Japan alone was not worth him giving everything for. Becoming number one in the world was the goal he was chasing.
He wanted to become the kind of superstar athlete people would immediately think of whenever volleyball was mentioned. A phenomenal player. A legend who crossed eras.
"You definitely can," Kiyoko said with a smile. "I'm not the only one who thinks so. Everyone who has seen you play thinks the same."
Ever since Kiyoko had watched Hank's match, she had been deeply captivated by him. She attended every match of his that she could. It was a natural attraction toward an outstanding boy.
Although she was older than him, she still liked Hank very much.
"Probably," Hank said.
As he spoke, he kept walking home, while Kiyoko silently followed beside him. The mood around them seemed to become faintly ambiguous.
Seeing that, Hank rubbed his face a little awkwardly.
"Actually, I didn't come here only to congratulate you for being selected for the Japan Youth Team training camp. I also wanted to tell you how I feel."
Kiyoko suddenly quickened her steps. Her cheeks flushed bright pink, and the air around them seemed filled with the refreshing scent of a young girl. Hank could not help feeling a little dazed by the scene.
After all, when it came down to it, he was still a boy who was fairly ignorant about youth and romance.
"I like you. Please accept this."
"You don't have to give me an answer right away. I'm willing to wait for you."
After Kiyoko-senpai gave Hank the omamori charm she had prepared long ago, she left with her face bright red, leaving Hank standing there in a daze.
"This is the second omamori charm, isn't it?"
Hank did not say anything else. He simply put the omamori charm in his pocket. He did not dislike being pursued by others, but he believed everything should be allowed to develop naturally.
Thinking that, he walked toward home, preparing to pack his things before heading to Tokyo to get ready for the upcoming Japan Youth Team training camp.
Based on the memory prompts in his mind, he quickly recognized the other person's identity.
Kiyoomi Sakusa.
He was currently one of Japan's top three ace spikers, and the only second-year among them. Because his wrists were far more flexible than other players', the trajectory of his spikes was extremely varied. His shots could even change course in midair.
They were said to be even harder to receive than Wakatoshi Ushijima's spikes.
This kind of volleyball technique was exactly what Hank wanted to obtain. But right now, aside from the system's assistance, there was basically no other way for him to acquire it.
"You're a new face. What's your name, and which prefecture are you from?"
After Kiyoomi Sakusa saw Hank, his heart immediately tightened. He felt as though the other boy might be able to threaten him, and he began paying attention to him in an instant.
"Miyagi Prefecture. Hank."
Hank spoke calmly. He did not reveal too much information, and only interacted with him normally.
(End of Chapter)
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