Invitation from Japan's Largest Yakuza!?
“Hey, wanna all go out for some drinks or something?”
After clinching the win against Mongolia, my national team teammates tossed out the suggestion. But I turned it down.
“Nah, I've got somewhere to be tonight.”
“...Sorry, me too.”
“Alright, can't be helped then.”
With that, Ri Donghyeok and I slipped away from the group.
He seemed unsure if he should even be tagging along.
“Comrade Seong-muk, are you sure it's okay for me to come? We're not that close...”
“Of course it is, man. You're a Munhyeok High teammate just like me. What's the issue?”
“Mm, got it.”
Ri Donghyeok nodded along, following close behind.
We wove through a few alleys and emerged onto a main street, where a sleek, elongated van was parked.
Sure enough, a couple of burly guys with menacing faces approached us. It could've felt threatening, but their demeanor was nothing but polite.
“Are you Geum Seong-muk and Ri Donghyeok?”
“Yeah, that's us.”
“Please, get in. The boss is waiting.”
And just like that, Ri Donghyeok and I climbed into the vehicle.
After about ten minutes of driving, a sprawling mansion came into view.
The estate was fenced in over an area the size of a school campus, with multiple Japanese-style buildings that screamed old money.
“Whoa, owning a place like this on prime Tokyo real estate...?”
“Impressive. I didn't expect this level.”
The van passed through the front gate, and as we stepped out, a group of suited, rough-looking men bowed in unison.
“Welcome...!!”
“Welcome...!!”
Their voices boomed like thunder.
Ri Donghyeok and I winced slightly at the sudden volume.
Right on cue, the estate's top brass appeared.
“Welcome to the Muyoung Syndicate.”
“Kyaa, Seong-muk oppa...!!”
“Hey, you two made it.”
Takahina Ryuken, boss of the Muyoung Syndicate, greeted us warmly alongside his son Ryuji and daughter Noah.
That's right—I'd gotten an invite from those two to drop by their place for a home-cooked meal while in Japan, and I'd happily accepted, bringing Ri Donghyeok along for the ride.
Man, they really rock traditional clothes. Figures, being Japanese.
Ryuji in his navy yukata and Noah in her white kimono—one suited his sturdy build perfectly, the other because she was just so damn cute.
That's some real presence...
At Ryuken's order to “treat them like VIPs,” even the scarred, hulking yakuza trembled and fawned over us.
Ri Donghyeok and I followed their lead.
Soon, we entered a massive room that looked like a dining hall.
“You must be starving after the game. Everything's ready—dig in.”
Clap!
He gave a quick clap, and sliding doors whisked open. Premium wagyu, tuna sashimi, kaiseki courses, and more paraded in.
As Ri Donghyeok and I stared in awe, Ryuji and Noah grinned.
“Haven't had home cooking in ages. Looking forward to this.”
“Hehe! Our family chef is top-notch, certified by all. It's really good, so get excited...!!”
“Let's eat!”
We picked up our chopsticks.
I went for the wagyu first—pure bliss.
“Kya...!”
“This flavor...!!”
Even Ri Donghyeok was stunned beside me.
It'd pair perfectly with a cold draft beer, but alas, we're still minors.
Tch, so many inconveniences.
Can't drive, can't drink, can't go half the places worth going.
Still, this final stretch before adulthood is prime time for growth as a player, so no complaining—just grind it out.
“Speaking of, I'm curious about my son's baseball team life. Got any stories?”
“Oh yeah, during fielding practice, Ryuji bends over to snag a grounder and—rip!—his pants just...”
“Hey, you bastard, that's...!!”
“Puhaha! No way!”
The delicious food fueled a blooming conversation.
Hard to believe this was the home of Japan's biggest yakuza boss—the vibe was downright cozy.
The chat stretched on until Ryuken stood.
“Listening to you young folks has been such a joy, I've gotten sentimental. I'll step out so you can keep talking.”
He brushed off and left.
Now it was just me, Ri Donghyeok, Ryuji, and Noah.
Natural topic for us? Baseball, of course.
“Ryuji, I've been hearing some wild rumors about you.”
“I heard too—five homers in two games. They're calling you Japan's next lineup savior.”
“Haha, against China and Mongolia? Big deal. You're the one making waves, Seong-muk.”
“Right! We watched that game—it was insane pitching...!”
I nodded quietly at their words.
Crushing Mongolia with a new pitching style had made quite the splash—plenty of interviews and articles.
“Ahem, I wanted to pitch too, but no luck.”
Ri Donghyeok missed China (cold game) and Mongolia (my shutout).
Already splitting closer duties with Ryu Taekjin, and with prelims nearly done without throwing a pitch, he looked frustrated.
“Well, Korea's stacked, so save ops don't pop up much. Anyway...”
“...?”
Ryuji glanced at Noah, blinking signals.
After some exchanged looks, he cleared his throat and stood.
“Donghyeok, wanna step out for a chat?”
“Just us? What about?”
Ryuji panicked at the probe.
“Uh, y'know, the struggles of kids born under tough parents—like, that kinda bonding...”
“Oh, I can relate plenty. Sure.”
Ri Donghyeok bought it hook, line, and sinker, following Ryuji out.
Now just me and Noah.
“Mm, vibe says no one's coming back anytime soon, huh?”
“Probably.”
“Shall we head out too? Our estate garden's gorgeous!”
“Oh yeah?”
Perfect timing—I was stuffed and needed a walk to digest.
I followed Noah out to the garden.
Five minutes in, a impeccably manicured Japanese garden appeared.
“Oho, worth bragging about.”
“Hehe, right...?!”
Whoosh!
The sun had set, bringing a chill wind.
Noah, in thin clothes, shivered.
“Brr, cold...”
“Yeah. Want my jacket?”
“No way, oppa's got games ahead. Can't have you catching a cold.”
“How about I grab something from the house real quick...”
She shook her head vigorously. Hated that idea.
“There's an even better way.”
“Better way?”
As I pondered, she suddenly plastered herself to my side, looking up innocently.
“Way warmer. They say sticking to someone close is best in the cold...!”
“Ahem, yeah?”
“Ah, if it's uncomfortable for you...”
Her wet-puppy eyes melted me; I pulled her closer.
“Not uncomfortable. Cuddle up more if you're cold.”
“Ah...!”
Her face flushed scarlet.
Passing gangsters might flip, but this spot screamed private—no worries.
“Better now?”
“Yesss, tons. Oppa’s body is so hot... feels great.”
“.........”
Good thing no one's around.
One slip of those dangerous words, and the fallout would be nuclear.
“Seong-muk oppa.”
“Yeah?”
“They say life is a series of choices, right?”
“So they say.”
“If you ever have to give something up between precious things later, what'll you do?”
“.........”
Familiar territory.
I'd always judged honestly in the moment, ditching what seemed less valuable.
Big regrets followed.
With a second chance now, no repeats.
“If it's truly precious to me, I won't let go of a single one.”
“...That easy?”
“Nah, won't be. Can't argue greedy, but I'll kick till the end. For that happy ending where everyone's smiling.”
“...”
Noah fell silent, then beamed softly.
“Hehe, the answer I hoped for...”
She met my eyes, sparkling.
“I'll help too, so you never lose what you treasure...!”
“Uh, yeah. Thanks.”
No clue how, but her pep lifted me; I nodded.
Noah flashed a little-devil grin, then smacked her palm like an idea hit.
“Ah! Time for the plan—wait, no, sudden emergency! See ya later, oppa...!”
She muttered and bolted.
Feeling like a storm had passed, I stood dazed.
Gazing at the night garden, a voice came from behind.
“You two get along well.”
“............!!”
Turning, there stood Ryuken—Noah's dad, boss of Japan's biggest yakuza outfit.
How much did he see...?
His precious princess hugging some golden sun punk alone in the garden.
Am I getting pickled? Sweating bullets, he clapped my shoulder with a kindly smile.
“No need to tense up. I'd never harm my son's lifesaver.”
“Haha, right?”
“Of course!”
“...If not, I might've sliced you with a katana on the spot.”
“Pardon?”
“Nothing, haha!”
Chilling words, or just my imagination?
“Anyway, I invited you and made this private chat for a reason.”
“Reason being...?”
“Wanted to say it myself: thank you, truly.”
“.........!”
He bowed at a perfect ninety degrees.
I hadn't expected this much formality—shocked.
“Thanks to you, my son's alive and happier than ever, doing what he loves. All because of you.”
“Nah, just did what needed doing. He's helped me plenty too.”
“Has he? Glad he's useful.”
Ryuken chuckled.
He followed up.
“How's the bat I sent? Using it well?”
“Love it—probably snagged me a couple extra homers.”
Not just the bounce, but durability too—solid value. He nodded, pleased.
“Good to hear. Break it, I'll send more. Just say.”
“Thank you, sincerely.”
I bowed deeply.
Bats are pricey gear; no way I wasn't showing respect to a free high-end supplier.
“Ah! Tomorrow's the day.”
“Yeah, Korea vs. Japan.”
“Kinda bummed. Was hoping you'd start.”
“Coach's call—what can I do?”
I shrugged; he laughed heartily.
“Anyway, watch yourself. Facing Ryuji's gotten tougher now.”
“Meaning...?”
“I gave his swing some pointers.”
“.........!”
This guy was once a prodigy hitter himself.
If Ryuji leveled up under him...
Tomorrow's game might not be a cakewalk.
A creeping unease.
Far from baseless.
Crack!
“......Good lord.”
Game day, and Team Korea was getting pushed hard by Japan.
Our bats struggled against their pitcher, while starter Ryu Han-ul hung his head after a two-run and three-run blast to Ryuji.
Ryuji's come a long way, just like Ryuken said.
Ding!
Name: Takahina Ryuji
Nationality: Japan
Age: 19
Height: 189cm
Affiliation: Munhyeok High School
Skill / Dragon Blood (S+)
: Power stat surges dramatically when destructive instincts ignite.
Potential Keywords: Heavenly Hitter Body (EX), Defensive Prodigy (A+)
Batter Stats (*Potential)
RHP / LHB
Power: S (*S+)
Contact: B+ (*A+)
Speed: B
Eye: S (*S)
Defense: A (*A+)
Arm: A+ (*S)
Recommended Position: 3B
“Insane...”
He'd maxed Power S and Eye S.
Once a trusty teammate, now a foe to crush.
This won't be easy...?