After the practice match, Ichinose Guren and the others had more than exceeded expectations. Not only had Kageyama learned the meaning of true teamwork from his time with Hinata Shoyo, but he also experienced for the first time what it felt like to stand together on the same line, united against an opponent.
The new members lined up in their team uniforms.
From tallest to shortest: Yudai Hyakuzawa 201 cm, Tsukishima Kei 190 cm, Ichinose Guren 187 cm, Tobio Kageyama 182 cm, Yamaguchi Tadashi 179 cm, Hinata Shoyo 164 cm, and Nishinoya Yuu 160 cm.
"Hmm!"
Tanaka Ryunosuke nodded, clearly pleased.
"This year's new members are impressive! They all have great energy!"
After the welcome ceremony, Sugawara Koushi and Sawamura Daichi exchanged a synchronized deep breath, as if to exhale all the fatigue accumulated over the past days.
"At first, I just wanted Kageyama to fit in with the team. I didn't expect such an intense match."
"Yeah… just watching from the sidelines, I was exhausted. I can't believe they still managed to perform like that in the final play."
The two "parents" of the Karasuno family marveled at the vitality of the freshmen. Watching their energetic movements gave them a fleeting sense that they themselves had aged since entering their senior year.
"Practice match!"
"Huff… puff…"
"A practice match! The opponent is one of the top four schools in the prefecture: Aoba Johsai High!"
Beneath a soft yet surprisingly resilient hairstyle, eyes gleaming even behind glasses, stood Takeda Ittetsu, Karasuno's substitute coach, holding the faxed invitation and documents from Aoba Johsai. He quickly changed his shoes, eager to share the news with the team.
"Ah! So you two are the troublemakers, Kageyama and Hinata."
"We haven't formally met before. I heard you've been training outside on your own. Truly passionate young athletes."
He first introduced himself to the freshmen who hadn't yet participated in formal club training, Kageyama and Hinata, then explained in detail Aoba Johsai's request for the practice match.
For talented youth, self-driven motivation is essential for skill improvement. But beyond that, guidance from experienced seniors, scientific training methods, a good training environment, and strong opponents for mutual encouragement and competition are indispensable.
A practice match with a top-four school like Aoba Johsai was a coveted opportunity for any volleyball club. Not only could they gain valuable information about the team, but sparring with strong opponents, even in a loss, would make them stronger than ever before.
Takeda's announcement caused quite a stir. Since Karasuno's decline, their previous frequent practice matches had faded. Since the arrival of Daichi and his classmates, there had been no official competitions outside the tournaments, only internal training matches.
To improve, facing strong opponents with different styles is as important as rigorous training. Securing a match with Aoba Johsai was a rare opportunity. The two seniors, Sugawara and Daichi, quietly considered whether their coach had once again gone to extraordinary lengths to arrange it.
Takeda's explanation of Aoba Johsai's conditions left Sugawara and Daichi momentarily speechless.
"This isn't an easy opportunity… and they want Sugawara to sit out."
Sugawara, initially silent, quickly understood.
"I want to see Kageyama and Hinata's quick attack coordination too."
From a short distance away, Nishinoya Yuu coolly glanced at Guren.
"Looks like someone's being underestimated, Ichinose."
Guren ignored the instigator, responding simply:
"They don't know I'm at Karasuno now."
Those few words radiated the aura of the summer MVP, an unmistakable dominance.
"If they knew I joined Karasuno, they'd have to invite us for a practice match. Whether we accept or not is another matter."
This was the confidence of the strongest ace in junior high, the best spiker and server at the Miyagi Prefecture Junior High Sports Tournament.
But Guren didn't dwell on Aoba Johsai's invitation. He calmly observed the silver-haired senior in front of him.
"The most resolute third-year player."
[In that instant, he clearly felt reluctant, but he quickly realized that if he didn't speak up, the second- and third-years might resist this practice match.]
[They might even refuse.]
[If me sitting out helps Karasuno improve, then so be it.]
[We've grown used to losing over the past two years. If the opportunity comes, we must seize it!]
[For victory, I can accept giving up my starting position.]
Guren had already read Sugawara's thoughts.
"Yes, the most resolute third-year."
"Not gentle as jade, but indomitable."
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria