Kurai sits on the bench with a calm expression. Clasping his hands and thinking. 'Nate's right, i've never actually seen a Volleyball game from the bench before, true i've watched as a spectator, but that's different now that i've experienced Volleyball, I know what mistakes to look for' The ball floats over the net. The score stands at LWTHS 15-10 MCHS. Kurai keeps thinking. 'As far back as I can remember, I've always been the best player on the court and so I never sat on the bench.'
A younger Kurai's long hair waves as he overhand serves the ball over the net. The other team of Junior high schoolers was unable to receive it. Date Count Tech winning the match [25-12 (DCT) / 25-23 (DCT)] Kurai smiling brightly at his Dad who was the team's coach.
"Good job everyone! You did so well!!" Everyone celebrates as Kurai and Kaneko fist bump each other.
Later that afternoon Kaneko walks in on Kurai practicing Volleyball alone.
"Why are you out here, Kuwai?" Kurai tries to keep the ball in the air.
"Pwacticing" Kaneko tilts his head.
"But why? You alweady amazing" Kurai nods.
"And so aw you, wanna pwactice wif me?" Kaneko nods.
"Yeah!" Kurai hits the ball at Kaneko who doesn't bring it up properly.
"S-sorry" Kurai smiles brightly.
"Don't wowwy about it!" Their Dad suddenly walks out having just got a haircut.
"Hey, Kaneko?" Kaneko looks up at his Dad.
"When you jump up to hit the ball, don't just hop, slam your whole weight into the ground" Kaneko tries jumping but doesn't get much higher than normal. Turning to look up at his Dad, saddened.
"Now, don't just jump, slam your feet down and BOOM!" Kaneko tilts his head as Kurai tries to keep the ball off the ground by himself.
"And Boom?" He smiles as Aki looks up. Running forward. Slamming his feet into the ground. His calves and thigh muscles bulge as he jumps high into the sky. Kaneko's eyes sparkling in amazement.
"Remember, don't just jump. Slam your whole body weight into the ground, only then will you truly fly. In Volleyball, the only way to counter Height is jumping" Kurai catches the ball in amazement.
"Now, here in about a month, the VNL starts! Are you excited?" They both jump excitedly.
Later that month they left by plane for France to participate in the Russia VS USA VNL match.
A whistle blows as a buzzer follows. LakeWood Technical had just reached 16 points. Everyone rushed over to the bench.
"You all are doing amazing so far, we're in the final stretch now" Everyone agrees.
"Keep up the strong defense Dougal, Richmond" Richmond looks over.
"I'm subbing Kurai back in" Richmond nods and walks away as everyone looks at Kurai. A calming aura radiates off him as sweat rolls down his forehead.
"I saw everything" Coach Russ smirks.
"Well, there's not much more for me to say, other than good luck out there, everyone huddle" Everyone puts their hands in the middle.
"Kurai?" Kurai nods.
"We are LakeWood Tech!" everyone shouts.
"Yeah!"
Everyone walks out onto the court.
"It seems LakeWood Tech has used their 2nd substitution to return Kurai Vlast' to the court"
"And once again, we're saying goodbye to #4 Richmond"