Everyone already knew Shiratorizawa's data inside and out, so Coach Ukai didn't repeat much. He only emphasized the key players to watch out for besides Ushijima—Tendō Satori, the middle blocker with uncanny "guessing" ability, and Shirabu Kenjirō, the sharp, calculating setter. Still, when it came to a powerhouse like Shiratorizawa, the truth was simple: anyone who made their starting lineup was no weak link.
The morale-boosting talk over, it was time for the dreaded reflection meeting.
And the first target was Hayato.
He'd gotten carried away during the match, and Coach wasted no time tearing into him. Hayato hunched his shoulders, taking the scolding in silence. Beside him, Nishinoya and Tanaka stifled their laughter, enjoying the rare sight of their usually composed teammate being chewed out.
For the first-years, it was eye-opening. Seeing their calm, reliable senior wilt under Coach's words was… honestly, a little funny.
But the laughter didn't last. No one escaped Ukai's scrutiny—not with Kiyoko's meticulous notes in hand. Every error, every slip-up was written down. If you stepped on court, your mistakes were on record.
Even the third-years weren't exempt. Though Sugawara and Asahi hadn't played long, they still had errors to correct. After them, it was the second-years' turn. Nishinoya and Tanaka were called out in detail—especially Tanaka, who, like Hayato, had lost his cool in the face of Seijoh's "Mad Dog," Kyotani.
"You got scolded too, huh?" Hayato muttered.
"Don't talk. The first one to get blasted has no right to say anything," Tanaka shot back.
Hayato bumped him with his shoulder. "Like you're any better."
Tanaka clamped an arm around his neck in mock retaliation. "I got scolded, yeah—but you were the biggest screw-up. You've got no room to talk!"
Hayato groaned, defeated. He couldn't even argue. Still, beneath the jabs, their camaraderie was obvious.
"Fine, fine. Tell you what—I'll treat you to two meat buns after dismissal." Tanaka held up two fingers with a grin.
Hayato raised an eyebrow. "Two? You rascal. Don't you think that's a bit much?"
But inside, he was already pleased.
Unfortunately, their whispered exchange didn't escape Coach.
"You two hot-blooded idiots, reflect properly!"
"Coach, Tanaka might be hot-blooded, but I'm not," Hayato protested weakly. His whole image was supposed to be the calm, cool senpai.
"Oh? And what's that supposed to mean?" Tanaka hooked him again, smirking.
"Weren't you the one acting like that on court?"
"You're the coach, you decide," Hayato said, wry smile in place as he surrendered.
The room eased with laughter. Ukai didn't press further. He wasn't the old coach—strict, looming, terrifying. As long as no one went overboard, he allowed some breathing room.
Among the first-years, Kageyama and Tsukishima escaped with little criticism. Hinata's receiving, however, was still an issue—taking balls with his shoulder wasn't going to cut it. Still, his quick attacks, feints, and clever dumps earned praise.
And Yamaguchi? He was the day's highlight. His jump float serves had been bold, his mentality steady.
"Yamaguchi, excellent work," Ukai said.
Flustered, Yamaguchi scratched his head, face red. Deep down, though, he wasn't satisfied. Against Seijoh, his serves had been read after only a few attempts. I'll get better, he swore to himself. I'll make it a real weapon.
The meeting ended with Takeda-sensei stepping forward, voice brimming with conviction.
"'Fallen powerhouses,' 'crows that cannot fly'—no one will call you that anymore. You've grown your wings. Now it's time to soar. Tomorrow, take this chance. Win, and fly all the way to Nationals!"
"Yes!"
Their voices roared through the gym, spirits reignited.
Ukai dismissed them, urging everyone to rest.
But rest wasn't on everyone's mind.
"Kageyama."
"Huh?"
"Toss for me."
Hinata's voice rang out as the two lingered outside the changing room. Jackets on, but energy still bubbling. They snuck back into the gym, flicked on the lights, and raised the net.
Hitoka, walking past in her uniform, noticed the glow. She'd switched the lights off earlier—meaning someone had gone back in. Sure enough, Hinata and Kageyama were at it again.
"You're still practicing? It's already seven!"
"Perfect timing, Yachi-san! Please toss for us!" Hinata beamed, his energy seemingly endless after their nap.
Unable to dissuade them, Hitoka sighed and helped. Ball after ball flew, until the cart of 25 was emptied. Hinata darted off to collect them, still unsatisfied.
Watching them, Hitoka smiled softly. "It's nice… seeing you two work together like this now."
"Eh?"
Both boys tilted their heads in confusion.
"Because not long ago, you two were on the verge of fighting. If Hayato-senpai hadn't stopped you, I really thought you'd come to blows." She shivered at the memory.
The boys blinked. Hinata tilted his head further, and Kageyama's face was just blank.
"I was terrified back then," Hitoka added firmly.
Hinata bowed quickly. "Sorry for worrying you, Yachi-san."
"Sorry," Kageyama mumbled.
"Hey! Say it properly!"
"I am saying it properly!"
Their bickering made her laugh. Then her expression softened.
"I'm not blaming you. I just realized something today. If I hadn't joined as a manager, I never would've met you, or Hayato-senpai, or anyone else. Cheering with everyone in the stands—I felt nervous, excited, happy. None of that would've happened otherwise. It's because I've seen how hard you all work, because I've been with you this whole time, that I feel this way. So… thank you."
Hinata grinned. "No—we should be thanking you! Without you, we wouldn't have the freedom to practice like this."
"That's right," Kageyama added seriously.
"Really…?"
"Of course! Please keep guiding us, Yachi-san!"
"Yes!"
Her smile brightened.
But then—
"You two, practicing when you're supposed to be resting?"
The voice from the doorway froze them. They turned to see Hayato, leaning casually against the frame, though the look in his eyes wasn't casual at all.
"Hayato-senpai!"
They bowed in unison.
"Oh, you've spiked plenty, huh? But what did I say back in the changing room?" His tone was calm, but under the lights, his shadow stretched long and intimidating.
"S-sorry!"
"We're sorry!"
Both boys bent at ninety degrees, voices trembling.
Hayato sighed. "Pack up. Now."
"Yes!"
They scrambled to clean up.
Finally, Hayato locked the doors behind them, walking out with the three. Kiyoko waited at the school gate.
"It's late. You two, take Yachi-chan home safely, alright?"
"Understood!"
As the three headed off, Hayato exhaled, falling into step beside Kiyoko.
"Weren't you going to eat meat buns with Tanaka?" she asked, sliding her hand into his arm with a gentle smile.
"That guy was already yawning in the changing room. I'll treat him another time. Walking Kiyoko-nee home is more important."
"Oh, you…" She poked his chest, laughing softly.
Under the glow of the streetlamps, their shadows overlapped, fading slowly into the night.
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