“In sports news, Japan managed to overcome Cuba in the final inning with a walk-off two-run home run. The match was full of back and forth action, yet it was the heroics of the freshman two-way player Ken Takagi that sealed it.”
As the TV went on in the background, the American U18 team were getting changed after playing their own game. While the locker rooms weren’t as luxurious as Rodger’s stadium, they were still top tier.
The atmosphere was relaxed as everyone did their own thing, chatting casually between each other. One wouldn’t have expected that they’d just triumphed over one of the top teams in the world.
Of course by their standards, Australia was certainly not up to their standard in baseball.
A player with styled sandy blond hair and clear blue eyes sat lazily on the couch. His long limbs and toned body spoke of his dedication to fitness.
“Yo Ryan. You seen this guy?” A deep voice asked, pointing to the TV.
Ryan who was the one sitting on the couch, lazily turned his head to the sound of the voice, his gaze looking uninterested.
Yet that changed as he saw what was being displayed.
His eyes widened as he saw the 102mph fastball from Ken flying into the glove of the catcher. Ryan subconsciously stood up, approaching the TV step by step.
‘He’s good…’
These were the two words that appeared in his mind as he scrutinized everything from the wind up to the release.
Yet a moment later, the play changed to his home run that won the game.
“He’s a batter too?” Ryan scowled.
He seemed to be disappointed that the person he’d just complimented was wasting his time with batting. Ryan was one of those pitching supremacists, believing that focusing on anything but pitching was a waste of time.
“What a pity…” He muttered.
As he walked away, the post-match interview replayed.
“After your performance today, some people have compared you to Ryan Smith. What do you think of that comparison and are you looking forward to playing him in the World Cup?”
‘Tch, comparing that idiot to me? What a joke.’ Ryan thought as he turned back around to see who would utter such filth.
“Ryan Smith? Sorry, I’ve never heard of him.”
The moment these words came out of the TV, everybody in the locker room went silent.
“Hahahaha!”
The room erupted into laughter, some players even holding their sides from laughing too hard.
Ryan felt the whole left side of his face twitch in anger as he stared back at the face on the TV. He took in Ken’s features, as if he wanted to burn them into his mind.
“Haha, don’t mind Ryan. The guy lives in a small hole on the other side of the world, of course he hasn’t heard of you.” A tall dark skinned teen placed his hand on Ryan’s shoulder and tried to console him.
However, his tone was still filled with amusement, making it seem as if he was making fun of him.
Yet Ryan paid him no heed, still staring at the TV screen.
‘Ken Takagi huh? We’ll see if you’ve heard of me by the end of the World Cup, after I’ve crushed you.’
It was then that the Head Coach Mark Williams came into the locker room. He was a tall man with gray hair and had deep brown eyes, one could tell that he was past his prime, but his back was straight as a sword.
Upon entering, everybody quickly settled down, turning their attention to him.
It was clear by these actions that they respected the coach greatly.
“What was all the fuss going on in here?” He asked, his tone deep, showing no signs of his age.
The players were reluctant to speak up, as if they were expecting some form of punishment if they answered wrong.
“We were just having a joke at Ryan’s expense sir.”
“Ah, I see. Care to let me in on the joke? I like jokes.” He answered monotonously.
No one believed his words at all. They were well aware of the man’s disposition, especially when it came down to discipline within a team setting.
“T-There was a Japanese player who said that he didn’t know who Ryan was… We just thought his reaction to the guys words was funny.”
Yet nobody was laughing now. They merely waited for the coach’s reaction.
“Hmm? Japanese player… What was his name?” Mark put his hands to his chin as if he was deep in thought, rubbing his stubble.
“Ken Takagi.” Ryan spoke out loud. He was the only one who had bothered to remember the players name, since he’d consciously added him to his list.
Mark’s eyes flashed imperceptibly for a moment.
“So he’s playing for Japan huh?” He muttered.
“Wait, you know him sir?” Ryan asked, slightly surprised. This was the first time that he’d seen Ken and it was only because he’d participated in the World Cup.
“Hmm? Sure. Who wouldn’t know the number 1 High School pitcher.” He said matter-of-factly.
“Uhh, sure I guess.”
The team didn’t sound too convinced. However, it was only Ryan who seemed to notice the distinction that the Head Coach had given.
He didn’t say the number 1 High School pitcher in Japan…
Yet before Ryan could ask any further, the coach moved on.
“Alright, enough of this. We’ve gotta be out of the locker room pronto.” Mark said, making some gestures to hurry everyone up.
Since he’d sat out this game against Australia, Ryan was already ready to go. He thought about approaching the coach separately, yet quickly gave up when he saw the thoughtful expression on the coach’s face.
‘Does he think this Ken guy is better than me?’ Ryan thought, feeling his pride wounded.
He grabbed his bag and placed it on his opposite shoulder, his eyes narrowing.
‘Let’s see what he thinks when we annihilate Japan in the Super Round.’ He said in his heart.