"They're walking Daichi in this situation? Are they dumb?" Shiro blurted out, his confusion evident.
"I mean, if I had the choice between facing Daichi and facing Ken, I'd choose Ken every single time." Riku said, shrugging.
However, Hiroki shook his head. "While I might agree with you for the most part, you haven't played with Ken for long enough to understand that man when it comes to pressure."
"Huh? You don't think Daichi is better in the clutch moments?" Masayuki replied this time, his thoughts similar to Riku's.
It was understandable since they played against each other in the NPB for numerous years while Ken went over to America for High School and College.
Hiroki smiled wryly in response. "It's hard to explain. Ken has this sort of magnetism about him that only increases when more pressure is added. It's as if he reaches another level in those moments."
While his words didn't fully convince the others, they would just have to see for themselves.
Back on the field, the atmosphere of the stadium was electric. With the bases loaded, the announcers voice boomed over the speakers.
"Batting 5th, the tall Takagi brother, number 13… Ken Takagi!"
Ken's expression was unreadable as he stepped into the batters box to face Ryan. With no outs and the bases fully loaded, this was the opportunity to get a commanding lead in the 4th inning.
"That's a good expression." Mark muttered, his eyes focused on the jumbo screen where Ken's face was visible.
Ken was locked in. Being underestimated by Ryan and the opposing team was enough to completely motivate him, after all, he'd been comparing himself to his brother since regressing all those years ago.
Perhaps if they were to write a biography about him, Ken would say that he took this moment personally.
Removing any useless thoughts, Ken went through his ritual and faced Ryan, gripping the bat tightly. His eyes were focused on the guy's right hand, waiting for him to send the first pitch.
As Ryan went into his wind up, Ken's eyes widened slightly, not wanting to miss anything. A red color trailed from his fingertips as the ball was rocketed towards him.
'Slider!'
PAH
Ken watched the ball sail away from the strike zone, falling into the outstretched glove of the catcher.
"Ball."
Ken stepped out of the batters box and adjusted himself, inwardly pleased with the result. Had he chased the slider, he would have definitely missed it.
What was even better though, was the fact his Deadeye Batter skill was working properly. His first at-bat had been a walk, so he wasn't exactly sure if the color coding would work as it was meant to.
'I guess the system is reliable when it comes to those things.' He thought, stepping back into the batters box.
Ryan began his wind up, sending the next pitch towards Ken. This time it was green.
'Curve…'
PAH
"Ball."
Ken nodded, resisting the urge to pump his fist. Getting ahead in the count against Ryan was crucial, otherwise he would just toy with batters the entire time.
But he wouldn't let Ryan toy with him this time, not after he had essentially disrespected him by choosing to walk Daichi and face him instead.
For someone as prideful as Ken, this was the final straw.
So when he stepped into the batters box to face the 3rd pitch from Ryan, his tall frame seemed even taller and more imposing. With his bat in hand, Ken was like the reincarnation of a Samurai, ready to cleave his enemy in two with a single swing.
The pitch left Ryan's fingertips, a distinct yellow visible.
'Fastball!'
This was the pitch he had been waiting for.
Ken felt his body seemingly move on its own, his instincts honed in completely. Every movement was fluid, never losing power or momentum as his body twisted, squeezing out every bit of kinetic energy he could.
WHOOOOOOSH
THWACKK!
The ball was crunched before soaring into the air. It flew directly towards the right outfield, looking like it was going to sail into the crowd.
Unfortunately, the ball seemed to be fading to the right as it went further and further into the outfield. The cheer that the crowd let out suddenly died down in their throats as the ball hooked, missing the foul pole by a few inches.
"Foul!"
"The count is 3-1."
Ken clicked his tongue, returning to pick up the bat that he'd tossed aside. It was a little disappointing that he shanked the hit, but he still felt confident in hitting the next one.
"Hit it out of the park Ken!" Rohan called out.
"Smash it!"
He could hear some words of encouragement from those in the dugout and could feel their support. There was no way he was going to let his team down when they had worked so hard to get this opportunity.
If he were to fail here, they might not get another chance like this all game.
As his eyes fell upon Ryan, he could see the guys expression mirrored his own. Seeing this, Ken knew that neither he, nor Ryan would back down in this situation, regardless of the stakes.
A small smile gripped his lips as he thought about this.
Despite hardly ever speaking to Ryan, they held a mutual understanding through their games. This was a complete battle of both will and skills with all the chips on the table.
The cheering crowd and others in the vicinity seemed to fade into the background, leaving only Ryan standing on the mound. It was as if he was transported to the Image Training facility, the place he'd spent so much time over the years.
Everything was quiet as Ryan entered his wind up. A brilliant flash of yellow entered his eyes as one of the most beautiful pitches he'd seen came towards him.
Ken was almost in awe as he watched the ball fly towards him.
But he didn't falter with his swing.
An almighty whoosh sounded as his bat swung unabated through the air, displacing the wind it sliced through.
WHOOOOOOOSH