"Hey Dad."
"Hey buddy, I haven't seen you in a while."
The four sat down at the table and began to eat their food. It was a traditional Japanese curry, something that his mother had perfected over the years.
The curry was sweet and savory with just the right amount of spice.
Once everyone was done, Chris looked across at his two boys with a mixture of emotions. Ken could instantly tell that something was awry, though he kept his mouth shut, waiting for his father to speak.
"I've got some good news and bad news." Chris stated, his eyes imperceptibly flashing towards Ken.
At that moment Ken felt a lump in his throat, preparing for the bad news.
"We won't be holding tryouts for the U18 Asian Championship this year since the team had been chosen already."
"Huh? That's a little weird right?" Daichi said, raising his eyebrows in response.
He had figured that the reason his father invited him back home was because of the U18 National Team tryouts, yet this was a little peculiar.
Ignoring the statement, Chris continued.
"Unfortunately, only Daichi was selected for the team this year."
CLANK
Yuki dropped her dish into the sink by accident, her face morphing into one of shock followed by heartache. She turned to Chris and was about to say something, however he placed his hand up, stopping her.
Ken felt his heart sink at these words, but he quickly tried to hide the pain.
"Congratulations bro." He said, placing his hand on Daichi's wide shoulders.
"But why?"
Daichi was confused. Ken was the biggest reason they had won the U18 World Cup, even taking out the MVP honors. Why wouldn't they have added him to the team?
"Well Ken has been going through a bit of a slump since returning from the World Cu—"
"So what!?" Daichi cut off his father, slamming his fist on the table.
Everyone including Ken seemed to be taken aback by Daichi's actions. They'd never seen him raise his voice or act out violently at all ever since coming into the family.
"Hey man, settle down." Ken said, his tone serious.
"S-Sorry… I just think its unfair that you were left off the team." Daichi admitted, realizing he'd gone too far.
Chris looked at both of his sons and felt his pride beginning to swell. Not only was Daichi the first to defend his brother's honor, Ken did well to reign him in and ensure that he kept a level head despite being the one wronged.
"Haaahhh, our hands are tied this year thanks to the new National Team sponsor. They wanted us to select the team without a trial this year based on the players most recent performances." Chris stated, letting out a helpless sigh.
"New sponsor?"
"Mmm, Suzuki Corporation is our new sponsor."
Both Daichi and Ken looked at each other, feeling as if the name was familiar.
"Ah… that weirdo that held your hand for ages at the closing ceremony." Ken said, pointing to Daichi.
It took him a while, but he finally remembered the person Ken was referring to.
"Didn't they sponsor the World Cup? Why are they sponsoring Japan now only?" Daichi asked in confusion.
"Well they're a Japanese company so I guess it makes sense." Chris replied, shrugging his shoulders.
He then turned to Ken, his expression serious.
"I'm sorry Kenny, my hands are tied in this matter."
Ken shook his head, "There's nothing to apologize for. It's true that I haven't been performing as well as I should be." He stated, though he would be lying if he said that he wasn't hurting inside.
"Next years world cup… You better be ready."
"Yes sir!" Ken said, adding a salute.
"Do I have to go?" Daichi asked, considering pulling out.
This time he received stern looks from both his father and Ken.
"You have no choice."
"Miho will be there too." Ken added.
At the mention of his girlfriend, Daichi seemed to suddenly remember that she was part of the U18 National Team staff.
He looked a little embarrassed and scratched the back of his head.
"Ha haha, yeah I should probably go. When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow we're heading to Tokyo University and we'll be leaving for Korea in 5 days."
The two continued to talk about the details while Ken merely listened.
'You'll never stand beside him without the system.'
'I can't believe you thought you guys were on the same level?'
Ken's fake smile froze on his face as the voices once again assaulted him, leaving him feeling vulnerable.
"Ah I forgot. This came in the mail from your Grandfather." Chris said, handing both Daichi and Ken a separate envelope.
At the mention of his Grandpa, Ken's mood improved considerably.
He didn't open it right away, waiting till he was in his room around 30 minutes later to do so. Ken wasn't sure what the contents would be, but he was excited.
"Dear Ken, I hope you're doing well. I've watched all of your Koshien games and something seems a bit off with your pitching form, are you injured or something? Do yourself a favor and watch back some of your old tape. Sometimes we can learn a thing or two from our past."
Ken eye's widened a little after reading his words, his heart thumping inside of his chest in response.
'Why didn't I think of that?'
He'd been trying to figure out what was so different about him without the system, but he felt like he was getting nowhere.
The letter continued, detailing what the old man had been up to, bringing a smile to his face. Yet it was the final line that caused him some shock.
"One of your fan's asked me to send this letter alongside mine, I hope you don't mind. He seemed like a good kid."
Ken's eyebrow raised as he dug inside the envelope once more, pulling out a hand written note addressed to him.
"Hi Ken, it's Michael"
…