Chapter 86

Short Summary
Tokuchi proposes a new One Outs contract to the Owner to prevent his transfer to the Galalians.

Long Summary
Kurai tells Muruwaka and Sugadaira what he overheard the Owner say about the trade and their poor playing abilities. Sugadaira says he’d been hoping that going to Galalians would be a new start but now realises they’re just ‘trash waiting to be thrown out.’

The Pro team players are in even more uproar than the Minors. Ideguchi says he’s going to negotiate with the Owner directly, but the others tell him Sukaiwa’s getting 2 billion in the deal and would be too money-hungry to listen.

Kojima finds Tokuchi to ask him if he’ll accept going to the Galalians and Tokuchi says in Pro baseball, players have to go where they’re told. Kojima tells him he understands as joining the Lycaons wasn’t his choice and he’ll make more money with the Galalians. Tokuchi reveals he’d rather stay with the Lycaons- not because he's attached, but because he hasn’t fulfilled his end of the bet. He was prepared to have Kojima break his arm, but instead Kojima used him to make the Lycaons a stronger team. Tokuchi tells him he’d rather have had his arm broken. As the loser of the bet, Tokuchi can’t leave the Lycaons until they’ve won the Championship.

Kurai is practising his pitches with Muruwaka when Sugadaira asks him why he’s bothering and says he’s stupid if he thinks he can rise up in the Galalians. Kurai says he’s anticipating being fired and just wants to play baseball as much as he can until then. Sugadaira asks to join in. Tokuchi watches from outside the fence.

Later at the Owner’s office, Tokuchi tries to make Saikawa admit he lost in the One Outs contract. Saikawa claims he doesn’t define management by winning or losing, but through profit. Tokuchi admits this trade might suit him better financially, but says if the contract ends now he'll forever consider Saikawa a laughing stock. Oikawa tries to stop his impertinent speech but Tokuchi keeps going, saying the old contract must have been too boring for Saikawa and he’ll make it more interesting.

Tokuchi proposes a new One Outs contract involving the three new players, Kurai, Sugadaira and Muruwaka. Every time the pitchers (Tokuchi and Kurai) score an out Tokuchi receives 500,000 yen, and he’ll pay 5 million yen for every run one of them gives up. For the batters, each RBI gains Tokuchi 5 million, and for every 3 outs he loses 5 million. Tokuchi says he’s to take entire financial responsibility for the other three’s runs and outs.

The Secretary says the trade has already been decided but the Owner interrupts him and tells Tokuchi to continue. Tokuchi volunteers a restraint on his part- at least two of the four players in question must start every game, and play for a minimum of five innings. Saikawa asks Tokuchi if he’s aware of the other three’s abilities. Tokuchi says he’s seen 3 days’ worth of practice and that’s it.

Kurai, Sugadarai and Muruwaka are all at their lockers when the Coach approaches and tells them to have cleared them out by tomorrow. Sugadarai complains about being rushed, but the Coach tells them they’re on the Lycaons’ Pro team starting the next day.

The rest of the Pro team celebrate upon seeing the newspaper headline announcing Tokuchi is now staying with the Lycaons.

At Saikawa’s office, the Secretary asks him if this new contract is a wise decision. Saikawa confidently responds that each batter must get an RBI every game to keep Tokuchi out of debt, which is near unheard of. Only Takami and Kojima have managed such a score.

The next game starts with the Lycaons members enthusiastically welcoming Tokuchi back after his five day suspension.

Characters

 * Tokuchi Toua
 * Saikawa: Owner of the Lycaons
 * Saikawa's Secretary
 * Oikawa
 * Ideguchi
 * Kojima
 * Kurai
 * Sugadaira
 * Muruwaka
 * Lycaons' minor team Coach