The game came to a climactic end after a full 8 innings of deadlock between the two teams. For Detroit, it was a much needed win that they’d worked incredibly hard for, but for Miami, this was a devastating loss.
However, with the mystery around Daichi’s injury, he became the focus of all the media. Having one of their best players injured was not something that any team could easily recover from.
“Congratulations on the win tonight Coach, have you received word about Daichi’s injury? Will he be able to play in the subsequent games?” A reporter asked in the press conference.
“We still need to wait for the scans to come back, but we are hopeful that Daichi will make a full recovery before the end of the series.” Mark replied, trying to put an end to the topic.
Unfortunately for him, these reporters would not let up.
“Looking back at the tape, it seemed like there was an obvious breakage in Daichi’s right wrist. If that’s the case, I don’t believe he would be able to recover before the series is over.” The reporter continued.
“You are correct…” Mark quipped, “if he has indeed broken his wrist, he won’t be able to play.”
His tone was a little snarky, but it seemed to do the trick. The reporters avoided asking questions about Daichi, choosing to focus on what happened during the game.
After all, until the test results came back, there was no point in speculating about his injury.
A painful 30 minutes followed before Mark was able to leave the press conference. He returned to the locker room and swiftly called Ken and Daichi away from the others, taking them through to his office.
Upon arrival, he closed the door and let out a sigh of relief.
“Alright Ken, I’ve done what you’ve asked…” Mark announced.
Ken saw how worried his grandfather was and couldn’t help but feel warm inside. The toughest part was now over, all he needed to do was take out the recovery elixir and feed it to Daichi and he would wake up healed tomorrow.
However, he didn’t do so right away.
“Daichi… Do you have something to say to Grandpa?” Ken asked, his gaze moving to his brother who was still wearing a sling.
Daichi squirmed slightly, obviously feeling uncomfortable.
Mark on the other hand raised his eyebrow. From Daichi’s reaction, it was clear that something was wrong.
“I am injured…” Daichi replied, lowering his head.
“I think that’s pretty obvious little brother. How about you be more a little more specific?” Ken prompted, not wanting to let him off the hook.
Daichi raised his gaze, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I’ve been losing strength in my left hand… I was going to get it checked out after the season ended, but we ended up making it to the World Series.” He explained.
Mark frowned deeply, “Show me your hand.”
Daichi did as he was told, only for him to let out a hiss of pain a moment later. His grandfather was prodding certain places on his hand and wrist, trying to gauge his reaction.
“You fool!” Mark let go of Daichi’s hand, his anger evident.
“Grandpa… Don’t be too harsh, Daichi thought that he was doing what was best for the team.” Ken interjected, trying to calm the older man down.
However, Mark was having none of it.
“How can you defend your brother after his actions? It is irresponsible to hide an injury under any circumstances. Not only are you putting your entire career at risk, but also your life after baseball.” Mark stated, his tone cold.
“What would you do if you suddenly lost baseball? Would you be able to find work with a useless hand? Even if the injury gets treated, you might be in constant pain for the rest of your life.”
The lecture continued for another 10 minutes, to which neither Ken nor Daichi had a response. Ken had wanted to set an example so Daichi would not hide any injuries in the future, but had got himself dragged into a lecture as well.
Once Mark was done, he walked over to his desk and slumped into his chair, letting out an exaggerated sigh.
“You two make me feel old…” He said, letting out a small chuckle.
Seeing that his mood had changed for the better, Ken inwardly sighed in relief. He hadn’t expected his grandfather to react so strongly, but he could feel that his words came out of worry rather than anger.
“Well, I think old age makes you feel old.” Ken replied, flashing Mark a wide grin.
At this, Mark laughed before massaging the bridge of his nose.
“Alright, enough about that stuff. You told us earlier that you can treat Daichi’s injuries… As far fetched as that sounds, I don’t think you would lie to me about such a thing.” Mark stated, his eyes focused on Ken.
Ken nodded, “I can’t go into too much detail… But I indeed have something that can cure Daichi’s injuries overnight. The problem is, everyone saw Daichi’s wrist break in high definition, even if it’s healed overnight, people will become suspicious.”
“Yes, the media were all over me about it. What do you suggest?”
Ken’s gaze moved to Daichi briefly before answering, “He’ll have to sit out a few games, that’s the only way people wouldn’t be suspicious…”
It wasn’t ideal, but this was the only thing that Ken could think of. With so many eyes on Daichi’s health, it could lead to some tough questions about how he recovered.
“What do you think Daichi?” Mark asked, his expression unreadable.
Daichi was silent for a little while before he nodded, “As long as I can be healed, I’m fine to wait as long as needed… I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Good, then that’s what we’ll do.” Mark replied, “So how does this cure work? What do you need us to do?”
Ken smiled before turning around and producing a clear flask with a green liquid inside, “Just drink this and go have a nap.”