Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, the perfect creation of the White Room.
Now, on the volleyball court, he plays the part of an ordinary person with "adequate skills."
When his teammates are fired up, he misses a save by a hair, snuffing out their excitement. When his teammates are struggling, he scores a point with a single spike, reigniting their passion. When his teammates celebrate a narrow victory in tears, he gathers his things and leaves through the back door.
Ayanokoji planned to keep going like this forever, until one match saw the opposing team's strength crush all his teammates' efforts and render them meaningless.
So, those figures standing in front of him, jumping again and again to receive the ball, are they, to him
companions he can fight alongside, or tools worth using?
After the match, Ayanokoji leaves surrounded by his teammates, none the wiser.
*
Japanese Men's Volleyball All-Star Meet-and-Greet
Host: Is there a player who left a particularly deep impression on you during your career?
Player A takes the microphone: Yes! When I played against that guy, he kept taunting me like crazy from the other side of the net!
Player B snatches the microphone: Yes! Every time I see him serve, block, and spike with that "oh, whatever" look on his face, I think he's incredible!
Player C cuts in with a laugh: Yes. Whenever he throws the other side's strategy into disarray, he acts like he has no idea what's going on. The other player and I have to protect him from the people on the other side of the net after every match.
Player N+1: dhdksbhsisngdkdj…
Host, sweating nervously: Well... is this player... still active?
All the players answer in unison, through gritted teeth: No! He disappeared!
After the meet-and-greet, the host draws a lucky audience member to come onstage.
An expressionless face appears on the big screen. The person stands up, ready to leave the venue.
"Quick, stop that guy! That's him!!!" x N
Theme: Don't let outside influences sway you
