Chapter 28: Ushijima

As the afternoon classes concluded, it was time for Shiratorizawa Academy's volleyball team to begin their daily practice. Clad in their team uniforms, the players gathered in the parking lot in front of the gymnasium, preparing for their long-distance run.

"Hey, over here! Ushijima Wakatoshi!" a voice called from a distance.

Ushijima turned toward the source of the sound. Two figures approached, their jerseys identifying them as players from Aoba Johsai. The one shouting was someone Ushijima recognized—Aoba Johsai's setter, Oikawa Tōru.

Without pausing his warm-up stretches, Ushijima replied with his usual stoic tone, "Oikawa, it's rare to see you at Shiratorizawa."

The two newcomers were indeed Oikawa Tōru and Kaedehara Taichi. Their coach, Irihata, had planned to discuss a practice match with Shiratorizawa's coach, Washijo.

Given the timing, this was likely Aoba Johsai's last chance to organize a scrimmage with a school in Miyagi before the Inter-High preliminaries.

After much deliberation, Coach Irihata decided to challenge the strongest opponent directly.

When Oikawa heard this, he immediately volunteered to bring Taichi along, reasoning that it would be a good opportunity for him to see Shiratorizawa's training environment. After some thought, Coach Irihata agreed, leading to the scene unfolding now.

Oikawa approached Ushijima, speaking with his usual charisma. "We'll probably be having a practice match soon, so I thought we'd come ahead to check things out."

Hey! Can you be any more direct? Kaedehara Taichi glanced nervously at his surroundings.

It was his first time visiting another school's campus, and Shiratorizawa's grandeur left him wide-eyed. There was even an equestrian club on campus—a sight he had never encountered in his previous life. Outside the gym where the volleyball team had just emerged, a bus marked for the volleyball team's exclusive use sat parked—a stark display of luxury.

"Go ahead," Ushijima replied evenly. "We won't get any weaker just because you watch us train. However, we're about to start our long-distance run, so the gymnasium will be mostly empty."

"That's fine. I can wait until you're back," Oikawa said casually, heading toward the gymnasium without hesitation.

[System Alert: Temporary Mission Activated –The Absolute King's Routine]

[The Absolute King is a title synonymous with Ushijima Wakatoshi at Shiratorizawa. To experience his training routine firsthand is a critical step toward becoming an ace.]

[Objective: Keep up with Ushijima Wakatoshi during his long-distance run.]

[Reward: Stamina +1.]

"Huh? Keeping up with Ushikawa will increase my stamina by one point?" Kaedehara Taichi thought, a trace of scepticism creeping in. Still, there was no mention of a penalty for failing. It wouldn't hurt to try.

"Um….Can I join the run too?" Taichi asked, looking at Ushijima.

Ahead of him, Oikawa's footsteps came to an abrupt halt. Turning back, he smiled slyly.

"Oh, I forgot to introduce him. He's a first-year from Aoba Johsai—the ace of his year, Kaedehara Taichi."

Ushijima finally turned his attention to the boy. A first-year? As for Oikawa's claim of him being an ace, Ushijima didn't take it seriously. After all, his own team had a similarly loud first-year who constantly proclaimed himself to be the ace.

"I won't lose today, Ushijima-senpai!"

The voice rang out loud and clear, drawing the attention of the nearby players. Sure enough, it was the loud first-year with a bowl cut—Goshiki Tsutomu.

With confidence brimming, Goshiki completed his warm-up routine and shot off toward the school gate at full sprint.

Watching Goshiki's retreating figure, the Shiratorizawa players exchanged knowing glances. They were long accustomed to his competitive spirit.

"There he goes again. Coach Washijo's going to scold him for rushing off without permission."

Unperturbed by the interruption, Ushijima finished his stretches and turned back to Taichi. "If you can keep up, feel free to join."

"Let's go," he commanded his team without missing a beat.

"Yes, sir!"

The Shiratorizawa players formed a steady line behind Ushijima, starting their long-distance run. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Taichi hastily stretched and joined the group.

At the first intersection, the majority of the players branched off from Ushijima. It was common knowledge among the team that few could handle the rigorous path Ushijima took.

In the past, some had tried to match his pace, but without exception, they all dropped out midway to rejoin the route others followed.

Even veteran third-years like Ōhira Reon and Tendō Satori didn't attempt to follow Ushijima Wakatoshi's route. However, this wasn't an excuse for them to slack off—they simply opted for a different path.

Pushing themselves to exhaustion during the warm-up run would only result in relentless scolding from Coach Washijo during their subsequent volleyball session training in the gym.

Taichi, of course, had no way of knowing this. He merely stuck close to Ushijima, as instructed by his system.

[System Alert: Training Mode Activated]

[Training mode is now enabled. While training, the host's stamina recovery rate will be enhanced, preventing exhaustion.]

The familiar system notification calmed Taichi's nerves. This was precisely why he had dared to accept the mission.

Adjusting his breathing and settling into a steady rhythm, Taichi focused on matching Ushijima's pace. Once he found his stride, curiosity got the better of him and he used the system to examine Ushijima Wakatoshi's stats.

[Name - Ushijima Wakatoshi

Overall Rating: 94.5

Height: 189.5 cm

Power: 99

Jumping: 90

Stamina: 99

Speed: 90

Special Skills: Serve: 97, Receive: 92, Set: 90, Spike: 99.]

Taichi nearly tripped in surprise. What is this? he thought. A hexagonal monster? These stats felt far beyond what a high school player should possess.

As if that wasn't enough, four of Ushijima's skills were flagged as noteworthy by the system. Taichi felt his head spin.

[System Note: Ushijima Wakatoshi has been selected as an official member of Japan's National Youth Team.]

The additional note left Taichi feeling numb. No wonder Shiratorizawa is called the 'Absolute King.'

Facing a team led by someone like this, it was no surprise that other schools in Miyagi struggled to reach Nationals.

Taichi shook his head, dispelling unnecessary thoughts. Resolving to focus on the task, he stuck close to Ushijima.

The two ran in silence, their footsteps echoing against the streets. After rounding several corners, Taichi noticed a familiar figure ahead.

There, sprawled in a small bush by the side of the road, lay Goshiki Tsutomu, looking completely wiped out.

"Hey, are you okay?" Taichi hurried over, with Ushijima stopping beside him.

"Goshiki, what happened?" Ushijima asked calmly.

Goshiki cracked his eyes open. Seeing his captain, he groaned weakly, "The beef curry…It's fighting in my stomach…"

Hearing this, Ushijima's expression remained neutral. At least Goshiki wasn't injured. But it was clear this situation was his own doing. Earlier at lunch, Goshiki had stuffed himself with two full plates of beef curry, all in an attempt to show off in front of Ushijima.

Taking out his phone, Ushijima sent a message to the support team. He stared down at Goshiki for a moment before speaking.

"The support team will be here shortly. I'll be going now."

Knowing he had only himself to blame, Goshiki nodded meekly. He wanted to shout something like, I won't lose next time! but ultimately decided this wasn't the right moment.

Taichi, deciding the situation was under control, resumed running with Ushijima. There was no point in meddling with another team's affairs.

After about half an hour, Taichi finally spotted Shiratorizawa Academy in the distance.

"Why is Oikawa here at Shiratorizawa today?" Ushijima suddenly asked.

Taichi blinked. Since it was just the two of them, he had no choice but to assume the question was directed at him.

"He said earlier that Aoba Johsai is planning to have a practice match with Shiratorizawa."

Ushijima thought for a moment before rephrasing. "With Aoba Johsai's current strength, they cannot defeat Shiratorizawa. That's why I'm asking—why is Oikawa really here?"

His tone was even as always, but Taichi felt his temper flare.

He suddenly surged forward, sprinting past Ushijima without a glance back, and called out sharply, "It's because you're the opponent we'll defeat in the Inter-High preliminaries! A little recon doesn't hurt!"

Startled, Ushijima registered Taichi's sudden burst of speed. It wasn't like this meant anything, but still—he couldn't lose either.

Matching Taichi's acceleration, Ushijima picked up his pace. The two of them dashed through the final stretch, their run transforming into an impromptu race.

If it's speed you want to compare, I won't lose.

Taichi was the first to cross into the campus grounds, just a few strides ahead of Ushijima. Panting heavily, he straightened himself and turned to face his opponent.

"Let me reintroduce myself," Taichi said, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "I'm Kaedehara Taichi, Aoba Johsai's first-year ace. I'll lead Seijoh to victory in the Inter-High preliminaries and take us to Nationals!"

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