"Huh!?"
"Since when could Ken throw a changeup?"
The two Japanese coach's were filled with shock and confusion as they subconsciously turned to each other, as if to confirm what they saw was real.
"Did you know?" Chris asked the Head Coach, his expression mirroring his shock.
"I was going to ask you the same question."
If anyone would know what Ken was capable of, surely it would be his father. Yet judging by his reaction, it must have been a surprise to him also.
There was even more chaos on the field as everyone looked at Ken like he was a monster. Since they'd played together for a little over 2 weeks, everyone was more or less aware of each others capabilities.
This included Ken who was the closing pitcher for most of the World Cup.
Yet even they hadn't seen Ken throw this pitch ever.
After the initial shock, Leo's mind began to race. There was no weapon more deadly for a fastball pitcher than a changeup. The arm action was the same, yet the speed was significantly slower.
Expecting the 100mph fastball, he'd swung at the pitch with all his might, only for the ball to appear much later. Since there was no change to form, it was insanely difficult to pick it.
'Things just got a lot harder…' Leo thought, his face turning into a frown.
Ken let out a small sigh of relief upon the mound after successfully throwing his first changeup. Even he wasn't sure if the pitch was going to work, yet it seemed like the best option in that moment.
As for when he learned it…
After receiving the Academic Trait, one of his perks was enhanced learning. This was a very broad skill and only recently had he begun to test the limits surrounding it.
He had watched tutorials and game footage for many hours, doing his best to learn the pitch in as little time as possible. Afterwards, he bit the bullet and entered the Image Training to flesh things out, dealing with the risks.
Since there was no real time to practice his new pitch physically, this was in fact his very first time throwing it.
If anyone heard this information, they might just find it ridiculous.
To pitch a changeup for the very first time in the finals of the U18 World Cup, against the team's best batter… What could that be called except madness?
Before the game, Ken had pulled Daichi aside and told him about his new pitch. Since they were a battery, he needed to be completely transparent, especially since he planned on throwing it during the game.
Of course, the conversation went as well as he expected. Yet thankfully, Daichi eventually agreed to his selfish demands, choosing to trust him once more.
If it were any other catcher, there's no way they would have risked such a thing.
While everyone around the field were exclaiming and shouting words of praise, Ken's attention was on one person only, his brother. He flashed him a grin, his unspoken words pasted across his face.
'I told you so.'
Daichi could only grin in response, feeling a weight off his shoulders. While some might not understand the gravity of the situation, he sure did.
Now that Ken had a proper changeup, as long as he made the correct leads, this game was as good as done.
One person who understood it thoroughly, was Ken and Daichi's Grandfather, Mark Williams.
"Damn it, they got us good." He muttered, trying to hide the smile on the corner of his lips. If some of the players saw it, they might question his loyalties.
He was surprised enough when Ken through the curveball, yet this was many times more shocking.
Leo stopped in front of Coach Williams, his expression not good. This was the first time he'd had such an expression at all in the World Cup, even after they lost the last game against Japan.
"Tell me what to do…" He said, swallowing his pride.
Seeing the usually stalwart figure of Leo like this, Mark couldn't help but nod in appreciation. This is what a good Captain would do in this sort of situation.
Mark put his arm out and placed it one Leo's shoulder before letting out a small sigh.
"I'll tell you how to recognize a changeup, but it won't be easy. Especially since we won't have the time to go over everything." He said.
Leo nodded. Anything the coach could tell him right now was beneficial. With his inherent ability and instinct, as long as he had direction, he was confident that he could put up a good fight.
It wasn't that he hadn't faced changeups before, just that none of the competition he'd been against threw a 100mph pitch in High School. Since Ken's changeup was upwards of 20mph slower, it made a huge difference.
"Please teach me coach."
"Me too please coach!"
A bulky figure almost bowled the tall old man over as he interjected between the two. Sam's face was full of expectation and excitement, wanting to be told the secrets of hitting Ken's pitch.
Meanwhile on the field, Ken had already struck out the next batter with ease. No one other than Santiago, Leo and Sam were even close to making contact with his fastballs.
After another 3 pitches, it was already the end of the 5th inning. With no one being able to break the status quo, the score was still tied at 0-0.
"What do you think of the game so far from your perspective as a professional athlete Mr. Tanaka?"
The hosts voice spoke up as the US team made their way back onto the field. Like many commentators, he felt the need to fill the silence with chatter in order to entertain the viewers.
"…"
There was a brief silence that stretched out a little too long before he received an answer.
"It seems that I underestimated Ken Takagi. He's the real deal…"