Chapter 2
After everything that had just transpired, Naruto stood infront of his gym locker, changing clothes while Kinoshita chatted up a storm again.
Kinoshita: "Naruto, How'd you manage to do that.. uniquely fast Jump floater? It was scary and epic at the same time.." He asked, tying his school shoes on, meanwhile, Naruto took his sweaty gym shirt off.
Naruto: "... don't know.." He replied dryly again, slinging a towel over his shoulder and heading off into the public male showers.
Kinoshita: "There he goes again.. with his 'unamused' replies.." He mumbled before standing up, clothing himself in a white polo uniform.
Naruto: "... I heard that."
—•—•—•—
Timeskip Class 5 - Second year
3rd Person P.O.V
The bell rang, signaling the end of another class and the start of lunch break. Naruto currently sat on his chair, writing on a small booklet that had the cover page saying 'Time Management 101'
'.. Lastly, the debate in English, next week..' He mumbled before writing it down, Then standing up and closing the booklet, leaving it on chair table as he took his wallet and walked to the door.
Hearing someone muttering around.
Π: "You better go first.." An orange-haired shorty said to the taller person beside him.
ΠΠ: "You're the one who wanted to see him.." The guy with black hair which is cropped short, and with a fringe hanging just above his dark blue eyes retorted back.
Π: "But the second year classroom is scary-"
Kinoshita: "Hey Naruto!. Sorry, I'm late... Got hang up on my math assessment.." He greeted before the two of them started walking away and to the same direction.
Π & ΠΠ: "Naruto?" They mumbled, causing him to turn around and look at them suspiciously.
Naruto: "...what?" He asked rather sternly, The guy with orange hair panickingly moved behind the other guy in a gesture to hide.
Kinoshita: "Huh? What are you guys doing here?" He questioned, also making the short guy panic.
Π: "Oh, um..."
Naruto: ".. who are you two?, and state your businesses.."
Kinoshita: "Let me introduce our new members, Hinata and Kageyama." He exclaimed, placing a hand on both their shoulders.
Hinata & Kageyama: "Hello!" They greeted together, making him raise an eyebrow.
Naruto: "..so you're the first years..how many this time?"
Kinoshita: "I think there's four of them.." He answered before a sigh left his mouth.
Naruto: "I see.. do your best then." He waved off, attempting to sauntering off while Kinoshita followed behind.
Hinata: "Aren't you going to play, too?.. I want to become the ace, so I want to watch the guy who'll eventually hold the position play in person!.."
Naruto: "... the sentiment is acknowledged, but may I ask why you are interested in me?..."
Hinata: "Ahh! Because if you don't come back, The second and third years will stay disheartened!-" He exclaimed rather cheerfully but Kageyama hit his side, triumphantly silencing him
Kageyama: "You're being way too loud.." He irked blankly, seeing the other students in the hall look at the four of them.
Naruto: ".. Quite interesting, in a way.. but, I'm not interested with wasting my time, playing in such a crappy team.. you guys should too.."
Hinata: "... Um, Y-you might think what I'm about to say is cocky for a first year shrimp.. I understand what you mean, I'm short and have no technique, so I constantly get blocked.. But now, I have this guy tossing to me!, so I can get past any blockers! Any blockers vanish from sight and the other side of the net opens up like bam! Then at the highest point, the ball hits my hand, I feel the heft of the ball snug in my palm! I love that!"
Naruto: "... good for you then, anyways, I'm gonna go–"
Hinata: "–I envy you, Naruto-san.. I don't have the height or power to spike on my own, but you do, Naruto-san.. Maybe the team really sucked, but I'm sure there were times that they've played well, too, right?.. That's why everyone wants you back, Naruto-san!.." He exclaimed, causing Naruto to perk up at his words.
Kageyama: "... It's time.. Let's go.." He said, attempting to walk away but stopped when Hinata didn't budge.
"Moron, we'll be late for class.." He smacked Hinata's head, finally catching his attention as a sigh left the boy's mouth before walking away. Kageyama glanced at him, seeing he pondering at what Hinata just said.
Kageyama: "Um.. You don't win alone. That's just how it is, that's why there are six players on the court.. I didn't realize that till just recently, so I'm not one to talk.. Excuse me." He finally said, bowing slightly before walking off.
Naruto: "... what's the use of having six players on the court, If most of them couldn't keep their roles in– Tch, Hisashi, let's go.." He mumbled again, walking off towards the direction of the cafeteria with Kinoshita following.
—•—•—•—
Timeskip End of Classes – Bus Stop
The end of classes, basically every students' favorite part of the day. In a certain bus stop, two people were seen walking towards it.
Kinoshita: "Well, here we are.. I guess I'm going first, See ya' tomorrow, Naruto.." He farewelled as he just sent him a nod before he finally walked away and disappeared from your line of sight.
After, He sat on one of the benches with his bag on his lap, patiently waiting for the next bus as another individual sat beside him.
Which he ignored, completely unamused of who it was.
Π?: "You know.. there's a mock battle tomorrow, you should join.." A feminine voice said with a blank expression.
Naruto: ".. Hello to you too, Shimizu-san.. please do keep the volleyball club talk to a very minimum.. I'd really appreciate that–"
Kiyoko: "But Naruto.. We need you, everyone else is waiting for you, Nishinoya's back too–"
Naruto: "–then that's good for the team, I'm guessing that wimpy Ace's still protesting, right?.. I'll make a bet if you're up for it.."
Kiyoko: "...what is it?" She asked while Naruto stood up from the bench and started walking off.
Naruto: "If Asahi-san comes back.. then so will I, but I doubt he will.. because he's a wuss, that's all... I'll be taking my leave, It's good to see you well, Shimizu-san.." He finally farewelled, boarding the bus that stopped infront of him and leaving a neutral-faced Kiyoko to herself.
—•—•—•—
Timeskip Lil'Tykes Volleyball Classroom
Multiple rushing footsteps and panting were heard, the sound of a ball hitting the ground lightly echoed throughout the area before numerous exclaiming yells sounded.
1: "Naruto-chan!" Kids yelled simultaneously as they watched him enter through the gate.
Naruto: "I'm back.." He announced rather sluggishly, looking at the kids that surrounded him.
2: "Naruto-chan! Teach me that killer serve you promised me last week!"
Naruto: "..Yū.. I promise I'll do it next week, I'm really busy with schoolwork today.."
4: "What about me?, I wanna learn how to do that too!"
Naruto: "Like I said, Hiroki, I'll teach you and your brother next week, I'm really tired today.."
Yū: "Aww.. Okay."
3: "Hey can we play a round? I wanna keep practicing!"
5: "Me too!"
6: "Me three!"
Naruto: "Taku, Rintarou, Riku.. I promise we'll all play this Saturday, okay? Is gramps inside?"
Hiroki: "Yeah, He said he's cooking you dinner?.. I don't know." He informed before Naruto ruffled his hair and made his way into the vicinity.
...
Inside the house, Naruto walked in after taking your shoes off and organizing them in one corner.
Naruto: "Didn't you just got discharged? Are you sure you should be up and working?" He started, looking at the well-built old man who was infront of the stove, stirring some things up.
Ukai: "Yeah well, Letting me outta the hospital means I'm free to do whatever I want.." He said before chuckling, and as if it was on cue, he placed a bowl of food down on the table.
"It seems that you've finally returned, Here's food if you want it.. So, anything interesting happen' today?"
Naruto: "..not much, just the club pestering me to rejoin, met some obnoxious first years... and I did Volleyball in P.E and the worst thing was, I was forced to take the spot for Captain... Other than that, the day seemed pretty normal.."
Ukai: "How'd it go? Did you win?"
Naruto: ".. of course, I did... I may not like the sport anymore, but the skills I have would probably stick with me forever.." He explained while eating, causing him to let out a subtle laugh much to your confusion.
".. is there... something funny?"
Ukai: "...*chuckle*.. No, no.. not really, just the fact that you tell yourself 'I don't like the sport', makes me laugh.."
Naruto: "Why.. is that?"
I. Ukai: "List'n son.. If you truly like something, it would do you better to chase after it, rather than hold yourself back.. It'll only hurt you even more in the future.."
Naruto: "... why do you always call me 'son'?.. aren't you weirded out with that?.." He asked, watching him chuckle again before leaning back on his chair.
I. Ukai: ".. Because you're like a 'son to me, why would I be weirded out? I'm not.. Are you?.." He asked, causing a silence followed after.
Naruto: "... I guess, I'm not?.." He answered prior to him ruffling your hair, An irritated expression developing on your face.
I. Ukai: ".. That's my boy! Now eat your fill, go do your work and sleep.. then decide if you really like Volleyball.. goodnight.." He exclaimed, tousling your hair once more and walking away. Leaving him to ponder.
'...do I really like volleyball?..' pfft! it's a shame I even asked myself that..'
—•—•—•—
Timeskip The Next Day – In School
Walking down the halls and almost reaching the designated classroom he were headed to. Once again, Kinoshita chatted up a storm.
Kinoshita: "Wait, so you're telling me.. You're gonna rejoin the club?!" He asked, a face full of surprise too.
Naruto: "... that's not what I said.. I told you I was only thinking about it.. what if I waste my time again? I can't possibly re-take all those lost schedules.." He re-said, leading him to chuckle afterwards.
Kinoshita: "Yeah yeah, I was only joking, you know? Though, I'm actually kind of hyped!"
Naruto: "... why?"
Kinoshita: "After school, There's a practice match, Nishinoya finally got back from suspension, I'm sure that would cause Asahi-san's return too!.. The team's forming again, And now, I just got this awesome news from you!"
Naruto: ".. Don't get the wrong idea, I never said I actually was, I was only thinking about it, remember?"
Kinoshita: "Yeah, but one thinking-about-it is all it takes!.. Just like how when a fish takes a bait, one bite is all it takes for the fisherman to catch it.. As easy as that!" He exclaimed, the two of them entering the classroom, starting the busy morning of another student morning.
Naruto: "Aren't you wise, for someone who keeps getting hang up on Math.."
Kinoshita: ".. Hey! That's a totally different topic!"
...
Lunchtime Hallway
Waiting patiently, and leaning on the thick railings which he sat on, his arms crossed in anticipation before rushed footsteps ran towards him, the guy seeming to be panting.
Naruto: "... what happened to you?.." He snickered, looking at the guy who also leaned by the same thick railings for support, while panting his life out.
Kinoshita: ".. Sorry, I'm late.. I swear, these Math assessments will be the end of me, And we also have to.. make a stupid thousand-word essay about.. prejudice on something particular which I don't really care about right now.. Oh, screw that! I'm starving, Let's go.." He hustled, walking off with Naruto following.
Naruto: "... so, what's this Math assessment about?"
Kinoshita: "... Ooh? Is the great & mighty Naruto finally starting a conversation?"
Naruto: "... I tried and you just destroyed it, and you also ruined the chances of me, helping you out with it, congratulations.."
Kinoshita: "Wait, what?! really?!"
Naruto: "... No." He irked, looking to the side and stopping his motion of moving, much to his bestfriend's confusion.
Kinoshita: "Huh?.. 'see a ghost or something? 'cuz I swear, I must've missed it.." He asked, tilting his head while looking at him.
Naruto: ".. nah, you go on ahead, I'll get us some flavored milk." He informed before walking off towards a near vending machine.
Kinoshita: "Get me the banana-chocolate flavored one and I'll save you a seat, 'kay?" He yelled before chuckling then running off.
'.. Banana-chocolate flavored and strawberry flavored milk..' He said in his thoughts while clicking a few buttons, both the desired choices of juice boxes falling down the machine, whereas he took both and stuffed them inside his bag.
Of course, that wasn't all the reason why he decided on getting these flavored milk. It just so happened to be that the vending machine was literally next to the Volleyball club's court.
Then out of curiosity, He sneakily walked beside the entrance, casually taking a look inside to see the first years from last time.
'.. huh? they're spending their time of leisure with this? how unethical..' He uttered, still watching them.
Hinata: "One more! Give me another!" He demanded, in position for a spiking run-up.
Kageyama: "Shut up! I know that, Here goes." He yelled back, tossing the ball for Hinata to spike. The orange-haired guy quickly ran towards the net, jumping vertically which surprised him.
"And then at the highest point, the ball hits my hand, I feel the heft of the ball snug in my palm, I love that!" Hinata (Flashback)
Naruto: ".. this kid~.." He muttered, leaning by the doorframe and watched Hinata jump and spike the ball.
Hinata: "Woo! That feels great!" He cheered after spiking. Then he did it over and over, jump after jump, which brought on Naruto amusement.
'.. maybe.. just, maybe..'
"All right! We'll use our quick attack against Neko!" He suddenly exclaimed, causing him to perk up in reminiscence.
'Neko?.. A match against Nekoma?'
".. Even if it's against Nekoma?" Daichi (Flashback)
'..ahhh~ that's right–'
Suddenly, a familiar masculine voice spoke up, causing him to flinch from surprise.
Daichi: "It'll be a practice match on the last day of Golden week.." He informed out of the blue, making Naruto start walking away.
"Oi! Don't just walk off!?"
Naruto: "... I'm sorry, Daichi-san.. but even someone like me can still get petrified when you're mad.."
Daichi: "I'm not mad right now!" He retorted, deadpanning but atleast, Naruto stopped walking.
"Well, Nekoma sounds like ancient history to us, Our generation doesn't have the same Karasuno-Nekoma rivalry. Except the 'Cat vs Crow: Battle at the Garbage Dump'.. We've heard the stories about Nekoma, It'll be our first match with them in years.."
"I'll ask you again, It does pique your interest, doesn't it?" He asked, a sigh leaving Naruto mouth before looking away and attempting to walk off but got halted again.
Naruto: "It does... pique.. my interest.. but, I've lost face with the others.. It wouldn't do the team any good if I returned.. best of luck to you and the others–" He farewelled AGAIN, but he placed a hand on Naruto shoulder for assurance.
Daichi: "..You're too much, you're still the type to overthink things, as usual.. what a contrast to Nishinoya's words.." He oddly said with a closed-eyed smile.
Naruto: "... couldn't you atleast sugarcoat yours a little?"
Daichi: "Don't worry, everyone is fine with it, Like we've been telling you, we want you back on the frontlines, Naruto.. because.. you're Karasuno's infamous genius!"
Naruto: ".. again with that dumb alias?" You mumbled, whereas Daichi walked off and on the direction towards the entrance of the court.
Daichi: "You ditched us for a whole month and you complain about not being interested and the fact that you were too busy with schoolwork... but those things don't matter to me.."
"Like I've been always telling you, If you still like volleyball.. that's enough reason to come back.."
"Oh, and by the way.. We've got a guy who hopes to become the ace, who knows, he might just fill your spot in.." He said smugly, receiving a raised eyebrow from him, who turned back and slowly walked away again.
...
...
Naruto: ".. to hell with that... what time does practice start?" He finally asked the question, him and the others have been dying to hear. A smirk reappeared on his face right after.
—•—•—•—
Timeskip After Class – Practice
3rd Person P.O.V
Takeda: "Good afternoon, everyone!" He announced, gathering everyone's attention after opening the double doors.
Daichi: "Huddle up!" He commanded, the club members quickly formed a circle around the advisor.
"Let me introduce someone to all of you.." He started, a guy with blonde spiky hair and a red tracksuit walking beside him.
"This is Ukai-kun, who will be our coach starting today.." A long silence followed after, The present club members were in a state of disbelief.
Daichi: "C-Coach?.. Is this true?" He stuttered, stepping up and asking for confirmation.
K. Ukai: "Only 'till the match against Nekoma.."
Daichi: "Oh.."
Hinata: "B-but, Isn't he the guy who works at Sakanoshita store? How can he possibly be a coach?!"
Takeda: "Ukai-kun is the grandson of the former volleyball Coach Ukai..".
Hinata: "But that's not the name on your store."
K. Ukai: "The store's named after my mother's side of the family.. We got no time to waste, Let's get started. I want to see what you guys are made of, The games will start at 6:30 PM.. The opponents have already been invited.."
Daichi: "Huh? Opponents?"
K. Ukai: "The Karasuno Neighborhood Association Team."
...
Hinata: "Here goes!" He exclaimed, passing the ball onto Sugawara who setted it by the middle of the net whereas Hinata quickly jumped to spike it over.
While on the other side, There stood Ukai, who recently had a phone beside his ear but flipped it close afterwards.
K. Ukai: "Damn, They're not coming.. I guess it's impossible to get everyone on a weekday."
?: "Hey!" A guy with dark brown eyes and a slightly muscular build along with short, messy and blonde hair which had dark brown sideburns and eyebrows greeted, entering the court with some other individuals.
?: "Wow!"
?: "Brings back memories.."
?: "The Neighborhood Association Team... is here!" The guy with glasses yelled out, All four of them striking the same pose.
K. Ukai: "Hey, guys! Thanks for coming in such short notice!" He greeted, walking over to them to start up a conversation.
Π?: "I was expecting geezers from a neighborhood association.." A nonchalant blondie said, His build was slender and he was tall, glasses were also on his face.
ΠΠ?: "Me too.." A young looking boy replied, An average build and with dark grayish-green hair with a flyaway piece of hair sticking up from the top along with freckles.
...
K. Ukai: "All right! Let's get started!" He announced, once more, grabbing everyone's attention.
Everyone: "Yes!"
Hinata: "It's a match!" He cheered, running around like a happy child.
K. Ukai: "Oh? Hey, you, what's the matter?" He said, referring to the shorter guy beside him.
Daichi: "Oh, I'm sorry, He's sort of..."
K. Ukai: "What? He has a problem? Is he injured?.. Where's Naruto anyway? I thought he was a member?" Two birds with one stone. The obliviousness and the ignorance of an associate could be what brings another person down.
Daichi: "W-well, No.. It's not that sort of thing.. But, Naruto and I talked earlier, He said he was gonna attend?" He informed as the short guy beside them perk up.
K. Ukai: ".. I see.. Whatever the case, I need you on the neighborhood team. Their Libero has to work so he couldn't make it.."
Daichi: "Well, then.." He looked at the shorter male again, the guy also doing the same before walking off.
K. Ukai: "We just need three more.. What should we do? You guys have more guys, right?–"
Hinata: "–Oh! It's Asahi-san!.." He suddenly announced out of nowhere, grabbing onto the window bars as if he was a monkey. Unaware of the surprised stares he got.
"Asahi-san!~." He greeted loudly, looking at him who was panicking profusely.
Asahi: "This guy again?... I... I... um..." He waved his hands infront of him in a gesture to ignore him until someone familiar appeared on the front.
K. Ukai: "What?! You're late?! Who do you think you are?! What's your position?!.."
Asahi: "... Wing.. Spiker..." He muttered
K. Ukai: "We're short on players, hurry and warm up! Chop, chop!" He yelled before walking back inside, Asahi slowly following. Earning everyone's stares as he walked in, especially from Nishinoya.
"Now we just need a setter and a wing spiker.." He mumbled to himself again, before another person appeared inside the court, casually walking in.
Naruto P.O.V
'.. Pfft, they're totally staring at me..' He uttered in thought, placing his bag on the side as someone familiar ran over.
Kinoshita: "Naruto! You actually came?!.." He exclaimed all of a sudden, gaining a look of unamusement from him.
K. Ukai: "Naruto!.. You can play Setter, right? Join the neighborhood association team.. Hurry and warm up!" He also commanded out of the blue, A raised eyebrow appearing on your face as his switched shoes.
Hinata: "Oh!.. You know each other?!"
Naruto: "... why are you here, Ojisan.." He asked bluntly, surprising everyone who heard except him and said guy.
Everyone: "They're related?!"
K. Ukai: "It's Coach!, call me Coach when I'm in here–"
Naruto: "... what? no way, I don't want to.." He replied bluntly and with a expressionless face, blinking once, twice
K. Ukai: "...ARHH! You stubborn brat! Just get on with it!." He yelled annoyed, walking off and leaving naruto with a stunned Kinoshita.
Naruto: ".. um, Ojisan, I'm a Wing Spiker, It'd be best if you placed in Sugawara-san instead of me.."
Ukai: "Huh? You're stepping down?"
Naruto: "... stepping down? no.. I was never a setter to begin with, I'm a Wing Spiker.." He explained once more, A shrug exiting Ukai right after. The third year approaching him afterwards.
Sugawara: "Naruto.. Thanks, you know–"
Naruto: "–why are you thanking me? Things just happened and I didn't want to play Setter.. I easily destroyed you last time, I wanna give you a chance today.." He mumbled apathetically, then walking off right after.
Kinoshita: "Considerate Naruto.."
Naruto: "... shut it, Hisashi."
...
The whistle sounded, signaling the start of the match as everybody lined up.
Everyone: "Let's play!" Everybody excluding naruto and some specific others yelled excitedly. K. Ukai and Takeda stood on the side to observe, Meanwhile, Yamaguchi and Kiyoko were the ones incharge of the scores.
Daichi: "They definitely have an intimidating presence.." He talked, The teams were arranged, The neighborhood association along with, Sugawara, Nishinoya and Asahi, all wore green jersey's with different sets of numbers.
On the other hand, Naruto were assigned on the other team, wearing a yellow jersey with Daichi, Hinata, Kageyama, Kinoshita and the guy named Tsukishima who Daichi introduced earlier on.
Takinoue: "Let's do this, high schoolers.." The guy with the sideburns mumbled while crouching down.
Everyone's P.O.V
"It's a battle against the ace!" Hinata
The first rotation was okay, not the best but it worked. Naruto was assigned on the front lines, therefore a few more rotations before he get to serve.
Currently, The first set points were at 1-1 and his placement was in the middle, his hands were up and patiently waiting for their next move.
Sugawara: "Nice receive!" He praised after Nishinoya, who was on their side, received the ball and returned it back onto the setter position perfectly. All of a sudden, again, everything in his eyes were in slow motion.
'Asahi-san is on the left, doesn't seem to be calling for a toss, their right wing is starting their run-up, but based on Sugawara-san's body direction he doesn't seem to be setting towards the right.. which means, He's going for a quick through the middle..'
'.. I can definitely stuff him, but... I should lay low for now..'
Just as he predicted, Sugawara and Takinoue did a quick right down the middle which was just above him, spiking the ball onto his side of the court, Kinoshita's efforts on trying to save it were futile. The whistle blowing afterwards, confirming their point.
1 – 2
Takinoue: "Hey, good one, Nice toss.." He praised, sending the third year a thumbs up.
Sugawara: "Thank you very much"
Hinata: "Sugawara-san's quick attack!" He exclaimed with an impressed look.
Daichi: "Of course, Suga is an experienced Setter, after all!" He boasted proudly with a smug look on his face, causing Naruto to snicker.
'He looks happy..'
Nishinoya: "Suga-san, Nice toss." He also complimented from their side of the net.
Sugawara: "Yeah, But the neighborhood folks are skillfully accomodating me. They're veterans for sure.. My tosses still need a lot of work... But, I have to use lots of fast attacks and confidently keep building offense, Otherwise, the whole match will be on the ace's shoulders again.." He muttered while Nishinoya looked at him.
Nishinoya: "...Suga-san, you've become awesome.."
Sugawara: "Huh? Really?.. That's high praise coming from you, Nishinoya.."
Nishinoya: "Why is that?"
Sugawara: "Oh, well..." The two of them kept chatting on, Meanwhile, Naruto stood there, carefully eyeing everyone unaware of the person who was trying to catch his attention.
'These people, they've grown quite dependable in the short amount of time I've been–'
Kinoshita: "–earth to Naruto? Hello?.. Hello?!"
Naruto: "... what?"
Kinoshita: "..See a ghost or something? I swear, you've been so lost in thought for awhile now.. Were you dissing on everyone again? I wouldn't be surprised.."
Naruto: ".. why would I? as of the moment, I still have no reason to.."
.
..
Uchizawa, The big guy on the Neighborhood Team was serving.
Mori: "Nice serve!"
Takinoue: "One more!" They both yelled after one another, encouraging their teammate.
...
The ball was finally on Naruto side of the court, Above the Setter position as Kageyama tossed the ball and did a very fast quick attack using Hinata, surprising both the enemy team and Narut.
'..What was that?'
Hinata & Kageyama: "All right!" After successfully hitting a good point, They both celebrated in unison.
Uchizawa: "That was an amazing jump."
Shimada: "The toss was perfection itself.."
Takeda and Ukai were in a corner, watching everything, currently, The newly appointed Coach had a look of disbelief on his face, While Takeda had an excitedly smug one.
Asahi P.O.V
Daichi: "Nice kill, Hinata! Kageyama!" He praised while most of the players were basically still in shock.
"But now I have this guy tossing to me, so I can get past any blockers! All the blockers vanish from sight.. And the view of the other side of the net opens up!"
Hinata (Flashback )
'... The other side of the net..'
( Memory Flashback )
68th Prefecture Sporting Competition Volleyball Tournament
3rd Person P.O.V
Date Tech vs Karasuno, 2nd Set, Asahi jumped with his form, in a motion to spike as tall blockers loomed against him, successfully putting pressure on the ace as he strook.
Unfortunately, The heavy spike was shutdown by the formers, successfully gaining a point. Causing Asahi to grit his teeth in annoyance.
Daichi: "Don't mind!"
Sugawara: "One more!"
...
24 – 19
Sugawara: "It's a feint! A feint!" He yelled as Nishinoya, the Libero, dived in to get the ball up, which he successfully did so, returning the ball towards the Setter position.
"Naruto!" He called, tossing the ball over to his side of the net, The guy started his spiking run-up, Jumping up high afterwards. A tall 'impenetrable' wall also looming over him.
Naruto: "Asahi-san!" He called right after, changing his form mid-air and tossing the ball over to the left, where the Ace was. Surprising the enemy blockers as they quickly retorted by making themselves fall quicker and hurried fly following the ball.
And again, Even though Nishinoya tried to follow through, Karasuno's Ace was shut down just like that.
Nishinoya: "Damn it!" He irked, lightly pounding on the floor in annoyance.
＼(０＼) (／-)／
Π?: "That wing spiker on the right is highly skilled, changing forms in mid-air must be really hard... As for him, He missed, but still, that libero is amazing.."
ΠΠ?: "Yeah, his skills are amazingly high-level.."
Π?: "But the offense is weak.."
＼(*)／＼(*)／
Naruto: "Blocked again? I've lost count of how many times they've shut him down.." He mumbled to himself, obviously annoyed as the whistle started again.
Asahi P.O.V
'I kept calling for a toss.. 'Bring it to me.' 'I will score.' But I've reached the very end.. I'm scared to call for a toss..'
3rd Person P.O.V
Nishinoya: "Asahi-san?!" He said in concern, surprised to see the Ace not calling for a toss.
Sugawara: "Asahi?"
Naruto: "Sugawara-san.." He called with an annoyed tone, catching the Setter's attention.
Sugawara: "Naruto!" He yelled, tossing the ball towards Naruto's direction, Once more, starting with his run-up, then jumping up high, The same tall block loomed over him.
Naruto: ".. damn bastards.." He angrily mumbled, spiking the ball into their hands and successfully rebounding it.
Then again, getting a hold of the ball and in a tossing position.
Daichi: "Naruto! to the right!" He called, jumping up, causing Naruto to toss the ball towards him, Attempting to spike, He got shut down too.
25 – 19
With that, The sound of the whistle ends the match of Date Tech vs Karasuno, with Date Tech as the winners.
...
Karasuno High School Court
Nishinoya: "Damn it!" He yelled, frustrated, throwing a broom onto the racks in anger.
"... I couldn't follow on any of the blocks.."
Asahi: "Why?! Why aren't you blaming me?!... We lost because of me! No matter how much you followed, If I can't spike and score, It's all for nothing!"
Daichi: "Asahi!"
Nishinoya: "... What do you mean, 'It's all for nothing.'?.. Then why didn't you call for a toss at the end? You were in a position to spike!" He questioned with an intense glare, slightly making Asahi falter.
Sugawara: "Oi, Stop it, Nishinoya! I was only bringing the ball to Asahi. He must've been tired–"
Asahi: "–Toss to me all you want.. I'll never score.." He mumbled shamefully, Nishinoya's expression going into full rage mode before he grabbed Asahi by the jacket.
Nishinoya: "You don't know that 'til you spike! Maybe the next one will score!" He angrily yelled, pushing the guy backwards as Sugawara came in to separate the two of them.
"I kept the ball in the air! It's not your place to give up!" As if on cue, Kinoshita, Ennoshita and Narita walked in, also witnessing the scene.
Ennoshita: "Noya!" He yelled while rushing over to restrain the guy.
Nishinoya: "I'm a libero! I'm the cornerstone of the defense, and the cornerstone of the team!–"
Naruto: "–and yet, somehow, you couldn't follow on any of the blocked spikes by Mr. Ace, here.." He suddenly intruded, leaning on the doorframe with crossed arms while holding a broom, everyone's attention was on him.
Kinoshita: "Naruto, you probably shouldn't–"
Naruto: "–why not?.. can I not give a piece of my mind?"
Kinoshita: "B-but–" He cut himself off after seeing the intense rage on your face too.
Naruto: "... Nishinoya, Asahi-san, the both of you think, you're the only ones mad?.. upset?.. how selfish.. Karasuno's loss today, was completely in your hands.." He said rather calmly and silently, though loud enough for everyone to hear.
Daichi: "Naruto! Stop it–"
Naruto: ".. you know why?. It's because the two of you let the team down, you get it?... an incompetent Ace who couldn't blast through the blocks and a try-hard libero who failed to keep the rally going... I couldn't have asked for a better team.." He mumbled before slowly raising the broom. strick he held.
"..Two of the most essential key players, The best defense and the best offense.. Just what happens, when both of them start failing?..."
Nishinoya: "...Tch, The team breaks down.." As if on cue, Naruto snapped the cleaning material in half before letting it fall on the floor.
Naruto: ".. That's precisely right, I absolutely hate playing with suckers... Which is why I'm quitting.."
Kinoshita: "Oi, don't!" He protested, blocking the way by holding his hands out.
Naruto: "... out of my way, Hisashi.." He irked, pushing the guy aside before walking off.
Naruto P.O.V
'..damn it.. I should've went to Hyōgo when I had the chance.. I heard there was a decent team there... too late, everything was for naught..'
Kinoshita: "Wait, Naruto!.."
Naruto: ".. wasting your efforts in trying to stop me is a dumb move.." he calmly stated, slinging a bag over your shoulder and walking off.
( Memory Flashback [End] )
Naruto P.O.V
Kinoshita: "Nice, Hinata!" He praised, hi-fiving the first year while smiling.
Hinata: "Thank you!" He replied, bowing profusely right after. Meanwhile, His teammate held a ball and in a gesture to hand it over.
Kageyama: "Hinata, You serve next.."
Asahi P.O.V
Asahi: "That's what I want.." He started, out of nowhere, causing Nishinoya to perk up and listen.
"No matter how many times I fail, I still want to spike.." He stated, determined of his words while the shorter guy had his eyes widened for a second before his face generated a genuine smile.
Nishinoya: "Then, I'm fine... Now that you said that, I'm fine.." He then stated, Asahi looked at him with relief.
•••
It's time, Hinata was serving while everybody waited in anticipation. The air was also silent and tense.
"My job is to keep the ball in play. That's all.." Nishinoya
Sugawara: "Hinata, Nice serve!" He cheered from the other side of the net, watching the orange-haired kid perform a normal serve which successfully sent it towards their side.
Mori: "Net in!" He yelled, seeing the ball hit the net, the momentum was killed and it almost dropped onto their side, Fortunately, Shimada was able to sloppily save it.
Shimada: "Whoops! Sorry, Cover it!" He apologized after diving in.
Uchizawa: "Long-hair guy, you do last!" He yelled back, passing the ball high up to give time for the spiking run-up.
Sugawara, Nishinoya, Daichi and Naruto perked up, also watching the trajectory of the ball.
"The sky is the domain of spikers.. I can't battle up there..." Nishinoya
Asahi finally began his run-up, putting Kageyama, Tsukishima and Naruto on alert for a three-person block.
Kageyama: "Let's block 'em!"
Tsukishima: "Don't give orders.."
Naruto snickered.
"If I keep the ball in play... as long as it stays connected—" Nishinoya
"I want to spike again!" Asahi (Flashback)
"—I know the Ace will score for us!" Nishinoya
Asahi ascended vertically, executing a perfect striking form, The ball floated just above him before he heavily spiked it and a three-person block loomed infront him.
Kageyama grunted from shock as he was almost blasted away from blocking the heavy spike.
"That was heavy.." Kageyama
Asahi gritted his teeth, unfaltering determination was still seen burning from his eyes. While a smirk was present on Naruto face, watching the ball ricochet back onto their court.
Almost coming contact with the ground, A few centimeters of matter, Nishinoya's hand, intercepted it. Successfully bringing it up and back to the sky. Surprising everyone including you.
Shimada: "Oh! He saved it!"
Takinoue: "Nice follow!"
'... Nishinoya..'
Nishinoya: "... Even if the ball bounces off the wall, I'll keep it in play! So... So call for a toss again, Ace!" He yelled, standing up and crouching to prepare himself. Asahi looked at him shocked.
Shimada: "Cover!" He requested, watching the ball's trajectory fly above him as their Setter positioned himself just under it with his hands up.
Sugawara: "All right!"
"What should I do?.. Who do I toss it to? The left is open. That might be the best, but... If I toss to Asahi and he gets blocked again–"
Kageyama: "–Sugawara-san!.. Give it to him, 'til he scores!" He suggested rather forcefully, Naruto and Tsukishima forming smug expressions.
Tsukishima: "You're a total sadist, King.."
Naruto just snickered again.
Kageyama: "Haah?!"
...
"When the going gets rough, when the receive is tenuous, the last ball is entrusted to the Ace... I know... I know it... but Asahi isn't waiting for a toss, and I'm putting him on the spot against three blockers!" Sugawara
"The spike... I can spike because the toss goes up.." Asahi
...
"Once more, Let me toss to you again, Asahi!" Sugawara ( Flashback )
"The toss goes up because of the connecting receive.." Asahi
"I kept the ball in the air! It's not your place to give up!" Nishinoya ( Flashback )
...
"I'm not the only one who spikes.." Asahi
"–an incompetent Ace who couldn't blast through any blocks.." Naruto ( Flashback )
"Everybody plays his own respective part, And yet, I..." Asahi
...
"You don't win alone, That's just how it is.." Kageyama ( Flashback )
"That's why everyone calls you an Ace, Asahi-san!.." Hinata ( Flashback )
...
".. I absolutely hate playing with suckers!" Naruto ( Flashback )
...
"Call for a toss again, Ace!" Nishinoya ( Flashback )
Ace!
•
•
•
Ace!
•
•
Ace..
•
Shimada: "All right!" He called, raising his hand up, Sugawara was about to send the ball his way, but suddenly...
Sugawara: "Shimada-san–"
Asahi: "–SUGAAAAAAAAAAAA!" His voice boomed throughout the whole court, causing everyone to perk up and get on high alert.
"One... more!" He finally called for a toss, raising his hand in a gesture to 'send the ball my way, I will score!'.
Sugawara, Daichi, and Nishinoya looked at him with proud expressions. A sudden hit of nostalgia somehow hitting their memories.
"Ahh... The Ace awaits.. He's calling for a toss!" Sugawara
Sugawara gently tossed the ball very high up, parallel to the net.
"A high toss, slightly away from the net... The toss, Asahi's specialty, which I've tossed to him many times.." Sugawara
"Even if it's just a plain toss, give it all you got... carefully.."
Tsukishima: "You're rooting for the other team, aren't you? Well, sorry to say it, but I'm blocking them.."
Kageyama: "Of course, What's the point of holding back?"
Asahi, once more, started running up towards the net. Taking his mightiest first step up and ejecting vertically and straight into another perfect striking form.
"The dependable guardian behind me... The easy to spike tosses he sends me... I lack nothing... I had forgotten such simple, obvious things... I'm... not fighting this battle alone!" Asahi
'I hate to rain on your parade... but–'
Naruto: "–spike it towards me and you're through!" Naruto suddenly exclaimed, also looming over the enemy Ace and with the intention to shut him down.
Asahi: "I know that!.. That's why..to strike past through obstacles!–" He yelled back, using all his strength to heavily blast through in between Tsukishima and Kageyama's hands.
A dramatic cloud of air displayed the power of his spike, successfully blasting through and scoring the point which brought life to his esteem.
Asahi: "I'll defeat you first, Naruto!"
Daichi, Sugawara, and Nishinoya, All had proud expressions, Naruto with the amused one and Hinata with the stunned look.
End