Prelude : The Last Game
[ National Stadium - June 15, 2025 ] The Pro League Finals.
The crowd was deafening. Every spectator had their eyes glued to the court, where two teams were facing off in an epic match. The score was close, the teams were tied in this decisive fifth set. The tension was at its peak. And at the center of attention was a young 20-year-old player, Yuto Takeda, the prodigious right winger of Team Seiryu.
Commentator Alex : "This is an incredible match! Yuto Takeda, at only 20 years old, already has the reputation of a veteran! His powerful attacks and ability to strike from all angles are phenomenal!"
Commentator Grey : "He is definitely one of the best players we have seen in recent years. But today, he has to face one of the best teams in the league, Kizan. The game is not won in advance!"
The match was progressing and was epic, each team was trading blows and the score had just reached [24-23]. One last point for the winning team.
Yuto, out of breath but focused, was ready to take his serve. At his side, his setter and best friend, Haruki, was watching him with unwavering confidence.
Haruki: "I trust you, Yuto. Do what you do best. We're with you."
Yuto smiled, a tired but determined smile. One last effort.
Commentator Alex : "It seems that Yuto Takeda is ready to face this last challenge! If his serve is perfect, he could well give his team a memorable victory!"
Yuto's serve burst into the air. The ball flies at an impressive speed. The Kizan team prepares for a block, three players position themselves in front of him.
Everything happens in slow motion in Yuto's mind. His eyes scan the space, he assesses the situation in a split second. as the ball reaches the ideal position… Yuto doesn't hit directly. He feints. He changes the angle at the last second and places the ball in a narrow space between the three blockers.
It was an attack that was almost impossible to pull off.
Commentator Grey : "Impressive! Yuto feinted the attack and hit from an almost unreal angle!"
But Kizan's libero is still there, and manages to save the ball. The ball returns to the other side of the court and Yuto is already preparing for the counterattack.
Yuto heard his heart racing: (thought) "Not again... I have to hold on... this is the last chance... I'll make it!!! ."
Haraki passed him again and this time, he made his approach and used his last strength to jump and strike in a brutal manner.
Commentator Alex : "This... this is incredible! He attacks with such power! Kizan doesn't even have time to react!"
Yuto's attack is a real shell, and Kizan's block is broken in two. The ball hits the ground on the opposite side, and the referee whistles.
Referee: "Point, match Seiryu!"
[ Score : 25- 23 ]
The crowd erupts in a thunderous ovation, the fans scream with joy, the Seiryu players rush towards Yuto. But the moment he lands after his smash, one detail catches the eye. The beating of his heart. He's strong. Too strong: " BAM-BAM " " BAM-BAM " "BAM... "
Commentator Grey : "It's incredible, Seiryu wins this final! Yuto Takeda is truly a volleyball genius!"
The noises around Yuto began to fade. The chants of the crowd, the congratulations of his teammates, everything became a blur. His legs were shaking slightly and as he straightened up, he saw his best friend Haruki, who was by his side, all smiles.
Yuto (barely breathing): "Thank you… Haruki… thank you for everything."
Haruki frowned, worried, but Yuto smiled at him, a calm and serene smile. Yuto slowly placed his hand on his chest. His heart was beating faster and faster. The pain in his chest was intensifying, but he remained still. It was as if the world around him had disappeared, time had stood still.
Yuto (thought): "I knew this moment would come... But please not now..."
The sound of cheering was getting more and more distant, and all he could hear now was his heart beating. Faster and faster. Then... silence.
His knees buckled. He fell. A thud on the floor was heard. The eyes around him went wild. Seiryu's teammates rushed towards him. Haruki shook him violently.
But Yuto didn't answer anymore.
-----
Yuto Takeda wasn't just a volleyball prodigy. Behind his incredible talent, there was a constant fight against an invisible enemy: a heart condition that he had carried in silence for years.
He had never revealed the extent of his condition to anyone. He had learned to live with the pain, to push it away every day. And that night, after giving his all for his passion and his team, his heart had finally betrayed him.
He had grown up in a small town, dreaming of becoming an exceptional volleyball player. This dream had led him to impressive heights, but he knew that his body wouldn't last forever. Yet, Yuto had never stopped. He had continued to play, to fight, to live life to the fullest.
But that last match, the one that would crown his career, also marked the end of his story.
"But in life the end of a thing is often better than its beginning"
-------