p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Hinata's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Kageyama's words were so serious, I guess it's time to stop missing. Maybe I can try something new, that might be the way to go. I guess I could try hitting it with my eyes closed, I mean Kageyama did say not to look at the ball. Well, if Kageyama is going to deliver the ball let's play the 'I can't hit the ball with my eyes open' game. "You'll get the ball to me? What's that mean?" I said voice layered with confusion. I feel like I will lose all my brain cells if I continue this act for too long. I mean there is only so much stupid I can pretend before my braincells leave me./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Don't worry about that… Just jump as fast and as high as you can where there's no blocker. Then hit with all your might." Kageyama explained quick attacks simply "you don't need to see my toss. You just need to connect with the ball." Well guess it's time to play somewhat serious, I mean how hard can it be. "haah?! I have to see the ball, or I'll just be swinging at empty air" I exclaimed ok after this I will have no IQ points but hey at least I'll entertain Kōshi. "Probably" Kageyama said his tone neutral, I guess geniuses struggle with explaining things no matter what field they are expert in./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Oiii" I exclaimed not really knowing where Kageyama is going with his speech. I can only hope he gets better at communication with constant conversation amongst the team. "But… I want to give it a try." Kageyama said that with such finality that I felt the need to agree with him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""I got it." I stated firmly. Well might as well prepare for failure./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""You're planning to do something again?" Tsukkishima said questions "I'm telling you; nobody can hit the 'King's Ego-centric Toss'." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""You got that right" Yamaguchi chimed up. Yamaguchi gives me typical lackey vibes, as if he is following the first person that seems to be unbeatable. He seems like the type that gets bullied easily, do not get me wrong I would never bully someone, but Yamaguchi gives off a pushover vibe. He is kind of plain with his short brown hair and his smattering of freckles. He does not seem very confidant. He kind of reminds me of myself after I lost my leg. Yamaguchi really needs to grow some balls if he wants to survive high school volleyball. On another note, why does Kōshi look like his constipated? Is he going to be, ok? Is he worried about how this game is going to turn out?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"As the distraction ends everyone moves back to their positions on the court, the match continues, and many mistakes were made by me pretending to try to hit the ball with my eyes open. They weren't real attempts on my part, but I have a feeling that Kageyama is reaching the boiling point. The gym was filled with the sounds of the match, each serve, receive, set and spike. All the general communication of a match, each side trying to get that next point but not drop the ball at the same time. As the match continues Kageyama seems to get deeper into thought, it seemed as if he didn't even hear the match anymore and was only paying attention to where each player was. Damn that's some concentration, well Tōru did say he was irritating. Guess it's time to get serious./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Kageyama's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"The sounds of the gym started to fade as I focused on where everyone is standing, how each player is moving, where they are going to end up. All I need to do is look, watch and adjust. Where are the blockers? Where is the ball? Where is the spiker? How will he move? Where will he jump? What will his max height be? Now! With this timing! At this angle! This set up! It's perfect! I set the ball right to Hinata and he actually hit it. This feeling I can't describe, it's like I'm starving and full at the same time. Sound comes back as I set in a rush as if I'd lifted my head out of water. The sound of Hinata spiking the ball and it's resounding impact rocked the gym as no one moved to receive the ball. "Alright" I exclaimed thinking the faces from the other side are from Hinata hitting the ball at all. Hinata must really be surprised he hit the ball because he made noises of shock after hitting the ball. "I hit it" He said voice full of shock "with this hand!" Hinata yelled excited./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""You hit it? You're making a big deal of nothing…" Tsukishima said in his usual couldn't careless attitude. Meanwhile the captain Daichi seemed shaken by something. He looked like he was having trouble getting a sentence together. "… Oi… Just now…" He began sounding like he still couldn't trust his eyes "Hinata… Had his eyes closed…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Daichi's words shook me to the core. What did he mean? Did Hinata really jump blindly? "…Um, what does that mean…?" Tsukishima asked confused./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"From the moment he jumped to the moment he swung at the ball, Hinata had his eyes closed…" Daichi explained "in other words, Kageyama brought the ball directly to the palm of Hinata's hand, and Hinata wasn't even watching it at all…" as he spoke, I could not believe the words he said Daichi had to be trying to pull some prank on us. "The instant his swing connected… There wasn't even the tiniest bit of hesitation…!" Daichi finished I still don't fully believe him; I mean there is just no way, right? And if there was a way, would it not take hours, months, years even of practice with the same setter? /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Haaah?!" Tsukishima made confused noises I guess he is also having a hard time believing the words Daichi spoke. On the court Hinata was still cheering on his successful hit. I feel like my mind is going to break from what just happened. But now we have a weapon we can practice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Sugawara's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Um Shōyō who gave you the right to be a prodigy? Huh… where did you pull this from? because Tenma definitely didn't teach you how to be this sporadic. Do you even know how to play normally anymore? or did Tōru corrupt you? Well, any way Sho you are now taking your true first steps to becoming the Tiny Giant. I guess my third year just became interesting. But I'm still telling Tōru, you little shit./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Awesome, that was amaaazing!" Shōyō cheered as he jumped around the gym. I hope he doesn't dislodge his leg with all this jumping. "H-heey?! What was that just now?! I hit it, though! With my hand! Just now! I did! Hey!" Shōyō shouted his voice full of excitement. I guess he is just so happy he forgot to act stupid and is just stupid now. God, I wish I could record this to send to Tōru./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Hinata's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Oi! Why did you close your eyes?!" Kageyama yelled at me which brought me back down from all my excitement at having succeeded. Come on Shōyō get your head in the game. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""You said 'don't look at the ball' didn't you?!" I stated pretending to be a little confused. "If my eyes are open, I end up watching it no matter what I do, so…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""I definitely said that, but…" Kageyama said hesitantly./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""but that was a success just now, right?! What's the problem?!" I asked. Oh god did I just see Kōshi smirk oh no his going to rat me out to Tōru. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""that might be true, but is it usually possible to trust someone 100% like that?!" Kageyama asked his face clearly showing his confusion. That incident from middle school really messed him up didn't it. I mean he used to try to force Kitagawa Daiichi middle school to do quick attacks at speeds they weren't prepared for. I remember, Tōru telling me about how one of the underclassmen he kept in contact with would always complain about how Kageyama was becoming nothing but a dictator. Tōru always felt like Kageyama was looking down at him because of Kageyama's prodigy status. Tōru has had a strong dislike Kageyama ever since. I believe Tōru only hates Kageyama because he felt inferior to Kageyama, like Kageyama was going to permanently going to replace him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""It's cause I don't know how to do it any other way!" I stated I wonder if I can bring this tortoise out of his shell. Even if it is to mess with Tōru. Tōru would deserve it for all the shit he pulls with me. I think my statement shocked Kageyama speechless. Does he expect everyone to be like his last team. "That was amazing! Oi, you hear me, amazing" Tanaka said dragging me away from Kageyama and knocking me on the head with one hand. "The heck was that just now, huh?! Oi what was it?!" Tanaka continued to ask all the while Kageyama had been awfully quiet. I hope I didn't break him; I think the team might kill me for that before they kill me for my act./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"As if brought back to reality by my thoughts Kageyama piped up "…Okay! Since Hinata's spike was successful, now they won't know who to target, so it'll be easier for Tanaka to score hits!" ok so I didn't break him… Good./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""OOOH!" I said not knowing what else to say but agreeing anyway. I mean this move will not stand up against a team that has time to adapt to it. I want to see how far I can take this move before I evolve it to something better./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Alriiight!" Tanaka agreed with Kageyama as well, so I guess we have a proper game plan now. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""… Even though we haven't got any mutual trust built up between us…" Kageyama started "I'll get the ball to you next time, too. So, believe in me and jump." All I could in the face of Kageyama's fragile confidence was nod. We are going to win this practice match; I mean we should at least try to after all Kageyama doesn't seem like his confidence would survive having to change positions./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Once again the game continues I'm starting to think that these interruptions are going to keep happening. As the game comes back to a rhythm we continue to try to achieve a successful quick attack, but to not expose my lie I make sure to flub a few. Going so far to take a set to the face. "My bad" Kageyama said after setting to my face instead of my hand. I could hear my upperclassmen talking on the sidelines, so I tuned into their conversation. "Hrmm… so that just now was a fluke after all huh…?" one of the upperclassmen said, I think his name was Kinoshita. Kinoshita is about 174 cm with short light brown hair and dark brown eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Still…" I heard Kōshi say with a start "The toss' accuracy has certainly improved…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""You think so?" Kinoshita asked his voice layered with doubt. I can understand where he is coming from. It is beginning to look like Kageyama, and I are going to lose. But I refuse to show my true personality. Not till I know I have a spot on this team. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Yeah." Kōshi replied clearly distracted by something. As I walk back to my position on the court I rub my face because Kageyama's set to my face actually style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs I am returning to my position I see Kageyama smiling and feel the urge to pick a fight with him. I mean I did grow up with Kōshi and Tōru. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""What are you grinning for? Don't screw with me! That's the second time it's hit my face y'know!" I yell at Kageyama. I get my vain streak from Tōru./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Kageyama's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""My Bad" I said to Hinata, I just can't get the angle or the timing right. This time was too far from the net… Like I thought this isn't going to be easy… And constantly being aware of the entire court is tiring… But! This is fun…! I was brought back from my thoughts by Hinata yelling at me but in my shock I had no reply which seems to bring about a whole other argument./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Daichi's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""…I don't get it." Tsukishima said tone full of angry confusion "Even though that was a fluke earlier, how many times will they keep trying until they are discouraged…?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""… Well, probably…" I start to reply still reeling from the shock of Hinata's quick attack "Until Hinata… Jumps without seeing the ball again, I guess~" Kōshi used to tell me he was jealous of the drive his young cousin had. That his cousin had grown as a player even after a terrible accident. Kōshi would say that he wanted to be able to play as freely as Shōyō could. My statement had left Tsukishima silent as if he could not think of what to say. "It's certainly hard to understand." I said trying to explain as best I could the drive those two have "Trusting another person 100%. It's not something so easily done. And what's more, they're 'fated rivals'." It seems Tsukishima either didn't know how to reply or didn't want to acknowledge my words as fact. But something I know for sure is that Hinata Shōyō is someone we can polish into the greatest weapon. A decoy, A striker someone who can fool the enemies with his aura alone. Our little red will draw the attention of everyone. We just need to give him a stage to preform on. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Kōshi I can see where you were coming from, your cousin is a monster in a small human package./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"But…/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"He is a weapon we can use. His size is not a disadvantage…/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"It is his weapon./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Hinata's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Dammit, I need to get better at this." I said out loud as if I was frustrated with where my skills currently are. I wonder if I can convince Kōshi to record my little act. I mean Tōru has been down since he sprained his ankle. I mean that was his own fault. But right now all I want to do is hit one more spike get one more point. Jump, run, play. I really don't want this to end yet. I love feeling the weight of the ball against my hand. I've missed that sensation of playing on a team./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"So, one more time…/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Send me the ball Kageyama…/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Kageyama's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"One more time, a deliberate, so the spiker can use his max strength to maximum effect, toss. It was Yamaguchi's turn to serve. "Alright! Leave it to me!" Tanaka yelled as Yamaguchi's serve goes right to him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Nice receive" I reply as Hinata prepares to run up. With Tsukishima at the net and Daichi and Yamaguchi prepared to receive there is a chance His spike will be picked up./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""No matter how many times you toss to that shorty, it'll end in failure." Tsukishima said as if he already knew how this match would end "If you only target Tanaka-san, then…" Tsukishima stopped what he was saying because Hinata had begun his approach to the net./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Yamaguchi! You come too! We'll stop it together!" Tsukishima yelled at Yamaguchi. At Tsukishima's words Yamaguchi approached the net to block style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut Hinata dodge to the other side of the court. Running from the right side where Tsukishima and Yamaguchi were prepared to block his attack, to all the way over on the left. Just as I jumped to set the ball. But although Tsukishima was shocked he still moved to block Hinata, only for Hinata to spike above his attempted block. In his shock Daichi failed to dig up the ball, which earned us our final point. After a moment, it sunk in we won. My set and His spike turned this match around. Even if it was a practice or assessment match we still worked together./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""ALRIGHT!" Hinata and I yelled at the top of our voices clenching our fists in victory./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Hinata's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Ok so I really can hit the ball without looking at it. But I swear that will never be my only skill. But I have to admit it feels good to hit one of Kageyama's sets. Now if only my leg didn't style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut victory tastes so amazing because it means I can prove that being an amputee will not stop me. It never will./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"The chat group I am a part of will love to hear about my small victory. It is a chat group for disabled high school volleyball players. Not all of us are amputees, most of the others actually have different disabilities. And I can't wait to tell them about how I overcame myself today, but also about the small but harmless prank I'm pulling on my team./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Kageyama's words were so serious, I guess it's time to stop missing. Maybe I can try something new, that might be the way to go. I guess I could try hitting it with my eyes closed, I mean Kageyama did say not to look at the ball. Well, if Kageyama is going to deliver the ball let's play the 'I can't hit the ball with my eyes open' game. "You'll get the ball to me? What's that mean?" I said voice layered with confusion. I feel like I will lose all my brain cells if I continue this act for too long. I mean there is only so much stupid I can pretend before my braincells leave me./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Don't worry about that… Just jump as fast and as high as you can where there's no blocker. Then hit with all your might." Kageyama explained quick attacks simply "you don't need to see my toss. You just need to connect with the ball." Well guess it's time to play somewhat serious, I mean how hard can it be. "haah?! I have to see the ball, or I'll just be swinging at empty air" I exclaimed ok after this I will have no IQ points but hey at least I'll entertain Kōshi. "Probably" Kageyama said his tone neutral, I guess geniuses struggle with explaining things no matter what field they are expert in./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Oiii" I exclaimed not really knowing where Kageyama is going with his speech. I can only hope he gets better at communication with constant conversation amongst the team. "But… I want to give it a try." Kageyama said that with such finality that I felt the need to agree with him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""I got it." I stated firmly. Well might as well prepare for failure./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""You're planning to do something again?" Tsukkishima said questions "I'm telling you; nobody can hit the 'King's Ego-centric Toss'." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""You got that right" Yamaguchi chimed up. Yamaguchi gives me typical lackey vibes, as if he is following the first person that seems to be unbeatable. He seems like the type that gets bullied easily, do not get me wrong I would never bully someone, but Yamaguchi gives off a pushover vibe. He is kind of plain with his short brown hair and his smattering of freckles. He does not seem very confidant. He kind of reminds me of myself after I lost my leg. Yamaguchi really needs to grow some balls if he wants to survive high school volleyball. On another note, why does Kōshi look like his constipated? Is he going to be, ok? Is he worried about how this game is going to turn out?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"As the distraction ends everyone moves back to their positions on the court, the match continues, and many mistakes were made by me pretending to try to hit the ball with my eyes open. They weren't real attempts on my part, but I have a feeling that Kageyama is reaching the boiling point. The gym was filled with the sounds of the match, each serve, receive, set and spike. All the general communication of a match, each side trying to get that next point but not drop the ball at the same time. As the match continues Kageyama seems to get deeper into thought, it seemed as if he didn't even hear the match anymore and was only paying attention to where each player was. Damn that's some concentration, well Tōru did say he was irritating. Guess it's time to get serious./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Kageyama's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"The sounds of the gym started to fade as I focused on where everyone is standing, how each player is moving, where they are going to end up. All I need to do is look, watch and adjust. Where are the blockers? Where is the ball? Where is the spiker? How will he move? Where will he jump? What will his max height be? Now! With this timing! At this angle! This set up! It's perfect! I set the ball right to Hinata and he actually hit it. This feeling I can't describe, it's like I'm starving and full at the same time. Sound comes back as I set in a rush as if I'd lifted my head out of water. The sound of Hinata spiking the ball and it's resounding impact rocked the gym as no one moved to receive the ball. "Alright" I exclaimed thinking the faces from the other side are from Hinata hitting the ball at all. Hinata must really be surprised he hit the ball because he made noises of shock after hitting the ball. "I hit it" He said voice full of shock "with this hand!" Hinata yelled excited./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""You hit it? You're making a big deal of nothing…" Tsukishima said in his usual couldn't careless attitude. Meanwhile the captain Daichi seemed shaken by something. He looked like he was having trouble getting a sentence together. "… Oi… Just now…" He began sounding like he still couldn't trust his eyes "Hinata… Had his eyes closed…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Daichi's words shook me to the core. What did he mean? Did Hinata really jump blindly? "…Um, what does that mean…?" Tsukishima asked confused./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"From the moment he jumped to the moment he swung at the ball, Hinata had his eyes closed…" Daichi explained "in other words, Kageyama brought the ball directly to the palm of Hinata's hand, and Hinata wasn't even watching it at all…" as he spoke, I could not believe the words he said Daichi had to be trying to pull some prank on us. "The instant his swing connected… There wasn't even the tiniest bit of hesitation…!" Daichi finished I still don't fully believe him; I mean there is just no way, right? And if there was a way, would it not take hours, months, years even of practice with the same setter? /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Haaah?!" Tsukishima made confused noises I guess he is also having a hard time believing the words Daichi spoke. On the court Hinata was still cheering on his successful hit. I feel like my mind is going to break from what just happened. But now we have a weapon we can practice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Sugawara's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Um Shōyō who gave you the right to be a prodigy? Huh… where did you pull this from? because Tenma definitely didn't teach you how to be this sporadic. Do you even know how to play normally anymore? or did Tōru corrupt you? Well, any way Sho you are now taking your true first steps to becoming the Tiny Giant. I guess my third year just became interesting. But I'm still telling Tōru, you little shit./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Awesome, that was amaaazing!" Shōyō cheered as he jumped around the gym. I hope he doesn't dislodge his leg with all this jumping. "H-heey?! What was that just now?! I hit it, though! With my hand! Just now! I did! Hey!" Shōyō shouted his voice full of excitement. I guess he is just so happy he forgot to act stupid and is just stupid now. God, I wish I could record this to send to Tōru./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"Hinata's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""Oi! Why did you close your eyes?!" Kageyama yelled at me which brought me back down from all my excitement at having succeeded. Come on Shōyō get your head in the game. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""You said 'don't look at the ball' didn't you?!" I stated pretending to be a little confused. "If my eyes are open, I end up watching it no matter what I do, so…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""I definitely said that, but…" Kageyama said hesitantly./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""but that was a success just now, right?! What's the problem?!" I asked. Oh god did I just see Kōshi smirk oh no his going to rat me out to Tōru. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""that might be true, but is it usually possible to trust someone 100% like that?!" Kageyama asked his face clearly showing his confusion. That incident from middle school really messed him up didn't it. I mean he used to try to force Kitagawa Daiichi middle school to do quick attacks at speeds they weren't prepared for. I remember, Tōru telling me about how one of the underclassmen he kept in contact with would always complain about how Kageyama was becoming nothing but a dictator. Tōru always felt like Kageyama was looking down at him because of Kageyama's prodigy status. Tōru has had a strong dislike Kageyama ever since. I believe Tōru only hates Kageyama because he felt inferior to Kageyama, like Kageyama was going to permanently going to replace him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;""It's cause I don't know how to do it any other way!" I stated I wonder if I can bring this tortoise out of his shell. Even if it is to mess with Tōru. Tōru would deserve it for all the shit he pulls with me. I think my statement shocked Kageyama speechless. Does he expect everyone to be like his last team. "That was amazing! Oi, you hear me, amazing" Tanaka said dragging me away from Kageyama and knocking me on the head with one hand. "The heck was that just now, huh?! Oi what was it?!" Tanaka continued to ask all the while Kageyama had been awfully quiet. I hope I didn't break him; I think the team might kill me for that before they kill me for my act./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"As if brought back to reality by my thoughts Kageyama piped up "…Okay! Since Hinata's spike was successful, now they won't know who to target, so it'll be easier for Tanaka to score hits!" ok so I didn't break him… Good./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""OOOH!" I said not knowing what else to say but agreeing anyway. I mean this move will not stand up against a team that has time to adapt to it. I want to see how far I can take this move before I evolve it to something better./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Alriiight!" Tanaka agreed with Kageyama as well, so I guess we have a proper game plan now. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""… Even though we haven't got any mutual trust built up between us…" Kageyama started "I'll get the ball to you next time, too. So, believe in me and jump." All I could in the face of Kageyama's fragile confidence was nod. We are going to win this practice match; I mean we should at least try to after all Kageyama doesn't seem like his confidence would survive having to change positions./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Once again the game continues I'm starting to think that these interruptions are going to keep happening. As the game comes back to a rhythm we continue to try to achieve a successful quick attack, but to not expose my lie I make sure to flub a few. Going so far to take a set to the face. "My bad" Kageyama said after setting to my face instead of my hand. I could hear my upperclassmen talking on the sidelines, so I tuned into their conversation. "Hrmm… so that just now was a fluke after all huh…?" one of the upperclassmen said, I think his name was Kinoshita. Kinoshita is about 174 cm with short light brown hair and dark brown eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Still…" I heard Kōshi say with a start "The toss' accuracy has certainly improved…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""You think so?" Kinoshita asked his voice layered with doubt. I can understand where he is coming from. It is beginning to look like Kageyama, and I are going to lose. But I refuse to show my true personality. Not till I know I have a spot on this team. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Yeah." Kōshi replied clearly distracted by something. As I walk back to my position on the court I rub my face because Kageyama's set to my face actually style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs I am returning to my position I see Kageyama smiling and feel the urge to pick a fight with him. I mean I did grow up with Kōshi and Tōru. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""What are you grinning for? Don't screw with me! That's the second time it's hit my face y'know!" I yell at Kageyama. I get my vain streak from Tōru./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Kageyama's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""My Bad" I said to Hinata, I just can't get the angle or the timing right. This time was too far from the net… Like I thought this isn't going to be easy… And constantly being aware of the entire court is tiring… But! This is fun…! I was brought back from my thoughts by Hinata yelling at me but in my shock I had no reply which seems to bring about a whole other argument./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Daichi's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""…I don't get it." Tsukishima said tone full of angry confusion "Even though that was a fluke earlier, how many times will they keep trying until they are discouraged…?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""… Well, probably…" I start to reply still reeling from the shock of Hinata's quick attack "Until Hinata… Jumps without seeing the ball again, I guess~" Kōshi used to tell me he was jealous of the drive his young cousin had. That his cousin had grown as a player even after a terrible accident. Kōshi would say that he wanted to be able to play as freely as Shōyō could. My statement had left Tsukishima silent as if he could not think of what to say. "It's certainly hard to understand." I said trying to explain as best I could the drive those two have "Trusting another person 100%. It's not something so easily done. And what's more, they're 'fated rivals'." It seems Tsukishima either didn't know how to reply or didn't want to acknowledge my words as fact. But something I know for sure is that Hinata Shōyō is someone we can polish into the greatest weapon. A decoy, A striker someone who can fool the enemies with his aura alone. Our little red will draw the attention of everyone. We just need to give him a stage to preform on. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Kōshi I can see where you were coming from, your cousin is a monster in a small human package./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"But…/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"He is a weapon we can use. His size is not a disadvantage…/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"It is his weapon./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Hinata's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Dammit, I need to get better at this." I said out loud as if I was frustrated with where my skills currently are. I wonder if I can convince Kōshi to record my little act. I mean Tōru has been down since he sprained his ankle. I mean that was his own fault. But right now all I want to do is hit one more spike get one more point. Jump, run, play. I really don't want this to end yet. I love feeling the weight of the ball against my hand. I've missed that sensation of playing on a team./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"So, one more time…/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Send me the ball Kageyama…/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Kageyama's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"One more time, a deliberate, so the spiker can use his max strength to maximum effect, toss. It was Yamaguchi's turn to serve. "Alright! Leave it to me!" Tanaka yelled as Yamaguchi's serve goes right to him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Nice receive" I reply as Hinata prepares to run up. With Tsukishima at the net and Daichi and Yamaguchi prepared to receive there is a chance His spike will be picked up./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""No matter how many times you toss to that shorty, it'll end in failure." Tsukishima said as if he already knew how this match would end "If you only target Tanaka-san, then…" Tsukishima stopped what he was saying because Hinata had begun his approach to the net./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""Yamaguchi! You come too! We'll stop it together!" Tsukishima yelled at Yamaguchi. At Tsukishima's words Yamaguchi approached the net to block style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut Hinata dodge to the other side of the court. Running from the right side where Tsukishima and Yamaguchi were prepared to block his attack, to all the way over on the left. Just as I jumped to set the ball. But although Tsukishima was shocked he still moved to block Hinata, only for Hinata to spike above his attempted block. In his shock Daichi failed to dig up the ball, which earned us our final point. After a moment, it sunk in we won. My set and His spike turned this match around. Even if it was a practice or assessment match we still worked together./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;""ALRIGHT!" Hinata and I yelled at the top of our voices clenching our fists in victory./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Hinata's P.O.V./span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"Ok so I really can hit the ball without looking at it. But I swear that will never be my only skill. But I have to admit it feels good to hit one of Kageyama's sets. Now if only my leg didn't style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut victory tastes so amazing because it means I can prove that being an amputee will not stop me. It never will./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"The chat group I am a part of will love to hear about my small victory. It is a chat group for disabled high school volleyball players. Not all of us are amputees, most of the others actually have different disabilities. And I can't wait to tell them about how I overcame myself today, but also about the small but harmless prank I'm pulling on my team./span/p