Original subtitles

Sun-chan. It must've been so frustrating to you.

You were so close to Koushien.

Hey.

What?

She's the beautiful girl from the bleachers!

Oh, that's an interesting expression.

Ahem.

I-Is there something I can help you with?

I spoke to you because I'm interested in you.

A-Am I being a nuisance?

No, no, not at all!

That's good.

She's cute!

Can I make a proposal?

By all means! What is it?

It's still hot out here, so could we move to a cooler place?

Maybe a coffee shop? I'd like to talk to you more.

No?

Sorry, I can't.

Why is that?

I'm waiting here for someone.

My best friend.

You already have plans?

Nope. I'm waiting here on my own volition.

The guy I'm waiting for...

NISHIKIZUTA

TOSHOBU

When he feels down, he takes the whole burden on himself.

That's why...

I don't want him to be alone.

I see.

So why don't we continue this another day?

Yes, why don't we?

I'd like to make fun memories with you then.

I don't have any friends at school, so I'm lonely.

Then I'll make them for you.

Awesome friends. No, best friends!

You don't know how thrilled I am.

That's a promise.

Leave it to me!

Then I'll be on my way.

H-Hey! Can I get your name and contact info?

Don't worry. We'll meet again.

Seriously?

Oh, well. Can't do anything about it now.

I hope Sun-chan comes out soon.

That's right. I'm not the main character of this story.

I'm fully aware of that.

But just for a little bit.

It's just for a little bit.

Would you listen to my story?

All right!

Nice ball!

Yes!

That's the way, Oga!

Pitch just like that for our next game!

Y-Yes, sir! Th-Thank you!

Back in elementary school,

Have more confidence in yourself!

because of my reserved personality, it was hard making friends with my fellow teammates.

You're amazing, Oga!

As expected from our team's ace, number four, right?

Y-Yeah.

Only the catcher, Shiba, would really talk to me.

Thanks.

So Shiba was someone who was precious to me.

So tired...

Huh? What's that?

Oh, this?

A Nomo keychain.

It's my treasure.

Nomo, huh?

That's cool.

Thanks.

Go straight home, without stopping anywhere!

Yes, sir! Goodbye!

I'm starving.

I'm so tired!

I want to get something to eat!

It's gone! It was right here just before!

What's wrong, Oga?

My keychain is gone!

That's terrible!

What should I do?

We just have to look for it!

Okay, I'll check the field!

Shiba!

Thank you.

It's nothing. After all, we're friends.

Shiba...

There's no way I would've dropped it around here, right?

You're a riot, Shiba.

You can count on me!

He'll never find that keychain now.

Right?

Oga trusts me, after all. It was child's play.

Shiba...

It's no fair that the coach always singles him out.

I wish that jerk would just quit the team.

I know.

If Oga weren't around, I'd be...

They hate me.

What should I do?

Pathetic, right?

I believed in Shiba, but he betrayed me.

And yet, instead of being angry, I was scared.

I was scared of being hated.

I was scared of being rejected.

That's why I...

Hey, everybody! From today, start calling me Sun-chan!

All right! Let's work hard together today!

I hid my true self and became "Sun-chan."

Whatever the circumstances, I'd smile and try to shine light on everyone.

JULY

It's finally here.

REGIONAL TOURNAMENT FINAL!!

The day of reckoning.

For now...

Previously, with Amatsuyu Kisaragi...

Hose is Pansy's mortal enemy and a naturally dense main character of a romantic comedy.

My one job was to keep them apart, but I facilitated their reunion.

As a result, the immediate problem of the school library closure was solved,

but at the cost of an even greater problem arising.

So in order to set Pansy free from the curse of Hose's good intentions,

I challenged him, with Pansy on the line.

Or that was the idea.

But for some reason, three beautiful girls

made the situation much more complicated by confessing their love to me!

It's okay. You can give me your answer after your challenge is settled.

I'll wait for you! After all, I really love you!

I'll be waitin' for your answer.

O-Okay, I get it!

I'll be waiting for you, Joro!

What the hell kind of twist is this?

Okay, you have that squared away, so now let's cut to the chase.

The chase?

Yeah, about your challenge.

The six of us girls each have a barrette, so let each one of us add a rule.

Why?

Because you might cheat otherwise.

They're on to me!

Stare.

We agree with that proposal.

Indeed.

I'm surrounded by too many enemies!

So what kind of rules?

Well, I'll start.

Go ahead.

First, each girl can only give one barrette to one guy.

That makes sense.

Yep!

Roger.

I'm next.

Sure.

Once you've given a barrette, there are no do-overs.

Good one.

Roger!

Okay, me!

After the six of us have given our barrettes and the regional's final game is over,

so is this challenge!

Agreed!

Roger.

So it can't be prolonged.

All right, I've got one.

Go ahead.

Let's make it so we can only give a barrette when Joro and Hose are together.

Good idea!

Yeah.

I see.

I'm next.

Of course there's no stealing barrettes.

Only the intention of the person who gives it counts.

Yeah!

Agreed.

All of these rules are aimed at me!

And last but not least, Sumirekocchi!

The punishment definitely appliesto whomever loses.

These are all good rules.

Joro, Hose, there are no problems with any of these, right?

Nope! No problems at all!

No, I sure don't.

I've already been through a lifetime's worth of misery!

HINATA

Joro? Good morning! Were you awake?

Yeah.

So let's go to the ball park together for today's final game!

Together?

Yeah!

Himawari.

Do you think you can hold on to Joro?

Yeah, I've got this!

Then as soon as you get to the ball park, if you meet up with Cherry and the others...

Right!

So listen, I'm on my way to your place now, so take your time getting ready.

Yeah, of course!

See you!

REGIONAL TOURNAMENT FINAL!!

All right.

Hurry!

Where is he?

Joro, where are you!

He must've beaten us here!

To think he would devise a plan to escape...

How could he have realized?

Let's stay calm and split up to search for him!

GENKI YAKITORI

Right.

Okay. Joro!

They're gone.

I-I won't get caught that easily.

If they make me and Hose meet up now,

I'll definitely lose!

So before that can happen, I have to persuade the other girls!

The coast is clear.

All right! Let's go! Play ball!

Here you go.

And this.

This is...

Yep! Since we helped hide you, you can help my sister with sales!

What's with this day?

This is going to be a hot day.

All right.

Even after becoming a middle school student,

I was still "Sun-chan," behaving as sunny and bright as the sun.

Hey, listen.

What is it?

Have you already decided on a club?

I'm going to be on the baseball team! My dream is to join the major league!

Huh. That's awesome!

Boom!

Let me in on this!

That hurt, Himawari!

You ogre!

S-Shit!

Joro?

I-It's nothing!

Everything's fine.

You just surprised me.

Weird Joro!

A-Am I?

Are you...

Nice!

That's great!

Tell me your name.

Let's be friends!

You want to be friends with me?

Yeah!

I'm Taiyo Oga. But call me Sun-chan!

I'm Amatsuyu Kisaragi. Call me Joro!

I'm Aoi Hinata. Call me Himawari!

Sure!

Nice to meet you, Himawari!

Likewise!

That's how Joro and I met.

I'd met someone who was just like me.

There's Oga!

Good luck!

- We're counting on you! - There he is!

The ace is in the house!

Hey, how is everybody?

It's going to be another hot day today.

Make sure you stay hydrated. Don't forget!

I guess none of them came.

Sun-chan, we'll be fighting with you from the rooting section!

That's encouraging.

As always, "Sun-chan" is a popular guy.

Excuse me.

Refreshments for you.

Let's both win here today!

Yeah! We're invincible!

Shiba.

Is something wrong, Oga?

Nah, it's nothing.

All right, let's go!

Play ball!

All right! Before the challenge begins, let's explain the rules.

It's a complicated challenge, so let's go through it once more.

Whoever loses can never approach Pansy again or even talk to her, so these are high stakes!

And now...

...the countdown!

Each girl holding a barrette

gives it to either you or me, whoever they think "should be with Pansy."

The person who has the most barrettes at the end is the winner.

At the final game, if Nishikizuta wins, I get an extra barrette.

If Toshobu wins, Hose gets an extra barrette.

Each girl can only give one barrette to one guy.

Once you've given a barrette, there are no do-overs.

After the six of us have given our barrettes and the regional's final game is over,

so is this challenge!

We can only give a barrette when Joro and Hose are together.

Of course there's no stealing barrettes.

The punishment definitely applies to whomever loses.

Currently, Hose has three barrettes and Joro has zero.

If Hose gets just one more barrette, Joro loses! Joro is in a major pinch!

After all, there are a total of seven barrettes.

But will it end as easily as that?

And so...

please continue to enjoy the show!

Strike!

Hey!

It's already started!

Oh no!

I'm finally freed from selling food!

Found her!

Strike three! Batter out!

H-Hey, Pansy.

Oh, Joro.

Just another day for you, full of trouble.

It'd be nice if you shared my stress.

So what do you want?

Um, well...

Would you give me your barrette?

Tell me, Joro.

What do you think of me?

Wh-What do I think?

I want to know.

W-Well, um...

Time's up.

Time's up?

Look.

Hose!

Shit!

Sorry.

In what sense?

I can't answer you right now.

All right.

See you!

Strike three!

Batter out!

That bastard!

Damn it!

What should I do? Go back?

No, I don't have much time, so...

What? What is this?

Onee-chan!

A lost kid?

Right when I'm busy...

I'm lonely! I'm scared!

What's with this day?

Thank you so much!

It was nothing.

Thank you!

Sure.

Just don't wander away again, okay?

Yes!

Now then...

Don't let go of my hand, okay?

Sorry, onee-chan.

Taking the time to help a lost girl. I'm so nice!

I imagine Cherry would give a nice guy like me her barrette.

You're not getting it.

I didn't think so.

So give it up already!

Wait! I have something important to tell you.

Calm down! In a way, this situation is your chance.

Something important to tell—

Listen! Even if Hose wins, he and Pansy will never become a couple!

Huh. How's that?

It's because Pansy doesn't have those kinds of feelings for him.

In other words, even if Hose wins, it won't mean anything.

So please give me your barrette!

Don't worry!

He'll have our full support and we'll get them together no matter what!

This girl is a sub-heroine specialist who's supportive of the main character at all times!

So I'll call Hosecchi over.

Since it's come to this...

Cherry...

Boob brouhaha!

You perverted swine!

My plan worked-oink.

The garbage can...

What are we supposed to do?

Oink!

Oink! Oink!

I'll let you take care of that!

Scoundrel!

Maybe I went too far.

But it was an emergency, so I had no choice.

Sun-chan!

What's wrong? Something on your mind?

Yeah, I wasn't sure if I should check on the game.

Hi, Joro.

Wow, this has been a tough challenge because I couldn't find you.

Are you here for something else, too?

I was just talking to Pansy and Cherry.

I see.

Did you ask Sumireko for her barrette?

I can't tell you that.

Well, it doesn't matter.

Excuse me?

I mean, Sumireko just has the one barrette, right?

In the end, the winner is the person with the most, so I can afford to give up one.

Well, yeah, but...

More importantly, we're both here now, so let's get this show on the road.

Oh, shoot!

I'll call everyone... Huh?

I'm not getting any service here.

R-Really?

Joro.

Yes?

I'm going to the stands, and I'll contact them from there.

Service, service...

Wow, talk about opportunity knocking!

Even I get lucky once in a while.

SAKURA AKINO

Hel—

Lord Kisaragi! We have an emergency! A looming emergency!

I see. She's so nervous playing a part that she's turned into a samurai?

Lord Kisaragi? Lord Kisaragi!

What is it?

Lord Kisaragi, I wish to apprehe...

This humble servant wishes to aid thee!

You were going to say "apprehend," weren't you?

Really? Then let's meet up near gate 5!

Great! This way you'll...

Don't sound so happy about it. I'm not really going to go.

Then I shall see thee soon!

The reception is fine right here.

Anyway, right now...

I lost my house key!

Your key?

Can somebody...

Somebody, um...

If you have any sympathy, give me my key!

This day sucks!

If you have any sympathy...

NISHIKIZUTA

TOSHOBU

You did it!

Our first hit!

This is our chance!

We still only have one out! Come on, time for the cleanup hitter!

I can't hear that annoying voice I'm used to hearing.

Well, he's in the middle of some dumb challenge, so he's got his hands full.

I'm me and he's him.

I'm counting on you, Shiba.

Strike!

Another full swing as you try to hit a home run?

Oh no. He knows what you're going for.

Shiba!

You're out!

Out!

We've got the field again!

Why did he go after that obvious bad pitch?

What?

Don't worry about it, Shiba.

We're not good enough, huh?

The key to my house's safe!

Safe?

I'm glad we found it.

Thank you! Now I won't go hungry anymore!

Sasanqua.

Wh-What?

Thanks for looking with me. You were a big help.

I-I didn't do it for your sake. Wait, what are you making me say?

You're just saying things on your own!

You owe me a reward for this. Got it?

Reward? Y-Yes, of course.

Y... Yay!

Excellent!

W-Well...

Yes?

I'm going back to the rooting section.

Okay.

Good for you!

Uh, see you later!

That went well!

We're rooting for you!

Well, how kind am I, to help a girl who lost her key?

I imagine Tsukimi would reward me with her barrette for being so kind.

I'm not giving it to you.

No chance.

Seriously, what's with them?

Since I found you, I'm going to call Hose.

This feeling!

Oh, no!

We got Joro!

You can't escape now!

Making matters worse, the airheads have me anchored!

H-Hey, Tsukimi.

What?

If you help me here, I'll try to help you get with Hose.

No thanks.

I don't like that kind of thing.

Damn it. Can't this sub-heroine specialist act out of her own self-interest for once?

I'm going to help Hose. I won't give you my barrette.

I won't give up. I have to do something before he gets here!

Hey there.

Short time no see!

He's here!

Joro, the two of you are here.

Then it's showtime!

Worst day ever!

Thank you, everyone.

Well, Joro...

Why don't we talk, just you and me?

Before the final judgment.

NISHIKIZUTA

TOSHOBU

Finally the turnaround point.

Ever since middle school started, I had a blast.

There are various reasons, but the biggest one was Joro.

Every day was so much fun.

That's why I didn't realize it.

I didn't realize my big mistake.

I actually hate Oga.

Why, Shiba? You've been pitcher and catcher together since elementary school.

After all, he became a starter right after beginning middle school.

Meanwhile, I finally made it after two years.

Shiba.

It was the same thing in elementary school.

He was the coach's favorite in no time.

Yeah, but isn't that inevitable, given how good he is?

His ability? Yeah, that may be part of it, but...

He's good at brown-nosing.

Hey bastard, what did you just say?

When that happened, I was shocked.

Doesn't that make sense? He was just like me, hiding his true self so people would like him.

Yet he confronted Shiba.

What? It's none of your business.

Take back what you said a minute ago.

A minute ago? What are you talking about?

Brown-nosing?

You're wrong.

Sun-chan just wants to get better at baseball and that's all.

So much that he asked an upperclassman to stay after practice and help him train!

Just another example of Oga getting special treatment!

That's why I hate him.

He didn't ask you to train with him?

W-Well...

I don't forgive anyone who runs their mouth off with lies designed to sabotage my best friend!

So take it back!

A-All right! I take it back!

Then we're good.

H-Hey, let's go.

Yeah.

I was so scared.

I said too much again.

This is why I hate this version of me.

I was wrong.

He isn't like me.

He wasn't doing it so people would like him.

He kept his true self hidden so he could protect those who were closest to him.

That's the kind of man Joro is.

He thinks judgment is at hand, but only gave me a perfect opportunity.

I'll wait for my chance and then make a break for it!

So what did you want to talk about?

Actually, I'd like to make a slight adjustment to the punishment part.

Make an adjustment?

Number four, third baseman, Tokusho.

I'm not Joro.

I can't become Joro!

Right!

Go!

We can get a run!

Don't intercept it!

Out!

Shiba, you...

Make an adjustment?

In what way?

Well, right now, the loser can't approach or talk to Sumireko.

But I want to add...

The loser can't approach or talk to any of Sumireko's friends either.

I want you to lose everything.

Hey...

What's wrong?

Who the hell are you?

I'm Hazuki. Yasuo Hazuki.

Your former friend and now...

I'm the man who is trying to expunge every trace of you from within Sumireko.

I've been thinking about it for a while now.

What you said and what it really means.

Then I finally understood.

Wait, you mean...

There are feelings you show on the surface and then the other ones you have.

He realized?

That he's the protagonist of the romantic comedy.

I know everything.

The feelings of the girls around me.

And Sumireko's true feelings, too.

He already has a firm grasp of everything.

Even the feelings under the surface.

That's why I'm going to eradicate you, Joro.

The you that takes up space in Sumireko's heart.

That's why I'm going to fine-tune the punishment.

It's my final decision.

Fine with me. Let's go with it.

You seem very confident.

Yeah, well...

It looks like you've underestimated our bond.

You're about to lose that bond.

No, I won't. Not until the day I die.

Then why don't we pull the trigger and see?

It's time for the hammy background actor to shuffle off the stage.

NISHIKIZUTA

TOSHOBU

I can only throw for one more inning.

If we go into extra innings...

Empty...

After I found out about the true Joro, I had mixed feelings, but I was still happy.

It's tough studying for entrance exams.

Thanks for helping me out again.

Not at all. I don't mind.

She seemed like an innocent, sweet girl. I was in love with her.

I wonder if we'll be able to study with Joro and Himawari too tomorrow.

Probably. Today those two just happened to have other plans.

I see.

L-Listen—

H-Hey.

Oga, I want to talk to you about something.

If it's okay?

What's up?

Um...

First, would you sit next to me?

Y-Yeah. Sure.

A-Actually, um...

There's someone I like.

Someone you like?

When I think about him, my chest feels tight.

But even just getting to see him every day makes me happy.

You see, I...

I'm in love with your best friend, Joro.

This is our big chance!

Shiba.

Strike!

Trying to hit a homer again?

Strike two!

It's okay. Baseball is about teamwork.

If Shiba can't do it, I'll take a crack.

Ball!

Is he...

Hey, Joro.

Bottom of the ninth, one out, a man on third. The score is tied.

One run in, and we win.

At a time like that, what do you think the batter should do?

Safe!

First!

Out!

A squeeze bunt...

Shiba bunted,

and we scored a run.

Is that what he's been going for all along?

Was he taking a series of full swings on purpose?

I can finally see it!

The day I make my debut as an executive, charismatic, international, galactic, extreme idol!

And so, Oga!

Please use this for our final defense!

This is...

That hat is imbued with the world's biggest desire for you to win, Oga.

O-Oh. Thank you.

L-Listen, Shiba...

That bunt saved us.

As expected... from my partner.

Wh-What?

I'm giving this back to you.

This is...

I've been jealous of you all these years, Oga.

I was envious. Because everyone relied on you.

I... wanted to be you, Oga.

But I didn't have it in me.

That was so frustrating and yet, I still wanted to win badly.

So badly that I made the mistake of choosing dirty tricks.

I'm sorry, for all these years!

You don't have to apologize.

I'm the same.

I admired this one guy.

I wanted to beat him and didn't care how I had to do it.

So I made the mistake of going with dirty tricks, too.

But no matter what I did, I didn't win.

CHALLENGE

Every time, he would make me realize the vast gulf between our strengths.

I wanted to get close to that level.

I wanted to become him.

But...

I can't be anyone but myself.

Oga...

So your Joro was me, huh?

All right, bottom of the ninth!

You and me...

No, all of us together, let's win this thing!

We can do it, can't we, partner?

You bet, Sun-chan!

Joro, how dare you trick me like that?

But now we're all here.

Sorry, Pansy. The situation has changed a bit.

Sumireko. I'm not the person I was before.

I swear I'll beat Joro here.

Hey, Pansy.

I want you to watch to the very end and then decide what to do.

Okay.

Well, let's get this over with.

Right, Tsukimicchi?

Yeah.

Before that...

Joro.

Before you make your decision, let's have a warm-up match.

What are you doing, Cosmoscchi?

Right now, you're a nuisance.

Move, Himawari.

You can't do the opposite!

The opposite? What do you mean?

Cherry, Tsukimi.

Don't use Pansy to make yourselves give up on your own love.

I'm sorry. To be honest, I realized that when we talked at the cafe.

We were the same way.

S-Same?

Before, we were in love with someone else.

Then he asked us to help him succeed in getting together with Pansy.

I didn't want him to hate me, so I helped.

Both of you?

I'm ashamed of myself then.

That's how I figured it out.

You two were lying about your own feelings and acting so the person you love wouldn't hate you.

We're not lying.

The truth is you don't want him to win, but you're trying to help him win, right?

No...

Then why did you ask for help?

Joro. Please help.

You wanted an excuse so you could completely give up on your feelings, didn't you?

You saw right through us?

That's right. Exactly!

It's all your fault!

If it hadn't been for you, we would've always been able to...

But I have to apologize to Jorocchi.

M-Me?

Sorry. That first time we met, I'm the one who beat up that book.

But we were looking for it together.

We were, but before we started looking for it together, I spotted it.

I recognized the book and...

Why did he choose you and not us?

It's unforgivable. It's not fair.

Himawari?

You're wrong.

At first, that's what I thought, too.

That Pansy wasn't playing fair.

But that was my mistake. Pansy didn't do anything wrong!

It's my own fault! Because I didn't tell him how I felt!

Just a little bit.

Just muster a little bit of courage. That's all I ask.

It's okay. If you put your feelings in your words, they'll get right through.

That's right. Whatever happens, I have no intention of leaving his side.

Joro and I will always be buddies!

Please look at me.

See? Even now, I can be with him like this.

Jeez, all three of you are more vicious than Sumirekocchi.

But you're right.

Hey, Hosecchi. Will you listen to us for a bit?

Please listen to how I feel.

Sure.

I love you, Hose.

So I want to be your girlfriend!

I... love you, Hose.

Let me be by your side more than anyone.

I'm sorry. I can't agree to either wish.

Yeah. I knew that.

I feel refreshed!

Now, can we get back to the passing of the barrettes, huh?

Tsukimicchi.

Yeah.

Jorocchi.

I'm giving you mine.

For my own sake.

Are you sure?

Yeah.

Thank you.

I don't want Hose to be sad.

Thank you, Tsukimi.

Out of the seven barrettes, Hose has four and I have one.

Joro, that clinches—

Not yet.

That was the warm-up.

Now it's time to show my real strategy.

What are you talking about, Joro?

Hi. Sorry I took so long, Joro.

Tsubaki! What are you doing here? I thought you had to work today.

I had someone switch with me for a little bit. So I could support Joro here.

Here you go.

W-Wait, what?

Certainly, the rules state...

That's right.

So that's what it is.

There's no rule that states I can only accept barrettes from you six.

In other words, as long as there's a woman with a barrette, it's fair game.

Oh, I see!

You're sneaky, Joro!

So you planned that from the beginning.

That's right. I didn't just try to convince Cherry and Tsukimi.

I made my pitch to other girls too, asking them to come right here and now!

Sorry we're late!

Short time no see, Kisaragi!

Thanks for waiting for me!

Here you go!

Hose, this brings my total to five, and you have four.

I turned the tables on you, huh?

Well, I have to get back to work.

See you later, Joro.

Yep. You're a lifesaver, Tsubaki.

Come on, Sasanqua!

D-Don't push me!

I don't have to be the one standing in front!

After everything, what are you talking about?

Sorry for the hassle, Sasanqua. I appreciate you coming though.

It's no big deal!

I just feel like giving away my barrette today.

So you'd better not get the wrong idea. It was just for convenience, that's all!

Here you go.

Convenient for what?

Good luck!

Well, we're going back, so do your best.

Y-Yeah.

You did it!

That's one step forward!

That makes ten.

You're not going to accuse me of breaking the rules, are you?

No, I won't accuse you.

Then the winner is...

D-Did you ask any other girls to come over?

No, that was all of them.

I see.

You should've called for this showdown the first time I saw you today.

You realized, didn't you?

That I let you get away on purpose then.

My purpose was to uncover what you were thinking.

That's why I asked you,

"Are you here for something else, too?"

I wondered why you didn't tell me about helping the little lost girl.

That clued me in to your strategy.

That's why I was inwardly desperate to escape from you.

It was extremely frustrating. However...

Something about a barrette?

Oh, there he is.

N-No way.

Hi, everyone. Thank you for coming.

Of course we're happy to help you, Hose!

So without further ado...

Well, Hose, I don't know what this is about, but good luck!

Thank you! You were all a big help!

I have a total of 98.

This is the difference between the main character and the extra.

So what are you going to do? Any more desperate ploys?

No. Enough.

I lost.

Then why don't we tell them about the punishment revision?

It changed to "never approaching or talking to Sumireko or any of her friends."

Hence, if Joro loses, all of you will be out of his life.

Then I'll give Joro a barrette, too!

I'll give him a lot! Then—

Each person can only give one barrette.

One girl can't give lots of them.

Th-Then I'll change the person I gave my barrette to—

Once you've give a barrette, there are no do-overs.

You can't change that rule now.

You're playing dirty, Hose!

Don't worry. There's still a good way that you can be with Joro.

A good way?

Just stop being Sumireko's friend.

So what'll it be?

That's a no-brainer.

I have no intention of giving up my friendship with Pansy!

Me either!

I ain't going to stop bein' her friend either!

Everyone...

After the challenge, I look forward to seeing whether your feelings will stay the same.

Well, let's try this again.

Sumireko, I want you to be my girlfriend.

Stop looking at that background actor.

Look at the main character.

The challenge isn't over.

True. But only your barrette is left.

Once you give that, I—

What's the idea, Joro?

You already lost, remember?

Yeah. I already lost.

But...

We haven't lost yet.

Hey! Sorry I'm late.

Joro!

Y-You...

I've been waiting for you, Sun-chan.

The headliner is here!

What? Tampopocchi?

Long time no see, Sakurabara and Kusami!

But I don't have time to get involved with you two right now.

Here you go, Kisaragi!

Oh, thank you.

Tampopo, what are you doing?

Hazuki, I'm just doing something so I could become happy!

Hey, is this where we're supposed to go?

Yeah, I think so.

I asked all the supporters of the baseball team to help out.

Best friend!

I knew my best friend would come through.

H-How? I've been watching since Joro came to the ball park!

He never had a chance to speak with Sun-chan!

See, that's where you're wrong, Hose.

I'm wrong?

Think back carefully.

What was I doing at the very beginning?

At the beginning?

Y-You were walking around, selling chicken skewers...

See, this is why I said you were underestimating our bond.

Refreshments for you.

Let's both win here today!

Yeah! We're invincible!

Then, at the very end, I had Pansy buy me some time.

You know why, right?

After the first six girls give away their barrettes and the game is over, so is the challenge!

Even if the game is over, the challenge isn't until Pansy gives away her barrette!

You're sneaky, Joro!

You mean... from the very beginning...

All right, I'm counting on everyone!

Okay!

22, 23, 24, 25, 26...

57, 58, 59, 60...

75, 76, 77, 78...

94, 95, 96, 97...

98!

I caught up, Hose.

Joro.

Th-That's right!

How did the game end? If Toshobu won, I still have a...

Oh, that's right.

The result of the game.

NISHIKIZUTA

TOSHOBU

Shit.

Number four, third baseman, Tokusho.

Time out!

What do you want to do?

Tokusho's gotten a hit with every at-bat today.

Intentional walk...

Sun-chan?

Of course, we'll go all out!

Got it.

I can't do this. I can't beat him.

Yes, you can win! You'd better win!

You realize it, don't you?

None of them are cheering you on.

It's because they're all crazy about him.

Yeah.

None of them are here.

None of them.

The library group...

Why am I all alone here?

They're with him.

DON'T FORGET THE ROSIN BAG!!

Don't forget the rosin bag!

This lousy handwriting is...

My last pitch for that game, my control was off a bit.

If I'd only used my rosin bag then...

That hat is imbued with the world's biggest desire for you to win, Oga.

I'm...

not going to win.

Let's shut 'em down!

Let's shut 'em down.

Not only me.

We're going to win together!

I mean, of course.

Trust and effort.

Believe in what you and your friends have done all this time

and never run away, but give it everything you've got!

That's...

Sun-chan!

Cover!

Sun-chan!

C'mere!

Out!

That's the game!

Sun-chan!

Shiba!

We won, didn't we?

Yeah! We won!

We did it!

We're going to Koushien! Koushien! Congrats...

I can't stop crying!

Sun-chan, you're amazing!

Koushien! Koushien!.

One day, with everyone...

Shiba!

We got a lot more games left!

Yeah!

Hey, Sun-chan. About the last ball...

Yeah. The last pitch...

was a forkball.

Figures.

Hose.

Hosecchi.

We're not straightforward.

We veer off along the way and make mistakes.

But we still keep moving forward.

A slightly bent victory sign.

This is our winning shot.

Aw, no. I almost forgot!

Hey, Pansy. We had that promise, remember?

If it's decided that Nishikizuta goes to Koushien, you'll be my girlfriend.

Y-Yes.

Sorry, but I want to call that off.

Sure.

I'm sorry.

Why are you apologizing?

I'm the one who broke the promise.

Well, I'm going back.

See you, Pansy!

Goodbye, Sun-chan.

It's not over. It's not over yet!

It's over when the six of us have given our barrettes and the game is done.

Th-Then I'll forcefully take Sumireko's barrette if I have to!

Naturally, stealing a barrette doesn't count.

Then if some other girl gives me her barrette...

Joro and Hose can only get barrettes when the two of them are together.

That's the rule.

President Cherry! Tsukimi!

Convince Sumireko!

There's no way. I can't do that.

Sorry, Hose.

You finally resemble a human.

Damn it! If not for you... If it hadn't been for you...

S-Sumireko! Give me your barrette!

If you give it to me, it'll be a tie!

It's okay.

You can do what you want to do.

It's not my decision.

The girl from the flower dance!

She's beautiful!

Sumireko.

Hazuki, I...

Y-Yes?

I...

I'm in love with Joro.

Pansy.

Be with me. Forever.

Thank you. I'm really happy.

How?

How could I have lost?

You're an extra!

An average, run-of-the-mill nobody!

You're right. I'm a nobody.

But I'm nobody's pawn.

Nobody's a foil.

No one exists to make someone else look better.

Also...

an average, run-of-the-mill nobody can't fight alone.

The punishment definitely applies to whomever loses.

Never approach or talk to me or any of my friends again.

Whoa, Hosecchi!

Get a hold of yourself.

This challenge...

We all won it.

Well, we're out of here.

Bye-bye.

Yeah.

Bye, Cherry and Tsukimi!

Well, now we've got the real moment of truth.

Right.

Yeah.

You mean there's something else?

We've all told Joro that we love him.

So now he's going to give us an answer.

Wh-Wh-What? He didn't tell me anything about that!

Well, um...

After all, I also...

H-Hey.

Whatever! Do what you want!

Y-Yeah.

But once you decide to do something, you do it!

That's my motto!

You all want to hear my answer, right?

Here it is.

The person I love is...

Sumireko Sanshokuin.

I love you, damn it.

I want to be your boyfriend.

Th-Thank you.

U-Um, Joro...

From now on, I want to... Huh?

Sakura Akino.

I love you.

So please be my woman.

Aoi Hinata.

I want to go out with you.

Be my girlfriend!

Hina Hanetachi.

Stay by my side for eternity.

As my lover!

Once you decide to do something, you do it! That's my motto!

What's the meaning of this?

Oh, sorry, was it hard to understand?

In a nutshell...

Monday is for President Cosmos.

Tuesday is Himawari's day.

Wednesday belongs to Asunaro.

And Thursday is Pansy's turn to be my girlfriend.

I mean, we love each other!

Did you really think that would fly?

Certainly, that leaves Friday open.

But don't worry!

Wh-What?

Stare...

What are you staring at?

I have that day open, so you get to be my Friday girl.

I can sneak you in there.

That solves it!

What's wrong? Are you overcome with emotion?

D-D-D...

Die!

I-It can't be! Nowadays violent heroines are on the outs, so how...

Hmph! See you!

Why don't we go too?

And leave this industrial waste behind.

Yeah.

Good idea.

Let's go!

How did this happen?

So after you made a doomed attempt to date all of them, they got mad and left?

There's no girl who'd go along with an arrangement like that.

That's fine. They're all still friends.

So that's what it was about?

Wh-What?

Instead of becoming Pansy's boyfriend, you gave her best friends, right?

In fact, not only Pansy, but Cosmos, Himawari, and Asunaro, too.

It figures.

You thought if you chose one, it would fracture their relationships.

Wrong.

CHEERFUL SKEWERS

In the first place, I'm in no position to choose.

All I can do is report.

I see.

Well, I'd better get going.

But Joro, do you know where that person is?

Of course I do.

We're talking about the person I love!

Geez, if you go around talking like that, Pansy and the others will get mad again.

Hey! It took you long enough!

What are you doing here?

Didn't you tell me before?

When you don't want anyone to see you crying, you take the south exit.

Then you should've stayed away!

I didn't want anyone to see me!

I can't agree to that.

This was my top priority.

You're an idiot.

Do you remember that one promise?

Promise?

The competition we had at the pool, where you have to do whatever the winner says.

Oh, that.

Go ahead. Say anything.

Let's share those skewers.

That's your command?

Yeah.

That's what I want.

Is that a no?

It works for me!

Let's see, a good place...

How about there?

It can't be...

Come on, let's eat!

Thanks.

What are you doing? It's going to get cold!

Right.

It's delicious.

Yeah, right?

Yum! Praise Tsubaki!

Yeah.

If you dawdle, I'm going to eat them all, best friend!

Hey, you're up, Sun-chan!

Delicious!

I'll show you how to gobble down a kabob!

You're finally getting hungry, huh?

Hey, Joro!

I won today. I'm going to Koushien!

What do you think? Isn't that awesome?

Yeah, you're awesome, Sun-chan!

That's my best friend!

Of course!

Now you're getting excited.

This is the way I am!

Yeah. This is the way you are, Sun-chan.

Hey, Joro, you knew it, right?

Himawari and Cosmos were in love with me.

But then the next thing I know, they all fell in love with you.

One by one, they all accepted you.

I want you to be my girlfriend.

Whereas Oga's cycle of rejection continued.

Why are you the only one who accepts that Oga?

If possible, I really wanted a cute girl to be the one.

What's wrong, Sun-chan?

Are you the only one who loves me?

I ate too much.

No more food for the rest of the day.

Good evening...

Joro, who loves his friend.

Wh-What do you want, Pansy?

I have something to say to the industrial waste in front of me, so I've been waiting.

Something to say to me?

Yes.

Well...

Thank you.

You kept your promise to me, the one you made when we first met.

You remembered, didn't you?

Who knows?

We can all keep meeting in the school library.

That makes me very, very happy.

Well, I'd better—

Wait.

I'm buying my dinner at the convenience store, so I'll walk that far with you.

Just this once.

You know, Joro...

I really do love you.

The moon is pretty tonight, huh?