Harukana Receive (はるかなレシーブ)

If you didn't know,

there are two kinds of sports in this world.

Individual sports,

and team sports.

And on the team side of things,

there's a sport that can only be played with two people.

And that's beach volleyball.

On this vast court of sand,

it's just the two of you.

And that's why...

...you've gotta choose the right partner!

Our flight will be arriving at Naha Airport

in approximately 10 minutes.

The current local time is 10:40 in the morning.

It's clear and sunny with a temperature

of 28.9 degrees Celsius.

Wow! It's so pretty!

I can't believe I'm here! I finally made it to Okinawa!

That island smell!

Apparently, we cross the Kouri Bridge.

Cool. I bet it's gorgeous!

You're on the beach as soon as you leave the bridge!

--Look at her! --Uh?

Is it just me, or is she crazy-tall?

She really is. I wonder if she's a model?

Make sure you contact me

once you get there, okay, Haruka?

'Kay. Sorry you have to move for work by yourself.

I don't speak the language well enough.

Just make sure you don't cause any trouble.

Yeah, I know, I got it.

Oh, hey, have I mentioned

that your cousin Kanata lives with your grandma, too?

You remember her, don't you?

Pardon me.

Huh?

Uh, um...

Well, hello there!

What's wrong, do you need some help?

Have you lost your mommy?

Um...

You're Haruka Oozora, right?

Hm?

I'm your cousin, Kanata Higa.

Wha--?!

No way!

You're Kanata?

It's been so long!

The last time we saw each other was the summer of fourth grade.

Look. Remember this?

It's funny.

Back then, we were about the same height,

so I assumed you'd still be as tall as me.

I remember, and I really wish I was.

Oh...

Hm... Ha!

Oh, yeah! Tell me this,

is it true that we're going to be rooming together?

I'm sorry if you have to give up space,

but I'm looking forward to being roomies!

No, it's fine.

My room's actually really big.

U-Uh.

Why does she seem so distant?

After all, we are gonna be living in the same room.

I'm afraid this doesn't bode well!

The ocean!

Perfect! Yes!

And, hey, it doesn't smell, either.

And there aren't any waves at all.

Wait, why? That's so weird! What's even going on?!

Oh, who cares, actually, this is freaking amazing!

Oh, it's a swimsuit.

Oh!

It's so clear! Incredible!

Now that I'm staying here,

I'll be able to swim in the ocean, and surf,

and even go deep sea diving!

I'm so excited!

It's surreal to have the ocean so close to home!

What a dream!

I'm back!

Kamekichi.

Well?

--Where's Haruka? -- The beach.

My goodness, she didn't waste any time, did she?

I don't wanna leave her alone,

so I'm gonna change and head back.

Oh, good idea.

You should go and have a little fun.

So, this is it.

The place where you used to practice before, huh?

It looks to me as if someone's still using it.

Let's begin.

Oh, crap!

I forgot sunscreen! I'm burning!

I meant to put some on just as soon as I got here.

--I'm so forgetful. -- Hey! You, over there!

Look up! The ball!

Are you okay?

-- Yeah! --Sorry, thanks for that!

What are you doing out here?

We're playing beach volleyball.

Wow!

Do you mind if I watch you for a while?

Mm-- Sure, go ahead.

Oh, man! This is so intense!

Huh...

Here!

Thanks, good throw!

-- Wait! --Uh?

Don't you have more control of the ball

when you do it more like this?

You'd think.

Actually, it's really easy to foul that way.

Overhand sets are tricky in this game.

Oh...

Heh. Would you like to give it a try?

Really? Are you kidding me right now?!

Nah. It's cool, right?

Yeah, if you're good with it.

How exciting! Oh, nice to meet you guys.

My name's Haruka Oozora and I'm a sophomore.

So, hi!

Oh? Well then I guess we're all the same age!

My name's Ayasa Tachibana.

And this is my awesome playing partner,

Narumi Tooi. Nice to meet you!

It's my pleasure!

Mm.

I can't believe I met you.

I actually just moved here today.

I'm gonna be living near here with my cousin.

Are you both from Okinawa?

Mm-mmm. We're from Kyoto.

But you used to live here, right, Narumi?

-- Yeah. -- Oh, gotcha.

Well, should we get started?

Sure!

Wanna try hitting it first?

I'll go ahead and set you up,

then you try to spike it over.

Cool! I'll do the best that I can!

Aw...

Wow, that was quite a jump.

I actually thought I could go higher,

but my feet got stuck in the sand.

I think you did really well for your first try.

Oh, you do? Yes!

Maybe we're witnessing the birth of a new ace here, huh?

That's probably taking it a bit far.

-- Hey. --Yes?

First lesson of the day.

Don't use the word "ace" so lightly.

-- --Narumi, would you chill out?

Beach volleyball takes two people.

The word "ace" doesn't belong in this sport's vocabulary.

Oh! I'm so sorry!

I didn't realize I was saying anything wrong!

Come on, now. She didn't know, this is her first time.

Are we done?

Uh...

--Sorry. --

Kanata.

Uh...

Uh, wait. Do you two know each other?

This court is cleaner than I had expected.

It seems as though someone is still using it.

-- Why, then? --Uh...

Well, don't just stand there, answer me!

Why the hell did you not come back?!

-- Haruka. -- Yes?

One match. Right now. Are you in?

Huh?

We'll play to seven points,

but if you two score even one point on us,

then you win. How 'bout it?

That sounds like fun! Yeah, let's do it!

Come on, Narumi.

And you'll play? Kanata?