Tadokoro captains Sumitani High School's baseball team. He notices Takao Taniguchi frequently watching their practices. Learning from soccer club captain Aiki that Taniguchi was once a skilled junior high baseball captain sidelined by a finger injury, Tadokoro discovers Taniguchi's unfulfilled passion for the sport. He is present when Aiki invites Taniguchi to join the soccer club instead.

Observing Taniguchi's initial soccer practices, Tadokoro sees the beginner improve rapidly. He witnesses the intense challenge between Taniguchi and the soccer team's ace striker, Konno. Despite his newness to soccer, Taniguchi displays remarkable determination and effort during the fiercely competitive event, which ends with both players collapsing from exhaustion. Watching alongside Aiki, Tadokoro then hears Konno acknowledge Taniguchi's commitment and potential value to the soccer team.