"Ah, is that so? I didn't expect anyone to still remember my past," Tenma Udai smiled, unable to hide his shyness at the straightforward pra
"Ah, is that so? I didn't expect anyone to still remember my past," Tenma Udai smiled, unable to hide his shyness at the straightforward praise from his volleyball junior.
Compared to the intimidating ace who dominated the court during high school, the current Tenma Udai carried an air of weariness and... softness? Though he was still handsome, of course.
Yuma Kikuzawa opened the conversation, prompting Tenma Udai to ask curiously: "Are you still playing volleyball too?"
"Yes, senior!" Yuma Kikuzawa stood straight, almost ready to salute Tenma Udai. "I'm Yuma Kikuzawa, the ace spiker for Aoba Johsai's volleyball club. I've been playing volleyball since childhood, and my goal is to become the world's best volleyball player!"
Seeing the young man's vibrant enthusiasm, Tenma Udai couldn't help recalling his own high school days of hard work and sighed nostalgically: "That's wonderful. Having dreams and goals is good. I was just like you back then, wanting to become an amazing player that would make others look at me differently."
Then Tenma Udai's tone shifted as he gave Yuma an apologetic smile, "But now I've found other interests and haven't touched a volleyball in years. Sorry, seems like I've let down your admiration."
He expected the silver-haired youth who idolized him to be disappointed upon hearing he'd abandoned volleyball, but after a brief pause, Yuma's high spirits remained unchanged as he instead comforted Tenma:
"That's perfectly fine too. Not every talented person needs to dedicate their life to volleyball. If it's something you truly love, just follow your heart without worrying about others' opinions. The pursuit itself is happiness."
Yuma Kikuzawa naturally knew Tenma Udai hadn't continued volleyball after graduation, instead entering the manga industry that interested him more.
The original story had many such examples. People poured their sweat into volleyball during high school - some gained glory, some achieved nothing, some were naturally gifted at volleyball while others couldn't catch up to geniuses despite years of effort.
But what they shared was - everyone had unforgettable youth memories because of volleyball.
After graduation, some became professional players continuing on the court, some turned volleyball into a hobby for daily enjoyment, while most left the court for the lives they wanted.
They all loved volleyball and devoted themselves to it, but none were slaves to volleyball.
Hearing Yuma's words, Tenma Udai felt deeply understood, his smile brightening noticeably.
"I'm currently studying at Kanto University and really love manga. I hope to become a mangaka someday. Though I've left the competitive court, I'll carve out an equally passionate path in the world of manga."
Tenma observed Yuma's expression and, seeing no disapproval but rather keen interest, continued sharing his thoughts:
"Well... I have this idea about a zombie swordsman story and want to try submitting it, though I'm not sure if it'll get accepted..."
Ah, that manga that got axed.
Yuma closed his eyes briefly to hide his complicated emotions, thinking how to respond to this passionate would-be mangaka.
"Ahem, Udai-senpai, is your manga western fantasy? What's the specific concept? Besides the protagonist, have you designed supporting characters? For manga, the beginning must hook readers - where does Udai-senpai plan to start? Have you mapped out subsequent plotlines? Are there climaxes planned for each major arc? Does it fit current market trends?"
Yuma laid out various manga-related questions he could think of, sincerely hoping Tenma Udai could avoid having his work axed this time.
"Uh..." Tenma scratched his head awkwardly, stammering, "It should be western fantasy adventure... For side characters... I have some ideas... The plot... I've roughly planned the first two arcs...?"
The two stared at each other.
"...You're right. 'Zombie Swordsman' still needs lots of work. I should go rethink it."
Seeing Tenma's dejected expression, Yuma couldn't bear it.
How could he crush his idol senior's confidence like this?
"Udai-senpai, if you have any manga ideas, feel free to share them with me. Though I don't know much about manga, I can offer some advice."
Don't worry - with my manga knowledge from two lifetimes combined, casually borrowing some ideas could produce a hit manga.
"Then I'll thank you in advance," Tenma smiled. "Actually, I can't find anyone at school to discuss manga with, so meeting Kikuzawa-kun is really great. Ah, right, let's exchange contact info for future communication."
The two happily exchanged emails and phone numbers.
Since Tenma had to visit relatives later, they chatted briefly more before he took his leave.
Yuma watched his idol's back disappear through the bookstore entrance, his smile growing radiant.
Mom! I met my idol in person!
(σ≧▽≦)σ
Other bookstore patrons saw a silver-haired youth standing frozen with a silly grin. If not for Yuma's handsome face clearly not looking like a psychiatric patient, someone would've called the police already.
Just then, Yuuki Kikuzawa, well-acquainted with his brother's habits, entered the bookstore carrying groceries and immediately spotted that eerie smile.
Yuuki: "..."
After long contemplation at the entrance, as if steeling himself, Yuuki approached cautiously and poked Yuma's arm.
"Yuuki, you're here. You'll never guess who I just met!"
Yuma snapped back to reality, ready to brag about his "amazing encounter."
"Middle school English teacher?"
"No!" Yuma rolled his eyes at this ridiculous answer and stopped teasing. "I just met the 'Little Giant'! The 'Little Giant'! Tenma Udai! The ace spiker from Karasuno who led his team to the top 16 - we watched his matches on TV in elementary school!"
Yuuki silently dug up some unpleasant memories and turned away darkly: "I remember you spat juice all over my face that day..."
A dark cloud appeared over Yuma's head as he grabbed Yuuki's head for vigorous ruffling: "You remember the wrong things! Don't hold grudges like this, little Yuuki!"
Yuuki pushed away his brother's mischievous hands and pouted.
Ignoring his sour expression, Yuma linked arms with Yuuki and headed out.
"Alright alright, don't be mad. I'll buy you snacks at the convenience store later."
Exiting the bookstore, Yuma suddenly stopped and smacked his forehead.
"Almost forgot, I didn't buy the manga... Hmm, feels like I forgot something else besides the manga, probably just my imagination~"
Returning inside, Yuma grabbed a copy of Weekly Shonen Jump and checked out, happily hugging his purchase until he froze again, expression turning horrified.
"I FORGOT TO GET UDAI-SENPAI'S AUTOGRAPH!!!"
〣( ºΔº )〣
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