Dr. Irabu diagnoses Tanabe with panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The panic disorder manifests during attacks through symptoms like rapid heartbeat, trembling, and dizziness. Tanabe also suffers an intense fear of darkness and shadowy areas, which provokes flashbacks to traumatic past events. These flashbacks cause a distorted self-perception, making him view himself as significantly younger than his actual age. Irabu interprets Tanabe's reluctance to retire from his position as avoidance behavior, stemming from a fear of confronting mortality symbolized by the "darkness of the coffin."

Initial treatment involves wearing sunglasses to lessen the impact of camera flashes. However, Irabu stresses that retirement is essential to prevent the panic disorder from escalating into depression. Tanabe resists this recommendation, citing unresolved ambitions for his country's growth and prosperity. Following another severe panic attack, Irabu accompanies Tanabe to a baseball game. During the event, Tanabe recalls formative memories linking baseball to his personal history and youthful aspirations to drive societal change in Japan. This experience facilitates his acceptance of his age and the passage of time. Consequently, Tanabe decides to retire, choosing to embrace his later years peacefully.