Korai Hoshiumi enters the scene as a formidable second-year wing spiker for Kamomedai High School, later ascending to the Schweiden Adlers in Japan's V.League Division 1 and securing a spot on the Japan National Team. Hailing from a family of four – parents and an older brother, Akitomo – he inherited his shorter stature from his mother, contrasting his tall father and brother. Initially drawn to basketball, Hoshiumi switched to volleyball in second grade to escape Akitomo's teasing about his height. Though the reason was shallow, witnessing professional matches ignited a genuine passion for the sport. A defining moment arrived when Akitomo effortlessly spiked during a joint practice, earning admiration solely for his height. This prompted Hoshiumi to confront his mother about the unfairness. Her counsel to focus on skill over height became his creed, fueling relentless training to forge himself into a versatile and powerful player. Physically, Hoshiumi sports light-colored hair, styled like bird plumage in high school before reverting to a shorter childhood cut. His athletic build and distinctive large, wide eyes are notable. He typically wears his Kamomedai uniform with one kneepad on his right knee and blue shoes featuring yellow accents. His personality radiates confidence, enthusiasm, and fierce competitiveness, often showcasing pride in his abilities. Mentions of his height or perceived lack of appreciation for his skills easily provoke irritation, rooted in his long journey overcoming physical limitations. Yet during matches, a calm focus prevails. Technically masterful, Hoshiumi utilizes a unique approach run channeling momentum into the balls of his feet, generating extraordinary leaping height. This allows him to spike over blockers and execute pinpoint jump serves. A complete all-rounder, he excels in spiking, blocking, receiving, and setting. His versatility shines when stepping into the setter role, delivering tosses that impress peers and coaches. Sharp court awareness and adaptability make him tactically potent, capable of unexpected feints or redirecting spikes mid-flight. At the All-Japan Youth Training Camp, his abilities immediately draw attention, especially from Tobio Kageyama. Kageyama's lack of visible awe at his jumps sparks frustration. Hoshiumi later displays his setting skills in drills, reacting irritably to doubt about his tosses. During the Spring Tournament Nationals, Hoshiumi challenges Shoyo Hinata for the title of "true Little Giant." In Kamomedai's clash with Karasuno, he proves immensely troublesome, scoring against multiple blockers, landing service aces, and executing coordinated defensive shifts. He expresses surprise and annoyance seeing Hinata employ a similar jumping technique, solidifying his top-tier reputation through the match. Hoshiumi deeply resents the overemphasis on height in volleyball. After a standout performance, he angrily confronts a reporter fixated on his stature, declaring, "Being short in volleyball may very well be a disadvantage, but it does not automatically imply incompetence or ineptitude." This conviction underpins his entire approach. His professional career with the Schweiden Adlers cements his elite status. He continues evolving, focusing on refined techniques and strategic plays rather than relying solely on physical surprises. This shift reflects a maturation from seeking validation through impressing others to pursuing sustained excellence within the team dynamic. Hoshiumi's journey showcases the continuous refinement of skill and mentality, transforming early frustration over physical limitations into a comprehensive mastery of volleyball fundamentals and advanced techniques, embodying a dynamic and multifaceted athlete.