Hinata's hands involuntarily clenched into fists, in this moment, his eyes saw nothing but the shadow cast by that silhouette against the light.
At this moment, he suddenly became alert, realizing that the silhouette in his sight was actually broader and heavier than the Karasuno Little Giant in his memories.
Why? Why is there this.. this feeling of being somewhat breathless, as if I want to burst into tears?
Coach Aran glanced at Hinata standing behind him out of the corner of his eye, couldn't help but let a smile slip onto his face.
Without a doubt, that was the "accumulation" belonging to Hoshiumi Hikari.
With a heavy thud, the volleyball was spiked by Hoshiumi onto Suna's fingers, before flying high out of the court.
Nice!!
Beautiful! Come on!
Miya Atsumu curled his lip. "This is really tough.."
Their rotation for this set wasn't great; Suna, who was matched up against Hoshiumi, would find it difficult to suppress him with height, would instead be countered by the opponent's block.
On the other side, the Karasuno members were also making arrangements: "By the way, when you serve in a moment, be careful to block the opposing number 4's line of sight."
Hirugami nodded: "Okay."
Karasuno indeed has extremely flexible and sharp attackers like Hoshiumi Hikari, but they do not rely on their opponent's offense to exist.
For Karasuno, their strongest assets were always the ultimate combination of blocking and serving; their offense was merely a third option that added a finishing touch.
Under the cover of the players in the front row, Hoshiumi's serve easily targeted Inarizaki's ace, Aran.
But unlike the ace wing spikers of other teams, unlike himself from last year, Aran had become even more proficient in defense.
Even when facing Hoshiumi's heavy and powerful serve, he still stabilized his lower body to keep himself from touching the ground, maintaining his absolute offensive capability.
What a great receive!
Cover! Cover!
Seeing that Aran was not tripped up by the receive, Hoshiumi's expression also soured.
Aran, having already taken his approach, called out for the ball immediately: "Give me the ball!"
Miya Atsumu's gaze swept across the net, without any hesitation, he gave the ball to Aran.
After all, Karasuno's defensive formation, which focused so heavily on blocking, was difficult to handle; even if one used front-row movement to create space, the opponents could immediately follow up to surround and contain the play.
Unless.. they have an attacking speed so fast that the opponent cannot keep up.
However, with Aran on the court, they could completely choose a back-row attack with even greater intensity and penetration.
Karasuno isn't the only one with an ace; Inarizaki certainly won't fall short by even a single step!
With a heavy thud, the iron wall in front of them was forcibly torn apart by Aran's spike.
The volleyball slammed into the floor of the Karasuno court, Inarizaki scored.
Only after the tension on the sidelines had completely gripped his heart did Hinata finally let out a long breath.
The score on the sidelines jumped to 25:22, Inarizaki wins.
Everyone left the court after the end of the first set to hydrate and rest.
Hinata also walked back from Karasuno and came to a halt in front of Coach Kurosu.
After his brain worked at full capacity to think, Hinata spoke up, "Coach, I understand why you wanted me to see this match."
When it comes to volleyball, Hinata was unexpectedly sharp. He knew it was because he was useful that he had been noticed among so many newcomers, even earning the chance to accompany the team to watch the practice match.
Although he hadn't been clear about what his specific strengths were before this, he could now catch a glimpse of them.
Not far away, Miya Atsumu cast a quiet glance, but he dazed for a moment when he saw Hinata's expression.
Although they hadn't known each other for long and hadn't played together, he had visited the Second String many times to watch Hinata during this period.
In my memory, Hinata always had a smile on his face, as if nothing could ever trouble him.
No matter how exhausting training is, he is always happy the moment he picks up a volleyball.
Perhaps at some moment, he had also seen his own shadow in his opponent.
Hinata lowered his head, looking at Coach Kurosu with a very solemn expression.
Coach Kurosu's shoulders were broad; even in this position, it was not easy to notice Hinata behind him.
His voice was gentle and kind: "So, is that the kind of person you want to become?"
To become a "Little Giant" like Hoshiumi, to become the pillar of a team.
"Yes, I do." Hinata made no attempt to hide his aspirations or his ideals.
He fell in love with volleyball because of Karasuno's Little Giant, so it was impossible for him not to yearn for it.
And without a doubt, the Hoshiumi Hikari standing right before him now was an even stronger "Little Giant."
Not being particularly skilled at rhetoric, Hinata struggled to express his feelings: "I want to earn the right to play in matches, just like my seniors. Even just imagining that feeling.. I.. I can't suppress my excitement."
"If you just want to get on the court, I have a more suitable training path." Coach Kurosu timely proposed the "second option" he had already thought of.
“With your speed, you could completely become a blade that tears through blocks. Perhaps Kumagai's level isn't enough, but I believe Atsumu can fully master you to pull off even more perfect Quick Attacks.”
He observed Hinata's expression.
Regarding this kind of question, he hoped that Hinata would decide for himself.
No matter what Hinata chooses, Coach Kurosu will provide a corresponding training plan.
There was no need to wait, for Hinata's determined voice was already ringing in his ears.
“Coach, I can do anything. Whether it's a Quick Attack or a playstyle like Hoshiumi-senpai's, I can do it.”
Coach Kurosu, who had just been about to look away toward Miya Atsumu and the others, paused for a moment before meeting Hinata's gaze again.
Unlike the expression filled with unease and tension just a second ago, on this face, Kurosu saw a message that was enough to make him, as a coach, feel excited.
—Ambition.
Hinata was telling him that he didn't want to choose A, nor did he want to choose B, but rather.. why not choose both?
Coach Kurosu lowered his eyes slightly, unable to help but let out a smile. "It will be very hard work."
The youth before him had eyes that shone with extraordinary brightness, like a young beast finally finding its direction while struggling through the darkness.
He responded with absolute determination, "I'm not afraid."
"I have a promise with a.. former acquaintance, a setter." Hinata recalled that summer evening, the black-haired king at the bottom of the stairs.
I said I would go higher and further than him, even if his goal is the world.
Hoshiumi's strength is beyond doubt, but even a new generation's stronger Little Giant would fall under the encirclement of Inarizaki.
Therefore, he must become stronger—stronger than Kageyama, stronger than Hoshiumi, stronger than anyone else—so that he can go further than anyone else.
For this.. he will fear nothing.
Coach Kurosu stood up from his chair, placing both hands on Hinata's shoulders, his face filled with satisfaction and appreciation.
Alright, keep practicing your receives when you get back. After Second String training ends, come over to the First String side; I'll have Atsumu play some Quick Attacks with you to test you out.
Since you have already made up your mind, there will be no more chances to change your mind.
Hinata responded loudly, "Yes!"
His palms, held behind his back, were covered in sweat, his mind was racing with extreme excitement.
He didn't say anything wrong.. that's a relief.
Miya Atsumu slowly withdrew his gaze and looked back toward Hirugami and Hoshiumi, who were saying something over at Karasuno.
In fact, there was never an option A or B; from beginning to end, Coach Kurosu had always wanted a faster and more flexible Hoshiumi Hikari.
It was just that they needed a training goal capable of achieving resonance on a spiritual level.
Fortunately, it was Hinata.
Miya Atsumu's thoughts were wandering.
Quick Attack..
I haven't been using Suna and the others much lately; I really need to get some more practice in.
After finalizing the remaining details and receiving a positive response from Coach Aran, Hinata ran over to Rishia to share the news.
Since it was a practice match, the intervals between each set were set quite long to allow both sides to make adjustments to their details.
And just as Coach Kurosu was preparing to hold a meeting for everyone, Aran, who hadn't sweated as much during the first set, realized that his bag for his towels had been left in the shoe cabinet next to the lobby along with his shoes.
He turned his head to look at Hinata, the only one who had followed them as logistics and was currently free.
Hinata, please go and get the towel from the pocket of the shoe cabinet for me. It's in the fifth column of the bottom row; I'll likely need it for the next set.
Miya Atsumu also raised his hand: "Shoyo-kun—I want a bottle of sports drink—"
Hinata replied immediately, "Okay!"
Walking with light and cheerful steps, Hinata bounced all the way to the shoe locker by the door.
Just as he was preparing to go to the vending machine to buy a drink for Miya Atsumu, he suddenly noticed a yellow and black patterned head peeking out from the corner outside the door.
Opening the door without hesitation, Hinata asked directly, "What are you doing?"
The boy, who was crouching in the corner and seemed to be messaging someone, looked visibly startled, jolting so violently that the phone in his hands nearly slipped to the floor.
Fortunately, the phone was caught.
The youth looked back, revealing eyes that were like those of a cat.
Author's Note:
Cat startled. jpg
Chapter 10: The Tenth Fox
Clutching his phone to his chest, the youth looked up, stealing hesitant glances at the person who had suddenly burst into his field of vision.
A low response came back: "I didn't really do anything.."