Disclaimer: I don't own Haikyuu, all rights go to Haruichi Furudate.
Ok, here's the excuse, I was incredibly busy and had no time to update any of my stories. Additionally, I had some writer's block hit me like a two-ton truck. That's the lie and excuse (also partially truth though). The real answer and truth was that I was just too lazy to drag my body to my desk with my computer to write up anything. I re-read some of this story, and I cried when I saw the date for the last update. It prompted me to slap myself in the face and put my fingers on the keyboard. So here you go, hope it's quality enough work. Just give me a minute to remember where I left off last time…
Also head's up! I changed the summary because I felt the old summary was just me trying to put a summary together without really putting some meaning into it.
Eri was walking to the Karasuno-Nekoma practice game…. By herself. She trudged along slowly, incredibly moody and grumpy, and it was showing on her face. She did not have a great sleep, and she was also still exceedingly annoyed at the majority of Aoba Johsai….. although it was mostly her fault. She was even pissed at her brother, something that rarely happened. Irritated, yes, pissed, no. Besides, she would have been probably safe, maybe. But no one knew that, and she earnestly hoped no one would ever know. The sun twinkled happily and the wind breezed around her merrily, it seemed as if the entire world was filled with joy. Except her.
Life was so ironic at times. She hissed angrily, kicking at a rock, then instantly regretted it as she received a small scuff mark on her black converse. If she was correct, she was almost there. Pushing her bag back onto her shoulder, she sighed again, remembering last night's events. She was lucky Adachi left before they noticed him, or there would have been seriously MAJOR questions and interrogations involved.
"That was so incredibly stupid and dangerous!"
"What if you have gotten killed or hurt?"
"You made us all worry so much!"
"You idiot! Don't do that ever again!"
"Do you know how reckless that was?!"
The headaches and nuisances. Those mostly came from Yama, Mizoguchi, and Iwaizumi. Perhaps it was Kunimi that stung the most.
"I'm sorry to you Eri that I didn't make sure you as my friend wasn't securely safe."
Eri gritted her teeth; she hated people like that! Making the other feel intentionally guilty! It made her blood boil furiously. Kunimi was dangerously smart, and she hated it, but not at the same time, it was strangely refreshing to have someone who kind of, maybe understood. She scoffed, what was she? A drama teen girl in a cheesy romance novel? No, she was better than that. Much better, she had to be. She was trying to push those memories to the dark pit of forgotten and lost memories. Eri was also lucky she'd manage to slip out before the team could send people after her, she had only told Himiko that she was escaping. She heard some shouting, probably Tanaka or Hinata. She quickened her pace to a fast jog, coming up over the hill and spotted a bus unloading boys in red jerseys. Nekoma's jerseys….
And she spotted an old man with a cat grin.
"Neko-Ojii…" Eri breathed out, recalling some very fond, very old memories of him. Was it possible?
She didn't think they'd noticed her yet, so she started down the hill. It was now she regretted wearing a lightweight black jacket, at least she was wearing black jean shorts and a mint green shirt, and she was partially dressed for warmer weather. It was Yamaguchi who first caught her presence as Eri was carefully coming down the hill.
"Ichijo-san!" He called out vibrantly, waving his hand in warm welcome.
Many heads turned, and she saw recognition in the assistant coach for Nekoma. Finally, she reached the bottom of the hill, walking straight for Yasufumi Nekomata. And she gave him a short but a sweet hug.
"I missed you Neko-Ojiii," Eri mumbled softly.
Coach Nekomata simply laughed in that clever cattish way. "As did I, dear Eri-san. Come, come! Let me introduce you to Nekoma's new team." Starting with one of the tallest members with spiky black hair, Neko-Ojii began naming them all.
"Kuroo Tetsurou, Kai Nobuyuki, Yaku Morisuke, Yamamoto Taketora, Kozume Kenma, Fukanaga Shohei, Inouka So, and Shibayama Yuki."
Secretly, Eri was thrilled to be able to watch another Battle of the Dumpster. Also, she swore she recognized Yaku-san's name. Didn't he have an older sister named Yaku Akemi? She bowed in standard greeting. "Nice to meet you."
"NICE TO MEET YOU!" They yelled, expected of the usual volleyball team, and bowed together.
If Eri hadn't been used to volleyball boy's antics, she would have for sure leaped out of her skin. A cold, cruel, twisted form of amusement lit in Eri's eyes. "I can't wait to see how Nekoma's team has evolved over the last decade."
"Ne ne Ichijo-chan! You didn't say hi to us!" Hinata called desperately.
Eri raked her nails over her forearm. "Oh right, I forgot."
She turned to greet them as well, but it seemed like Tanaka and Hinata had other ideas. Before she knew it, she was trapped in a side hug from both, and she intensely wanted to burn the whole world down. For some reason, she was feeling violently angry today.
"Get your hands off me," Eri said very calmly, yet everyone heard the shaking annoyance underneath, even two dumb idiots like Hinata and Tanaka.
In a blur, they released her and skirted behind Sawamura in hopes of protection. Eri tugged her bag tighter, hoping the rest of the day would go smoother. She did notice two extra players, three if you counted the old bachelor with spiky blonde hair and piercings.
"Who's the blonde punk, goatee man and short gangster?" Eri cut out bluntly.
"Short gangster" started forward, ticked off before Tanaka dragged him back with Ennoshita. "Who you calling short?! You're the same height as me!" The Short Gangster screeched furiously.
And then, flashes of old, past, and buried memories recycled through her head. "Ukai Keishin. Azumane Asahi. Nishinoya Yuu."
Now that answer stunned everyone, especially the fact she knew their names. But she did. For someone who never played the sport and the sport, in general, wasn't her first interest, Eri paid close attention to the youth volleyball world.
"Nishinoya Yuu, from Chidoriyama Junior High, one of the best liberos in the division," Eri recited from memory of her notes. "Azumane Asahi, the Ace of Karasuno who failed to spike past Date Tech's Iron Wall last March. And Ukai Keishin, Ukai Ikkei's grandson."
Ukai-san burst into loud, unruly laughter, no doubt expecting that answer. "AHAHAHAHAHAHA! I'd expect no less from you, Ichijo-hime!"
"Hime?" Nishinoya paused his otherworldly screeching to take heed of Eri's "title."
"It's a complete joke; it came from the Little Giant when he noticed how much Coach Ukai and Coach Nekomata doted on me, as did the entirety of the two teams," Eri briefly explained, slowly inching away from Hinata's growing expression and face of delight. "I almost didn't recognize Ukai-kun, with his new punk look. But I could never forget that pair of cocky crow eyes."
Ukai-san erupted into laughter again. "Still cold and slick I see!"
Eri simply spun on her heel and made her way inside, choosing to sit next to Coach Nekomata for the first set. She flipped open her note, scribbling the day and the event. Coach Nekomata watched her movements with that proud grandfatherly smile. She had certainly grown. The usual standard greetings of the game commenced, and Eri couldn't help the bubbly feeling in her heart from rising as she witnessed the first Battle of the Dumpster in many years.
By a few rotations, her pale, delicate hand was already cramping from the amount of note she'd taken.
Let's see, Nekoma's still very much the team it was in the past, that bedhead rooster is certainly a formidable opponent, one of the bests. An excellent spiker, blocker, and receiver. Their Mohawk Ace isn't as impressive but has the charisma that motivates the team, which is also extremely vital in games. Her sights landed on Yaku, who received yet another nearly impeccable receive. He's one of the best high school liberos I've ever seen; his morale is exceptionally strong as well. A viable choice I think. Eri's thoughts strayed to who she believed the truly deadliest member of the team.
Kozume Kenma. A literal game fanatic if I ever saw one, he's not very strong or tall, he lacks the enthusiasm that most of his teammates have when it comes to playing. He's a remarkable player, and I do believe I know the reason why. An icy, calculating light prickled in her eyes as the cold flame of ideas were born in her head. It seems all that gaming he does doesn't go to waste. He's a brilliant strategist, one of the best I've seen so far. And I know some of the best strategists in the Underworld community. Kozume-san certainly could give them a run for their money.
"Eri-san, how's the team's current standing?" Coach Nekomata asked calmly, guessing what she'd say.
Eri bit the inside of her lip, coming up with a viable response. It's a test. "The defense is remarkable, and how the players adapt to wild plays is pretty good. The team knows the other very well, and can fill the holes and connect easily."
"But….?" Coach Nekomata urged her to finish with a coy smile.
And she knew it. "Their offense needs a little bit of work. That's all; Nekoma is a very well rounded team." Her gaze turned to Karasuno. "Karasuno is…. A piece of work. It's almost sad to watch. It's like a full grown cat stalking a baby crow."
"Hmm… I can see that comparison very well," Coach Nekomata commented on her statement. "However, you forget that every team has the room to improve and grow, no team is perfect." He glanced at Eri briefly. "The same goes for people."
He saw it. The thought of the possibility made her breath stop for a moment in fear. Quickly, Eri covered her blunder, nodding serenely in agreement. The wheels in her head began to work again, and she sneaked a glance at Kozume-san, who met her gaze like a calculating cat. For a moment, their minds connected, and they thought the same thing. A timeout was called, for the better of both teams in Eri's opinion.
"Inouka-san, you're in charge of marking Hinata's every move and play," Kozume-san related the plan to his team. "If they keep using it, you'll get used to it."
Eri raised her hand, gaining Nekoma's attention. Kuroo flashed a cat like a grin to her; she took it as a sign she was allowed to speak.
"I'm sure you've all noticed, but their defense is sorely lacking, especially Hinata's and their number 11. Target them, put pressure on them," Eri said, a hidden gleam of a warrior in her eyes. "This most likely makes either their captain or their libero try to cover them, and while they think we're attacking their defense, attack their offense. Make their setter feel cornered and rely on Hinata more and more. Target their weak points and while they're panicking over those spots, hit and break their stronger points to destroy their morale."
If she had told this to Aoba Johsai, they would have sent her to a psychologist in worry of her darker choice of words. However, Nekoma's players merely grinned (most of them, a certain individual just looked even more exhausted) in glee and seriousness. They were willing, and she admired that greatly.
"Crush them all into piles of dust," Eri concluded with an air of finality.
"YEAH!" Nekoma yelled, breaking away from their huddle and returning to the court, as did Karasuno.
No doubt Karasuno has predicted Nekoma's moves, and Ukai-kun has probably already alerted them of my tendency to break and shatter teams. They'll expect it. Which is why Nekoma has to be one step ahead, both of these teams will be evenly matched soon, Karasuno will have strengthened their defense by the time the Inter-High rolls around, Eri's brain ran a million miles ahead of herself.
From the looks of it, Inouka was marking Hinata excellently, Kozume-san's plan was being executed wonderfully. Inouka was getting to the point where he could match Hinata speed for speed.
It also doesn't help Karasuno's case that Hinata's eyes are closed on that extremely fast quick, he can't aim. They're going to get blocked. Eri paused in her scribbling for a moment. Perhaps I should go to help them. Can't be too biased and only stick with one. That's not my job. I'm not a manager; my role is to promote everyone to be the best they can be, even so-called enemy teams.
Gathering her notebooks and pens into her bag, she glided to the other side of the court, sitting on the bench. Shimizu was surprised, but gave no mention of it, merely smiling faintly. Eri didn't smile, of course, instead, she dipped her head in response.
"Got any strategy for us this time?" Ukai-kun smirked, teasing her.
"Unfortunately, at the current state Karasuno is in, there's not much I can do for them to beat Nekoma," Eri admitted.
Ukai ran a hand through his bleached hair. "Yeah, I'd figured as much. Their defense is sorely lacking."
Eri made a noise of agreement. "I think with practice, time and trust, they could even beat Shiratorizawa. This is a good team."
"We just have to believe in them!" The teacher….. Takeda-sensei?
She rather liked his charisma and enthusiasm; it's good for a team when they have a supportive teacher advisor. Sometimes, Mizoguchi was too lively, Irihata balanced that out nicely, however.
"I certainly agree," Eri replied softly, watching the progressing game intently.
Inouka was catching up to Hinata fairly quickly, Karasuno would not be pleased when he would finally be able to block the unstoppable quick. She probably should have brought Kunimi to save him from Mizoguchi's horrible grumpy, grouchy temper, but she was still irked at the majority of Aoba Johsai. Kunimi included. Not by much, but still in the circle. Finally, after long last, Hinata opened his eyes to see Inouka block his freak quick.
Eri was slightly ashamed of herself, but her sadistic side loved Hinata's and Kageyama's shocked and frazzled faces. All of Karasunos' worried expressions amused her to a level of satisfaction. Kozume stole a glance towards Eri, his eyes glinting like a hunting cat's. Eri returned it with a coy gleam. Now, she knew Karasuno was panicking. The Crows called for a timeout, and she stood to the side while Karasuno conjured up a strategy to combat Nekoma. Vice-Captain Sugawara gave her a few questionable looks, and she smirked inwardly.
She knew already.
When the game resumed, Eri paid extreme attention to Kageyama, who wasn't panicking quite as she thought he would. Rather, it was the captain and vice, although they did a splendid job of hiding it. However, she was not expecting Kageyama to switch to a normal, floaty quick for Hinata. Considering Kageyama, she really should have. But she didn't, and it insanely impressed her. His title as King was ill-meant but well deserved, she slyly thought.
"Kageyama tried to play his cards right, he failed, but he attempted," Eri muttered, jotting some notes in her notebook. That reminds me, I haven't finished that sketch of Ochako Uraraka (from My Hero Academia) yet, I should do that later. And possibly find time to catch a snooze.
Karasuno put up a valiant fight, but in the end, the Crows lost to the victorious Cats. Eri fully expected this, yet she was vaguely proud of the inspiring words her "uncle" offered towards the baby crow team. Somehow, it reminded her of Seijoh, not that she'd ever admit it. She'd already given a few words to Nekoma, so she hurried over to Karasuno (and by hurried, I mean dragged herself). Eri flipped open her notebook, reviewing the notes she had taken.
"Your offense could be counted equally among the powerhouses such as Seijoh or Shiratorizawa, however, your defense is sorely lacking in multiple areas," Eri tapped the side of her leg with her pen thoughtfully. "The libero," Eri gave Nishinoya a pointed look, "your captain and Ace will help you as best as they can, but I suggest you take independent studies as well to strengthen the defense."
Sugawara raised his hand questionably, Eri should have figured. "What do you mean independent studies?"
"Training outside of your normal club practice to simply put it," Eri explained blankly, not entirely sure how the vice-captain didn't get the idea independent practice. "Like, throwing the ball against a wall to practice the correct receiving form."
Eri did not like the gleam in Hinata's eyes. It spelled over practicing and extra time playing volleyball.
"Then will you help us train?!" Hinata spouted off excitedly, his eyes like a kindergartener's.
Casually, Eri flicked his forehead with her finger and scowled. "Absolutely not. Firstly, I do not have time to babysit another group of high school boys. Secondly, I do not even attend this school, coming here would be going out of my way and that's a hard no. Third, I don't want to help you. Period end."
The gleeful, childish glint Hinata had deflated by a million miles.
"Ohoho, so you've become Aoba Johsai's errand girl now," the tall, lanky blonde that Eri had the unfortunate pleasure of calling Tsukishima-san smirked quite pleasantly.
"Can it Stringbean," Eri snapped. "I'm their manager in all but name now that Oikawa has roped me the rest of the team into luring me into the tragic role of manager. Besides," Eri added, giving a hard glance at the much taller blonde, "I'm sure Shimizu-san certainly appreciates being called an errand girl."
From what Eri gathered, Shimizu was an extremely patient and kind girl. However, all girls drew the line somewhere. Eri mentally snickered when Shimizu-san give Tsukishima a fantastic disapproving senpai look, clearly establishing she did not like the first year's comment and the boy withered like a wilting flower.
Eri absentmindedly pushed a piece of her ebony hair behind her ear. "Back to what I was saying if you guys want to ramp up your defense, work on your own as well. However, don't overdo it, that's even worse. Push your limits but respect them," Eri said with a tone of finality. "There are plenty of resources out there that you can find to aid in your….crusade."
She noticed Hinata loudly whisper to Kageyama, asking him what a crusade was. The setter just scowled and said, "how am I supposed to know that dumbass?!"
"For your information Hinata, a crusade was a term used for medieval military expeditions, usually for religious purposes," Eri put it in the simplest terms she could for the clueless boy. "In your way, it means the efforts you'd make to improve your volleyball skills."
All this talking was wearing her out. Eri planned to say her goodbyes for politeness and then skedaddle out. However, it seemed as if Hinata had other plans.
"AGAIN!"
For the second practice match, Eri finished her wonderful sketch of Ochako. I'll have to do the line art when I get home; she made a mental note to herself while she stashed the artwork carefully in her book, placing it into her bag. For the third match, she took a nice, long, hard nap. She awoke to find Hinata demanding for a fourth match and all of Nekoma and Karasuno dying of exhaustion. Several of them were lying on the floor in a puddle of sweat and weariness. She had to commend them for their endurance; she would have collapsed five minutes into the first practice game.
Ah, but it did seem to be getting late, the sun was glowing a stunningly gorgeous orange-gold. For this very purpose, Eri had switched her phone off, knowing the number of calls and texts she had probably received. She made no effort in assisting in cleanup; cleaning had not been in her job description. While she waited for the teams to finish their little… bonding time…. Eri wrote up some copies of her notes and observations.
For their sake I pray they use these notes, Eri snorted to herself.
She handed a copy to Shimizu, the only sane member of Karasuno. The older girl smiled kindly and said her thanks and that she'd hold onto it for safekeeping. Safekeeping is right; the boys would probably rip it only after two minutes. Eri thought she should have more faith in the Crows, no matter how crazy or reckless they were. She gave the Nekoma notes to their trusty looking libero, Yaku Morisuke. After awkward heartfelt farewells from several of Nekoma's players and an intense looking rivalry between Rooster hair Kuroo-san and Sawamura, Eri was ready to go back to her training team.
When did I start thinking of them as my team? I sincerely feel sorry for Yaku-san and Sugawara-san, the moms of the team. They have such troublesome teammates this year, no mattter how hilarious they are.
Neko-ojii gave her goddaughter an old, warm grandfatherly smile. "Take care Eri-san. Tell your parents and brother I said hello."
"I will, Neko-ojii."
Hinata apparently knew Kozume-san already, she pitied the game loving boy, Hinata took so much effort to be around without attempting to kill him.
Today had been chaotic, tiring, and most of all, stressful. Eri couldn't find it in herself to hate it though. Hinata had attempted to give her a high five and Eri promptly smacked him in the face with her bag. That earned her Stringbean's respect and some giggles.
Eri found that all the craziness was worth it after all. Of course, the headache she'd receive when she returned to Seijoh would make her reconsider all of her life's choices up to that moment.
Finally! I got this chapter done and out for you all! I hope it was satisfactory since I've been gone for so long. Thanks to all who last reviewed and I hope to see you for the next chapter, whenever I can get it out.