EPISODE CONTEXT

Sitting at the midpoint of the 75-episode run, 'Potential' builds directly on the trust and team cohesion established in 'Reliable Teammates' by testing whether that foundation holds under genuine competitive pressure. This episode serves as a critical bridge in Sawamura's pitcher arc, channeling his growth into a defining performance that feeds directly into 'The Ace Walks On' and the larger question of who earns Seidou's ace number. It marks a turning point where individual development and team ambition begin converging toward the season's deeper stakes.