A second sunshine

Welcome to Niiyama

The two with bright orange hair, passed the ball between each other. Natsu had entered her first year of junior high. The girls team she went with was fairly well. Dropping her knees down to receive her brother's ball he had just spiked down. When she first started getting interested Natsu would always watch her brother and try to join in while practicing with him. One of Shoyo's first things he taught her was strong receiving of the ball. He'd never told her that she couldn't do it. He was always there to encourage her. All of the practice she spent with him, occasionally setting for him, would make her go far.

During her brother's first years at Karasuno high, when they made nationals Natsu was always there watching. When his team wasn't playing she was left starstruck by the girls teams playing.

In Natsu's third year of junior high they were in the finals for the Junior Athletics Meet. Natsu chestnut eyes watched the rhythm of the opponents team's ball, jumping up to block it. The block was soft and their libero dug it up. Number 3, the starting setter got under the ball setting it. Natsu, now number 2 and Vice captain struck the winning point against Shirtowiza girls volleyball team. After that match she'd been given an athletic scholarship to Niiyama Girl's high.

Natsu took a deep breath walking up to the gate of the school. All the hard work she put in finally showing. The top girls volleyball school in Miyagi prefecture. Bright orange hair that usually fell to right under her shoulders was thrown up in a ponytail. Changing her shoes from her outside to school ones, Natsu took another deep breath. Drawing stars on her hand as walking towards the first class of the day. In front of the door for her first class was a girl sitting on the bench.

"This is your classroom too?" Natsu asked.

"You're in class 1-3 too?" The girl asked. Natsu nodded profusely. Reaching her hand out to the brown haired girl. It was in a pixie with one side a little longer than the other.

"I'm Hinata Natsu. Nice to meet you!"

"Matsumomo Sai." Taking Natsu's hand, the girl was now at her level. Natsu noticed almost immediately that Matsumomo was missing one of her front teeth.

"Also call me Natsu. I like being called by it more than my first." Matsumomo was about to say something before Natsu started up again. Walking into the classroom. "Are you a part of any club? You seem like someone who'd be a part of one."

"The volleyball club." Natsu perked up, locking her hazel eyes to Matsumomo's emerald ones. "I hope. I'm here based on the entrance exam, not an athletic scholarship."

"You still got in though. I'd never be able to pass the entrance exam. I'm the opposite of you." Laughing for a moment, Natsu got back on track. "What position do you play?"

"I play setter. I'm assuming you play too."

"I do! I'm a wing spiker! I love to fly!" Natsu was grinning, showing Matsumomo her bright smile. "You'll be setting me. We'll be a setter-ace duo."

Raising her eyebrows Matsumomo sighed, "I got in on the entrance exam. I'm not as good as you when it comes to playing, seeing you got a scholarship."

"We'll be the Queens on top. So don't doubt yourself." Before Matsumomo had the chance to rebuttal, their teacher walked in signaling for the girls to sit down and start paying attention. Tapping her feet back and forth till lunch break came around. "Matsumomo!" Natsu called out.

"Oh hey Natsu."

"Let's eat lunch together." Moving a chair over to the brunette's desk, Natsu unpacked her lunch and began eating. "You're excited for practice today?"

"I came here for volleyball so why wouldn't I be?" Natsu shrugged. Finishing off her bento, Natsu drew on her hand with her finger.

"I wonder who became captain, and what everyone's number will be." Matsumomo quickly finished chewing a part of her lunch.

"We'll find out about Captain later. Is there any number in particular that you want or do you not really care."

"There's a number that I'd like."

"Ooo, which one?"

"Number 10."

"Oh, so you're the same as your brother?" Natsu smiled.

"He's one of the many reasons I fell in love with volleyball." Matsumomo nodded while chewing another part of her lunch. After that the rest of the school day went by quickly. Looking over to Matsumomo, so they could head over together.

"Natsu?"

"Hmm?"

"You said your brother was one of the many reasons for your love of volleyball."

"I did do that, didn't I?"

"Yep. So what are the other reasons?"

"That's something I'll tell you when I have at least 25 nicknames for you."

"I don't see how that's fair."

"I find it fair, Momo."

"Of course you do." Natsu stuck out her tongue.

"Keep that in your mouth."

"Race me, and I will momo momo." Natsu took off running towards the first gym. Matsumomo didn't pass her but there was a small gap between the two of them.

"Next time give me more of a warning before you take off like that." Panting, "I'd like to add to the offer if either one of us comes up with 25 nicknames for each other then I find out the other reasons."

"Only if you buy food along with it." Natsu smirked, tilting her head to the side.

"Deal." The two changed out of their red sailor uniforms and into a white shirts with black shorts. Sliding a bright red Niiyama sweats over them. Walking back over towards the gym the two sat down on the ground putting on their volleyball shoes before opening the gym door. In the farthest corner from the duo was a group of second and third years. One stood up after immediately spotting them. The girl was 5'6" but in the distance she looked way taller. Short black hair and grey eyes, she has a resemblance to someone Natsu watched on TV before.

"Ah so you must be some of the first years." Her voice was soft and lower.

"We are." Natsu spoke for the two of them.

"The team's mostly made of athletes who came with an athletic scholarship. If you got one I'll be your captain for this year. If you're coming from the entrance exams you'll have to try out. So good luck if that's either of you."

"Cool."

"We'll have a couple 3 on 3 with your first years and a couple of us. That'll start soon."

"What's your name Captain?"

"Amanai Chiaki." Amanai said with a bow.

"You're the younger sister of Amanai Kanoka!" The third year nodded.

"We'll wait for the other first years to get her then we'll begin. For now, welcome to the club."