After finding a small restaurant to fill his stomach, Jin started asking around if there was a volleyball gym nearby.
After a few wrong turns, he finally found one about three kilometers away. To his surprise, the court was lively even at night, full of people sweating it out.
The difference between high school volleyball and adult amateur games was clear, even if these weren't pros, the power, experience, were polish on another level. Most of them worked during the day and only had time to play at night, but their intensity was far above the average high school match.
Inside, a three-on-three rotation match was going on. The rule was simple, lose and you're off, next team comes in. As long as you had enough people, you could play whether you knew them or not.
"Whoa, which school is that kid from? He's got skills."
"Heard he's from Aoba Johsai, east side of the city. Been showing up here lately."
"With a club that good, why's he practicing here?"
The whispers made Jin look toward the court.
There, a high schooler with short, messy blond hair with two black strips and a glare sharp enough to bite through steel. Every movement of his body radiated restless energy, like a beast about to snap.
Mad Dog - Kyōtani Kentarō.
A power hitter from Seijō who had returned during Spring High. Because he hated being tied down by team atmosphere, he often drifted off and played in adult gyms like this one.
Jin's lips curved. 'Didn't expect to run into him here. Lucky.'
He spotted two men chatting by the benches and walked over politely.
"Excuse me, would you two like to team up for the next round?"
They hesitated.
"You're still in high school, right? We might hold you back…" Obviously being polite.
Jin shook his head.
"It's fine. It's just for fun, isn't it?"
Seeing his height and build, they agreed. That gave him a full three-person team.
---
Ten minutes later, after waiting for two matches, Jin's team finally stepped onto the court.
Across the net, Mad Dog was already tearing through opponents with his raw, explosive power. Even against two older men on his team, he carried the rhythm with his relentless spikes. Playing with adults had sharpened him, no doubt.
The moment Mad Dog noticed another high schooler across from him, his eyes narrowed. His expression wasn't friendly.
Jin grin widened in return.
Mad Dog instantly scowled and turned away. He hated that kind of open, cheerful attitude.
"Hey, do you know that guy?" one of the older teammates asked Mad Dog.
"…No," Mad Dog muttered coldly.
---
The match was short: first to five points. Whoever reached five stayed on, losers rotated out.
By the rule, Jin's side got first serve.
"I'll take it," Jin said. His teammates nodded.
He walked to the back line, twirling the ball once before tossing it high. He lifted a finger and pointed straight at Mad Dog in the back row, the provocation clear.
Mad Dog's body coiled like a spring, face saying everything: 'Come at me, I dare you.'
Jin didn't use his new skill yet, the Eye of Insight was for spiking and blocking, not serving. Instead, he steadied his breathing, jumped, and snapped his arm through.
"Jump serve?!" one of his teammates blurted in surprise.
The ball ripped through the air, skimming low, and heavy with fast spin. Mad Dog had been ready, but the sheer velocity still jolted him. His arms met the ball late, and it bounced hard off toward the back court with a loud *thud*.
A service ace.
Gasps filled the gym. All eyes turned to Jin.
"The first point's is just a starter gift," Jin called, eyes locked on Mad Dog. "Come on, Mad Dog."