Ken’s towel flipped up from the wind pressure as deadly gas pervaded the confined space, quickly eating up all the oxygen. Everyone’s expression turned into one of horror as the smell enveloped their senses.
“ARGHHH it’s in my eyes and mouth.” Steve screamed, his wails filling the room.
It wasn’t only him, the others tried to cover their mouth and nose and make their way out of the sauna. Yet Ken stood tall, blocking the way.
“Move, ya bastard!” Tetsu shouted, bending low and lifting Ken up by the torso as he rushed forward, knocking the door open. The sweet scent of fresh air filled his nostrils, allowing him to breathe once more.
“STOP!”
Chris shouted out in panic, watching Tetsu carry his son dangerously. If Ken were to be injured right before the World Series, he knew that there would be a rift between them and Tetsu would never forgive himself.
Tetsu froze in place, finally realizing what he was doing. He gently placed Ken down and quickly looked him up and down to make sure that he had done no damage. “Are ya okay!?”
Ken felt his heart beat wildly in his chest. He had not expected that Tetsu could pick up his 6’6, 230 pound frame like it was nothing. It seemed that the guy missed an opportunity to play American Football.
“I’m fine, though I should probably change my underwear.” Ken said, letting out a small chuckle.
Steve, Rohan and Daichi came out of the sauna coughing and sputtering, having endured the deadly gas attack for a considerable amount of time.
“Definitely check your underwear… I’ve never experienced something to traumatic in my life.” Steve complained, sucking in deep breaths of the untainted air.
Daichi on the other hand narrowed his eyes. He had experienced Ken’s monstrous abilities back at Tokyo University when he had dropped the longest and loudest wind he’d ever heard in the hallway before running off like a criminal.
That was almost 7 years ago, yet he could still vividly remember the moment. He had needed to escape swiftly before the rest of the team came out and blamed him for the biological weapon.
“Okay, I’m sorry if this wasn’t clear before… But no farting in my sauna from this point forward.” Ken explained, moving his gaze over the guys.
Once the commotion was over, everyone went their separate ways to shower and get cleaned up before breakfast. They returned to the dining room a little later, only to see a feast awaiting them.
“Kenny, where is your friend Michael and his girlfriend?” Yuki asked, her eyebrows furrowed.
“Oh… They had plans this morning, I should have told you.”
“I see… You better make him feel included, treat him like your little brother.” Yuki chastised him.
“Yes Mom.” Ken replied obediently.
“Good, now eat up. You’ve got a big game tonight.”
The group sat down and ate as a big family like they often did. Ken wasn’t sure when this had become their new normal, but he wasn’t complaining.
“I’ve packed you guys some bento to take to the arena, just in case you don’t like the food they provide.” Yuki added after the meal was over.
“Oh sweet, Yuki makes the best bento’s.” Steve said with a grin.
“There’s none for you, you aren’t even playing tonight.” Ken quipped, giving his friend a weird look.
“Nonsense, I made Steve one too.” Yuki replied, smiling sweetly at Steve.
Hearing this, Ken blinked a few times in confusion, only to see Steve poke his tongue out at him. He shook his head in exasperation before deciding to ignore it, getting worked up before an important match was never his style.
He stood up and thanked Yuki and Naomi for the food before planting a kiss on his wife’s head, “I’m gonna go have a short nap.”
No one objected and Ken was able to head back upstairs before hopping into bed. Ken had started taking “naps” during the day since last week, hence why no one was suspicious.
He had figured out that he could enter the Image Training two times per day, provided it was after a good sleep. This allowed Ken to get closer to achieving the batting mission he had been gunning for.
With only just over a week left until the World Series ended and his system either disappeared or integrated, he was running out of time.
‘I wish I had have figured this out sooner.’ Ken thought as he was transported into the empty Koshien Stadium.
He brought up his Image Training Missions and stared at them.
#PITCHING MISSIONS:
> Pitch 100,000 strikes [100%] – 5,000,000 Major points + Skill: Striker [Complete]
> Pitch 100,000 breaking balls [100%] – 5,000,000 Major points + Skill: Breaker of Balls [Complete]
> Throw pick-offs 100,000 times [7%] – 5,000,000 Major points + Skill: Pick-off Practitioner
> Pitch 100mph 100,000 times [100%] – 7,500,000 Major points + Skill: Over the Speed limit [Complete]
> Strike-out AI (upgradeable) – 10,000,000 Major points + Diamond Lottery ticket [Complete]
#BATTING MISSIONS:
> Hit 100,000 bunts successfully [0%] – 3,500,000 Major points + Skill: Bunt Aficionado
> Hit 100,000 balls into outfield [89%] – 3,500,000 Major points + Skill: Double Trouble
> Hit 50,000 foul balls [39%] – 1,500,000 Major points + Skil: Foul Demon
> Hit 100,000 sliders [18%] – 4,500,000 Major points + Skill: Slider Demon
> Hit 100,000 curve balls [10%] – 4,500,000 Major points + Skil: Curve Demon
> Hit 100,000 fastballs [31%] – 4,500,000 Major points + Skil: Fastball Demon
> Hit 50,000 home runs [96%]- 10,000,000 Major points + Diamond Lottery ticket + Skill: Home Run King
“I will definitely get the Home Run King skill and maybe the Double Trouble if I’m lucky…” Ken mumbled, his eyes sparkling.
Without further ado, he selected the batting practice and his vision changed. He appeared in the batters box once more, his usual wooden bat securely in his grip.
The AI version of Ken materialized in front of him, appearing on the mound. No matter how many times he saw this, Ken still thought it felt bizarre.
The moment he was ready, the figure lifted its leg and strode forward.
WHOOOOOSH
THWACKK!
[Home run – 443 feet]
“Keep throwing there Kenny Boy.” Ken said, wearing a grin.
WHOOOOOSH
PAH!
[Strike – 107mph]
“Crap. I feel sorry for those who have to face me…”