The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow across the city. The streets were still relatively quiet, save for the occasional jogger or cyclist.
As Hinata sprinted toward the coaching center after he got down the bus, his heart pounded rhythmically, perfectly in sync with the thud of his sneakers against the pavement.
The cool morning breeze brushed against his face, but he barely noticed.
His mind was already focused on the day ahead—the drills, the training, and maybe, if he was lucky, a match.
Pushing open the double glass doors of the Fly High Volleyball Center, Hinata was greeted by the familiar scent of sweat, rubber, and polished wooden floors.
The moment he walked in, he flashed a bright smile at the receptionist, Tanaka-san, who was busy flipping through some paperwork.
"Morning, Tanaka-san!" he called out.
The older woman glanced up, her eyes twinkling with familiarity.
"Shoyo! Early as always."
He grinned, his chest puffing out slightly with pride.
"Gotta stay ahead of the competition, right?"
She laughed softly.
As Hinata made his way toward the lockers, he exchanged waves and nods with the other players.
A year ago, he had been nervous and uncertain, barely knowing anyone.
But now?
He had dozens of acquaintances—many of whom he could call friends.
They shouted greetings as he passed, and he returned each one with a broad smile and a wave.
The change was gradual, but definite.
Back in his previous life, Hinata (or Luke) had been reclusive—more comfortable with books, games, and anime than with people.
No friends.
No social life.
Just a monotonous cycle of work and solitude.
But this time?
He refused to let history repeat itself.
He had actively pushed himself to socialize, striking up conversations with fellow players, joining them for post-practice meals, and even participating in casual volleyball discussions.
No more edgy, brooding isekai protagonist nonsense.
That wasn't him.
He was going to live this life fully—no regrets.
Once he reached the locker room, Hinata threw his bag down onto the bench and began changing.
He slipped into his gear: No surprise there, all black.
After tying his laces, he stood up and did a few quick stretches, rolling his shoulders and loosening his hamstrings.
Satisfied, he grabbed his water bottle and jogged out toward the court.
The moment he stepped onto the court, Coach Naruto was already there, watching him with a small smirk.
The tall, broad-shouldered coach crossed his arms, his piercing eyes scanning the younger player.
"You're late."
Hinata blinked in confusion, then glanced at the large wall clock near the scoreboard.
"Huh? I'm early by ten minutes!" he protested.
Coach Naruto snorted, the corner of his lips twitching upward in amusement.
"You're a prefecture Highschool level player now. No excuses."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly, his heart skipping a beat at the words.
It wasn't just flattery.
Over the past year, Coach Naruto had witnessed Hinata's meteoric rise.
From a clumsy beginner to a player whose skills rivaled high schoolers.
At only twelve, he was already at a prefecture-level—a feat that many players took years to reach.
And the crazy part?
He was still improving.
Naruto had seen plenty of hardworking players before, but none like Hinata.
He wasn't just talented—he was obsessed with getting better.
He stayed after practice.
He asked for extra drills.
He even watched and analyzed other players, breaking down their techniques.
It was that drive that made Naruto decide to personally train him.
Now, Hinata wasn't just a promising kid—he was on the fast track to greatness.
As they walked toward the court, Naruto casually glanced at Hinata.
"So, you still doing those crazy morning trainings?"
Hinata grinned, his eyes sparkling with confidence.
"Every day."
The coach smirked, clearly impressed.
"And you're still standing?"
Hinata snickered, a cocky glint in his eyes.
"Barely."
When they reached the main court, Hinata's eyes narrowed slightly, immediately scanning the players.
There were several high schoolers practicing, their movements fluid and refined.
These weren't just any players.
They were from different schools that didn't have their own volleyball teams, so they came here to train.
Many of them were already skilled and experienced, with powerful spikes and precise serves.
But Hinata wasn't intimidated—not even a little.
In fact, he was excited.
A wide grin stretched across his face.
As he was stretching his arms, a loud voice rang out across the court.
"Oye, Hinata!"
Hinata whipped his head around, blinking in surprise.
A familiar face stood on the opposite side of the court, grinning and waving.
His eyes lit up with recognition, and a grin spread across his face.
"Yo!" he called back, jogging over eagerly, ready for whatever challenge awaited him.
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Sorry for the short chapter, Next 1 or 2 chapters is gonna be a match so i wanted to end the chapter properly.