The first baseman dropped the ball! The force of that slide must've gotten the better of him!
Misato
Then, he's safe! Yes!
Member 3
Look at that!!
Misato
Then, that's two outs, and two runners on base... And Daichi is up next. If he hits a home run here, then it'll be a walk-off win!
Daichi
......
Misato
My, Daichi, are you nervous?
Daichi
... No, I was just thinking about how much fun this has become. This tension is unbearable! This is real beach baseball!!
Misato
Ha ha, it looks like there's no reason to worry. Daichi will see everyone's thoughts through!
Daichi
Yeah, leave it to me. I'll end this with a walk-off home run!
Daichi
... And thank you for bringing me this far, my teacher.
Opposing Player 1
(This Daichi player hasn't had a big hit yet today, but one shot could change everything. Let's be careful!)
Daichi
... Hmph.
Misato
Oh, my, that ball was so fast... As expected of such a strong school. But Daichi can surely...
Opposing Player 1
(Good. This pitch is still working. I'll definitely be able to hold him back at this rate!)
Daichi
......
Member 1
Hey, Daichi! Why aren't you swinging the bat!? Where'd that confidence from earlier go!?
Misato
It's okay, calm down... Daichi will be okay, so let's trust in him.
Daichi
(Honestly. What a noisy bunch. Just let me focus... I'll crush the next one. Because I... No, we're going to the national tournament!)
Opposing Player 2
All right, that's two strikes! Three strikes, three outs, and that'll be the game!
Yuuki
1. "Swing!"
Daichi
......!!
Misato
Yes! A walk-off home run comeback!
Daichi
Yeah! How about that!?
Asahi
You did it, Daichi! We're past the first round! If you hadn't been here, we could never have... Ooh...
Misato
Ha ha. Asahi, it's too soon for tears. The tournament has only just begun.
Hatsune
Everyone, congrats! Daichi hit it super far! I leapt up from the stands as soon as I saw!
Yuuki
1. "We won thanks to your cheering."
Hatsune
I'm so glad! I'll be cheering even more in the next game!
Member 2
Whew! I'm excited! We won't be losing in the second round, either! Hya ha!
Daichi
All right, we're through the first round! Let's keep this energy going into the next one!
Asahi & Others
Yeah!
Misato
Yeah! ... Oh? What could that be? Something is rising out of the sea and coming this way...
Begin animated cutscene.
Misato
Oh? Everyone, be careful!
Misato
Oh, my? Could that home run ball from earlier have hit this creature?
Hatsune
It looks super angry!
Jun
That creature... It appears an uninvited guest has appeared.
Jun
Those who can fight, come with me!
Kaya
Looks like sports can be unpredictable after all!
Io
Leave the evacuation of the spectators to me.
Jun
Yes, if you would.
Ayane
I'll help, too! Right, Puukichi?
Puukichi
"Yeah!"
Io
Hee hee, how adorable. Suzuna, if you would, too!
Suzuna
Of course! There's no way I'd let any of my fans get hurt!
Hatsune
There's an opening!
Hatsune
... Huh? Whoa!
Jun
Are you unharmed?
Hatsune
Y-Yeah, thank you!
Kaya
Lemme show you a real punch! Hi-yah!
Kaya
How do you my glove? Hurts, huh?
Kaya
So you can still take more? Nice, it wouldn't be fun if it ended that soon! ... Huh?
Daichi
Looks like you sea creatures have some bones in you after all. Guys, let's get some energy up in here!
Team
Yeah!
Kaya
Hey, hey, you serious about this?
Jun
You all have another game to play tomorrow, so perhaps you should rest...
Hatsune
It's time for extra innings!
Misato
Ha ha. It's good to see such vigor from everyone.
Misato
I'm counting on you all. And if anything happens, your teacher will protect you.
End of cutscene.
Member 1
Thanks to Misato, I don't feel tired at all now! My youth is back!
Daichi
You're interrupting our victory celebration!! You ready to pay for that!? Hi-yah!
Member 1
I'm still pissed about not hitting that ball earlier! You'll just have to take its place! Puukichi Full Swing!!
Member 3
Yeah, I haven't gotten enough hits, either. Humor me for a moment...!
Monster
Roaaaar!
Member 2
Your punches are way too slow for me! Where was that even aimed? Heh heh!
Kaya
You guys are pretty good! I can see the potential in you! Come talk to me after you graduate!
Jun
More importantly, this is delaying the next game. We should take care of this disturbance as soon as possible. This is the sacred field of beach baseball. It's no place for monsters.
Kaya
Yeah, that's right. Will you lend us your strength?
Yuuki
1. "Of course!"
Kaya
Nice, thanks! Yeah, this is it! Hey, Daichi and crew. You guys have one more big punch in you?
Daichi
Of course!
Member 1
We can still fight, too!
Jun
It's reassuring to have you. Protect the baseball field!
Hatsune
It might be rude to the monster, but it's about time to send it back to the ocean!
Misato
That's right. I'd like to send it back gently, but... I'm sorry, Mister Monster. This is a place for players to achieve their dreams.
Misato
So it would be troublesome if you caused any more of a disturbance. I hope you can forgive not just Daichi and his team, but all of the players here.
Misato
Now, everyone, it's time for our final attack! Let's go!
Kaya & Others
Haaaah!!
Members
Graaaah!!!
Monster
Roaaaar!
Misato
Farewell! Please be a good kid from now on!
Misato and the others successfully repelled the sudden intruder. Peace returned to the baseball field, and the tournament resumed.