Chapter 21: Transfer Student.

"When Sensei finished speaking, the sliding door of the classroom opened, and a beautiful girl entered with a backpack slung over her shoulder. All of us, including myself and the other students, had our eyes fixed on her.

Once the girl finished introducing herself, I learned that her name was Mai Sakurajima. She looked around the new classroom with her black hair flowing down to her waist and her blue eyes.

"Ahem... I need someone to show Mai-san around the school and guide her." At that moment, every hand in the class shot up, and I noticed that there were dozens of people eager to guide Mai.

Hirata and I were the only ones who didn't raise our hands. While I couldn't understand why Hirata didn't, I sensed that he didn't involve himself in many events.

I began to watch the tree branches swaying in the wind outside.

"Alright then, Hanagawa-kun, you'll be responsible for Mai-san."

Hanagawa, sitting next to me, was on the verge of flying with joy as soon as he heard his name being called.

'Really? Just a little while ago, you were begging me for Rika...' It was hard to grasp what was going on in Hanagawa's mind.

Meanwhile, our eyes briefly met with Mai, who was still standing in front of the blackboard. After a blank stare, I turned my head to look out the window again.

Since I had already eaten my lunch, I first changed my clothes and headed to the gymnasium. I passed through the corridor connecting the school to the gym, following Suguwara-san. I was the second person after Suguwara-san to arrive.

We chatted a bit while waiting for the senpais and others to arrive. I specifically asked about Nishinoya-san, whom I had met today.

"Yeah, Nishinoya-kun came back today."

"Was there something wrong? Was he sick?"

"I don't really know how to put it. Nishinoya-kun was temporarily suspended from school for a few days because he got into a fight with his teammate."

I understood. It seemed like the kind of behavior one could expect from someone like Nishinoya-san. He was always full of energy and had a bit of a foul mouth.

"So, who did Nishinoya-san fight with? I've never heard his name mentioned within the team."

"Well, we still have one more member on our team. But ever since the fight with Nishinoya-kun, he's been cold towards all of us and rejects our offers. His name is Asahi Azumane."

The name sounded familiar. It was as if I remembered all the names I had heard before from something I had watched. No matter how much I tried with my 'Advanced Memory' ability, I couldn't succeed. It was like something was preventing me from recalling memories from my previous life.

Meanwhile, the next people to arrive were Tsukishima and Yamaguchi. We greeted them along with Suguwara-san, but they didn't seem inclined to talk to us. After returning our greetings, they entered the gym.

As Yamaguchi walked away, I heard his voice, 'Tsukki, why do we have to be so cold to everyone?'

'Shut up...' Tsukishima replied with a cold and expressionless voice.

Following Tsukishima and Yamaguchi, Kageyama and Hinata arrived. They seemed to be arguing with each other. The veins on Kageyama's forehead were about to burst.

"What did you say!?"

"I said, from now on, adjust your sets to my liking!"

"Haaaaaa!?"

"Haaaaaa!? Can't you give a proper response?" Hinata stuck out his tongue and imitated Kageyama. Then they came over to us and waited with us at the entrance of the gym for a while.

"Suguwara-senpai! Can you tell me when the lineup for tomorrow's match will be decided?"

"Hmm... I think today."

Hinata looked into Suguwara-san's eyes with shining eyes. His eyes seemed to say, 'I definitely want to be in the lineup.'

Meanwhile, Hanagawa, accompanying Mai Sakurajima, came up to the front of the gym.

"This is our school's gym, Mai-san... Would you like to see inside?"

"Sure."

As Mai and Hanagawa passed by us to enter the gym, Hanagawa leaned in close to me and started whispering.

"This girl is drop-dead gorgeous, buddy!"

Hanagawa noticed Mai, who was waiting inside the gym, and quickly moved away from me to join her.

"This is usually known as the volleyball club's court. Also, our volleyball club has a friendly match with another school tomorrow; if you'd like, we can watch it together."

"Sure."

When Mai accepted Hanagawa's offer, his face turned beet red.

"Oh, and have you met the star player of our volleyball club?"

"The star player?"

No, no, no. Hanagawa... don't drag me into this!

"Yes, the owner of the best spikes we've seen so far. Finn-san!"

I covered my face with my hand and began to feel embarrassed in Hanagawa's place. If your friend is interested in a girl, you should never praise another guy...

Meanwhile, Mai continued to look at me.

"May I see?"

"Heh!? What?"

Hanagawa asked with curiosity.

"That spike you mentioned."

"Oh, well, I'm not sure. If club activities are available, maybe they can show you."

When Hanagawa turned towards me, Suguwara-san and I positioned our arms crossed to indicate our refusal and started turning our heads left and right.

"Oh, I see. I guess we have no choice but to see it tomorrow, Mai-san."

"Understood."

Mai and Hanagawa left the gym and were about to continue touring the school when Nishinoya-san arrived this time.

"Hey! What's up?"

Hinata noticed Nishinoya-san and opened his mouth wide, starting to speak, "Oooooh, we're the same height!"

"Heheheh... Maybe I'm short, but it's an advantage for me. It allows me to move faster," Nishinoya-san consoled himself in a self-praising manner.

"Nishinoya-kun... Have you talked to Asashi at all?"

When Nishinoya-san heard this name, his face darkened, and he indicated that he didn't want to say anything. But a few seconds later, he changed his mind and began to speak.

"I went to his class to talk to him, but all he did was apologize and ignore me. AAAAHHH... Buddy, this is so frustrating."

"Well, before the school day ends, Daichi and I will try talking to him again."

I don't know what happened behind the scenes, but it was clear that Asashi-san was important for the team. So, won't he play in tomorrow's match?

When Daichi-san and Tanaka-san also arrived at the gym, we were all ready. After warming up, we began discussing tomorrow's match with Takeda-sensei and Kiyoko-san.

"With your permission, I'd like to announce the lineup for the match we'll be playing against Shikama High School tomorrow..."