Ken heard the sweet sound of the system notification and felt his body shiver subconsciously. He wanted to open the system right away to check, but he didn't want to lose this feeling.
'I feel it… My best form…' Ken closed his eyes, replaying the moment in his mind.
The next batter was announced, but Ken didn't budge.
It was only when the umpire called out to him that he finally snapped out of it. He stood square and entered his windup once more.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
WHOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
'That's it… I can feel it!'
Then the next ball was one of the best he'd thrown. This time he didn't only throw at 80%, unleashing his full power with his new and improved pitching form.
The ball snaked through the air like a dragon soaring upon the clouds.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
"Strikeout."
*DING*
'Again!?'
Just as Ken was surprised by another notification, he heard the crowd break out into murmurs. He turned his head and looked at the jumbo screen, seeing the 3 numbers flashing on it.
'105mph? But I didn't even use my skills?' Ken's eyes widened in shock.
As he dealt with this revelation, Tom was pumping his fist in the crowd. He knew that Ken threw with his full force in the last pitch, but he was thrilled to see that the form had not deviated at all from what he had taught.
This was the breakthrough that he'd been waiting for Ken to have for the past month.
'To think he would do it in game…' Tom mused to himself.
On the field, Ken was filled with joy. With his new and improved form and the clean up batter on his way to the batters box, a smile crept onto his face.
He went straight to his skills and enabled them all, using showdown in the process. As the strength filled his body, a domineering confidence took over him.
Ken stared down at the batter and felt in control. He gripped the ball in his right hand, waiting for the lead.
WHOOOOOSH
PAH
"106mph!? Is he back?" The crowd were in awe. It was as if a different version of Ken had appeared on the mound all of a sudden.
Whatever jeers and insults that was being thrown his way earlier had disappeared instantly. Who was going to insult a pitcher who was throwing at such a speed effectively?
WHOOOOSH
PAH
The next fastball was just as quick, hitting 106mph according to the jumbo screen.
But the reaction was nothing compared to the final ball that Ken pitched. With his new form in addition to the power he received from both showdown and his striker signature skill, it was nothing short of wondrous.
The moment the ball left Ken's fingertips, it essentially disappeared for a moment, before the resounding sound of the ball hitting the leather glove echoed in the arena.
PAH!
Even the umpire was silent for a few moments before he could deliver the verdict.
"Strikeout!"
At once, seemingly everyone in the ballpark turned to the screen with one question. Just how fast did Ken throw that ball?
When the 3 digits appeared, the entire crowd burst into cheers.
107mph
"Ken has broken his own record by almost a full mile…"
"Didn't you say he was in a slump?"
"I—I never said that, stop putting words in my mouth."
"No no, I remember you went on a tirade. You said why would they keep starting that useless good for nothing rookie since he pitches like crap."
The small argument in the crowd was quickly drowned out as applause and cheers rang down from the stands. Ken raised a hand and waved, acknowledging all of the support that he was receiving from the home fans.
He wore a genuine smile as he walked off the field with his head held high. A sense of accomplishment washed over him, and all Ken wanted to do was open up the system and see what notifications were waiting for him.
"Looks like you're back." The team greeted him on the way back to the dugout, ruffling his head and nudging him affectionately.
"I never left." Ken retorted cheekily.
Daichi patted him on the back, "You just about busted my hand. Give me some warning next time you throw so damn fast." He complained.
"Just put some ice on it, you'll be fine." Ken said with a grin.
As they walked to the dugout, Ken's grandfather was looking at him with a relieved expression. It seemed that the old man had been worried that Ken would not be able to recover after performing poorly the past month.
But all those worries were now gone.
"I'm proud of you kid." Mark said simply.
"Thanks Grandpa." Ken replied, feeling warm.
He then turned to Daichi, "Go get your hand iced, it can't be good for you to catch those balls all the time. Maybe also try calling for other pitches once in a while." Mark said teasingly.
Daichi shrugged, "I tried, Grandpa, but Ken always waves them off. It's like he's addicted to throwing only fastballs."
"O—Oi, don't just flat out lie."
Mark laughed and ushered them back into the dugout, "Alright, get going. You guys will be batting soon."
When Ken returned into the dugout, the other pitchers gave their congratulations. Rohan especially looked like he was about to cry for one reason or another.
It took some time before he was finally able to sit on the bench alone and check the notifications from the system.
[Congratulations, pitching grade has increased by 1.]
[Congratulations, pitching grade has increased by 1.]
Seeing this, Ken let out a sigh of relief. 2 pops in one day after no increase in 3 years. The stifled feeling in his chest was now long gone.
He opened up his system and stared at his new status.
MAJOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
SYSTEM LEVEL: 6 (Max)
NAME: Ken Takagi
AGE: 21
TALENT ASSESSMENT: EX+
POTENTIAL: L
MAJOR POINTS: 18,604,880
USER MENU:
-STATS
-MISSIONS
-SYSTEM SHOP
-LOTTERY
-IMAGE TRAINING
-IDENTIFY
-TRAINING PLAN
-MENTOR
-???
USER STATS:
>Physical Fitness: EX
>Pitching: EX
>Fielding: A+
>Game Intelligence: SSS
>Mental: EX-
>Skills: 27
>Traits: 4
PHYSICAL FITNESS: (Avg. EX)
Balance and Coordination: EX
Agility: EX-
Strength: EX
Stamina: EX+