"Oh? There's a libero too. That guy doesn't seem weak."
"And that little mustache guy looks pretty burly."
Tetsuro Kuroo and his childhood friend Iwaizumi Hajime were observing Karasuno's two new, prominent players: Asahi Azumane and Nishinoya Yuu.
But these new additions didn't pique Kuroo's interest much. After greeting the odd duo, Shoyo Hinata and Kageyama Tobio, he plopped down in the stands, bored, watching the warm-ups below.
Noticing that the reporters had retreated to the media area to give the players space, Kuroo started chatting casually with Hajime and Kanedaichi while leaning against the railing.
Next to him was Kyotani Kentarou, the former "Mad Dog" who, after being mercilessly beaten by Ichinose Guren, returned to Aoba Johsai determined to improve his skills.
At this moment, the small-but-fierce Kyotani paid no attention to the third-years around him. His eyes were fixed solely on Ichinose Guren on the court.
"Looks like they even have a new coach."
"Unbelievable. How do these people just appear? This isn't a professional league, no transfers, no poaching allowed."
Iwaizumi, glancing at his talented but cunningly mischievous childhood friend, snorted.
"Just enjoy it while you can. Luckily, high school has no player clauses. Otherwise, Shiratorizawa would throw money at you to snatch you away."
Kuroo frowned at the mention of Ushijima Wakatoshi, the classmate who had dominated them for five straight years.
"I wouldn't go even if they did. I can't stand those guys. Without Ushiwaka, they wouldn't even know how to play."
"Just a genius carrying them, huh? They'll lose to someone eventually."
"Pfft."
Seeing Kuroo's proud, dismissive expression, Iwaizumi chuckled through his nose.
"Heh."
"Kazu-chan, what's that supposed to mean? Looking down on someone?"
"Don't misunderstand. I'm not looking down on anyone. I'm only targeting you."
As the Aoba Johsai substitutes playfully bickered, Kuroo and Iwaizumi's scuffle froze. Sensing the sudden halt, they exchanged a glance.
A certain aura, unwelcome to both, seemed to rise from the floor and settle in their noses.
"Hey, Inugawa… that's them."
"Yeah, I felt it too."
Irregular footsteps echoed down the hallway.
If Date Tech's players moved like well-trained soldiers, this group sounded like carefree, undisciplined mercenaries.
Yet somehow, every player warming up on the court was drawn to the steps, as if by magic.
Strong…
The word appeared in everyone's mind.
The violet-and-white legion, Shiratorizawa.
In everyone's line of sight appeared the high school prodigy who had ruled Miyagi Prefecture for five years since junior high, one of the three national aces, the strongest player in the prefecture, Ushijima Wakatoshi.
Behind him was a tall, long-limbed red-haired boy with unusually styled hair.
Another, with thick eyebrows, deep-set eyes, and an old-fashioned serious look, gave the impression his name could easily be Benkei. His skin was dark and his presence solid.
Aoba Johsai exuded the aura of pure elite.
But this aura wasn't just due to height or muscle.
Shiratorizawa carried the confidence of someone who had never lost from a high position, the certainty in their own skills, their teammates, and their previous victories.
This belief manifested as a presence that could dominate the court without any extra action.
"Am I dreaming? Why is Shiratorizawa here for the first match at the Interhigh?"
"I don't know, man. They've never watched other teams play before."
"I know! They only study their national tournament opponents!"
"This is Miyagi's absolute top team, locked on a national top-eight spot. What's going on today?"
"No way… isn't that the strongest ace in the country? I heard the three national aces are Ushijima Wakatoshi and his fanboys."
"This aura alone will throw me off my game!"
"Stop whining, you're just bad."
While the audience and players stiffened at the arrival of Shiratorizawa, a loud voice cut through the murmurs, echoing across the gym.
"Pass to the left!"
"Got it!"
A figure nearly as tall as Ushijima dashed forward, calling for the setter's ball mid-run. All eyes were on him.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria