Chapter 58 - A Showdown at the Beach (1)
The tournament organizers called out my name as the representative of our team, and with Mashiro and Mai in tow, I headed towards the sandy court.
The opposing team was already waiting there, their gazes fixed on us. The tension in the air became palpable the moment we stepped onto the court.
Standing on the opposite side were the protagonist of this story, Raito Fusegawa, and his two heroines.
As soon as I made my appearance, Raito glared at me with a sharp gaze full of hostility. I could feel the intensity of his resolve to defeat me prickling at my skin.
"Shindo Ryusuke. I never thought I'd run into you in beach volleyball. What a surprise."
He stood across the net from me, raising his voice in a show of intimidation. His expression was grim, as if he was holding back his anger toward me.
Then, pointing a finger sharply in my direction, he continued.
"But this is perfect, Ryusuke Shindo. Now I can settle the score from back then."
"Settle the score? You mean the final exams? All that happened was I took first place in the grade, and you came in second. That's all there is to it."
"Don’t play dumb! I don’t know what kind of cheating you pulled, but I’ll never accept those results! There’s no way someone like you—a delinquent—could ever come in first place!"
"Cheating? Seriously? I just studied hard for the final exams, that's it. I didn’t do anything wrong."
"Shut up! It’s clear as day that you cheated! Why don’t you just admit it already!?"
"...This is pointless."
I let out a sigh of exasperation.
In his mind, there was no way someone like me—a delinquent—could have taken first place in the grade. He was convinced something underhanded must have happened. He's probably been doubting my test scores ever since.
But that's not how it works. Even a delinquent can succeed if they work hard enough and put in the effort.
Since he can’t understand that, nothing I say will reach him.
To him, a villain is always a villain, and he can’t imagine that hard work could change anything. He’s fundamentally wrong, and I refuse to let this end with me still being misunderstood.
Annoyed by my response, Raito furrowed his brow and clenched his fist tightly.
"Because of those final exams... because of you, I lost Miyuki-senpai...! It’s all your fault, Shindo Ryusuke! I’ll never forgive you...!"
"Miyuki-senpai? You mean the student council president, Sakuramiya Miyuki? It’s true I haven’t seen her around lately. Did something happen after that?"
"Shut up! I don’t want to hear another word out of you! I’ll crush you in this match, Shindo!"
"Hey, wait a second. What happened—"
I tried to press him for more information, but he ignored me and turned his back.
He walked over to Hanasaki Yuna and Himeno Karen, starting a conversation I couldn’t quite hear. However, both of them wore dark expressions.
(So, something happened between Fusegawa Raito and Sakuramiya Miyuki because of those final exams...)
Up until the start of summer break, there hadn’t been anything strange about their behavior. Which means something must have happened over the break, likely triggered by the results of those final exams.
I’m curious to know what it is, but our match is about to begin. I refocus my thoughts on the task at hand.
The key player of the protagonist's team is Himeno Karen.
Back in middle school, she was the ace of the track team with outstanding athletic abilities. She’s sure to put those skills to use and stand in our way during this match.
Hanasaki Yuna may not be particularly athletic, but when it comes to strategy, she’s definitely a step ahead of us. I’m sure she’ll use every trick she knows to confuse and outmaneuver us.
And the biggest problem is Fusegawa Raito.
As the protagonist, he’ll undoubtedly create some sort of miracle. With that power, he can overcome any adversity and grasp victory.
Even if his athletic ability is average, his role as the protagonist makes him my greatest threat.
Facing these three won’t be easy, but I have no intention of losing.
I’ll give it everything I’ve got and claim victory.
"Mashiro, stick to the plan we discussed. There’s no rotation in beach volleyball, so you’ll be our key defender, Mai will set, and I’ll handle the attacks."
"Got it, Ryusuke. I’ll make sure to block their attacks and connect the ball to Mai."
"And I just have to set the ball so it’s easy for Onii-chan to spike, right? I’ll do my best!"
"Alright, I’m counting on all of you. I’ll make sure to score us some points."
Mashiro smiled softly and squeezed my hand, the warmth giving me a boost of courage.
Mai, watching our exchange, was also brimming with enthusiasm.
"Alright, I’m serving first. Don’t worry, I won’t miss!"
"We’re counting on you, Mai! Let’s do our best!"
"Of course! The three of us—me, my brother, and Mashiro—are going to win this!"
"Yeah. Mai, are you ready?"
"All set, Onii-chan! Anytime!"
"Great. Then let’s get started."
Mai flashed me a peace sign. She’s full of energy and as reliable as ever.
We get the first serve.
Before the match, we did a coin toss and won the right to serve, while the protagonist’s team chose their side of the court.
Mai headed over to the tournament official on the sideline and collected the ball.
She took a deep breath to calm herself, then positioned herself at the back of the court, ready to serve.
The referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of the match.
And so, the showdown between me, the villain, and Fusegawa Raito, the protagonist, had finally begun.