Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Training
Aoba Johsai eventually lost the practice match.
Even though Oikawa's serve earned three consecutive points to temporarily take the lead, the stark difference in overall ability between them and the university team was insurmountable for the time being.
However, Coach Irihata was satisfied—the purpose of this practice match had been achieved.
"Losing a practice match isn't scary. What's terrifying is regretting it after losing during the Inter-High or Spring High tournaments," Coach Irihata said, scanning the room full of slightly frustrated players. "If you want to make it to nationals, your opponents will only get stronger than the ones you faced today. Third-years, you especially know what I'm talking about."
Oikawa, Iwaizumi, and the rest of the third-years clenched their fists. They understood all too well. This was their final year. In the past two years, they hadn't even made it to nationals.
"Alright, everyone, we'll focus on improving serve-receive quality, and then split into groups to practice offensive setups, defensive transitions, and tactical plays. Taichi, finish five laps of diving drills first, then join the others."
"Yes, sir." Taichi grumbled internally. This petty coach wasn't going to let the punishment slide.
Volleyball training—with its passing, serving, setting, spiking, and more—seems repetitive and monotonous on the surface. Yet, these drills are the foundation of reaching higher competitive levels.
Every pass involves judgment and movement; every serve demands control of power and angle; every set tests hand techniques and vision; every spike combines the perfect timing of a jump with precise arm swings. These actions, repeated endlessly, refine the smallest technical details and test the athlete's endurance, skill, and tactical understanding.
Such repetition is not merely practice but a grinding wheel that polishes an athlete's patience, perseverance, and focus.
[Ding! Beginner training mode has been activated. Every completed training task will improve the corresponding stats. Side effect: post-training fatigue doubles. Please prepare yourself mentally.]
Perfect! Taichi thought, full of excitement. Training directly leading to improvement? What could be better? As for the side effect, well, he was young—wasn't sleep the cure for everything?
[Task one: 10 laps of diving drills. Completion rewards: +1 Stamina, +1 Receiving.]
The system, ever 'thoughtful', had doubled the original punishment from Coach Irihata. Taichi had every reason to believe this was its way of ensuring he didn't get free rewards.
Brushing aside his irritation, Taichi moved to the edge of the court and began his "diving journey."
Diving in volleyball is a defensive technique used to handle fast, low, or difficult-to-reach balls.
Players must judge the ball's trajectory, then push off the ground with their legs to launch their bodies toward it. During the dive, they extend their arms and fingers to maximize the contact surface area, using their wrists and fingers to control the ball's direction and force. After contacting the ball, they perform a roll to safely absorb the impact and return to position.
Diving drills train anticipation, quick reactions, coordination, precise ball handling, and safe landings—crucial for expanding defensive coverage and creating counterattack opportunities during matches.
One lap, then another. The exhaustion mounted with each dive. Taichi's steps grew heavier, and the ache in his muscles spread through his limbs and back. Sweat dripped steadily from his brow.
"Is he past five laps yet?"
"Then why's he still going? No way… is this guy trying to outdo everyone?"
"This kid's insane," someone muttered, as more players turned their attention to Taichi's relentless pace.
Immersed in his training, Taichi remained unaware of the growing crowd watching him. From the initial struggle, he had found his rhythm, focusing solely on completing the task. As the system displayed Dives: 9/10, Taichi's determination surged as he clenched his teeth, and focused his eyes on the front.
Though his body screamed in protest, his resolve only deepened. Each dive was executed with intent, striving for technical precision despite the mounting fatigue. With a final burst of effort, he threw himself into one last dive. The motion lacked its initial grace but was imbued with strength and resilience.
Landing hard, Taichi stayed down for a moment, his body spent.
[Task complete. Stamina +1. Receiving +1.]
[Phase objectives now unlocked.]
[Objective 1: Perform 1,000 successful serve-receives. Rewards: +1 Receiving, +1 Serving (until average stat reaches 60).]
[Objective 2: Perform 1,000 successful spikes. Reward: +1 Spiking (until average stat reaches 60).]
Though his chest heaved with laboured breaths, a smile crept across Taichi's lips. The palpable growth brought immense satisfaction. The sensation of tangible improvement? Nothing short of exhilarating.
Meanwhile, his teammates exchanged uneasy glances.
"Why is he lying there smiling like that? It's creepy…"
"Hey, Taichi, you alright?" A teammate approached cautiously.
"I'm fine!" Taichi's recovery was swift thanks to the beginner mode, and after a brief rest, he was ready to join the next drill.
"Coach, can I start practising serve-receive now?"
Coach Irihata gave an approving nod. "Go ahead!"
Paired with fellow first-year Akira Kunimi for the next drill, Taichi appreciated Kunimi's efficient style. Though often laid-back, Kunimi never slacked when it mattered, and his balanced skill set made him an excellent partner for foundational training.
One hour later...
Kunimi was bent over, clutching a volleyball, breathing heavily.
"Kunimi, what's wrong? Come on, serve already!" Taichi was still full of energy, urging his partner to continue.
"This guy… wasn't he the one about to collapse earlier? Why does he look like he hasn't tired out at all?" Kunimi glanced around, desperate for an escape. He spotted a familiar face—Kindaichi.
"Kindaichi, your turn to pair with Taichi. I need a break." Without waiting for a response, Kunimi strolled to the sidelines and sprawled out, seeking a moment's peace.
Kindaichi hesitated, but seeing Kunimi's state, he stepped in. "Alright, I'll take over."
Another hour passed...
"Kindaichi, your stamina's insane!" Taichi praised, trying to keep up.
Kindaichi, drenched in sweat, wheezed out, "Dude, yours is even worse…"
Taichi checked Kindaichi's stats using the system:
[Name: Kindaichi Yūtarō
Speed: 75
Strength: 83
Stamina: 88
Jump: 75.]
"Not bad," Taichi mused. "Good stamina and strength. Pity about his speed and jump—no wonder he struggled against Hinata in that match…"
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