"Jump faster!"
"Move faster!"
In the midst of a fiercely competitive volleyball match, Kageyama skillfully delivered a perfectly placed ball to the eagerly awaiting spiker.
However, to his utter astonishment, the player meant to execute the spike seemed to be inexplicably frozen in place, their hand poised mid-air but failing to connect with the ball.
Frustration etched across his face, Kageyama turned his attention away from the botched play to survey his teammates, only to find that their collective focus had drifted far from the intensity of the game.
They seemed utterly detached from the match, engaged in whispered conversations and distracted by matters unrelated to the court.
Baffled and annoyed, he couldn't help but voice his exasperation. "Why on earth did you guys not make the leap?" he demanded, his voice rising with irritation.
Right at that moment, something strange happened in his dream. Kageyama suddenly found himself dressed in a bright red cape that billowed behind him as he stood. He also wore a fancy crown on his head, studded with sparkling jewels.
RING!
In an instant, a resounding, crystal-clear chime rang through the air, jolting Kageyama from his dreamlike state. His eyes snapped open, and he realized that the entire episode had been nothing more than a vivid, surreal nightmare.
"Tch!"
With a disdainful click of his tongue, Kageyama reached out to silence his blaring alarm clock, dispelling the lingering remnants of his dream as he prepared to face the day ahead.
==========================
It was a bright and early morning at the Karasuno High School volleyball court. The sun had just started to rise, casting a warm, golden glow over the area. The sky was clear, with a few fluffy clouds scattered here and there. The air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the scent of fresh grass and the promise of a new day.
The excitement was palpable as everyone gathered for the long-awaited 3v3 match. Members of the volleyball club were scattered around, stretching their limbs and getting ready for the game ahead. It was a routine they had mastered over time.
"Good morning."
They then heard a feminine voice. They turned around and saw a beautiful teenage girl with shoulder-length, raven-black hair. She wears a white tracksuit with black stripes on the side.
This was none other than Kiyoko Shimizu, the manager of the boys' volleyball club.
Tanaka, couldn't help but react with a noticeable blush, blurting out, "The beauty is here!" He couldn't contain his admiration.
However, Kiyoko paid little attention to Tanaka's comment and continued walking gracefully across the court. Her aura was captivating.
Sora, who read the manga, was left in awe by her real-life appearance. He had known from the manga that she was beautiful, but seeing her in person was an entirely different experience.
Shoyo, who had noticed Sora's stunned expression, couldn't resist teasing him. "Did someone catch your attention, Aniki?" Shoyo teased with a mischievous grin.
Caught off guard, Sora blushed and stammered, "I-uhh, no! I'm not interested in a romantic relationship at the moment." He remembered that Kiyoko would eventually marry Tanaka in the future.
Sure, he could change the timeline as he did with Shoyo, but Sora would rather marry someone else.
"Alright, let's get started," Daichi announced, and everyone on the court turned their attention to him. Standing alongside Daichi were Tsukishima and Yamaguchi, ready for the 3v3 match.
Daichi then directed his gaze toward Sora and said, "Sora-San, you'll be joining Tsukishima's team."
This decision piqued Sora's interest. In the manga, Daichi had joined their team, but it seemed that Sora's presence had altered the course of events.
Shoyo was taken aback and felt a sense of worry wash over him. He knew that Sora was exceptionally skilled as a libero and setter. What's more, both Sora and Shoyo had been diligently practicing the quick attack technique with Coach Ukai.
"But... he's my brother!" Shoyo protested a hint of desperation in his voice. "Surely there's some kind of exception to this rule, right?"
Sora offered a gentle smile and affectionately patted Shoyo on the head. "Sho," he said softly, "I can't always be by your side in volleyball, you know."
Sora's gaze then shifted towards Kageyama, who caught his eye. "Besides," Sora continued, "Kageyama is a fantastic setter... but he can be a bit challenging to work with."
A vein visibly throbbed on Kageyama's forehead upon hearing this remark. Despite Sora's previous apologies for his teasing, he couldn't resist the urge to tease Kageyama once again. But this time, the teasing was not meant to offend him in any way.
"Your brother has a point, Shoyo-San," Daichi chimed in, agreeing with Sora. "There will come a time when the two of you will have to part ways."
Shoyo couldn't help but pout and let out a sigh. "I suppose you're right," he conceded.
Daichi then offered some reassurance. "But don't worry," he said with a reassuring smile, "Tanaka is a stronger attacker than me. Although I won't take it easy on you."
"Ahem!" Tsukishima cleared his throat again, this time turning to Daichi with a hand covering his mouth. He whispered loudly, "So, who do you think I should try to pin down first?"
Tsukishima's comment had indeed triggered reactions from both Shoyo and Tanaka.
Meanwhile, Sora seized the moment to indulge in some entertainment of his own. He whipped out a massive bag of popcorn, clearly prepared to enjoy the show.
Tsukishima, unabashed by the attention, continued his commentary. "That's right. I can't wait to see the King dethroned," he mused.
However, Yamaguchi quickly reminded him, "Hey, Tsukki, they can hear you."
Tsukishima didn't seem to mind and replied with a sly smile, "I meant to be overheard."
He then fixed his gaze on Kageyama's back, ready to share more of his thoughts. "I hope they lose the-"
MUNCH!
But before Tsukishima could finish his sentence, a distinct "MUNCH!" sound cut through the air. It wasn't just Tsukishima who noticed; Daichi and Yamaguchi also turned their attention to the source of the munching sound.
To their astonishment, they found Sora nonchalantly holding a massive bag of popcorn and indulging in it, as if he were at a movie theater.
Sora raised an eyebrow when their gazes fell on him. "What?" he then took another leisurely bite of popcorn.
Sora, who knew about Tsukishima's relentless assaults on Kageyama, decided to bring popcorn and witness the drama unfold. Shoyo was not aware of this as Sora hid it perfectly in his bag.
With puzzled expressions, Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, and Daichi exchanged bewildered glances. They had so many questions racing through their minds. Where did he get that popcorn? Who on earth would eat popcorn before a volleyball match?
Daichi let out a resigned sigh. "Sora-San, I still don't understand your quirky habits, but for now, please set the popcorn aside. We're about to start."
Sora nonchalantly shrugged. "Alright then," he replied.
He then strolled over to an unassuming guy with slightly downturned eyes and medium-length dark brown hair neatly parted near the middle. It was none other than Chikara Ennoshita.
Sora handed the popcorn bag to Ennoshita with a casual smile. "Senpai, can keep an eye on this, you can have some if you want," he said before returning to the court.
Ennoshita blinked in surprise. "Uh, sure," he replied, holding the popcorn bag and watching as Sora rejoined the game.
Shoyo, Tanaka, and Kageyama couldn't help but witness Sora's popcorn antics, and like the rest of the team, they were equally baffled.
Curious, Tanaka leaned in and whispered in Shoyo's ear, "Hey, Shoyo-san, is your brother always like that?" He couldn't hide his amusement and curiosity about Sora's quirky behavior.
"Uhh... no," Shoyo replied, equally puzzled by his brother's unexpected behavior.
For all of Shoyo's entire life, Sora wasn't the type to indulge in a massive bag of popcorn right before a volleyball game, so this sudden turn of events had taken him by surprise as well.
=====================
"Take that!" Tanaka shouted as he unleashed a powerful spike, courtesy of Kageyama's precise set.
Tsukishima leaped to block the spike but came up short, failing to make a successful block. However, much to their relief, Sora was there to rescue the ball with a skilled dig.
"Tch!" Tanaka clicked his tongue in frustration at his missed opportunity, but the rally continued as the game intensified.
"Yams, set it!" Sora said to Yamaguchi.
"Ah s-sure!" Yamaguchi nodded, attempting to set the ball to Tsukishima. However, as he went for the set, something went awry. His hands didn't make proper contact with the ball, causing it to veer off course in an unexpected and comically wrong direction. The ball sailed way off target, missing Tsukishima by a considerable distance.
"Tweet!"
The ball went out and the score was now 02-01, in Kageyama's team's favor.
"Sorry about that," Yamaguchi quickly apologized, feeling a bit flustered by his previous error.
"Don't worry about it, Yams!" Sora reassured Yamaguchi with a friendly and encouraging smile.
As the match continued, Sora took on the role of the primary defender and passer for Tsukishima's team, while Yamaguchi was handling the setting duties, and Tsukishima was serving as the attacker and hitter.
However, as the game progressed, Sora began to notice some inconsistencies in Yamaguchi's setting, which made it challenging for Tsukishima to make powerful spikes. On the other hand, Tsukishima excelled at blocking but was only performing at an average level when it came to spiking the ball.
Sora, drawing from his knowledge of the manga, understood that Tsukishima and Yamaguchi were not particularly skilled at receiving at this point. Therefore, he had taken it upon himself to handle the defensive duties.
As Tanaka observed Sora on the opposite side of the court, engaged in conversation with Tsukishima and Yamaguchi, a frustrated click of his tongue escaped his lips.
"Tch! I thought he was a setter, but it seems he's better at receiving," he muttered to himself, surprised by Sora's adaptability and versatility in the game.
...
Sora stepped up to the service line and performed a simple jump serve, sending the ball over the net. Tanaka received the serve and sent it in a perfect pass to Kageyama.
"Hinata!" Kageyama called out, swiftly setting the ball towards Shoyo.
In a dramatic scene, Shoyo sprinted across the court, his powerful legs propelling him towards where the ball would land.
As he jumped to make the hit, Kiyoko couldn't help but be amazed by the distance Shoyo covered with his jump. Sora, on the other hand, couldn't hide his pride. His efforts to help Shoyo grow taller had clearly paid off, as Shoyo now had the ability to jump higher than the original.
"Here I come!" Shoyo declared as he prepared to spike the ball. However, his confidence was met with a surprising challenge when Tsukishima leaped to block his attack.
Sora was also surprised by this since he doesn't remember Tsukishima being able to jump that high from the manga or anime.
To outmaneuver Tsukishima's block, Shoyo quickly executed a feint with the ball, leaving Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, and other club members astonished by his quick thinking.
"I got it!" Sora exclaimed, anticipating Shoyo's move and successfully saving the ball with a skilled dig, ensuring that the rally would continue.
"Tsukki!" Yamaguchi exclaimed as he set the ball to Tsukishima.
In a tense moment, Tsukishima prepared to deliver a powerful spike that would challenge the opposing team's defenses.
Kageyama leaped to intercept the spike. However, Tsukishima surprised everyone by executing a feint, much like Shoyo had done earlier. This sudden change in direction caught Kageyama off guard, and his attempt to block the ball was in vain.
Tanaka and Shoyo scrambled to save the ball, but their efforts were futile as the ball hit the ground on their side of the court.
Sora was once again taken by surprise. "I didn't know Saltyshima is also capable of doing a feint," he mused to himself, impressed by Tsukishima's versatility.
"You copier!" Shoyo pointed at Tsukishima, playfully accusing him of borrowing his feint move.
Tsukishima ignored Shoyo's accusation and shifted his attention to Kageyama. "How about a special King's toss?" he suggested with a hint of sarcasm. "That leaves your opponents reeling. It leaves your allies reeling too!"
"Shut up," Kageyama muttered in response as he walked back to reposition himself on the court.
Sora, amused by the ongoing drama on the court, couldn't resist adding a touch of humor. "Man, I wish I had some tea with me right now," he mused, using the phrase to express his enjoyment of the intense match.
Sora then turned his attention to Yamaguchi. "Yams, it's your turn to serve," he announced, offering words of encouragement to his teammate.
As Yamaguchi prepared for his serve, the tension in the air was palpable. However, when he struck the ball, it didn't go as planned. The serve ended up hitting the wall instead of crossing the net, and a sense of disappointment washed over Yamaguchi.
Tsukishima's expression hinted at mild irritation, while Sora, always supportive, flashed a reassuring smile at Yamaguchi.
"S-sorry, guys!" Yamaguchi apologized with a sheepish grin, scratching the back of his head as he acknowledged his error.
Kageyama picked up a volleyball and rolled it in his hands, a determined look in his eyes. "The assault doesn't have to be quick," he muttered with confidence. "We're gonna win."
As Kageyama prepared to serve, Hinata couldn't help but offer his encouragement. "Give them a killer serve!" he shouted towards Kageyama. However, there was a hint of worry in his voice.
Shoyo knew that while Kageyama had a great jump serve, it might not be enough to challenge someone like Sora, whose defensive skills were exceptional.
Everyone was eager to see Kageyama's jump serve. Kageyama himself was aware of the challenge but was determined to give it his best shot.
Kageyama took a deep breath and launched into his jump serve, sending the ball soaring over the net with power.
However, to no one's surprise, Sora effortlessly received Kageyama's serve, showcasing his exceptional defensive abilities.
"Tch!" Kageyama clicked his tongue in frustration as he watched Sora's impressive defensive play.
"Yams!" Sora shouted, calling out to his teammate.
"I got it!" Yamaguchi responded with determination as he approached the net. Tsukishima had set the ball up perfectly for him.
Tanaka, ready to defend, leaped to block Yamaguchi's spike. However, Yamaguchi displayed remarkable finesse as he managed to find a gap in the block.
Shoyo managed to receive Yamaguchi's spike skillfully, keeping the rally alive. However, to his dismay, the ball unexpectedly veered back towards Sora's side of the court.
"Darn it!" Shoyo exclaimed in frustration, feeling the missed opportunity as the ball slipped out of their control.
Sora swiftly passed the ball to Tsukishima, calling out to Yamaguchi once more. "Yams!" he shouted.
"I got it!" Yamaguchi responded with unwavering confidence as he approached the net. Tsukishima set the ball perfectly for him once again.
Despite their best efforts, Tanaka couldn't quite manage to block Yamaguchi's spike again. Meanwhile, Kageyama and Shoyo attempted to save the ball but were unable to do so, resulting in a point for Tsukishima's team.
"Damn!" Kageyama muttered in frustration as he watched the point slip away.
Tanaka chimed in, "Sora-san's receive is comparable to someone I know," Tanaka commented as they watched Sora, who is complimenting Yamaguchi.
Tsukishima shifted his gaze to Kageyama, and a mocking smirk formed on his face. "Hey, King!" he jeered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe it's time for you to start playing for real."
Kageyama's scowl deepened at Tsukishima's mocking remark.
Shoyo, ever the curious one, couldn't hold back his confusion any longer. He interjected, "Seriously, what's with you picking fights? Also, what's with this 'King' business?"
Shoyo still has no idea why Sora and Tsukishima kept calling Kageyama a "king". He never got the opportunity to ask Sora about it since it always managed to slip off his head.
"Hey, smaller Tangerine," Tsukishima quipped, referring to Shoyo's orange hair, "do you know why he's called the king?" He pointed at Kageyama for emphasis.
Shoyo pondered for a moment, drawing parallels to Sora's nickname "Ice King" in Tennis due to his impressive skills. "Well, everyone was amazed by his skills, right?" he ventured, arriving at a conclusion that seemed to make sense to him based on Kageyama's abilities.
Tsukishima couldn't help but laugh at Shoyo's interpretation. "That's what most people think," he acknowledged. "But it seems his Kitagawa Daichi buddies coined the name 'King of the Court.' It means 'The Selfish King'—the arrogant dictator."
Kageyama's demeanor shifted noticeably as he looked down, his hands clenched. The weight of the nickname and its connotations seemed to affect him deeply.
While Tsukishima continued to assail Kageyama with his words, Sora seized the opportunity to quietly slip away.
Sora made his way over to Ennoshita, the bearer of the coveted popcorn bag. In a hushed voice, Sora asked, "Ennoshita-Senpai, where's the popcorn?"
Ennoshita, who had refrained from indulging in the popcorn, pointed discreetly toward the bag, which sat on a plastic chair nearby.
"Thank you, Senpai," Sora whispered his gratitude before stealthily making his way to the popcorn bag, hoping to enjoy a snack as he witnessed the drama unfold.
Tsukishima, seemingly relentless in his verbal jabs, continued to taunt Kageyama. "I'd heard rumors of him," he said with a sly grin, "but that match confirmed them. The king was so arrogant that he was sent to the bench."
Tanaka and Shoyo exchanged surprised glances, their expressions mirroring the shock of hearing this revelation about Kageyama's past.
Kageyama couldn't shake the memories that resurfaced as Tsukishima's taunts continued. He remembered that fateful day vividly—the day he had issued commands like "Move quicker! Jump higher! If you want to win, honor my toss!"
But what had left an even deeper mark than his mistakes on the court were the reactions of his teammates. When he had tossed, no one had been there to receive his sets.
His teammates had rejected him that day, delivering words that still echoed in his mind: "We don't stand with you."
Those words had created a profound rift between Kageyama and his teammates, one that he still carried with him, even as he played alongside new friends at Karasuno. The pain of that experience continued to shape his approach to volleyball and his relationships with others.
Tsukishima's taunting words cut deep as he continued to push Kageyama's buttons. "So, you won't do quick sets? Were you traumatized by that final?" he goaded, referencing Kageyama's past experiences and implying that those events had left a lasting impact on his playing style.
Kageyama chose to remain silent, refusing to engage in Tsukishima's provocations.
Meanwhile, Tanaka took a step forward, moving closer to the net to confront Tsukishima. "All you've done is run your mouth," he retorted, ready to defend his teammate and address Tsukishima's incessant taunts.
"Tanaka." However, Daichi's voice cut through the tension, calling out to Tanaka to halt. Tanaka paused, heeding his captain's command, though the intensity of the moment lingered in the air.
Sora, on the other hand, was enjoying the drama unfold as he munched another set of popcorn in his hands, earning a sweat-drop reaction from Ennoshita.
"You tossed but no jum-"
"You're right."
Tsukishima's words were abruptly cut off as Kageyama interrupted him, acknowledging the point being made. The sudden admission left a moment of silence in the midst of their exchange, as Kageyama appeared to reflect on the criticism directed his way. The match, filled with its emotional highs and lows, continued to unfold on the court.
"There's nothing scarier than tossing when no one's there," Kageyama confessed, his words carrying the weight of his past experiences.
"But that was in junior high," Shoyo reassured him, trying to lift his spirits and remind him of the present.
Kageyama's eyes widened in surprise at Shoyo's words. He had expected criticism or doubt, but Shoyo's unwavering support caught him off guard.
"I stand beside you, so don't worry," Shoyo continued, his determination shining through. He then pointed to Tsukishima, addressing their rivals with fiery determination. "Our mission now is to beat your ass!"
Daichi, Tanaka, and even Sora couldn't help but chuckle at Shoyo's spirited declaration.
As Sora observed Shoyo's unwavering support and kind-hearted spirit, Sora couldn't help but reflect on the changes he had made to Shoyo.
Despite the alterations to Shoyo's height and abilities, the core of his character remained unchanged—his kindness and determination were still very much intact. It was a reassuring reminder of the enduring qualities that made Shoyo who he was, regardless of any external changes.
Shoyo approached Kageyama with a determined look in his eyes. "You're going to beat Tsukishima, and become a setter," he declared confidently. "So, toss the ball to me. Or do you have any other ideas?"
Shoyo's words were not just a challenge; they were a reminder of their shared goals and the bond they had forged as teammates.
Shoyo's direct and unwavering determination seemed to elicit a reaction from Kageyama. His eyes twitched slightly in response to Shoyo's challenge, perhaps feeling the weight of the expectations placed on him.
"His passion for the game sickens me," Tsukishima's comment, filled with his trademark cynicism, caught the attention of Tanaka and Yamaguchi, who exchanged glances.
However, as Tsukishima turned around, he noticed that Sora was conspicuously absent from their side of the court. Puzzled, he scanned the area and quickly spotted Sora sitting on the sidelines and casually munching on his popcorn.
Sora, nonchalant as ever, caught Tsukishima's gaze and raised one of his eyebrows in response to the questioning look he received.
"What?" Sora inquired as if his choice to enjoy a snack during the match was the most natural thing in the world.
Tsukishima's eyes twitch. While Yamaguchi, Tanaka, Daichi, Sugawara, and even Kiyoko have sweat-drop reactions from Sora's antics.
....
After being briefly caught enjoying his popcorn, Sora returned to the court, his focus back on the game.
Tsukishima, stationed behind the court line, couldn't resist offering some wisdom, albeit in his characteristically blunt manner. "Caution is lost in high spirits. Effort isn't everything. You've got it wrong," he remarked cryptically, his words carrying a hint of skepticism.
"I got it!" Tanaka called out confidently as he received the incoming ball.
"Give it to me!" both Tanaka and Shoyo shouted simultaneously, their eagerness evident.
Kageyama found himself in a dilemma as he saw the ball coming his way. He knew that both Shoyo and Tanaka were formidable attackers, but he ultimately decided to set the ball to Tanaka, given his greater experience.
"Tanaka-"
"Kageyama!" Shoyo's voice rang out.
Kageyama swiftly turned around to find Shoyo already in mid-air, ready to spike the ball.
"I'm here!" Shoyo declared.
Kageyama reacted quickly, sending a precise set to Shoyo, who executed a powerful spike. Tsukishima and Yamaguchi, caught off guard by the sudden change in direction, were unable to block the lightning-fast attack.
Sora, known for his exceptional defensive skills, made an attempt to dive for the ball, but it proved to be too swift for him to reach.
'Oh nah, is this the part where they first discovered their quick attack?' Sora thought.
"What the hell, did you two just perform a quick attack?!" Tanaka exclaimed, surprised by the lightning-quick coordination between Shoyo and Kageyama.
The unexpected quick attack executed by Shoyo and Kageyama left everyone on the court in a state of surprise. It was a remarkable display of coordination and agility.
Sora couldn't help but smile as he observed the reactions of his teammates and opponents. "It looks like Karasuno now has 2 quick attacks," he remarked.
Sugawara, who watched the match, knew Kageyama was setting the ball to Tanaka. Kageyama responded to Shoyo's voice and threw him a direct toss.
Ad that quick attack, made Sugawara remind him of the quick attack made by the Hinata twins. Suga's gaze shifted towards Sora, who wore a proud smile as he observed Shoyo and Kageyama's successful quick attack.
Kageyama, in the midst of the match, suddenly had an idea. He grabbed Shoyo by the arm, prompting Shoyo to question, "Hey, Kageyama, what are you doing?"
"Shut up and follow my lead," Kageyama responded, his determination evident.
Tsukishima's attention shifted to Sora as he inquired, "Are you not going to be worried that your twin is being dragged by the king?"
Sora offered a casual shrug. "Meh," he replied dismissively. "Kageyama won't do that if I'm here. Besides, they're clearly bonding." Sora pointed to Kageyama and Shoyo, who were engaged in a conversation, their interaction indicating a growing connection and understanding between them.
"Hey, let's do the quick that you and Sora-San usually do," Kageyama suggested to Shoyo.
Shoyo hesitated for a moment, realizing the implications of attempting the same quick attack. "But that quick took me and Aniki months to perfect!" he protested, recalling the extensive effort they had put into refining that particular move.
"I know, but we're doing it right now anyway. Use all the athleticism and reflexes you have to hit my toss." Kageyama explained.
"Hah? That's how you're going to explain it?" Tanaka went near them.
"I got it!" Shoyo replied.
"Liar!" Tanaka shouted.
...
After numerous attempts to do a quick attack, they managed to do another one.
"Shoyo-San!" Kageyama acted swiftly, setting the ball to Shoyo before the opportunity could slip away.
"I got it!" Shoyo responded, leaping into action and spiking the ball in tandem with Kageyama's perfectly executed quick attack.
Despite their best efforts, Tsukishima and Yamaguchi found themselves unable to block the lightning-fast attack.
Sora, known for his incredible reflexes, dove in a valiant attempt to save the ball, but it proved to be just out of reach.
The sound of the referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling victory for Kageyama's team in the first set.
"Damn," Sora sighed in defeat, his face flat on the floor. "To think the quick attack me and Shoyo usually do will be used against me." The irony of the situation wasn't lost on him, and he couldn't help but acknowledge the effectiveness of the strategy, even as it resulted in his own defeat.
"Are you okay, Sora-San?" Yamaguchi's concerned voice reached Sora's ears. He looked up and saw Yamaguchi extending a hand to help him up from the floor.
"I'm fine." Sora accepted Yamaguchi's gesture, allowing them to assist him as he got back on his feet.
Tanaka, fueled by the victory and eager to taunt Tsukishima, took off his shirt and playfully waved it in the air, pointing his finger triumphantly at Tsukishima. "How do you feel now, Tsukisahima? You said you'd wipe the floor with us!"
"You'd think you were responsible, Tanaka!" Sugawa shouted from the sidelines.
"Eh?" Tanaka had a baffled look.
"That's right! It's thanks to the first years!" Enosshite agreed.
"You're taking the credit!" Sugawara said.
"No, disrobing, Baldy!" A teenager with an average build, short, spiky light brown hair, and large narrowed eyes said. This was Hisashi Kinoshita, one of the second years.
"Hey, that's just plain rude!" Tanaka pointed at them.
Hisashi then looked at Sora, Yamaguchi, and Tsukishima, who were taking a break, drinking some water and catching their breath.
"If they can't handle Shoyo-San's and Kageyama's offense, Tsukishima's team might fall behind," Hisashi remarked.
On the other side of the court, Shoyo, Kageyama, and Tanaka were also resting, trying to recover their energy.
Shoyo's eyes then landed on Sora, who was using a towel to wipe the sweat off his face.
Shoyo couldn't shake off a twinge of guilt. "I feel bad for using the quick attack against Aniki," he admitted.
However, Shoyo quickly reassured himself, realizing Sora's adaptability. "But knowing him, he'll get better as the match goes on," He had faith in his brother's ability to adjust and rise to the challenge, making the match even more exciting.
"Tweet!"
It was now time for the second set...
======================
"Tweet!"
Shoyo and Kageyama successfully did another quick attack, and the score was now 11-10 in their lead.
Tsukishima decided it was time to get serious, he took off his beige sweater and joined back on the match. Unknown to him, Sora was secretly ogling at him and no one noticed it.
...
Tsukishima saw Shoyo approaching the net and prepared to block him. However, to his surprise, Kageyama had different plans; he intended to set the ball not to Shoyo, but to Tanaka. The unexpected twist in their strategy caught Tsukishima off guard.
"Take that!" Tanaka delivered a powerful spike that left Yamaguchi unable to block it.
"I got it!" Sora quickly moved into position to receive the ball.
"Tch!" Tanaka expressed his frustration with a click of his tongue, recognizing Sora's skillful defense and the challenging nature of the rally.
"Yams, get it!" Sora shouted, directing the play.
In a coordinated move, Tsukishima set the ball to Yamaguchi, who spiked it with determination. However, their efforts were thwarted as Kageyama and Shoyo successfully blocked the spike.
"I got it!" Sora exclaimed as he skillfully received the ball, ensuring that the rally continued, keeping the momentum alive for their team.
On the sidelines, everyone continued to be impressed by Sora's defensive skills.
"Sora-san is really good at receiving, huh?" Sugawara remarked, prompting nods of agreement from the onlookers who were all captivated by the match.
Back on the court, Tsukishima prepared himself to set the ball. He considered the idea of setting the ball to Sora, thinking, 'If his twin can do it, then I'm pretty sure he can too.' Tsukishima made eye contact with Sora, silently conveying his intention to set the ball to him.
As Yamaguchi jumped into position, he was surprised when Tsukishima set the ball in a different direction, contrary to what he and Sora anticipated.
Sora stared at the ball as it touched the ground, not having understood Tsukishima's change in strategy. "Uhh..."
"Tweet!"
With the score now at 22-23 in favor of Kageyama's team.
Sora approached Tsukishima and questioned, "What was that?" He sought an explanation for the unexpected play that had just transpired.
"Sorry, I thought you understood my message," Tsukishima admitted.
Sora, puzzled, asked, "What message?" He was unaware of any message or signal from Tsukishima during the play.
"We made eye contact," Tsukishima clarified, explaining the non-verbal communication he had attempted.
Sora couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, so that's what you were referring to? I thought you were mesmerized by my eyes," he quipped, lightening the mood with a touch of humor.
Tsukishima's eyes twitched in response to Sora's playful comment, his composure momentarily disrupted by the unexpected remark.
Sora then acknowledged Tsukishima's attempt to communicate. "Well, I will try to spike then. Thanks for the reminders," he said with a smile, indicating his readiness to contribute to the team's efforts in the upcoming plays.
Despite his outward smile and commitment, Sora harbored a different thought beneath the surface. 'Crap! Tsukishima is now going to expect me to spike, but my dead ass can't even jump that high,' he thought inwardly, feeling a bit of pressure to meet Tsukishima's expectations.
...
In the midst of the rallies, the score remained at 22-24, in favor of Kageyama's team.
Kageyama, with his trademark jump serve, sent the ball across the net, and Sora received it with ease.
Tsukishima then took his position to set the ball, locking eyes with Sora as he did. With determination, he set the ball to Sora, expecting him to make a play.
Sora braced himself for the challenge, thinking, 'Here goes nothing!' He sprinted towards the ball and attempted to jump for the spike.
However, as he leaped, it became painfully clear that his jump was significantly lower. In a comical mishap, Sora accidentally ran towards the net while the ball sailed outside the boundaries, resulting in an unexpected turn of events.
The unexpected turn of events left everyone on the court surprised, with puzzled expressions on their faces. However, Shoyo, who was aware of Sora's limited jumping ability, remained unfazed, understanding the challenges his brother faced in certain situations.
"Tweet!"
Kageyama's team won the second set and the overall match.
=========================
"Good job, everyone!" Daichi congratulated the team after the match.
As the players took a well-deserved break, Tanaka approached Sugawara and Daichi with enthusiasm. "Daichi-san, Sugawara-san, we have some new monsters in the team!" he exclaimed, clearly impressed by the performance of some of their teammates.
"Yeah," Daichi agreed, turning his attention to the first-year players. "Using combinations like that could really help put Karasuno on the map."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the court, Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, and Sora took a break, sipping on water and wiping their faces with towels.
"Sora-san, what happened there?" Yamaguchi inquired.
"With what?" Sora responded, curious about his question.
"You collided with the net," Tsukishima chimed in with a smirk. "You looked like a fish caught in a fishing net." He couldn't resist a playful jab at Sora's mishap during the game.
Sora couldn't help but chuckle along with his teammates, feeling a bit embarrassed by his mishap. "Hahaha," he laughed it off. "Sorry about that, I didn't prepare properly."
Sora couldn't tell them his weakness at the moment, so he decided to hide it for now.
"Tsukishima!" Shoyo called out, approaching Tsukishima with Kageyama by his side.
Shoyo extended a hand toward Tsukishima, and Tsukishima arched an eyebrow in response. "What's this for?" he inquired.
Shoyo explained, "You're supposed to shake hands before and after a match. We haven't shaken hands yet, and we're going to be teammates." He wore a slightly displeased expression as he continued, "It doesn't make me happy, but..."
Tsukishima just gave Shoyo a judgmental look to Shoyo.
"C'mon Tsukishima," Sora encouraged Tsukishima, adding a friendly touch by wrapping his arm around Tsukishima's shoulder and playfully poking his cheek with a finger. "Daichi-san might not like it when y'all don't get along."
Tsukishima sighed in defeat, there was this unknown feeling inside of him that he wouldn't be able to win against Sora. "Fine."
Tsukishima, after a moment's hesitation, shook Shoyo's hand, earning a smile from Shoyo in return.
"Tsukishima!" Daichi called out to him, gaining Tsukishima's attention. Daichi asked, "How was the three-on-three match?"
Tsukishima replied with a hint of sarcasm, "I don't know. Our opponent was the king of the court. It's no surprise that we commoners lost."
Daichi, however, smiled appreciatively. "In spite of that, you took it seriously." He then handed Tsukishima the beige sweater he had dropped earlier, a sign of acknowledgment and praise for his efforts on the court.
Sora finds the whole situation weird. From the manga, the 3v3 match happened it's because Daichi wanted Shoyo and Kageyama to get along and prove themselves that they can be teammates.
"Daichi-san, why did you decide to do this three-on-three in the first place?" Sora inquired, seeking to understand Daichi's motives behind the match.
"We just wanted to evaluate your skills and see if you three have improved," Daichi explained succinctly, clarifying the purpose behind the three-on-three match.
"Oh." Sora simply replied with an understanding nod, accepting the explanation.
"Daichi-san," they heard Kiyoko's voice, drawing their attention to her as she approached while holding a box.
"Oh, they're here?" Daichi inquired.
Kiyoko nodded and carefully placed the box on the floor. She then used a box cutter to open it, revealing its contents. Shoyo and Kageyama peered inside the box and discovered black Karasuno tracksuits neatly packed within.
Shoyo and Kageyama couldn't help but smile as they eagerly put on the black Karasuno tracksuits.
Kiyoko watched them, offering some reassurance, "They should be able to fit, but let me know if they don't." Her attention to detail and concern for their comfort were evident in her words.
"Thanks!" Shoyo and Kageyama expressed their gratitude in unison, appreciating the gesture of receiving the new Karasuno tracksuits.
Sugawara approached Tsukishima, encouraging him to try on the tracksuit. Tsukishima, however, seemed a bit hesitant.
"I'll try it later," Tsukishima responded.
Tanaka chimed in, playfully teasing, "Why so shy? Just put it on!" They were eager to see Tsukishima in his new Karasuno tracksuit.
Sora examined the black Karasuno tracksuit in his hands, a sense of amazement in his expression. "It feels surreal to actually hold this," he commented. The opportunity to touch the famous Karasuno tracksuit that he had once only seen in manga was a surreal experience for him.
"Sora-san, you've won multiple national trophies in tennis, and the tracksuit feels surreal to you?" Ennoshita's voice reached Sora's ears as he turned around to address the comment.
Sora chuckled and replied, "Well, I guess it's just the feeling of being part of something new and exciting that makes it surreal, even after all the tennis victories."
"Try it on," Ennoshita encouraged Sora.
Sora followed his advice and put on the Karasuno tracksuit. To his delight, it fit him perfectly, making him feel like a true member of the team.
"So as members of the volleyball club..." Daichi started, and the rest of the team joined in, counting together, "1, 2, 3..."
"Welcome!" They all welcomed the four first years as official members of the club, cementing their places in the Karasuno volleyball team.
Sora couldn't help but smile and expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you."
Shoyo, Kageyama, Yamaguchi, and even Tsukishima joined in, echoing their thanks to the team, feeling a sense of camaraderie and belonging as they officially became members of Karasuno's volleyball club.
Sora, aware of what usually happened next, couldn't help but wonder inwardly, 'Isn't Takeda going to come in at any moment?'
BAM!
Just as he had thought, the doors suddenly slid open to reveal a man catching his breath. This man had messy black hair, brown eyes, and wore glasses. He was dressed in a green track jacket over a white shirt with a black tie.
Sora recognized him immediately as Ittetsu Takeda, the club advisor.
Takeda exclaimed, "A practice match! It's against one of the prefecture's top four teams, Aoba Johsai High!"
=====================
Author's Note:
I did promise that this chapter would be longer. So. Here it is!
Also, would you date Sora if he asked you out?