In the meeting room in the hotel, the Japanese players sat and patiently waited for the coaches to begin the film session. They had just defeated Cuba earlier today in merely 5 innings, showing just how dominant the team was when in form.
Yet none of the players looked complacent, and it was for a good reason.
"Well done today everyone, we played up to our true capabilities in the match." Coach Takashi stated with his hands behind his back as he addressed the players.
"But, it is now in the past. We need to continue striving to improve, especially against our next opponent."
He looked around the room, seeing the determined expressions of the youth in front of him before nodding in satisfaction.
"As you know, we're up against the US next. I don't need to tell you that this will be our toughest challenge yet. Tonight's film session will be rather long, so please do your best to take on the information."
With that, the Head Coach moved to the side, clearing room for Chris to step in. Afterwards, he turned his gaze to Ken, sending a wink his way.
'W-What the heck?'
Ken's expression was one of utter confusion. Why the hell did the Head Coach send him a wink? It was especially confusing since there was no context apparent.
Now that he thought about it, Coach Takashi had been treating him weirdly since this morning. He would compliment him after returning to the dugout, even if all he did was sit in the outfield with no action.
While this was happening, Chris's mouth had opened, yet no words had come out. He had happened to look at the Coach winking in Ken's direction and instantly forgot what he was going to say.
The father and son happened to lock gazes a moment later, as if it was fate.
Unfortunately neither of them was a telepath, so the conversation would have to wait for later. Yet judging by his father's expression, Ken could tell that it was not something that he would like.
"Ahem… let's get down to business." Chris stated, finally able to compose himself. He shuffled through a few of the pages in his hands before gesturing to the guy behind the laptop.
4 players appeared on the big screen behind him, each wearing their US baseball uniforms.
On the left was a bulky guy with a beard who looked like he belonged amongst a field of trees with an axe in his hand. Ken wouldn't have been surprised if he saw the guy wearing a flannelet shirt.
The next was someone that Ken recognized, the one most likely to overthrow Hiroki's position as the Greek God. Leo Cameron.
Next to him was Santiago Williams the lead off hitter they'd watched the night before. Finally, it was Ryan Smith, the proclaimed best High School pitcher in America.
Chris began to go into detail about the 4 players behind him. These were people that they needed to pay special attention to, since they were the best on the team.
Usually there were only 1 or 2 of these superstars on a National Team, yet the US had 4 that stood out. That wasn't to say that their other players were bad, just that these guys were the cream of the crop.
"Firstly, the 3rd baseman Samuel Colt. I don't think I need to tell you, but his main strength is batting. If he was in his last year of high school, he'd be ranked higher in the prospect list than both the Lopez brothers."
After making the comparison, the Japanese players became serious. They knew just how dangerous the Lopez twins were, especially Jorge.
"Next is Santiago Williams. He excels in not only the outfield, but is a genuine sprinter who had the chance to join the National track team yet opted for baseball instead. He's also a switch hitter."
Once again the Japanese player's expressions darkened, if it were even possible in the first place. Yet it just kept getting worse.
"Leo Cameron, by far the best catcher in the country. Not only is he methodical in his leads, he also has a killer right arm and is not afraid to walk a player if he deems it as the correct move. Rather thank thinking of him as a person, he acts more like a super computer."
At the mention of this guy, Hiroki's face turned into one of defiance and unwillingness to back down. His fighting spirit was burning, causing those around him to look at him with confusion.
Ken couldn't help but facepalm, knowing exactly what Hiroki was thinking about. After seeing his physique through the laptop screen, the guy had been working out non-stop wherever he could.
While it was good that he was fired up, Ken almost threw the guy out of his room after hearing him working out on the floor while he was trying to sleep.
"And probably the scariest of them all… Ryan Smith."
Chris paused, allowing the room to settle.
"The number 1 High School pitcher in the country, some even say the world." He added, his gaze landing on Ken briefly.
Yet instead of being solemn, some of the Japanese players didn't take the declaration too well.
"That's mighty arrogant to suggest."
"Yeah, is the title one that he gave himself?" Riku chimed in.
"He wasn't even in the World cup 2 years ago. How good could he be?" Masayuki asked, his tone sounding genuinely annoyed.
Ken would have added his own 2 cents, however he knew just how crazy the pitching maniac was from his previous life. Of course he didn't think that he would lose against Ryan, especially with his system.
Yet that wasn't something to be proud of in and of itself.
"Now now, it's not just him who believes it. It's the entirety of the US population." Chris stated, seeming rather amused at the reactions of the team.
It was good that they weren't intimidated by such a title.
"Alright, enough about individuals. Let's go over some film."