During the morning practice break, the Karasuno volleyball team gathered in a circle, staring at the tactics board in the captain's hands, which displayed the starting lineup for the upcoming match.
Front-row players: Tanaka, Hinata, Hyakuzawa
Back-row players: Sawamura, Nishinoya, Kageyama
"Eh?"
Before anyone else could examine the detailed positions, Hinata had already asked the captain in disbelief:
"Guren isn't a starter? How can that be? Is this a mistake?"
"What?"
"What?"
Except for the few members who attended the meeting last night and the ever-grumpy advisor Takeda-sensei, everyone's faces were full of disbelief.
Even Naruko voiced his concern. If a player with Guren's skill couldn't start, how could he possibly ever become a starter before graduation?
"Seriously? With his defense yesterday and the Junior High MVP credentials, he can't start?"
Hyakuzawa and Nishinoya glanced at their cool-headed cousin, quickly realizing Guren's intention. Their initial shock and anger soon subsided.
'If Guren doesn't want to, no one would prevent him from starting anyway. He's not even on the national team.'
'Wait… maybe he could start on the national team too.'
In short, the others realized Guren could start if he wanted, but they didn't fully understand his own reasoning.
Sawamura had to raise his voice: this was Guren's personal choice, and everyone should respect it. Finally, the group calmed down.
From then on, as the practice match approached, everyone trained more diligently and seriously. Time flew by, and soon it was Wednesday after school.
"Whoa!!! What is this?!"
The team's eyes widened as they gazed at the ridiculously luxurious new team bus.
The bus was primarily black with white and orange accents, featuring a group of crows perched on a tall, bare tree, each with its own distinct, imposing appearance.
An indescribable feeling hit the team.
"Feels like sitting in this bus makes you a pro from a prestigious club!"
"Like Barcelona or Real Madrid!"
Tanaka, fascinated by the wild, metallic paint job, immediately expressed his love for the bus. He and Hinata jumped on and off the bus in excitement.
"This is so fancy!"
"There's even a fridge!"
"Tanaka-senpai! There are two bathrooms onboard!!!!"
"Whoa, Karasuno's super-luxury bus!"
While the two hot-blooded idiots celebrated the bus, Sawamura and Sugawara pulled their advisor aside.
"Takeda-sensei!"
"The school hasn't funded the volleyball club in a while, right? What's the deal with this bus?"
Takeda quickly waved his hand, as if to say it wasn't his responsibility.
"Daichi, don't make it sound like we stole the bus!"
"This bus came from a local company, the largest in Miyagi, which established a sports scholarship for our school and provided additional funding for the volleyball team. Their only condition: give the team special attention."
"What?!"
Sugawara's mind went into overdrive.
'Who has that much free money to waste?'
'Why donate to Karasuno? It's a public school, not a private one.'
'Wouldn't it make more sense to donate to Shiratorizawa?'
Takeda leaned in and whispered something to the two of them.
"I heard the local company's name is…"
Hearing the name, the two third-years were so shocked they couldn't speak. Their bodies stiffened like rusty wooden puppets, slowly turning their heads to confirm their suspicions.
"Wait… does that mean he's a super-rich kid?!"
"If I had that much money, I'd definitely be in Tokyo!"
"Daichi! Did you already know?"
Sugawara, eyes wide with shock, grabbed Daichi, shaking him violently.
Daichi, looking innocent, quickly explained:
"I had no idea! Before school started, I had contacted Guren, but it was just to discuss him coming to Karasuno, Kageyama's potential arrival, and some volleyball practice tips. I didn't know he was the heir of that family!"
After Daichi's explanation, Sugawara released his grip, clenching his fists instead.
A low, angry growl escaped Sugawara's throat:
"Damn it! Tall, handsome, and rich!"
"Ugh!"
"We must make him treat everyone to meat buns!"
"No, not enough. Everyone also gets a milk bottle!"
Having decided how to 'get back' at Guren, Sugawara quickly returned to normal, smiling at Daichi:
"How's that? Did I perfectly play the role of the jealous senior?"
Daichi, still sweating nervously from Sugawara's earlier prank, nodded quickly:
"Y-Yes, yes!"
"Just kidding! No need to be so tense."
Sugawara patted him and pushed him gently.
"Enough! Let's get on the bus, captain!"
Even after turning around, Daichi's heart was still racing.
'It's not him I'm afraid of.'
'I'm afraid of this guy's true self coming out.'
'This candidate-area dance king, the fiercest class clown, Karasuno's bully.'
'Our team hasn't even meshed enough for you to show off your personality yet.'
Sugawara's true nature is actually playful and ruthless. He scolds everyone in the waiting area, drags Hinata around, kicks Kageyama's butt when he's too cocky, hides behind Tsukishima to imitate his style, and even invents names for new techniques.
He is absolutely a genius Gemini, and he's Gemini too!!!
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria