Nishiguchi Kantoku

Nishiguchi receives little characterization beyond his conduct as Sannou's coach. He is observant enough to recognize exceptional opposing talent and does not dismiss Seishuu simply because his own team has prepared a specific strategy.

His evaluation of Kou shows professional respect for a dangerous opponent rather than resentment at facing him.

Nishiguchi is an experienced high-school baseball coach. He prepares Sannou to exploit information about Seishuu and uses tactical baseball, including bunting, to put pressure on its defense.

His eye for pitching talent is also emphasized. After observing Kou, he quickly identifies him as an unusually rare prospect.

Nishiguchi coaches Sannou during Seishuu's tournament run. Sannou enters the game with information about weaknesses in Seishuu's inexperienced team and initially uses bunting effectively to create problems.

Kou's fielding and pitching prevent the strategy from producing sustained success. Seishuu eventually pulls away and defeats Sannou 8–1, continuing its tournament run.

Nishiguchi's assessment of Kou helps establish how rapidly the Seishuu pitcher's reputation is growing among experienced baseball figures.

Kou Kitamura is the opposing pitcher who earns Nishiguchi's admiration. Nishiguchi describes Kou Kitamura as the kind of pitcher who appears only once in a decade.

Sentarou Maeno coaches the opposing Seishuu team during Nishiguchi's tournament matchup.