Chapter 17: Daily Life 1

Ryosuke lay flat on the floor, gulping in air as soreness radiated through his muscles. The chill of the floor seeped through his skin, spreading in a fine, tingling pattern straight to his head.

It felt so good that Ryosuke couldn’t help closing his eyes.

Bright lights glared overhead. Before he could enjoy the coolness for more than a few seconds, a swarm of upperclassmen hauled him upright.

“Well, well—you did really great, little Ryosuke,” Tendo said cheerfully, poking Ryosuke’s thigh muscle with a finger. “Your stamina’s just a bit lacking, though.”

The sudden jab made Ryosuke jolt. He barely managed to hold back a yelp, teeth clenched as he shot Tendo a glare.
“Tendo-senpai… my legs are really sore right now! Stop poking me!”

Tendo pulled his hand back with a look of regret, as if the sudden tension in Ryosuke’s muscles had left a strong impression on him. He only grinned, saying nothing.

“Seriously impressive,” Kawanishi said approvingly, throwing an arm around Tsutomu Goshiki and Yunohama as he praised them.

Tsutomu Goshiki looked at Ushijima with bright, eager eyes, clearly hoping for a word of praise from the ace.

Sensing the intensity of that gaze, Ushijima blinked in confusion, then calmly looked away.

Goshiki deflated for a moment, then clenched his fists again, unwilling to give up. Next time—next time, he’d definitely earn the ace’s acknowledgment.

The match had been a blast. The players enjoyed it, and the spectators enjoyed watching it just as much.

Especially the coaches from other schools. After seeing Shiratorizawa’s freshman practice match, they all decided to go back and put their own teams through extra training.

Otherwise, once that freshman named Ryosuke really grew up, they’d genuinely be crushed on the scoreboard.

After this match, every school in Miyagi would know: Shiratorizawa had a reserve libero whose receives were absurdly strong.

They’d also gained a “little Bokuto.” Still rough around the edges, but if trained properly, he’d become a star player capable of standing on his own in a few years.

As for the other setter… he was a bit lacking by comparison.

Everyone hurried back to their own schools, eager to bring this firsthand information with them.

It looked like Miyagi would still be dominated by Shiratorizawa this year.

Only after the crowd had fully dispersed could the players finally gather together. Coach Washijō hadn’t arrived yet, and the boys—naturally quick to warm up to one another—started chatting freely once they’d gotten acquainted.

Taking advantage of Coach Washijō’s absence, the group grew lively.

The first to speak was surprisingly Shirabu. Nicknamed “Shirabu the Little Chili Pepper” within the team, he’d been unable to stop glancing toward Ryosuke ever since the match ended.

Ryosuke was already getting goosebumps from being stared at when Shirabu finally spoke.
“Nice receives. Reon scrambling all over the floor was pretty pathetic.”

The last part was clearly directed at Reon. Reon’s face twisted.
“Try getting ten balls without scoring once, and you’ll know how that feels.”

Shirabu replied coolly, “I’m not a middle blocker.”

Reon grimaced and walked over to Ryosuke. Ryosuke looked up at him warily—what was senpai going to do? Was this a duel? Cat-on-alert mode activated.

Reon looked Ryosuke over, clearly struggling for words.
“I’ll admit it. You look skinny, but you’re really strong.”

Then he turned to Tsutomu Goshiki beside him.
“And your sharp cross shots are amazing. I’m looking forward to seeing how you grow.”

The two who’d been praised practically had pink flowers blooming over their heads, looking utterly delighted.

Goshiki & Ryosuke — Today’s Achievement: Earned recognition from a dependable senior.

Yunohama watched them from the side with a complicated expression. Of course he felt disappointed, but he also knew clearly that the gap between him and them was huge.

This wasn’t something that could be brushed aside with a simple “talent” excuse.

He pressed his lips together, looking a little downcast.

Tendo noticed the junior who’d been left out and handed him a bottle of water.
“You’re really good too, Yunohama-kun. Your serves are among the best on our team, you know.”

Kind-hearted Tendo—the red-haired Saiyan—took it upon himself to comfort the poor junior.

Ryosuke, having been acknowledged in this unfamiliar environment, gradually relaxed as well and began talking more.

When a group of seniors gathered—especially ones who’d been famous in Miyagi for years—
no one could resist that kind of temptation.

Tsutomu Goshiki hovered around Ushijima like a puppy, trying desperately to catch his attention. Ushijima rubbed his forehead; his junior might be a bit too enthusiastic.

Ryosuke, on the other hand, shuffled over beside Tendo, sneaking glances at him while pursing his lips.

He probably doesn’t remember me… There’s no way he would… but senpai’s blocking really is incredible.

Tendo had long since noticed the big cat cautiously peeking around. A mischievous smile curled on his lips, but he deliberately didn’t speak first.

My, my—little kittens really do grow into big cats.

After hesitating for a long time, Ryosuke finally gathered his courage.
“Sen—”

Before he could finish, Coach Washijō arrived. Ryosuke shut his mouth in disappointment.

Tendo stifled a laugh and tilted his head, looking at the dejected big cat.
“There, there. Little Ryosuke, let’s add each other on LINE later.”

Ryosuke blinked, confused. Add LINE? Oh—right. He didn’t even have the seniors’ or Goshiki’s contact info yet. That was careless. He’d add them once everything was over.

Coach Washijō looked at the kids still riding the adrenaline from the match, cleared his throat, and began announcing the starting lineup and positions.

The three freshmen stared intently at the small board in the advisor’s hand, their gazes so intense they looked ready to burn holes through it.

The advisor’s lips twitched. The scene felt oddly familiar—just like three rowdy kids from a relative’s house. Young people, after all, were bound to be impatient.