The referee's whistle blew, echoing sharp in the gym.
The practice match was over.
Karasuno's players let out a roar and fists pumping. For the first-years, this had been just a match during training camp. But for the third-years, for Daichi, Asahi, and Sugawara, it meant something more, a symbol of rising again.
Across the court, Nekoma's players exhaled in unison, sweat dripping down their faces, but not a single eye lost its fire.
Coach Nekomata walked toward Coach Ukai, and Coach Ukai immediately stepped forward with a bow. "Coach Nekomata, thank you for coming all this way."
Nekomata chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "Don't thank me. I gained more than I gave today. Honestly, I thought I wouldn't get to see the promise I once made with the geezer fulfilled before I retired. But today…" his gaze flicked toward the silver-haired first-year still filled with energy. "I saw a glimpse of hope."
Coach Ukai's lips twitched into a grin. The crows were still young, their wings ragged. But one day, they would be strong enough to fly back into the skies of nationals.
"Do it again!"
"Do it again!"
The shout came from Hinata, eyes blazing, already bouncing on his toes like he hadn't just played for hours.
Both benches burst out laughing. Even after defeat, Nekoma's eyes were the same. They'd lost today, but as challengers, they weren't the type to back down.
Coach Nekomata laughed aloud, scratching his cheek. "That's what a practice match is for! As long as you've got the strength, go again."
---
And so they did.
The two teams clashed again and again, the gym filling with the sound of squeaking shoes, shouted calls, and the heavy thud of spikes slamming into the floor.
Three more hours passed. Four games in total.
By the end, every player was gasping, legs burning, bodies bruised and dripping with sweat. Neither side had an ounce left to give.
The score? Two games apiece.
Karasuno: 2
Nekoma: 2
A tie.
The teams lined up across the net, bowing low. "Thank you for the match!" voices rang out in unison.
Earlier on matches, on Jin, the system's voice rang in his mind.
"Mission Reward: Speed +10%"
He flexed his fingers, grinning faintly as he felt it, the lightness in his legs, the sharpened explosiveness in his steps. He was fast before. Now, he was on another level.
But even with that boost, Kuroo had still read him a handful of times at the end, keeping up with spikes Jin thought were untouchable.
"It's not enough yet," Jin muttered to himself, staring at his rival across the court. "I'm not at the peak. Not even close."
---
Kuroo ran his hand through his sweat-soaked hair, clicking his tongue. "Tch. A draw, huh? I hate going home tied."
Jin cracked his wrist, smirking. "Yo Captain Kuroo, if you're that dissatisfied, I don't mind running back five more sets right now."
Kuroo's grin widened, teeth flashing. "Big talk. I could go six more and still shut you down."
The two of them stepped closer, the air sparking with challenge.
But then Jin's expression sobered. "Honestly, senpai, Nekoma doesn't lack stability. You guys already have the best ball control in the country. What you're missing… is a blade. Someone sharp enough to cut through, to break a rhythm when it matters."
Kuroo's eyes narrowed, not offended but thoughtful. He already knew. Nekoma had always been called "cats", tenacious, stubborn, refusing to let the ball drop. That toughness had carried them far, but it had never taken them all the way.
What they needed was change. A weapon.
Kuroo looked back at Jin, his gaze intense. Then he reached out and gave Jin's head a firm pat on shoulder. "You cheeky brat. Don't tell me you're hinting we need someone like you."
Jin crossed his arms with mock arrogance. "Who, me? I'd never say that out loud."
Kuroo snorted, his grin sharp. "Cocky little crow. Next time, I'll crush you."
"Bring it on," Jin shot back without hesitation.
---
Around them, other players exchanged words too. Tanaka and Yamamoto had practically headbutted each other mid-shout before breaking into laughter. Asahi traded firm handshakes with Kai. Daichi and Yaku shared a mutual nod of respect, captain to libero, two rocks holding their teams steady.
This hadn't just been a match. It had been a reunion of rivals, and a strengthening of bonds.
By the time Nekoma packed up and headed out, the Karasuno players slumped back toward their dorms, dragging their bags, exhaustion etched in every step.
Golden Week was officially over.
But for Jin, matches wasn't the only thing lingering in his mind.
Because a promise tugged his memory…
Right. He still owed Kiyoko-senpai that help with massage later.
Jin exhaled, a grin creeping back onto his lips. "Guess rest will have to wait."