It was another Sunday—the day when the team to represent Miyagi Prefecture at Nationals would be decided.
Hayato stepped out of the car, his breath curling into a faint puff of white mist. Unlike that warm Sunday when he had first arrived in Uchino Town, late autumn had settled in. The chilly air bit at his skin, the kind that made you want to tuck your hands into your pockets and hurry inside.
"The day Karasuno's fate is decided," Hayato murmured with a quiet smile, watching his breath vanish into the air.
"Hmm? Did you say something?" Kiyoko tilted her head curiously, not catching his words.
"I said, today's the day Karasuno's fate is decided."
"Indeed. If we win today's match, we'll head to Nationals. Good luck."
"Mhm."
Their small exchange slipped unnoticed among the others. Karasuno, clad in their black tracksuits, strode forward with Daichi at the lead, their steps steady, almost marching toward Sendai City Gymnasium.
"I didn't expect Karasuno to make it all the way to the finals."
"And they even took down Seijoh. It feels like a powerhouse from the past making a comeback."
"But they fought a grueling three-set match yesterday. Today's going to be tough."
"Oh—speak of the devil, here they come."
Members from other schools, gathered in front of the notice board, turned their heads as Karasuno approached.
Every face in Karasuno's lineup was focused, sharp, and determined—no trace of nerves or hesitation. Their presence was like a flock of black crows closing in for the hunt. Among them, one figure stood out: a hawk with dark wings of its own, blending seamlessly into the murder of crows as though it had belonged there all along.
Even standing a step behind Daichi, Hayato's height drew the eye. Many in the crowd already knew his name.
"That guy, Kuroha Hayato, second year."
"His performance yesterday was impressive. A bit reckless against Seijoh at first, but he recovered fast. That jump serve of his was brutal."
"Yeah, they call it the 'Electromagnetic Cannon.' I heard that short middle blocker yell the nickname during the match."
"Speaking of him—Hinata Shoyo, right? That first-year is incredible. Honestly, when paired with Kuroha, they're a nightmare. They use each other as decoys. Focus on one, and the other strikes before you know it. Even watching from the stands, it feels suffocating."
"True, but a lot of credit goes to Kageyama for keeping up with both of them. His setting speed is insane."
"Kageyama Tobio of Kitagawa Daiichi… In middle school, he played like it was a solo game. Now he's learned to connect with his teammates."
The chatter didn't reach Karasuno's ears. Their footsteps fell in unison as they reached the gym entrance—where a lone figure had been waiting.
Ushijima Wakatoshi of Shiratorizawa stood like an unmovable wall, his sharp gaze fixed on them.
Hayato noticed the stare and simply nodded in acknowledgment. But before he could step forward, Hinata and Kageyama had already closed the distance.
"Hinata Shoyo. Kageyama Tobio," Ushijima greeted, locking eyes with both of them.
Hinata's chest swelled. "We made it to the finals."
"We, who grew up on concrete," Kageyama continued firmly, "will defeat you and advance to Nationals."
The declaration rang clear. Hayato couldn't help but smile—this moment, this challenge, belonged to these two.
Ushijima studied them in silence, then gave a simple reply. "I look forward to your performance. See you on the court."
He turned and left. Hinata clenched his fists, trembling with anticipation.
"Damn it, I want to play already!"
"Alright! We're going to Nationals! Let's go!"
"Oh!"
Daichi seized the moment, shouting encouragement, and the whole team echoed back with fiery voices.
Inside the gym, the atmosphere was completely different from earlier rounds. Not just students but entire families had come to watch—parents, siblings, grandparents. Reporters from TV stations and magazines lined the edges, cameras already raised.
"Ohhh, look at this crowd!" Tanaka whistled, nudging Nishinoya. "Yu, check it out, even reporters are here."
"Really? Do you think they'll interview us later?"
"If we win, for sure!"
"Ryu, your voice is shaking. You nervous?"
"I'm not! I'm just… excited!" Tanaka insisted, though his fidgeting betrayed him.
Nishinoya clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Picture it: the finals, against Shiratorizawa, and us playing our best in front of this massive crowd. Imagine how good that'll feel."
Tanaka froze, imagining it. Right then, a group of Shiratorizawa's female supporters walked by.
"As expected, people who play well really do look cooler."
Those words hit Tanaka like a jolt. He lit up instantly. "Ohhh! Yu, I'm fired up! I'll make a name for myself in this match!"
"I won't lose to you, Ryu!"
The two of them roared, their voices echoing embarrassingly through the gym.
"Hey, quit it already!" Ennoshita snapped, rubbing his temples as stares from the crowd piled on.
Hayato, standing a few steps away, watched them without batting an eye. He'd long accepted that being in Karasuno meant enduring their antics.
"You two are too loud!" Daichi barked, and the idiots quieted immediately.
Just then, Michimiya Yui and the girls' volleyball team appeared in the crowd.
"Daichi!" she waved.
"Michimiya, you came to cheer for us?"
"Of course! You actually made it to the finals—it's incredible!"
"Your vocabulary is incredible," her friend teased, making Michimiya flush red. Another girl nudged her, and she fumbled through her bag before pulling out a hand-stitched good luck charm.
"This—this is for everyone, not just you! It has all of our feelings embroidered in it. Don't think it means anything weird!" she stammered.
"Oh, thank you. You're always so thoughtful, Michimiya. I'll place it on the bench."
Straightforward as always, Daichi completely missed her intent. Hayato shook his head, exasperated, while Sugawara sighed beside him.
"Shouldn't we… help Daichi-senpai out?" Hayato asked in a low voice.
"Daichi's hopeless with this stuff. Better to leave it until after the match," Sugawara chuckled.
Meanwhile, Hinata's old friends from middle school had arrived to cheer him on. They laughed and caught up briefly before Kageyama wandered over, drawing wary stares.
"Why's he here?" one asked.
"Well, Kageyama's been through a lot," another replied.
"You good, Shoyo?"
Hinata grinned. "Just wait and see."
With that, he jogged off with Karasuno, heading toward the resting area as the weight of the finals pressed in on them all.
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