Japan
Miyagi Prefecture
In a simple house, gazes into the mirror at a strange face—yet somehow, it feels familiar, creating an uncanny sensation.
After a long moment of silence, he finally accept this reality.
Suddenly transported from an unfamiliar environment—just a moment ago at a busy intersection when a truck struck him—and now inhabiting this body.
Faint, foreign yet familiar memories begin to flow like clear water, awakening him to the fact that this is real.
Some basic memories of this body also surface—its owner's name is Takumi Ryūji, with a sister studying abroad. He's a second-year high school student attending Johzenji High School in Miyagi Prefecture, not involved in any clubs.
Johzenji High School… Miyagi…
As I suspected, for some reason, these memories feel so familiar. It's clear this is the world of Haikyuu!!.
As a volleyball enthusiast and a fairly skilled player in my previous life, I am filled with excitement.
Familiar with this popular anime, I can vividly imagine the thrill of competing against the 'monster' generation—stirring my blood.
Ryūji is the quiet, introverted type—probably only close to his parents and childhood friends.
But it's odd; this body is brimming with explosive strength—athletic build, muscular arms, a height of 185 cm, which is quite tall for a high school student in Japan—and based on experience, it possesses sharp instincts and reflexes, making it seem bored because it can master various sports effortlessly. But why does this body rarely use its full potential? Is it because it's boring?
No matter. I'll use this body to make myself shine in this world.
Luckily, today is Sunday, and the previous owner left just a few moments before I took over. Otherwise, it would be very inconvenient.
Before anything else, let's test this new body.
Ryūji changes into a simple T-shirt and shorts, then heads out to find a volleyball.
A few minutes later…
Damn, there's nothing at home. Well, I guess I'll just run a few kilometers to test this body.
After some time…
Wow… This body is incredibly strong. Even running casually, its stamina is no joke. After running for quite a while, I sweat only a little, and my breathing remains steady.
Damn, this body surpasses my previous life's. Why are those talented people so detestable? But experiencing it firsthand is intoxicating. No wonder Oikawa Toru despises Kageyama.
Sorry, Oikawa...
Time to test other aspects.
After evaluating speed, strength, jumping ability, and endurance, I can't help but sigh—this is a true monster. And now, I occupy this formidable body.
Since this body isn't yet part of any club, it's easier to adapt. But I won't rush; the Miyagi qualifiers still have plenty of time, giving me the chance to train and learn to play volleyball properly with this body.
---
-The next day
In front of the school gates
Dressed in an olive-colored blazer, white collared shirt with a blue tie, and black trousers, my presence becomes more noticeable.
"Is this Johzenji High School?" Takumi Ryūji looks around with curiosity and wonder. Despite these memories already merging into his mind, everything still feels strange—the feeling of returning to school after graduating years ago in his previous life.
"Not bad," he murmurs.
"Ryuu-chan… Good morning!"
A girl with brown-black hair tied in a high ponytail waves cheerfully, smiling warmly. She wears a sailor uniform—white blouse with a sailor collar, dark layered skirt, and a blue ribbon. Her height of about 170 cm makes her look lively and cheerful.
"Miyu, good morning," Ryūji replies with a faint smile.
"Eh… Ryuu-chan just smiled? What's wrong, Ryuu-chan? Are you feeling unwell?"
A tic-tac-toe pattern forms on Ryūji's temple as he retorts,
"You're the one who's sick!"
Miyu Fujimoto is his childhood friend. She's from Hokkaido and moved to Miyagi when she was in elementary school, where they met. Since then, they've always played together—through elementary, middle school, and now high school.
"What's going on all of a sudden, Ryuu-chan?" Miyu asks.
"Just a small change, nothing to worry about," Ryūji responds with a gentle smile.
With a bright smile, Miyu takes Ryūji's hand, dragging him toward the school gate, and says happily,
"Yeah, Ryuu-chan… That's great! I like it!"
Walking side by side, they head toward their classroom, chatting and laughing.
"Miyu, I want to join the volleyball club. I want to play volleyball," Ryūji declares seriously.
A sudden statement causes them to stop, and Miyu smiles.
"Go for it, Ryuu-chan! Keep fighting!"
Her words warm his heart and strengthen his resolve. They continue walking toward their classroom.
"See you at lunch, Ryuu-chan," Miyu waves cheerfully.
"Yeah."
Second year (Class 5)
Entering the classroom, Takumi Ryūji strolls casually to his seat. As typical for a protagonist in Japanese stories, his seat is second from the back near the window.
In the second year (Class 5), the data book indicates that the regular libero of Johzenji High School is in this class. If I recall correctly, his name is Tsuciyu Arata. Sorry, NPCs—my memory might be fuzzy on some side characters from the anime.
The bell rings, signaling the start of class
The lesson begins, and students focus on their teacher's instructions.
Honestly, no matter the world, lessons can be incredibly dull.
The bell rings again
"Alright, everyone, we'll continue our discussion next time."
After the teacher leaves, students begin chatting among themselves.
It's quite confusing—the challenge of comparing anime characters with real-world appearances.
Registering for the volleyball club in the second year can be quite a hassle. Practice sessions are usually on Saturdays and Sundays.
Maybe I should approach the volleyball coach in the staff room to request to join the club.
I'll ask Miyu later; perhaps she can help.
Classes resume, and students listen intently to the teacher's lecture, continuing until lunchtime. The classroom door opens, and a cheerful girl carrying a lunchbox enters.
"Ryuu-chan, lunch time! Let's eat together!"
"Yeah, let's go"
At the school courtyard
While eating Miyu's homemade lunch, Ryūji discusses his concerns.
"So, do you have any suggestions, Miyu?"
"I know the senior girl who manages the boys' volleyball team. She's a third-year named Misaki Hana-senpai. Maybe we can ask her about it, Ryuu-chan," Miyu replies with a gentle smile.
Takumi Ryūji responds with a small smile.
"As I expected from you, Miyu," he says softly.
"Hehe."