Jin had never been the type to follow rules. But once he entered his focused state, his careless attitude vanished. On the court, he was like a beast waiting to strike, sharp, calm, and unshakable.
In a three-on-three game, the pace of offense and defense changed in an instant. Every movement had to be careful, every detail exact. Jin's years of real-life training gave him a concentration that even the third-years couldn't help but to admired.
"Daichi, you said before that Jin might be an ace who could rival national-level players. I believe that now," Sugawara said, his eyes shine.
Sugawara didn't praise lightly. To convince him, you needed real evidence, and today, Jin's performance proved it.
Daichi nodded, sharing the same expectation. "I really want to face a strong team soon, to see what kind of chemistry we'd have with these first-year super rookies."
By the scorer's table, Kiyoko's gaze never left Jin. It wasn't that she didn't care about the other freshmen. It was just that Jin's performance was so dazzling that her eyes couldn't help but follow him.
The rookie match ended with Jin's group, the so-called "black-bellied group", winning 25–12. Out of those 25 points, Jin scored 17 by himself.
Tsukishima, standing beside him, muttered, "You call yourself a commoner, but you're clearly a terrifying genius."
This time, the word "genius" carried no mockery. He fully acknowledged Jin's ability.
Jin smirked. "You're not satisfied with being a commoner either, are you? Compared to higher places, we're still far behind."
By "higher," Jin meant his past peak. Limited by his current body, he wasn't even displaying half of what he could truly do.
Hinata, despite losing badly, had no frustration in his eyes. Instead, his smile was bright, his gaze fixed on Jin.
"So strong… Jin is really powerful. Just thinking of competing against him for the ace position makes me excited!"
Kageyama scowled. "Idiot, are you crazy? We lost so badly, and you're still smiling?!"
Hinata ignored him, still fired up.
Kageyama's anger only grew. "What's wrong with you?!"
Jin, watching the two bicker, chuckled quietly. This noisy, chaotic energy, this was exactly what Karasuno needed.
In the original timeline, Karasuno's growth had been too slow, and at the end of the first season they were crushed by Aoba Johsai's team play. Now, the only way to overturn that fate was to accelerate everyone's growth. Once their hunger for victory was lit, their potential would soar.
"Bang!"
The gym doors slammed open.
"Good news, everyone! We've secured a match!" Takeda-sensei rushed in, waving a sheet of paper, excitement in his voice.
Daichi hurried to him. "Sensei, what match?"
Takeda beamed. "A practice match with one of the top four in the prefecture, Aoba Johsai!"
At once, everyone's expression shifted. Excitement, nervousness, shock. Aoba Johsai, the powerhouse led by Oikawa.
Jin narrowed his eyes. In the anime, this was the team Karasuno lost to. But this time… things would be different.
Takeda bowed apologetically. "Sorry I haven't shown up much. I've been busy arranging practice games. I'm Takeda Ittetsu, your club advisor. My volleyball knowledge is close to zero, but if you need help in other areas, you can rely on me."
"Nice to meet you, Takeda-sensei." the first-years said politely.
Daichi and Sugawara exchanged a look, then asked carefully, "Sensei, for a team as strong as Aoba Johsai to agree… did you beg again?"
Takeda waved his hands frantically. "No, no! Not this time. The only condition they asked for… is that Kageyama must be the setter during the match."
Hearing this, Tanaka frowned. "So they don't even care about Karasuno? They're just interested in Kageyama?"
Takeda didn't deny it. The implication was obvious, Aoba Johsai wanted to evaluate Kageyama. Still, with Karasuno's current level, finding such a strong opponent was rare.
"Yes." Sugawara said after a moment, "even if it's not ideal, this is an opportunity we can't miss."
"Senpai…" Kageyama stared at him in surprise.
Jin stuffed his hands into his pockets, speaking lazily, but with conviction. "Since they're underestimating us, let's make them regret it. Let's show Aoba Johsai what the new Karasuno looks like."
Tanaka grinned and smacked Jin on the back. "Hah! Arrogant brat, but you're right!"
"Geh- don't hit so hard, Senpai!" Jin winced.
But Tanaka only laughed and hit him again. "That's twice you called me Senpai! Hahaha, say it again!"