Hayato stirred awake when someone nudged him. After two back-to-back matches, Karasuno's players were completely drained, most of them fast asleep on the bus. Only Kiyoko and Hitoka had stayed alert, and the moment the bus stopped in front of the school, they moved to wake the others.
"Mm… Kiyoko-nee? Morning already?" Hayato mumbled groggily.
"We're back at school. Wake up."
Kiyoko gave him a soft smile, pulling out a handkerchief to dab the drool at the corner of his mouth. Hayato blinked in confusion, realizing a moment later what she was doing. He rubbed his mouth with the back of his hand, flustered.
"Ah—sorry. I was half-asleep."
"It's fine. You worked hard today. Go stretch a bit; I'll wake the others."
Her voice carried a gentleness that differed from the calm, untouchable aura she showed outsiders. With Hayato, Kiyoko was always like this.
After she moved on, Hayato stretched, working out the stiffness in his shoulders. Sleeping on a rented bus wasn't exactly restful. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he stepped outside for fresh air.
The third-years were already there. Spotting him, they chuckled, teasing him about drooling in his sleep—something they swore they'd never seen before. Soon, everyone else clambered off the bus, and Coach Ukai clapped his hands to gather them.
"Put your things in the gym. We'll have a quick meeting—come on, wake up!"
"Yes~…"
Their half-hearted replies showed just how spent they still were.
"Oi, Kageyama, you grind your teeth like crazy when you sleep."
"Shut up! You drooled all over me!"
The two first-years bickered listlessly, drawing knowing smiles from the upperclassmen. They really were like children sometimes.
Just then, three girls in tracksuits came running up. Leading them was a short-haired girl who waved brightly.
"You're back!"
Hayato blinked before recognition hit. Ah—Michimiya Yui. Captain of the Girls' Volleyball Club… and the one with a not-so-secret crush on Daichi-senpai.
"Oh, Michimiya? What are you doing here?"
It was Saturday, so most students were off. With the Girls' Volleyball Club's third-years retired after Interhigh, there wasn't much reason for her to be at school.
"I came to congratulate you if you won!" she explained cheerfully. "Of course, the main reason was to help out at girls' practice today."
Hayato nearly sighed. Senpai, you'll never get it unless she says it flat out… The girls beside Michimiya looked equally exasperated.
"I see. Thank you," Daichi said warmly, his smile as calm as ever. Not a hint of romance in his tone.
No progress whatsoever. After years of knowing each other, it was still like this.
"The school broadcast announced your result," Michimiya added. "Oh, and there are more people around."
True enough, windows slid open, and students leaned out from classrooms.
"Karasuno Boys' Volleyball Club!"
"Congratulations on reaching the finals!"
Voices rang out across campus. Even the first-years' homeroom teacher appeared, waving at Hinata and Kageyama.
"Well done, you two!"
"Teacher!"
"Thank you!"
The support was overwhelming.
"We'll come cheer tomorrow!"
"You've got to win!"
The players grinned, their exhaustion easing a little.
"Oh! Miyagi News is about to start," Michimiya suddenly remembered. "They should have highlights from today's matches."
That was enough to send the team hurrying to the staff room. Inside, the teachers' television was already tuned to the news.
"Today, at the Sendai City Gymnasium, the Miyagi Prefecture Qualifiers for the All-Japan High School Volleyball Championship—commonly known as Spring High—held their quarterfinal and semifinal matches," the announcer began. "In the first semifinal, Karasuno High School defeated powerhouse Aoba Johsai High School, advancing to the finals for the first time in years. The result was truly shocking. Few expected Aoba Johsai to fall short of the final four."
The footage shifted to the match highlights.
27–25
27–29
25–23
The captions displayed each scoreline.
"We won, right? Then give us more screen time!" Tanaka grumbled, watching as the broadcast focused heavily on Aoba Johsai.
"Exactly!" Nishinoya and Hinata chorused.
"Don't just film them!"
Daichi chuckled. "We've been off the radar for too long. In terms of popularity, they've got the edge."
The anchor moved on. "Next, the second semifinal. A highly anticipated team has once again advanced to the finals."
Coach Ukai's voice carried from the back. "Here we go. The main event."
"Three-time defending prefectural champions, boasting a player in the U19 national youth team—Shiratorizawa Academy, led by Ushijima Wakatoshi. They won their semifinal in straight sets."
On-screen, the scores appeared:
25–20
25–21
Their dominance was clear.
"How will Karasuno fare against the powerhouse Shiratorizawa?" the anchor concluded. "Find out tomorrow at 11 a.m. with our live broadcast."
The report ended, and Ukai clapped his hands again.
"Alright, back to the gym. Meeting time."
"Yes!"
Now fully awake, the players' voices rang in unison.
Ukai's expression turned serious. "Tomorrow, you face Shiratorizawa. You've all memorized their data, so I won't repeat it. Just remember—Aoba Johsai never beat Shiratorizawa once during Oikawa's three years. They're called the Absolute King for a reason. Ushijima isn't their only weapon—they've got top-tier talent across the board. Don't underestimate them."
Hinata clenched his fists, unable to hold back. "That doesn't matter! What we need to do is give it everything!"
Ukai smirked. "Well said. Don't get cocky just because you've won fans. Tomorrow, we're still the challengers. Understood?"
"Yes!"
Their united reply shook the gym.
The final battle loomed.
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