The morning sun peeked through the thin curtains of Arata's new room. His eyes fluttered open, and for a brief moment, he forgot everything that had happened—the accident, the mysterious system, and the fact that he had been reborn into a new body. But as soon as he sat up, the flood of memories returned like a crashing wave.
Right… I'm not in my world anymore.
This body—this life—belonged to a boy named Arata Shimizu, a once-ordinary volleyball enthusiast who never had the chance to stand out. But now, with his soul merged and his past life's memories intact, Arata knew this was his chance.
He quickly dressed in his new Karasuno uniform, the black jersey that carried an almost intimidating aura. The name stitched on the back—Shimizu—felt strange yet comforting.
As he adjusted the collar, the familiar mechanical chime echoed in his head.
> [System Notification!]
Host: Arata Shimizu
Current Rank: E
Potential Rank: Unknown
Skills: [Basic Jump], [Basic Receive]
Special Note: Daily training and missions will increase stats.
A small grin formed on Arata's face. So it wasn't a dream… this system is real.
---
Arriving at Karasuno Gym
The sound of bouncing balls and sneakers squeaking on polished wood filled the air as Arata entered Karasuno's gym for the first time. The energy inside was overwhelming; every player moved with determination, and the atmosphere buzzed with intensity.
Daichi Sawamura, Karasuno's captain, noticed the unfamiliar face. He jogged over with a friendly smile.
"Hey, you must be the new guy, right? Shimizu Arata?"
Arata nodded politely. "Yes, that's me. I'm… looking forward to playing with all of you."
Behind Daichi, Kageyama Tobio's sharp gaze scanned Arata like a hawk, while Hinata Shoyo bounced in excitement, almost vibrating with energy.
"Another first-year?! Nice to meet you!" Hinata said with a wide grin. "Do you play spiker? Setter? Libero?"
Arata hesitated. "Wing spiker… I think."
"Good!" Kageyama cut in, his tone serious. "Show us what you can do."
The words felt less like an introduction and more like a challenge. Arata's pulse quickened, but before he could respond, the system chimed again.
> [Mission Unlocked!]
Title: First Impression
Objective: Impress your new teammates with a single spike.
Reward: +10 Jump, +5 Attack Power, [Skill: Power Smash Lv.1]
Failure: None
Perfect timing, Arata thought, clenching his fist.
---
The First Test
Daichi tossed him a ball. "Alright, Arata. Let's see your form."
The gym quieted slightly as the team gathered, curious about the newcomer. Even Coach Ukai crossed his arms, observing carefully.
Arata bounced the ball once, inhaling deeply. His body felt different—lighter, faster, more responsive than in his old life. As he took his approach, time seemed to slow.
He leapt.
The sensation was electrifying. His legs coiled like springs, launching him higher than he expected. The set from Kageyama was sharp and fast, almost too fast for a first-timer—but Arata's instincts kicked in.
Focus. Time it. Now!
BAM!
The sound of his hand slamming against the ball echoed through the gym. The spike cut through the air like a bullet and slammed into the floor just past Nishinoya's diving attempt.
"W-Whoa!" Hinata shouted, eyes wide. "That was amazing!"
Nishinoya popped up, shaking his arms. "That thing had heat! Damn, where'd this guy come from?!"
Even Kageyama blinked, clearly impressed. "Not bad."
The system's chime followed almost immediately:
> [Mission Complete!]
+10 Jump
+5 Attack Power
New Skill Acquired: Power Smash Lv.1
Rank Progress: E → D
Arata felt it instantly. His body seemed stronger, his senses sharper, as if invisible weights had been lifted.
So this is how it works… every mission, every match, I'll get stronger.
---
Interactions with the Team
Practice resumed, and Arata rotated into scrimmages. At first, his timing with Kageyama's sets was awkward—sometimes too early, sometimes too late—but each attempt improved as he adapted. Hinata, however, seemed fascinated.
"Hey, Arata! You jumped so high earlier! Can you do it again? Maybe we can do a quick attack together!"
"Quick attack?" Arata tilted his head.
Kageyama groaned. "Don't listen to him. It's not something just anyone can do."
Hinata pouted but quickly bounced back. "Still, let's try sometime! It'll be fun!"
Meanwhile, Nishinoya slapped Arata's back. "Man, we needed another crazy spiker. You'll fit right in!"
Daichi smiled approvingly. "You've got power, but volleyball isn't just about spikes. Work with the team, and you'll really shine."
Arata nodded seriously. "Understood."
Inside, though, his determination burned hotter. I won't just fit in… I'll become the ace of this team.
---
System Training After Practice
That evening, after the team dismissed, Arata stayed behind in the empty gym. Sweat dripped from his forehead, his muscles aching. But he wasn't done yet.
As he bounced the ball in silence, the system activated again.
> [Training Mode Unlocked!]
Daily drills available:
Jump Training (Reward: +2 Jump)
Receive Training (Reward: +2 Defense)
Serve Training (Reward: +2 Accuracy)
Endurance Drills (Reward: +2 Stamina)
Arata smirked. "So even outside matches, I can grow stronger. Good."
He started with jump training—sprint approaches, explosive leaps, repeat after repeat until his legs screamed. Then serves, sharp and fast, aiming at specific targets. His vision seemed to sharpen each time, almost like his body was syncing with the system's guidance.
After an hour, his body trembled with exhaustion. But as the system chimed with rewards, Arata collapsed onto the floor, smiling through heavy breaths.
> [Stats Increased!]
Jump: +6
Attack Power: +2
Accuracy: +2
Stamina: +2
This is it… My second chance. I won't waste it.
---
Closing Scene
As Arata walked out of the gym under the starry night sky, he glanced at his hands, still tingling from that powerful spike.
Back in his past life, he was just another faceless player who never made it past the bench. But here, with this system and this team, things would be different.
"Karasuno…" he whispered, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Let's fly together."
The faint chime of the system echoed once more, almost like it was answering his resolve.
> [Hidden Mission Unlocked!]
Title: Wings of the Crow
Objective: Earn the recognition of Karasuno as a true teammate.
Reward: Skill [Crow's Instinct Lv.1], Rank Progress Potential Increased.
And with that, Arata's journey with Karasuno truly began.