One Outs Season 1 Episode 3 One Outs Contract
- October 21, 2008
In One Outs season 1 episode 3 titled "One Outs Contract," the plot revolves around the protagonist, Tokuchi Toa's, contract negotiations with the Lycaons. After the team's owner attempts to take advantage of Tokuchi's lack of knowledge of baseball terms and sign him on a minimum wage contract, Tokuchi exposes his deceit and negotiates his way to a higher salary.
The episode opens with Tokuchi's agent, Kojima, meeting with the Lycaons' owner, Kinosaki, to negotiate Tokuchi's contract. However, Kinosaki uses his knowledge of baseball terminology to sign Tokuchi on a minimum wage contract, exploiting the fact that Tokuchi is from a country where baseball is not widely played. Kojima realizes that his lack of knowledge of baseball terminology has put Tokuchi at a disadvantage, and they decide to contest the contract in a special clause known as "One Outs."
"One Outs" is a clause in Japanese baseball that involves a one-on-one matchup between a pitcher and a batter. The pitcher bets his salary against the batter's, and the winner takes the pot. However, if the pitcher loses, he must pay double the amount of the pot. Tokuchi challenges Kinosaki to a One Outs match, and Kinosaki accepts, thinking it will be an easy win.
The One Outs match between Tokuchi and Kinosaki is intense and thrilling, with both parties using their wits to outsmart each other. The match also reveals Tokuchi's incredible pitching talent, as he strikes out Kinosaki without allowing a single hit. He wins the pot, which turns out to be a significant amount of money, and gains the upper hand in the contract negotiations.
The victory also earns Tokuchi respect from his teammates, who initially dismissed him due to his lack of experience in baseball. They invite him to drink with them, and he reveals his motivations for playing baseball. He explains that he is using the sport to earn money to support his family, who are struggling to pay off debts. The team is moved by Tokuchi's dedication and promises to support him.
Meanwhile, Kojima and Kinosaki continue to negotiate Tokuchi's contract, with Kojima using Tokuchi's recent victory to bargain for a higher salary. However, Kinosaki is unwilling to offer Tokuchi a significant raise and suggests that they sign him on a standard contract. Kojima is hesitant, knowing that Tokuchi's One Outs victory has given him leverage in the negotiations.
In the end, Tokuchi takes matters into his own hands and bargains directly with Kinosaki. He proposes a unique contract that involves bonuses for each win he secures for the team, with a higher salary cap for each bonus. Kinosaki agrees, impressed by Tokuchi's ingenuity and talent, and Tokuchi signs on with the Lycaons.
Overall, One Outs season 1 episode 3 is a captivating episode that showcases Tokuchi's intelligence, skill, and dedication to his family. The One Outs match between Tokuchi and Kinosaki is particularly thrilling, and the episode provides insight into Japanese baseball and its unique contracts. Fans of sports anime and drama will enjoy watching Tokuchi navigate the complex world of baseball negotiation.