Of course what Ken was referring to was something he’d picked up with the help of his new Academic trait. After watching all of the US games in the World Cup so far, he was able to notice certain “habits.”
These habits were so obscure that not many would have picked up on it, at least not with the limited amount of footage that was available.
Yet Ken was able to spot them.
“Batting 5th, Right outfield, Ken.”
Ken walked into the batters box, sending a glance towards Leo behind the plate. Once again, the ice statue didn’t even spare him a look, as if he was beneath him.
Yet instead of getting angry, Ken grinned widely in his heart.
‘Your arrogance will be your downfall.’ He laughed inwardly.
The moment Ken stepped into the batters box, Ryan’s face turned serious. His eyes glared at him with a ferocious intensity that one might expect fated enemies to possess.
But this was not a fantasy drama, they were merely teens playing a baseball game.
‘I must have hurt his pride in that interview.’ Ken thought, feeling great amusement.
It almost felt surreal that he was facing the US prodigy who took over the Major’s by storm. Of course, he was not yet that same person, just a much younger version of it.
Without a doubt, he would stand no chance against the prodigy if he was in his prime.
Donning his poker face, Ken got into position with the bat floating behind him, ready to strike.
‘You’ve finally arrived Ken…’ Ryan thought, his eyes never leaving Ken’s figure. His gaze spoke volumes of just how much he hated the cocky guy in the batters box.
Not only had he humiliated him in the interview, others were even comparing Ken’s pitching to his own.
‘How can this idiot who wastes his time batting hold a candle to me?’
Such was his true thoughts. To Ryan, such a statement even if said in passing was just like a slap in the face. He had spent his whole life trying to pitch with the sole goal of becoming the best.
He wanted to get into the Major’s and make a name for himself.
So who did this random idiot from Japan think he was?
“I’m gonna crush you.” He muttered, gritting his teeth.
Like usual, Leo provided the signal, prompting Ryan to nod in response. He took a deep breath and looked towards 3rd base momentarily before lifting his leg and sending the ball flying out of his fingers.
The pitch was a blitzing four-seam fastball, its course slated for the outside. It was one of those 50-50 balls that could either be called a ball or a strike, yet the catcher behind the plate was skillful enough to tilt the odds in his favor.
While Ken’s face was still clad in his Poker Face, his eyes widened as he saw the pitch.
‘Heh, as expected.’
Ken planted his foot, twisting his hips and generating enormous torque as he swung his bat through the air.
Leo’s eyes snapped open as he felt the approaching bat disturbing the air in the vicinity. In the next moment he saw the bat fly into his vision, on a collision course towards the ball.
Time seemed to slow down for a fraction of a second as the two forces met.
DOOOOOONG!
Like a thunderclap, the bat sang out, its sound echoing through the arena. The faces of the US players froze as they saw the ball propelled into the outfield with great force.
“O-OHHHH!”
“LET’S GO!”
“Nice hit Ken!”
“Kyaaaa, that’s my son!”
Yuki who was decked out in her national colors, jumped up and down with excitement.
Ken followed the ball for a few seconds from the batters box before tossing his bat onto the ground next to him. He turned his attention to Ryan on the mound, only for them to lock gazes a moment later.
He had the urge to lift his poker face and send a teasing smile to the teen, however he chose to save it. The game had just started after all, there was plenty of time for this in the future.
For now, he would be satisfied with the confused and helpless expression on the face of the prodigy.
Yet Ken was surprised after seeing the glare from Ryan.
Santiago in the center outfield, ran towards the back wall, his eyes glued on the ball in the air. As he approached the wall, he quickly realized that he had no hope of catching the ball so he slowed down.
He could only watch on as the ball flew into the second row of the empty stands.
Yet instead of looking disappointed, he seemed impressed.
“Mmm, I expected no less.”
The sound guy played a few sounds from his booth, getting the crowd involved. While they may be the US team supporters, this crowd could appreciate a good home run when they saw it.
A few cheers and applause rained down from the stands, though it seemed more like a consolatory prize than anything.
Yet Ken didn’t care. He jogged around the bases, enjoying his first home run against the US team. While he had hit quite a few in this World Cup alone, none of them felt as good as this one.
Not only was it because the US were a tough team, but because he hit it off the prodigy, Ryan Smith. There was also the fact that his Grandfather was watching, even if he was the Head Coach of the opposing team.
As he rounded 3rd base, he glanced at his Grandfather Mark Williams and let out a small smile. He could see the pride in the man’s face, but it was quickly hidden due to his position.
‘He’s come so far…’ Mark said inwardly as he watched his Grandson round the bases.
He felt a mixture of emotions. Pride, regret and vindication, leaving a bittersweet taste in his mouth.
That home run had to feel good!
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