Throw Straight, Hassan!
Straight in the sights of countless high school baseball fans, Munhyeok High had put on an overwhelming show of force in the Sejong Tournament opener.
Fan reactions poured out like a burst dam.
The High School Baseball Gallery mostly praised Munhyeok High's players.
But one player split opinions down the middle.
The man in question: Hassan.
Of course, fans pushed back too.
Aside from the Hassan issue, the High School Baseball Gallery vibe was overwhelmingly positive for Munhyeok High. They were hyped for Game 2.
"Alright, men! Great work!!"
A total blowout.
They'd put on a perfect showcase, ensuring no one would underestimate Munhyeok High again.
The players couldn't hide their joy at this ideal, perfect start.
But one thing.
One issue they had to address.
Hassan.
Coach Myeong Sinu called in captain Seong-muk, battery mate Un-gang, and Ryu Ji—who'd nearly eaten a pitch in the intl tourney—to his office.
"...I called you here to talk about Hassan's issue. Honestly, I'm taking this pretty seriously."
Coach Myeong Sinu's stern face.
All three nodded.
"This time the other guy wasn't badly hurt, and it got brushed off as control issues, but..."
"If a dead ball happens in the next game, expect retaliation."
"Not 'expect'—it's 100%."
Throwing beanballs at threatening hitters might work for the pitcher's personal game plan.
But baseball's a team sport.
The moment one pitcher provokes the other team, the bill comes due on your own hitters' bodies.
Considering dead balls can threaten careers, this chain of hate needs to be nipped in the bud.
"So, do you think this is just control issues?"
Coach Myeong Sinu eyed Ryu Ji, searching for any chance. Ryu Ji shook his head firmly.
"Intentional, obviously."
"...Figured."
Hitters sense first if a pitcher's beanball is on purpose or accident. Ryu Ji felt clear intent from awakened Hassan.
"Anyway, we can't leave it like this."
As a holder of the Dragon Blood skill, Ryu Ji knew better than anyone the danger of uncontrollable power.
Such forces often destroy their wielders later. Seok Un-gang added gravely.
"I've talked to awakened Hassan before. He said..."
'I don't listen to heretics.'
"...that. He follows pitching leads about half the time, but the rest he does whatever."
Un-gang grimaced, clearly annoyed.
If he hadn't held back, Buddha stand vs. Allah stand bloodbath.
"Damn, acts like he'll follow any order, then..."
Says 'I receive Allah's command' on activation, but ignores all else and does as he pleases.
Coach Myeong Sinu had already checked with Pakistan.
"Their response was a trip, damn."
"What'd they say?"
"Oh, perfect! It's working as designed, what's the problem~? Ridiculous. Is Hassan a product?"
Coach looked pissed.
Seong-muk got why Pakistan was chill.
'Bean some guy, eat retaliation—big whoop, no real loss.'
Pakistan's roster's mid anyway. No star hurt badly. Might even cheer a runner to first.
Bottom line: Hassan's Allah's Apostle skill was designed for Pakistan's all-in Hassan ball.
Bring it to Munhyeok High unchanged, and it'll blow up big.
"...No way around it?"
"Talk to him first, see if he can control it."
They decided to summon Hassan. He entered the office looking a bit deflated.
"Ah, Coach, hyungs. Here you are..."
Hassan looked exhausted.
Rushed to hospital post-game to apologize, guilt kept him up.
"Hassan, about your awakened state..."
Hassan pondered Coach Myeong Sinu's question, then explained.
"When the verse finishes, my soul gets ejected from my body, like something else takes control."
"My consciousness gets locked in a stone coffin. I watch the game through a tiny crack."
"........."
No real agency in awakening. Coach, Seong-muk, Un-gang, Ryu Ji listened gravely.
"How'd you snap out for the dangerous pitch?"
"Broke out of the coffin. Regain control, but lose the power..."
Bitter look from Hassan.
Loves baseball, wants to play himself, but awakened self is way more useful.
Frustrating for him too. No easy fix.
But then, Seong-muk had an idea.
Control, control...
Rare case, but in the original work too.
Character possessed for power boost, like Hassan.
That guy too: no control = scrub, control = untouchable.
Seong-muk realized this was a pivotal moment for Hassan's career. Fix it now or derail.
"Hassan."
"Yes, Seong-muk hyung."
"Heard a similar case. Wanna try what I say?"
"Huh?"
Head-tilt from Hassan.
Heard Seong-muk's solution, eyes widened.
"Uh, Seong-muk hyung. Really think that'll work?"
"When have I bullshitted? It'll help for sure."
"Hmm..."
Hassan pondered briefly, then looked up smiling.
"Yes! I'll try!!"
Resolved Hassan.
Coach Myeong Sinu nodded.
"Do as Seong-muk says first. No awakening in games till full control. Got it?"
"Yes, got it!!"
Spirited reply from Hassan.
Full of will to overcome.
Hassan left the office.
Coach Myeong Sinu sighed softly.
"Whew, Game 3 starter's Chan-jun then."
Awakened Hassan sans dead ball worry? Starter push. Normal Hassan's shaky vs nationals. Better Park Chan-jun, per Coach.
Game 2 not even played, talking Game 3 ace might seem cocky, but he was confident.
"Game 2, I can trust you guys?"
"Stretch out, we'll shut 'em down perfect."
"Kyaa, solid, solid!"
Super ace Geum Seong-muk—who perfected the US—waited for Game 2.
Game 2 foe Cheonghyeon High was solid from Asan.
Had homered off Seong-muk in first practice game, cornered him.
But no more.
Then vs now Seong-muk: different beasts. Even back then, mid-game Solar Divine Vein awakening crushed them.
Tae-yul, hyung's coming...!
Cheonghyeon ace Im Tae-yul, traumatized by Seong-muk's joat flip, long-term ED sufferer.
Seong-muk prepped more trauma.