Chapter Text
“Look,” Keishin says, “I appreciate your persistence, and I’m glad those kids have someone to look out for ‘em, but I ain’t a coach. I’m not gonna babysit a bunch of high schoolers.”
The teacher who’s been visiting him since the start of the school year - Takeda apparently, not that he really cares - just smiles. “It’s definitely not babysitting, Ukai-kun. They’re a very advanced bunch.”
“They can be advanced as they like,” he replies. “I ain’t doing it.”
“They have National qualifiers this weekend,” Takeda insists. “They stand a real chance but I’m not enough to help them reach their fullest potential.”
“Not my problem,” Keishin replies. “And let’s be honest, you’re more interested in the Ukai name than my ability as a coach.”
“While there’s some use to your name,” he says, and at least he’s honest about that, “we already have a name to our team that allows us to make connections.”
“Oh?” he laughs.
“The Miya Twins,” he says.
“Never heard of ‘em,” he replies.
Which is a complete lie. His grandpa spoke of them often last summer. The same way he used to talk about Udai and Inunaki. The kind of players he loved. Hard working, hungry for victory and with something else about them that drove them forward.
Monsters, he called them.
And, well, the Miya Twins apparently still visit the old pain in the ass in hospital regularly and leave flowers for him. He almost feels like he owes them just for that.
“To be honest, it means little to me either,” Takeda says. “But apparently it’s enough that the national champions want to play a practice match against them Golden Week.”
“The national champions?” Keishin repeats. “Want to play Karasuno?”
“Apparently they still have something of a reputation among high school volleyball from their days playing at Nationals,” he says. So they’re big shots who somehow ended up at Karasuno, huh? “And apparently their family is quite the dynasty. From what I understand, they’re most known as their Evening mother’s boys; Miya Tsubomi?”
Miya Tsubomi.
The youngest brats of the Asahina-Miya dynasty are at Karasuno? They’re here. What the hell are big shots with that kind of pedigree doing at Karasuno? He knows their oldest brother is in Sendai coaching a pro team but shouldn’t they be at Shiratorizawa or something?
“If you’d just come and see these boys play, you’ll understand they’re really something,” Takeda says. “They have a practice match tomorrow and are visiting the Sendai Frogs after then. Then National Qualifiers this weekend. If you just come and see how amazing they are, you’ll understand.”
“Nothing you can say or do will convince me to coach those kids,” Keishin replies.
“Even if Nekoma’s coming?”
“Nekoma?”
“Atsumu-san?” Tobio says, leaning against the stage next to Atsumu.
“What’s up, Tobio-kun?” Atsumu says.
They’re watching Shouyou working on passing with Nishinoya and Daichi. He’s really getting the hang of it, even if he doesn’t seem to understand why passing is so important yet. He understands it’s the most important part of volleyball and nothing gets started without a pass, but he still doesn’t appreciate it. Probably something to do with being on the short side and not wanting to be pigeon holed as a libero. He’ll get there. Sometimes it takes a while but when he has his moment, he’ll realise how important it is. You can't change someone’s mind overnight.
“I just…” Tobio frowns and Atsumu glances at him. “I’m still not sure how I can improve my setting.”
Atsumu tilts his head to consider him. “For a start, stop worrying ‘bout what other people think of ya.”
“But-”
“Second, what’d’ya think is the most important thing when it comes to settin’?” he says.
“I…” Tobio frowns, clearly trying to think through the answers he’s given before and what else he can say. “Giving the hitter the best set for them.”
“Getting better,” Atsumu says. “And, what is the best set for your hitter?”
“The set that makes the most of their abilities,” he says.
“Nope,” he says. “Wanna try again?”
“I don’t get it!” Tobio snaps. “Why won’t you just tell me?”
“‘Cause then ya won’t learn anythin’,” Atsumu says. “Look, yer sets are faster and more accurate than Oikawa-san’s right?” Tobio nods. “And if yer big #5 coulda hit those fast high sets like Shouyou-kun could, that woulda made the best of his abilities, right? Because he’s a big middle?” Tobio nods. “So where was the problem with that line of thinkin’?”
“He couldn’t hit them,” he mutters. “And you said you saw a better way to use his abilities.”
“That’s because the best sets are easy to hit.”
The doors to the gym open before Tobio can voice his no doubt many new questions about that. Atsumu straightens up as Takeda comes in. With the guy from Sakanoshita. Ok then. They head over with the team and Tobio follows behind Atsumu, clearly scowling and trying to figure out what Atsumu meant. He doesn’t really care. Tobio will either get it or he won’t.
“Let me introduce you,” Takeda says, once they’re gathered around. “This is Ukai-kun. He’ll be your coach starting today.”
“Really? A coach?” Daichi says.
“Only until the match against Nekoma,” Ukai says.
Atsumu wrinkles his nose. A half assed coach, great. Ryuunosuke steps forward. “But he’s the guy from the Sakanoshita Store. Is he really a coach?”
“He’s senpai to all of you,” Takeda says. “And the old Coach Ukai’s grandson.”
A bench warmer for his entire three years as a setter if Atsumu remembers actual Coach Ukai’s stories right. He sighs and leans closer to Osamu, tuning out the chatter and trying not to snap at the idea of being told what to do by someone who couldn’t even make the starting line up. How annoying. Do they really need a second rate coach? That can do more damage than no coach. Especially this close to a tournament.
“Ok, there’s no time to waste,” baby Ukai says. “I’m told you have a tournament coming up this weekend, so I’m not going to interfere too much before unless you ask me for anything. Consider this me getting to know you and seeing what you can do, and until after the tournament I’m just here if you need me. But, before that, I do want to see what you all can do, so you’ve got a game at six thirty. Your teacher says if I just watch you play I’ll understand how amazing you are, so do your best.”
“Wait, wait,” Daichi says. “Who are we playing?”
“The Neighbourhood Association Team,” he replies. “Ideally, I’d like to see your starting line up.”
Daichi turns back to the twins, who shrug. Atsumu folds his arms. “Not like we can’t swap around between sets.”
“It’d probably help him to see all our players anyway, right?” Osamu agrees.
“Alright,” Daichi calls, “Get warming up.”
“Right, I’ve got to finish up in the school,” Takeda says. “I should be back before the game starts.”
“If ya spot Asahi, feel free to boot his ass in our direction,” Atsumu calls.
By the time the Neighbourhood Association guys turn up, only four of them, Atsumu has been distracted by trying to figure out a quick attack with Yamaguchi. Unlike Tsukishima, he can’t do quick attacks already, so Atsumu is letting Kageyama and Koushi focus on the majority of setting for the team, Daichi and Nishinoya are looking after Hinata, and he’s taken Yamaguchi aside with Kazuhito. He likes Yamaguchi, and isn’t afraid to say so. He’s honest and genuine and hard working, if a little awkward. But, he doesn’t seem offended by Atsumu’s prickly attitude, probably too used to Tsukishima, and Atsumu appreciates that too.
He hopes baby Ukai isn’t going to waltz in here and expect him to play with Tsukishima just because he’s tall.
“Alright, kids,” Ukai calls. “I need a libero, an outside hitter and a setter, I’d do it myself but I need to watch you play.”
Daichi frowns at the team. “If we play our starting line up for the first set-”
“Hey, it’s Asahi-san,” Shouyou calls.
They turn quickly to find Shouyou hanging onto the bars over the windows and looking out. What on earth was he doing up there in the first place? And just as quickly Ryuunosuke is next to him and staring out.
“Asahi-san! We’ve got a new coach!”
And then Ukai is out of the door yelling at him. Atsumu snorts. He gets into trouble for yelling at Asahi. That’s so unfair. But at least he gets him into the gym, even if he’s looking guiltily up at them and Noya.
“Umm…”
“Tobio-kun,” Atsumu says softly. Tobio’s head jerks up. “I’m trustin’ ya with my team, so be good to ‘em.”
Tobio steps forward. “Atsumu-san, if you’re doing this for me-”
“Not for ya in the slightest, Tobio-kun,” he replies. Tobio frowns. “Kou-senpai hates when I fight with my spikers, and it’s a setter’s job to support their hitters, y’know. An’ right now, Asahi needs my support more than anyone else.” He lifts his head to glare at Asahi. “As long as yer not gonna run away again. Me an’ Noya-san have got yer back, y’know. We just need to know ya have ours.”
Asahi nods a little. “I’m here. I’ll do my best.”
“So get warmed up,” Daichi says. “Hurry up.”
They argue over who’s going to be on the school team while Asahi and the old guys warm up and Atsumu starts figuring out how to work with his new team. He watches them warm up, figuring out where they’re going to hit best and how much Asahi’s hitting has suffered for his month skipping.
It’s not like Atsumu is bothered by playing with older players. They regularly practiced with high schoolers when they were at Yako. They regularly attended Inarizaki’s camps in the summer, and honestly that makes it all the more upsetting that it was Coach Washijou who recommended him for Inarizaki rather than Coach Kurosu reaching out. And, well, they’ve trained with the older siblings’ and parents’ teams enough when there was no one else around to watch over them. He just would rather not have to cover the bad habits of adults too.
With everyone warmed up and ready to go, Shimizu hands out practice bibs. And, well, Atsumu is kind of glad to be in the green for once. Why does anyone use that lemon yellow for anything?
“Alright,” Ukai calls as they line up on the court. Atsumu would usually start the game with a big serve if he could but they’ve given the first serve to the school team. “Let’s get going and see what you kids can do.”
Kageyama steps back to serve and Atsumu glances back at Nishinoya. Time to see what Kageyama’s serve is really made of. He seems to think his serves are hot shit. Compared to the strong serves of the rest of them, they’re average. Kageyama throws up his toss and explodes forward, slamming down the serve. Nishinoya dives for it and the pass goes up as perfectly as ever. Asahi is still hesitating and so Atsumu sends it up to one of the adults for the point. Always good to get the first point in clean. He tips his head to gaze at Kageyama, who wrinkles his nose as Daichi tosses the ball over to Atsumu to serve. He’ll show them how it’s done.
“Watch your hands, Shouyou!” Nishinoya yells. “These are real nasty.”
“Shut up, Noya-san,” Atsumu replies
He steps back from the end line and the jump float goes straight across the court and almost smacks Shouyou in the face. He does feel a little bad about that. Shouyou glares up at him and Atsumu laughs sheepishly. He picks up the ball and steps back again.
“I’m starting to think these kids aren’t as helpless as we thought,” Shimada laughs.
“You just wanted to bully them a bit,” Takinoue laughs.
“Get us another one just like that, ‘Tsumu!” Noya cheers.
“Right right,” Atsumu laughs.
It takes Hinata a few more serves before Hinata finally gets one up. He’s got some work to do still, but luckily jump floats like his are pretty rare in the prefecture. He should be fine. Not that they should need him if Noya and Asahi get back
It doesn’t take long to fall into the swing of the game. Points are going back and forth and Atsumu is glad the neighbourhood team can at least keep up with him. Now he’s just gotta focus on Assahi. So he does. He fires set after set at Asahi, forcing him to focus and power through the blocks, and Asahi starts to settle into the rhythm well enough. But he’s not hitting as well as Atsumu knows he can.
“Asahi-san,” Atsumu sighs. Asahi jerks around and backs up a step. “What’s with that?”
“You’re going to yell at me again,” Asahi says. “And you’re scary when you yell.”
“I’m not Dai-san,” he snaps.
“I wouldn’t yell if you lot weren’t so much trouble,” Daichi replies.
Atsumu sighs, bouncing the ball absently. “What’re ya afraid of? Being blocked? Hittin’ out? Ya think we care ‘bout that shit?”
“Language, Atsumu! There’s staff here!”
“It’s not going to be fun for you to keep setting balls that get blocked,” Asahi mutters.
“I doubt it’s fun to keep hittin’ balls that get blocked either,” Atsumu snaps. Asahi frowns. “It’s a setter’s job to open up the block and give their hitter the sets that help them best. Just like it’s Noya-san’s job to pick up blocked balls. If we’re losin’ points to blocks, that’s on us too, y’know? Or d’ya think yer carryin’ this team?!”
“I don’t,” he says quietly.
“Then why do you think it's all on you if we win or lose?!” And, honestly, it pisses Atsumu off how he shrinks and tries to back away. Like he thinks he’s the weak link. “Isn’t it the best when ya smash it down through a big block?!”
Asahi’s shoulders loosen a little. “It is.”
“Hey!” Shouyou cries. “That’s basically what I said!”
“Quiet, Shouyou-kun,” Atsumu replies. “I’m being encouraging.”
“Yeah, don’t interrupt this,” Ryuunosuke says. “It only happens like once a year, let him do it.”
“Ain’t the high of gettin’ through the block worth all the failures?” he says. “Would it even be worth it if it was easy? Ain’t the fact that it’s hard and that you’ve failed what makes that feelin’ even better?!”
“Yeah…” Asahi nods slowly, then more firmly. “Yeah, it is.”
Atsumu grins, nods and bounces the ball towards him. “So rip us an ace, big guy.”
Asahi nods and heads back to the end line to serve. Good. Atsumu’s going to make sure their ace is back in action. It’s a setter’s job to support their hitters, after all. Asahi takes a deep breath and Daichi pushes Shouyou forward to him from the serve. Osamu and Daichi are going to take the big serves for him. Shouyou’s job is the wipes. Asahi’s been out for a month, he’s probably going to miss spectacularly and hit a home run but that’s fine. It’s not like they can’t afford to lose a few points. And it’s better to do it now than at the tournament this weekend.
The serve isn’t out!
It slams down and Daichi gets it up but that’s good news. He’d rather get to fight and attack rather than have Asahi just blast it out of bounds.
Nishinoya gets the ball up from Ryuunosuke’s attack and Atsumu steps back into its path, as if Noya ever gives him anything but the best sets. And then he sends it up in a gentle arc to Asahi’s best hitting spot. Asahi smacks down the ball, only for it to bounce off the block. Atsumu clicks his tongue, ready to push back and get it up, only for Noya’s perfect pancake! The ball goes back up and Atsumu glances at Asahi.
“Give it to me,” Asahi says.
Atsumu grins and sends him up a set for the back attack. Yeah, he’ll keep giving it to Asahi as long as it takes. Until he scores and declares himself Karasuno’s ace. Because there’s nothing Atsumu loves more than helping his hitters get the ball over, watching Asahi’s spike blast through a block - especially a block made up of his brother’s team - and the crack of the ball coming down on court for the point.
Yeah, that’s his ace.
That’s Karasuno’s ace.
Shouyou’s got some big shoes to fill if he wants to follow in the Little Giant and Asashi’s footsteps one day.
They swap players between sets. Baby Ukai seems like he’s plotting something while Takeda is looking proud of himself. Rightly so, Atsumu thinks. Takeda has worked hard for them, even if he’s clueless in a lot of ways. Atsumu would rather have someone passionate but clueless than knowledgeable and uninterested. It’s why he tolerates Tobio. He struggles to make sense of what he’s doing wrong and how to really improve, but he’s obviously passionate and wants to learn.
Except in one damn area apparently!
Shouyou jumps blind and Tobio sets the ball right into his hand. The fact that they’re in a proper game is about all that stops Atsumu walking off the court. He hates that set. They’ve started calling it a freak quick.
Atsumu hates it.
“I can already tell what yer thinkin’,” Osamu mutters between sets as they’re swapping players again. “I’m not against it.”
“I bet we could do it on the fly,” Atsumu says and takes a drink.
He already knows what Osamu’s going to say. “Not on yer life. There’s no rush. Let’s get it right.”
“I know,” he says with a smirk. “It’s not about whatcha can do, it’s how ya use it. We’ll talk to Sora-nii ‘bout it, huh?”
“Think ya can’t figure it out on yer own?” he snorts.
“I could fire one off right now if I thought anyone but ya were capable of hittin’ in,” he replies. “Ya see how in love with it our so-called coach looked?”
“Speed isn’t the answer,” Osamu mutters. “If cool and it’s convenient and makes like easier short term but…”
“But, the best meals are the ones ya spend hours slavin’ over,” Atsumu says. “Ya can’t rush what tastes great.”
Osamu nods. “I can do it quicker ‘cause I’ve practiced, but it takes the time it takes, even with efficiency.”
“You two are gonna make me hungry if you keep up the food talk,” Ryuunosuke snaps. “Knock it off!”
Baby Ukai is clearly enamored with the freak quick. It pisses Atsumu off. He has to stay late to watch him fawn over Tobio, ignoring the principle of being a setter and enabling Shouyou’s bad habits. This is Koushi’s fault for telling him to adjust to Shouyou, clearly. Atsumu doesn’t want to fight with Koushi, but this is going to have to stop sooner or later. He’s not tolerating that kind of setting on his team.
“Atsumu-kun, Osamu-kun,” Takeda calls. They turn to him. “It’s late. Do you want a lift home?”
“Huh? You’re not walking with us?” Hinata says.
“Sorry, Shouyou-kun,” Osamu says. “But our bus will have changed schedule by now and waitin’ at the side of the road ain’t good for either of us.”
They’d had to talk to Takeda about their issues, although they’re sure most of the teachers know, and he’d always been better about it than their last advisor. He lets them stay well away from the parking lot until it’s time to go and they can pile into his little car.
“You know, boys,” Takeda says as they drive down the hill. “I couldn’t help but notice you don’t seem happy about Kageyama-kun and Hinata-kun’s attack.”
“It’s good in concept,” Atsumu says, “but the way they’re doing it is wrong on so many levels. It’s stifling Shouyou-kun as a hitter and teaching Tobio-kun some bad habits.”
“Volleyball isn’t all that different from anything else, sensei,” Osamu says quietly. “Tobio-kun is doing the equivalent of giving Shouyou-kun the answers to the question rather than teaching him how to find the answer himself. He’s prioritizing speed and instant results over basic technique and long term improvement.”
Takeda frowns and nods. “I don’t know much about volleyball, but I’ll take your word for it. But, that thinking does make sense of your disapproval. I understand the thinking. The temptation to teach for the exam and simply giving students the answers they’ll likely need rather than a rounded education is tempting.”
“Results matter,” Atsumu says. “Of course they do. No one goes into a match to lose, but if ya don’t have a strong foundation to build off of, yer gonna be screwed if yer shortcut fails. Tobio-kun’s got a lot of potential and natural talents that make him a great setter technically, but without understanding what it really means to be a setter, he’s never going to be amazing.”
“Tobio-kun loves setting because he’s good at it, because he touches the ball most often and is in control,” Osamu says. “But, amazing setters like Oikawa-san, Iizuna-san and ‘Tsumu are good because they love setting. They’re setters to support their hitters.”
“You think Kageyama-kun’s perspective is wrong?” Takeda says.
“He and the team sees Shouyou-kun hitting the ball with his eyes closed as proof of how amazing Tobio-kun’s sets are,” Atsumu mutters. “That Shouyou-kun has to close his eyes to hit it and Tobio-kun has to do all the work is proof that he’s actually failing. The best sets are the easiest to hit.”
Takeda nods. “The best teachers make the lessons simple enough that anyone can understand them, no matter how complicated the subject.”
“Exactly. Setting is exactly the same.”
“Well, hopefully with Asahi-san and Noya-san back we’re gonna get back on form,” Osamu says. “We’ll get our revenge on Shiratorizawa this time.”
“I’d really like to see that,” Takeda says with a small smile.
So would Atsumu. He wants to finally beat Shiiratorizawa and go to Nationals once more. They only talk to Aran from their old lives. Atsumu knows Osamu still hears from Suna regularly but never answers him. They’re still picking up the pieces of their broken lives and figuring out where they go from here. But, Atsumu doesn’t think he can face their past until they’ve dragged themselves back onto the national stage. Until they can stand there and declare they’re better than ever.
The next morning, Ukai meets them at Sakanoshita. Atsumu’s not surprised that baby Ukai knows they stop by every morning for their drinks. He leans against the doorway as Atsumu and Osamu take their drinks.
“You two have been the big driving force behind the team so far, right?” Ukai says. “The old man used to talk about you like he did Udai and Inunaki.”
“Well that’s an honour,” Atsumu says. “I dunno ‘bout being the drivin’ force. I think most of us had the drive needed. Especially the third years. I think a few of our second years struggled a bit, and I don’t get people who think they can quit, I never could, but I think we all want to win.”
“I think we steered ‘em in the right direction more than gave ‘em drive,” Osamu agrees. “We have a lot more experience with high level teams. Everyone had the drive and the ability, they just needed to know where to focus it.”
“So we directed them towards serving,” he says. “We can both serve to a high level and between us we have a jump serve and a float serve. A strong serving team can dominate at the prefectural level. We agreed no one was allowed on the bench without a serve.”
“We’re going to have to work on passing in general,” Ukai says. the twins nod. “What’s with Red? He’s not much of a libero. He just started in high school or something?”
“He’s not a libero,” Osamu says. “But we didn’t know of Asahi and Noya-san were gonna make it back in time for the tournament and we don’t have a spare libero. We needed to put something on the paperwork as a backup. Shouyou-kun’s a hitter. We had him in the middle against Seijoh.”
“Because of the quick?” he says. They nod. “That thing’s insane. What’s the deal with the other middle? You’ve got that beanpole but you’re not using him?”
“Saltyshima’s not givin’ it his all,” Atsumu says. “We won’t use Tadashi-kun in the tournament, Kazuhito and ‘Samu can handle the middle this time, especially now Asashi-san’s back. But, Tadashi-kun wants to work, he wants to learn and he’s careful about correcting his mistakes, even if he’s a little anxious. I’d rather work with someone who’s gonna try than someone’s who’s gifted, y’know?”
He glances at Osamu. “You’re a middle?”
“I’m happier on the right,” Osamu replies. “In middle school we always played setter and opposite. I can set almost as well as ‘Tsumu and he’s a solid hitter, but I can play any position.”
“It’s going to be tricky to figure out the best configuration, isn’t it?” he sighs. “Nekomata’s always liked a team that’s good on floor defence, I’m not sure just power serving is going to be enough.”
Atsumu shrugs. “We’ll work it out.”
“Atsumu-san! Osamu-san!” Shouyou calls, bike skidding to a stop by the store. Osamu hits a button on the vending machine and tosses him a drink. “Thanks, Osamu-san!”
“Yer in a good mood this morning, Shouyou-kun,” Osamu says.
“We had a match yesterday, and we’ve got one today,” he cheers. “I can’t wait.”
“Yer not gonna be playin’, y’know?” Atsumu says. Shouyou deflates. “But, ya might get to serve.”
“An’ ya get to see Takeru-san play,” Osamu says with a nod.
Shouyou tilts his head. “Takeru-san?”
“Nakashima Takeru,” Atsumu says.
“The new Little Giant,” Osamu says.
“Atsumu-san,” Tobio calls, jogging up the hill. He stops in front of them, breathing hard and bent over, hands on his knees. “Atsumu-san.”
“Tobio-kun,” Atsumu says.
Tobio lifts his head and Atsumu offers him a sports drink that he takes gratefully, cheeks flushed from the run. “Thanks… Umm, if the best sets are easy to hit, why isn’t Hinata hitting with his eyes closed proof of how easy it is?”
“Dumbass,” he sighs, flicking his forehead. Tobio huffs, covering his head with a hand. “Because he ain’t actually hittin’ it.”
“Yes I am,” Shouyou squawks.
“Not really,” Osamu mutters.
“I am!”
“Twins, stop picking fights with the first years,” Koushi calls,walking up the hill slowly. “Come on, I’ll let you guys in the gym.”
“This early?” Ukai says.
“Hinata, Kageyama and the twins are always here early,” he sighs. “And they always stay late. It’s like they breathe volleyball. Let’s go. See you later, Coach.”
“Work on your passing,” he calls after them.
School days when a match is coming up after school is the worst. In the seat next to him, Hisashi is tapping his fingers restlessly against the table and Atsumu just can’t sit still. He’s watching the clock all day, counting down the hours more than usual until he can get his hands on a volleyball again and until Wakutani arrives. Shouyou and Tobio are waiting by the steps to the club rooms at lunch and join them to eat. Atsumu sort of misses when the third years would eat with them, but Daichi seems to be spending a lot of time with Yui recently. Maybe he’s finally figured out she’s got a crush.
“Do we get uniforms for this match?” Shouyou says between bites.
“Dunno,” Ryuunosuke says. “That’s up to Daichi-san and his plans with Kiyoko-san and Take-chan.”
Shouyou nods. “So we might.”
“We might,” Atsumu says.
“Even so,” Tobio says. “First years are generally lucky to get a jersey.”
Shouyou’s face falls and Noya pats his arm. “If we’re getting them, you’ll get one.”
“Wakutani South will be here at four thirty,” Kiyoko calls as the twins head into the gym.
They’re late and Ukai gives them a look but doesn’t say anything. They’re always a few minutes late, waiting for the rest of the team to leave before changing. They’re going to have to get used to changing with the new first years sooner or later, but not yet. So the twins join the rest of the team warming up while Kiyoko starts setting up. And on the stage are familiar bags. Their jerseys are here.
“Nervous?” Tobio says, looking down at Shouyou.
“I’m probably not playing,” Shouyou replies. “It’s frustrating, but at the same time, it means I’m not very nervous.”
“There’s nothin’ to be nervous about,” Osamu says. “It’s just Wakunan.”
They work through their warm ups and hitting lines and Hinata looks nervous despite saying he’s not. Atsumu is getting used to Asahi’s hitting again. He’s not lost too much height and power, but he’s a bit stiff and rusty. They’ll have to shake off that rust. And despite everything, Tadashi’s quick is starting to look nice. Although Tsukishima’s still looking pretty lazy. For a guy that big, he should be able to hit a lot higher.
“Alright,” Daichi calls. “Gather round.” The team gathers and Shimizu picks up the bags of jerseys. “If there are any problems with fit, let Shizimu know as soon as possible.”
Kiyoko hands out the uniforms. There’s been a little bit of wiggling around the numbers from last year. Atsumu is in the #7 and Osamu has moved up to #11, letting Shouyou have the #10. Although, that takes him a few minutes to realise.
“Do you two want to change?” Daichi says, glancing at the twins.
Atsumu and Osamu nod, taking their uniforms. “Thanks.”
“Why do they change separately?” Ukai says as they’re leaving.
The twins ignore that and let Daichi and Takeda explain that. Instead, they head through the gym to the clubroom to change. It’s nice to be different for one rather than having their numbers next to each other.
“What’re’ya thinkin’?” Atsumu says.
“We’ll see, won’t we?” Osamu says.
They swap over when they return to the gym so the others can change. Instead, they help Kiyoko finish setting up the chairs. The team return five minutes later, loud and chaotic, and Shouyou is cheering over how cool he looks in the alternate uniform while Tobio grumbles about him being a tangerine.
“Tsukishima,” Daichi calls. “Will you help Shimizu today?”
Tsukishima pulls a face but agrees quietly. Well, if he won’t put in the effort into learning a serve, he doesn’t get to be on the team. They told him the rules when they first joined. He has no excuse for pulling that face. Atsumu hadn’t missed the spare14 jersey in the bag Kiyoko brought in. They’re ready to let him on the bench.He just needs to show a bit of willingness to learn and try.
Takeda excuses himself to prepare for Wakutani’s arrival and the team finishes preparing the gym.
“What do we know about the team you’re playing today?” Ukai says, joining the two of them with Daichi and Koushi. “You’ve played before, haven’t you?”
“They’re our rivals,” Koushi says with a grin.
“We’ve played them at last years Inter-High and Spring Tournaments,” Atsumu says.
“Good ground defence and a captain who likes to tool the blocks,” Daichi says.
“Like the Little Giant,” Osamu says.
Ukai hums and tilts his head as there’s a call from the gym doors. Wakunan’s pink and white enters the doors to the gym with Takeru leading them. Time to get to work.