The words "Welcome Shuto Yamamoto" and "Welcome Hayato Koizumi" were posted on the gymnasium wall. Many children raised their hands when asked, "Who has been to the stadium before?"
After the players introduced themselves, they performed. When Koizumi ran to the far side of the gymnasium and Yamamoto said, "Koizumi is the goalkeeper, so I'll kick the ball and he'll catch it and throw it," and then kicked the ball far, the children were delighted. When Koizumi caught the ball and threw it with all his might, another loud cheer erupted. Koizumi also showed off his kicking skills, and on the third attempt, he caught the ball, turned around, and dunked it straight into the basketball hoop behind him! The children were thrilled by this as well.
The players also demonstrated juggling with the children. Some of the skilled soccer players among the children also joined in, desperately keeping the ball in play.
For recreation, each grade was divided into classes for dodgeball. Before the game, they formed a huddle to get pumped up. It was a 7-minute match, but with less than 2 minutes left, the teacher shouted a special rule: "Chance to turn the tables! The first to hit a player wins!" and the ball focused on Yamamoto and Koizumi. In 4th grade, Yamamoto caught the ball and got Koizumi, winning. In 5th grade, Yamamoto went to catch a ball from the outfield, but fumbled and was out. Koizumi's team won. In 6th grade, the children successfully protected the players, and the game ended in a draw.
The recreation ended here. Koizumi, who had been thoroughly enjoying throwing the ball, apologized, "I'm sorry for being so childish!" Yamamoto encouraged the children, "Please come support us at the stadium too."
After the players presented autographs and heard words of thanks, a special surprise awaited them from the children.
The 6th graders were scheduled to perform "Yosakoi Soran," a traditional dance at Doai Elementary School. It was their last Yosakoi, a dance they were confident in after it was well-received at their sports festival. Their synchronized dancing was incredibly powerful, and Koizumi was deeply moved, exclaiming, "That was fantastic!"
Finally, the exchange concluded with a commemorative photo for each class. The players then left the gymnasium through an impromptu aisle of children.
