Once Again
Goro returns to Japan after winning the Minor Leagues, and the first place he visits is his Father's grave. Shimizu has heard Goro has returned and decides to visit him to see if she has any feelings for him.
Episodes
The Temperature Difference Between the Two
After learning about his Father's involvement in the World Baseball Classic, Goro forgot about his date with Shimizu. When she called to see where he was he asks her to go on without him, causing her to believe Taiga's words are coming true. When Goro finally realizes he has hurt Shimizu's feelings he begins to think about everything she has done for him over the years. Even when he tries to think of baseball his thoughts wander back to her. Can Goro mend this broken love before it's too late, or will he lose Shimizu?
Gathered Representatives!
Goro becomes a batting pitcher for the Japanese Senior team to help further his development against Professional players, but he also hopes that he can gain enough respect on the mound to become a player for the Japanese team in the World Baseball Classic. At home Taiga and Goro work with each other to improve his outside pitching control and his fastball's speed. The problem is he forgets to tell Shimizu about all of it, but her dream of following the baseball player keeps her from getting too upset about it.
Trial and Error
After Kyoshirou roughs up Goro he decides he needs to start using some breaking balls is he is to be successful in the Majors. Shigeno is against it, but Goro decides to seek help from the top Japanese forkball pitcher- Suguro, especially after Itao once again proves that Major League Players would be able to hit his fastball. With the guidance of Suguro he begins to develop the Gyro Forkball. He also learns how a pitching coach is more useful at learning a players weaknesses than he originally thought, a weakness he hopes to expose on the Young Japan team, for after challenging Itao Goro is sent to join the Young Japan team so the coach can see which of the Japanese main players will be useful in the World Baseball Classic by the recommendation of Kyoshirou.
Young Japan
Young Japan plans the Japansese Representatives to determine which team is more suit to play in the World Baseball Cup. After having a chance and failing to score at the top of the 1st Katori is sent to the mound and later Akutsu follows. Both of them are overpowered by the experience the Japanese Representatives have and see their slider and knuckle ball hit with ease. Katori leaves with the team trailing 4-0, and Akutsu loses all confidence when that score grows to 9-0. Finally Goro is sent out to try and change things around. He reveals his gyro fork, but a fatal flaw is found in it forcing him once again to rely on his gyro fastball.
Unselfish Fastball
Realizing that his forkball breaks too early Goro decides to try and expose the weaknesses the All Japan team has and relys solely on his fastball. At first glance it seems to backfire as the Young Japan team falls even further behind at 9-0. Making things worse is the communication between Goro and Toshi is struggling, but once the two sync back up they show all of Japan how dangerous his fastballs can be. At the end of the episode Goro returns to America to begin spring training with the Hornets.
An Unexpected Notification
Shimizu decides to follow Goro to America and root for him in person during the rest of his Spring Training games. Her parents are hesitant at first, but when Taiga lets it slip that she wants to go there to be with Goro to their mom then she agrees to convince the unseen Father to let her. Shimizu rents a car when she arrives and is headed to the training grounds, but her car break down on the way. Luckily Goro recruits the help of Keene, and the two go down the route she was to come in on, fix her car, and then get her back into the Florida town the Hornets have Spring Training at. Goro pitches the next day and admits that he has the next day off, so he and Shimizu make plans to be together the next day. That night he gets a call from his manager. Goro is sent to California. When he arrives he learns that he has been selected to replace Suguro who was injured during the qualifying rounds. Goro wants to turn down the offer, but when he learns it was Kyoshirou and Itao that recommended he be brought up on the All Japan team he decides to stay. As the episode ends Shimizu reads a note Goro left and wonders what the heck is going on.
Everyone`s Respective Expectations
Goro calls Shimizu and lets her know that he has been selected to be on the naitonal team as the episode begins. As the episode continues the news is broadcast on TV in Japan. All of Goro's friends are shocked, but they start saving up funds so they can go to the Championship game and root for Goro and all of Japan. Back in California the World Baseball Cup begins with Team USA and Team Canada starting the action. Joe Gibson is the starting pitcher, and he seems to have problems breathing until Junior lets him know that Japan has selected Goro as a representative player. Gibson goes out strong and gets a complete game. At the end of the episode though Junior gets a call from a doctor about his father that sends him into a panic. As the episode ends Shimizu arrives in California to continue her rooting for Goro. Goro arrives at the airport to pick her uip, but Shimizu has meet up with Team Venezuela, and a conflict seems to be brewing.
Pressure and Real Worth
Silva upsets Goro with the comment that Asians aren't tough enough to defeat Venezuela. Meanwhile Team Japan prepares to face Montana, but they are surprised when Sanchez is rolled out instead. Japan finds it to be a slight insult that Venezuela is saving their ace for the Dominican Republic, so they decide they will defeat Venezuela at all costs to get the first needed win to move on to the semi-finals. Toshi is placed in the starting line-up as the Designated Hitter, but when the catcher gets injured Japan is forced to do a double switch, meaning if Goro makes it into the game he can beat Venezuela not only with his pitches but also at the bat.
Polished-Up Fang
Goro's first face off as a member of the Japanese Representatives is against none other than Silva. Their interaction at the airport was only the beginning as a new rivalry is born from, but in order for Goro to be successful he must first pull Toshi out of the slump he has gotten stuck into and debut his gyrofork in front of a worldwide audience.
That`s Not Being a Man!!
Tendo is demoted from being the closer for Japan and is replaced by Goro. Tendo is upset that he has been replaced, but both Goro and the Japanese manager realize Tendo has an arm injury that hasn't healed and can place him in danger. Still, the manager is determined to show his trust in Tendo and places him into the game against Korea as the set-up man. Will Tendo willingly end the game on his own and acknowledge his injury, or will Tendo's pride knock Team Japan into an elimination game against the Dominican Republic?
The Curse
Venezuela manages to defeat the Dominican Republic putting both them and the Dominican Republic at 1-1. If Japan loses to the Dominican and Korea loses to Venezuela it would put 3 teams at 2-1 and Japan would be eliminated due to both Venezuela and the Dominican having given up fewer runs. Making things worse is the news that Goro receives- he won't be able to pitch in the game against the Dominican due to a rule saying a pitcher can't be used in more than two games consecutively. Can Japan find a way to overcome all these problems with Mayumura as the closer for the third game?
Baseball of Japan
After gaining an early 1-0 lead Japan has been unable to stop the Dominicans batters the third time through the rotation. Despite getting the first man he faced out Mayumura now finds himself in danger of giving up additional runs and the Dominican leads 4-1. Who will realize the only way to defeat the Dominican is through small ball instead of swinging for the stands first, and what will Japan do when the Dominican's bring out their closer to try and wrap things up and eliminate Japan after Venezuela has won 3-0? Also the identity of the mysterious Japanese girl Shimizu ran into comes one step closer to a shocking revelation.
I`m All Right
After Miho breaks down to Shimizu and reveals she is actually Toshi's younger sister, both Shimizu and Goro decide to try and keep the two separated from each other. In their efforts to keep the two apart Goro and Toshi go to workout at he park, but it's at the same time Shimizu and Miho are having lunch there. The shock of seeing his sister causes Toshi to have a mental relapse of his parents abandoning him and causes him to start to have a mental breakdown. Another problem presents itself when it's revealed Domoto's leg still hasn't recovered enough to allow him to do more than pinch hit or be the Designated Hitter. Can Toshi pull it together soon enough to allow Japan to defeat Cuba? At the same time Momoko and Shingo arrive in America to root for Japan in the semi-finals and during the championship, but Shingo seems to want to be there only for autographs and for the amusement park.
Aggressive Baseball
The match between Cuba and Japan begins with Cuba bunting, sacrificing the runner to second, stealing third, and then using a squeeze play. They also use a swing that many would consider interference but that has been declared legal because it's within the swing itself that allows the runner to advance. With so many early problems things look bad for Japan. Miho attends the game but stays out of Toshi's site so she won't cause him a relapse during the game. Goro is brought in during the 8th inning and allows two Cubans to get on base, but as soon as he sees Gibson is in the stands he manages to retire everyone in order.
Everyone`s Resolution
After defeating Cuba, Goro gets all psyched about facing America in the Championship, but Junior informs his father he knows of the surgery he needs. He informs the US manager and Goro and begs both of them to not let Gibson pitch at all costs.
America`s Pride
Gibson comes on in the eighth with only one out and the US trailing 2-0. He is disgusted by how the US has played without caring what their fans think of their performance. His speech wakes the minds and attitudes of the other players, and they escape the inning without giving up any other scores. In the top of the ninth Gibson Junior begins the inning with a base hit. America scores 6 runs and wins 6-2. After the game Gibson is told he won't pitch in the finals due to his heart condition. The next day Goro spends time with Shingo. They go and spend the day at the amusement park. Shingo asks Goro if their mom told him he plans to quit baseball. Goro tells him he doesn't mind if Shingo quits baseball, that he just needs to have fun doing whatever he chooses and become a better person. As Goro drops Shingo back off at his room though, he receives the news that Gibson collapsed during practice and has been rushed to the hospital.
Towards the Promised Place
After hearing that Gibson collapsed Goro rushes to the hospital and is invited in by Junior at his father's request. Gibson finally tells Goro what happened to his family and why Junior has a grudge against him. He also tells Goro how his mom made him promise to wait until he faced Goro before he retired so Goro could always talk about how his dad homered off such a great pitcher. As the day of the Championship arrives Goro takes a letter from Toshi to Miho. Shimizu meets up with Yamane, Oobayashi, Muta, Tashiro, and Fuji to go to the game in America. Komori joins the old Little Leaue squad at Ando Sports after learning his practice has been cancelled, Seishuu moves the baseball team into one classroom to watch the game, other old coaches and friends are shown watching the game on their TV's, and Goro's uncle who allowed Miss Hoshino to take him comes to the game. At the same time Mayumura ends up taking the starting job after a bad night's sleep costs Japan their starting pitcher before the game.
Pitching`s Origin
The Championship match begins between the US and Japan. Japan's early hitting gives them a 3-0 lead and forces Sisler out of the game for the US. When Mayumura comes out he is forced to admit his fears of not being a monster player to both Goro and Toshi. However Toshi reminds him the most fearsome player is a picther who knows his own limits and is able to go beyond them. Mayumura turns the cheers for the US into his favorite symphony piece- Dvorak's New World Order, and Japan is able to establish early control in the championship. Seeing the US down 5-0 after the 3rd inning proves to be too much for Gibson. He leaves the hospital and heads for the ballpark to try and motivate his team back to winning it all. After Alex learns Gibson has been risking his life for America's pride he is determined to change the momentum of the game and get a hit off of Mayumura.
With Chest of Pride
With Gibson's arrival the US gets a second wind. They cut Japan's lead down to 5-4 and force Goro into the game in the eighth inning. Goro walks the first batter and then gets two quick outs, but Gibson Junior hits a 100 mph fastball into the stands and forces Japan to have to rally in the ninth if they are to send the game into extra innings and have a chance to win it all.
For Oneself`s Sake
Japan refuses to give up. In the top of the ninth they tie the score and send teh game into extra innings. Not wanting to lose momentum again Gibson takes it upon himself to get warmed up and force his way into the game.
Neverending Dreams
It all comes down to this. Gibson and Goro are finally able to fulfill their promise and dream to each other as they face off in the World Baseball Cup and go into extra innings. Their performances are able to touch the hearts of everyone watching and all support toward one specific team seems to fade as both refuse to let the game end with shutout inning and shutout inning. However a rule is revealed- if the score is still tied after the 18th inning, then the game will be canceled and a rematch held the next day.
Father`s Back
The score is 6-6 as the teams enter into the 16th inning, and even Goro says it's time for the game to finish. Toshi gets what could be his final shot against Gibson as he steps up with a runner at third hoping to put Japan ahead. Toshi makes contact, and as his bat breaks it hits Gibson in the chest. Gibson recovers enough to get the out at home, but not without everyone worrying if it could end up like Honda all over. Gibson finishes the inning without giving up any runs. Goro meanwhile has started to get tired, and he walks the first two batters before giving up a hit. It's Gibson Junior's turn to bat, but he has gone into the locker room to keep an eye on his dad. When Gibson collapses they temporarily stop the game. Gibson admits the dream he had of his son hitting a home run to win the game for him wasn't a dream and asks the US to play on with him being rushed t the hospital. Gibson Junior goes out determined, but seeing his rival gives Goro new strength as well. He gets ahead 0-2 and then pitches the fastest pitch he ever has at 103 mph. Gibson Junior's bat breaks from it, but he launches the ball into the stands giving the US a 10-6 victory in 16 innings.
End of the Struggle
After giving up the four-run homer Goro falls to his knees in despair and exhaustion. The team helps him back to the locker room as the USA chants fill the air. After changing Goro decides to go to the hospital to check on Gibson instead of back to the hotel. Gibson Junior informs Goro the surgery only has a 50% success. The two wait in the hall for news until early the next morning. As soon as Goro learns Gibson is okay he returns to the hotel. The next morning Goro pretends to be sleeping so he doesn't have to face everyone, but Shigeno realizes he's faking sleep because he's laying on his left shoulder. Goro takes that note for future reference. At the hospital Gibson congratulates Junior on the walkoff homer and his MVP award. Gibson Junior says his father was the real MVP and he's going to put it into his trophy case, but Gibson refuses saying Junior needs to start his own trophy collection with the MVP award. That afternoon Miho wonders if it's okay to leave Goro without saying goodbye, but Shimizu admits she wouldn't know what to say with his face the way it was. Goro just misses them at the airport as he shows up to say godbye to his Uncle, brother, and mom. Goro's flight is supposed to be in the evening for Florida, but he misses it and goes to a park instead. For some reason he can't seem to find a passion for baseball. The next day Fuji and company arrive back in Japan, and Fuji is shocked when he sees Shigeno. He calls Shimizu, and she decides to start searching for him to see if he has returned. Eventually Shimizu goes to Honda's grave where Goro is once again waiting. He sees Shimizu and admits he's not sure if he'll play baseball ever again.
The Road to Tomorrow
Goro uses the excuse that he's tired from the tournament to explain coming back to Japan, but Shigeno thinks Goro's attitude is disgracing the game. Shingo admits he has decided to continue playing Little League Baseball so he can have a dream to get better, but Goro decides to go to his room instead. The next day the old gang decides they should get together and play baseball for fun because of the way Goro inspired all of them. Shimizu thinks of declining, but instead she invites Goro to the field hoping that watching the game will make him want to play again. As Goro watches he remembers the main reason he played while he was younger was for fun. The gang is shocked to see him there, but they let him join in. After the game ends Goro returns home, gets his bag, and says he is headed back to Florida to become a Major League Player. The episode ends with Goro throwing his first pitches as an official Major Leaguer.
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