As Golden Week came to an end, with it, Karasuno's gym was buzzing again. The halls echoed with laughter and shouts, their once-faded energy now burning brighter than ever.
Morning classes were a headache for Jin. Thankfully, the system gave "learning pass" cheat meant he could slog through homework without really suffering.
By afternoon, everyone gathered in the gym. Instead of diving into drills, they sat in a circle around Coach Ukai, who had a clipboard balanced on one knee.
Usually so laid-back he looked half-asleep, today Coach Ukai's voice was sharp and direct. The players leaned forward, hanging onto every word.
"Miyagi Prefecture doesn't have a huge number of strong teams," he began, "but the ones at the top are scary strong. First, Shiratorizawa, the reigning kings. With Ushijima leading, they've been unbeatable these past two years."
The team's mood tightened.
Jin, on the other hand, just let it wash over him. He already knew this by heart, no need for a refresher.
Coach Ukai went on. "Next is Date Tech. Their Iron Wall defense is infamous, last Spring High they shut down Asahi, our own ace. With Aone at the core, they're still just as dangerous."
Asahi winced, memories were flashing.
"Then there's Johzenji. Unpredictable and chaotic, they play like they're having fun at a street game, but they're tough to pin down. Their libero, Minami, and their ace wing spiker, Nakashima Takeru, are sharp."
"And finally… Aoba Johsai. With Oikawa leading, they're always contenders. And thanks to a certain someone…" Ukai's eyes flicked at Jin for half a beat, "they're looking different than last year."
Hearing the roll call of rivals made Jin's blood run.
'Shiratorizawa, Date Tech, Johzenji, Seijō… this qualifier's going to be stacked. Way better than waiting until Spring High.'
Without thinking, he muttered, "If we take nationals at Interhigh… What's the point of Spring?"
The words slipped out, and immediately every head turned.
"Oi, Jin!" Daichi clapped and patted him on the shoulder, half-annoyed, half-amused. "Don't get cocky already."
Hinata riled up, grinning, "No, wait… he's got a point! If we go all the way, what's left? Pro volleyball?!"
Coach Ukai smacked the floor with his palm, eyes blazing. "You bunch of brats, stop daydreaming!"
The entire circle straightened like scolded children, hugging their knees with guilty faces.
Just then, the gym doors burst open.
"It's out! The bracket's out!" Takeda-sensei rushed in, clutching a sheet of paper, his glasses sliding down his nose.
The team swarmed him.
"Takeda-sensei, you're the best!"
"As expected of our advisor, so reliable!"
Adjusting his glasses with a proud smile, Takeda declared, "I can't teach you techniques, but when it comes to logistics like this, I'm an good at it!"
He spread the sheet, revealing the preliminary groupings.
Group A. Karasuno's block. Their first match were against Tokonami. If they won, Date Tech loomed next, and beyond that is Aoba Johsai.
The players buzzed with tension and excitement, voices tumbling over one another.
Meanwhile, Jin slipped out of the huddle and strolled toward Hitoka.
"Hey, Hitoka-chan," he whispered with a sly grin, "Are you free after school?"
She stiffened, still embarrassed from Jin's antics in recent days. She gave a quick nod then just as quickly shook her head, clearly suspicious.
"Perfect, then it's settled!" Jin beamed, steering her toward the bench where no one was paying attention.
"You know practice is going to be insane once qualifiers start. I won't have time to study much… so, could you help me with homework after school?"
His voice was earnest, his expression serious like a role model student asking politely.
"…Tutoring?" Hitoka blinked, hesitant, but after a pause she murmured, "…Alright."
"Great! I'll wait for you at the gate after class." Jin gave her a grateful smile.
But behind it, his mind was already racing.
'Homework? Please. With Eye of Insight, I could memorize a whole textbook in one sitting. What I really need is to clear that system task with Hitoka. If I can unlock the reward before the qualifiers… I'll be untouchable in Miyagi. The whole prefecture will have no choice but to notice me.'
Hitoka, kind as ever, had no idea she was being dragged straight into Jin's little scheme.