You Did it Sumire!

Champions Vs Challengers

Farshawan University's official volleyball team had won many district and state-level competitions. It was expected that they would win this match, but Sumire was surprised by the huge gap in the score: 5-20. The "Challengers," new hopefuls, were trying their best, but they didn't know each other's strengths and weaknesses well.

07 – 25.

And the first set was over. The first 10 challengers could now take rest, while next 10 were now warming up. Suna san and his teammates sat down near the bench and were discussing with the coach while Kita san was talking to the remaining 10 challengers. They all formed a semi-circle and Kita san was talking to each one of them and then the team nodded, they even did a hands in and cheered before the coach asked them to take position.

Unlike the first group, this second set of challengers demonstrated a surprising level of coordination. There was no confusion about positions or roles; everything seemed instinctively understood. Although their play was still raw and unrefined, the team dynamic was noticeably stronger. Kita-san played the role of a stabilizing centre, intercepting the "Champions'" attacks and guiding his team with a strategic mind. It was evident to everyone, including Sumire, that his presence was a game-changer. The score now stood at 10-15, with the "Champions" maintaining their lead but feeling the pressure of a more competitive match. The game progressed with several substitutions, but Kita-san remained a constant on the court, providing direction and stability. The "Challengers" managed to close the gap, ending the set with a more respectable 21-25 score, though the "Champions" still emerged victorious.

"Kita san you played so well, even under stress" Sumire said impressed.

"Thank you, Yamashita-san, but it wasn't stressful. It felt just like practicing at the gym back home in Hyogo," he replied with a calm demeanor.

Suna-san chimed in, "Of course, I knew you'd continue playing. It was part of your routine, and you're still the same Kita-san. Now you see why I always said Kita-san was the best captain. He can read the situation and guide the team well."

"Yes I could see that, it was amazing what having a dependable center can do" Sumire said with her eyes sparkling.

"And you did well with the scoreboard too Yamashita san, which remind me, coach wants to talk to you after he announces the results" Suna san told Sumire

"Me? Why?" Sumire asked, puzzled.

"You would have to find that out."

"Ah okay Suna san, you both should sit, give me your bottles I will fill them for you" both the guys thanked her.

After 15 minutes the coach called everyone's attention: "each on one of you played well but I also know you would have played better in your own teams but the whole purpose was to see your individual strengths and communication, the team we have currently is strong and we need players who can match them in skill and can freely communicate. Though you all played well, the second team did better" the coach looked at Kita san briefly." But only 5 of you can be selected as the team members of Farshawan volleyball team. I will now announce the name of the selected players-

Hikaru Matsumoto

Kenta Fujimoto

Shota Nakajima

Yuki Ogawa

Ryosuke Shimizu

Congratulations and welcome to team Farshawan" everyone clapped. Sumire looked at Kita san who looked same as ever. All the selected members shook hands with the coach and the team and celebrated their selection while the rest went to change.

"Kita Shinsuke," the coach called out. Kita-san approached with a neutral expression.

"Yes, sir," he responded.

"You played well today. Your basics are strong, and you're dependable. I heard you were the captain of the Inarizaki volleyball team."

"Yes, sir."

"I don't want to lose such talent. You understand both your team's strengths and weaknesses and those of your opponents. You communicate well and show natural leadership. How old are you?"

"22, sir."

"That explains your maturity. You must have graduated high school four years ago. What have you been doing since then?"

"I've been farming and enjoying a peaceful life in Hyogo. I didn't think of leaving until we decided to expand, which is why I'm studying agriculture. I also played for the neighbourhood association and was a strategist for Sayato University in Hyogo."

"Were you the strategist for Sayato University in 2014?"

"Yes, sir. That was my first year with them."

"No wonder their game was different that year. You have a rare talent, Kita-kun. Our current advisor is on leave until next month. I'd like you to join the team as a temporary advisor for now. What do you say?"

"I can do that sir, but I am better as a strategist than an advisor"

"That brings me to the next thing, the captain of the team and I have been planning to get our team a strategist, you have experience, but you are too young, and the team never had a strategist before, so we want to try it out for the time period of one month so that we can make the decision about it. Is that okay Kita kun?"

"Just to make things clear, I would be the temporary advisor and a strategist for a trial period of one month?"

"Yes"

"I will do it sir, thank you for the opportunity "Kita san said with a small smile.

Sumire who was listened the whole conversation smiled and started clapping. Soon Suna san followed by the team also joined. The coach made formal announcement and introductions after which everyone was dismissed.

Suna san then took Sumire to the coach.

"Hello sir. I am Yamashita Sumire you wanted to see me?"

"Yes Yamashita san, you did a good job today. I was thinking would you like to join as the manager?"

"Um I am not sure about it sir, I have never managed a team before, I am just a volleyball enthusiast."

"That's alright, you can take your time and decide by Monday? Is that okay?"

"Yes sir, Thankyou".

Sumire and Suna-san met Kita-san at the gym gate, who encouraged her to consider the offer, but emphasized it should be her decision and that he and suna san will support whatever decision she makes to which Sumire was thankful. By the time Sumire reached home, it was already 9:00 p.m. She sent a quick text to her mother and went to bed, ready for another busy day.