Ken wasn't exactly happy with the response, yet it wasn't like he could make him spill the beans. The atmosphere after the incident was very tense, though it managed to soften considerably after the drinks and food arrived at the table.
Santiago managed to distract himself by chatting to Ken, though he would send concerned glances to Mark every so often, as if he was checking on him.
Ken's eyes narrowed as he thought of something.
'Mika, please use identify on Mark Williams.'
[Understood.]
NAME: Mark Williams
AGE: 65
TALENT ASSESSMENT: N/A
POTENTIAL: N/A
USER STATS:
>Physical Fitness: D+
>Pitching: F
>Fielding: F
>Game Intelligence: ??
>Mental: SSS+
Additional information: Inflicted with stage 4 terminal cancer of the lungs, due to years of excessive smoking. His Doctors have given him a maximum of 12 months to live, 6 of which have already come to pass. The cancer is expected to spread through his other organs until they will lose functionality.
Ken read the information in front of him and felt as if he'd been punched in the stomach. He dismissed the window and stared at his Grandfather's smiling features as he chatted away happily.
For some reason eyesight became blurry as his eyes began to sting.
He didn't remember hearing about the passing of his Grandfather in his previous life, which meant he likely died without telling his mother or father.
Just thinking of such a sad thing caused his heart to ache.
However, he turned to Santiago in the next moment.
'Maybe he had Santiago to stay by him in my previous life too…'
Suddenly, his appreciation grew for his new family member. Just knowing that his Grandfather didn't have to die alone was enough of a consolation to him in that moment.
As tears streamed down his face, Santiago looked shocked, not knowing what to do.
"D-Dad, Ken's crying. What do I do?"
Mark turned his attention to his Grandson and was instantly confused.
"Why are you crying Ken? What's the matter?" He asked with concern.
"It's nothing…" He responded, wiping the tears with a spare napkin.
"I was wondering, how did you become the U18 National Coach?" Ken asked, trying to change the subject.
"Hmm? Oh, well I happened to know a few people from my day's in the Majors." He said with a grin.
"You played in the Majors!?" Ken was aghast, how could he not know such information.
"Haha, no my boy. I was an assistant coach for the Texas Riders." Mark explained, finding the situation funny.
"I also trained your Dad while he was in High School, though he isn't as talented as you three." He added with a wink.
Chris harrumphed, though he was still rather proud of the statement. What father didn't want his own sons to surpass them?
"So you just decided to come out of retirement to coach the U18 US team?" Ken probed further, though he could probably understand why.
Not only could he help Santiago if he made the team, he would also be able to impart all of his knowledge to the younger generation of the US. Judging by his Game Intelligence and Mental grades, his Grandfather knew a lot.
Mark smiled, his expression sincere.
"Of course. As a man enters the twilight of his life, they often want to be remembered, even after they're gone."
Ken felt as if someone had twisted a knife in his heart at those words. Knowing that his Grandfather had a maximum of 6 months left to live, it was clear that the guy had accepted his fate.
He was now doing what he could to be remembered.
The table was silent for a little while as both Ken and Chris pondered this statement. It was clear that Chris knew something about his Grandfathers condition, but judging from his expression, it was likely only recently.
'If we hadn't have come to the US, would Grandpa have even told us?' Ken thought.
The answer was probably no.
The Grandfather in his memories was a tall and kind man who would always play with him, no matter how tired he was. While he had made a good impression, before today he couldn't even remember how he looked.
Ken was silent for a while, his mind whirring.
No one seemed to notice apart from Santiago, yet he didn't try to initiate any conversation, leaving him to his own devices.
After a few minutes, Ken looked up, determination evident on his features.
He cleared his throat a few times before addressing the table.
"I'm gonna get a drink, does anyone else want anything?"
Most of the people at the table said no, apart from Mark who could still feel a metal taste in his throat from his earlier coughing fit.
"Can you grab me a diet coke please?" He asked with a strained voice.
Ken breathed out a sigh of relief, though he quickly hid it.
"Sure no problem!"
With that he skipped away like a schoolgirl, leaving the others at the table with confused expression on their face.
Even without knowing English, both Yuki and Daichi could feel that Ken was acting suspiciously. Thanks to Chris's translation skills from his job, they were able to contribute to the conversations that had been happening all this time, making it a little less awkward.
Ken left the table and approached the bar, asking for two diet cokes. After paying, they said they would bring it to the table, however Ken refused.
"I'd like to serve my Grandfather a drink if you don't mind." He said politely, giving his best smile to the woman behind the bar.
Thankfully his charm seemed to work and she agreed with a blush.
'I guess Charismatic Air isn't that bad after all.' He mused inwardly.
After receiving the drinks, Ken split off to the side, avoiding everyone's peeping eyes.
He took a few gulps of the drink on the left and placed it on the ground gently.
'Mika…'
In the next moment, a flask appeared in his hands, filled with a clear liquid.