***
As the Japanese team walked onto the field for the National Anthem, Ken felt a burning gaze fixed on him from the other team. A pair of clear blue eyes stared at him from across the field, as if no one else was present.
Ken didn't have to guess to know who it was.
He raised his head and saw the sandy blond hair waving in the wind. A malicious grin was painted on the teen's features, as if he'd been waiting for this moment for the longest time.
That look was all it took to understand that the US team were well prepared for today's match. One would think that Ryan who performed poorly in the last game might still be affected, yet his attitude was the opposite.
'Just as I thought, they've figured out what we were aiming for last match.' Ken thought in his heart.
However, he never intended to use the same tactic to begin with.
Ken removed his Poker Face, showing his true emotions on his face for the first time since walking onto the field. A confident, almost cocky grin crept onto his lips, one that someone might expect from the victor.
Sparks seemed to fly from both ends of the field as the two pitchers stared each other down.
Only when Ken was pulled into line did their pre-match showdown finally end.
This time, a guest singer walked onto the field to sing the Star-Spangled Banner. The whole audience stood up as the music began to play, filling the US citizens with pride and patriotism.
The stadium broke into cheers once the song had ended. The sound was loud, giving them a precursor to what they should expect from such a large crowd.
'Still not as big as Koshien though…' Ken thought.
While Rodgers stadium was the biggest in the world, Japan's Koshien stadium wasn't too far behind. There was also the fact that when he played at Koshien, all of the 47,000 seats were filled.
Yet for this afternoon's game, there was around 30,000.
When the Japanese Anthem, "Kimi Ga Yo" began to play, the Japanese players linked together, placing their arms around each others shoulders.
Like the last time they played against the US, the players sang loudly with pride. This time was no different.
"May Japan's Reign, Last for ten thousand years, Until the pebbles, Grow into boulders, Lush with moss."
A respectful round of applause followed the passionate performance, though it lacked a little compared to the response that the US team received. This was understandable considering they were the home team.
Then came the next part.
Both Leo and Masayuki walked over to the umpire for the coin toss. Leo was still his cold and unapproachable self, yet instead of completing ignoring the Japanese captain like last time, he stared at him intently.
He had never been so humiliated before in a game, so he was out for blood. It was clear that he knew his responsibility in their loss the last time they played.
Masayuki grinned. It felt rather good to see the person who once looked down on you acting like this.
Ignoring the tension between the two, the umpired pointed at Leo and told him to call it.
"Heads."
With that, he tossed the coin in the air before it floated down towards the ground.
"Heads it is." The umpire stated.
"We'll field first." Leo said, not taking his eyes off the opposing Captain.
"The US have won the toss and elected to take the field first." The umpire said, after which the information was relayed via the stadium speakers.
A cheer rang out as everybody began to get pumped up for the game ahead.
The Japanese team assembled in the dugout, waiting for the pep talk from Coach Takashi. Such things had become a ritual before the game.
Seeing the team waiting for him expectantly, the Head Coach smiled.
"I have nothing else to say to you all that we haven't covered already. We're at the precipice of victory, all we need to do is play like a team. Trust yourselves, trust your teammates… But most of all, have fun."
The words were so unexpected that everyone looked at each other afterwards in confusion.
It was only when Chris stepped forward and raised his hand in the air that people snapped out of it.
"Alright guys, this is our last game in America. Victory on 3!"
1
2
3
"VICTORY!"
After the chant, Riku and Masayuki made their way up onto the field. The first thing they noticed was Ryan standing on the mound and beginning his warm up throws.
"Haha, I'm getting fired up~" Riku commented.
Masayuki ignored him. It was hard to take Riku seriously while he danced his way on the field. He remembered the time when they first started playing together for the National Team, he hadn't changed much since then.
Ken's eyes narrowed after seeing that Ryan was going to be pitching. He was a little surprised that his Grandfather chose for him to start considering how bad he performed in their last outing.
But at the same time, Ryan was their best pitcher so far. As long as he cleaned up his little tell, they would struggle to land any hits at all today.
"Looks like it's going to be a pitchers duel today." Ken said.
"Are you getting nervous?" Daichi asked with a grin.
"Pfft. There's no way I'll lose to this guy."
"That's not what I meant… This is your first time as a starting pitcher in the World Cup. Are you telling me that you've got no nerves at all?"
Ken turned around to his brother and looked him dead in the eye.
"Do I look nervous to you?"
Daichi's eyes widened. It was only for a fleeting moment, but he felt an immense aura from his brother that threatened to overwhelm him.
In that moment he saw the potential air of a professional player, one that stood at the pinnacle of baseball.