After a surprisingly tough fundamental practice, Coach Anabara gathered the team at the center of the court. His usually calm face now held a look of serious thought.
"Alright, everyone," he said, his voice firm. "Today we're having a practice match. Team A will be led by our captain, Seiji Okudake, and Team B by our main setter, Futamata Takeharu."
Team A, led by Okudake, was made up of Terushima, Bobata, Minato Kenji, Kaito Isamu, and Numajiri. They were facing off against Team B, which had Futamata at the helm, along with Ryūji, Tsuchiyu, Iizaka, Naoki Harada, and Kenjiro Fukuda.
Coach Anabara blew his whistle, and the match was on. The score was 0-0. Team B had the first serve.
Ryūji stepped to the back line, holding the ball casually. His eyes swept across Team A's side, searching for an opening, ignoring the cautious stares of Terushima and Minato, who were already in their ready stances. He tossed the ball high into the air and leaped.
At the peak of his jump, with everyone expecting a powerful spike from his right hand, Ryūji suddenly pulled his arm back. The motion was so smooth it was almost invisible. In a split second, he hit the ball with a quick snap of his left wrist. The hit made a weird "whiff" sound, not the usual explosive thwack of a spike.
The ball glided. Its spin was erratic, like a broken propeller, making its path impossible to predict. Terushima and Minato, who had positioned themselves to receive a right-handed hit, froze. Their feet couldn't shift fast enough. All they could do was watch as the ball dropped right between them, hitting the floor with a soundless "thud."
The entire Johzenji gym went dead quiet, as if time had stopped. Coach Anabara stood still, his eyes wide. "No way," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. Kaito Isamu, the first-year setter, couldn't hold back. "What?!" he yelled, his face white as a sheet.
The scoreboard flashed, showing 1-0. The first point came from a serve no one saw coming.
The match continued, with Ryūji still serving. Point after point, he kept scoring with his tricky serves, tearing through Team A's defense. The score: 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, 5-0.
Ryūji continued to dominate, point after point. Team A finally managed to receive the ball well, and Terushima got ready to attack. He jumped, firing a powerful spike toward Team B's side. But Tsuchiyu, Team B's libero, moved in a flash, receiving the ball perfectly and sending it to Futamata.
"Ryūji!" Futamata shouted, sending a high, perfect set toward him.
From the back row, Ryūji sprinted forward, his eyes sizing up the opposing blockers, ready to do back attack. Bobata and Okudake jumped high, forming a solid wall. They were ready to block Ryūji's monster spike.
But Ryūji didn't spike. In mid-air, he stopped his arm swing. Instead of hitting it hard, he just flicked his wrist, sending the ball in a gentle arc. The ball floated over the outstretched fingertips of Bobata and Okudake, dropping right into the empty space behind them.
Tsuchiyu, who saw it happen, just gave a small smile. He had expected it.
"Damn it," Terushima hissed, standing in the front row, unable to believe they had been fooled by a new player.
Coach Anabara blew his whistle, calling a time-out. His face was full of shock, just like the players on Team A. They never expected Ryūji to be so strong.
"What's going on?" Iizaka asked.
"He's a monster," Futamata replied, cold sweat on his forehead. "He can read every single move they make. Every weakness, every little gap."
Coach Anabara nodded. "That's right. You guys need to adapt. Don't just rely on instinct. Use your brains!"
The match resumed. Team A was more careful now, but they still had a hard time dealing with Ryūji. He could predict where a spike would land and receive it perfectly. He could also predict where Bobata's block would move and fire his spike right into the gap.
In the end, Team B won by a pretty big margin. The final score: 25-10. The usually energetic Johzenji team looked worn out, but also excited. They knew they had just witnessed something special.
After the match, Terushima stared at Ryūji with wide eyes. His usual smirk slowly faded. He patted Ryūji's shoulder, not with his normal cheerful touch, but with a heavier, more serious one.
"I... I've just been playing 'my way' without thinking about anything all this time," he muttered, his voice quiet and unlike his usual self. "But you... you've made 'my way' into something terrifying."
Ryūji gave a small, faint smile.
After the emotionally and mentally draining practice match, the atmosphere in the Johzenji gym felt different. The usual cheerful energy was now mixed with a deeper sense of reflection. The tough loss to Ryūji's team had planted a seed of doubt, especially in their ace, Yūji Terushima.
Terushima, who was usually the source of all the fun and energy, was now quieter. His signature smirk occasionally disappeared, replaced by a distant, blank stare. He sat on the bench, watching Ryūji, who was still practicing receives with Tsuchiyu in the corner.
"Terushima," Bobata said, sitting down next to him. "You okay?"
Terushima sighed. "I... I don't know." He looked at his hands. "I always thought playing 'my way' meant doing whatever I wanted on the court, just relying on instinct." He stopped, then pointed at Ryūji. "But him... he also plays 'his way,' but in a totally different way. He knows exactly what he's doing. Every move has a purpose."
Minato Kenji, the new first-year wing spiker, came closer. "I was shocked too, Terushima-senpai. I never imagined someone like that would be at our school."
Kaito Isamu, the first-year setter, added, "The way he plays, the way he predicts our spikes... it feels like he can read our minds."
Hearing his juniors say this didn't make Terushima feel any better; it just made the feeling of inferiority grow. He had always been proud of Johzenji's wild and unpredictable style, but Ryūji had shown him that there was a much higher level of "unpredictability," one based on smarts and analysis, not just having a good time.
Coach Anabara, who had been watching from afar, walked over to Terushima. "Yūji, you're frustrated, aren't you?" Coach Anabara asked softly.
"I feel stupid, Coach," Terushima admitted. "I was always so proud of our style, but now I feel so far behind. It feels like I'm just playing around while he's actually playing."
Coach Anabara smiled faintly. "That doesn't mean your style is bad, Yūji. It just means you have room to grow. Ryūji has shown you that 'your way' can be more than just spontaneous fun. It can be a deadly weapon when you combine it with your brain."
After a quick clean-up, Ryūji walked past them and grabbed his bag. Terushima stopped him. His eyes, which were usually full of laughter, now looked at Ryūji with a mix of doubt and hope.
"Ryūji," he said. "I... I want to ask you something."
Ryūji turned to him, looking calm.
"I... do you want to be the team's ace?" The question came out of Terushima's mouth, heavy and full of respect.
Ryūji looked at him. He saw not just defeat, but a new determination in Terushima's eyes.
The entire team gasped when they heard the question. Their faces showed confusion and shock.
"What?!" Bobata yelled, his eyes wide.
"The ace? Terushima-senpai, what do you mean?" Minato asked, not getting it.
"Why would you ask that, Terushima-senpai?" Kaito added, his expression full of questions.
This was a critical moment that would decide the future of Johzenji. Ryūji was new, and Terushima was their proud ace. The question hung in the air, creating a tension they had never felt before.
Ryūji looked at Terushima, then glanced over at Futamata, who was also looking at him with curiosity. He then shifted his gaze to Coach Anabara.
He was silent for a moment, with all eyes on him.
Ryūji let out a slow sigh. "I didn't come to Johzenji to be the ace," he answered, his voice calm and firm. "I came here to play volleyball. To see how far this team can go, as a team."
He paused, then his gaze swept over the entire Johzenji team waiting for him.
"But, if taking that position means this team can go further," he said with a cold confidence, "then, yes. I will be the ace."
The answer wasn't a brag; it was just a cold, factual statement. Terushima wasn't surprised. In fact, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders, mixed with a new resolve to get better. He knew he had to adapt or get left behind.
That night, Terushima couldn't sleep. He kept thinking about Ryūji's words. He opened his practice notebook, something he rarely did. There, he started sketching formations, strategies, and possible attack combos. His brain, which usually only thought about having fun, was starting to work in a new way.
After the emotionally and mentally draining practice, Ryūji walked out of the gym. His shoulders felt stiff, and his mind was still buzzing with strategies, perfect spikes, and his team's shocked faces. He walked at a relaxed pace, letting the fatigue settle into his muscles.
At the school gate, a familiar figure was waiting for him. Miyu Fujimoto stood there in the evening light, waving with a bright smile. Her presence instantly made all the tension melt away. All his thoughts about volleyball, strategy, and the weight on his shoulders suddenly felt lighter.
"Ryuu-chan! I was waiting for you!" Miyu said cheerfully.
Ryūji gave her a warm smile, the kind he rarely showed anyone else. "Sorry for the wait, Miyu. Practice ran long."
"No worries! My club activities finished a while ago anyway," Miyu replied, looking him up and down. "Wow... you look so serious. Was it a match?"
Ryūji nodded, the look in his usually calm eyes now holding a new fire. "Yeah, something like that."
They started walking, strolling down the streets of Miyagi painted orange by the sunset. Ryūji started telling her what happened at the gym. He spoke with a passion he had never shown before.
"It started as a normal practice, but the coach set up a match. And Miyu, you know what? It felt absolutely amazing," he said, his eyes shining. "Jumping, hitting the ball with everything I had... it was like the whole world just stopped, and it was only me, the ball, and the net. It was so much fun."
Ryūji let out a small laugh, something he rarely did. "And this team... they're so interesting. There's Okudake-senpai, our captain, he's a calm and dependable player. Then there's Terushima, the ace, he's super spirited. He plays by instinct, and I can see how every move is filled with the desire to have a good time. And Futamata, the setter. He's so smart at setting up attacks. And Tsuchiyu, the libero, even though he's shy, he's calm and so reliable on the court. I can just feel that we're going to be a great team."
Miyu listened closely. She had never seen Ryūji this happy. Usually, he was quiet and reserved, but now he was talking so freely, full of passion for something new he had found. Miyu's heart warmed as she listened.
"I'm so happy, Ryuu-chan," Miyu said, her voice sincere. "I'm glad you found something you really love."
A faint smile appeared on Ryūji's face. He looked at Miyu and felt a deeper connection between them, more than just childhood friends. He felt that Miyu wasn't just a friend, but someone who understood and supported him. Without thinking, Ryūji reached out his hand, and his fingers brushed against Miyu's hand swinging beside him. She flinched a little, then let him.
They walked in silence for a while, just enjoying the warmth and quiet between them. A soft smile was on Ryūji's face.
"I... I'm glad you waited for me," Ryūji whispered. "All the tension from the court just melted away the second I saw you."
Miyu blushed, shaking her head gently. They continued their walk home, their shoulders occasionally bumping. In Ryūji's eyes, that day wasn't just about becoming a "monster" on the court, but also about finding a new sense of home next to the person he loved.
At an intersection, they both stopped to wait for the light. Miyu, who was usually so cheerful, now looked serious.
"Ryuu-chan..." she said, her voice soft. "I... I don't know what's been happening with you lately. You've become... different. But I like it."
Ryūji looked at her, his eyes filled with warmth. "Maybe... this is just who I'm meant to be."
"Really?" Miyu asked. "Why just now?"
Ryūji was quiet for a moment. He couldn't tell her about reincarnation and a new world, but he could be honest about his feelings. He turned to face Miyu fully.
"I... just needed a reason," he said, his voice gentle. "A reason to be better. And I found it when I saw you smiling at the school gate. Seeing you laugh when I talked about volleyball. I want to be someone who can make you smile more often."
Miyu was silent, her face bright red. She never thought Ryūji would say something like that. Her heart was beating fast. Ryūji moved closer, and slowly, he reached out and gently touched her cheek.
"Miyu," he whispered, his voice full of sincerity. "I don't know what's going to happen, but I want to go on this journey with you. I want to know if you'll let me."
Tears welled up in Miyu's eyes, but she smiled, a truly heartfelt smile. "You're silly. Of course, Ryuu-chan."
The traffic light changed, but they didn't move. They were lost in the moment, under the glow of the streetlights. Ryūji pulled her closer, hugging her tightly, and Miyu hugged him back. After all this time, Ryūji no longer felt alone. He had found his new home, not in a strong body, but in Miyu's warm embrace.
After the emotional conversation at the intersection, Ryūji and Miyu continued their walk home. Their hands, now intertwined, felt natural and warm. With every step, Ryūji felt like he wasn't just walking on the street, but also stepping into a new chapter of his life.
"Miyu, want to stop by my place?" Ryūji asked as they neared the alley to his house. "I'm sure my mom and dad would love to meet you."
Miyu was surprised, but her smile grew.
"Really? Yes, please!"
When they got to the front door, Ryūji unlocked it with one hand, his other still holding Miyu's. The smell of home-cooked food filled the air, and laughter came from inside.
"We're home!" Ryūji called out.
Ryūji's mom, who was setting the table, turned and looked. Her tired face quickly changed to one of shock, then pure joy. "Oh, Ryūji! And Miyu-chan! Come in, come in."
She hugged Miyu, then looked at Ryūji with a questioning look. "Son, why are you holding Miyu's hand? Are you two...?"
Before Ryūji could answer, his dad came out of the kitchen with an apron on. His eyes went wide when he saw his son smiling so big while holding a girl's hand.
"Ryūji? Why are you... smiling?" his dad asked, shocked. "And you look so happy!"
Ryūji just smiled. "Mom, Dad... I have something to tell you." He looked at Miyu, then back at his parents.
"From now on, Miyu's my girlfriend."
The room was silent for a few seconds before his parents looked at each other and then broke into huge smiles.
"Ah... I knew it!" Ryūji's mom said, her eyes a little teary. "Miyu, please take good care of my son, okay?"
"Of course, Auntie," Miyu replied, her face a bright red.
Ryūji's dad patted his son's back. "Son, your mom and I are so proud of you. You look so happy. It makes me so happy to see you like this."
That night, they ate together. Ryūji talked excitedly about volleyball practice, about playing volleyball on the court, and about finding a new passion in his life. His mom and dad listened carefully, laughing and looking surprised every now and then.
Even though Ryūji didn't tell them about reincarnation or a new world, his parents could see the huge change in their son. They didn't know why, but they knew one thing: this new Takumi Ryūji was a happier and more alive version of himself. And they were so thankful for that.
After dinner, Ryūji walked Miyu home. Under the starry night sky, they stopped in front of Miyu's door.
"Thank you for today, Ryuu-chan," Miyu said, looking at him softly. "I... I'm so glad you're in my life."
Ryūji nodded, then leaned in. He kissed her on the forehead, a soft, meaningful touch.
"I should be the one thanking you," Ryūji whispered. "You've made me who I am now."