Near the end of club activities after school:
"Katsuri!"
"Your reception is way too rigid!"
"Watch this!"
Nishinoya Yuu, who hadn't officially joined the team but had trained with them, executed a spinning, backward receive and perfectly hit the volleyball frame.
This immediately drew laughter from everyone, except two people: Hinata Shoyo, who exclaimed, "So cool! I want to learn this!", and Hoshino Katsuri, who was awkwardly covering his face when his name was mentioned.
"Uh… Guren, can I skip this match?" Hoshino asked.
"Senpai Nishinoya's volleyball skill is directly proportional to his school energy," Ichinose replied with a teasing smile.
"Just thinking about competing with Senpai Nishinoya for the libero position… it's so embarrassing."
Ichinose laughed silently, mercilessly cutting off Hoshino's complaint.
"You already agreed when we joined."
"Besides, if you don't compete, all my effort in serving for your practice would be wasted."
"Appreciate someone else's hard work."
Hoshino, deadpan and expressionless, stared at Ichinose's chatter.
"You just want to stir trouble, don't you?"
"Ah… you caught me."
Nishinoya then approached Tanaka Ryunosuke without hesitation.
"Ryu!"
"What's up?"
"Katsuri's receiving is strong, right? So the libero defense should be fine after he joined, huh?"
"Eh? Uh… yeah, pretty good."
"That puts my mind at ease. I was a little worried while I wasn't around, what if you guys lost a match because of the libero position? Hahaha!"
Nishinoya's mood brightened after receiving Tanaka's confirmation, completely unaffected by any jealousy or insecurity about the position being challenged.
"I knew Katsuri's receiving was strong. Even if a bit conventional, anyone who can actually receive the ball is a good libero!"
"Once Asahi returns, I want to have a proper match with him to decide who is Karasuno's starting libero."
"What's with that look?"
"You don't think I'd assume just because I'm a second-year, I can take the starting position, do you?"
"You're talking nonsense! Only the strong belong on the court, that's the natural law!"
Tanaka was a little embarrassed by Nishinoya's sudden shout, even though he was the type to disregard formalities.
"I didn't say anything, A-gaya!"
After their conversation, Hinata Shoyo, the "little giant," finally asked the question he'd been holding back.
Soon after, the players, inspired by Hinata's energy, packed up the gym and headed home.
===========
The next day, Ichinose Guren unexpectedly saw Ayasaki Hayato's black car at the school gate.
Once inside, Ayasaki got straight to the point.
"Ichinose-sama, regarding what you discussed with your grandfather last time, he and the cabinet, along with friends from the Kyoto Sports Bureau, have already made inquiries. Notifications should come through soon."
Ichinose, eyes filled with anticipation, smiled.
"Wow, that's efficient. Roughly when will it be completed?"
Ayasaki calmly answered, eyes on the road:
"Probably after the high school league. The preparation time was short this time, so it shouldn't interfere with Spring High."
"I see."
Ichinose leaned forward, curiosity piqued, and once he got the answer he wanted, slowly settled back in the seat. Shadows from the car roof partially covered his face, while passing streetlights flashed over him intermittently. He contemplated silently.
"And the other matter?"
"You mean the school issue?"
"Yes."
"That is apparently about establishing a school for Ichinose Group employees' children. Our involvement merely advanced the process. Likely, the team's players have already heard some rumors."
"Interesting. I'm looking forward to it."
===========
In class, Ichinose breezed through English and Japanese. His calligraphy impressed most teachers at first glance.
Math, however, was another story.
Ichinose barely managed to pass. Seeing his test score, a strange thought crossed his mind:
Most hated subject!
Damn it!
Studied so hard and only passed!
Curse math!
Call Grandpa and pressure the Board of Education!
Cancel math!!!
Impossible…
Thus passed the math class under Ichinose's neurotic thoughts.
After class, a shy girl from another class timidly handed Ichinose a letter, practically screaming "I'm a love letter!" on the packaging.
Ichinose received it politely with a gentle smile and, maintaining appropriate social distance, replied with his usual courteous and considerate words:
"Thank you for your feelings, but right now, my focus is on studies (except math) and club activities. I probably won't have the time or energy for romance."
Having gently turned down the girl, he returned to his intense and stimulating studies.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria