He tried all sorts of things to improve his pitches over the last 6 months, even bringing his father in for some coaching. Despite this, it seemed he could only reach this level in the short amount of time.
Ken stared at his left hand for a little while before shaking his head. There was no way he could have caught up to the pitching capability of his right arm in such a short period of time, even with his Fine Motor Skills ability.
"You should give up on pitching." A voice came from behind him, causing Ken to almost jump in fright.
He turned around to see a man who was dressed well and wearing an overcoat. He had bags under his eyes and messy hair, however there was a sparkle in his eyes giving him a mysterious air.
Ken frowned, not sure who this person was. "And why do you say that?" He responded, his tone a little unfriendly.
However, the stranger did not seem to mind his tone, even letting out a chuckle in response. "As long as you agree to quit pitching and move to first base, we'll offer you a full scholarship. You'll be able to play on the starting line up along with your brother."
Ken's eyes flashed with surprise. "How do you know about my brother?"
He seemed to have ignored the first part of his words and instantly jumped to the latter part. Yet Naoki just smiled in response, choosing to patiently answer his question without pushing the teen.
"I saw you two play at the Kanto Tournament finals. But it looks like you've changed a lot in the past 6 months." He said, gesturing at Ken's left arm.
Ken suddenly recalled the figure who was talking to his parents at the game against Seigakuin, finally making sense of it all.
"Tell me, was it because of my right arm that you didn't offer me a scholarship last time?" Ken asked, gazing into the strangers eyes.
"Yes. But now that you've switched to southpaw, you've made up for your shortfalls." Naoki responded, holding Ken's firm gaze.
The two were silent for a while, before Naoki spoke up once again, extending his offer.
"As I said, as long as you quit pitching and move to first base. We'll offer you a full scholarship."
This time it was Ken who broke eye contact, his emotions in turmoil. In front of him was the opportunity of a lifetime, everything that he had been working towards for this past year alongside Daichi.
He should be happy, ecstatic even. So why did he feel so… miserable?
Seeing as how Ken did not answer right away, Naoki knew when to relent. He placed his hand inside his overcoat and extended both of his hands, holding out a business card.
"Have a think about it and give me a call when you make your decision. As long as you give me an answer before the end of next week then my offer will still stand."
Ken received the card, still in a daze. He looked at the card and saw the man's name, Naoki Hachimura.
"I've seen enough of your talents so you're free to head home. I'm looking forward to your call." Naoki said, before heading back to where the friendly game was taking place.
All Ken could do was stand in place for a while, watching the retreating back of Naoki.
The next few hours felt like a blur as Ken made his way back home. He felt as if he was just a spectator as his body did all the work, seemingly on autopilot.
It wasn't until he was out front of his house that he felt a rush of emotion.
"DAMN IT!"
Ken threw his bag onto the ground and screamed out loud, feeling the rush of negative emotions hit him all at once. All of the despair he thought that he'd left behind in his previous life came rushing out at once.
He fell to the ground and couldn't hold back the tears of frustration that poured out.
Yuki rushed to the front door after hearing the commotion, only to see her son on his hands and knees on the street. Her motherly instincts took over as she rushed out and held him.
'He must not have made the team.' She thought inwardly, feeling her heart ache.
***
"I am honored to say, we are proud of your many achievements over the years, your various accomplishments in and outside of the classroom. On behalf of the entire Seiko Middle School faculty, we wish you all the best in High School."
There were a few tears from the students near Ken who were caught up in the solemn atmosphere of the graduation ceremony. He couldn't help but smile, at least until he turned around and saw the snot covered face of his brother.
"Uwaaahhh, I feel so sad." Daichi wailed, pulling Ken into a bear hug.
"A-Ah, get off me. You're wiping snot all over me." Ken tried to prise the big baby off of him, however Diachi seemed to be holding on for dear life.
However, part of him still felt a little guilty, so he eventually hugged back.
"Let's go take some photos before it's time to go." Ken said, consoling his brother.
Only now did Daichi release his hold, nodding vigorously.
The two walked around to some of the other teammates that were also graduating, taking some photos which would serve as memorabilia in the future.
"Um, Ken would you mind taking a photo with me?" A cute girl with long black hair and beautiful blue eyes tugged at his sleeve in order to get his attention.
"Ai? U-Um okay sure." Ken was a little taken aback, but he couldn't decline such an innocent request.
Ai's face flushed red, however inwardly she was over the moon.
'He knows my name!'
After getting the photo, she held the phone to her chest and smiled beautifully.
Seeing how Ai had been able to get a photo with Ken, another flock of girls came running over with the same intention.
"Ah crap! Quick let's go." Ken sensed the danger and quickly grabbed Daichi by the arm and ran out of the school gates.
Once they arrived, Ken let out a sigh of relief. The two made their way back home where Yuki and Chris were waiting with proud smiles on their faces.
"Your stuff is in the car, we'll drop you off at the train station when you're ready." Chris said, feeling a little bittersweet.
Daichi nodded before turning to Ken. "It really sucks that you didn't make the team, It would have been great if we could still play together." He said, sulking a little.
Even though it had been almost a month since he found out the news, Daichi was still reluctant to leave Ken's side.
Ken felt a wave of guilt from these words, but he managed to keep a straight face.
"Don't worry, I'll prove that guy wrong with my pitching and meet Toin at Koshien." Ken replied, patting his right arm. He had phrased it in such a way that didn't entirely latch onto the misunderstanding.
Daichi nodded, feeling his eyes beginning to sting once again. "I'll miss you guys."
He hugged both Chris and Yuki before standing in front of Ken and holding out his fist. Despite the tears falling down his face, he had a brilliant smile. "Let's meet at Nationals."
Ken smiled, bumping fists with his brother.
"It's a promise."
-End Volume 1