After Itoshi Rin and his older brother, Itoshi Sae, fell out on that "Snowy Night" four years ago, his brother told him, "I don't need you in my life anymore."
Crushed, Itoshi Rin grew more and more withdrawn. The confusion in his heart kept building until it settled into resentment and a determination to crush Itoshi Sae and become the world's number one striker.
The Itoshi couple couldn't bear to see their younger son go on like this. With Rin about to start middle school, they thought a different sport might help him stop spiraling, so they took him to Hakushuu High School. There, Rin watched volleyball players leap high into the air and spike the ball. Something inexplicable stirred in his heart.
After all, a national treasure's talent couldn't simply disappear. One of the volleyball club members extended an invitation to him.
An infectious smile, lavish praise, and acceptance that never wavered even when the kid found him annoying.
"It's time to find myself a new big brother."
From then on, in addition to being the younger brother of Japan's national treasure and Blue Lock's No. 1, Rin acquired another little-known label: Hakushuu High School's opposite hitter.
After all,
a high school boy who doesn't play volleyball can't become the world's number one striker!
Theme: To be Japan's national treasure, you've got to develop your upper and lower body equally!
