"System binding process in progress…"
"What's this voice? Where am I? Haven't I already died? If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have rushed out to save that girl… I still feel regret about nationals." Shirogane Jin felt unwilling in his heart.
"The binding is complete. Sports Star System activated!"
As the voice faded, Jin regained his sight. He was surrounded by shifting data streams, glowing text flashing past and making him dizzy.
"Host: Shirogane Jin, please choose a sport!"
Around him, clear icons appeared one after another: basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball, cycling…
Jin stared, stunned. "A car accident didn't end my life? It gave me another chance…!"
He grinned. "I'm Shirogane Jin. How could I die so easily? As for sports, of course, it has to be this one! I choose you!"
He walked over and touched the volleyball icon.
In his previous life, he had been an excellent volleyball ace player. Now, in this new chance at life, he would push volleyball to the end!
After choosing volleyball, four glowing options appeared beneath the icon.
"Please select a talent reward: Powerful Spike, Height Advantages, Jump Boost, Speed Ace."
Jin had been on the volleyball court for years, he knew these were the talents athletes dreamed of. But to him, nothing was cooler than darting across the court like the wind, leaving opponents unable to follow.
"Speed Ace. I'll choose you!"
Once he confirmed, the surrounding data whirled rapidly. The harsh noise made Jin cover his ears.
A white light flashed.
When he opened his eyes, he was standing in a gymnasium. Around him, players in different uniforms were warming up.
"I'm so excited! I can play volleyball again! But… why do these players all look so young? Is this a junior high tournament?" Jin scratched his head.
At that moment, new memories surged into his mind.
"Welcome to the world of Haikyuu!!. Name: Shirogane Jin. Age: 15. Height: 180 cm. Current status: transfer student. You may choose your residence and school…"
Jin froze. "Fifteen years old? The world of Haikyuu!!? Episode 1? Could it be…?"
Before he finished, a boy in a light green tracksuit dashed past.
"Hinata, don't act like some country kid coming into the city," a teammate called after him.
But Hinata ignored him completely. He ran to the edge of the court, took a deep breath, and his eyes sparkled. "It's so big… and it smells like Salonpas spray!"
Not far away, Jin stared at the short boy barely over 160 cm tall. Hinata Shōyō, the protagonist of this world!
"Hinata, you're too nervous, take it easy," two of his teammates in the same tracksuit tried to comfort him.
Hinata clenched his fists. "This is my first real competition. After three years of middle school, I finally get to play in a tournament!"
Jin already knew what was supposed to happen. Hinata's makeshift team would be crushed by Kitagawa Daiichi, the team Kageyama belonged to.
But with Jin here, would the same thing really happen?
Just as Jin thought this, a group of tall players appeared behind Hinata.
"Hinata, move aside," a teammate whispered.
Hinata jumped away quickly, scowling at the group walking past.
At the end of the team was a boy not very tall, but the aura he gave off was overwhelming.
Hinata's pupils shrank. In that instant, it felt like a king in battle robes had walked past.
"Kitagawa Daiichi… Kitagawa Daiichi…" someone whispered.
As their team entered, cheers erupted from the stands.
Players on the court began whispering.
"That's Kitagawa Daiichi. I heard they're one of the seeded teams."
"The team with the 'King' really does look strong."
"King?"
"You don't know? Kageyama Tobio, the 'King of the Court,' a genius setter with terrifying power…"
Everything was exactly as Jin remembered. He smirked and crossed the court.
As he walked, he muttered, "The toilet is very interesting setting in this world… and main characters will be waiting there."
"I've never even heard of Yukigaoka Middle. Their team barely has enough members, not even a proper setter, and their height looks like elementary kids. They'll definitely lose badly…" Some Kitagawa Daiichi players sneered while fetching water.
At the corner, Jin spotted the green Yukigaoka uniforms and smiled with satisfaction. It really was convenient to be able to pick a school to join. Now it was time to make his entrance.
Hinata, clutching his stomach, wanted to argue, but Jin stepped out first.
"A player who isn't even a starter has no right to mock other teams. You guys really have rotten characters," Jin said coldly.
Hinata blinked in confusion. "H-Hey, who are you?"
Jin leaned close and lowered his voice.
"Hinata, I'm Shirogane Jin, a transfer student. I heard the volleyball club you started made it to this tournament, so I came to help."
"Ehh!? Really? That's so cool! We've got another tall player!" Hinata's eyes lit up, nerves instantly replaced by excitement.
The Kitagawa Daiichi players glared at Jin. "Who are you, brat? Talking all high and mighty, you looking for a fight?"
Jin just touched the bridge of his nose and smirked, ignoring the nameless hecklers. His gaze shifted elsewhere.
Not far away, Kageyama Tobio glanced back with his usual poker face. His instincts told him, the guy who just showed up might become a real threat.
"The ace of Yukigaoka Middle, Shirogane Jin," Jin said with a grin. "Looking forward to it."