Author's Note:

I couldn't find the year/grades of the managers from Shinzen and Ubugawa, I only got their names. So, for the sake of the story, let's pretend that Eri from Ubugawa is a second-year and Mako from Shinzen is a third-year.

Kaori and Yukie from Fukurōdani are both third-years.

Questions, corrections, and/or any comments are always welcome! :)

Lunchtime came and went, and the guys continued with their practice matches after an hour break. Ai had visited her Karasuno team during that time to check in on them before going back to Nekoma's team. Hinata and Kageyama had sat separately, so she chatted with them individually. The others were as close as always, discussing the synchronized attacks that were delightfully not in sync and the libero's tosses. She and Tsukishima exchanged a few words. However, Ai didn't push him to talk to her.

.

Once they were closer to the evening, Ai left the gymnasium to go help prepare dinner.

"Never hesitate to come get me, Yūki," she told the polite first-year before going to the kitchen. "I'll come back whenever you need help."

"Yes, ma'am!" Shibayama saluted. He was still a little rigid toward the older female's regal elegance.

Ai smiled a bit and patted his shoulder. "Relax. I'd like to think we're teammates now, and I hope you'll rely on me as your manager even if we're a year apart."

He nodded with a pink tinge. "O-Okay!"

Glancing around at the players in blue number jerseys once more, she left her notebook with the first-year libero and exited the door with a wave. Without a manager, Shibayama was usually the coaches' and players' trusted assistant.

.

In the kitchen, Ai met with Kiyoko and Yachi, as well as the four other managers from the other schools. They chatted about their teams and got to know each other better. Shirofuku Yukie was a third-year manager for Fukurōdani with Suzumeda Kaori, and she had a love for food. Ai got along well with both of them, and she discussed their favorite dishes and nutrition with Yukie.

"It's nice of you to be Nekoma's manager," Miyanoshita Eri, Ubugawa's female manager said, peeling the onions.

"Mhmm," Ōtaki Mako from Shinzen agreed.

"We used to take turns watching over their team, especially Yukie and I, since there's two of us for Fukurōdani," Kaori explained, motioning toward her friend and colleague. "But, we didn't really get to do much."

"I see. And, I'm happy to help." Ai smiled at the girls. "Karasuno and I are lucky to have Kiyoko-senpai and Hitoka-chan."

"That's our line," Kiyoko piped. "Ai-chan's work is incredible."

Yachi nodded enthusiastically. "I feel so glad every day to have such kind senpai's!"

She and Kiyoko giggled.

"We're glad to have you, too," their senior replied.

"Especially when I'm busy with sadō club," Ai added.

"You're in two clubs?" Mako asked, standing at the sink and preparing the rice to cook.

"I am, although we don't have any club activities over the summer."

"That's so cool!" Eri awed.

One of the Fukurōdani managers perked up. "Do you get to eat sweets, too?"

The girls laughed.

"Yukie's a glutton for all sorts of food," Kaori teased.

Ai smiled and answered the third-year, "We do have confectionery before the tea, but it's not always the traditional kind."

"Wow, that sounds so fun!" the girl wearing green shorts said.

Ai nodded, but the manager in yellow started to cry.

"Ahh, I don't like cutting onions," Eri sobbed.

"I don't think anyone does," Kaori bitterly laughed.

The females continued to cut vegetables and cook for the group. A few of the teachers came by to check on the students and helped out for a bit as well. They finished in time for the guys to end their practice games for the day.

For the time being, Ai only accurately measured the food for her crows. She wrote their names out on sticky notes in English, her handwriting in a slight cursive font, and an estimated amount of each food they should get. Because she didn't want the dishes to get cold after plating them, she left the trays empty until they came to eat.

A few people started to trickle into the cafeteria, letting the managers know that the volleyball players were done. By now, Ai had memorized some of the players of other teams. She had written their names in her notes when the guys shouted to each other during games.

Just as she wrote the last note for food portions and stood back to check her work, Ennoshita and Kinoshita came into the cafeteria looking exhausted. They each had a towel and water bottle with them.

Having no pockets, Ai stuck her pencil under her bra strap below her collarbone and walked over to them. "Chikara. Hisashi."

They turned toward her voice and smiled wearily. Karasuno had "amazingly" suffered a continuous loss from the lack of practice of their new skills. Therefore, they had had to sprint up the slope countless times as a penalty. It was apparently a Shinzen High special training exercise: a refreshing uphill dash through the forest behind the school. It was similar to the sprints the other Coach Ukai used to make them do when he had coached.

"Hey, Ai," the latter said and waved.

She closed their distance while holding out her hands for their bottles. It took them a second to realize what she meant.

"Oh, thanks." Ennoshita gave her his close-to-empty water bottle. "Narita said he's gonna practice a bit more with the seniors."

She nodded and led them to the vacant seats of the table, like a waitress in training. "I was going to go back to the gymnasium after this. Wait here, and I'll get your trays for you." She left before they could object, so they sat and did as they were told.

Ai had to make a couple of rounds from the kitchen to the table with the somewhat heavy plates. "Here you are." She placed their respective meals in front of them, taking the pieces of paper from their trays.

"What's that?" Kinoshita pointed.

"Oh, just a memo for myself." She showed them to him but quickly took them back. "Some rough calculations of nutrients. Don't worry about it too much. I don't want you to overthink it."

"Why not?" he wondered curiously. It wasn't like her to hide something from them.

She faked a joking face. "Just trust me, will you, Hisashi?" At least for now, they didn't need to concern themselves with food. Nor did she want them to fall subject to eating disorders.

Kinoshita's cheeks dusted in light pink. "Okay…?"

Dropping a hand on each of their shoulders, she flashed them a smile. "Excellent job today." She left the two second-years to eat their dinner and collected her things to take with her. It was almost 7 o'clock.

Ambling along the roofed pathway, Ai made her way to the First Gymnasium. There, she found the Karasuno team once again training individually, except for the group who were practicing the synchronized attack. Yachi threw balls for Hinata and Kageyama to practice the new quick attacks, and Kiyoko was with Sugawara, Daichi, Tanaka, and Narita, working on a copy of Shinzen's attack.

She approached the two that were serving first. "How are you tonight, Asahi-san, Tadashi?"

The ace snapped out of his concentration and looked at her. "Oh, hey, Ai." His voice was just as soft as his smile. "I'm doing alright, I think. Working on control accuracy with power."

She nodded. "I'm sure you have no problem with the strength aspect," she encouraged. "Is there anything you need?"

"I'm good. Thanks, Ai." The third-year patted her on her head.

The talented manager smiled. "Glad to hear it." As Ai was about to search for water bottles that needed refilling, Yamaguchi walked over to her.

"Um, Ai-senpai?" he called.

She turned around. "Yes?"

He fiddled with a ball and stared at it as he spoke. "I know we might practice more than enough already, and it's not like it's better to just frantically keep practicing, but…"

She was quiet for a moment. "Do you feel that you've practiced enough for today?" When she saw his hesitation, Ai quickly added, "It's not a trick question."

Yamaguchi looked dismal. "Not really…"

She hummed thoughtfully. "Tadashi, would you hear me out for a second?"

The first-year was a bit surprised that she would ask for his permission. "Huh? Oh! Yes."

Ai looked up at him as she held his forearm. "The last thing I want to do is give you false hope," she started, "but I think it's okay to trust the work you put in, for volleyball or otherwise. You can be proud of the effort you put in every night, practicing the jump floater serves."

She glanced at the Molten ball in his hands. "You said 'frantically practicing', but you're not training at random. You have a goal and a vision. You remember the tips that Shimada-san has given you over the past few weeks, and you'll naturally get used to how to serve successfully."

Her lips curled into a hesitant smile. "I hope you don't think that you're wasting your time for nothing. But, as your manager, I'll support whatever you choose."

His lips were parted in awe when she finished, but he regained his composure. "Yes, thank you!"

"No problem. Now, would you like me to help you practice?"

"Um, I think I'm okay. I'll just serve by myself."

Ai nodded. "Sure. You know where to find me."

After spotting the Guardian Deity libero in the commodious gymnasium, she helped Nishinoya with his tosses. He had seemed lonely setting against the wall while Asahi was busy serving next to the first-year pinch server.

"Perhaps I could ask Tobio if he could show you an example," Ai suggested, throwing the ball high in the air. "I could record a video of it as well, to refer back to."

Nishinoya jumped, but he went too far. "Damn it!" He walked back to behind the line. "Yeah, maybe. Your throws are good for now though!" He grinned. "One more!"

They continued as such until she heard multiple voices of the Nekoma team. Asahi was timely and took on practicing with the libero. "I'm sorry for leaving, Yū. Good luck with Asahi-san."

She was glad the ace agreed to practice with him. Ai wouldn't have left her own team for another otherwise. She waved at them and followed the others to the Third Gymnasium.

"Ah! You're practicing spikes again? Do you want me to block? I can block!" Inuoka offered excitedly.

"Hey, Lev! Don't you be rolling around there like that! Receive!"

"Gah! Yaku-san!"

"What do you mean by 'gah'?!"

Fukunaga entered silently, wriggling his fingers in air quotations.

Then, she passed by Tsukishima, who stomped out with a towel in hand. "Kei... Good night," Ai called out.

He only waved a hand behind him in response.

A breath of worry escaped her lips as she watched him walk away. A half-moon shined in a pale glow, and she gazed at the moonrise for a moment before going inside the gymnasium.

When she entered, Lev hurriedly picked himself up from the puddle of sweat he laid in, revitalized at the sight of her. "Ai-senpai! Have you come to watch me practice?"

She giggled. "Sure, why not." She smiled at the staring trio by the net. "Hello, Kuroo-san, Bokuto-san, Keiji-kun."

"Hey, Akatsuki... Did Glasses-kun seem alright? It was my bad," Kuroo confessed.

The Master of Provocation seemed to have struck a nerve, saying that Hinata, who played the same position, would take all the glory. Tsukishima had casually brushed it off, pointing out that there was an obvious difference in potential between them. True, Karasuno's Number 10 was unpredictable and a threat. But, in terms of technique and experience, he was like a baby bird. His height was also inferior to almost everyone on the team. On the other hand, Tsukishima was tall and intelligent. Yet, the blond looked at Hinata not only as an equal, but as someone that he had no match against.

Ai was oblivious to their earlier conversation, but she shook her head. "I'm sure it's not you. I've said some things myself before coming here. I may have overstepped this time." She frowned.

Ai had been giving Tsukishima his time and space, and the choice was ultimately up to him. However, she was aware that she may have been a bit too forceful with him.

Bokuto cleared the somber air. "Oh well, if it isn't Ai-chan! I hear you're famous in Tokyo, huh?" He ducked under the net and came over to lean against her shoulder. "Wanna come to Fukurōdani?"

"What a pickup line, Bokuto-san," Akaashi remarked.

"Shh, Akaashi!"

"Nope, she's coming to Nekoma." Kuroo grabbed her wrist and pulled her away from the captain of the owls. He held her from behind, with her back against his tall chest.

"Aren't we going to start, senpai?" Inuoka jumped up and down, excited to practice with the ace of Fukurōdani.

Although he was a wing spiker, Fukunaga also joined the first-year on the court.

"Fine! Alright! Let's do this! Hey, hey, hey!" Bokuto cheered.

Kuroo tapped her head before going into position. Lev was being battered by the ruthless training from the starting libero of Nekoma himself. Ai ran to retrieve her notebook for them and quickly asked around for everyone's height and weight; she promised to keep the information confidential for those with a height complex.

In the corner, she sat and calculated the nutritional diets for them on her phone. She looked up from time to time and watched Inuoka help block Bokuto's spikes with Akaashi's tosses; both his straight and cross shots were astonishing. Ai also ran to get water bottles from the other gymnasium and tried to console a dead Lev by rubbing his back.

Yaku peeked at her notes after drilling the Russian newbie for a while. "Do you do this for everyone?" the third-year asked, watching her write continuously. He wondered if she ever got pencil blisters on her delicate fingers.

"Yes, but it's really not a problem at all. Just simple algebra and reusing the same equations." She paused and looked up to address the third-year properly. "My manager colleague from middle school is much more talented at nurturing sports players than I am. She can predict how players will improve themselves and evolve."

"Wow," he said, sitting cross-legged and taking the notebook to flip through it. "And this is already extensive."

Akaashi walked over, curious. "May I?"

"Of course." She handed him a towel and watched as everyone in the room gathered around in a group, taking a break from volleyball.

Yaku handed it to him. Her notes were getting pretty popular.

"This is amazing," he commented as he read the writing. After a few pages, he glanced at her. "Where did you say you're from?" Akaashi asked.

"Teikō Junior High."

"Huh? Teikō? Hmm..." Having heard the school name before, Bokuto thought long and hard with his hand on his chin.

"It's that big private school that's famous for basketball," his setter friend clarified.

"Oh! Yeah! I remember now!" He stood tall and puffed out his chest, putting his hands on his hips. "I almost got lost there!"

"Bokuto-san, that's not something to be proud of."

"Anyway," Kuroo said and sat behind her. He tugged on her shoulders for her to recline her back against him. "She's a part of Nekoma now."

It was becoming strange how the captain constantly sought out opportunities to close their distance.

Feeling a bit unsettled with the amount of attention, she patted his forearm and shifted to sit up. His hands stayed on her shoulders. "I'd be happy to offer to do the same for you and Bokuto-san, Keiji-kun."

"Why does Akaashi get called by his first name? Lucky," the ace of the nation's top five wing spikers pouted.

She chuckled lightly at his jealousy, or weakness, as Akaashi would put it. "Is Kōtarō-san better?"

He nodded, satisfied.

"Can I just call you Ai too, Ai-senpai?" Lev asked from the floor.

"Hey! Be more respectful to your seniors, Lev," Yaku scolded.

"I'm sorry, Lev. It'd be unfair of me to Sō if I gave you the foreigner's excuse, but I'll allow Shōhei to, if he'd like."

Fukunaga nodded, and he opened and closed a peace sign several times.

Ai smiled. "Okay, I should go. It's getting late, and I want to remind my birds to give me their laundry." She carefully took Kuroo's paws off of her and stood. "Will you let me do Nekoma's laundry as well?" she asked the room.

"Will you? That'd be so helpful!" Yaku stood with her.

"It's not a problem." Ai nodded to the third-years. "I'll see you in the morning. Good night." She waved and got an echo of goodnights in return.

Eventually, the guys from the multiple gymnasiums came to the cafeteria and ate their supper. The ones who were finished took turns for the showers.

Ai stayed in the kitchen that night and helped wash the pile of dishes with the managers while the adults went out for drinks.

———

Day 2

The next morning in the cafeteria, Ai served everyone the appropriate amounts of breakfast. Nishinoya had a big appetite as always, as opposed to their tallest middle blocker, Tsukishima. She took that into account as well and rethought the blond's whole meal plan. Ai reminded him to either finish his food or take vitamin supplements, not wanting him to feel lightheaded, especially considering the increasing probability of having a heat stroke in the rising summer temperature.

Ai also spoke to the two managers of Fukurōdani about the food portions for Bokuto and Akaashi, while she took it upon herself to plate the meals for the five Nekoma players from the night before. All of the managers were beyond impressed by her work.

Feeling a bit tired, Ai quietly thought back and counted the hours of sleep she'd gotten last night. She wasn't overly fatigued, but she sometimes wished to have a full ten hours of rest.

Inuoka and Shibayama came to the counter for their tray of food, and Ai showed them a smile. "Good morning. Here you are, Sō, Yūki."

"Good morning!" they greeted politely with bright smiles, each grabbing a serving of breakfast.

"Thank you, Ai-senpai!" the tall, energetic middle blocker said.

"Omelet rice!" the first-year libero beamed. "It's my favorite," Shibayama explained a bit shyly.

Her smile became more genuine. "Well, I'll keep that in mind, then."

They thanked her again and took their seats to enjoy the meal. Hinata blushed when Eri gave him his tray, and Ai checked off his and Yamaguchi's names. At the tables, Nishinoya messed with Tsukishima's glasses, to which Sugawara reminded them that their captain would get mad if he saw.

.

With Taketora, Yaku, and Kai in the back, ready to receive Asahi's serve, the whistle blew, and the goateed ace jumped and served. Tanaka covered the back of his head, but the ball caught the net and dropped to the floor.

15-25, Nekoma.

Ai applauded the cats for their hard work while Karasuno went outside for the penalty sprint.

Taketora was still a bit nervous around her, but the rest of the team were for the most part comfortable with her extraordinary attentiveness and extensive care. However, there were times when they started to question how far her abilities as a sports team manager went. Yaku and Kai were glad to have her around, seeing that she interacted with their underclassmen and everyone perfectly.

.

Sometime later on, Eri came to tap her shoulder. Ai was sitting in the metal chair next to Coach Naoi taking notes as usual, but she had noticed Ubugawa's manager coming up to her from behind.

"Mako-senpai said to come to the kitchen!" Eri said with a smile. "But, only if you're not too busy," she added, glancing at the coaches.

Ai looked to them for permission, and the adults nodded. So, she stood and placed her notebook on her chair. Bowing briefly to the team, she walked with the female to go cut some summer fruits.

.

"Everyone! The parents from Shinzen High gave us some watermelons!" Eri announced, holding a plate of red fruit slices. Kaori and Yukie also stood with full platters.

Revived by the treat, the volleyball players all gathered outside to eat a healthy afternoon snack. Kuroo went to apologize to Daichi about offending Tsukishima the previous night, while Ai chose to sit next to Kenma. Hinata and Lev were also nearby and spat out the black seeds.

Ai giggled as the orange-haired boy tried and failed to spit the seeds. "I miss the seedless watermelons in America."

"You're not going to eat one?" the setter asked as he enjoyed the cold treat.

"I've already had a few bites at the cutting board in the kitchen, so I'm fine. You should eat as much as you'd like, Kenma." She knew from watching his eating habits that he had a small appetite.

"It should've been me to give Ai-senpai fruits, not the other way around," the middle blocker lion mumbled as he looked at his watermelon. "Are you going to give her a fruit cup, Kenma-san?" Lev asked.

"Huh? No…, why?"

"In Russia, the guys give fruit cups to the girls they want to talk to. Like, as an introduction." He took another bite before he spoke again. "My sister told me that it's how you get a date."

"You have a sister?" Hinata asked the other first-year, who nodded in response.

Ai giggled. "The Russian culture sounds interesting, but I may not be able to accept your fruit cup."

Kenma glanced at her from the corner of his eye, silently interpreting to himself what she meant.

As she gazed at the other guys, Ai recalled the health benefits of the watermelons. Yachi was giving Kageyama another slice, but Tsukishima walked away after eating one. "Watermelons are hydrating and very refreshing. They're good to eat after exercise since they reduce muscle soreness."

"Wow…!" the two first-years harmonized.

"Huh. I didn't know that." The setter absentmindedly stared at his half-eaten slice.

"Ai-senpai, you know so much," Lev awed.

She just smiled and stood from the grass. "Do you need anything, Shōyō?"

"Oh, um… I don't think so!"

"Okay, then. I think I'll go make my rounds now." She patted his orange head before walking over to her three classmates, Ennoshita, Narita, and Kinoshita.

.

Around sunset, Karasuno had another match with Nekoma. Ai loved when they played together, because she could gather information on both teams. Yamaguchi's serves were getting better, and although the success rate needed improvement, Asahi's were as powerful as ever.

The set ended with Lev jumping but Kenma tapped it over the net in a quick and efficient setter dump. Nishinoya dove, but he missed. 16-25.

After the penalty lap, the libero of bountiful stamina said that he could do another ten rounds of sprinting uphill, but Sugawara responded by telling him that they should win a set instead.

Ai snuck a peek at Asahi handing Yamaguchi and Tsukishima yellow water bottles, and she saw them stepping outside to converse.

.

Ai organized her handwritten notes during Nekoma's break. Karasuno was playing against Ubugawa, 12-17.

"Hey, you slacked off just now! Even if you're a decoy, you need to jump!" Kageyama's shouts traveled to her.

"So observant of you…" Tsukishima muttered. "Sorry, man."

The middle blocker had been in a foul mood because of a disagreement with the red team's captain, and he was still processing the conversation he'd had with his manager a few days ago.

Ai knew that she shouldn't push him over the edge. Tsukishima wasn't the type to talk about himself and was as standoffish as usual. His closed heart reminded her a little of her own from a few years back. He didn't need to be passionate about volleyball, nor was it her intention to force him into anything. However, after witnessing Murasakibara's development last winter, she knew that Kuroko was right in loving the sport.

The blond also had somewhat of an inferiority complex when it came to the orange-haired first-year. He believed that rocking the house was Hinata's job, compared to his job which was to hold down the fort as much as possible while Hinata was in the back row. To Tsukishima, it was the usual situation.

Coach Ukai had different thoughts. Tsukishima was the tallest member of the team, and his height by itself was valuable. If he could be the key point for the blocks, Karasuno's defense level would go up significantly, especially since the crows weren't as excelled in receiving. He had just as much potential as Hinata. If only he'd believe in himself more.

In a way, Asahi and Tsukishima were also in similar circumstances. Their positions kind of made Hinata their rival, and they noticed more than others how much he'd stretched his wings and grown from the baby bird that he used to be. The feeling of immense talent creeping up from behind, threatening to be eclipsed by someone else. It was like Oikawa's panic with genius Kageyama as his junior.

During the last training camp, Hinata had said that he had to change, and because of that, it got the rest of the Karasuno team fired up as well. Everyone was motivated, and it sometimes seemed like their momentum was too much. Physical contact like last time could lead to huge injuries.

Nevertheless, it was a worthwhile rapport. Whether they were on the same team or not, the tension that athletes feel as rivals within a team and acknowledging them was indispensable for growth. However, if that team became lawless, everything would be lost. Karasuno's ace managed to hold the team together and tightened things up with a single shot.

She grinned. To her relief, the current ace had no intention of losing to the first-year. Asahi had come so far, gaining confidence as he did. He truly was amazing and fit to hold the title.

.

Ai proceeded to do the laundry, fill water bottles, and help make dinner. While Nekoma was doing fairly well on their second day, Karasuno had another day of "magnificent total loss", as Sugawara put it.

With their official training finished, it was time for another night of personal practice.

Total Word Count: 4499

(I may have a lot to write now, but I probably won't when we get to tournament episodes... :( )