Akira scratched his head and said hesitantly:
"Now that the weather's getting colder... should we make a nest for the two of them too?"
"Otherwise, such a tiny kitten might not make it through the winter, right?"
"Don't worry about it!"
Shimizu chuckled softly.
"Kuroka's fur is really warm! Even if you want to make them a cat house, at least wait until it starts snowing in winter!"
"If you made one now, they wouldn't even bother to live in it!"
Hearing Kiyoko Shimizu say this, Akira snapped back to his senses.
That did make sense.
This cat named Kuroka really wasn't bad at all.
With the local residents feeding her regularly, she didn't look scraggly or malnourished like most stray cats.
On the contrary—her fur was sleek, her body full, and she looked energetic and alert.
As the two talked, they pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Before Akira could say anything, Shimizu suddenly jumped up and wrapped herself around his back like a little koala.
She was wearing white hot pants today, her bare thighs wrapping tightly around Akira's waist.
"What's wrong?"
Akira still tried to play dumb.
"Hmph."
A teasing smile curled at the corners of Shimizu's mouth.
"I remember… yesterday, didn't you swear to me that you were heading out?"
"So why are you still at home?"
"Uh..."
Akira scratched his head as he walked toward the bed.
"I knew you were coming to see me!"
"So I didn't go out. I stayed home especially to wait for you!"
"Hmph! Smooth talker!"
Shimizu lightly punched his shoulder, then shoved him down onto the bed.
Outside, raindrops tapped steadily against the window, a quiet, rhythmic ticking sound filling the room.
"Didn't you say you wanted to play games with me?"
"Yeah!"
"But I didn't say... we had to play right away, did I?"
...
"When you spike the ball, let your body tilt toward your hitting side!"
"That way, your opponent can read your attack better!"
"But it also gives you more control over your direction and timing!"
Voices echoed through the gymnasium at Karasuno High.
Today was the start of the Spring High Qualifiers.
Before leaving that morning, everyone had been rushing to get in one last push.
And this time, the qualifiers were different from the last.
The previous Inter-High Qualifiers had a tight schedule and were mainly for regional classification. They hadn't drawn much attention.
They had to complete six matches in just three days.
But this time, the Spring High situation was completely different.
The Spring High—formally known as the National High School Volleyball Championship.
It's split into men's and women's divisions and is a volleyball-exclusive competition.
It's one of the most iconic national events in high school sports, with massive influence and reach. It's the dream stage for countless middle school and high school players.
Every year, when Spring High kicks off, dozens—sometimes hundreds—of media outlets scramble to cover it. Its popularity even surpasses the domestic college and professional volleyball leagues. It attracts attention across the entire country.
That's why people call it...
The "Koshien" of volleyball!
So naturally, the qualifiers for such a competition are far more valued than those for the Inter-High.
This time, the scope of attention was wider, and public interest was soaring.
A total of 16 teams were competing, which meant...
To determine a champion, they'd need to play four matches in total.
One on the first day, then two back-to-back on the second day.
And the final would be held separately on the third day!
But this year was unlike any before.
Thanks to Karasuno's sensational victory at the Inter-High Championship, public enthusiasm in Miyagi Prefecture for this Spring High Qualifier had reached an all-time high.
Their dominant performance at Inter-High had earned them a strong fanbase and immense popularity.
Now, everyone was eager to see how they would perform on the Spring High stage.
They were aiming for the ultimate prize: the Spring High National Championship!
And for the other teams... that was a huge opportunity.
If any of them could defeat Karasuno and take their place at Spring High, they'd inherit all the attention and glory Karasuno had built up.
Interest in Spring High wouldn't fade—it would just shift to them!
The team that defeated the Inter-High champions and advanced to the Spring High stage...
Just thinking about it made people's blood race with excitement.
If they could pull that off, they would instantly become the center of attention for the entire tournament.
And this year, there was only one team that looked like it had a real shot.
The former kings—Shiratorizawa Academy.
Though they'd been defeated by Karasuno in the last qualifiers, who could say they hadn't made huge improvements since then?
...
"Alright!"
Ukai clapped his hands together.
"That's everything I needed to say!"
"Let's get on the bus—next stop, Sendai City Gymnasium!!"
"Yes!!"
"That's the spirit!"
As everyone prepared to leave, Ukai smacked his palm against the doorframe and added:
"Don't get too nervous!"
"You're already strong!"
"As long as you believe in yourselves and give it your all, you'll keep advancing!"
"Let's go!"
"Yeah!!"
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1st Bonus Chapter - 400 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 800 Power Stones
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