Chapter 10 Chapter nine

"We can't go any further." The taxi driver stopped in front of the door and said back. "Oh..." Zhongshan paid the fare and got off. This is a brand-new cemetery surrounded by low brick walls in the field, and even the planted trees seem not to be used to this land. The cemetery is built here with a lot of green space, and it emerges in the late summer sunshine, presenting a wonderful scene far away from reality. Behind the door is a cement road stretching straight into the cemetery.Zhongshan narrowed his eyes, staring at the end of the concrete road. Summer is coming to an end, but the sun is still dazzling during the day.

On the last holiday in September, Nakayama came to Mukai's grave in Takahagi.He had wanted to come a long time ago, but the whole month had been so busy that he seemed to be caught in a storm. On the day Nashino Nishi and Toride Academy competed for the championship, the evening paper published a report on the death of Nashino Nishi's supervisor Mukai Kenichi.The impact of this incident immediately spread to the whole of Japan, and the Dongdu Sports News, which reported the tragedy in detail, flooded the streets and alleys. The report of Dongdu Sports News blew up a gust of wind in the college baseball world.Shinko Park, the most famous in college baseball, and Nashino Nishi, who won the championship this year, often take illegal actions during the game; the supervisor is even related to the baseball gambling hosted by a violent organization, and staged a fraudulent game at Koshien; Killing a member of a violent organization because of a money dispute, and then being killed by the opponent's subordinates on the eve of the championship, this is simply an irredeemable incident!

Because the incident aroused too strong repercussions, Kuniyoshi knew that there was nowhere to escape, so he surrendered to the police the day after the championship, and according to his confession, the truth of Yanagisawa's suicide, the illegal methods of Nobumitsu and Nashino Nishi, and the relationship between baseball gambling Relationships, etc., are also fully exposed to the eyes of the world. The impact of the incident not only shocked the college baseball community, but also affected various student sports groups and even school education policies. There were voices from all over the country to discuss the true nature of the student movement.

Zhongshan was involved in this vortex, he was almost exhausted every day, and finally had time to rest today, so he came to Xiangjing's grave. Zhongshan once again looked at the entire white dazzling cemetery - the man who fought in the scorching Koshien seven years ago and led the strongest team in Japan in Koshien a month ago is now buried here. After entering, Zhongshan bought flowers at the flower shop on the right and walked towards Jing's grave.Since the location is clearly divided, it will be found quickly. At the entrance of the path leading to the tomb, Zhongshan stopped involuntarily.There is a man kneeling in front of Xiangjing's grave, with his hands folded, flowers are placed in front of the grave, and cigarettes curl up.

After a while, the man stood up, gazed at the grave regretfully, then bowed and left the grave.Holding the bucket in his hand, the man walked two or three steps. When he saw Zhongshan, he nodded slightly, passed by Zhongshan, and left. Zhongshan watched the man's back silently.About forty years old just passed it!The skin was very tanned and firm. —Probably the parent of a baseball player! Zhongshan thought.He pictured the day of the funeral in his mind.The funeral was simple and grand, with only a few relatives in attendance.As far as Xi Zhiye is concerned, not only the school staff, but even the baseball players did not come, probably because they were afraid to attend because of the pressure of public opinion!

Ye Zi sat quietly in front of the coffin, lowered her head, and wiped her tears with a handkerchief from time to time, looking a little haggard. Zhongshan couldn't say hello to Ye Zi. —Help my brother! Leaf had said this to him.However, Zhongshan could not achieve her expectations, and even betrayed her in the end. Ye Zi looked at Zhongshan and seemed to want to say something, but she just opened her lips and turned away immediately.Zhongshan only bowed his head and left. It is useless to say anything to Ye Zi, but it is even more embarrassing for him not to say anything! Zhongshan stood in front of the grave.The incense that the man burned filled the tomb with smoke.Zhongshan sat down in front of the grave, arranged the flowers, put his hands together, and closed his eyes.

During this month, the hatred towards Mukai in his heart has gradually faded, and now, he only thinks that Mukai is also one of the victims of the madness caused by Koshien. Mukai used his right arm to take off the crown of Koshien champion, but when he encountered setbacks, he sold his soul to the devil. Now, he is criticized by the public opinion in the world and sleeps under this white tombstone. ——I have kept my promise to you!Zhongshan said to the grave. — Let the players do their best in the final.And the team you single-handedly won won, and it was beautiful.By the way, I have also given the ball you gave me to Sanada.

Although Sanada looked confused, he gripped the ball tightly.He stared at the writing on the ball, looked up at the sky, and closed his eyes, as if he was holding back his tears, but also as if he was recalling the distant summer day when he caught the ball. Soon, Sanada opened his eyes, as if he wanted to say something, but couldn't speak.Zhongshan didn't ask, everything was over. Sanada resigned immediately after returning to school from Koshien, causing countless surprises in the world. However, he is a member of the Youth Overseas Cooperation Team and is going to a small country in South America to teach children how to play baseball.

Zhongshan was thinking about many things in front of the grave, and suddenly it occurred to him that Mukai's story should be written into a novel, and he made up his mind. When writing a news report, there are many situations that must cater to the readers or the way of the news, and cannot be freely played; and what Nakayama wants to write is what he wants to express-from climbing the glory summit of the Koshien champion pitcher, to being a result of that unfortunate accident. And the life of a man who stumbled and finally returned to dust. Zhongshan believes that this is the only thing he can do with baseball and Mukai!

Facing the white tombstone shining under the strong sunlight, Zhongshan said, "I will try to write about your deeds." It is the end of the season, but the sound of cicadas is still heard in the distance. Zhongshan used the holiday to start interviewing and collecting information. Xinguang Garden, S University, Narashino Nishi... those related to the incident were all included in the Zhongshan interview. This is a hard job, and almost everyone knows the role Zhongshan played in this incident. When they saw the business card handed out by Zhongshan, they frowned and showed a gesture of rejection.However, Zhongshan is still patiently looking for people who are willing to be interviewed. As long as he is willing to listen to his own explanation, he will sincerely express his views and ask the other party for help.It's almost like picking up shattered shards of glass.

People interviewed mentioned Mukai's strong passion for baseball, as well as his masculine, albeit slightly paranoid, bold personality.These are all the same as Nakayama's impression of Mukai before he knew about baseball gambling. Why would such a character give his soul to the devil?There is definitely some kind of turning point or motivation in it—the more in-depth the interview, Zhongshan thinks so. So he began to trace Mukai's experience from the time he suffered an unfortunate accident in college to becoming Narashino Nishi's supervisor. After the accident, Mukai's pitching posture collapsed, and in order to rebuild, he and Sanada had a special one-on-one training.In the summer of the following year, the two went to Kanaya Town, Gunma for a one-month training camp. After that, they both applied to withdraw from the baseball team. Nakayama's judgment: Something must have happened in Kanaya that made the two of them decide not to play baseball anymore. It may be because of this that Mukai will not be able to restore his original pitching power, but it is more likely that there has been some major change between the two of them! Zhongshan called Sanada, who was training at the Youth Overseas Cooperation Team Training Institute in Komanogen, and expressed his desire to ask what happened to him and Mukai in Kanaya back then. "I have nothing to tell you. I don't want to hurt Mukai any more. Please don't pursue this matter any longer." After finishing speaking, Masada hung up the phone. ——Was that the first time Sanada rejected him? Since Sanada didn't want to talk about it, he had to investigate it himself.Zhongshan decided to go to Jingu. Three days later, Zhongshan sat alone on the train on the Agatsuma Line.Kanaya is a mountain city located at the junction of Gunma and Nagano prefectures. It takes about an hour to change from Shibuya to the Agatsuma Line. On the right hand side of the train is the forest that is almost within reach, and on the left hand side is the deep sapphire green pool. Zhongshan lets go of everything and lets his body sway with the train, enjoying the beauty of the natural scenery. Zhongshan was the only one who got off at Jingu.Jingu Station seems to be a small mountain station sunk in the green sea, surrounded by dark green mountains. The station building is like a police station on the street, with only one station attendant at the ticket gate. In front of the station is a square about 50 ping in size, and beyond that is an asphalt road parallel to the railway tracks, and the side of the road is close to the foot of the mountain.There are only a few hotel signs in the square in front of the station, and there are no shops that must be found in front of the general station.A jeep was parked in the corner of the cobbled square. Zhongshan walked out of the ticket gate and stood in the square. A young man got off the jeep immediately. "You are Mr. Zhongshan?" He said, reaching out to take the luggage bag that Zhongshan was carrying. It was the person sent by the hotel reserved in Zhongshan. "Have you lived in Jingu for a long time?" Zhongshan asked after the jeep drove for a while. The man seemed a little surprised, looked ahead, and replied: "Before I was born." It seems that he is not very good at socializing. With the mentality of learning some preliminary knowledge first, Zhongshan asked, "Did you know that two people from the S baseball team came here in the summer four years ago?" "I know, it's Mr. Mukai and Mr. Sanada." The man replied. "Do you know where they live?" "Next door to our hotel." The man smiled for the first time. Between the time he arrived at the hotel, Zhongshan asked some facts from the driver. Mukai and Sanada lived next door to the hotel for about a month. While doing running and pitching training in the playground of the nearby elementary school, they also enthusiastically coached the baseball team at the high school in the town. The two seemed very happy and did not feel depressed at all. Zhongshan shook his head, because in his impression, the two were carrying out transformation training in Jingu with tragic determination with their last hope. "The overseer of the college baseball team is now the same..." "yes." "Can I see him at school now?" The man looked at his watch and said, "I should be practicing now. If I go back to the hotel and settle my luggage before rushing, I think it's time for the end of practice." He expressed that he would take Zhongshan to school in a jeep. Arrived at the hotel in about 20 minutes.Zhongshan settled his luggage and immediately jumped into the jeep again.After driving for about two or three minutes, you will see a large lake in front of you. "That's Jingu Lake." The man said. "The school is on the left bank of the lake." Looking in the direction of the man's finger, he saw an old wooden building on the low mountainside.The building is small, not so much a college, but more like an ordinary village primary school.The jeep stopped in front of the almost collapsed stone school gate, and the sky was full of dust behind the car. "The one standing there is the supervisor." The baseball players are running in groups on the field, and the man in the full blue practice uniform, leaning on the football goalpost, is watching the students, which seems to be the superintendent. "How is it? Do you want me to wait for you?" "No, the walking distance is not too far. I will walk back by myself. Thank you." Zhongshan said, got out of the car, and walked to the sports field. The students finished their runs, formed a circle around the pitcher's plate, and were doing gymnastics.Zhongshan found a bench next to the rusted horizontal bar at the corner of the playground and sat down. In front of you is a small sports field full of gravel, on the left is a two-story wooden classroom built against the mountain, and on the right below is Jingu Lake.After the gymnastics, the players surrounded and supervised.After the supervisor said a few words, everyone immediately disbanded. Zhongshan stood up and approached the man. The man was talking to a student when he noticed Zhongshan approaching and looked at him in surprise. At this time, an incredible feeling suddenly surged in Zhongshan's mind: "Where did you seem to have seen this man?" However, he couldn't think of where he had seen it. When Zhongshan got closer, the man nodded slightly.Seeing this action, Zhongshan suddenly realized that it was the person he met in front of Xiangjing's grave.At that time, he also nodded slightly with the same movement when he walked past Zhongshan. "Are you Mr. Kinoshita?" Zhongshan said the surname that the hotel man told him. "Yes." The man replied. "I'm Zhongshan from Dongdu Sports News." "You are Zhongshan?" Kinoshita's expression darkened.It seems that he also knows Zhongshan's role in this incident. "We met in front of Xiangjing's grave a few days ago." Kinoshita lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then raised his face. "Ah, you were the..." His vigilance seemed to relax all of a sudden. "I heard that Mukai once taught students here, so I want to ask you for advice." Zhongshan explained why he wanted to interview Mukai again now. "Okay! I'm really sorry about what happened to Mukai." Kinoshita bowed his head, and after a long time, he said again: "Please go this way." Crossing the campus, I walked about 30 meters along the short bamboo path, and came to a square about six tatami mats in size with well-cut grass.The man sat down there silently, and Zhongshan sat beside him side by side. From this plaza on a gentle slope, one can overlook the lake reflecting its splendor in the setting sun.On the other side of the lake are the mountains dyed fiery red, and the wind blowing up from the lake brushed the grass around the two of them and passed away. "It's beautiful! Mukai also likes the view from here, and often comes here alone. As he said that, Kinoshita squinted his eyes nostalgicly, looking at the distant mountains. ——When Mukai was browsing the scenery here four years ago, what was in his heart? Zhongshan stared silently at the majestic landscape in front of him. After a long time, he said, "Why are Mukai and Sanada here to guide the players..." Kinoshita seemed to wake up suddenly, and blinked. "I heard that two baseball players came here from Tokyo for special training, so I wanted to see what kind of people they are. Because this is a mountain city, few real players come from Tokyo. If you can ask them to explain baseball Concept, it will help our team." Kinoshita's attitude seemed a little uncomfortable, maybe he felt embarrassed that he, as a teacher, went to find Mukai and Sanada, who were students at the time! Zhongshan developed a good impression of this dull and simple supervisor. "I knew right away that they were Shinko's winning shooting partners Mukai and Sanada, so I went to meet them, told them that I was the team supervisor of the high school here, and invited them to my home. They readily agreed, so we had dinner After all, when I think of Koshien’s famous champion shooting partner in front of me, even though I am not young, I still can’t help but feel happy.” Kinoshita said happily, closing his eyes, as if recalling the scene at that time. "It's embarrassing to say that at that time, our school lost the first round of the summer competition for ten years. I dare not say that I want the players to win the championship, but I always hope that they can taste the victory once. , so I discussed it with two people and asked them what to do. Since there is no one else, I reluctantly become the team supervisor, but I am purely interested in baseball. Frankly speaking, I don’t understand any theory. The two agreed to watch Watching my team and coming the next day." "After that, they coach the players?" "Yes, nearly three weeks. They watched my players practice after their own practice. To the players, they were like gods, completely convinced by what they said, and, they They also know how to guide, so when I heard that both of them became supervisors, I thought I was right, they really have the ability to guide. Anyway, like water seeping into sand, the players fully absorbed it, and in a short period of time Great progress has been made.” "Really? Two people are here..." Zhongshan looked at the only baseball equipment that was riddled with holes—the guard net.Not to mention Koshien, even compared with Shinko's stadium, this place is too shabby. "Because of this, before the summer preliminaries, the players were quite confident, and even joked that they could set foot on Koshien this year. In fact, they have also won against other schools in practice games, and their strength has indeed increased." For some reason, Kinoshita's voice suddenly turned hoarse. Zhongshan realized that the situation was different, and asked, "Did something happen during the preliminaries in the county?" Kinoshita raised his face and closed his eyes.Only the sound of the wind blowing through the grass surrounded the two of them. "Bad luck!" Kinoshita said lightly. "The first match was against Nagayama High School, which has played in Jiashien for two consecutive years." Kinoshita grabbed a handful of grass and threw it against the wind, and the grass clippings drifted towards the lake with the wind. "12 to 0, completely defeated." Kinoshita said, looking at the grass clippings. "yes?" The setting sun had already set on the top of the mountain, and the surroundings suddenly turned dark red. "That day, Nagayama High School, which won the championship in this county, also scored in the top eight in Koshien, so it is normal for us to lose. Although the strength of the players has improved, after all, there is still too much difference." Zhongshan thought of Changshan University that year.Indeed, an excellent pitcher from the school was nominated to participate in the professional baseball draft. Although the hitting power is not strong, the defense is known as an impregnable fortress. ——Facing that kind of team, the school here is really vulnerable. Zhongshan once again looked at the dilapidated classrooms and the crude sports field. "Did Mukai and Sanada watch the match?" "Yes, in the infield stands." "It must be a pity, right?" At this time, Kinoshita had tears in his eyes. "There is nothing to say about losing, but it is embarrassing for the opponent to send out the second army in the middle of the game! The players are too pitiful, and it is not fair to Mukai and Sanada who are working hard to guide..." Kinoshita clenched his hands tightly on his knees, a trail of tears streaming down his cheeks.He raised his face unabashedly and stared at the distant mountains. There was a surge in Zhongshan's chest.For Nagayama High School, which aims to win the championship in Koshien, the high school that has been defeated in the first battle for more than ten years is basically regarded as a training object for its own players.It was the same with my own Kanagawa Sanko before, who didn't care about the other party's mood at all.Because of this, Kinoshita's words touched Zhongshan deeply! Even for colleges and universities that are considered as training objects, they have trained hard for three years and participated in the competition with the results of hard training, but it is too cruel to be so contemptuous by the opponent. However, Zhongshan suddenly thought of one thing at this time.Mukai and Sanada must have witnessed this match with their own eyes, and the shock must have been extremely strong in their hearts!Because I just heard Kinoshita say this, I feel sad, if I witness the team I worked so hard to suffer such humiliation... "That night, the two had dinner with the players, but the atmosphere was as dignified as a vigil. Normally, they would have taken defeat for granted and would not have suffered such a severe blow, but this time the players were confident... ..." "What did Mukai and Sanada look like back then?" During the three years at Shinko, the two played in Koshien three times. They can be called the best players in the college baseball world. But facing a team that lost the first game, what would they think? "After the party, the two of us went to the tavern for a few drinks. They both seemed to have a lot on their minds." "Considering many things?" "It should be the direction that college baseball should be at the moment... or something like that. It seems that I have some doubts in my heart after seeing what Changshan College has done." Zhongshan thought: As expected, the two must have doubts about the baseball road they have traveled! "Two days later, they left." "Really? Did you say anything before leaving?" "They said they would leave the S baseball team and try to get a teacher's qualification. From my standpoint, I certainly hope that they will continue to be active as players. However, they said that the decision was made after full discussion with each other." --I found it! Zhongshan thought.The two were impacted in that game, and they were skeptical about the current state of college baseball. They planned to realize their ideals in baseball and inject a new atmosphere into the current college baseball world. If this is the case, the reasons for Mukai's deviant behavior are even more incomprehensible.Zhongshan couldn't help asking Kinoshita the core question: "What do you think about this baseball gambling incident?" "There must be something wrong!" Kinoshita replied affirmatively on the spot. "Mukai is not the type to do that kind of thing." "I can understand your state of mind. However, the police have verified the truth about baseball gambling. Although the investigation of Yajima's murder has not made any progress, judging from the situation, Mukai can only be considered the murderer." Kinoshita stood up suddenly and said, "There is something for you to see." He turned and walked in the same direction. Zhongshan also stood up, and while brushing off the grass dregs on his trousers with both hands, he followed behind Muxia. Kinoshita crossed the playground and walked to the classroom without looking back.On the other side of the completely dark campus, the outlines of two-story classrooms can be seen, of which only one window, which is probably the staff office, is lit.The two headed towards the light. The front entrance door of the classroom building was closed, and the two went around to the back, and walked into the dim corridor from there.Put on the slippers, and as soon as I went up, the wooden floor made a loud rattling noise. Soon, Kinoshita opened the door of the room marked "Principal's Office", entered, and turned on the light with familiar movements. The fluorescent lights were on, and there were only plain tables, bookshelves, and filing cabinets in the room.Several championship trophies are displayed in the file cabinet. Kinoshita walked to the filing cabinet, opened the glass door, took out something from it, and said, "This is it." Zhongshan reached out to take the baseball from Kinoshita and asked, "This ball is..." "The commemorative ball when we lost to Changshan High School four years ago." Zhongshan looked at the ball again.Probably the last hitter was struck out!No dirt or damage, it looks like a brand new ball. "Is this the signature of Mukai and Sanada?" The face of the ball has two signatures written side by side in black fancy pen. "That's right! On the one hand, it's a commemoration of accepting their guidance. On the other hand, I want to use this ball to remember the humiliation of that game. I hope that one day I can beat Changshan High School and put the victory commemorative ball next to this ball. "Speaking, Kinoshita stared at the ball in Zhongshan's hand with pity. "They said they wanted to be teachers, form their own teams, play their ideal baseball game. In other words, their dream was to find out what college baseball should be, realize it with their own teams, and let the world know They also said that the signature on this ball represents their own ideals, and they will definitely come back here when their ideals come true. "So, this ball contains the meaning of competition and motivation. Let's see if we beat Changshan High School first? Or the two of them will realize their dreams and come back here first!" "yes?" Zhongshan thought to himself: So this is the starting point of the two young supervisors who made the whole Jiashiyuan boil this year!He stared again at the ball in his hand, signed by Mukai and Sanada.At that time, two hearts became one!But... Mukai is far away from the world now, and Sanada is going to leave Japan to coach baseball in remote South America. The trick of fate is too cruel! Zhongshan stood in a daze for a long time, unable to speak. From time to time, there is a strong wind blowing, and the old wooden glass windows make a rattling and vibrating sound. "By leaving such a signature, Mukai might engage in a fraudulent contest? Could he possibly kill someone? Something must have gone wrong. No matter what others say, I absolutely don't believe it." After a short silence, Kinoshita spoke again: "Actually, I will go to Tokyo to try to prove Mukai's innocence." "Really?" Kinoshita nodded slightly. "I only have three days, I can't act on my own ideas, but at least find out the facts that are quite different from the newspapers or TV reports." "What is it?" Zhongshan couldn't help raising his voice.In his opinion: Maybe he can be inspired or inspired by this! "For example, it was reported that Mukai earned a good income from gambling on baseball, drove high-end imported cars, wore expensive watches, and lived a life of luxury. However, this is completely different from the truth! The car was purchased in five-year installments, The watch was a gift from the player's parents as a gift for his first game in Koshien. In a famous baseball school like Narashino West, after the player becomes a first-team player, the parents will definitely give expensive gifts, but Mukai does not accept it at all, so the parents After discussing with each other, they told Mukai in advance that if he could compete in Koshien, he would be given a souvenir, so Mukai accepted it later. However, neither the newspapers nor the TV stations pursued this matter...Of course, it may be because they knew it but because it was not Interesting topic not reported!" "Really!" Zhongshan exclaimed. In this regard, Mukai himself once said that "high school baseball can make a lot of money", and Ye Zi also said that "my brother's life has suddenly become extravagant recently". So Zhongshan has never had any doubts. But now things have taken a complete turn for the worse.In this way, another question arises: Why did Mukai deliberately misunderstand the people around him? An answer came to Zhongshan's mind! "Thank you!" Nakayama thanked Kinoshita. He thinks that Jin Gu is hiding some kind of truth, but without Kinoshita, he might not be able to find the answer so quickly!Moreover, if he hadn't met Kinoshita in front of Mukai's grave, Kinoshita probably wouldn't trust him either.Perhaps, this is the so-called fate!It is also the so-called incredible karma! "If possible, can you lend me the ball temporarily? Perhaps, you need to use it if you want to know the truth!" "If it's for this, of course there's no problem." Kinoshita stared at Zhongshan and said. Zhongshan held the ball tightly and bowed his head again in thanks. From the glass window behind Kinoshita, the black outlines of mountains could be seen in the evening mist.There is only a little afterglow of the setting sun in the sky, setting off the black outline of the mountains and the boundary of the sky! Zhongshan used the remaining two days of vacation non-stop.Maybe he is fascinated by something or not!In his back pocket is the ball Kinoshita gave him, and Mukai's smile when he won the championship in Koshien often appears in his mind. He is obsessed with revealing the truth. Nakayama called Sanada in Komane again.Sanada, who ignored him at first, was obviously shaken when he mentioned Kinoshita Yuyu, and finally agreed to meet him.Probably the enthusiasm of running all the way to Kanaya to see Kinoshita has also been conveyed to Sanada! The Komagane training facility where Sanada trained is a modern white concrete building at the northern end of Komagane City.The two sat down on the cool chairs by the fountain in the atrium, and the ginkgo leaves that had begun to change were dancing in the wind, projecting onto the atrium covered with reddish-brown floor tiles. While showing Sanada the ball that Kinoshita borrowed from him, Zhongshan eagerly explained the investigation in Jingu and the "truth" of the incident he imagined. Sanada, who was originally confused, also gradually moved, and it seemed that this was also a great surprise to Sanada. Sanada began to talk, talking about the life of the two in Kanaya, coaching baseball players at Kanaya High School, and the game against Nagayama High School, and even talked about the long talk between the two all night after the game. The two wondered if college baseball, which has become semi-professional, could not be restored to its original colors?However, the current college baseball is a large and complete organization, which cannot be shaken by the strength of a single college student, and they are very clear about this. Even so, is it really unthinkable?At this time, Mukai pointed out that if the "magic" of Nobumitsu is reported, it will definitely cause public criticism and may have an effect.However, Sanada disagrees, because it would have a serious impact not only on the Shinko Park baseball team, but also on Shinko Park itself, the graduates, and even the Shinko sect, and he wanted to avoid this. Sanada suggested: Why not become the supervisor of the college baseball team, create a team that meets your ideals, and show the whole country that normal college baseball should be like this! ——That may be an ideal, but it is impossible to realize.Mukai retorted. However, apart from baseball, the two who lack other experience in life can't think of a better way. As a result, Mukai followed Sanada's advice at that time, and the two decided to form their own ideal teams. However, Sanada wanted to proceed in a down-to-earth manner, while Mukai was inclined to "revolution"! "Revolution?" Zhongshan asked. Sanada nodded vigorously. "Yes, he was talking about revolution. I think he had already made a decision in his mind at the time, but he didn't say it because he felt that I would object to speaking out. After he became the supervisor of Narashino Nishi, I knew immediately Use your so-called 'magic'. At the beginning, I thought he did it for other reasons, but when he contacted violent organizations through Guoji, I thought, he has changed. Although I don't know how many times I persuaded him, but He didn't listen, so I thought of forming my ideal team to wake him up, so I focused on the team's training work." "He did it on purpose, pretending to sell his soul to the devil." "why?" "It's hard to say right now, but I'll find out." "It's all up to you. If only I could help, but, you know, I'm in training now..." "When to set off?" "The end of November." "Is there a month left? Hopefully the truth will be found out before then." Sanada stared at the ball in his hand, what was he thinking under his nostalgic expression... Zhongshan looked up at the sky.The sunshine of early autumn has begun to cast shadows, and the silhouettes of the two stretched very long on the floor tiles of the atrium. When the wind came, the ginkgo trees overhead rattled.Closing my eyes, I somehow remembered Kanaya and Kinoshita talking at the square overlooking the lake. Did Mukai ever listen to the wind with Sanada like this? Zhongshan visited Ye Zi next. Why did Ye Zi take the initiative to tell himself as a journalist about Mukai and Kuniyoshi's dealings?The doubts that Zhongshan felt when he first met Ye Zi have become very important now! The leaves look gaunter than they did at the funeral.Zhongshan was very sad when he thought that he was to blame for everything.After sitting face to face in the coffee shop, Ye Zi put her hands on her knees and her eyes fell on them.She didn't take the initiative to speak, but answered Zhongshan's inquiries one by one. Zhongji asked: "Did you tell the auspicious things about our country when we met for the first time, did you tell the well?" Ye Zi silently nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. Zhongshan couldn't help looking away. When Mukai asked to meet Ye Zi in Zhongshan, he may have known his intentions, so he thought that if he wanted to make his "revolution" more perfect, he should use Zhongshan as a journalist.In fact, according to the information leaked by Ye Zi, Zhong Shan followed Xiang Jing step by step and finally found out the "truth".However, this is nothing more than being subtly induced by Mukai to achieve the desired result! Ye Zi wiped her tears and said that she believed it was for her brother. Yes, it may be correct to do so, and it is unknown.Mukai asked Zhongshan to take action according to his own wishes. Based on the current situation, it is obvious that he has achieved his goal, but he lost his life because of a trick of fate... No, maybe even this is in his plan! Thinking of Mukai who survived fiercely and then withered, Zhongshan suddenly felt this way. However, Ye Zi may not understand Mukai's enthusiasm for baseball!Zhongshan stared at Ye Zi who bowed his head and said nothing. "I will wash away your brother Ling's regrets!" After speaking, Zhongshan could only watch Ye Zi from the side and cry. Soft sunlight penetrates the white lace curtains and fills the coffee shop.Zhongshan suddenly realized that the summer when the two first met had gone far away. The mystery of why Mukai got involved in baseball gambling has been roughly solved, and the rest is only the mystery of Yajima's murder. Zhongshan now believes that Mukai is innocent, but in this way, a new question arises: Why did Mukai pretend to be the murderer when he was dying? If we can solve this question and the mystery of the secret room, we should be able to find out who the murderer is. There is only one reason why Mukai would lie about being the murderer—to protect the real murderer.In other words, Mukai knew who the real culprit was, and the other party was someone Mukai had to protect. A certain person's name appeared in Zhongshan's mind.When the incident was largely resolved, Zhongshan visited Oyagi. Oyagi greeted Nakayama happily in a luxury white-tiled apartment in Oimachi.That may be a matter of course, because Zhongshan gave almost all of this exclusive report to Yagi.At present, Oyagi has been regarded as the only person who has unearthed and shaken the inside story of college baseball, so he has become the darling of the media. "It's a rare visitor, what's the matter?" After sitting face to face on the sofa in the living room, Oyagi asked.He seemed to be drinking alone, with a glass of whiskey and water on the table. "You have a drink too!" Noticing Zhongshan's sight, Oyagi took out a wine glass from the cupboard, mixed it with whiskey, and placed it in front of Zhongshan. "Cheers to your great report of the century." Zhongshan said, toasting. Oyagi showed a rare expression of embarrassment, and then raised his glass.Probably because Zhongshan gave him the report! "What are you doing today?" Although Oyagi smiled on his lips, there was a hint of abstinence in his eyes. "It's nothing! Since you took the lead in this incident, I also want to try to solve the mystery of the secret room of the Yajima murder case. I hope to show my face, so I have been conducting various investigations recently." "I see. So, did you find out?" "Not at all. After all, even the police have put it on hold, so I want to borrow your wisdom." "Really? I understand your reason for coming, but I also can't figure out the mystery of the secret room, so I may not be able to help you." "Don't be so polite! Everyone in the world thinks that you are the only one who can solve the mystery! Because you even discovered the inside story of baseball gambling and the inside story of fraudulent games." "No such thing! However, I will do my best to help you." Perhaps because he knew that what Zhongshan wanted to talk about was not a troublesome matter, O Yagi's expression became relaxed, and he leaned back on the sofa and asked, "What do you want to ask? " "In this incident, many things are already known, including Mukai's murderer, and based on fingerprints and the condition of the corpse, it can be determined that the murderer entered the room to commit the murder. Therefore, the main question of the mystery of the chamber is: how did the murderer get out?" "That's right." Oyagi replied casually. “这是我的看法，向井那时是第一次去矢岛的房间，那么，他要独自遂行密室杀人应该很困难，也就是……” “有共犯？” “你确实厉害！有另外一位熟知房间状况、又有协助杀害矢岛的动机之人物。亦即，该人物因矢岛死亡而获利，或者该人物痛恨矢岛！” “你是说国吉？不可能。”大八木嘲讽似地笑了。“行凶时刻前后，我和桑原一直监视着他。向井在矢岛的房内时，他正前往公寓途中，当时由桑原跟踪。而且，抵达公寓后，桑原和我监视着他。不过，如果只是提供情报的共犯，那倒是有可能。” “可是，那样完璧的密室布置工作，只靠了解状况能独力完成吗？我觉得很怀疑。所以，我认为即使未参加行凶，国吉应该也帮忙密室的布置。” “原来如此。”大八木沉吟着。“但是，不可能！向井离开公寓至救护队员赶抵矢岛的房间之前，国吉一步也未进入公寓，这是我亲眼目睹，绝对不会错。” “问题就在这里，我想知道的是：这中间是否有某种盲点存在？” “盲点？” 接下来，两人谈了将近两小时。或许是最初的奉承有效，大八木始终高兴地回答中山的问题，结果，中山问出了大致如自己所预料的同样答案。 剩下来只要至大阪的现场确认就行了。边伸手拉上大八木的房门，中山的一颗心早已飞往大阪！ 这天晚上十点前，中山在矢岛的公寓前，是和命案当天约摸同样时刻。在四周的街灯和公寓本身的灯光下，照出公寓入口。 中山进入大八木和桑原躲藏的公园，和两人同样坐在篱笆背后，窥看公寓入口。也许是有了距离吧！比站在马路看时昏暗许多。 大八木他们是在这里目击向井走出、国吉藏身入口旁的篱墙内以及柴田进出的举动。中山望着国吉藏身的入口旁篱墙，确实，从公园的这里能同时观察公寓入口和躲在植栽后的国吉，而且，大八木也确实未移开过视线。 中山走至玄关旁的植栽，观察周遭的情形，果然如他所猜测，这儿绝非监视进出公寓之人的最佳位置，但是，国吉为何选择这里呢？其理由应该就是解开谜底的关键！ 中山又绕了公寓四周一圈，还是如他所预料！ 回到正面玄关时，正好见到大阪府警的萩野——中山事先用电话联络，表示想看矢岛的房间。详细说明自己到目前所调查的收获后，萩野同意一起去矢岛的公寓。 在萩野带领下，中山第一次踏进矢岛的房间。由于报道上不知已看过多少次，他早就熟记房间的格局。这时，他先确认矢岛倒卧处、血痕位置，以及房门的开关状况。 “不错，只能打开约五公分宽。”中山站在门外，请萩野自内侧扣上链锁，开门。 “是的，所以根本无法从这里伸手入内采取行动。当然，不仅链锁，连钥匙皆锁上，和链锁的长度无关。”萩野自门缝往外看，说。 “嗯。”中山漫应，凝视门内的萩野之动作。 约摸三十分钟后，两人离开公寓。 “怎样？有线索吗？” "I guess so!" “真的能解开密室之谜？” Zhongshan silently nodded. “究竟是……而且，你刚才在电话里说凶手另有其人，到底是……” “我明天要到体育用品店查证一件事，然后……国吉会潜水射鱼，应该有同伴才对，能查出他们的联络地址吗？” “体育用品店？”萩野愕然。“你该不会说凶手是利用投球训练器投球杀人吧？” 中山无视于萩野之言。“对了，警方一定对国吉的事深入调查过，是否查出他在去年至今年初之间，金钱方面有过困难？” “去年底他惹出一点麻烦，所以借了两百万圆的高利贷。” “钱还情了吗？” “今年初完全还情。” “钱的来源呢？” “他说是向祖母借的。” "yes……" 萩野提及国吉的祖母，中山也把话题转移至国吉的祖母意外死亡之事。“对了，甲子园大赛间，国吉的祖母意外死亡，真的是死于意外吗？” “好像没有特别可疑之点。”似乎为中山忽然将话题转到国吉的祖母死亡之事而惊讶吧！萩野疑惑般地眯着眼。 “对此，国吉怎么说？” “没有特别谈及。那件意外又如何了？” “不，没有关联。对了，如果可能，明天能让我和国吉谈谈吗？相信应该能够掌握真相。” “我想应该可以……” “一切都等明天，明天，我一定要揭开真相。” 中山伸手入夹克口袋，似在确定木下交给他的球之存在般，用力握紧。