Chapter 101

Short Summary
By the end of the fifth inning, Tokuchi’s owes the Owner almost a billion yen.

Long Summary
With Kitaooji scoring a run, Tokuchi has lost a billion yen. He salary is now -433 million.

The Lycaons are still in their first game against the Fingers. At the dugout, the players are upset with Sugadaira for letting the ball through but Tokuchi says rather than complain they should put their energy into scoring runs instead.

At the top of the fourth, Tokuchi gets two batters out, putting his salary at -233.333 million. Saikawa thinks that Tokuchi’s defeat is now guaranteed. If even one batter gets on base in the 4th or 5th inning, Sugadaira will get to bat as well, and Tokuchi won’t be able to make up for his out.

The Lycaons get two consecutive hits at the bottom of the fourth, ensuring Sugadaira and Kurai will bat.

Tokuchi gets another three outs in the fifth inning, bringing his salary up to 66.66 million. Ideguchi gets on base during the Lycaons’ attack, meaning Tokuchi will have to bat as well. Sugadaira and Kurai both get struck out, bringing the balance back down to -600 million. Tokuchi goes next and manages to hit it but it rolls towards the second baseman, getting him out as well. Tokuchi’s salary is now at -933.333 million.

Saikawa is triumphant. Tokuchi goes on to pitch for the sixth inning as well which means he’ll have to keep batting. The Owner is even more shocked to learn that Kurai and Sugadaira will be continuing to bat as well.

At the mound, Tokuchi supposes Saikawa is celebrating his win, but Tokuchi knows the ‘real’ game is only just beginning.

Characters

 * Tokuchi Toua
 * Saikawa
 * Imai
 * Oikawa
 * The Secretary
 * Ideguchi
 * Kuria
 * Sugadaira