The Sakura High School volleyball team gathered in the gym at 6 AM on Saturday morning, their energy levels somewhere between "caffeinated squirrel" and "small nuclear reactor." The prefecture tournament was scheduled to begin at 10 AM, which meant they had four hours to warm up, run drills, and work themselves into the kind of nervous excitement that could either propel them to victory or cause them to forget how to play volleyball entirely.
Kenji arrived precisely on time, carrying his gear bag and wearing the team's official warm-up uniform. At forty years old, he was probably the only person in the gym who didn't need coffee to function at this hour, but he'd stopped at a convenience store anyway to maintain his cover as a teenager who definitely needed caffeine to survive.
"Takahashi-senpai!" called out Kimura, the team captain. "Ready to show Tokugawa High what we're made of?"
"As ready as we'll ever be," Kenji replied, which was both diplomatic and accurate.
Coach Nakamura addressed the team with the kind of motivational speech that belonged in a sports anime: lots of talk about fighting spirit, never giving up, and the power of teamwork. The players hung on every word like he was revealing the secrets of the universe.
"Remember," the coach concluded, "Tokugawa High may have more experience, but we have something they don't: heart!"
The team erupted in cheers. Kenji found their enthusiasm both inspiring and exhausting.
As they began their warm-up routine, several teammates approached him with last-minute questions about strategy, technique, and managing pre-game nerves.
"Takahashi-senpai," asked a nervous first-year, "what if I mess up during the match?"
"Everyone makes mistakes," Kenji replied, drawing on twenty years of experience in high-pressure situations. "The key is not letting one mistake turn into two mistakes. Focus on the next play, not the last one."
"What about the pressure? There's going to be a lot of people watching."
"The spectators aren't playing the game. Once you're on the court, it's just you and your teammates. Everything else is background noise."
"You sound like you've played in big tournaments before," Kimura observed.
"I've been in high-pressure situations," Kenji said carefully.
The warm-up session went smoothly, with the team running through their plays and practicing their serves. Kenji found himself naturally falling into a leadership role, calling out encouragement and making strategic suggestions. The other players responded to his guidance with the kind of trust that made him feel both proud and guilty.
These kids genuinely looked up to him. They believed he was one of them, just a little more talented and mature than average. The thought of eventually revealing the truth—that he was actually a government agent twice their age—made his chest tight with something that might have been regret.
At 8:30, they loaded onto the bus for the tournament venue. Kenji found himself sitting next to Kimura, who was staring out the window with the intense focus of someone trying to visualize success.
"Nervous?" Kenji asked.
"Terrified," Kimura admitted. "This is my last chance to win something significant before graduation. If we lose in the first round..."
"We won't lose in the first round."
"How can you be so confident?"
"Because we've prepared. We know our strengths, we know their weaknesses, and we have something to prove. That's a powerful combination."
"You really think we can beat them?"
Kenji looked around the bus at his teammates—earnest, hardworking teenagers who'd spent weeks preparing for this moment. They deserved better than false reassurance.
"I think we have a real chance," he said honestly. "But even if we don't win, we'll play with everything we've got. Sometimes that's all you can ask for."
The tournament venue was a large sports complex filled with teams from across the prefecture. Kenji watched his teammates' faces as they took in the scope of the competition—dozens of teams, hundreds of players, an atmosphere charged with competitive energy.
"This is huge," whispered one of the second-years.
"Look at all these teams," added another. "Some of these guys are enormous."
"Size isn't everything," Kenji reminded them. "Speed, strategy, and teamwork beat size every time."
They found their assigned warm-up area and began preparing for their first match. Other teams were doing the same, and Kenji couldn't help but notice that several opposing players looked significantly older and more physically developed than his teammates.
That's when he spotted the Tokugawa High team.
They were everything the rumors had suggested: tall, athletic, and carrying themselves with the confidence of champions. Their warm-up routine was precise and professional, like watching a well-oiled machine in action.
"Oh no," murmured Kimura. "They're really good."
"They're skilled," Kenji agreed, "but they're also predictable. Watch their setter—he telegraphs his intentions. And their ace spiker always goes cross-court on his first attack. We can use that."
"How did you notice that so quickly?" asked one of his teammates.
"I pay attention," Kenji replied, which was true, though his ability to read opponents came from years of training in observation and analysis rather than volleyball expertise.
The first match began at exactly 10 AM. Sakura High took the court to polite applause from their small cheering section, which included Agent Sato (looking appropriately teacher-like), several classmates, and, unfortunately, Nurse Yamada, who waved enthusiastically when she spotted Kenji.
"Is that the school nurse?" Kimura asked, following his gaze.
"Yeah. She said she'd come to cheer for the team."
"She's pretty. And she seems really interested in you, senpai."
"She's just being supportive."
"That's not how she's looking at you."
Before Kenji could respond, the referee called for the team captains to meet at the net for the coin toss. Tokugawa High won the toss and chose to serve first.
The match began with all the intensity Kenji had expected. Tokugawa High came out strong, utilizing their height advantage and powerful serves to put pressure on Sakura High's defense. The first set was close, but Tokugawa managed to pull ahead in the final points, winning 25-21.
During the break between sets, Coach Nakamura gathered the team around him.
"They're good," he admitted, "but we're not out of this. Takahashi, what did you observe?"
All eyes turned to Kenji, who found himself in the uncomfortable position of being the team's strategic leader despite being decades older than everyone else involved.
"Their middle blocker is leaving gaps when he commits to the outside," Kenji observed. "If we can draw him out of position, we can attack through the middle. Also, their libero is cheating left on defense—we can exploit the right side with well-placed tips."
"Excellent analysis," Coach Nakamura said. "Everyone hear that? We adjust our strategy for set two."
The second set was a different story. Armed with Kenji's observations, Sakura High began to find holes in Tokugawa's defense. The momentum shifted, and what had been a one-sided match became a genuine competition.
Kenji found himself playing the match of his life—or at least, the match of his undercover assignment. His serves were precise, his spikes were powerful, and his court awareness allowed him to anticipate plays before they developed. The crowd began to take notice, and he could hear whispers about the "mysterious transfer student" who was single-handedly keeping Sakura High in the match.
With the score tied 24-24 in the second set, Tokugawa High's ace spiker went for his signature cross-court attack. But Kenji had been watching, waiting for exactly this moment. He positioned himself perfectly and delivered a block that sent the ball straight down onto Tokugawa's side of the court.
Set point, Sakura High.
The gym erupted in cheers. His teammates mobbed him with congratulations, and even the opposing team looked impressed by the play.
"Takahashi-senpai!" Kimura yelled over the noise. "That was incredible!"
They won the second set 26-24, forcing a decisive third set.
The third set was volleyball at its finest—long rallies, spectacular saves, and the kind of back-and-forth action that made spectators forget to breathe. Both teams were playing at their absolute peak, neither willing to give an inch.
With the score tied 14-14 (first to 15 wins), Kenji found himself at the service line. One good serve could put them ahead. One mistake could cost them the match.
He looked up at the stands and caught sight of his cheering section: his teammates' friends and family, Agent Sato looking nervously supportive, and Nurse Yamada holding a sign that read "Go Kenji-kun!" with several heart decorations.
For a moment, the absurdity of the situation hit him full force. He was a forty-year-old government agent, serving in a high school volleyball tournament, being cheered on by teenagers who thought he was their peer and a school nurse who was either part of a dessert conspiracy or genuinely infatuated with someone she believed was seventeen years old.
Then he served the ball.
It was a perfect serve—powerful, precise, and aimed at the one spot in Tokugawa's formation that he'd identified as vulnerable. The opposing team scrambled to return it, but their pass was off-target, their setter couldn't get into position, and their attack went wide.
Point, Sakura High. Match, Sakura High.
The celebration was immediate and overwhelming. His teammates lifted him onto their shoulders, the crowd cheered, and Coach Nakamura was wiping away what might have been tears of joy.
"We did it!" Kimura shouted. "We actually beat Tokugawa High!"
"This is just the first round," Kenji reminded him, though he couldn't help smiling at their enthusiasm.
"Who cares? We beat the defending champions! We can beat anyone!"
As the team celebrated their victory, Kenji noticed Agent Sato making her way down from the stands. She approached him with the careful expression of someone trying not to blow their cover while also expressing genuine amazement.
"Congratulations, Takahashi-kun," she said formally. "That was an impressive performance."
"Thank you, Sato-sensei."
"You played like someone with years of experience."
"Just beginner's luck."
She gave him a look that suggested they would be having a conversation about this later.
The celebration was interrupted by the arrival of Nurse Yamada, who had somehow made her way onto the court and was approaching with obvious excitement.
"Kenji-kun!" she called out, ignoring the fact that she was using his first name in front of his teammates and teacher. "That was amazing! So powerful, so athletic!"
"Thank you for coming to cheer for the team," Kenji replied carefully.
"I wasn't cheering for the team," she said with a smile that made him deeply uncomfortable. "I was cheering for you. You were magnificent out there."
Several of his teammates were watching this interaction with interest.
"Nurse Yamada is really excited about your performance, Takahashi-senpai," one of them observed.
"She seems very... supportive," added another.
"I believe in supporting talented students," Nurse Yamada said, moving closer to Kenji in a way that made the entire situation feel inappropriate. "Especially ones with such... impressive physical capabilities."
Agent Sato stepped forward with the authority of a teacher intervening in an uncomfortable situation. "Nurse Yamada, perhaps we should let the team focus on their next match preparation."
"Of course, Sato-sensei! I just wanted to congratulate our star player personally." She turned back to Kenji with a smile that was definitely not appropriate for a school nurse addressing a student. "Kenji-kun, I have those research materials we discussed ready for you. Perhaps we could meet later to go over them?"
"What research materials?" Kimura asked with curiosity.
Kenji felt sweat forming on his forehead. "Just some... health and nutrition information."
"For athletic performance," Nurse Yamada added quickly. "I've been developing some specialized supplements that could really benefit someone with Kenji-kun's... stamina."
Agent Sato's eyes widened in alarm.
"That's very thoughtful," Coach Nakamura interjected, "but we prefer to stick to traditional training methods."
"Oh, these aren't traditional methods," Nurse Yamada said with enthusiasm. "They're much more... advanced. Cutting-edge techniques that most people haven't heard of yet."
"What kind of techniques?" Agent Sato asked, her teacher persona barely concealing her investigative interest.
"Nutritional enhancement through carefully formulated desserts. It's all very scientific—specific combinations of ingredients that boost cognitive function, physical performance, and overall well-being."
Kenji and Sato exchanged glances. This was the most direct information they'd gotten about the pudding conspiracy yet.
"That sounds fascinating," Agent Sato said carefully. "What kinds of ingredients?"
"Oh, various imported compounds," Nurse Yamada replied vaguely. "Gellan gum derivatives, specialized flavor enhancers, texture modifiers that help with absorption. All completely natural, of course."
"Where do you source these ingredients?" Kenji asked, trying to sound like a curious student rather than an undercover agent.
"From a wonderful international supplier. They provide materials to educational institutions all over the world. Very reputable organization."
"What's the name of the organization?" Agent Sato pressed.
Nurse Yamada's expression became slightly guarded. "Why all the questions? Are you both interested in trying my supplements?"
Before either agent could respond, the tournament announcer called for all teams to report to their designated areas for the next round of matches.
"We should go," Kenji said quickly, grateful for the interruption.
"Of course! Focus on your next match, Kenji-kun. But don't forget about our research session. I think you'll find my methods very... stimulating."
As Nurse Yamada walked away, Agent Sato grabbed Kenji's arm and pulled him aside.
"This is getting worse," she said in a low voice.
"Which part? The fact that she's clearly part of the conspiracy, or the fact that she's hitting on someone she thinks is seventeen?"
"Both! But we're finally getting somewhere with the investigation. International supplier, educational institutions worldwide—this is bigger than just one school."
"Great. A global pudding conspiracy run by people who flirt with minors."
"We need to get more information from her."
"Absolutely not. I'm not going anywhere alone with that woman."
"You might not have a choice. She's our best lead."
Their conversation was interrupted by Kimura calling out from across the court.
"Takahashi-senpai! Coach wants to go over strategy for the next match!"
The second match of the day was against Higashi Academy, a team known for their defensive play and strategic approach. After the emotional high of beating Tokugawa High, Sakura High had to refocus and prepare for a completely different style of opponent.
"They're going to try to tire us out," Coach Nakamura explained during their strategy session. "Long rallies, lots of digs, making us work for every point. We need to stay patient but aggressive."
"What's their weakness?" asked one of the players.
Kenji found himself automatically analyzing their warm-up routine. "Their setter is right-handed but favors setting to the left side. If we can pressure him from that direction, we can force him into uncomfortable positions."
"Good eye," Coach Nakamura said. "Anything else?"
"Their middle blocker has good timing but poor lateral movement. Quick attacks through the middle should work, especially if we can vary the tempo."
"You see a lot for someone who just started playing competitively," the coach observed.
"I watch a lot of volleyball," Kenji replied, which was technically true if you counted the three YouTube videos he'd studied the night before.
The match against Higashi Academy was exactly what they'd expected—long, grinding rallies that tested both teams' endurance and mental fortitude. But Sakura High's youth and enthusiasm proved to be advantages, and Kenji's experience in high-pressure situations helped keep the team focused.
They won in straight sets, 25-23 and 25-21.
"Semifinal round!" Kimura announced as they celebrated their second victory of the day. "We're in the semifinal round!"
"One more win and we're in the championship match," added another player.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Kenji cautioned, though he was impressed by how far they'd come.
As the team packed up their gear and prepared for a break before the semifinal match, Kenji noticed Agent Sato approaching with what appeared to be a school administrator—a middle-aged man in a suit who looked vaguely familiar.
"Takahashi-kun," Agent Sato said formally, "this is Principal Watanabe. He wanted to congratulate you on your performance today."
"Thank you, sir," Kenji replied, bowing appropriately.
"Quite impressive for a transfer student," Principal Watanabe said, studying Kenji with sharp eyes. "You seem remarkably... mature for your age."
"I've always been told I'm mature for seventeen," Kenji replied carefully.
"Seventeen?" The principal's eyebrows rose slightly. "Interesting. You carry yourself like someone much older. Very composed under pressure."
"Sports can be good training for life skills," Kenji said diplomatically.
"Indeed. I understand you're also involved in our drama production?"
"Yes, sir. Playing Romeo."
"Romeo! How appropriate. Though I have to say, your interpretation of the character is quite unique. Much more... experienced than most young actors bring to the role."
Agent Sato was giving Kenji warning looks, clearly concerned about where this conversation was heading.
"I just try to understand the character's motivations," Kenji replied.
"Understanding comes from experience," Principal Watanabe observed. "And you seem to have quite a lot of experience for someone so young."
There was something in the principal's tone that made Kenji's investigative instincts tingle. This felt less like casual conversation and more like subtle interrogation.
"I read a lot," Kenji said simply.
"Reading is valuable. But some things can only be learned through living." The principal paused. "I hope you'll continue to be such a positive influence on our students, Takahashi-kun. Maturity and leadership are rare qualities in young people."
"I'll do my best, sir."
"I'm sure you will. Good luck in your semifinal match."
As the principal walked away, Agent Sato moved closer to Kenji.
"That was weird," she said quietly.
"Very weird. He was fishing for something."
"Do you think he suspects?"
"Maybe. Or maybe he's just a naturally suspicious person."
"Either way, we need to be more careful. This whole situation is attracting too much attention."
"Tell me about it. Half the school thinks I'm some kind of volleyball prodigy, the other half wants to cast me in their next production, and the school nurse keeps sending me text messages with heart emoticons."
"Speaking of which..." Agent Sato pulled out her phone and showed him a message. "I intercepted this from the school's communication system. It's addressed to Nurse Yamada."
The message read: "Phase 2 implementation proceeding on schedule. Target subject showing expected responsiveness to enhanced formulations. Recommend accelerating timeline for full recruitment. —IDC Management"
"IDC," Kenji said immediately. "International Dessert Consortium."
"Has to be. And 'target subject'..."
"They're talking about me."
"The pudding she gave you was some kind of test. They're trying to recruit you into whatever this conspiracy is."
"Through pudding."
"Through specially formulated pudding designed to... what? Brainwash people? Make them more compliant? Change their behavior?"
"Only one way to find out."
"Please tell me you're not thinking of going through with her research project."
"It's the only way to get to the bottom of this."
"It's also the only way to end up on a registry or worse."
"I'll be careful."
"Kenji, this woman thinks you're a seventeen-year-old student and she's trying to get you alone for 'research purposes.' There's no version of careful that makes this okay."
Before Kenji could respond, the tournament announcer called for teams to report for the semifinal round.
"We'll figure this out later," he said. "Right now, I have to help a bunch of teenagers win a volleyball tournament."
"This whole situation is insane."
"Welcome to my life."
As they walked back toward the court, Kenji caught sight of Nurse Yamada in the stands, waving enthusiastically and holding up a new sign that read "Kenji-kun is #1!" with even more heart decorations than before.
Agent Sato followed his gaze and shook her head. "You're doomed."
"Probably. But at least we're finally getting somewhere with the investigation."
"True. Nothing says 'successful undercover operation' like uncovering an international dessert conspiracy while accidentally becoming a high school heartthrob."
"When you put it like that, it sounds almost normal."
"Nothing about this is normal, Kenji. Nothing."
The semifinal match was about to begin, and with it, another step deeper into the increasingly complex web of teenage social dynamics, international conspiracies, and volleyball tournaments that had somehow become Kenji's life.
In the stands, Nurse Yamada was waving her sign and texting on her phone, probably reporting to her mysterious IDC contacts about the "target subject's" athletic performance.
On the court, a group of earnest teenagers were counting on their forty-year-old "teammate" to help them achieve their dreams.
And somewhere in the middle of it all, Agent Kenji Takahashi was trying to figure out how to save the world from a pudding conspiracy without accidentally dating any of the conspirators.
Just another Saturday at Sakura High School.