25 July, Ariake, Tokyo, Japan...

The awaited day had come, the opening day of the Olympics, the first match, the first set, the first step on the court, a chance to play before the world.

Playing against the best teams at the world level and representing your nation would be a dream for every volleyball player.

Brazil, France, Tunisia, Argentina, USA, Serbia, Iran, Poland, Canada, Cuba, Egypt, Russia, Italy, all of these nations would be playing there at the Olympics, and Japan would be alongside these teams. Having a home crowd privilege, everyone had expected them to show a good performance against the other teams as the host.

They wouldn't have such a chance guaranteed for the next time. It would only happen every 4 years, the Olympics games. Whatever they had, there was no way but to show it all at once here when the head coach decides to trust them.

That was especially true for Hinata, who had been invited merely by luck. Because of his height, thinking he may get called again for the national team would be unlikely. There existed a high chance that he's experiencing his last Olympics.

Hinata had been training endlessly, working hard, trying his best, improving his skills, but that didn't seem to be enough. All he needed was a chance, a single moment when he's given the trust to play and prove his abilities to everyone. But would that moment have ever come?

Ariake Arena had hosted so many passionate spectators. The atmosphere in the venue animated the players with excitement. They could all feel the enthusiasm in every single inch of their body, trembling and showing eagerness.

That strong emotion and thrill could reach the bench, skin tingling and arms prickling with goosebumps. He had no idea what it feels like to actually play in that atmosphere. Even though he was sitting on the bench right then, he could still feel a great sense of nervousness. How would it feel like for the ones on the court? How would it feel like when touching the ball?

Perhaps none of the ones on the court had expected to face such an amazing spirit, but what happened at the end of the first set was something that no one could have ever predicted.

Right then, the overwhelming sound of the crowds had turned into a deep silence. All of the eyes, whether the spectators or the players on the court, were bulged, staring at the scoreboard in bewilderment.

"24 : 24"

The stadium's air bore nothing but silence and bafflement. The whole place was overwhelmed in shock. All of the players were sweating profusely, being completely puzzled and confused. The expressions contained nothing but puzzlement. The stares looked nothing shocked.

"I-It can't be..."

That score didn't show anything strange. A 24-24 score wouldn't be considered odd. But why did everyone keep staring at it? What looked so wrong about that? How could it be surprising? What had happened?

To answer those questions and make it clear, one should go back in time for about...

─Six Months Ago!─