บท 2: Shiroshikata Gakuen
In the heart of the historic and peaceful town of Nara, Nara Prefecture in the Kansai Region of Japan, lies the well-known institution of the Shiroshikata Gakuen. This academy boasts itself for its excellence in various scholastic and other fields since its establishment 50 years ago. The school isn't exclusive for elites only, which makes it a lot more sought after by many top-notch individuals who live outside the capital.
Arakata Hiroaki, whose family transferred here since two years ago, established a new life in this rural countryside. Here, he enrolled in the aforementioned academy, joined its volleyball team and played as one of its middle blockers. He's been playing the sport ever since he was in primary school. The middle school from which he came from is actually one of the powerhouse teams in Tokyo – Itachiyama itself.
His current school is named after Nara's symbolic deers. The "shiroshika" from Shiroshikata Gakuen literally translates to "white deer", which is a famous shinto symbol in Japan, as the chosen messenger of the gods. The sigil of their school is even a silver stag.
His mother adores the history of the town. Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 in Heijo - now Nara, before it was moved to a new location in Nagaoka and later to Kyoto where the succeeding emperor resides. Nara's rich heritage spans ancient monuments, sacred mountain trails and some of Japan's oldest temples. Given this, there is an abundance of shrines throughout the city.
From the deers that roam the Nara Park, once believed to be messengers of the gods, to the ancient cedars that line the approach to their shrines and sacred trails through the mountains of Yoshino and Omine, history is inextricably linked with nature in Nara. The vast grounds of their temples, free from the crowds of Kyoto, offer scenic views and the chance to sightsee at a leisurely pace.
When Hiro was a freshman, he got invited to the National Youth Training Camp where he got to see Sakusa Kiyoomi again, and meet other interesting players like Kageyama Tobio, Hoshiumi Kourai, and Miya Atsumu, among others, who were invited there as well. He didn't particularly stand-out during that camp because he's the type of person who often slacks off and shows little to no determination when it comes to playing volleyball. He has innate talents and skills, he's just a bum.
One thing is certain though. He may be that lazy type, but he surely hates losing. Upon experiencing firsthand their terrible loss against Itachiyama during the third round of last year's Spring Cup, an ambition burned so bright in Hiro's mind. He wanted to go further with his team, and win it all.
The school year was just beginning, yet they were training hard already. New freshmen are coming later to join their team, and he sure wants to take a closer look at these aspiring members, and find if anyone of them can be beneficial to what their team's goals are for the upcoming volleyball season.
While he was doing spike drills, the memory of the final spike by Sakusa that he wasn't able to block flashed in this mind, and this prompted him to hit a seriously sharp cut shot against the person who jumped to block him.
"Ack!" Someone said. He turned to the direction from where the voice came from and spotted their manager talking to another person.
"Apologize, ya idiot." He heard from one of his teammates.
"Kay." He walked over to their manager who was already scowling at him.
"Sumimasen ~ I spiked the ball just now, didn't mean it." He said during his approach. His face showed no remorse though.
"Hiro, at least try to sound apologetic. Next time, mind your surroundings first. You're not the only ones in this gym now, you know". Their third year manager, Hijikata Kayo told him. Although she politely said that, her tone quite betrayed her.
It was her who swatted the volleyball away from the other person she's talking to in order to deflect the ball's direction. He looked around the guys from the team and some of them were snickering at him, having fun at watching him suffer under their manager's reprimanding.
"Ow jeez, I apologized already, didn't I?" He retorted back, but Kayo continued to scowl and turn her attention away from him.
"Megumi-chan, are you okay?" She asked the other person.
"I'm fine, Kayo-san. I think I should go, I will definitely think about your offer, thank you very much." And the girl scurried off to outside the gym.
Now, their manager turned to face him and the disappointment in her eyes was obvious. In a low tone, she said, "Hiro, did you know what you just ruined for me? That was a potential manager you managed to drive away."
"Oh?" Honestly, he can't really be bothered. Kayo is already enough, why do they need another one?
As if she can read his thoughts, she continued. "Nah, it's no use talking to you about it. Tch." Damn, she's really good at reading people.
A voice then boomed from the entrance. "I'm coming in first, ya idiot!" A little guy with red hair blocked the entrance of the door towards the gym. He was preventing the entry of a much taller guy who was trying to get in.
"Let me in ya shrimp! As if the guys here will ever accept someone like ye in the team!" The other guy replied.
Hiro and Kayo furrowed their brows at the sight from the entrance. Seconds later they were joined by their team setter, who was bringing with him a piece of paper. "Uh – freshmen, I think." Their resident emoboy muttered while looking down at the paper. He looks disinterested.
Kayo grabbed the paper from him and scanned through the names of four different freshmen who listed themselves in the volleyball club application.
Apparently, she still wasn't over in her lecture towards Hiro, so she said, "You really should be mindful of your actions. If anyone got hurt from that, I'll make sure you'll be disciplined. Also, please make sure to apologize properly next time." With that, she left to sit on the bench in silence.
The two at the door continued to argue. "At least I've got more experience compared to ya! Like what, ye just started playing few months ago!" Redhead said.
"Doesn't matter since the old coach said I've got promise! Unlike ye who's obviously a little one, I'll be more useful to the team!" Tall guy replied.
An audible cough was heard from behind the two, and the new captain of the team arrived with his fellow third years.
"Erm - What's going on here? Both of you get inside."
He was probably recognized by the arguing people for they immediately adhered to his orders.
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