Chapter 115

Short Summary
Saikawa has come up with a new strategy to beat Tokuchi. When Tokuchi goes to bat, the pitcher throws a screw ball that hits his finger.

Long Summary
In the Lycaons game against the Blue Mars, the Owner’s strategy is to have the other team walk Muruwaka so he can’t earn Tokuchi money. If Tokuchi gets batted out twice this game, he’ll lose 166 million yen with the 5x rate. If this happens every game, Tokuchi's winnings will gradually deplete, but if Tokuchi starts pitching himself to earn the money back, Saikawa can raise the next day’s rate by 25x. The building fatigue will lead to Tokuchi giving up points. The Secretary declares Tokuchi was bound for defeat as soon as he gave them the right to set the rate.

Tokuchi bats and gets a fly to second. The Owner laughs and says Tokuchi is sinking further in his trap every time he bats. Oikawa points out Tokuchi has always managed to escape the large handicaps they’ve placed on him so far. Saikawa admits that’s true, but says this time he has no need to worry as he has another ‘ace in the hole.’

Muruwaka is walked yet again. Ideguchi gets struck out as well, meaning Tokuchi is up next. At the bottom of the third the Lycaons have failed to score any runs. Oikawa demands to know what the ace in the hole is, and Saikawa comments they’ve gotten to the fourth inning even sooner than he’d hoped. Tokuchi stands at the batter’s box and the pitcher, Minami, throws. It’s a screw ball that goes straight for Tokuchi’s right hand and hits his gloved index finger. He falls over and it’s announced a dead ball. Saikawa applauds from his office, calling the pitcher’s aim ‘impeccable’. He tells Oikawa he noticed Minami’s new breaking ball when he met with the team to them to walk Muruwaka. He offered Minami 10 million yen if he used that pitch to take out Tokuchi. Oikawa reproves his use of dirty tactics but Saikawa shouts anything goes when there’s billions of yen on the line. From the TV, Oikawa sees Tokuchi clutching his hand looking pained.

Characters

 * Tokuchi Toua
 * Saikawa: Owner of the Lycaons
 * Oikawa
 * The Secretary
 * Muruwaka
 * Minami