Yukigaoka – New Indoor Gymnasium
Ichinen-sensei was an ordinary-looking middle-aged woman.
Although there were traces of age on her face, one could still tell that she had been rather attractive in her youth.
Without much small talk, the teacher naturally and calmly stated the reason for today's gathering.
"Well, I don't really understand volleyball, but following the custom from my Junior High days, let's start by testing everyone's vertical jump."
"First, we'll need the results to fill out the registration form, and second, the setters should know everyone's spike reach."
"Oh, and there are four new members joining the club, right? Let's have them introduce themselves first."
Since Hinata Shoyo's two childhood friends had their own club activities and were preparing for the upcoming interschool meet, only seven people were present in the gym today.
Including the newcomers, Mori, Kawashima, Suzuki, and Hoshino Katsuri.
The introductions began with the three new first-years.
"H-hello everyone! I'm Mori. Height… uh, I didn't join any sports clubs in elementary school. I'm not really good at sports, but I like playing Go! Please take care of me!"
"Nice to meet you all! I'm Kawashima. Height… I used to play basketball in elementary school, but I wanted to try a new sport in Junior High!"
"I'm Suzuki. Height… I'm not very athletic, so I joined the club to train myself more!"
At that moment, Hinata Shoyo struck what he thought was a cool senior pose.
He was ready to show off his "upperclassman charm" in front of the new recruits.
"Ohhh! You guys all have great energy! I, "
"Hinata! Someone still hasn't introduced themselves, don't interrupt."
Before he could start his "senior's speech," Hinata was swiftly pulled aside by Ichinose Guren.
Hinata frowned. "Huh? There's no one else. That joke isn't even funny or scary."
"No way you'll trick me that easily."
He muttered under his breath, still pouting.
Then, from behind him, a faint and tired voice spoke softly, almost ghost-like.
"Ah, sorry… actually, there's still me~"
Thud.
Hinata's heart skipped a beat the moment he heard that voice right behind him.
A chill ran up from the base of his spine all the way to the crown of his head.
His entire body froze, face pale, as he stiffly, very stiffly, turned his head.
And when he saw an actual person standing there, dressed in a volleyball uniform…
Hinata let out a terrified yelp and bolted behind Ichinose Guren faster than he had ever moved in any sport before.
He peeked out from behind Guren's back, trembling.
"It appeared!!!"
"The missing seventh person!!!"
"The volleyball club's ghost story is real!!!"
After shouting all three lines at the top of his lungs, Hinata slowly realized something was off.
Because everyone else was staring at him with the same dumbfounded expression.
The blue-haired boy who had spoken earlier gave an apologetic smile.
"Sorry about that. I've never had much of a presence since I was little, I tend to scare people without meaning to."
The volleyball members murmured among themselves:
"Yeah, I almost forgot there were seven of us."
"Same, I thought we'd start practice after the three finished their intros."
"But wait, isn't Hoshiino-senpai a third-year student? Is he a transfer student?"
The three newbies began whispering curiously about Hoshino Katsuri's mysterious presence.
"Alright, alright!"
Ichinose Guren clapped his hands together, smiling, but with a tone that allowed no argument.
"Everyone, let's chat after Hoshino finishes his introduction!"
Intimidated by Guren's senior-like authority, the three quickly bowed and apologized.
"Ah, sorry!"
Guren nodded and gestured for Hoshino to continue.
Although Hoshino looked a bit shy, once he began speaking, his words were unexpectedly clean and confident.
"Hello everyone, I'm Hoshino Katsuri. Height: 171 cm. I was part of the volleyball club in both elementary and junior high, and my position is libero."
He paused, then added with firm determination:
"I specialize in receiving, I'll continue to be my teammates' strongest defense!"
A smattering of applause followed.
Ichinose Guren stepped forward and addressed the group.
"Good. First of all, welcome to our four new members."
"We've already registered for this year's Interhigh Tournament ."
"Even though it'll be our first time competing… our team has only one goal!"
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The PE teacher gestured toward the vertical-jump tester set up nearby.
Then she pulled out her pen and notebook, waiting for the first jumper, Yudai Hyakuzawa, to take his place beside the device to read the bar height.
Though her expression remained calm, Ichinen-sensei couldn't quite hide the faint trace of discontent and resignation in her heart.
Perhaps even a hint of disdain.
"Even if the school administration insists we teachers take turns acting as 'advisors' for these club tournaments…"
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