Battery

I want another shot in the spring.

You mean a game?

Yes.

We're doing it again. That okay?

I need to settle the score with you...

...or I won't be able to graduate junior high baseball.

I won't lose to anyone.

That's why we'll play.

But you better be in your best form.

I won't accept what happened last time again.

Okay.

Takumi!

Go's here!

Yo!

-Let's play, Takumi! -What?

We made a promise to Go and the others.

I can pitch, can't I?

What are you talking about?

Well, now. Is this the princess' little brother?

He's so cute!

Do you want to play with us?

Come on, join us!

Do you want to play too, mister?

Mister? Are you talking to me?

-He called you mister, Shugo! -Stop laughing, Shun!

Takumi....

You....

Go, catch for me, okay?

Seiha?

Remember? You promised!

You said you'd catch if I pitched!

Okay.

That mister over there said he'd play too.

Hold on there, Shorty.

Give me a break, will you?

I'm only two years older than your brother.

Seriously?

The princess' little brother doesn't disappoint!

I'll play first baseman.

Harada, why don't you go somewhere in the outfield?

Takumi, have you ever just played baseball for the fun of it before?

Don't think so.

Kurinosuke, you better be ready!

You've got a line drive coming your way!

Bring it!

Shun, don't take this so seriously.

Ready?

Good one, Harada's little brother!

All right!

That's an out.

We call that a fly, Mr. Mizugaki.

Oh, my God, why is this Kurinosuke so annoying?

What is Kaionji teaching these kids?

Stop fake crying. Jeez.

But he's not bad.

-You talking about Kurinosuke? -No, the little shorty.

He's throwing the ball nice and low.

Nagakura, you need to work on your form when you catch fly balls.

You have to look more graceful.

Yeah, yeah. Please teach me when we get back to practice.

What? Please teach you?

Are you playing catcher again?

All right.

I'm up.

You can do it, mister!

Seiha.

Be sure you grip the center of the ball.

You can do it, mister!

Shut up, Shun.

That wasn't me, that was Kurinosuke!

You're both the same. All right, listen up.

I'll show you how to hit a low and slow pitch.

Okay!

Get it, Takumi!

Out!

Yeah!

Too bad.

No way, I was safe.

Oh, Shugo.

Your sliding is so bad because you're so used to hitting homers.

I should've made it with that hit.

I can't believe they stopped me.

The princess is no joke.

Beating him is gonna be sweet.

-Nagakura. -Yes?

You'd better have Harada ready by spring.

Make sure you get him in his top condition.

Then I'm going to make him cry on that mound.

Remember that.

I don't think it's possible.

To defeat Takumi?

To make him cry on the mound.

I don't think anybody could do that.

Jeez, you're worse than Shugo.

Whatever.

Just be ready.

See! I threw it well, didn't I?

Yeah.

That was a good throw.

Takumi....

I....

Good morning.

It's snowing.

Came early this year.

Go has to be Harada's catcher.

I'm so glad.

You say the same thing every day. You've gotta stop.

Well, it's what I really think. You're with me, right, Higashi?

Sawa's right.

He had me worried for a second, but Go pulled through.

He knows exactly what he needs to do.

Now that Nitta Higashi's battery is back together, let's get cracking!

You know, Sawaguchi, Higashitani...

...you both should worry more about getting a starter's spot than our battery.

I'm so busy with all the practice I have to do as the starting third baseman.

Who's a starter now? Stop making things up.

Are you stupid? Everyone's saying it.

That the genius Yoshisada is the best man for third baseman.

Nobody says that!

I don't want to grow older.

You shouldn't be saying that until you hit 20.

But we'll be seniors next summer...

...which means we have to quit baseball and focus on studying for the exams.

I really don't want that. I wish I could play baseball forever.

Then do it. You can play in high school.

But we're having fun now.

You're way too inflexible.

Spread your legs more.

Takumi.

The captain wants you.

Let's go.

Yo. It feels like it's been a long time.

Mr. Kaionji!

You finished your exam?

Finally.

So, Nonomura.

Could I borrow these two for a second?

Of course.

I'll go lead our next drills then.

Gather up!

He's really settling in as captain.

He was a good choice.

Yes.

The last Sunday in March.

Keep it free.

-Mr. Kaionji, does that mean? -Yeah.

Our game with Yokote.

We might have graduated already...

...but we'll go with the same members as before.

That won't be a problem, will it?

We won't crumble like we did before.

Please tell them that.

You guys better not back down.

Sorry for interrupting your practice.

-Kaionji. -Yes.

You wanna get into the batter's box?

-What? -I mean, you've come all this way.

I figured you'd want to feel what it's like to hit the ball again.

But I haven't done any real practicing in a while.

I know you.

I'm sure you at least swung a bat every day.

Yes, sir.

I'll let you hit a real ball.

It'll wake you up.

-Are you ready? -Yes.

Nagakura, that's enough.

I'm ready now.

Mr. Kaionji, get ready.

He's not going off course on purpose, is he?

Then why isn't he getting it in the strike zone? Are you in the right position?

Takumi.

Thank you very much!

Nonomura, why don't we give all the starters a chance to hit off of Harada?

Yes, sir.

Right side!

Coach.