Part 1: Morning in Tokishima High
It’s a bright fall day. Shunsuke Toda sits up in bed and mutters, “Tryouts. Again.” He drums his fingers, loud in the early silence, then sets out for practice.
He meets his teammate, big-hearted Ren Iwasaki, at the gate. “Up for it?” Ren nudges him, winking.
“Don’t pretend you weren’t up all night.” Shunsuke grins, but his chest tightens.
This scene’s neat, isn’t it? When did you last talk nervously in the morning with a close friend?
At the gym, the other volleyball club hopefuls gather. Some stretch. Others whisper. The air smells sharp—like clean sweat, hope, and polish on shiny floors.
“Listen up!” Captain Ichika Seno calls. Her voice feels steady while everyone’s nerves whip around.
The plan is set: five rounds of serves and spikes, then real games. Coach Anzai watches with folded arms.
