The next morning, Coach Ukai kept things light. Since everyone was still recovering from yesterday's heavy load, he only arranged steady runs and core conditioning. Ball control drills like receive practice were pushed to the afternoon.
Coach Ukai himself wasn't around in the morning. He'd gone to track down a few old volleyball buddies from around the prefecture, hoping to rope them in as training opponents over the next few days. With him gone, the players were left to scatter around and work on their own programs.
That, of course, made it easier for Jin to slip in his own ideas.
Kiyoko had tried to talk him down all the way home yesterday, but Jin wasn't exactly famous for listening when he'd already made up his mind.
After the run, Hinata flopped on the ground, arms spread wide. "So boring! I wanna spike already. Kageyama, let's do a quick. Just once?"
Kageyama was tossing the ball up and catching it, focusing on touch. His brow furrowed, his voice curt. "We wait until coach says. Basic drills until then."
Hinata groaned dramatically.
That was when Jin strolled over, grin sharp and mischievous. He leaned down between them, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret. "I've got a better idea. An actual combat."
Hinata's eyes lit up instantly. He scrambled up and grabbed Jin by the arm. "Really?! What idea, Jin? Tell me!" He looked at Jin as if the boy had descended from heaven.
Jin straightened, eyes glinting. "About twenty minutes' walk from here. North Sendai High's volleyball club is holed up at the third camp gym."
Hinata's jaw dropped. "A practice match?!"
Kageyama, who'd been ignoring them, paused. His grip on the ball tightened. Even he was curious now.
Jin shook his head, voice turning smug. "Not a practice match. A challenge."
Both Hinata and Kageyama stared at him. "A what?!" they blurted in unison.
"Shh!" Jin pressed a finger to his lips. "Only the three of us. If you don't wanna go, I'll go myself. But three's better. We'll crush them before lunch."
Hinata pumped his fists, grinning ear to ear. "That sounds amazing! Let's go, let's go!"
Kageyama scowled. "Idiot. If coach finds out, we're dead. That's not training, that's provoking a fight. I'm not doing it."
Jin smirked, stepping closer until his words dug under Kageyama's skin. "Oh? Funny, because their setter thinks he's hot stuff. Says your tosses can't match his. Arrogant little guy, looking down on the King. Guess he's not afraid of you at all."
The veins stood out on Kageyama's forehead. The volleyball slipped from his hand and bounced away.
"Wait there," he growled, stalking to grab his jacket. "I'll show that setter."
Jin clapped once, delighted. "Knew you'd see it my way."
And just like that, Karasuno's trio 'Hinata, Kageyama, and Jin' set off toward the third gym, their first unofficial "gym challenge."
---
Meanwhile, in the manager's corner, Kiyoko was helping the third-years record stats from morning drills. A knot of unease twisted in her stomach. Something didn't feel right.
She set down her clipboard and hurried to the first-years' training ground. After searching for several minutes, she realized with dread that Jin was nowhere to be found. Neither were Hinata or Kageyama.
"Hitoka!" Kiyoko called, rushing over to the other manager. "Have you seen Jin?"
Hitoka shook her head quickly, eyes wide. "Not only him, Kageyama and Hinata are gone too. They told me I'd help them with drills, but then they vanished."
Kiyoko's heart sank. She bit her lip. "Oh no…"
"W-what's wrong, Kiyoko-senpai? Did something happen?" Hitoka asked nervously.
"Come with me. We need to bring them back before Coach Ukai notices!" Kiyoko grabbed her arm, her normally calm face etched with worry.
Hitoka had never seen her senpai look so rattled. She dropped what she was holding and sprinted alongside her.
---
At the third camp gym, the sound of shoes squeaking and balls slamming echoed through the hall. The players of North Sendai High were mid-practice, sweat flying, voices sharp.
Suddenly, the doors banged open.
"Everyone from North Sendai Volleyball Club!" Jin's voice rang out, clear and challenging.
Heads turned. Balls stopped midair.
At the entrance stood Jin, Kageyama, and Hinata, bags tossed carelessly to the side as they unzipped their jackets.
Jin smirked, stepping forward. "We're here to play."
Hinata grinned from ear to ear, bouncing on his toes.
Kageyama's eyes burned cold, ready.