National Team Selection Meeting!
National Representative Selection Meeting!
Murmurs filled the air.
The Korean Baseball Association building.
The conference room, host to today's crucial meeting, buzzed with unusual commotion.
"Kim, you reviewed all the PPTs for the Busan-area kids, right?"
"Yes, sir! Everything checks out perfectly!"
"Is Director Choi attending today's meeting?"
"I think he might...!"
"Tch, that guy's a die-hard left-right balancer. Makes me uneasy."
Today's meeting was about selecting the youth national team roster—a pivotal discussion that would determine Korea's fate in the international tournament.
Not only had every staffer from the association mobilized, but a slew of prominent experts from the baseball world had also shown up.
"Whoa, even Director Yoo is here...?"
"Heard his grandkid's one of the candidates."
"Ahh......"
Even prioritizing performance, some committee members were there with ulterior motives: 'We're winning anyway, might as well slip in one of my connections...'
In this already tricky selection process, someone utterly unexpected made an appearance.
"President Do Hak-hoon is arriving...!"
".........!?"
"Th-the president?!"
The startled staffers.
Who was Do Hak-hoon?
The top pick worldwide for baseball federation leadership, backed by overwhelming achievements.
Everyone had assumed his packed schedule would keep him away, but defying expectations, he strode in with heavy steps.
"President, you're here...!"
"Welcome, sir!"
"Hm."
His overwhelming presence.
Intimidation radiated from him alone as he slowly entered the conference room. Do Hak-hoon took the center seat at the head table and addressed his still-standing subordinates.
"Everyone, sit."
"Yes, sir......!"
Do Hak-hoon naturally claimed the chairmanship.
He took the reins of the meeting.
"Let's begin. Where were we starting the discussion?"
"Yes, sir. We planned to kick off with a comprehensive analysis of each country's national team strength...!"
"Let me hear it."
"Yes, sir!"
The tense staffer flipped through the PPT.
The well-organized slides boiled down to a simple point.
"The situation's grim. Player drain is worse than expected."
"Yes, exactly. More players than you'd think prefer being a snake's head in a weaker nation over a dragon's tail here. Other federations are offering massive incentives, too."
"Kids hailed as geniuses in their own schools—sitting on the bench for the national team would crush their spirits. Can't blame 'em......"
The committee nodded at Do Hak-hoon's words.
To balance international power, baseball's global tournaments had lax rules for switching national teams.
If one grandparent was foreign, you could play for that country—no blood tie to parents required.
Korean players were already world-class elites with stellar reputations. No wonder other nations drooled over them.
But this tournament amplified the issue.
"...In the past, most defectors rarely played. This time, even starters are bailing—huge blow."
While this high school generation was Korea's golden era, the outflow was massive too. Nearly 30 countries had poached Korean talent—scale said it all.
"Ignore players who've lost pride in the Taeguk Mark. Focus briefing on recruitable ones first."
"Got it. Starting with hitters."
A roster scrolled by.
Among teams Munhyeok High had faced, national team mentions included:
Cheonghyeon High's Asan Black Tiger, slugging first baseman Choi Seok-ho.
Hancheong High's hitting machine third baseman Choi Hyeok-su.
And genius-hitter second baseman Park Tae-je.
Plus Daegwallyeong High's right fielder Ma Cho-won, who could pitch in a pinch.
Others: Jeonllado's pride and nation's top shortstop Je Yun-chan.
Bujeon High's offensive catcher Hwang Tae-gang, who once battery-mated with Geum Seong-muk two years back.
And five-tool center fielder Han Ju-won, among others pegged for the team.
A solid lineup overall.
Next up: pitchers.
"Starters first, but it's not looking great."
Tournament success traditionally hinged on securing the top 3 high school lefties and righties.
This time? Trouble from the jump.
"Top lefty Seo Hui-geon is out."
"Reason?"
"Just... no interest in the national team."
"......Tch."
"Runner-up Lee Tae-bin went to Team USA, and third-place Bujeon High's Cheon Ji-uk is injured."
"Lefties are bone-dry. Completely dried up."
The room soured.
No need to explain a solid lefty's value in internationals.
"Silver lining: Recent Seoul City MVP Geum Seong-muk strongly wants in."
The low-level staffer's words lit up the committee.
"Ooh, I know that name."
"He's everywhere lately—tearing it up."
"Velocity's insane too, right? Over 160 km/h?"
Positive vibes, figuring he'd fill the lefty void.
"One concern: minor shoulder tendon strain. He says it won't affect play, but......"
In truth, no injury—just an excuse for velocity dips without Solar Divine Vein. But he was confident they'd pick him anyway.
"If he says no issue, what's to nitpick?"
"Our training staff's world-class. Kids tough it out young, get patched up on the fly...!"
"Can hit too, right? Led homers this year!"
Seong-muk's selection sailed through.
"........."
Do Hak-hoon watched silently, a faint smile saying just as expected.
"Anyway, pitchers we can use as starters if needed......"
"Geum Seong-muk, Kim Eol, Ryu Han-ul, Ma Cho-won, Jang Tae-san, Im Tae-yul."
"Tch, back in the day, a spare like Im Tae-yul wouldn't sniff the team......"
A committee member tsked at the thinned pool.
With starters locked, they moved on.
"Finally, bullpen and closer."
"Ryu Taek-jin first—ERA's spiked. Mid-4s...?"
"Shot up against Munhyeok High, but he's still elite closer material."
"True. Lefties hitting mid-160s are rare even in pros."
Ryu Taek-jin's nod passed unchallenged.
Then, his name dropped.
"This guy's the issue."
"Yes, Munhyeok High closer Ri Dong-hyeok......"
"Rumors he's son of a North Korean elite bigwig?"
"Yes."
The room hushed.
Coughs echoed; no one led. Reluctant voices followed.
"It's just... iffy, isn't it."
"Taeguk Mark on a North Korean—elite brass kid, no less......"
Seoul's top closer award winner Ri Dong-hyeok.
But an award was just that. Taeguk Mark weighed leagues more.
Korea led global baseball; fans held supreme pride there.
No one wanted backlash fodder.
'Don't pick him and spark outrage...'
'If protests demand the committee list—who picked him?!'
'Parents' identity's still secret. If it's sensitive ties, we're done...!'
Chills at the thought.
As silence gripped them—
".............."
Do Hak-hoon watched, arms crossed.
Then sighed softly.
'...All prioritizing their own skins.'
He recalled his recent chat with Seong-muk.
With family matters settled, Seong-muk called Do Hak-hoon separately.
"President, got a minute?"
"Always for you."
Do Hak-hoon accepted gladly.
Grateful for family favors, he'd grant Seong-muk any small request.
"President's too stiff—how about Father?"
"Ahem, that's......"
"Hahaha...!! Got ahead of myself."
Seong-muk demurred; Do Hak-hoon boomed heartily.
"About that last favor?"
"Yes."
The plea for a 'fair' starter selection.
Pure merit over all.
Code for 'pick Ri Dong-hyeok'.
Seong-muk had reasons to push for him.
'...The Baekdu Bloodline's quirk.'
The leader's heirs-only Baekdu Bloodline hid developer secrets.
'Bloodlines clash, loser stats get sucked by winner...'
True Baekdu was one-per-generation.
Victory proved superior heir; loser yielded stats.
'Ri Dong-hyeok's firebrand nature—he'll charge Kim Jeong-hong someday.'
Pro-bound, he'd face Pyongyang Blue Jays' cleanup Kim Jeong-hong.
Rush in blind? Hundred losses.
Ignore? Stats drained, mediocrity awaits.
'So now, suck stats from second son Kim Jeong-cheol.'
North team eyed Kim Jeong-cheol, easier matchup.
Current Ri could win.
'For his pro longevity, national team call-up's essential.'
Could ghost him, but Ri was loyal teammate—couldn't abandon.
Yet thorny path.
Even Do Hak-hoon treaded carefully.
"I'll push hard, but North elite kid? Can't promise easy."
No full guarantee—even for him.
Baseball plus politics? Dicey.
Seong-muk dropped a bomb.
"About his background—I have info."
"You know his parents?"
"Yes. Ri Dong-hyeok's father is......"
"...?"
"North Korea's leader, Kim Jeong-un."
".........!?"
Do Hak-hoon reeled.
Explanation done, he burst laughing.
"Haha, hahahaha...!!"
Laughter lingered.
Seong-muk spilled knowing it'd complicate—but had to.
'Pick blind, truth explodes? Can't handle.'
Reunited family man now, Do Hak-hoon's folks couldn't get muddied for a teammate.
Was ready to drop if no-go.
"Gotta escalate. Pull in higher-ups."
"Higher than you?"
"...President!"
"......!"
Seong-muk jolted at the word.
Politics now.
But to slot Ri, escalation seemed needed. Seong-muk sighed.
"...Can I check with him first?"
"Taeguk or shame—big life choice. I'll wait."
Do Hak-hoon relayed Ri Dong-hyeok's stance via Seong-muk.
'Political pawn? Fine, if I face Kim Jeong-cheol...!'
'...He's resolved.'
Inevitable exposure in 2-3 years, but diving into fire for peace's sake? Do Hak-hoon respected it.
He dropped the nuke.
"Ri Dong-hyeok isn't just any elite kid."
"Pardon?"
"Whose then?"
"He's Kim Jeong-un's illegitimate son."
".........!?"
"Wh-what!!"
No joking—the iron-fisted president oozed sincerity.
Committee whispered, glancing.
"For real...?"
"Leader's kid?"
Elite was dodgeable; blood kin? No.
Even prior holdouts erupted.
"Absolutely not!!"
"...What'll fans think?!"
"North leader's spawn on our team? Global laughingstock...!!"
Reasons flew.
Do Hak-hoon's word silenced them.
"President called."
"...!?"
"Heard Ri's tale, nearly teared up. Furious at North's overkill killing his mom."
"......!!"
Current president loathed North—threatened to disband Pyongyang Blue Jays anytime.
This story? Jackpot.
Leader's blood fleeing to free Korea, honing revenge on North team.
Perfect fodder.
President greenlit fast: Do what you must; I'll handle fallout.
".........">
Committee gulped, sensing uncontrollable turf.
Quiet yeas followed. Do Hak-hoon nodded pleased.
"I'll prep presser to frame it. Mum on Ri's origins till then—for your sakes."
"Yes, sir...!!"
Thus, Munhyeok High's Geum Seong-muk and Ri Dong-hyeok made Team Korea.
Prestige highs struggled for one; huge win for newbie club.
'Son-in-law, this enough?'
Do Hak-hoon beamed at the solid aid.
The announced roster exploded media.
North elite kid on Korea's team? News hit North fast.
"...Ri Dong-hyeok, wrigglin' worm's got moves, just like they say."
Kim Jeong-un tsked at South papers. Beside him, Kim Jeong-hong fretted.
"Father, ain't ya worried?"
"Worried 'bout what?"
"If that punk basks in spotlight, blabs he's your blood...?"
"Foolish worry."
Rip!
Paper halved.
He lectured heir-like.
"Even in South, one loose lip and blind knife ends ya. He'd yap reckless?"
"Bastard fled for skin when ma died. Ri ain't the type to risk neck."
"Ooh, Father's wisdom shines."
"Status quo suits him fine—vague 'North elite kid' signboard."
Kim Jeong-un preened—till office burst open.
"Le-leader comrade...!! Disaster!"
"Told ya no bursting in...!"
"...Emergency! Ri Dong-hyeok!!"
"Ri...!?"
"Held presser, claimed he's your son...!"
"Wh-what...!!"
"Ri Dong-hyeok! That crazy sonuvabitch...!"
North plunged chaos.
Ri Dong-hyeok's veiled identity: leader's bastard.
South-North bombs detonated both sides alike. No escape.