The next morning, the National Team met up in the lobby at around 7am, wearing their workout uniforms. There was a stark contrast between players who had received a good rest and others that slept on the plane.
While Ken was feeling fresh as a daisy thanks to Mika, Daichi flinched at the bright sun shining through the tinted windows of the hotel.
Since they were in a completely different country, Ken had to forgo the morning run, since he wasn't allowed to leave the hotel. He would need to find out where the gym was in the future.
They spotted Hiroki exiting the elevator, his expression solemn. As soon as he saw Ken and Daichi, he rushed forward with a pleading look in his eyes.
"Ken, Daichi, please change rooms with me… I can't take it." He yelled in a hushed tone.
A questioning look appeared on their faces, only to morph into one of understanding when they saw who stepped out of the elevator next.
Sporting his shaved head, Aki waltzed out of the elevator and lifted his arms into a deep stretch, a look of satisfaction creeping onto his face.
"Damn that bed is comfy."
"No thank you."
Both Ken and Daichi shook their heads and politely declined the invitation. No good would come of having a roommate like Aki.
Hiroki's face turned into one of despair as he hid behind Ken's figure.
"Alright you lot. We've got Elysian Fields booked from 8 till 12 so we'll need to hurry. Breakfast will be provided when we arrive, then we'll head to Rodger stadium to watch the men's National Team."
Chris's voice spoke up, grabbing everyone's attention.
A few excited responses were heard when mentioning the men's National Team, Ken being one of them.
"Men's National Team? Does that mean Yu Tanaka will be there?"
Ken felt his body heat up in excitement. Of course he knew that the men's world cup was also taking place soon, but for some reason it hadn't clicked that they might be able to meet the players.
"Who is that?" Daichi asked in confusion.
Ken resisted the urge to slap his brother, remembering that he had only been playing baseball for just over a year. He let out a small sigh before patiently explaining.
"Yu Tanaka was one of the youngest Japanese players to go over to the Major's. He was drafted into the NPB and only played for a single season before his contract was bought out by the Texas Riders."
"Ohh, okay."
Ken felt his eyebrow twitch in response after he heard the unimpressed tone of his brother. Unable to control himself, he placed his hand on Daichi's shoulder, using a little of his strength.
"I don't think you quite understand bro… Have you heard of the posting system between Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball?"
Daichi could feel his brothers fingers digging into his shoulder and couldn't help but squirm. He didn't realize how he annoyed Ken, but he could tell that if he didn't listen carefully, he would get in trouble.
"N-No I haven't heard of it." He responded meekly.
"Well…"
Ken then began to explain in depth the current state of professional baseball between the two countries.
Japanese players drafted into the NPB would be required to serve 9 years in the country before being allowed to enter Free Agency. This would allow them to pursue a career overseas with no strings attached.
Yet there was something called the posting system, which allowed Japanese players to enter conversations with Major League clubs. Should a Major League team want to sign the player, they would need to pay a commission to the Japanese club in order to do so.
The percentage rate was based on the total contract value agreed upon by the club. But in general, it was around 20%.
Ken continued to explain the details even as they got onto the bus.
"To get a contract after only 1 year of playing in the NPB, you can understand just how difficult that would be, especially when having to pay those additional fee's."
Daichi frowned a little. Though it sounded impressive that Yu Tanaka pulled off such a feat, he found it a little odd.
"Why couldn't he just come to America first? Instead of being drafted by the NPB."
Ken shook his head and let out an exasperated sigh.
"You have much to learn brother."
"Hmm?" Daichi felt a flash of irritation at his brother's words, it was almost as if he was being treated like a child.
"Do you think it's easy to get into the Major's?"
"I… I mean, probably not right?" he replied, taken aback.
"America have their own draft, which is generally done via the College system. Even then, not even 10% of the senior college players will be drafted."
Ken let his words sink in, watching Daichi's face contort.
Without letting him respond, Ken continued, "If we want to play in the Major's we'll need to think about our path forwards."
Hearing this, Daichi turned to his brother.
Only now did he start to understand what kind of pact they had made back then. It might have been easy to say as a 15 year old kid, but the path ahead would be filled with all sorts of hardships.
Seeing Ken's serious expression, Daichi felt as if he was lagging behind. Ken's resolution was not fickle, he truly wanted to reach the highest level in baseball… The Majors.
Daichi finally nodded, feeling his own conviction strengthen.
"Let's first win the world cup, I'm sure that will increase our chances of being noticed by the major clubs." He said with a grin.
"Hahaha, you read my mind bro." Ken stated with a laugh.
It was rather funny that their original conversation had started out as praising another player, yet ended with them reaffirming their goals. It just showed how serious they were in their pursuit of greatness.
The bus ride didn't take long, soon coming to a stop outside the Elysian Fields.