Chapter 5 Chapter Four

Kamiyamacho in Shibuya is a quiet residential area.Luxurious mansions are everywhere, and the vast construction land is full of greenery, even the noisy noise of Park Street cannot be transmitted here. After watching the game of Toride Academy on the second day of Koshien, Nakayama returned to Tokyo again and continued to investigate the people around Mukai and Sanada.He planned to wait until the sixth day after the start of the second cycle, and then go to Jiaziyuan for surveillance. Holding the slip of paper with the address written down in one hand, Zhongshan walked on the complex and winding path unique to the old residential area.Maybe it's the summer heat!There are surprisingly few pedestrians.The strong sunlight reflects the shadows of trees and utility poles on the road and the white walls of the houses. It feels extremely quiet, as if time in this area has stood still.

Soon, Zhongshan stopped in front of a house.This is also a spacious residence, and the garage with the iron door pulled down seems to be able to accommodate three cars. After confirming the surname "Ishii" on the door plate, Zhongshan rang the bell on the intercom.Immediately, a woman answered. "I'm Zhongshan from Dongdu Sports News, and I made an appointment with Director Ishii to visit at three o'clock." "Okay, please wait a moment." Director Ishii of the S University baseball team is also one of the few coaches in the amateur baseball world.Ishii was a well-known third baseman for S University during his active duty. After graduation, he continued to work as a coach for the S University baseball team while working as the manager of his own Japanese confectionary shop in Ginza.

At the same time as the chairman, he briefly separated from baseball, but was hired as a supervisor when the S baseball team was in a slump eight years ago. Noble is recognized as one of the most famous instructors not only in college baseball, but also in amateur football. Zhongshan asked to see Ishii in order to understand Mukai and Sanada's experiences in S University.Although the incident happened suddenly, Ishii readily agreed. Zhongshan was taken to the living room.In a room of about ten tatami mats, there are no other furnishings except for sofa sets and bookshelves. The strong sunlight is blocked by white lace curtains, and soft light diffuses in the room.The air from the air conditioner is very pleasant, and the oak potted plants in the corner of the room are swaying gently.

Zhongshan sat alone on the sofa and looked around the room. People who are successful in baseball often have trophies or medals in their living rooms, but here are none.There is only a frame of photos in the center of the bookshelf in the corner of the room. Zhongshan stood up and approached. It was the moment when Ishii, who was wearing a large S jersey, firmly caught the fly ball that flew to the third base line.Probably the game has gone on for many rounds, and the jerseys are covered with mud, but the dirty jerseys and the posture of jumping up to catch the ball are inconceivably harmonious, giving the viewers a strong sense of so-called youth itself.Perhaps, Ishii selected this photo from countless photos of the active era.

At this time, there was the sound of opening the door.Zhongshan looked back.A man in a kimono enters. "I've been waiting for a long time. I'm Ishii." Although his demeanor is gentle, his voice has a terrifying pressure. Zhongshan stood on the spot like a child whose prank was discovered, "Ah, excuse me. I am Zhongshan from Dongdu Sports News." Next, he didn't know what to say. Ishii looked at Zhongshan, then at the photos on the bookshelf, and smiled. "Sorry, you saw that kind of photo." Zhongshan hurriedly left the bookshelf, and sat down on the sofa facing Ishii.

At this time, the door opened again, and the woman who had brought Zhongshan into the living room just now entered with barley tea, and set the teacups on the glass tea table in front of them.Ishii immediately said, "Tea, please." Taking a sip of the ice-cold barley tea, Zhongshan finally regained his usual composure. "Very frightened, I came to disturb you when you were resting." "You're welcome! I'm free when there's no football game, and the company is also in charge of the company. Occasionally going to see it would be labor-intensive, so I don't want to go." Saying that, Ishii shrugged and smiled.

That is a reassuring and refreshing smile!Sitting leisurely on the sofa, he has the demeanor of a general manager of a first-class company or a politician.The only difference from them is that the sun-tanned face is full of vigor, and the whole body exudes vitality, giving people a vigorous impression. "It's been two years since you entered the society, but it seems that you are quite restrained in your life." Ishii said while putting the empty teacup back on the coffee table. Zhongshan didn't understand what the other party meant, so he could only nod his head ambiguously.

"Usually two years after entering the society, you will gain weight due to lack of exercise and excessive drinking, but your figure has not changed at all from your college days." As he said, Ishii squinted his eyes and looked at Zhongshan's whole body. Zhongshan was startled. "You know what happened to me in college?" "Of course. Now, our university is more or less famous, and there will be excellent players who are willing to come. If it was bad before, good players were snatched up by other schools, so as long as there are players who think they are good, I must You are one of the players I really want to recruit. I went to Kanagawa No. 3 High School to find your supervisor, but he didn’t tell you?”

It was the first time for Zhongshan to hear about this, but his face flushed—it was enough for him to be grateful that such a famous supervisor would value him so much. "Is there such a thing? This is the first time I know." "Oh? In fact, according to the usual practice, almost all the baseball players of the Kanagawa Sangao have entered Kanagawa Chuo University. No wonder, he may be afraid that you might change your mind, so he didn't tell you!" Ishii seemed regretful as he said. sigh. His every action is as innocent as a child, but it can make people feel deep sincerity.Zhongshan couldn't help feeling a sense of intimacy, perhaps this is one of the secrets of Ishii's popularity!

"At that time, I also felt very sorry, and when I knew that you were very active at Kanagawa Chuo University, I even hated it. I always thought that you would develop into a professional team, but I was surprised to hear that you joined a newspaper." "Yes, my elbow is injured." Zhongshan's voice was naturally lowered. "Really? I think it's the same. It's such a pity!" Ishii said with a gloomy expression. Zhongshan didn't know how to answer, so he smiled concealedly. "By the way, I'm interrupting you today because our company publishes a special issue of the Summer Koshien Contest every year. This time, the theme will be on the relationship between Mukai and Sanada, so I'm here to ask for an overview of their lives in the S era."

With that said, Zhongshan took out a notepad. "Oh? Then what are we going to talk about?" Ishii seemed to change his mood, and the smile returned to his face. "The superficial deeds of the two in the S baseball team era, I have obtained information from many people, and what I want to ask is what happened to the two after the accident. Although, I know that is an embarrassing memory for you ..." "Is that an accident?" Ishii's face darkened again, frowning, he reached out to pick up a cigarette. Zhongshan went on to say: "For some reason, the two of them seem to have become fateful competitors, and they have a strong sense of competition; and it is not a healthy sense of competition, but hostility; they have cut off all contact with each other. I don't think the reason is that That accident. I also had a relationship with them personally, and Mukai is not the kind of narrow-minded man who would hate his friend Sanada for an irresistible accident. In fact, after the incident, the two also conducted reform training together. Like this Friends, why did it evolve into today's situation?" "It's really because of this matter..." Ishii murmured again, closing his eyes, a deep groove formed between his eyebrows. A long silence continued.In the silent room, only the sound of the air conditioner was heard. "When you said you wanted to interview me, I already thought it might be for this matter. In fact, I am also very worried about this!" "Really?" Zhongshan's voice couldn't help getting louder. "That was an unfortunate accident. After all, both of them are very talented players." Ishii breathed out a deep breath of smoke, his eyes fixed on the void. "After the incident, you allowed the two to reform their training alone. Is this a special case?" "Yes, because Mukai's mental injury is more serious than his physical injury, I think that instead of forcing him to participate in the team's training, it is better for him to slowly adjust in his own way. Sanada said that he must accompany Mukai, and I also consider This may become Mukai's biggest pillar, so he agreed, but he didn't expect to lose these two people in the end." Ishii's face twisted. "However, although the two of them failed to become great players, they now form strong teams and try to win the championship in Koshien. I am already very happy." "You said you were worried just now, what are you worried about?" "Those two people also gave me phone calls and letters after they quit the team. Sanada still visits me occasionally, but Mukai has completely cut off contact recently." "When did it begin?" "This spring happened to be when Nashino Nishi, led by Mukai, decided to compete for the right to compete in the Koshien competition. In the regional competition in the summer, both schools won very smoothly. Jealousy, however, Mukai had no contact, but he called me to report on the day of winning the preliminaries.” "What did you say to the well?" Zhongshan's voice was strong, he didn't expect to ask such a thing from Shijing's mouth. What did Mukai say to his mentor on the day he got the right to participate in the Koshien Competition? However, Ishii's answer disappointed Zhongshan greatly. "Just thanked me very formally, and said that I will work hard in Jiashiyuan." "Only like that?" "Of course, I also talked about how to adjust the team's situation, and how to overcome the players' nervousness in the face of big games, etc., but I didn't feel the joy of him being able to lead the team to play in Koshien, as if separated by a layer of glass. It's like talking to me." "So, don't you think something happened to Mukai this spring?" "Perhaps! Something must have happened, and it's not a good thing!" "what do you mean……" "Mukai's nonchalant attitude on the phone made me feel uneasy. I thought, if it wasn't on the phone but face to face, maybe he wouldn't dare to speak in my eyes." "Is there anything you feel guilty about?" "Not to me, but to baseball!" "To baseball?" Zhongshan stopped his recording hand and raised his face. Ishii carefully extinguished the cigarette he had just smoked in the ashtray, and stood up slowly.Going to the window, looking outside, standing still as if listening to something, is it listening to the sound of leaves swaying in the wind?Or listen to your own inner voice? Soon, a look of deep distress appeared on the side face. "In the past, there were certain rumors about the interior of college baseball." Facing the outside of the house, Ishii said. "I asked one of the high school baseball directors about the veracity of this rumor and he immediately denied it. I trust this guy and I hope I can trust someone who was his student." Zhongshan vaguely understood the true meaning of Ishii's words, and also understood why the other party would say this to him now. A cold shock slowly climbed up his back, and Zhongshan's feet could not help but tremble slightly. "That mentor is the supervisor of a certain high school baseball team who is close to Mukai, and you are worried that Mukai will also be influenced by this person?" Ishii looked up at the sky and closed his eyes. From Zhongshan's position, he couldn't see the expression on his face. "I was just talking to myself just now." Ishii clasped his hands behind his back and didn't turn his head. "Someday the pus will have to come out, but from my standpoint, I'd love to see someone who loves baseball do the surgery so I can start again. That's my only request." "Does Sanada know about this?" "I think I probably know." "yes……" Ishii seems to have a certain degree of confidence in the shady scene in the high school baseball world related to Mukai.However, thinking of Ishii's feelings about telling himself as a journalist, Zhongshan couldn't ask any more questions. Zhongshan stood up and thanked him.Ishii sent him out of the entrance. When Zhongshan was about to leave, Ishii said: "Zhongshan, besides you, there is another person who is also worried about Mukai. If possible, can you go to see that person and give her some support? You are also good for yourself." As he spoke, Ishii wrote a note on the spot and handed it to Zhongshan. Zhongshan opened it and saw that it read "No. X, Honmachi 3-chome, Takahagi City Mukai Yoko" with a phone number attached. "Mukai?" Zhongshan raised his face. "That's right, she's Mukai's younger sister, very pretty." She finally said with a smile again. Zhongshan held the note tightly and bowed his head again to express his thanks. Crossing a straight road from Takahagi Station, you can see the summer sea in front of you. The colorful windsurf boards dance gracefully on the sunny water like butterflies wearing flowers.Because it is a rocky shore, there are no sea bathing tourists. Nakayama walked along the breakwater, searching for someone who should be waiting there—the agreed time had already passed. Soon, he saw a woman sitting on the lawn under the shade of a pine tree reading a magazine.The woman was wearing a bright blue tight skirt and a sportswear-style white shirt. The slender legs protruding from the short skirt stretched forward naturally. With one hand, she lightly pressed her long hair fluttering in the sea breeze, and read intently. "Is that Miss Mukai?" Zhongshan approached and asked. The woman closed the magazine on her lap and looked up at Zhongshan.She has a pair of deep, bright eyes that seem to draw people in. The day after visiting Supervisor Ishii, Zhongshan called Ye Zi Mukai and said that he wanted to talk to her about Mukai. Ye Zi took a reserved attitude and said that he had to think about it.The next day, she took the initiative to call and appointed a place and time to meet. "Sorry, I'm Zhongshan." Zhongshan was very angry that his voice trembled slightly. He handed out his business card, intending to calm down his mood, but he didn't notice that the business card was held upside down. Leaf lowered her head, covered her mouth and smiled. "Sorry, I don't know you, I'm sorry." Ye Zi said, and smiled again. "You're so beautiful that I'm bewildered," Zhongshan said. Ye Zi showed a surprised expression in an instant, pursed her lips and chuckled. "As expected of a journalist, you are so good at talking." Zhongshan couldn't help but want to say "No, it's true", but after thinking about it, it would seem too frivolous, so he swallowed the words and opened the notepad half-embarrassed. The information related to the leaves is simply written on it: ——Mukai Yoko, 20 years old, after graduating from Takahagi Women's High School two years ago, worked in a local department store.When he was in elementary school, his parents died in a car accident, and he was adopted by relatives in Takahagi City together with his older brother Kenichi Mukai.While taking office, he became independent and currently lives alone in an apartment in the city. Ye Zi looked at Zhongshan, whose face was blue and red, with interest, and soon she spoke: "You said on the phone that you are investigating the matter of your brother?" Zhongshan raised his face and sat down beside Ye Zi. "Using the word investigation, it sounds like I am a criminal. According to us journalists, it should be called an interview. Besides, Brother Ling and I are also friends." Ishii said that Mukai did something he felt guilty about baseball.If you ask Ye Zi, she will have the impression that she wants to discover the scandal. Since it is related to her own brother, she will definitely be wary and keep her mouth shut. It would be smoother to explain it frankly. "I heard that Brother Ling, what worries you?" "Yes." Ye Zi put her hands on her knees hard, and soon, as if she made up her mind, she raised her face, stared at Zhongshan, and began to speak. "Recently my brother looks weird, that's why I was worried... I thought that my brother might talk to Director Ishii, so I called Mr. Ishii." "Mukai doesn't seem to have discussed anything with Director Ishii in particular." Ye Zi silently nodded. "You said it looks strange, do you have any more specific facts?" "My brother started to change after that accident in his sophomore year, so it might be clearer from then on." Zhongshan smiled encouragingly and nodded. "Shortly after the accident, my brother was discharged from the hospital and returned to Gao Hagi's uncle's house to recuperate. He just stayed in the room all day. Uncle's house, tried to help him and often pulled him out, and tried to introduce classmates to him, but it was useless, my brother has been unwilling to open his heart." "Is anyone coming to see him?" "Mr. Sanada has been here several times, and there is another person." "Another person?" Ye Zi's tone became heavy: "The problem lies with that person." "The so-called problem is..." "It's a guy named Kuniyoshi, and he and my brother were teammates on the Shinko Park baseball team at the same time." "Guoji? I haven't heard of it. Didn't become a first-team player in Xinguang Park?" "Dumped out of the team in second grade." "Quit the team?" "Yeah. I heard there was a fight with students from other colleges." "Ah, it's about the gang fight..." Zhongshan remembered.Eight years ago, there was a violent gang fight between the second-year players of Shinko Park, which almost prevented them from playing in Koshien.Before that, there were also player suicides, which can be said to be the year that Xinguang Park caused the most topics. "That Kuniyoshi is also from Ibaraki?" "Yes, although my brother and I went to different middle schools, but because they were the only two who came to Shinko from Ibaraki Prefecture, and Kuniyoshi's parents died when they were young, and they were in the same situation as each other, so they have a good relationship." "should be." That's easy to imagine.A young man who had just graduated from middle school left his hometown and came to the faraway city of Osaka. He must have been very disturbed when he entered the Shinko Garden, which was famous for its Spartan training at that time.In that case, the two people from the same hometown will of course support and encourage each other no matter in baseball training or daily life. "Mukai was injured in college. When he came back here, what did Kuniyoshi do here?" "This... After dropping out of high school, I seem to have changed several jobs. I heard that I also worked as a clerk in a small steel ball shop. However, the style of life seems to be not very good." "yes……" Zhongshan can understand the depressing state of mind of a 15-year-old boy who dreamed of setting foot on Koshien and entered the famous baseball school Shinguang Park. After less than two years, he was forced to leave the baseball team and return to his hometown. Kuniyoshi reunites with Mukai, who is likely to bid farewell to his pitching career due to an unfortunate incident. Under such circumstances, what will the two talk about? Zhongshan has a dark premonition! "Do Brother Ling and Guoji meet quite frequently?" "Yes, for a period of time, we met almost every day." "What do you two talk about when you meet?" "This... my brother didn't tell me, so... However, he once said it very lonely, talking about things from the past, when we played baseball together... At that time, my brother's tone made me feel very sad. He said: You are still so young, why talk about the past! You should talk about the future." Ye Zi bowed her head—talking about the old days, when they played baseball together? Zhongshan seems to be able to understand that perhaps, in the hearts of these two people, youth has disappeared when they finish playing baseball! Although their youth is over, they are still too young. It would be good if they can find a second goal, but if they can't... "What about brother Ling?" "Fortunately, Mr. Sanada came to him, and the two continued to practice. After about a month, they returned to Tokyo. However, because they couldn't break through the predicament, they finally had to embark on the road of coaching." "Do you know what happened to Guoji later?" "Not long after my brother returned to Tokyo, he got into trouble and left his hometown. I heard that he is now in Osaka and seems to be a member of a violent organization." "Violent organization? Do you know what organization it is?" "have no idea." Zhongshan's inner misfortune became more intense.Compared with Tokyo, baseball gambling controlled by violent organizations is popular in Osaka, especially because Koshien is located here, and rumors of scams connected to high school baseball are endless. If Guoji really joined a violent organization, based on his experience, it is very likely that he has a relationship with baseball gambling.Moreover, if he gets close to Mukai who has already won the right to play in Koshien... "Did Guoji get close to Brother Ling again recently?" Zhongshan asked. Ye Zi froze instantly and nodded slowly.That way, it seems that there is some kind of fear in my heart. "How did Guoji get close to Brother Ling? Are they always in touch?" "Then I don't know, but after being the supervisor of Narashino West High School, my brother cheered up again and returned to his previous appearance. At that time, I was relieved and relieved, but this spring, I got Koshien After getting the right to play, my brother's appearance began to change slowly." "What exactly has changed?" "I can't be specific, but it's clear that he's living a life of luxury." "Luxury? Like what?" "I'm a layman on cars, but my brother bought an imported car that looks quite expensive to use for transportation, and he also owns Rolex watches and the like... Luxuries that are unimaginable in my brother's previous life." "When did that start?" "I don't remember clearly, but the imported car should have been bought this spring." "yes……" Everything points to this spring, that is, Mukai has undergone various changes before and after he got the right to play in Koshien! "And... my brother tried his best to show a very cheerful attitude towards me, but it made me feel like he was hiding something from me, even like he was avoiding me." "What are you hiding from you?" "I was very worried. After my brother became a supervisor, he lived alone in an apartment near the stadium, so when I was on vacation at the company, I tried to accompany him as much as possible, but one day, I found that Guoji was with him." "Really? When did it happen?" "It should be before starting to participate in the selection competition this spring." "At that time, the three of you talked together?" "No. When I opened the door, both of them seemed very unnatural, especially my brother was very flustered, and Guoji turned his head a little uncomfortably. When I was about to enter to say hello, Guoji stood up hurriedly and said to my brother, 'What I just talked about Please', leave now." Kuniyoshi came to find Mukai, what exactly was it for? "Later, Brother Ling also continued to contact Guoji?" "Maybe! When I was cleaning my brother's room, I once received a call from Kuniyoshi." "What did he say then?" "I said my brother was not at home, and he immediately hung up the phone." "Really? When did that happen?" "It should be before the start of the regional preliminaries this summer." "Did you tell Brother Ling about the phone call?" "yes." "How did he react..." At this time, Ye Zi brushed off the grass clippings stuck to her skirt and stood up. "I'm sorry, I have other things to do, so I have to go." "Oh... I basically understand, and I understand your feelings. As Mukai's friend, I will try my best. But, do you have any other discoveries?" Zhongshan asked eagerly. Ye Zi stopped and pondered for a moment. "By the way, Guoji's grandmother passed away yesterday." "Dead? Yesterday?" "Yes, it was also reported in today's newspaper." "What was the cause of death?" — Could it be related to this series of doubts? "I heard it was an accident, but I don't know the details." Regarding the accidental death of the old woman, even the local tabloids are not very good at reporting it in detail! "I'm sorry, I have to say goodbye." Ye Zi took a step or two, stopped, looked back at Zhongshan, and nodded. "Please help! There's nothing I can do but worry." Zhongshan also stood up and silently nodded. Ye Zi nodded again, turned around and walked away quickly. Zhongshan watched Ye Zi's back with a complicated mood.He started this project because he wanted to understand the existence of college baseball, but he didn't expect things to develop in an unexpected direction! Even so, no matter what Ishii said, Zhongshan always felt that it was unusual for Ye Zi to confess his doubts about his brother to himself as a journalist.Also, Kuniyoshi's grandmother died unexpectedly... If you ask the Mito branch of the parent company Tohto Shimbun for help with this matter, maybe you can get some information! No matter what, since we have reached this stage, we can no longer turn back, so we have to move forward step by step. Zhongshan put away his notepad, stood up, walked back along the breakwater, and followed the colorful windsurfing boards.The people above are very young, probably students!There are many young people who like windsurfing; on the other hand, there are also many young people who fight fiercely in Koshien under the sun, and these are youth... Haruka Nakayama was thinking of Mukai and Sanada in the Koshien duel. For the sake of the players, he hopes that they can face each other in an upright manner. If someone is not like this... no matter who the person is, he will never forgive him! Zhongshan took a deep breath of sea breeze.Starting tomorrow, I will be sitting in Osaka to start the interview. What facts are waiting for me there?The uneasiness in his heart expanded more than expected. The contest is on its seventh day.Jiashiyuan entered the second cycle from yesterday.The fourth game of the day was played by Shinko Park, and the stands were almost full. Oh Yagi was also sitting by the railing of the left field stand that day, using binoculars to search for people who were watching the catcher's signal gesture. Today is a full house, coupled with the delay of the first three games, before the start of the fourth game, it is already dark, and the night lighting equipment may be used at any time.These are the harshest conditions for anyone using a telescope.It may be necessary to use a wet towel to cool the eyes at any time before continuing to search with tired eyes!Moreover, this action does not know how many times to repeat! In the second half of the second game, Tohoku Commercial's offense ended, and it was Shinko's turn to attack in the first half of the third game. After taking advantage of the short break during the defense change, O Yagi reached for the binoculars on his lap again. Before starting the search, Oyagi looked to the infield stands behind the net.Before that, Kuniyoshi would always be seen whenever Shinmitsu or Narashino played a game, but today he was not seen.What does this mean?What impact will it have on today's game?Oyagi didn't know. On the fourth day of the tournament, Narashino went to Kuniyoshi in Tokyo after the game, and his whereabouts have been unknown since then.Kuwahara is in charge of monitoring Kuniyoshi's residence. Whenever he sees the other party, he will contact Oyagi with a beeper. However, until now, the beeper has not sounded. On that day, Oyagi and Kuwahara followed Yajima and Mukai respectively, but as a result, the two did not take any action. ——If I knew this, I should let Kuwahara follow Kuniyoshi!Oyagi gritted his teeth with hatred, but it was too late. ——No matter what, there must be some trouble, maybe Shinmitsu today will not use "magic" techniques... In fact, before the second half of the second inning, Oyagi had already searched the area where the catcher's signal gesture could be seen from the outfield stands, but failed to find anything. When Oyagi was in a state of confusion, he suddenly heard a soft "clang".He looked back down the field to see Shinmitsu's ninth hitter hit a flat to first base before center field. Before that, the two teams were 1-0, and Shinko temporarily fell behind by one point. Northeast Commercial's Nakajo is good at throwing off-the-shoulder changeups, and is the most difficult type of pitcher for Shinko to deal with. With one point behind, Shinko is likely to start using "magic" means.Oyagi paused his search, paying attention to the assailant's movements. After the first hitter sent a runner to second with a sacrifice hit, the second hitter hit a left field flat hit against a fastball thrown by the center pitcher on the first pitch. Back to home plate, forming a 1-1 tie. The next third hitter aimed at the slider and hit a strong ground ball between the first and second bases, but was blocked by the second baseman of Northeast Commercial with his body. kill.As a result, the game was only tied 1-1. Overjoyed by the double-play defense, the Northeast Commercial cheerleaders in the first base stand waving flags wildly. Oyagi, who was engrossed in the offensive process of this round, relaxed his nervousness, and leaned against the back of his chair, thinking: It's started! The Northeast Commercial offense in the second half of the third game was easily eliminated by three players, and it was Shinko's turn to attack in the first half of the fourth game. In this half inning, Yoshizawa, the fourth batter, was the first to play.He missed a swing on the outside corner straight ball on the first pitch.The second ball was a slow curveball that entered the middle from the shoulder, and with a clang, the ball flew into the left field stands. Then came the streak, scoring four runs in just this half of the inning, and another two-out run.Tohoku Commercial lost confidence in the ace pitcher Nakajo, and sent Murakami with the number 10 on his jersey back to rescue. Yoshizawa, who hit the field for the second time in this inning, perhaps relaxed a little because of the last home run, hit a fly ball over the weaker catcher, and was caught and out. Oyagi folded his arms, and looked at the half round of the raging attack in a half-blind manner. There is no doubt that Shinmitsu used "magic"!However, it's still kind of weird. Oyagi frowned.When Xinguang played the first game, he and Kuwahara jointly searched, but failed to get the slightest clue.It's the same today, perhaps, the progress of the matter is beyond the scope of my understanding!He picked up the binoculars again. After all, he had no choice but to search the outfield stands to see if he could find any suspicious persons. In the fifth and sixth innings, Shinko's offense failed to score, while Tohoku Commercial scored two points with three hits in the second half of the sixth inning, making it 5-3, and the game became tense again. As a result, O Yagi still failed to find suspicious figures in the outfield stands, and he could only look at the field blankly. Besides the outfield bleachers, is there anywhere else to catch a catcher's signal gesture?The catcher's signal signal cannot be seen from the run guidance area at first and third base.And further inside is the opponent's player, at least in a big game like Koshien, it is impossible for any player to help the hostile team score. So, besides peeking at the catcher's signal gestures, is there any way to know what pitch the opposing pitcher is going to throw... Not for nothing!Pitchers often have habitual movements in their pitching posture, but not all pitchers have them, and even if they do, they may not be able to detect them—at least, this cannot be a reasonable explanation for the violent attack that broke out at the beginning of the third inning. If you have studied the pitching posture of the opponent's pitcher in advance, you may hit consecutive hits after the start of the game. Why wait until the third inning?Conversely, why must there be a preparation period for the first two rounds?This should be the key to unlocking the mystery of "magic". After Northeast Commercial replaced the relief pitcher, Shinko's fighting front fell silent again. Relief pitcher Murakami played in the fourth inning. For him, the seventh inning is considered three innings. If Murakami is also beaten in the seventh inning, then the existence of "magic" is beyond doubt.Although it is meaningless not to be able to see through the "magic" technique, it is better to look at Shinko's offense in the seventh game before making any plans. In the seventh inning, it was Shinko's turn to play the fifth bat. When the pitcher threw the third pitch, the batter swung and hit a triple that hit the right center field home run wall. Six, seventh, followed by singles to left field and center field. —and it started again. There is no room for doubt, "magic" does exist.But, what is the method... At this time, the Northeast Commercial called a timeout sound, the infielders gathered around the pitcher's board, and the catcher seemed to be surprised by the coach's instructions. Appease", but a very decisive specific instruction! At the end of the timeout, the coach took off his hat to thank the referee, and then walked back to the rest area.The next thing to watch is: what kind of counterattack will the Northeast Commercial Supervisor Onomura take. Oyagi moved to a position where he could see the catcher's signal gesture. The game restarts.Oyagi picked up the binoculars and paid attention to the catcher's signal gesture. There were runners on first and second base, and Murakami was holding a bag of talcum powder in his hand. After throwing it down, he should pay attention to the catcher's signal gesture, but he stepped on the pitcher's board! --Oh I got it! Oyagi exhaled softly.It seems that Director Onomura also noticed that someone was peeping at the catcher's signal gesture, and adopted the casting method without a signal.In other words, instead of the catcher using a signal signal, the pitcher decides what to throw, so that no one can be caught knowing what kind of ball to throw. After Murakami glanced at the runner on second base to check it, he threw a straight ball to the inside corner of the right hitter. In the next moment, Oyagi saw an unbelievable sight. The hitter seized the timing and swung the ball out of the right center field for a flat hit. The movement was clean and neat, which seemed to be mocking the strategy of Northeast Commercial. --how is this possible? Oyagi wanted to think the hitter was just timing his swing, but the next hitter also hit a curveball to right field.Even from the outfield stands, Akira Murakami's face turned pale. Supervisor Onomura of Tohoku Commercial also stood in the rest area as if seeing a monster.It's no wonder that the same is true for Oyagi, it's like seeing ghosts in broad daylight! The next hitter hit Murakami's deadly straight ball inside the left-field line, and the next hitter hit the streak again. Oyagi looked blankly at the Shinmitsu players who were hitting the base one by one. His whole body was weak, as if the strength of his lower body had disappeared. It was no longer necessary to search for people in the outfield stands who were watching the catcher's signal gestures, because there was no need for such people to exist!Even the secret code in the pitcher's mind, the hitter of Xinguang can know every thing and every thing. "Ha, ha, ha..." Oyagi smiled weakly. He tried to forget this fantastic fact by laughing.But Shinmitsu's hitter hit another ball that flew over left fielder and landed in front of the home run wall in front of Oyagi. Shortly after nine o'clock in the evening, Oyagi was sitting on a cool chair in the small park, from where he could see the entrance of the apartment where Yajima lived. Yajima lives on the fifth floor of a high-end apartment with red-brown tiles.Lights were on in the room. Oyagi didn't expect what would happen next, he just felt that he couldn't calm down without doing something. 自从看过今天第四场比赛的令人难以置信之景象后，大八木已迷失前进方向。 大赛第一天及今天的信光出赛之两场赛事，很明显都采用“魔术”，但是，大八木完全掌握不到其手法，如此一来，根本就无计可施了。 但是，桑原和大八木却形同强烈对比，他精力充沛地追查国吉和矢岛的关系，而且也约略了解此二人确实和棒球赌博有关联，同时彼此的关系又不融洽！ 大八木环视四周，想找找看桑原在不在，却未能发现。第四场比赛后，桑原利用呼叫器和大八木联络，告知他国吉出现于自己的公寓，也许，桑原还在跟踪国吉也未可知。忽然间，大八木很怀念桑原那张已看腻的脸孔！ 取出香烟，燃着。呼出一口烟雾时，这才发觉这是今天吸的第一根烟。仔细想想，今天一整天连连受到冲击，连烟都忘了抽。 ——是向井！大八木情不自禁地站起来。 向井在由公寓出口通往外面马路的阶梯途中停住，回头望着电梯，似有什么事悬在心上，然后摇了一下头，开始快步走向车站。 大八木走出公园，想跟在向井身后，但在公园出口停住。 习志野西为了配合第一场比赛是从早上八点展开，而每天清晨四点起床，七点开始进行练习。这似乎是因为在春季选拔赛时，由于早上八点开始比赛，球员状况调整失败而反省所得的经验。 因此从时间上判断，向井直接回旅馆的可能性很大，即使跟踪也没有意义。 何况，大八木预感到矢岛的房间里可能发生什么事！他这次未坐在凉椅上，而是很谨慎地躲在公园的树干后。 公园的时钟指着十点过后，但是，还是同样燠热。 一到夜晚十点，这一带住宅区人影稀少，偶尔有人走过，都是些喝过酒、满脸通红、赶着回家的上班族。 矢岛的房间里无任何动静，还是同样亮着灯光。 “看来连第六感也不准了。”大八木自嘲似地喃喃自语。 就在此时，他听到有轻微的脚步声朝公寓走来，是很沉稳的步伐，和醉后轻浮的步伐明显不同。大八木在树隙间往脚步声方向看，是个戴墨镜的男人！身材相当高，由于黑暗，再加上戴着墨镜，看不清其相貌。 男人在公寓前站住，仰头望着公寓楼上。这时，在路灯照射下，很清楚地见到其侧脸。 ——是国吉！ 似乎在望着五楼的矢岛房间的窗户。还是和平常一样穿蓝色牛仔裤，不过，今天是穿绿色T恤。 ——向井之后是国吉，这下子有得忙了。 国吉窥伺周遭一会儿，走过通往公寓入口的阶梯旁，进入围绕公寓四周的植栽内，看样子是打算躲在公寓墙壁和植栽的间隙中，监视进出公寓的人。 蹲在植栽内的国吉只将头伸出植栽外，监视公寓入口，在灯光的照射下，能认出他的侧脸。 ——这家伙怎会干此种妙事！ 大八木苦笑。企图监视别人，事实上自己却被监视，未免是太强烈的讽刺了。 大八木情不自禁地环视四周，忽然，感觉到自己也被什么人监视。回头时，一张男人的脸孔就在眼前！ “哇！”被他的惊叫声吓到的反而是对方。 “没什么好怕的吧？吓我一跳。”紧绷着脸，压低嗓门的人是桑原。 “混账！在这种场所突然自背后探头出来，谁都会被吓到的。如果被国吉发现该怎么办？”大八木因为难看的胆小样子被对方见到，半为掩饰羞赧地怒骂桑原。 “放心，没有被发现。不过，情形如何？这里地点绝佳，你可真行，选了个这么好的位置！” “别说那种没用的风凉话了。” 但是，桑原说得没错。从这个位置能同时观察到进出公寓的人，和躲在植栽中的国吉，是最理想的位置。 “那家伙打算在那里等什么？”桑原靠向大八木身边，自树隙间窥看国吉。 “刚才向井从公寓里出来。” “什么？向井……真的吗？向井直接和矢岛接触，那么，国吉是被踢开了？” “好像是这样。” “也难怪国吉会坐立难安了。嘿、嘿，国吉若被踢开，我们也可少跟踪人，那就轻松多了。对了，今天的比赛听说信光又是强攻猛打，怎么样？是否解开魔术之谜啦？” “这个稍后再谈。你那边如何？国吉回住处后至来这里之间，有什么样的行动？” “在信光的比赛结束后他回住处，然后就是乱逛。” “乱逛？怎么说？” “就是离住处不远，约摸每隔一小时就去咖啡店或超级市场购物等等，拖延好久，才算真正出门。看来，人生真是随时都得忍耐！” “你说什么我听不懂，但能跟踪国吉至这种时刻，确实有一套。” “那也算不了什么。” 大八木的视线回到国吉那边。国吉仍将戴墨镜的侧脸露出于植栽上，在过往的车灯反射下，墨镜时而映出淡淡的亮光。 有人进出公寓时，国吉立刻缩进植栽内，一等人经过，又再度露出头来。时间已过晚上十点。 “他到底在等谁呢？”桑原不耐烦地开口。 “大概是等谁来找矢岛吧！如果是等矢岛外出，应该对矢岛房间的灯光多少也会关心些。” “不错，他完全未看向矢岛的房间。” 矢岛房间的灯光仍旧亮着。这时，国吉再度缩回植栽里。 “似乎有人来了。”两人凝视通往公寓的道路。 “八木，你看。”桑原紧张地提高声调。“那边……那不是柴田监督吗？” "what!" 桑原后退一步，把位置让给大八木。这边有一处稍大的树叶缝隙，大八木从缝隙望向路面。 可以见到一道男人身影往这边走过来，身材虽矮，全身却肌肉结实。 “不错，是柴田。” “八木！”桑原抓住大八木的手臂。 大八木望向国吉。国吉等柴田消失于阶梯后的公寓门内，再度探头出来，走上阶梯，望向电梯间，大概在确认柴田进入电梯间吧！ 大八木本来以为国吉会跟入，但是，不知何故，国吉再度回到植栽内，坐下，看样子是在等柴田出来。 “八木，怎么办？要跟踪柴田吗？” “但是，国吉在那边监视着，有什么办法？” “不，公寓还有另一处出入口，只要绕过国吉藏身的植栽后，在公寓背面有一道太平梯，应该能通往各楼层。如何？我们跑过去？”桑原声音用力，似忍不住想要采取行动。 “等一等！”大八木考虑一下，制止桑原。“柴田一定是进矢岛的房间，就算跟踪，我们也无法进去，那么，等于是毫无意义的冒险，倒不如在这里等他们采取下一步的行动。” “是吗？”桑原不太情愿地说。 接下来的一段时间，未见矢岛房间的窗户有任何变化，国吉依然藏身于植栽内。 约摸有十五分钟之久吧！ “八木，出来啦！”桑原屏住气，低声说。 柴田的身影出现于公寓门外。 “出乎意料地快嘛！” “是呀！这样短的时间究竟能做些什么？” 如果要讨论事情，这样的时间太短了，而在这种时刻，名满天下的信光学园棒球队监督不可能只是特地来找矢岛串门子！ 柴田在阶梯前站住，回头望向公寓门内，好像在想些什么，接着又摇了两、三下头，才很遗憾似地开始走下阶梯。这时似想到什么般，慌忙地四处张望，在确定无人之后，便小心翼翼地往回走向通往车站之路。 “跟踪他。”桑原站起身。 “等一下！”大八木按住桑原手臂。 “他好像在打电话。”柴田走进附近的公用电话亭。 “这种时刻，他会打电话去哪里？” 从两人的位置只能见到电话机背后，不可能看出柴田所按的按键式电话的号码，也见不到柴田的表情。 “可恶，糟透了。”桑原焦急地说。 柴田马上走出电话亭，前后花不到一分钟。 “这次也很快，他在急些什么？” "yes……" 还来不及思索，桑原已如被放开的猎犬般从公园后头冲出，边说：“我跟踪他，你注意国吉的行动，别让他发现了。” 桑原转脸朝大八木做出胜利的V字形手势，马上消失于黑暗中。 走出公用电话亭的柴田，微低垂着头朝车站走去。 而国吉又在干什么呢？柴田的身影已消失，但他仍躲在植栽里，好像并不想跟踪。 接下来又过了约十五分钟。 国吉似死了心，站起，窥看周遭，不久总算走至阶梯，仰脸瞥了矢岛的房间一眼，转身，开始走向车站。 矢岛的房间仍亮着灯光。楼下发生那么多事情，却好像只是在另一个世界发生之事，他的房内毫无反应。 大八木也站起来，打算跟踪国吉。虽然惦着矢岛的房间可能发生什么事，但只要矢岛人在房内，自己根本无计可施。 踏出公园一步时，远处传来救护车的警笛声，而且声音逐渐接近这边。 ——难道矢岛的房间发生什么了？ 大八木有这种预感。 瞬间，他踌躇着，但马上下定决心——与其跟踪国吉，不如看看救护车的动静！ 当缩着背、小跑步离去的国吉身影消失时，也同时见到救护车闪灭的红灯。 大八木走进公寓大门。 果然不出所料，救护车的警笛停止，车子在公寓玄关前停住。 后车门开了，手握担架的救护队员跳下路面。 大八木进入电梯，毫不考虑地按下五楼的按钮。他打算在矢岛的房门前等候救护队员到达。 也许判断错误也不一定！也许只是其他住户有孩子发高烧！ 但……大八木有自信。在矢岛的公寓前发生这么多事情之后，救护车出现了，这绝非偶然。 电梯停止，门开了。电梯出口右右两边有走廊向前延伸，走廊上铺着暗红色的厚地毯。 以拥有不逊于饭店服务为号召的这栋公寓，除最上层的十一楼外，所有的房间皆为单人房，走廊两侧并列无数厚重木门的样子，有极浓厚的饭店气氛。 天花板上装有小夜灯，但是光线很弱，走廊尽头转角沉浸在黑暗中。约有半数的房间，房门和地毯的缝隙间都插有报纸，大概是夜生活者很多吧！ 大八木在电梯旁的沙发坐下，望着电梯楼层的数字板。在一楼停止的灯开始往上亮了。 掏出香烟，点着，用力呼出一口烟雾时，电梯门开了，穿白衣的救护队员出现，一位很年轻，约摸为二十五、六岁吧！另一位则约四十岁上下。 两人抬着担架走出电梯后；一位穿灰色作业服的矮个子男人从电梯内跑出，马上带两人往矢岛房间的方向，看来是这栋公寓的管理员。 三人站在矢岛的房门前。 “矢岛先生。”管理员面对对讲机叫着。 年轻的救护队员用力敲门。但是，屋内似无任何反应。 “怎么啦？发生什么事？”大八木悠闲地问管理员。 “没办法，用备钥开门吧！”年长的救护队员瞥了大八木一眼，对管理员说。管理员默默颔首，取出备钥，蹲在门前。 门立刻开了。但是，才只开一道缝就被卡住，大概是扣上链锁了吧！ “给我，由我来。” 年轻队员想使用钢剪时，被年长的队员一把抢过，以很熟练的动作剪断链锁。 在队员们冲入房内的同时，大八木的身体也溜入门内，但是，忍不住惊呼出声。 救护队员们也茫然怔立。 由房门通往起居室的走道上，约摸中间位置俯卧着一位男人，体内流出大量鲜血，地毯都被染红了。看那苍白的侧脸，确实是矢岛。 “立刻和警方联络！小心，别碰触四周的物件。”年长的队员向年轻者指示。 “死了吗？”管理员弯腰注视尸体。 “出血太多……腹部被刺伤。”蹲在尸体旁的年长队员仰脸望着管理员。“是这个房间的住户？” “是的，姓矢岛，单独住在这里。为何会变成这样呢？”管理员的声音颤抖不已。 大八木边听边仔细观察房内。反正警方的人一到，自己会被赶开，必须趁这之前尽可能掌握资料。 矢岛身穿高尔夫长裤和白汗衫。倒地的位置距房门约五公尺，右手紧握电话话筒，尸体旁边掉落着被从架子上拉下的电话机，似乎是突然遇袭想求救时而气绝死亡。即使并非专家也可一眼看出刚死亡不久，那么凶行极可能是自己在公园里监视时发生的可能性极大！ 大八木脑海中浮现向井和柴田的身影。 --what! 这时，大八木发现可疑之事——矢岛紧握话筒的电话线已在途中被切断。大八木靠近观察，电话线似被锐利刃物切断，呈斜切面，一端黏有胶带。 “是被切断后用胶带贴上，从外表上看仍完好。”年长的队员从大八木背后望着被切断的电话线，说。“这是相当有计划性的杀人。” 这时，远处传来警笛声，似乎巡逻车已赶抵。 “警方要验尸了，走吧！”救护队员手扶住大八木肩膀，似是自己也要一起离开。 大八木再次回头望向房内。这时，他见到深深刺入矢岛腹部的凶器，看样子似乎是手术刀！ 不久，警方人员冲至门口，在门前迅速拉上围绳，将大八木赶至绳圈外。 这时，闻讯走出房门来看的公寓住户们，穿着睡衣，在绳圈外围成人墙。 一位刑事状、衣服邋遢的男人拨开人墙，钻过绳下，进入房内，在里面和年长的救护队员交谈，边谈，边望着大八木，然后向一旁的警察简短指示着什么，这才蹲在尸体旁。 警察走近大八木。“救护队员赶到时，你好像在电梯间旁的沙发？” "good." “有事情向你请教，你愿意协助警方调查吗？” "certainly." 本来就有这种盘算的，必须尽量从刑事那边搜集资料才行。当然，也有可能无法平白获得，但是，只要资料愈多，总有一部分可以有效利用。 大八木被带进管理员室。等候不久，刚才那位刑事进来了。是头发已秃、身材不高的中年男性，年龄约摸四十二、三岁，说好听些是看起来很精悍，说难听点则面貌凶恶，与其说是刑事，倒不如说更像暴力组织的流氓。身穿廉价长裤，系蛇皮腰带，可说是穿着品味差劲，但是眼神非常锐利！ ——好像不太容易应付。大八木摆出防卫姿势。 “等另一位年轻人来再向你请教……不过，你出现在现场的时机可真巧，还进入房内呢！” 大八木浮现暧昧的微笑。 刑事毫不以为意，接着说：“看来你和传播媒体似乎有关系。”说完，刑事打量大八木全身。 ——真不愧是干这行的！但是，只是佩服也不行，必须让情绪平静下来。他慢慢掏出香烟，叼在嘴上。 刑事淡淡地递出打火机，替他点着。大八木轻轻颔首致谢，呼出一口烟雾。刑事冷冷地望着他。 大八木终于开口了。“我因为某种原因，从晚上九点到十一点为止都在这栋公寓前监视着。” “哦？”刑事眯眼。“监视吗？”这时，一位年轻男人入内，看来是和他搭档的刑事。 “能请你自我介绍吗？”等年轻刑事一坐下，年长刑事立刻递出名片。 名片上印着：大阪府警局副探长·萩野。大八木也默默递上自己的名片。 “嘿，原来是报道作家，真不简单。”萩野轻轻点头，将名片交给年轻刑事。“现在言归正传吧！你说在这栋公寓前监视，到底是监视谁？原因何在？希望你能说明。” “被害者矢岛。”两位刑事迅速互望一眼。 “为什么？”年轻刑事问。 “现在正是甲子园大赛打得火热之时，而我则采访和它有关的棒球赌博内幕。” 大八木暗暗衡量，反正警方对此一定也有情报来源，那么坦白提供一些无价值的情报，应能让对方消除戒心。 做笔记的年轻刑事停住手。“棒球赌博吗？这么说，被杀害的矢岛和棒球赌博有所关联了？” “是有这种谣传，所以才特别跟踪、监视。” “谣传？只因谣传就监视至深夜十一点，你真有耐性，看样子我们也该向你学习了。” 刑事讽刺地说，但未再追问。“那么，是否发现可疑人物进出或什么的？” “行凶时刻是什么时候？” “详细必须等解剖后才能确定，不过，大概是一、两个小时前，也就是十点至十一点之间。” 大八木深吸一口烟，他在考虑应该告诉对方至何种程度。 萩野悠闲地坐着，似表示：你慢慢考虑吧！我有的是时间。 ——糟糕，被他抢了机先！ 大八木把烟在烟灰红内捺熄，总算心中有个谱了。“在十点左右曾见到可疑男人。” “哦？是什么样的可疑男人。” “你听了会大惊失色的有名人物。” “别胡扯啦！这么有名的人物是谁？” “我很想告诉你，但是，毕竟我们也是靠这个在生活。”大八木轻笑。 “你的意思是不能毫无代价地说出？” “可以这么解释。” 这位刑事的脑筋动得很快，而且相当识相。大八木心想：也许彼此的交易能够成立也不一定！ “能听听你的条件吗？” “交换情报！亦即授与受。这是做生意的原则！” 萩野耸耸肩。“我们并不打算买卖，不过，如果你能提供宝贵的情报，至少我们会回报适当的谢仪，当然啦！必须是真正宝贵s的情报。” "That's fine." “哦？你很有自信啊！”大八木默默凝视对方，微笑。 “你也相当厉害嘛！居然和警方谈生意。”年轻刑