'Mamoru Sugimoto… It looks like he's truly taken over the ace position.' Ken thought fondly. While they had had their run-ins in the past, the two had left on good terms.
In fact, Ken felt that Mamoru's pitching was similar to his own, though he lacked the same raw power.
"Play ball!"
The stadium erupted into cheers as the umpire called for the start of the game. In an instant, the atmosphere turned crazy with cheering squads going all out and chanting their team's name.
Ken was overcome with a wave of nostalgia, bringing a bittersweet feeling with it. He knew that he missed Japan, but it wasn't until this moment he realized just how homesick he was.
If he were to compare the WWBA Tournament atmosphere to this right now, there would be absolutely no question of which was more electric. He subconsciously clenched his fists, an overwhelming urge gripping him tightly.
'I want to play…'
He felt a soft hand on top of his fist, causing him to turn his head slightly. Ai smiled warmly at him, her kind blue eyes carrying a knowing look.
"I know you miss it here, but you're chasing your dreams." She said softly, barely audible above the cheering crowds. But Ken heard it deep in soul.
The tenderness she displayed was far more than he could have expected. What girlfriend would willingly allow their partner to move overseas, even if it was to chase his dreams?
'This woman… She's really too good to me.' Ken thought.
Just thinking about the sacrifices she was willing to make because of him was enough to make his heart sore. While he was off training and goofing off with Steve, this woman waited patiently for him.
For the first time in a long time, Ken was speechless.
He leaned his head forward and placed his lips upon hers, kissing her deeply.
"I love you." He stated unabashedly.
Ai's face reddened but she didn't protest. It was only after the kiss that she realized there were many people around them looking at her and Ken with both fascination and awkwardness.
She shrunk back a little before saying in a soft voice, "I love you too dummy…"
Ken couldn't help but grin widely before turning his attention back to the game.
The two barely spoke during the game, but Ai didn't have a problem with it. She knew that once Ken was engrossed in baseball, there was nothing that could pry his attention away, even her.
'Well… Maybe there was one thing.' She thought, giggling softly.
"I'm going to get some food, did you want anything?" She asked wearing a knowing smile.
Ken's ears perked up, "Oh great, I'm starving."
"Fufufu~"
Ai giggled once more, causing Ken to tilt his head in confusion.
Soon enough, the game progressed until the 6th inning with Yokohama ahead by 7 runs. Both Yusuke and another runner were on 1st and 2nd base respectively, with a familiar figure coming up to bat.
While Ken didn't know any of the current first years, he recognized Ryo, the second year. Apart from being Mamoru's good friend, the guy was an absolute gun with the bat in his hand.
'It's the bottom of the 6th. If Ryo hits a home run, the game will end here.' Ken thought, subconsciously moving to the edge of his seat.
He could hear the drums and cheers from the Yokohama fans beating in the background.
"YOKO ~ HAMA!"
"YOKO ~ HAMA!"
As Ryo readied himself in the batters box, things quietened down. The atmosphere felt tense, yet there was a hint of excitement buried beneath, almost like they were expecting something.
The pitcher lifted his leg before striding forward, his arm snaking out like a whip as the ball careened down the lane. Ryo's unsassuming figure seemed to bulk up as he planted his lead leg and twisted his body.
DOOOOOONG!
The sound reverberated around the arena, bringing with it a cacophony of cheers.
Ken let out a whistle of appreciation as the ball sailed into the outfield. From his vantage point near first base, it was rather obvious that it was going into the stands.
"YOKOHAMA!"
As Ryo jogged around the bases, Ken felt an overwhelming urge to yell something.
"ORYAHHHHH!"
"Oi! Who said that?"
Ken turned his head left and right after being called out, only to see a muscular figure not far away from him.
"Makoto!?" Ken was stupefied. His old captain Makoto Watanabe was in the crowd a few rows back. The guy looked quite similar to what he'd remembered, but now his head was completely free of hair, like a monk.
"Ken? Is that you?"
The two stood up, staring at each other from a distance while the crowd cheered for Yokohama.
"Game, set. Yokohama victory!"
Just like that, the first round match had finished thanks to the mercy rule. Yokohama's team may have been different, but they still held some core players and some up and coming talents thanks to their win 2 years ago.
"How you been man?" Ken asked, evaluating his old captain. Makoto had squeezed into a currently empty seat next to him after its occupant left.
"Heh, I'm good. I'm playing for a corporate league at the moment for the company I work for." He replied, rubbing the back of his bald head with a little embarrassment.
Ken was rather surprised, "I thought you'd try to go pro? Or at least join the University team."
However, Makoto looked rather forlorn in the next moment. "I didn't have the grades for University, and I was knocked back from the professional scene. But I haven't given up yet." He said with gusto.
"That's enough about me though, Shouldn't you be down there playing for our team?"
"Well… You see, I moved to America around 4 months ago. I only came back to see Ai and my brother." Ken said, wearing a wry smile.
"EH!?" It was only now that he saw Ai behind Ken's tall frame, but the words were still shocking to him.
BUZZ BUZZ
Suddenly, Ken's phone started blowing up with messages, undoubtedly from his former teammates.