Daichi didn't know how to react after hearing his name called. He had already resigned himself to not making the team after hearing 2 catcher's names get called out before him.
Ken grinned widely as he let go of his brother's hand and slapped him on the back. His emotions were genuine, feeling proper joy for Daichi who had worked his hardest to make it this far.
While he would be lying if he said he wasn't a little jealous of his two friends, it was overshadowed by the joy of Daichi making the team after thinking he hadn't made it.
"Go and get up there." He said with a smile.
Daichi felt elated, yet there was still a part of him that didn't want to move. He had experienced this feeling before when he was offered a scholarship instead of Ken.
Yet instead of acting childish and declining the opportunity like last time, he stared at his brother for a few moments before making his way up to the others. He knew that he would get his ass kicked by both is dad and brother if he were to make a scene.
Only after being left by Daichi did Ken feel the strength seep from his body. He stared at his brother's retreating back and began to zone out, his mind going off tangent.
It had taken a lot of hard work and time to get to where he was at this moment, not to mention torture he had experienced from the elixirs.
However, with the system he felt like it was only a matter of time before he was ready for the professional leagues. All he needed to do was buckle down and continue on the grind with his goal set.
While it would have done him some good to experience some International play, he still had 2 years of eligibility remaining to make the under 18 National Team.
Once the likes of Riku and Masayuki had graduated High School, they would leave gaping spots open for the next generation of young players.
"…agi, Tetsuya Yada"
Ken's mind began to think of his next steps so he could improve, zoning out all of the noise outside of his mind.
'I should increase my arsenal of pitches even further. Maybe I'll choose the splitter or slider next since it'll be harder for the batter to pick my pitches.'
"Ken Takagi…"
"KEN."
Ken was suddenly broken out of his thought process by the sound of his father's voice. Out of reflex he quickly stood up and saw the entire room looking at him, yet none as fierce as his father's.
Seeing his confused expression, a few players next to the coach's laughed in response.
"Please come up to the front young man." Chris said, his tone showing a hint of annoyance.
'Huh? What is it now?'
Ken was still confused, however seeing how annoyed his father was, he did as he was told.
It was only when he saw both his brother's and Hiroki's shining eyes did he finally feel like something was amiss.
'N-No way. I made the team!?'
He couldn't believe it. No, he didn't want to believe it, just in case he found out it was not true. Ken quietly made his way to the lineup and squeezed next to Daichi, causing the player next to him to click his tongue in annoyance.
Just before he could ask Daichi if he had indeed been selected, his father's voice rang out in the next moment.
"If I haven't called your name, it means that you haven't been selected for this years World Cup. I'd like to thank you all for going out of your way to attend the trials."
Ken felt his whole body ignite with excitement, yet thankfully his Poker Face had been activated in time. It would not be fair to the other players who had missed out if he were to celebrate too much.
The aforementioned players did seem rather disappointed, however some of it was watered down after the next words from Chris.
"Please keep your phone's on as you will be our back ups in case anything were to happen during our campaign."
What he really meant was that if there were some injuries while playing in the World Cup, these guys would be the replacement for the affected players.
"Everyone will need to grab your things, we'll need to vacate in the next hour. Those who were selected please stay behind for a few minutes."
With that, the 7 players who were left seated in the cafeteria made their way to the dorm's to gather their things as instructed, leaving the staff and the team remaining.
Once they'd left, Chris turned to the squad and let out a small smile.
"First off, congratulations to you all. Since we'll be heading overseas, I'll need you all to take home some documents and get them signed by your parents. You'll also need to send us your passport details so we can apply for a visa on your behalf."
No one seemed to have any complaints about what Chris had said so far, so he continued.
"We'll be reconvening in 2 days time back here for a further 4 days before flying off to America. For now, go home and get your parent's approval and send the forms as soon as possible."
The player's nodded along like pecking chickens. Both Ken and Daichi were beside themselves with excitement, particularly after not expecting to get into the team.
Daichi still didn't understand why the coaching staff had selected 3 catchers in total, but he quickly put that to the back of his mind.
After they were adjourned, they returned to the dorms to collect their belongings. They would be heading home with their Dad, so there was no need to catch the train like the others.
"Congratulations on making the team."
The delinquent Kei held out his hand as Ken walked into his dorm room, surprising him.
"Ah, you too man. Looks like we'll be on the same team this time."