What's wrong, Sakusa?
"Is there any discomfort today?"
Motoya Komori looked at Kiyoomi Sakusa with a concerned expression.
"Nothing."
In the spacious dining hall, Sakusa still wore his mask, his brows slightly furrowed.
"Is it because Ushijima-senpai isn't here for this joint training?"
Hearing this, Komori rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Sakusa and Wakatoshi Ushijima had known each other since middle school competitions.
Since then, their relationship had been quite close.
Whether in matches or when being called up for national training with Ushijima, Sakusa always seemed genuinely happy.
"Hmm..."
At Komori's words, Sakusa's expression eased slightly.
"That's part of it."
"But Wakatoshi is already in his third year and isn't within the age group for this camp."
"I expected that."
He lowered his head, staring at his feet.
"I see..."
Komori had a pretty good idea now of why Sakusa was in low spirits today.
He glanced around, and upon spotting Akira's table, his eyes lit up.
"Kiyoomi, look! There are a bunch of people eating together over there!"
"Akira, Atsumu Miya—they're all there!"
"Why don't we join them?"
"Hmm..."
At the suggestion, Sakusa visibly hesitated.
"Forget it."
"Too many people. No thanks."
"I'm going to shower now, while the bathhouse isn't crowded with everyone's germs."
With that, he turned and walked toward the rest area.
"Ahh..."
Watching his back, Komori scratched his head and followed.
...
On the first day of intensive training, everyone had just begun adjusting to the new environment, unfamiliar faces, and the different training methods.
Very few could dive into practice at full throttle right from the start.
But by the second day, that was no longer the case.
Everyone had started to settle into camp life and began displaying their true abilities!
Compared to yesterday, today's matches were more intense—by a considerable margin!
And with that level of intensity, everyone's little habits—both good and bad—started to show.
Whether it was impressive techniques or subtle weaknesses, everything was exposed.
The coaches at the Japan National Sports Center were seasoned veterans overseeing both the national team and the youth training camp.
With their sharp eyes, they could instantly spot both strengths and flaws in a player's performance.
"That ball just now—when it's clear the ball is crossing the net, the setter should keep distance from it!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Kato! Your positioning is too far to the right—you're blocking the back-row attack line!"
"On court, you're not only managing your own play but coordinating with your teammates!"
"Remember—volleyball is a team sport!"
"Yes!"
"Akira! Your defensive reads are too obvious!"
"If the attacker sees you ready in position for the dig, they won't swing there!"
"You have to disguise your movements better—create a gap and lure them toward it!"
"But that last dig was still well executed!"
"Yes!"
...
With constant corrections and encouragement, everyone's technique steadily improved!
Meanwhile, at the Shiratorizawa gymnasium...
Wakatoshi Ushijima and his group were also arriving.
"Everyone is really fortunate this time!"
The Jōzenji High coach said with excitement:
"All the third-years from Shiratorizawa have agreed to join this training match!"
"Everyone, morning!"
Satori Tendō walked in cheerfully, arms raised high.
Behind him, Reon Ōhira and others quietly followed Ushijima onto the court.
"Good morning, senpai!"
Tsutomu Goshiki held a volleyball in his hand and gave a slight bow.
He must have heard the news in advance.
"Ushijima-senpai!"
"It's really Wakatoshi himself!"
...
Whispers filled the gym.
Ushijima's name was legendary in Miyagi Prefecture.
For two consecutive years, he had led Shiratorizawa to the national tournament and reached the top eight!
In his third year, he officially joined the national youth team!
Even though Shiratorizawa lost to Karasuno in the last two prefectural finals, his reputation remained untarnished.
Everyone could see it clearly—
The reason they lost was simply because Karasuno had grown incredibly strong!
Not because Shiratorizawa had weakened!
In fact, even though they had fallen to Karasuno, Shiratorizawa could still defeat any other team in Miyagi without breaking a sweat.
"Whoa~"
"It really is Ushijima!"
Shōyō Hinata's mouth dropped slightly open, while Kei Tsukishima's gaze grew serious.
Though they had mentally prepared themselves, actually seeing Ushijima in person again still brought an overwhelming pressure.
Having once faced him on the court, they understood his strength firsthand.
Even though Karasuno had defeated Shiratorizawa, neither of them would dare claim they had beaten Ushijima in a direct battle.
"Alright, let's group up!"
The Jōzenji coach called out loudly:
"Use designated codes for teams or groups! It'll make communication smoother!"
"Training matches begin in ten minutes!"
"Yes!"
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