"But this is just the beginning… This is not the time to relax or stagnate. We still have a long way to go before we can become true champions."
His voice washed over the teens, with his last two words hanging in the air.
For many youths who played baseball, their only goal was to make it to Koshien during their 3 years of High School. Only in the prestigious schools would they aim higher, wanting the honor associated with winning on such a big stage.
'True Champions…'
Ken had only played 1 game at Koshien in his 1st year of High School where his team was decimated. It was probably the only time he was thankful to be on the receiving end of the mercy rule.
If it wasn't for Daichi back then, they would have lost without getting a single run on the board.
'But if it's with this team…'
Ken looked at his team now and couldn't help but feel they had a much better chance.
Although they had the same faces, these guys were completely different then his past life. In a way, they had also been affected by the system, benefiting from its functions.
He felt even more thankful for the system and his transmigration in this moment.
Coach Hanada gave a beaming smile and raised his glass which had contents that looked suspiciously like beer inside.
"We will have time in the future to pursue this goal, but today let's celebrate our current achievements."
The players also raised their glasses which were filled with juice and soda.
"To Nationals!" The coach said with a grin.
"To Nationals!"
Not long later, the sound of sizzling meat and chatter filled the room as everyone continued to get along. Barbecue and beer usually went hand in hand, something that Ken was painfully reminded of in this moment.
'Man I wish I could have a drink…'
***
Ken said goodbye to Ai as they went their separate ways from the train station. He was nursing a full belly after stuffing his face full of barbecued meat since he couldn't drink any beer at his current age.
In a way he was thankful since drinking in front of the open flames usually made him sweat even more than usual. Not that it would have mattered too much since he smelled of dried sweat thanks to playing essentially a full 9 innings under the hot summer sun.
Since he was finally alone, it was time to access the system and check out his rewards. He felt a bit like an addict since he couldn't wait to open up the system window, however he didn't want to think about that now.
BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ
"Argh damn it, what is it now?"
Ken reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, wanting to see who would bother him at such a time. Yet if he was in his right mind he probably could have guessed who.
"Daichi… Ah crap I was meant to mail him."
Only now did he remember that he promised to let his brother know if he won the final game or not.
"H-Hey lil bro." Ken answered in a slightly guilty tone.
"Hey man, were you too busy celebrating to even send me a mail? Or were you off on a date with your new girlfriend."
"Ah…"
Daichi's tone sounded like he was only teasing, so Ken didn't take it the wrong way. He just felt a little awkward considering his guesses were rather close.
"Are you sure you're not following me?" He replied, letting out a hollow chuckle afterwards.
"What? So you really were on a date!?" Daichi seemed a little too surprised which seemed to annoy Ken, but he wasn't exactly wrong in his reactions.
"Heh heh heh, no… But we went to a barbecue restaurant to celebrate qualifying for Nationals this year."
"You and Ai did?" The reply had an undertone of sarcasm to it.
"No… The whole team idiot."
Ken felt his good mood stall for a moment, wanting to dish out some punishment to his little brother. However, when he remembered just how solid and strong the teen was, he quickly dismissed the thought.
"Hahahaha."
The sound of laughter came out from the other side of the phone, bringing a smile to Ken's face. He didn't even need to ask if Daichi's team won, considering he had such a carefree tone.
There was a small silence after the laughter died down.
"You better not lose before you face us." Daichi stated, his tone serious for the first time this conversation.
"You stole my line." Ken replied, feeling his spirits rise.
As long as neither of them lost, they would face each other at some point during Nationals. Whether it was in the first round or the last one.
The two chatted for a while longer. It was their first phone call in about a month, but they frequently mailed each other to stay in touch. Of course it wasn't as good as having his brother close by, but it was better than nothing.
"Ah, did you tell dad about making it to Nationals yet?" Ken asked.
"Dude, your memory is horrible. Dad's probably flying over the Pacific Ocean right now." Daichi quipped, facepalming on the other side of the line.
Ken felt his smile widen. He hadn't seen his father in almost 3 months since he had been in America for work. If he was currently in the air then he might be home either tonight or the next morning.
"Sorry, I was too caught up with—"
"Your date right?" Daichi butted in before bursting out with laughter.
Ken rolled his eyes and was about to hang up.
"Alright chat later~"
BEEP BEEP BEEP
Ken stared blankly at his phone for a few moments as the sound of being hung up on echoed in his ears.
"That bastard…"
He carefully placed his phone in his pocket before he did something stupid like throw it in annoyance. When he raised his head he was surprised to see that he was already in front of his house.
Without realizing, he'd been on the phone to Daichi all the way home.
"Ah crap, I'll need to look at my rewards later"