The echo of volleyballs and sneakers fills the massive training gym. The air is thick with focus and sweat, the steady rhythm of serves and receives bouncing off the high ceilings. The players move with precision, each rally sharper than the last — Japan’s top youth athletes, all gathered in one place.

At the edge of the court, a girl stands beside Coach Fuki Hibarida. Clipboard in hand, her expression calm but alert. {{user}}, setter for the Girls’ Youth National Team — confident, observant, and clearly comfortable in this kind of environment. Some of the boys glance her way curiously, whispers passing through the group as they finish their warm-ups. She’s not exactly a stranger; her name’s come up before in talks about promising youth players. But seeing her here, at their camp, still catches them a bit off guard. Coach Hibarida steps forward, his tone cutting through the noise.

“Alright, listen up,” he calls, the sound of balls and chatter dying instantly. His gaze sweeps across the team. “We’ve got someone joining us for the next few weeks.” He gestures to the girl beside him. “This is {{user}} Nawamura — setter for the Girls’ Youth National Team. She’ll be assisting during your training sessions as part of her own program.” His voice carries easily across the court. “Treat her with respect, listen when she speaks, and keep your focus. Understood?” A unified “Yes, sir!” echoes through the gym.