Kuroo's eyes flickered as realization hit. "Karasuno… huh. So that's who you are. Our old rivals."
Jin tugged his zipper down, opening his jacket fully so the orange lettering was plain. He hopped up onto the edge of a low platform, crouching there like he owned the spot, squinting down at Kuroo with a grin.
"You should know this already," he said. "The fated battle in the dumpster. Cats versus crows."
It was a phrase that always carried weight. Even in the anime, Kuroo had supported this "fateful showdown." Now standing face-to-face with him, Jin couldn't help but feel the same buzz in his chest.
Kuroo tilted his head, studying him. "Never heard of a guy like you at Karasuno before. Transfer? Or just a fresh first-year?"
"First-year," Jin replied proudly, puffing his chest. "Name's Jin. And I'm Karasuno's current ace."
The word 'ace' rolled off his tongue with deliberate emphasis.
Kuroo's smirk faltered, just slightly. "An ace… in first year? Hah. Then maybe the rumors about Karasuno's decline aren't exaggerated after all." His tone dripped with disappointment.
Jin caught the subtle jab, and smirked harder. 'That's exactly the kind of expression I wanted to see.'
"Doesn't matter," Kuroo finally said, pushing off the vending machine. "Tomorrow, we'll see for ourselves whether Karasuno's really crawling back up… or if you're still grounded."
He glanced around then, scanning the street. "Speaking of which… you didn't happen to see a short, hyperactive first-year running around here, did you? Spiky hair, orange, impossible to miss?"
Jin chuckled. 'So Hinata already bumped into him, huh. Figures.' he said, "Keep going down that road. You'll find him."
"Thanks." Kuroo turned to leave, but Jin called out.
"Hey."
The Nekoma captain paused and looked back.
Jin pointed at him, eyes gleaming. "Tomorrow, I'll be the first one to break through your block."
Kuroo rolled his wrist, his smirk returning. "Come try. If you can."
As his tall figure disappeared down the road, Jin's blood thrummed in his veins. That feeling rivalry, challenge, fate, it was intoxicating. He clenched his fists. 'So this is what it means to be part of protagonist group. This duel… this is ours.'
---
The next morning, Coach Ukai surprised the team by canceling the usual warm-ups.
After nearly a week of non-stop defensive training, their receive game had changed dramatically. But today wasn't about drills anymore.
"Training's the foundation," Ukai told them, voice serious. "But mindless training won't make you stronger. You need matches. Only against high-level opponents can we see if we've actually improved. Today, against Nekoma… that's your test."
The gym buzzed with footsteps and chatter as Nekoma arrived. Karasuno filed out to line up at the entrance, a show of respect for their guests.
Ukai stepped forward to greet them, breaking into a grin. "It's been a while, old man."
At Nekoma's side, the familiar figure of 'Coach Nekomata' stood with his hands clasped neatly behind his back, white brows arched in amusement. "So it's you, Keishin. I thought the day would come… you taking your grandfather's place. Didn't expect it this soon, though."
The two coaches exchanged greetings, like veterans reunited after a long time.
Meanwhile, across the lineup, eyes were already searching.
Hinata spotted Kenma almost instantly, bouncing on his toes. Kageyama glared at him with thinly veiled intensity.
And Kuroo? He was already standing before Jin, arms crossed, calm as ever. "How's your form today?"
Jin flexed his fingers, cracking a grin. "Perfect. More than enough to tear you apart."
The battle lines were drawn.
The fateful showdown was about to begin.