Volleyball’s Little Emperor Is a Grind King

Why can’t people evolve to no longer need sleep? Makise Akito asked earnestly, hands clasped in prayer. He was a volleyball training fanatic who worked harder than everyone else. Back in middle school, he was always the last person on the volleyball team to finish training, earning a reputation as a relentless overtrainer. His teammates wailed and dubbed him the Volleyball Emperor. Makise Akito was pretty proud of that. That’s right! I’m going to be the little Volleyball Emperor! During the break after his third year of middle school, he was accidentally hit in the head by a volleyball and fell into a baby-like sleep. In his dream, the God of Volleyball chose him and gave him a professional, enormous, national-team-standard volleyball court. The God of Volleyball: “Twenty-four hours here is just one hour in the real world!” Makise Akito clenched his fist. “Whoa! That means I can train extra all the time!” (starry-eyed) (excited) (can’t wait) The God of Volleyball: “And you’ll have a highly professional coach who can give you guidance whenever you want!” Makise Akito asked excitedly, “Really? Who?” The God of Volleyball: “Me!” Makise Akito stared at the tri-colored volleyball in front of him, with its beady eyes and tiny arms, confidently thumping its chest, and fell into deep thought... Are you trying to fool me, the little emperor? (leans back warily) Akito’s such a chuunibyou... everyone thought, with mixed feelings. Makise Akito: “The God of Volleyball really is with me, you guys! You have to believe me!” The God of Volleyball: “Don’t expose me! Wait... nobody seems to believe you, so say whatever you want.” Makise Akito: “How could nobody believe me? Look at everyone!” Konoha, singled out: “Sure, sure, we believe you!” (wipes sweat) The young Akaashi caretaker had two noisy owls to look after. One was a chuunibyou owl who didn’t understand even when he was scolded. The other was a fragile owl who got much worse at playing whenever he was low on energy... The caretaker let out a long sigh, then, as usual, grabbed Makise Akito by the collar. “Get back here!” At last, at last! Konoha watched their new teammate with tears in his eyes. Finally, someone could keep up with you physically, Bokuto! First lap of the hill-running training. “Hey, hey, hey! Everybody keep up with me!” Bokuto was full of energy, running faster and faster. Makise Akito kept up with ease. Eighth lap of the hill-running training. “Akito! Let’s do a few more laps!” Bokuto threw both arms in the air, inviting his junior along. Makise Akito happily nodded. Let’s go, Bokuto-senpai! Lap number whatever of the hill-running training: Bokuto powered down, and Makise Akito carried him off under the blazing sun. “So you’re called the King, huh? What a coincidence!” Makise Akito flashed a golden-retriever smile, ready to go say hello to a kindred spirit, but Kageyama’s expression immediately darkened. Makise Akito, left behind by someone: ? Huh? Does he not like that nickname? The little Volleyball Emperor was confused. A little tip: The protagonist is a lovable dummy, a golden retriever who wants to be the little emperor. Theme: Never give up as long as the ball is still in the air