'One more question please… Can you tell me what has improved in this upgrade?'
There was a few moments of silence as Ken waited for an answer. He was hoping that he would get a new function or something that would help him in the future.
[User now has access to items and skills exceeding SSS grading.]
Ken was silent for a little while, but inwardly he was a little disappointed. He thought that such a thing would be unlocked organically as he continued to get better, just like it had always been.
However, when he thought about it for a bit, it did kind of make sense. There was a clear divide between the SSS grade and the EX grade, so much so that he was unable to even view it before the system upgraded.
Which led him to his next train of thought. Was Daichi's potential Extraordinary or Legendary? Just thinking of this made him feel a burst of exasperation.
'Just what kind of monster is my brother?' He thought.
KNOCK KNOCK
"Ken, are you okay in there?"
His father's voice called out from behind the door, almost causing him to cry out in surprise.
"I'm all good, almost finished!" He yelled back, inwardly chastising himself.
Ken had been so focused on talking to Mika and looking at his status window that he had lost track of time. His father probably thought he was doing something weird in the shower, something that he didn't want to speak about.
This only caused him to remember "The birds and the bees" chat he'd had with his dad after he and Ai had started dating properly.
It was not only awkward for him, even his father looked to be severely uncomfortable. Unlike in the states, Japan was rather private when it came to things like sex.
Apparently the only reason Chris had even had the conversation with Ken was because his own father had done the same when he was just a teenager.
Ken quickly got out of the shower and toweled himself down. The moment he opened the door, he saw a judgmental gaze from his mother who happened to turn around from her spot in the kitchen to look at him.
'It's not what you think!' He shouted in his heart.
However, voicing his thoughts would likely be admitting to his guilt. With tears in his eyes, Ken retreated to his room and got dressed, cursing his far too eager past-self.
Ken returned to the dining room a few minutes later, donning his poker face. He made sure to set the skill before he opened the door, and intended to ignore or deflect any conversation made towards his actions in the shower.
Thankfully, everyone seemed to move on rather quickly, apart from a few odd stares every now and then.
"So tell me about this team." Chris said, trying to steer the conversation appropriately.
Ken let out a sigh of relief internally and opened up about his experience. He downplayed his impact at tryouts, but told his father all of the basic information he needed to.
"Who cares about baseball right now," Yuki exclaimed while she was setting the table, "How was your first day at school honey? Did you make any friends?"
"Mmm, I met this guy called Steve, he's a little mischievous, but he seems genuine. He's actually the one who introduced me to the Gladiators team." Ken said sincerely.
"Oh? Does he play baseball as well?" Chris asked, his interest piqued.
"Yeah, he's the starting catcher believe it or not, Haha."
"Eh? Wow, how good is that?" Chris exclaimed, his face full of incredulity.
Seeing how the conversation had turned back to baseball, Yuki rolled her eyes. She looked at her husband and son and could literally see baseballs rotating on top of their heads.
'Why is everyone in my family only concerned about baseball…' She complained inwardly.
She was hoping for some juicy gossip like she'd seen in American TV series or movies. Yet all these two could think about was baseball.
Yuki let out a sigh, placing the final dish on the table and sitting down in her chair.
Both Ken and Chris looked at her with question, not understanding her mood.
"Oh, I spoke with Mrs. Rogers the other day." Ken said, as if he'd just remembered. "She asked if you wanted to join her ladies book club."
"Book club?" Yuki raised her eyebrow in question. She was not really an avid reader, but she was in an entirely new country and had yet to meet any friends.
Chris placed his hand on her own, his face lighting up. "That sounds great honey, why don't you join?" He seemed far more eager than Yuki herself, but the enthusiasm made her heart feel warm.
It was clear from his eyes that he was worried about her being lonely. With Ken going to school and him working so much, she was stuck at home with no one else.
If they were still in Japan she would have her friends like Naomi and the other ladies in town she could go see if she was bored. Yet here it was different.
Seeing the expectant looks from both him Yuki didn't really have a choice but to agree.
"Okay, I'll go. Give her our number the next time you see her." She said, letting out a small sigh.
The mood seemed to improve after she agreed, with both boys happily digging into the dinner she'd cooked. There was nothing that brought her joy like seeing her boys enjoying her food.
With that, her mood improved significantly.
"Ah, I almost forgot. I need to withdraw $1000 cash." Ken stated, his face serious.
Chris almost spat out his food in shock, while Yuki sent him a gaze full of disbelief.
Ken continued to eat, as if what he said wasn't extremely suspicious and concerning.
"Come again?" Chris said, sizing up his son with suspicion.
Thus, Ken was forced to painstakingly explain the situation with Steve and his proposed loan until his parents were satisfied. Sure they weren't too happy, but it was also his money at the end of the day.