Inside the prefectural gym, the three from Karasuno stared at the scoreboard, watching Kitagawa Daiichi lose 2:0 to Yukigaoka, exchanging stunned glances.
They had originally come to gather intel on the so-called "King" of Kitagawa, Kageyama Tobio, a potential rival for the next year, but instead, they witnessed Kitagawa Daiichi being completely crushed by Yukigaoka.
All three knew that, with Yukigaoka's crystal-clear lineup, two Junior High-level ace attackers far above the norm and a reliable libero, their victory over Kitagawa Daiichi meant that in Miyagi Prefecture, aside from the powerhouse Kousen, there were no other real threats.
With Ichinose Guren's overwhelming offensive power, it seemed likely that Yukigaoka could steamroll their way to the national tournament.
At that point, the four players forged through battles, Ichinose, the prodigy; Hyakuzawa, the towering presence; Hoshino, the standout libero; and the small but explosive Hinata, would become top-tier rivals wherever they went next year.
If those four ended up on the same high school team, that team would instantly be a contender for Miyagi's top four, even if the school's volleyball program was previously weak.
"Wow, wow," Sugawara Koushi said, hands behind his head, walking along the road with his friends, a mix of awe and helplessness on his face.
"I just wanted to get info on the 'King,' and now there's a wild card with an A, plus two Ks."
"Next year, Miyagi's going to be swarming with strong opponents."
"No worries! I'll blast them all away!"
Hearing Sugawara's words, Ryunosuke Tanaka's fighting spirit ignited instantly, and he started shouting on the road.
But Sawamura Daichi gave him a firm pat on the back.
"Don't make so much noise on the street! You'll bother people!"
"Alright, alright, got it."
Tanaka, known for his explosive temper, immediately shifted to a small pout, grumbling inside while outwardly showing obedience. Despite his straightforward nature, he genuinely respected and considered others, though he rarely said it aloud.
The three walked back to Karasuno High, chatting all the way.
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Meanwhile, at Yukigaoka's gym…
After a full match, the players had already exhausted a lot of energy. So when they returned to school, Ichinose didn't schedule a practice session, he simply held a post-match review. He had each player reflect on their performance, noting strengths, weaknesses, and how to improve both personally and as a team.
During the meeting, everyone replayed their actions in their minds, simulating how they could have performed better.
For Ichinose, volleyball had a single guiding principle: it's a six-player sport.
No matter how strong an attacker was, if the serve receive and setting weren't supporting them, the offense could never be completed.
His way to strengthen the team was simple: constant reflection and practice. Always think about how to do better, then act. This is the key to improvement in any field, in any profession.
The review session was one of the most effective methods of learning and self-improvement.
After the meeting, Ichinose prepared to go home, intending to rest and recover properly, only high-quality rest could help enhance athletic performance.
But when he reached the gym's exit, he realized none of the players were leaving.
Everyone was still practicing, repeating the movements they had analyzed during the review, trying to engrain the improvements in their minds.
Scratching his head, Ichinose knew it was a good sign: each player had a strong desire to improve and was taking action.
But as the captain, Ichinose didn't hold back. He swung the gym doors open, startling the group mid-training, and shouted fiercely:
"What is everyone doing?!"
Instantly, the clattering gym went silent.
"Have you been ignoring everything I've been saying? Huh?"
"How many times have I told you: training must be scientific! Measured! Gradual!"
"As athletes, you must manage your physical energy and condition!"
"Go home, take a hot shower, and sleep under the covers!"
"Got it!"
No one dared to argue with Ichinose's captain authority. Under his supervision, they stored equipment, cleaned the gym, changed clothes, and went home.
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The Next Morning
Inside Yukigaoka's activity room…
"What?!"
Hinata Shoyo, the impulsive little ball of energy, exclaimed again.
"Guren! You're slacking today?"
"Why say it so bluntly?" Ichinose calmly peeled a banana, taking slow bites as he spoke.
The other players, though silent, shared Hinata's exact sentiment: surprised and a little intimidated.
"I just meant I'll handle things myself today."
"Giving you more chances to compete, to feel the opponent, to experience the match, "
Hoshino muttered under his breath: "As if you haven't accumulated match experience… You're still just a junior high school student like us."
Hyakuzawa, serious as ever, countered firmly:
"That's not true. Since third grade, Guren has traveled abroad every vacation for training matches. He has far more experience than us, and world-class trainers and player developers help him."
"Those weird training methods and volleyball concepts beyond a junior high school students's understanding? He learned them from others."
Hinata's face showed pure envy, why can he go abroad, face strong opponents, and have such ideal training conditions?! I want that too!
Ichinose knew exactly what Hinata was thinking.
"You don't need to envy me. Every plan I set up for you was coordinated with my teachers remotely. You really thought I made you do all those strange exercises just for fun?"
"Guren, you're the best!"
Hinata's doubts turned into full-on admiration, launching into his usual 'clingy' mode.
Hoshino and the "three small ones" finally understood how Ichinose had devised his relentless yet measured "hellish" training that pushed them to their limits without breaking them.
The four stared at Ichinose with a mix of awe and resentment, silently saying: Oh! It works, but wow, you really spent all that effort on us!
Ichinose shivered at their collective grudging respect, then muttered and dashed off:
"Train properly!"
He swiftly packed up and jogged out, heading for the team bus.
"Follow him! Keep an eye on him even on the road!"
Hoshino issued the war cry, but the four sat expressionless on the bus, eyes on Ichinose, who rested with blindfold and headphones.
"Damn him!"
"Damn him!"
"Damn him!"
"Damn him!"
It was a grueling two-day exhibition, one chapter per day… 25,000 steps a day, it was exhausting.
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