Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

All the MSBY Black Jackals’ first-string players were peacefully staying at their dorms except for Oliver Barnes who had his wife and kids to go home to. And no, it was wrong to say they were peaceful because peace was lost when Bokuto drank straight from the milk carton, and was caught by Sakusa. It was to Atsumu’s entertainment as he watched the two chasing each other, Sakusa holding a spray bottle of whatever cleaning detergent that was.

“Bokkun, ya gotta learn yer lesson.” Atsumu laughed after things had calmed down and Bokuto sat beside him.

“As if you haven’t done that before.” Sakusa hissed, glaring at Atsumu who shot his hands straight up in defense. “Woah there! That was a month ago! Like I said, he’s gotta learn his lesson because I learned the same way.”

Bokuto looked shaken. Who wouldn’t, when an angry Sakusa Kiyoomi determinedly chased you just to spray you with Kleenex.

“I shouldn’t have done that.” Bokuto sighed. “I didn’t know I’d get caught.”

“Seriously?” Atsumu laughed at Bokuto’s way of thinking. “Good thing ‘m not much of a milk drinker.”

Only the first-string players were given their own dorm at the Black Jackal’s building and since the MSBY quartet, consisting of the three of them and Shouyo were the most recent addition to the first-string players, they were assigned together in one dorm.

“Huh… By the way, where’s Shouyo-kun?” Atsumu asked as he glanced at the door.

“Shouldn’t he be done running by now?”

Bokuto glanced at the clock hanging on their wall.

“Oh. You’re right. He should be here twenty minutes ago.”

Atsumu stood up and began walking to the door.

“Where are you going?” Sakusa asked when he finally came back from the bathroom.

“Gonna check on Shouyo-kun.”

“He must have stopped at the convenience store, Tsum-tsum.” Bokuto said.

“Twenty minutes late?”

“Don’t be such a worrywart.” Bokuto laughed. “He can take care of himself.”

Atsumu shrugged and still continued to walk to the door.

“Hm. I’d like to have a walk anyway.”

The two did not stop him after that. ‘What is Sho-kun possibly doing outside?’

Atsumu finally got outside but as he turned to continue, he saw his wing spiker coming out of the elevator carrying a medium sized box.

“Shouyo-kun?”

“Atsumu-san!” Shouyo beamed at him which Atsumu would have found adorable if not for the worried expression written on Shouyo’s face.

“Is everything alright?”

Shouyo blinked at him. “Uh… What do you mean?”

“You look worried.”

“I do?”

Atsumu nodded and then his eyes caught the box again.

“What’s that?

“Oh, this? It’s uhm… I f-found this at the lobby. Manager-san said it was a package meant for me.”

The box was already opened so Atsumu figured out why Shouyo was back late.

“What’s inside?” Atsumu asked but Shouyo’s face suddenly turned red that Atsumu panicked, immediately thinking it must be something private. “Not that you have to tell me!” he exclaimed then rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

“I-It’s okay. It’s just… the DVDs inside are so weird that I don’t know what to think of them.”

“DVDs?”

Shouyo nodded with the blush on his cheeks still visible.

“Should we take a look at this inside?”

>> ハイキュー!! <<

“What… what are these?” Atsumu asked when Shouyo opened the box in front of him, Bokuto and Sakusa.

“Woah!! These look like movies about you, Shouyo!” Bokuto happily exclaimed. “Oh look! Your other teammates are here too! Who’s this pretty boy here? Aha! There’s Kurobro too!” Bokuto looked too excited.

“They’re labelled as volumes… a series then.” Sakusa said, then caught sight of Atsumu’s sour expression. “What’s wrong with your face?”Atsumu was about to answer but Sakusa stopped him. “Nevermind. Your face looked wrong since you were born.”

“Shut up.” Atsumu said with gritted teeth as staring at the cover of the volume one DVD.

‘Shouyo-kun looks so cool in this cover but why does Tobio-kun had to be here too?’ he thought then scoffed. “Are we gonna watch ‘em?” he asked Shouyo.

“Of course we are, Tsum-tsum! It looks like it’s about my greatest disciple!! I wanna see!”

“Only if it’s okay with Shouyo-kun, Bokkun. He might not be comfortable with us watching it.”

“Thank you, Atsumu-san.” Shouyo smiled gratefully at him, sending weird insects crawling inside Atsumu’s stomach. ‘Not again.’ Atsumu thought before fake coughing to ease that feeling.

“I was actually thinking of inviting the others to watch, too.” Shouyo hummed thoughtfully.

“The team?” Sakusa asked.

“Oh, I mean my old team. Karasuno and Kenma too! But it’s okay to invite our team too!”

“We should invite Kuroo too!”

“But they’re all in far places, Sho-kun.”

“That’s fine. They can watch online. Kenma taught me how to use discord so let’s all watch together using that.”

“Wait. Aren’t you even wondering where this is from? How was this taken and why does it look like you’re the main character of this series?” Sakusa asked.

“Oh that… I was worried at first but it doesn’t seem like anything with bad intent.” Shouyo pulled out a paper from his pocket. “Look at the note attached.”

To Hinata Shouyo,

This may seem weird but I’d like you to watch these. I’m from a world different from yours but all of you who appeared in these series mean so much to me. I’d just love to see you people have fun watching them.

Sincerely,

J. N.

“A world different from yours? Doesn’t that seem suspicious to you?”

“I read isekai mangas before and I love them.” Shouyo shrugged.

“Yeah. And I just wanna watch this now, Omi-omi!” Bokuto impatiently whined.

“We might see your games in a different perspective, Shouyo-kun.” Atsumu grinned.

“Yeah! And looks like Seijoh and Nekoma are here too!” Shouyo cheered. ‘Maybe I should invite Oikawa-san, too!’

Sakusa pinched the bridge of his nose like an old man and sighed.

“What you’re saying is, you’re just gonna accept that there’s someone who suspiciously made some kind of series about you like it’s not weird?”

Shouyo nodded enthusiastically, looking like an excited puppy. Even Atsumu and Bokuto were nodding along with him.

“You’re all idiots.”

“You love us anyway, Omi-kun.” Atsumu teased.

“Shut up and just invite the people you mentioned earlier. I’ll go to Meian-san and the others to tell them. It’s good we’re on a day-off today.”

The three cheered and went to get their phones to invite the people they want to watch with them.

  >> ハイキュー!! <<

After a lot of calls and invitations, everyone was now ready to watch the series.

The MSBY Black Jackal players plus Kenma were together in the MSBY quartet’s living room, and facing the smart TV in front of them. The newly made discord server that Kenma named after the title on the covers of the series was displayed on the screen.

kageyamatobio | today at -- : -- am

oi @ninjashouyo, Kourai-san and Ushijima-san were with me so I’ll invite them to watch too.

ninjashouyo | today at -- : -- am

that’s okay!!

is everyone else here?

daichi |today at -- : -- am

i’m off duty today. I’m here at Tanaka’s with @Sugasen and @A.Asahi.

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

It’s almost 1am here HAHAHAAHA

Tanakasenpai | today at -- : -- am

YUUUUU!!!!!

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

RYYUUUUUU!!!!

Tanakasenpai | today at -- : -- am

YUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!! (☆▽☆)

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

RYYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!! (★▽★)

daichi | today at -- : -- am

enough, @Tanakasenpai and @NoyaTheVoyager

Tooru | today at -- : -- am

I’m 12 hours away from Japan. It’s 8 pm here.

ninjashouyo | today at -- : -- am

Oikawa-san!! Thank you for joining us!

Tooru | today at -- : -- am

Anything for you, Shouyo-kun. :wink:

“Tch.”

“What’s wrong, Tsum-tsum?”

“Nothing.” Atsumu muttered and picked up his phone.

thesettermiya | today at -- : -- am

@thebettermiya wtf is that username?!

thebettermiya | today at -- : -- am

don’t you like it? I wanted to match with my twin.

Sunarin | today at -- : -- am

it fits a lot.

thesettermiya | today at -- : -- am

@Sunarin, why are you here? I didn’t invite you!!!

Tsukikei | today at -- : -- am

I invited him.

Koganegawa | today at -- : am

ME TOO!!! Hello @ninjashouyo!!!

Kita_shinsuke | today at -- : am

@thesettermiya, I am here too. @thebettermiya invited me.

“Kita-san’s here too. I wouldn’t be surprised if Aran-kun’s invited along.”

Ojiroaran | today at -- : am

@thesettermiya, of course I am here too.

“How the hell did he just read my mind?!” Atsumu exclaimed and Shouyo laughed beside him as he typed something on his phone. “Your teammates are here too huh.”

ninjashouyo | today at -- : am

@Koganegawa!!! HELLO!!!

Koganegawa | today at -- : am

Kyoutani-kun is also here!

“That’s a lot of people.” Meian chuckled.

“Looks like there’s a lot more who are trying to type.” Inunaki said while they all stared at the screen.

A few other usernames appeared like ‘yamadashi’, ‘hitokachan’, ‘iwahajime’, and a lot more but they might have been shy to actually send their chats.

“Should we start episode one now?” Kenma asked, holding the controller he connected to the TV.

Everyone nodded while holding on to their phones just so they could easily see the chats.

ninjashouyo | today -- : -- am

hey everyone!! Kenma’s gonna open the stream now.

The others reacted to Shouyo’s message using different emojis.

Kurootetsu | today -- : -- am

Finally!!

“Kurobro!!!” Bokuto shouted, picking up his phone to chat with his friend while the others’ attention was now on the TV.

The sound of squeaky shoes is faintly heard at the beginning as the screen lights up and reveals someone wearing white volleyball shoes with red marks walking.

‘Is this me..? yeah it’s me.’ Shouyo blushed when his back was shown on the screen while consciously ruffling his hair. ‘does my hair really look like that from the back?’

Atsumu was already grinning inside, knowing full well that he will learn a lot of new things about his wing spiker.

“A tall, tall wall looms in front of me. What’s the view from the other side? What does it look like? The view from the top… it’s a view I could never see on my own.”

Inunaki whistled. “The drama! I like it already.”

Everyone was smiling fondly. They all know how true Shouyo’s words were.

“But if I’m not doing it alone…” other people walk in view with only their shoes showing.

“Oooohh!! It’s us! Daichi-san, it’s us!” Tanaka cheered.

“Let’s play!!”

OP begins to play.

At the sound of their mixed voices and as the song began to play, the former Karasuno team watching from different places did not bother hiding their smiles.

Chapter Text

OP begins to play and shows the Karasuno gym doors.

“It’s our old gym!” Tanaka said, pointing at the screen.

“We see it, Ryu. No need to shout.” Daichi sighed.

Shouyo and Tobio appear, their difference in height very noticeable.

“I look so small.” Shouyo cringed.

“You were really small back then, Hinata.” Bokuto laughed.

Title is shown on the screen, ‘Haikyuu!!’

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

the opening sounds so cool!!!

It’s like u have your own theme song, shouyo!!

The backs of Daichi, Sugawara and Tanaka are shown walking towards the gym.

‘We look so cool.’ Tanaka thought, his face flushed from excitement.

Quick appearance of the Karasuno volleyball club members.

“Yeesh. Why did I have to look so scary?” Tanaka complained but Kiyoko patted him on the back while smiling.

“Kei looks like he’s modelling for something.” Suna smirked as he stretched for their later practice inside the EJP’s own gym.

“Be grateful he doesn’t hear you.” Komori said while syncing to his teammates’ stretches.

“MSBY’s lucky to have their day off to focus on watching this.” Washio said as he stared at the laptop in front of them.

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

HA! IT IS OUR THEME SONG!

I LOOK SO COOL IN THAT ANGLE.

Tobio drinks milk from a carton and Hinata holds meat buns, leaving food crumbs on his left cheek.

It was Bokuto who noticed the crumbs and pointed it out to the team.

“Gwaaah! T-this is more embarrassing than I thought.”

Daichi receiving, Sugawara setting, Tanaka spiking, Tsukki blocking, Noya dive-receiving, Yamaguchi running to receive, Asahi spiking,

“Ooh. Asahi looks like an Ace there.” Suga laughed.

“I was the Ace.” Asahi sighed. He was now getting nervous about how his character would be shown in this series. ‘I hope I don’t seem so scary.’

Three second years trying to receive, Ennoshita dives and Kinoshita rolls.

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

I knew it!! KINOSHITA LIKES MY ROLLING THUNDER MOVE! HE JUST COPIED ME! HAHAHA

hisashi | today at -- : -- am

Why is it that even in the chat, you’re so noisy?

“You should be used to it by now.” Narita chuckled. He and Kinoshita already planned to meet that day before Tanaka told them about the DVD. “Too bad, Chikara’s busy.”

“He said that the clinic is busy during Saturdays.” Kinoshita said.

“Oooh! Coach! Hey, we should invite Coach and Takeda-sensei!” Suga said when Coach Ukai appeared on the screen, serving the ball.

Tobio serves the ball.

“Wow. Watching serves on aerial view is so cool!” Kourai noted beside Tobio as they watched it together with Ushijima who agreed with his comment.

‘I wonder if we’ll see ours too…’ Ushijima thought.

Kiyoko appears with her pink notebook and stopwatch, with Takeda-sensei beside her.

“It’s you, Kiyoko! Hngg, so beautiful as always.” Tanaka cried while hugging his wife who just laughed at his husband’s reaction from a single scene.

“I’ll invite coach and sensei.” Daichi informed them when he picked up his phone.

Shouyo does the broad attack with his eyes closed.

“W-what? Why? Why are you closing your eyes?” Atsumu asked with a confused expression along with his teammates and the others who haven’t met Shouyo yet before he learned to open his eyes when spiking.

‘Oh, I haven’t mentioned that to them yet.’ Shouyo thought. “Uhm, later…”

Parallel shots of him and the Little Giant appears…

Shouyo smiled at the memory of meeting the Little Giant in person while Kourai felt proud for Shouyo in surpassing the person who inspired him to play volleyball.

Shouyo runs and then poses with a picture of the whole Karasuno team.

Kurootetsu | today -- : -- am

Pause it!!

Kenma raised his brow and then paused the video.

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

I LOOK SO GOOD IN EVERY ANGLE!!!

yamadashi | today at -- : -- am

why do I look so scared there (;;;*_*)

A.Asahi | today -- : -- am

I don’t look that scary… but Tanaka does.

Tanakasenpai | today at -- : -- am

oh yeah. why do I always look so scary in these!! T^T

Kodzuken | today -- : -- am

What is it Kuroo?

Kurootetsu | today -- : -- am

nothing. I just needed to process it.

It’s unfair!! Why does Karasuno have their own show?! ヽ ( `д´*) ノ

daichi | today -- : -- am

really, Kuroo? you stopped the vid for that?

Sugasen | today -- : -- am

And it looks like it’s @ninjashouyo who’s the real protagonist here.

ninjashouyo | today -- : -- am

I like the opening song. I wanna make it my ringtone.

bokutoace | today -- : -- am

I demand an anime too! I wanna be the protagonist too!

akaashi_keiji | today -- : -- am

I don’t think that’s how it works, Kou.

bokutoace | today -- : -- am

but Keiji (╥ ﹏ ╥)

Kodzuken | today -- : -- am

we don’t even know how this series were made.

“You still don’t have any idea who might have sent it?” Meian asked Shouyo who shook his head.

“This is creepy. Amazing… but creepy.” Thomas shivered and the others also expressed their thoughts on the chat.

hitokachan| today -- : -- am

an assassin! Σ(° △ °|||) ︴

ninjashouyou | today -- : -- am

I don’t think that’s it, yacchan. Hahaha. I find it weird too, but I don’t think there’s anything bad that will happen. :smiley_face:

yamadashi | today -- : -- am

maybe we’ll find out after we watch the series… we should continue watching.

“You can play it now again, Kenma.” Shouyo said.

A bike tire showed up and stopped in front of Yukigaoka Electric Store.

Shouyo gasped, realizing that it’s starting way back.

“It’s a little Shouyo!” Suga fondly said.

The Little Giant’s jump was shown like a crow spreading its wings to fly, his spike gave the young Shouyo a powerful impression with black feathers surrounding him as symbolism.

“Wow. Is this the time you had interest in volleyball?” Atsumu asked and Shouyo responded with a nod and a smile.

“That crow symbolism is so cool.” Yachi muttered to herself. She was watching it alone at her dorm. It’s a good thing that she did not have classes at the moment. Even though she doesn’t seem to appear in the introduction, she badly wanted to see how her old club did before she joined.

tsukikei | today -- : -- am

you look even smaller @ninjashouyo

Shouyo rolled his eyes at Tsukishima’s message.

ninjashouyo | today -- : -- am

this was in the start of middle school, stingyshima!! of course, I’ll be smaller!! :angry_face:

yamadashi | today -- : -- am

I was small back then too, @tsukikei. hahaha

tsukikei | today -- : -- am

yeah, but compared to Shouyo… hahahaha :smirk_face:

Hinata pouted in annoyance but put his attention back on the TV.

Shouyo was still staring at the TV. One of the men who were also watching mentioned Karasuno as another boy riding a bike stopped beside Shouyo.

“That’s Izumi.” Shouyo excitedly pointed at his friend on the screen.

“Sho-chan, hurry up! They’ll take the ground court.”

“Karasuno…” Shouyo’s face looked completely in awe.

“So can we call you Sho-chan then?” Atsumu teased with a smirk.

“W-what? I… you already call me Sho-kun sometimes.” Shouyo said.

“I do?” Atsumu didn’t realize.

“Yeah... oh it’s skipping my middle school years!”

Shouyo ran down the stairs wearing a green volleyball jersey with the number 1 in it.

‘This is…’ Tobio flinched and then released a heavy breath that both Ushijima and Kourai noticed.

“You okay there, Tobio-kun?” Kourai asked.

“Yes. Let’s just watch.”

Kourai nodded. ‘Is this a bad memory he’s a part of?’

Shouyo entered the gym and immediately gaped in awe. His teammates teased him for being too excited. Shouyo thanked his friends and his kouhais for supporting him.

“You’re super tearful.” Izumi chuckled.

“I think it’s cute.” Suga smiled seeing his kouhai interacting with his own kouhais.

“We made it all the way to the tournament, we have to win.” Shouyo said seriously.

Shouyo bit his lip at the flashbacks of what will happen in this game. ‘Sadly, we didn’t.’

“You think we can win with our last minute team pick?”

“Woah there. A last minute team pick?”

“They’re not all volleyball players, Bokuto-san.” Shouyo chuckled, thinking of how his team was put together.

“And they said they don’t even know the rules.” Meian said with a worried sigh like he was the one going to lead the team. “That’s a lot of guts, Hinata.”

The Miyagi Prefecture Volleyball Tournament bracket for Junior High was shown in a big white board; some Kitagawa Daiichi members passed by as Koji mentioned them as their opponent.

“Oh… it’s us.” Kindaichi nudged Kunimi who already knew. They were invited by Tobio because he mentioned that Seijoh was also in the covers too.

“Hm. You think they’ll show that game?” Kunimi asked.

‘I don’t think I want to take a walk down that part of our memory lane.’ Kindaichi thought then blinked at the screen of Kunimi’s laptop when their faces appeared on the screen.

“Do we look that scary?” he laughed.

The people watching with Shouyo were all surprised to see the height difference between his team and their opponent. They already knew how tall they might be but it looked scary to see them behind Shouyo like that.

A glimpse of a King’s robe was shown before Kageyama appeared on the screen without showing his face, and Shouyo watched him walk away.

tsukikei | today at -- : -- am

Hahahaha. What an entrance, king @kageyamatobio.

kageyamatobio | today at -- : -- am

Boke!! @ninjashouyo! This is your fault! Shut it, @tsukikei!

“I didn’t do anything!” Shouyo defended, forgetting that Tobio was not in the same room. The other MSBY players chuckled and Kenma gave him a small smile.

“I think the robe suits you, man!” Kourai told Tobio and Ushijima agreed with a nod.

The cheers for Kitagawa Daichi filled the whole court with the noise of their cheers as people talked about them and the King of the Court.

“He really gives that kind of impression, huh.” Atsumu said with an annoyed expression and a huff. Bokuto laughed and patted him on the back.

“Don’t worry, Tsum-tsum! Even if he’s known as the king of the court, I love your tosses!”

Of course, Atsumu felt happy to hear that but he’d love to hear that from another specific person beside him.

“You mean, you’re rookie team is going to play against a big time team on the first game?!” Inunaki gasped then winced at the thought of how the game might end up.

Shouyo just smiled sheepishly.

When his team expressed how they will be counting on him, Shouyo began to look sick.

Tanakasenpai | today at -- : -- am

HAHAHAHA. and the memories bring back, memories bring back you!!

Sugasen | today at -- : -- am

and off to the bathroom he goes.

tsukikei | today at -- : -- am

His curse is activated. I am 100% sure he’s gonna meet his opponent in the bathroom now.

Every one of the former Karasuno team laughed in memory of Shouyo’s ‘curse’.

“That’s really a thing with you?” Atsumu grinned. He recalled catching Shouyo and Tobio meeting outside the bathroom before their match as if the old goody two-shoes was picking a fight with his wing spiker.

“It’s a curse.” Shouyo said it so seriously but the Jackals broke into laughs.

Shouyo called out the Kitagawa Daiichi first years who were talking badly about his team, telling them not to underestimate his team but they just laughed at him.

“Those idiots.” Tobio sighed then his face went from stiff to annoyance when he heard his voice. The same reactions were made by Kindaichi and Kunimi.

Tobio appeared and Shouyo once again imagined him in a king’s attire. Tobio told the first years to hurry and was about to walk away when they made fun of Shouyo’s team again.

“Don’t ride the coattails of your school’s reputation.” Tobio scolds the first years who finally ran away, scared.

“Yikes. Kageyama’s so scary!” Bokuto shivered. “Serves you right for underestimating my disciple and his team!”

‘They were right at that time though…’ Shouyo thought but felt elated at Bokuto’s support.

“What are you doing here, anyway? Making memories?” Tobio asked, although it did not sound like a question.

Shouyo and Kageyama began to challenge each other, both saying that they’ll win.

Kurootetsu | today at -- : -- am

damn @kageyamatobio. you’re a scary kid back then aren’t you? These background music and effects even adds to the feels.

ninjashouyo | today at -- : -- am

nothing changed, Kuroo-san. he’s still scary till this day.

“It seems that yer encounter with Tobio-kun distracted ya from yer stomach problems though.” Atsumu said.

“All that I was thinking about after that moment was that I wanna win against him.” Shouyo said, ignoring the angry replies that Tobio sent in the chat.

The warm-ups started and Tobio tossed to Kindaichi who he scolded because of moving too slow.

‘Hm? That’s worse than Mr. goody-two shoes…” Atsumu narrowed his eyes.

Tobio clenched his fist. He really hates that memory.

On the other side of the globe, Oikawa watched the screen of his phone alone. “Tobio-chan…”

“He’s a setter.” Izumi said

“That’s him, the so-called ‘King of the Court’, Kageyama Tobio.” Koji told him. “By the way, what’s a setter?”

An illustration with Chibi versions of Shouyo, Koji and Izumi appeared to explain what a setter is.

KurooTetsu | today at -- : -- am

that’s redundant! a chibi chibi-chan. hahahaha

yamadashi | today at -- : -- am

look at him fly~ hahaha

hitokachan | today at -- : -- am

the illustration is so cute!!

“Those would be useful when teaching kids volleyball. Do you think more will show up?” Suga asked as he thought of his students.

“Maybe you can ask Shouyo for clips of them if possible.” Asahi said.

The game started and Kitagawa Daiichi easily scored two points but Shouyo continued to encourage his teammates.

All of those watching who used to be team captains smiled at the simple scene shown. Shouyo did not even become one after that, but it was nice to see him being a captain.

A glimpse of a flashback from Shouyo’s middle school began; Kita-Ichi scored another point in the present. Another flashback was shown where Shouyo was practicing his spikes all alone.

Everyone was now silently watching. Most of them were surprised that Shouyo did not have any proper team from middle school. A lot of them felt bad watching Shouyo practicing alone like that.

‘That looks lonely…’ Atsumu thought, certain memories flashing from his own middle school days with volleyball. Everyone gets tired so easily. Because a lot of people did not like him, without Osamu, there was no one else he could talk to.

The present match continued and Kita Ichi continued to score. The flashback showed Shouyo asking for a toss multiple times and getting rejected.

Atsumu was annoyed. ‘I would have tossed to ya, Sho-kun.’ he thought but did not want to say it out loud.

‘Hm… he gets left out too, huh.’ Sakusa thought, remembering how a lot of people misunderstood him.

‘They can’t keep up with his phase.’ Bokuto sadly remembered how he used to be before he met his Fukurodani team. Then a happy grin formed in his face as he looked at his present teammates who shares the same hunger and love for Volleyball. ‘I’m so happy to be here!’

Izumi gave a crappy toss to Shouyo, and an energetic music began to play as Shouyo jumped.

Everyone held their breaths as they watched Shouyo jump at the present match too.

“Blockers!!” Bokuto shrieked, covering his eyes as if watching a horror movie. Shouyo smiled sadly at his shocked face on the screen. “I thought I had it.” he chuckled.

kourai | today -- : -- am

that’s an awesome jump tho @ninjashouyo!!

“Kourai-kun is right. A middle schooler who can jump that high. Just… wow.” Meian praised which sent sparkles around Shouyo for being praised by the captain, contrasting the pained expression he had on the screen.

“Thank you, Captain!”

The commercial break clips play.

“Ah… I miss training like that.” Yamaguchi smiled to himself. Just like Yachi, he was alone in his college dormitory.

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

why is it called haikyuu?

takeda_ittetsu | today at -- : -- am

It’s from the kanji of Volleyball.

“It’s Takeda-sensei!” Shouyo gasped before typing a greeting on the chat. The other Karasuno members also greeted their former club adviser, including Kuroo, Kenma, Akaashi and Bokuto whom he personally met before.

‘I wonder where coach Ukai is… I’ll ask later.’ Daichi thought.

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

oh!! Thank you, @takeda_ittetsu sensei!!

After Kindaichi scored with a spike, the scores were shown for the second set with 7-20, with Yukigaoka behind.

“Wow, that number 5 is a powerhouse.” Yukigaoka’s scorer exclaimed.

“It didn’t show the whole game!” Bokuto whined.

“Maybe it will just show the important parts.” Sakusa said.

“It’s like an anime.” Kenma quietly said but everyone in the room heard, making them think of it.

“Now that you mentioned it… the opening seems like those from ani—“ Atsumu was cut off by a shout from the TV.

Izumi sent Shouyo a toss. ‘I can’t see the other side at all.’ Shouyo thought as huge hands blocked his spike.

A lot of them groaned from the block.

‘It even voices out my thoughts. It’s impossible for this to be filmed.’ Shouyo thought.

“Scary…” Asahi said, terrified before Suga slapped him on the back. “Ouch! Suga.”

“Still a scaredy-cat!” Suga huffed.

“Hm. I forgot you weren’t with us there.” Daichi said.

“You were watching this match?” Asahi asked.

“Yeah, the three of us.” Daichi gestured at him, Suga and Tanaka.

“Shame… That guy’s got amazing jumping power.” One scorer said as Shouyo is shown being encouraged by Izumi and Koji.

“What do ya mean, jumping power. He’s got crazy speed too!” Atsumu shouts at the TV.

“What are you shouting for?” Sakusa groaned in annoyance. “Shut up, we wanna watch.”

Shouyo just laughed awkwardly, feeling slightly embarrassed for being defended by Atsumu like that but happy at the same time.

Tobio tossed to Kindaichi, the latter almost missed.

“Faster!” Tobio shouted.

Tobio flinched from his seat uncomfortably. A lot of people were watching with them. Most of them must be angry with him now, seeing the way he acted before. He clenched his fist as Kindaichi and Kunimi on the screen grumbled about his attitude.

akira_knmi | today at -- : -- am

lmao. look at that face @kageyamatobio.

yuutarou_k | today at -- : -- am

:image of an angry Tobio from the screen:

Hahahahaha we’re keeping this for blackmail.

Tobio blinked in surprise. He was already patching things up with the two but because of their teasing in the discord chat, he was able to brush off the heavy feeling he had as he got angry on the screen. Kourai on the other hand, figured out why his teammate seemed so uncomfortable watching.

‘You’ve improved a lot Tobio-kun.’ he thought. ‘So no need to carry that kind of burden.’

Kunimi served the ball. Yukigaoka’s number 3’s receive was off, Shouyo runs to the back where the ball was headed.

“Ooh, speed!”

“Service ace, again.” Kunimi cheered but Tobio was not letting his guard down.

“He won’t get that.” Kunimi said as Shouyo ran to save the ball with intense concentration.

‘It hasn’t dropped yet. Not yet!’ Shouyo thought as he dived to save it but he rolled on the floor and hit the wall instead, the referee’s whistle blew.

They all winced at the scene, and some even mirrored Kindaichi’s comment from the TV.

“Wow, that looks painful.” Kindaichi said.

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

DON’T MIND @ninjashouyo

koganegawa | today at -- : -- am

DON’T MIND SHOUYO!

More chats, saying ‘Don’t mind.’ kept popping up that Shouyo just laughed it off. Bokuto even patted him on the back as if it was a present game.

Tobio looked astonished. The score: 7-24.

Shouyo was obviously hurt but he looked up to his kouhai to assure him, “Sorry, I’ll get the next one.“

“Uhm… we don’t want to get injured. We’re out of their league to begin with…” Tobio was telling Kunimi to do one more serve as number 3 asked, “Why must you do this?”

“Um… what? Shouyo stands while rubbing the back of his head in confusion. “I don’t  know what you mean but…” The screen closes up on Shouyo’s left eye before showing his whole serious expression that looks so intimidating. “We haven’t lost yet.”

Shivers ran down everyone who had not witnessed that kind of expression from Shouyo.

“Remind me not to make you angry, Shouyo-kun.” Atsumu laughed nervously but Shouyo’s laugh echoed in the room.

“Do I look that scary with that expression?” he asked but the TV gave the answer.

The background turned dark, showing the intense reaction of number 3, same as Tobio who heard what Shouyo said.

‘That’s right. It’s simple.’ Tobio thought as the ball was served in Kunimi’s point of view. ‘No matter how challenging the volley, there’s only one reason we chase the ball.’

‘Even my thoughts are being exposed.’ Tobio flinched. It was weird hearing his thoughts exposed like that.

ninjashouyo | today at -- : -- am

wow, @kageyamatobio. didn’t know you agreed with me.

kageyamatobio | today at -- : -- am

you still sucked!

Shouyo received the ball, calling for Koji. ‘The ball hasn’t hit the court yet.’ he thought.

Koji saved the ball using his feet. “Sho-chan!”

“Nice save!!!” Noya whooped even though he was alone in his bed.

‘There’s only one reason we continue fighting.’ Tobio said in his mind as he went for a block and Shouyo went for a spike.

‘Because we haven’t lost yet.’ both of them said at the same time.’

“So, did you guys really say that at the same time or… it’s just the show’s way of making it dramatic?” Kourai asked.

“If you did, then it was a great coincidence that the two of you had the same thoughts at the same time.” Ushijima said.

‘I don’t know how this weird stuff works.’ Tobio thought.

“One touch!” Kindaichi called.

“Cover it!” Tobio added.

Kunimi followed the ball half-heartedly. ‘I can’t do this…’

“Ughh. I hate lazy play!” Atsumu groaned.

Kunimi narrowed his eyes at himself. ‘But it really wasn’t worth it…’ he sighed.

“Yeah!!” Shouyo shouted and cheered with his team, the two scorers also beamed at each other. The score: 8-24.

“Looks like you had supporters back then, Shouyo!” Bokuto laughed.

“Don’t give up on the ball!” Tobio shouted, his face in an angry scowl.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this but I agree with Tobio-kun.” Atsumu huffed.

“What’s wrong?” Kindachi asked Kunimi who shivered.

“I feel like I’m being scolded again.”

“My bad.” Kunimi looked away.

“We haven’t won yet. You can’t let down your guard!”

“I know, but look at the points.” Kunimi reasons. “Not unless a miracle happens—“

“That last point was no miracle. He scored a genuine point.” Tobio pointed at Shouyo. “That guy. He scored a genuine point!”

“Show them, Shouyo!!” Bokuto cheered.

“You’ve really threatened him with your fighting spirit, Hinata.” Inunaki grinned.

“His speed and jumping power gave them that impression so it was a reasonable reason to be threatened if you take your opponents seriously.” Meian explained. “That is why you should never underestimate anyone.”

Izumi served and Kindaichi was able to receive it. The ball went back to Shouyo’s team and Izumi tossed to him but it went in the other direction.

‘Toss miss?’ Tobio thought. ‘There was no double hit… but there was no one there.”

‘Ooh!! Here it goes.’ Suga grinned.

Shouyo ran for the ball from the other side. Tobio was able to react quickly but not quickly enough.

Everything was happening so fast that everyone watching held their breaths like it was the first time they saw Shouyo run like that.

Shouyo jumped in a spiking form as Tobio reached for the ball. ‘Why is he here?!’ Shouyo spikes the ball before rolling on the floor again but he quickly looked up to see the referee’s call.

Yachi shrieked from the way Shouyo rolled.

They all winced from the bad fall again.

The ball was out.

‘This guy overwhelms me. We scored only because their setter missed. He knew there was no back set, yet he still hit the ball? He was able to handle that toss?’ Tobio thought.

“Sho-chan… We have to line-up.” Izumi said.

Kindaichi called for Kageyama but the latter’s attention was set on Hinata.

‘Finely tuned bodily control and his obsession with victory, he’s got it all.’

“What were you doing for the last three years?!” Tobio angrily asked from the other side of the net.

“That was rude…” Thomas frowned.

Shouyo’s face darkened and Koji got angry at Tobio.

“What do you know about what he did the last three years?!”

“Tell ‘im Koji-kun!” Atsumu shouted while lifting his fist in front of him in support.

“A-atsumu-san…” Shouyo pulled the angry blonde by tugging at the hem of his shirt.

“Shut up, Miya. You would have called Shouyo-kun a scrub if you were in Tobio’s place.” Sakusa glared.

Atsumu gasped with a scandalized expression. “I would never!”

“Omiomi’s got a point, Tsum-tsum.” Bokuto hummed.

“Bokkun!”

“Settle down, guys. Let’s continue watching.” Meian sighed. ‘These four…’

‘Our sets: 0. Total game time: only 31 minutes.’

Sugawara, Daichi and Tanaka were shown in the stands.

Tanaka dramatically gasped.

“It’s us again! Why isn’t it showing our faces?!”

“King of the Court, huh.” Sugawara said, despite his face hidden from the screen.

‘Oh, they did watch that game.’ Shouyo blinked and then blushed. ‘They really watched that embarrassing game!’ He already knew that but to see them in those stands.

“He’s going to be a difficult opponent when he starts high school.” Daichi added.

“My money’s on that little guy.” Tanaka said, the name Karasuno High Volleyball Club displayed on his back.

Tanakasenpai | today at -- : -- am

and I wasn’t wrong!!! Shouyo was a difficult opponent!!

ninjashouyo | today at -- : -- am

Tanaka-san!!! (ಥ ﹏ ಥ)

The sun was already setting when Shouyo was shown walking out of the building. His eyes were hidden behind his hair…

“What did you expect?” Koji asks. “They’re candidates for the nationals.”

‘That doesn’t mean they’ll be sure to win.’ Daichi thought, remembering how many candidates for the nationals they have beaten before. No one expected that to happen.

The Kita-Ichi team appeared from below, stealing the three Yukigaoka students’ attention.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re strong or weak. The bottom line is whether we win or lose, and if we lose, we’re good off the court for good.” Shouyo said as his orange hair danced with the wind.

‘And I have learned that when you beat me, Hinata Shouyo.’ Ushijima reflected.

‘The desire to improve and win… That’s also important if you want to stay and rule the court.’ Oikawa thought as he lay on his bed.

He ran after the Kita-Ichi team.

“You…” he called Tobio, before he started to strangle a cry. “If you’re the king that rules the court…” his tears started to fall down.

A sniff was heard from the MSBY’s dorm.

“Are ya cryin’, Bokkun?” Atsumu poked him on the side.

“I just can’t watch little Shouyo cry like that.” Bokuto cried while pulling Shouyo into a hug. “Don’t worry, little Shouyo! You’re gonna be my disciple soon!”

“B-bokuto-san. I’m okay now b-but I… I can’t breathe.”

“I’ll have to defeat you, and I’ll be the last one standing!” he finished, putting his hand over his chest.

“As expected of my rival!” Kourai grinned as he straightened up and posed with his hands on his waist.

“The last ones standing are the victors. Only the strongest. If you want to be the last one standing, become strong.” Tobio said as he faced Shouyo properly.

“Looks like some kind of confession scene from shoujo anime.” Inunaki chuckled.

“No it doesn’t.” Atsumu frowned.

Shouyo grimaced but laughed when he saw Atsumu’s expression. “Why do you look more disgusted than me?”

“I-I don’t. I just said it doesn’t look like one.” Atsumu blushed.

“Pathetic.” Sakusa and Kenma judgingly looked at Atsumu.

A few snickers heard around the room.

“What? Why are you all laughing?” Shouyo asked but Atsumu cleared his throat and pointed at the TV. “Let’s just watch.”

Shouyo was shown tying his shoes in the middle of a field before he started to run.

“Wow, you look good with that scenery Shouyo.” Bokuto complimented, making Shouyo grin with a blush.

Shouyo and his kouhais bowed to the girls’ volleyball club members. One older female player slapped him on the back.

“Ouch. That looked painful.”

Shouyo was running with the same scenery behind him again before it changed into winter.

Kenma shuddered at the scene. He couldn’t imagine himself running like that in the winter’s cold. Running in general was already something he did not like.

“Men’s Volleyball Prefectural Tournament: Kitagawa Daiichi, bitterly defeated” was written in the newspaper with Tobio in the picture below the article.

‘They did not show that game.’ Tobio thought, releasing a relieved sigh.

Shouyo was dozing off while studying, with a fever patch on his forehead. Behind him was Koji and Izumi.

Takeda shook his head with a sigh, followed by a small smile thinking about how Shouyo has grown now.

Shouyo waved his goodbye to Koji and Izumi, holding his graduation certificate. The scene transitioned to him riding his bike with cherry blossom flowers falling around him.

“That transition looks cool!” Shouyo said.

“And you look like some shoujo manga prota—“

“It’s my high school!!” Shouyo interrupted, refusing to be teased.

‘–ride over the mountain… Starting today, Miyagi Prefecture: Karasuno High School.’

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

I miss the school. (╥_╥)

takeda_ittetsu | today at -- : -- am

You can always visit the school, Noya. Just let me know. :)

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

It will be one of my first stop when I go back, sensei!!!

“Kiyoko!” Tanaka pointed at the TV.

“Here, the club applicants list.” Kiyoko said, handing club application papers to Daichi.

“Why are our faces hidden? Are we that mysterious?” Daichi chuckled.

“So few… we used to have a lot more.”

“It’ll grow, Daichi.”

“Kiyoko-san, looking pretty today as usual.” Tanaka said cheerfully. Kiyoko ignored him, but Tanaka was still happy.

“I have come a long way.” Tanaka cried with his fist raised in front of him.

That caused the four former third years to laugh.

Hinata burst out of the main school building and ran straight to the gym…

‘I’m here! I’m here at Karasuno!’

A sound of volleyball came from the gym as Shouyo ran. ‘I’m going to train a lot.’

Someone was shown holding the ball.

Atsumu snorted, already assuming what was gonna happen.

‘And then, against that king…’

As the ball was served, Shouyo basically did a long jump more than a meter through the gym door. ‘I’ll get my revenge!’ as he landed and Tobio jumped for a serve.

“Wh-why are you here?!” Shouyo shouted, pointing and distracting Tobio. The ball hit the raven-haired boy on the head.

Ending plays…

Shouyo’s reaction made the whole room burst into laughter.

“Must have been so shocked.” Meian chuckled.

Shouyo pouted for being the one being laughed at but realized that if the show is about him, then a lot of his embarrassing moments would be exposed. ‘Oh no!’

“Did ya see Tobio-kun’s face?” Atsumu said between laughs. “He was so surprised, he forgot he served the ball.”

The same conversation was happening in Tobio’s group.

“That’s how you reunited back then huh.” Kourai laughed.

“We looked so cool in the ending too!” Tanaka said. “And Kiyoko looks so pretty!!”

“Yachi hasn’t showed up in the opening and ending yet.” Kiyoko hummed.

“Maybe they will change when she becomes a member too.”

hitokachan | today at -- : -- am

uhm, about what Takeda-sensei said about visiting the school… would you guy want to have a reunion or just a small gathering with the old team? (￣ ▽ ￣*) ゞ

yamadashi | today at -- : -- am

that’s a great idea yacchan

ninjashouyo | today at -- : -- am

I’m up for it!!

Tanakasenpai | today at -- : -- am

everyone here thinks the same!

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

YEAAHH!!! I’LL GO HOME FOR THAT! @hisashi???! @kazunarita??? Where is Chikara?!!!

hisashi | today at -- : -- am

We’re in! Chikara’s busy today so he’s not online but I’m sure he’ll be up for it too. He misses you guys.

daichi | today at -- : -- am

@kageyamatobio, @tsukikei??

kageyamatobio | today at -- : -- am

ok.

tsukikei | today at -- : -- am

I’ll go.

bokutoace | today at -- : -- am

I want a reunion too!! @akaashi_keiji. :( let’s do that too!!!

Kurootetsu | today at -- : -- am

that’s not a bad idea, isn’t it @Kodzuken?

tooru | today at -- : -- am

Iwa-chan, are you still there? @iwahajime

iwahajime | today at -- : -- am

we already did that when you visited last month back

tooru | today at -- : -- am

I was just checking if you’re still there. ( ` ω ´ )

thebettermiya | today at -- : -- am

aren’t ya gonna check on us too, @thesettermiya?

thesettermiya | today at -- : -- am

actually I thought ya already left.

aren’t ya supposed to be working?!

thebettermiya | today at -- : -- am

yer the one who invited us here, idiot. Kita-san and Aran-kun are here in my shop. they are telling ya to shut up.

Kita_shinsuke | today at -- : -- am

I did not say that, @thebettermiya.

But yes, we’re here at his shop. And a reunion sounds nice too.

Sunarin | today at -- : -- am

sounds good for me too.

@bokutoace, @sakusa_kiyoomi… washio-san and komori-said they’d love a reunion too.

we’ve got practice today though so we gotta leave. see ya later.

“I did not even suggest a reunion.” Sakusa muttered.

bokutoace | today at -- : -- am

see, @akaashi_keiji. Tatsuki thinks so too!!!

“Keiji’s not answering!” Bokuto cried.

“Relax, Bokkun. Akaashi-san has work, remember?” Atsumu sighed.

“Oh yeah.” Bokuto perked up.

“How about we watch the next episode now?

“Yeah!” Everyone in the room agreed.

Kodzuken | today at -- : -- am

we’re gonna play the next episode.

Kurootetsu | today at -- : -- am

did you just ignore me, Kenma? ( ╥ω╥ )

Next episode begins.

Chapter Text

“Wait. We watched this already.” Bokuto said.

“It’s a preview. Shows do that sometimes.” Inunaki explained.

“Oh, right. I still forget this is a show.”

“I still feel weird watching a show about me.” Shouyo added.

Shouyo was astonished to find Tobio inside the Karasuno gym.

A lot of them can’t help but laugh at Shouyo’s expression again; not only in the TV, but also with the Shouyo in the room with them.

“You can’t blame me. He was the last person I expected to see!”

Opening plays.

Kurootetsu | today at -- : -- am

I still want our own show or theme song.

This one sounds cool.

Tanakasenpai | today at -- : -- am

right?! and look at us. We look so cool in the opening.

Kita_shinsuke | today at -- : -- am

The message of the song is very inspirational too.

“I really want to make it my ringtone.” Shouyo said.

“I can help with that.” Kenma said. “I’ll do it later.”

Shouyo beamed and thanked Kenma.

Title: Karasuno High School Volleyball Club

“This is where we come in! Yeah!!” Tanaka cheered.

‘Then that means…’ Daichi’s thoughts trailed off till his face turned into a blank expression. Memories of what happened that day flooded unto him.

‘Why? Why is this guy at Karasuno? Maybe he’s just a lookalike.’ Shouyo thought as the memories of Tobio from the day they met in junior high flashed in his mind.

‘He makes me sound so evil.’ Tobio frowned. ‘That dumbass.’

‘No, no. There’s no mistake. This guy is Kageyama Tobio!’

“Why did it look like you swiped your flashback from the screen?” Sakusa asked Shouyo.

“Eh? I didn’t notice.” Shouyo said.

“--ou last year… but I don’t know your name.” Tobio said.

Shouyo looked so disappointed and annoyed.

“M-my name is Hinata Shouyo.” he said. “You probably don’t remember the team you beat in the first match–”

“I remember you very well.” Tobio interrupted. ‘Your well-developed physical agility and reflexes… But he doesn’t put any of it to good use.’ he thought as Shouyo muttered incoherent words at him before going on a fighting stance. “What? You wanna fight?”

Tanakasenpai | today at -- : -- am

hahahhah you really have that attitude ne, @ninjashouyo.

tsukikei | today at -- : -- am

acts like he’s ready to fight but hides behind people. pfft- pathetic.

yamadashi | today at -- : -- am

don’t be so mean tsukki. hahaha

ninjashouyo | today at -- : -- am

I’m gonna pretend you’re not making fun of me. T^T

Kageyama thought highly of me. :P

kageyamatobio | today at -- : -- am

I didn’t.

ninjashouyo | today at -- : -- am

yeah, you did.

“Next time I won’t lose!” Shouyo shouted.

“But you’re teammates, now.” Bokuto said, tilting his head in confusion.

“–so what are you doing here?” Shouyo pointed at Tobio. “How can I defeat you if we’re on the same team?”

‘Hm. What if he didn’t attend Karasuno?’ Daichi thought. He never really thought about it before.

“Shouldn’t you be at some other school with strong players? Why didn’t you go there?”

“The strongest school in the prefecture… rejected me.” Tobio said with a straight face.

“Are you talking about Shiratorizawa?” Ushijima asked, and Tobio nodded.

“Rejected you?” Shouyo repeated in disbelief. “Even though you’re the King of the Court?”

Tobio gritted his teeth in anger. “Don’t call me that!” he spat.

“Eh? But it’s a cool title.” Bokuto muttered.

“He’ll probably explain soon.” Shouyo told Bokuto.

Tobio sighed again at his younger self. There were times that the title still reminded him of his undesirable memories but looking back now, he did come to terms with the title because of his team. A little smile formed in his lips that both Kourai and Ushijima noticed, but proceeded to brush it off since they know Tobio’s not very open.

“The first Setter of Kitagawa Daiichi is on our team?” a voice from outside asked.

“Sounds like Daichi-san!!” Shouyo cheered.

“But the guy’s totally cocky.” another said.

“That’s you.” Suga pointed at Tanaka.

“Don’t try and intimidate him, okay?” someone with a gentler tone said with a slight  chuckle.

“Why were our faces hidden again?! Don’t tell me it will always be like this for the whole show.” Tanaka pouted.

Sugawara, Daichi and Tanaka arrived at the gym and their faces were revealed.

“Oohh. That’s another cool introduction.” Suga grinned.

“M-my face!! Why?” Tanaka screeched at the face he was making on the screen.

“That’s your fault.” Daichi chuckled as he shook his head.

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

HAHAHAHA WHAT’S WITH THAT FACE, RYU?!

“Kiyoko, don’t look!” Tanaka covered his wife’s eyes but Kiyoko just chuckled. “I’ve seen worse, Ryu.”

“Tch. Show offs.” Kuroo muttered but there was a huge grin on his face.

Oikawa rolled his eyes. ‘If this was our show, we’d look much cooler.’

“Hey, hey, hey.” Tanaka growled for intimidation.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Bokuto chanted.

“Who said you guys could –“ Tanaka was about to intimidate them but Daichi pulled him by his collar.

“You’re Kageyama?” Daichi asked.

‘This guy… is like a more comical version of Mad dog-chan.’ Oikawa thought, referring to Tanaka. ‘At least our Maddog-chan is quiet.’

The three newcomers began interviewing Tobio while Shouyo got ignored.

“Wow. They’re really preoccupied by Tobio-kun.” Atsumu huffed and crossed his arms.

“I don’t know if you sound annoyed for Hinata or annoyed because of Kageyama.” Inunaki chuckled.

‘Both! I am both!’ Atsumu thought.

“Poor Shouyo.” Asahi chuckled.

“Ah well, Kageyama’s name really caught our attention.” Daichi said, rubbing the back of his head.

daichi | today at -- : -- am

sorry about that Shouyo.

ninjashouyo | today at -- : -- am

eh? that’s nothing Daichi-san!!

and it was a long time ago already. hahahaha

‘We did something worse anyway.’ Shouyo thought with a cringe.

‘I really keep making faces like that…’ Tanaka sighed.

“– high schoolers are kinda big. That’s right. I’m at Karasuno now.” Shouyo smiled. He tried making his presence known but the three was still busy interviewing Tobio to notice him.

“Hello!” Shouyo shouted to gain their attention.

“Huh?” The four looked at Shouyo before Tanaka pointed at him. “Oh! You!” Tanaka shouted, which made Shouyo step back.

“Shorty #1!” Tanaka exclaimed. Sugawara and Daichi recognized him too.

“It’s the first thing you’ll really notice about him.” Bokuto laughed and patted Shouyo who was pouting.

“Eh? The first thing I noticed about him was his hair.” Atsumu muttered. “Sure he looks small back then but how many people do you see in Japan with orange hair?”

“Come to think of it… No one really comments on my hair when they first meet me.” Shouyo said, brushing the hair covering his forehead.

“So the other applicant here, Hinata, is… you?” Daichi said as he looked at the application form in his hand.

“I’m a little surprised… I see.” Daichi said with a smile as Shouyo moved closer to Tobio. “So both of you are here at Karasuno.”

daichi | today at -- : -- am

I was really surprised back then. :)

“You’re way short and sucked bad, but you’ve got guts.” Tanaka added.

“Thanks!” Shouyo exclaimed.

‘He didn’t even notice the insult.’ Suga thought fondly.

“Wow. The insult just flew past your head.” Inunaki laughed.

“I’d rather listen to the compliment.” Shouyo muttered, proud of himself.

“Your jumps were awesome, too.” Sugawara said, holding his chin with his right hand while smiling.

“But you haven’t grown much since.” Tanaka said while comparing his height with Shouyo.

“I may be little, but I can jump!” Shouyo said proudly. “I’ll be Karasuno’s ace!”

“Ooh. Big words, huh. You’re making Kageyama-kun frown.” Meian chuckled as the frowning Tobio was shown on the screen.

“Hearing Shouyo declare that feels so nostalgic.” Suga hummed.

“Everything about this is nostalgic.” Daichi smiled.

“Hey, hey. The newbie says he’s gonna be the ace.” Tanaka made a scary face at Shouyo. “You’ve got some nerve.”

“It’s good to be ambitious, right?” Sugawara said good-naturedly which made Shouyo perk up. “I’ll do my best!” he said.

“Pfft… He’s too nice to you.” Inunaki said in amusement.

“That’s Suga-senpai for you!” Shouyo beamed. ‘Most of the time, that is.’

“If you want to be the ace, I hope you’ve improved.” Tobio interrupted him while still frowning at the back. “If you goof around, you’ll waste another three years.

Atsumu huffed again but before he could even say anything, he received a direct message from his twin.

thebettermiya | at -- : -- am

i can hear your mind here idiot

you would have said worse than tobio-kun

thesettermiya | at -- : -- am

凸(`△´＃)

thebettermiya | at -- : -- am

love you too! (凸 ˘з˘)凸

“What did you say?” Shouyo turned to face Tobio, both of them staring as if challenging each other.  

“Why must you say that, Kageyama?” Daichi sighed but he was ignored.

“I played with all my might but… but don’t tell me everything I’ve been doing is a waste!” Shouyo said as flashes of his team’s score and his teammates appeared.

“Guys… You know, you’re not enemies anymore.” Daichi intervened, his hand rubbing the back of his head. “Volleyball is about teamwork—“

“I’ll challenge you!” Shouyo interrupted, completely ignoring Daichi.

“Oh boy.” Meian blinked and was already expecting what was about to happen. 

“Hey! Daichi-san is still talking!” Tanaka scolded behind Daichi who had a blank smile on his face.

“Challenge me of what?” Tobio asked.

“Volleyball, what else?”

“They’re not-- ”  Oikawa sat straight up from his bed, his hand covering his mouth in anticipa-- in fear for his old opponents’ lives.

“Man, you and Kageyama are giving Daichi a headache.” Bokuto shook his head, clearly forgetting the  memories of his own shenanigans even as a captain. Shouyo was already cringing for what was about to happen. 

As the two challenged each other, Daichi’s blank smile became more of a suppressed grimace.

“That’s it. They’ve done it!” Kuroo’s laugh was already behind his throat, already wondering what he would have done if he was in Daichi's place.

The Karasuno members at the Tanaka’s were already glancing back and forth from Daichi and the screen. They were on the brink of laughing but were holding it in because Daichi looked like he was feeling the exact same emotions from the video..

“What’s the commotion, volleyball club?” an unknown voice called, showing that it caught Daichi and Tanaka’s attention.

“Yikes, the dean!” Tanaka exclaimed.

NoyaTheVoyager | today at -- : -- am

oooh, its my old friend

∠( ᐛ 」∠)_ so, it’s this story huh

I remember Ryuu mentioning this HAHAHAHAHAHA

Tanakasenpai | today at -- : -- am

HAHAHA YUU THE EMOJI

“Sensei.” Sugawara corrected Tanaka.

“Sensei!” Tanaka repeated.

“You’d better not be fighting.” he said as he entered the gym, yet the two first years ignored it.

“Your captain looks scarier though.” Thomas said and Shouyo couldn’t agree more.

‘Is that a toupe?’ Atsumu blinked.

“Cool toupe.” Osamu snorted which earned a disapproving look from his old captain. “What? I said it was cool!”

“Let’s just hope Hinata-kun and Kageyama-kun will learn to listen to their captain.” Kita said, dismissing Osamu’s defense.

“Of course not.” Daichi nervously explained. “Just a friendly rivalry, right?” Daichi turned at Shouyo and Tobio.

tsukikei | at -- : -- am

Yeah right.

‘friendly’

ninjashouyo | at -- : -- am

in my defense...

Tsukki and Kageyama’s rivalry was worse.

Tanakasenpai | at -- : -- am

that’s true

tsukikei | at -- : -- am

There’s nothing friendly in our rivalry shorty

kageyamatobio | at -- : -- am

exactly

“Damn. I get how Sunarin gets along with Tsukishima-kun.” Osamu laughed, when he got back from giving out an order to a customer.

“Language.” Aran scolded but Osamu just shrugged. ‘Why did I get stuck with these two old men?’

“This dean likes to make trouble, so keep it down.” Tanaka informed the two in a whisper but got ignored again.

“Serve! I’ll return them all.” Shouyo pointed at Tobio.

“My… my head hurts for your captain, Hinata.” Meian rubbed his temple.

The other MSBY members were already laughing, except for Shouyo whose hands were on his face, covering it from embarrassment. 

“I was only able to get one of your serves last year.”

‘Right in the face…’ he thought as a flashback of it was shown.

A flashback of his training with all kinds of people was shown.

“I’m not the same person as last year.”

“Not the same as last year, huh.” Tobio picked up a volleyball and raised it in front of him, the light behind giving an intimidating shadow on his whole upper body. “I’m not the same as last year, either.”

“Show off.” Atsumu scoffed again.

“You’re way worse though.” Inunaki grinned while patting Atsumu at the back.

‘Cocky Tobio-chan.’ Oikawa rolled his eyes.

Kunimi smirked beside Kindaichi. 

“Hinata-kun had strong guts to challenge Kageyama.”

“He started that from the end of middle school until now that they both went pro. He has really strong guts!” Kindaichi exclaimed.

“Now, now, guys.” Daichi gave a nervous laugh. “Let’s not get carried away.”

“Is he a first year student?” The dean questioned.

Shouyo made a receiving stance, the others excluding Tobio were watching behind him.

“You’re really going to do it.” Meian sighed, though excited to see how it would go.

Tobio did a harsh jump serve, the animation making it a lot scarier and powerful. Shouyo was almost hit on the face but he was able to dodge it; only to fall down on the floor.

“Tobio-kun!!! That was awesome!” Kourai exclaimed. “Scary, but awesome!” he laughed, forgetting he can be scary when playing too.

Ushijima nodded along and realized that Tobio even improved even more in the upcoming tournaments that year.

‘I’ve seen better, Tobio-chan.’ Oikawa huffed but his face was a mixture of a grimace and a grin. Was he proud of his kouhai? No one knows.

Sugawara and Tanaka expressed their surprise while Daichi had his arms crossed, watching warily.

“I’m surprised you still don’t have grey hair, Daichi.” Kiyoko chuckled when their Daichi crossed his arms too, mirroring the one on the screen.

“I took all the grey hairs for everyone.” Suga laughed.

“--lleyball players or old ladies served like that!’ Shouyo thought, while sprawled on the floor.

“How’s that different from last year?’ Tobio asked.

Shouyo frowned and immediately picked himself up.

“One more!”

“Get it, Shouyo-kun!” “Go for it Shouyo!!!” Both Atsumu and Bokuto cheered but Shouyo was just sinking even more in his seat.

“Hey, Enough is enough—“

“They don’t listen to their captain. This could be a problem.” the dean said to Daichi.

“Stingy much.” Bokuto pouted.

Tobio did another jump serve aimed at Shouyo’s left side of the court. Shouyo was able to follow the ball quickly, surprising the others. The ball hit Shouyo’s hands, then face…

Collective gasps were released from everyone’s own side of the screen.

“If this keeps happe—“ The dean got hit by the ball and his wig flew away in slow motion. Everyone was horrified and then the wig landed on Daichi’s head. 

Pause.

“K-kenma?!” Shouyo exclaimed to his friend.

Everyone bursted into laughter as a frozen Daichi with a toupee on his head was displayed on the screen.

Daichi could only shake his head at the laughter around him, but the others could see the suppressed smile on his lips.

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

HAHAHAHAHA THAT WAS AWESOME

Tanakasenpai | at -- : -- am

I KNOW RIGHT HAHAHAHHAHAHA

ninjashouyo | at -- : -- am

IM REALLY SORRY DAICHI-SAN

kageyamatobio | at -- : -- am

sorry, Daichi-san

daichi | at -- : -- am

hmm. you did learn your lesson, so its alright now.

hitokachan | at -- : -- am

(;;;*_*)

I have no words.

tsukikei | at -- : -- am

hahahahahaha never knew it would be funnier to see

yamadashi | at -- : -- am

I regret not seeing that in person. (￣ω￣)

hisashi | at -- : -- am

Thank goodness this didn’t happen for the next first years!

enno | at -- : -- am

I’m not so sure about that.

daichi | at -- : -- am

What do you mean @enno???

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

CHIKARA!!!! YOU’RE ALIVE!!!

“This is so embarrassing.” Shouyo muttered with an embarrassed laugh.

“I can only imagine how your captain dealt with you at every practice and game.” Meian chuckled.

“This wasn’t the only time that happened though.” Shouyo said.

“Huh?” Inunaki laughed. “You mean this toupee incident?” The others laughed even more.

Shouyo’s embarrassment already subsided and he laughed along with his team now. He nodded and a grin left on his face. “I do hope it won't show it again. That one’s much more embarrassing.”

“Nah. I wanna see that too.” Atsumu snickered.

“Should I resume the video now, Shouyo?” Kenma asked with a very amused smile on his face.

“Yes, please.” Shouyo answered as he scrolled at the other reactions on the chat from his phone.

Tanaka was in between horror and laughter.

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

YOU HAD BETTER SELF RESTRAINT MORE THAN I DO HAHAHAHA

I WOULDVE LAUGHED OUT LOUDER

Kurotetsu | at -- : -- am

Same with me. Hahahahahaha that was too much

my stomach hurts from laughing

Kodzuken | at -- : -- am

Yeah @Kurotetsu, I can hear your annoying laugh from there

Kurotetsu | at -- : -- am

hey!! 

“He was wearing a wig?” Tobio asked out loud.

“You mean, you didn’t notice that?” Kourai laughed.

“I didn’t really have a reason to stare at it.” Tobio said.

“You just noticed?” Shouyo said, trying to suppress his laugh. “Everyone at the entrance ceremony could tell.”

“It was quite obvious. I knew it since he walked in.” Atsumu laughed.

Tanaka almost burst into laughter but he suppressed it too... “You guys! Shut up!” only to fail.

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

THATS MORE LIKE YOU HAHAHAHAHAHA

“Tanaka, you shut up too!” Sugawara scolded. Daichi removed the wig from his head.

“I was so stressed at that moment.” Suga chuckled.

“The wig kinda suits you, Daichi.” Asahi joked.

“Stop.” Daichi groaned and the others only laughed.

“Sawamura-kun, I’d like a word with you.” The dean said, his and Daichi’s dark expressions were similar.

“Oooh, someone’s in trouble.” Bokuto said.

Crows were lined up on electricity wires with the sun beginning to set on the back.

“Fortunately, he’s not punishing us.” Daichi informed the four others, his back shown on the screen. “And no apologies necessary.”

Sugawara and Tanaka sighed in relief.

“… provided you all agree that you saw nothing.” Daichi added.

“Huh. That was not what I expected.” Meian said.

“Wait for it.” Hinata chuckled.

The two first years glared at each other.

“But, you guys—“ Daichi began but was interrupted by another row between Shouyo and Tobio.

Tooru | at -- : -- am

lmao. If those two tried out in Seijoh, I would have made @iwahajime throw them out of the gym immediately.

iwahajime | at -- : -- am

Who said I’ll listen to you?

kageyamatobio | at -- : -- am

would you listen to him, Iwaizumi-san?

iwahajime | at -- : -- am

Hell no

superhiromaki | at -- : -- am

oof

that’s sad

i heard the sound of Tooru’s heart breaking

Everyone press F in the chat

yuutarou_k | at -- : -- am

F

mattsun | at -- : -- am

F

Akira_knmi

F

kyouken | at -- : -- am

F

yahaba | at -- : -- am

F

Tooru | at -- : -- am

?!?!?

how did you all get in here?!

UshijimaWakatoshi | at -- : -- am

F

Tooru | at -- : -- am

WTF?!

daichi | at -- : -- am

language

bokutoace | at -- : -- am

F bro

KurooTetsu | at -- : -- am

It’s nice meeting you, Oikawa-senshu.

F

mattsun | at -- : -- am

If you choose our funeral homes, I’ll give you a discount @Tooru. That’s what friends are for.

Tooru | at -- : -- am

Iwa-chan :((( 

Look what you’ve done.

@mattsun stop offering your services everytime we talk

Kodzuken | at -- : -- am

F

ninjashouyo | at -- : -- am

F ?

Tooru | at -- : -- am

Shouyo-kun?! You too!?

“What does F mean?” Kita asked in wonder.

“Just a game slang to pay respect.”

“Oh.”

Kita_Shinsuke | at -- : -- am

I express my deepest condolences, @Tooru -san.

F

“WHO?!”

Oikawa buried his face on his pillow before he screamed.

“Poor guy.” Atsumu said but his face was saying he was enjoying the other setter’s torment.

“Hey.” Daichi said with a firmer voice. Tanaka and Sugawara flinched from it and the two finally stopped. “I want you to listen to me.”

“I don’t know what your motive was for attending Karasuno, but I’m sure you came here with victory in mind.”

“Yes!”

“Of course.”

“Karasuno was one of the top teams in the prefecture till a few years ago.” Daichi said as crows were shown, gathering on a trash heap.

“It happened only once, but we even went to nationals. Now we rank at best in the prefecture’s top 8, neither weak nor strong. Other schools call us things like, ‘Fallen Rivals’ and ‘Flightless Crows’.”

“I remember well when Karasuno competed in spring nationals.” a flashback of a younger Daichi walking outside a store began. “Students from my neighbourhood, I’d pass by high school students, competed against the country’s best teams, in a huge gymnasium in Tokyo. It gave me goosebumps.”

In Daichi’s words, Shouyo remembered how the little giant gave him goosebumps, too.

Everyone listened well to Daichi’s speech. All of them thinking back to the times they themselves only dreamt of playing in big matches.

“We’re going to go there again.” Daichi declared, a vision of crows flying to the sky appeared and Shouyo looked behind him to see the huge orange court as he heard loud cheers from the crowd.

‘I’m going to the same court as the little giant.’

“There are many schools dreaming of going to nationals.” Tobio said.

“You bastard…” Tanaka

Daichi just chuckled at Tobio’s past response, remembering his own reply.

“Don’t worry. I mean what I say.” Daichi’s scary face.

Tobio flinched.

“Your captain was really intense.” Kourai grinned.

“Sawamura-kun was a really great captain. He’s a very good foundation for their chaotic team.” Ushijima commented which made Tobio smile.

“For us to make that happen, our team has to be unified. And we can’t have the dean keeping an eye on us.”

As Daichi began to step forward and an intimidating background music played, Tanaka and Sugawara moved away from the two first years with terrified expressions.

“Yeesh. That background music is just adding more to the chills.” Inunaki shivered.

“I’m not telling you guys to become buddies.”

Daichi’s expression was so dark that it covered his whole face.

“Even if you were enemies on the opposite side of the net in junior high, I need you to understand that now, you’re on the same side.” Daichi gave them a dark look. “Do you get it?”

They both shivered in terror.

“You see that? Daichi’s way scarier than me. Why are people scared of me?” Asahi sighed.

“Because you were too glass hearted, Asahi.” Kiyoko chuckled,

“He is still glass hearted till now.” Suga laughed.

“I don’t think I’d be able to handle our stubborn kouhais if I was as glass hearted as you, Asahi.” Daichi grinned, patting Asahi’s back while the latter just sunk further into his seat.

A hand on Tobio’s shoulder. “No matter how outstanding you are.”

A hand on Shouyo’s shoulder. “No matter how willing you are to give it your all,”

Tanaka and Sugawara watched them on the side lines. “if you fail to get along, and hinder your teammates…”

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

LMAO. @Tanakasenpai and @Sugasen LOOKED SO SCARED

HAHAHAHA

tsukikei | at -- : -- am

That would have been fun to watch.

daichi | at -- : -- am

Tsukishima :)

tsukikei | at -- : -- am

Hai. Daichi-san.

KurooTetsu | at -- : -- am

Wait wait wait!!

Is Daichi pushing them out of the gym?!

Hahahahhah

Tobio and Shouyo were now outside the gym doors and Daichi smacked their club applications on their faces. “You’re not wanted!”

Only the sound of crows were heard while the two first years were slow to process what just happened.

“HAAAAA?” both of them exclaimed.

Commercial break…

“Kozume-kun, pause please.” Meian said,

“Your reactions were funny.” Inunaki laughed.

“You mean you still didn’t get to play?” Atsumu cried as if he’s the one in Shouyo’s dilemma.

“Don’t mind!” Bokuto patted Shouyo’s head.

“The chats are funny.” Thomas chuckled, scrolling through the discord chat.

“I get to play soon, Atsumu-san.” Shouyo assured his setter.

“I still can’t imagine being your captain back then.” Meian shook his head.

“Omiomi! You’re too quiet. You too, Kenma!” Bokuto said.

“I like to watch in peace, thanks.” Kiyoomi replied while Kenma just shrugged.

“Let’s continue watching then?” Shouyo asked. He was excited to see their 3 vs 3 match and he had a feeling it would be shown. 

“Ughh. Where’s the commercial break with Shouyo-kun. Why did it become Kageyama?’ Atsumu complained.

Chapter Text

“What does that mean to realize that we’re teammates?” Shouyo asked.

“Obviously, you better learn not to fight every chance you get.” Kiyoomi rolled his eyes.

“Haa? Yer one to talk.” Atsumu raised a brow at him.

“You start all the fights, idiot.” Kiyoomi smirked.

“Settle down now.” Meian clapped his hands with a smile on his face. It didn’t look like a smile though.

‘Oh shoot. Daichi-san already influenced Meian-san.’ Shouyo shivered.

“Please let me in! Please let me play volleyball!” Shouyo cried at the closed gym door. “I’ll get along with Tobio, too! Please! ” Shouyo promised, bowing his head low while Sugawara is shown listening from inside.

“Let him in. We just wanna see Shouyo-kun play!” Atsumu whined.

“Shhh. I’m sure he will.” Inunaki said.

“Are you sure about this, Daichi?” Sugawara asked. “They’re still members.”

Tanaka was still laughing at the back, Daichi had his arms crossed.

“Your sense of humor is obviously broken.” Suga teased Tanaka who was laughing along with his screen counterpart.

“Teams come together gradually, anyway.” Sugawara continued.

“I know that, but…” Daichi’s words were cut from the sound of Tobio’s voice outside.

“But what?! Why’d he stop?”

“Oh my God! Just shut up, Miya!” Kiyoomi threw him a throw pillow from the couch but Atsumu was able to dodge and Shouyo got hit instead.

“Shouyo-kun! Don’t die!” Atsumu shouted.

“Atsumu-san, I assure you that I’ll stay alive.” Shouyo assured him seriously.

‘Why do they have to be so dramatic?’ Meian thought as he gave a sigh while the others snickered at the three’s antics.

“Out of my way, dumbass!” Tobio shouted as Shouyo got sprawled on the ground.

“I apologize!” Tobio shouted. “I swear I’ll get along with this guy. Please let me participate in the club!”

“Oh my kami!” Kourai laughed. “Are you sure you’ll get along with him like that?”

Tobio just looked away to hide his small pout.

“Kudos to Shouyo-kun for putting up with that.” Kourai said goodnaturedly, patting Tobio on the back to let him know he’s only teasing.

The sliding door opened, Tobio made some kind of gasping noise for half of Daichi’s terrifying face peering through the small opening.

“Are you sure you mean that?” Daichi asked in a dramatic voice.

Tobio gritted his teeth in effort of answering but Daichi’s left eye stared straight to his soul.

Everyone was in between giggling and shivering from the scene.

Kurotetsu | at -- : -- am

I admit

that was terrifying

Sugasen | at -- : -- am

see what we have to put up with throughout highschool? :(

daichi | at -- : -- am

:)

Sugasen | at -- : -- am

Scratch that! Not just in high school!!! Save us frEA56rg4^#%$dGGrg

daichi | at -- : -- am

:))))

“Remind me not to upset Daichi.” Bokuto shivered beside Shouyo who just laughed from the others’ reactions.

“If I had to cooperate with that guy in a match, I’d rather receive, spike, and toss all by myself.” the first year said with a scowl.

“Oh my Kami.” Kindaichi facepalmed but still released a laugh while Kunimi tried to repress a snort.

Oikawa, on the other hand, was laughing all by himself in sync with the laugh of Daichi in the video while writing another message on the chat just to tease his kouhai again,

“I can’t believe you just told me your true feelings.” Daichi wheezed. “But I think that’s a good thing. Still, in volleyball, you can’t drop the ball, you can’t hold the ball, and one player can’t touch the ball twice.”

“Well said.” Meian nodded and the others hummed in agreement, the other former team captains also acknowledging Daichi’s words.

Tobio listened with a pout with Shouyo listening intently beside him.

“How do you plan to play by yourself?” Daichi asked, then closed the door again.

“Oh man, they’re still not gonna get to play.” Atsumu sighed while Bokuto patted him in the back.

“Don’t worry Tsum-tsum! It’ll be worth it.”

Shouyo turned to Tobio. “Let me ask you something. Are you actually stupid?”

The team inside the gym was shown practicing while Shouyo was clinging and peeking through the windows.

Sugasen | at -- : -- am

You’re a little gremlin, @ninjashouyo. D’you know that? Hahahaha

ninjashouyo | at -- : -- am

ehh? why the sudden teasing, Suga senpai?

kageyamatobio | at -- : -- am

because you look like one all the time.

“I don’t!” Shouyo denied and looked around to see the others snickering. “Why are you guys like that? And I’m not so little anymore.”

“The court and ball are in front of my eyes and it sucks that I’m not allowed in…” he muttered solemnly before Tobio stood upsetly.

“Dammit! I have no time to waste like this.” Tobio spat. “I’m gonna make them let me in.”

Shouyo jumped down the window. “You realize we’re teammates now?”

“I’m a force to be reckoned with. That’s reason enough for me to be on the team.”

“Oh boy.” Koushi chuckled.

“Just what I’d expect from the Ki--.” Shouyo stopped before he mentioned the word ‘King’. “Anyway, what are you going to do?”

‘At least he’s not calling me king on purpose like bakashima.’ Tobio rolled his eyes, thoughts passing on how Kei always used the nickname to aggravate him. ‘Not like he stopped calling me that.’

“I’ll challenge them in a two-on-two match.” Tobio confidently declared. “If we win, they have to let us in. If we team up, we’ll appear friendly no matter how we feel. That will speed things up.”

Shouyo looked reluctant and listened to Tobio in disbelief.

“We’re going to challenge our senpais? What if we lose?”

“We won’t lose. You have me on your side.”

‘Is this guy for real?!’ Shouyo thought. ‘Does he really mean what he says?’

“You don’t say!” Oikawa huffed to himself. He was now lying on his stomach, ignoring the drowsiness he was starting to feel.

Tooru | at -- : -- am

@daichi if I were you, I would have kicked Tobio-chan out the minute he entered the gym.

daichi | at -- : -- am

Oh really?

iwahajime | at -- : -- am

@Daichi @kageyamatobio don’t bother listening to him. He acknowledges Tobio’s skills too much to actually do that.

kageyamatobio | at -- : -- am

Hell yeah! As he should!

Sorry.

That’s Hoshiumi-san.

With that, Oikawa Tooru’s muffled scream of ‘fury’ was heard inside his apartment in the middle of the night.

“You just need to do the best you can to not get in my way.”

Tobio’s statement made Shouyo angry.

“Huh?!” Shouyo stepped closer to Tobio with gritted teeth. “Do you think anyone would agree to that and be all, ‘Yes, I’ll do the best I can.’?”

“Yeah! Tell ‘im Shouyou-kun!” Atsumu shouted and quickly blocked the pillow thrown towards him by Kiyoomi. “Where the heck are ya even getting the pillows?!”

He was lightly hit by Inunaki though.

“Shush! I wanna hear this!” the older hushed.

“So what do you suggest?” Tobio asked, unfazed. “Keep gazing through that window?”

That made Shouyo lower his head, a shadow covering his eyes.

“In junior high, I was only in one real match, the one against your school.” he said quietly. “We didn’t have enough team members to apply for a tournament till then. I couldn’t have real practice, so I trained wherever I could. The gym, hallways, random corners...”

‘In hallways?’ Tobio repeated in his mind.

A flashback from Shouyo wearing his middle school club jersey is shown.

The audience watched quietly, still feeling bad about Shouyo’s middle school volleyball experience. 

“So that first tournament… when I stood at the center of the court in that huge gymnasium… I felt the spotlight on me,  I got worked up, like ‘Gwaaa!’” Shouyo reminisced, his middle school face shown gaping at the center of the court.

‘Gwaaa?’

A lot of them snickered and giggled at Tobio’s reactions.

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

@ninjashouyo HAS THE BEST SOUND EFFECTS HAHAHAHA

“I wanted to stay there, but…” 

“Staying on the court…” The newspaper with the headline ‘Men’s Volleyball prefecture tournament: Kitagawa Daiichi, bitterly defeated’ was shown. “Only the strong can stay.” 

The former Kitagawa Daiichi players winced at the scene. It was years ago but they really do remember how bad that defeat was. Not because of the actual loss, but because of the falling out of their team internally.

Tooru | at -- : -- am

:smirk_cat:
That’s because I ain’t in it. :v:

Kodzuken | at -- : -- am

Can I kick him out?

Iwajime | at -- : -- am

@Kodzuken please, do.

Tooru | at -- : -- am

I wanna say I’m surprised but at this point I’m not :(

Join me in the music channel and let’s listen to Bad Blood by Taylor Swift.

“Just kick him out.” Atsumu smirked, clearly enjoying that it’s not him being bullied.

“Want me to kick you out of the dorm too?” Meian smiled.

“Shh, Captain. I’m watching Shouyo-kun’s dilemma.”

Shouyo gasped in betrayal and threw a pillow at him that made most of them snicker.  

Shouyo clenched his fist dramatically.

“I can endure anything, for a little while!” he cheerfully exclaimed, the gloomy atmosphere disappearing. “No matter how obnoxious you are. I’ll do my best to keep from seeing you!”

Tobio’s eye twitched as he watched the short tangerine insult him again. Kourai was laughing beside him while Ushijima was nodding to himself as if agreeing with Shouyo.

“That’s my line, you idiot!”

“Um…” Kiyoko arrived. 

“Kiyokoooo!!” Tanaka shouted as if his wife wasn’t beside him.

“Can you let me through?”

The two first years just straightened up and gave way. They looked awestruck as Kiyoko entered the gym, Tanaka greeting her gleefully.

“Kiyoko-san, good to see you. I’ll get that for you.” Tanaka offered.

“Never mind. I’ll hold it myself.”

Kita_shinsuke | at -- : -- am

F 

“Kiyoko-san, you’re beautiful as ever today!” Tanaka complimented but Kiyoko just ignored him, but the former just hugged himself in joy. “It turns me on when she ignores me!”

The former Karasuno Third-year trio sighed rather fondly while Kiyoko giggled beside her husband.

Sunarin | at -- : -- am

are we just gonna ignore Kita-san sending an F in the chat?! @thesettermiya @thebettermiya @Ojiroaran????

Kita_shinsuke | at -- : -- am

What?

Oh.

That is not me. I went to the restroom and I think Osamu sent that. He’s avoiding looking at me.

thesettermiya | at -- : -- am

@thebettermiya LOOK AT HIM YOU COWARD

Sugawara slid the door closed with a funny expression on his face, before Shouyo blew a fuse.

“What was that creepy face, Suga?” Asahi laughed.

“That’s just my face.” Suga pouted while the others continued snickering.

It was already dark when the club practice ended, the members were shown getting ready to go home.

“They’ll probably say, ‘Let us in if we can beat you in a match!’” Tanaka guessed.

“That’s possible.” Suga agreed. “But all they have to do is show just a little contrition, that’s all.”

“Captain!” the two first years’ voices called from outside. Let us challenge you to a match!” they said in sync, causing Tanaka into another burst of laughter.

“The timing!” Inunaki snorted.

The others also burst into laughter. 

“The two of us against you, senpais.” Shouyo added.

“Are these guys for real?” Tanaka asked in between laughter.

“One, two… We’ll prove that we can cooperate as a team!” they said in sync again.

Tsukikei | at -- : -- am

I have no words.

kageyamatobio | at -- : -- am

looks like you have

since you’re here in the chat

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

OOOOOOHHHH SHIIIIIIIT

Tsukikei is typing…

enno | at -- : -- am

@Tsukikei @kageyamatobio

yamadashi | at -- : -- am

@kageyamatobio @Tsukikei

Daichi nodded in approval when Kei did not continue whatever he was gonna send.

‘Is this the power of Karasuno captains?’ Aran chuckled, side-eyeing his own old captain while Osamu ran back to them from the kitchen. “What did I miss?”

Kuroo almost fell from his chair in laughter as his sister raised an eyebrow at him when she passed by him. “They even counted together!” he exclaimed the same time Suga’s on-screen self mentioned the same.

“But I can’t say I dislike these guys.” Tanaka said, still holding his stomach from too much laughter.

“And what if you lose?” Daichi asked with his arms crossed.

“We’ll endure any penalty.” Tobio said.

“Hmm…”

Two other club application forms are shown on screen.

“Oooh, is this where you appear?!” Koganegawa excitedly asked Kei.

“I don’t think we’ll appear in this episode.”

“Then, now’s the time.” Daichi said. “There are two other first-year applicants besides you guys.”

“It’ll be a three-on-three match against them.” Shouyo began pointing at himself and seemed to be in wonder. “We always play this game every year, just to see what the new members are made of.”

“But how does it become three-on-three?” Shouyo asked. “Who’s our other team member?”

“Tanaka, I want you to be on Hinata’s side.”

“What? Me?”

“You don’t dislike them, right?”

“That doesn’t mean I want to play with them.” Tanaka said.

“Why wouldn’t you?! Shouyo’s an awesome teammate!” Bokuto exclaimed, clearly forgetting that this was the old Shouyo. Shouyo took the compliment with pride though.

Shouyo and Tobio looked astonished at the second year’s comment.

“I see. I thought you’d be the only one here who could discipline these troublemakers.”

Tanaka seemed to perk up from Daichi’s words. His reluctance now turned into energy. “Oh well! I guess it can’t be helped.” He loudly proclaimed with his hands on his waist. “I’ll do it!”

“That was too easy.” Daichi grinned while Tanaka pouted with arms crossed. Daichi patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, Ryuu. It was true anyway.”

He jumped down the stairs closer to Shouyo.

“Aren’t you glad?” he energetically patted  Shouyo on the shoulder.

“And if you lose the match, as long as we third-years are here…” Daichi continued, “Kageyama will never play setter.”

Tobio’s eyes widened.

“What?!” Atsumu screeched as if he was the one Daichi was talking to. He realized this and cleared his throat.

“That’s all?” Shouyo asked.

Atsumu gasped with a look of utter betrayal. The others were just watching him with various states of amusement.

Tobio on the other hand, was just huffing in remembrance of how furious he was at that time.

“That’s because our team can’t win with a self-centered setter. A guy who banks on his skills, but loses.”

Atsumu reminded himself that it wasn’t him who was receiving this ultimatum. He would have done the same if he was captain, minus the fact that he’s the starting setter of his high school team.

Tobio looked angry.

“What’s the matter? I’m not ejecting you from the club.” 

A close up of Tobio’s eye is shown.

“You’d be good in other positions, too, wouldn’t you?”

“I’m a setter!” Tobio refuted.

Atsumu nodded, forgetting again that he wasn’t the one on the screen.

“Then win.” Daichi simply said. “You’re here because you think you can win by yourself, right?”

Shouyo looked offended and raised his hand. “I… I’m here too!”

“Yeah!! Go Shouyo!!” Bokuto cheered.

“The game will be Saturday morning.”

“I’m here too!” Shouyo repeated while hopping on his feet and pointing at himself.

“I see you! Let’s goooo!” Bokuto cheered again. Kenma sighed from beside him.

“Listen up! Tanaka-senpai’s gonna teach you a lesson.” Tanaka proudly pointed at himself but was pulled back inside as Sugawara closed the door once again.

“Aww, you should have let me have my moment there.” Tanaka whined.

“Are we being a little too hard on those guys?” Sugawara sighed.

“That’s true. You’re stricker than usual, Daichi-san.”

“Do you have some special reason in mind?” Suga asked while Daichi’s back faced them.

“Dammit!” Tobio stomped his foot on the ground.

“What?! What was on Daichi’s mind?!” Bokuto demanded. “Why is there so much suspense!”

“What? Are you mad because you’re gonna eat the penalty?” Shouyo asked. “But even if you’re not a setter, I’m sure you’d do fine as a regular.”

“Shouyo-kun--” Atsumu started but was cut by Shouyo. “I knoooow. I’m sorry!” he said, bracing himself from the coming comments he was gonna make about setters.

Tobio had his back from Shouyo but it was obvious how he was irked from the boy’s statement.

“And spikers are cooler than setters anyway.” Shouyo said happily. “Wham, like that!” He said, 

“You wound me, Shouyo-kun.” Atsumu dramatically held his chest, although he seemed to actually enjoy the drama.

Tobio grabbed Shouyo’s shirt.

“Oh shit. We didn’t see that.” Suga said.

“Language.” Asahi absentmindedly said while Daichi sighed and shook his head while Kageyama furiously and passionately explained why being the setter is the coolest, leaving a confused Shouyo.

“He’s not wrong but get your hands off Shouyo-kun!” Atsumu shouted, throwing popcorn at the screen.

“Miya! Don’t litter!” Meian scolded, slapping Atsumu’s hand lightly.

“Man, that is some speech you got there!” Kourai nodded approvingly as if Tobio didn’t just shout at someone’s face.

Tobio finally let go of Shouyo’s shirt but continued to tell Shouyo how cool a setter is. His expressions showed how much he really loved to toss and be a setter.

The setters watching had their own reminiscent smiles. Though not all of them were the same level of passion as Tobio, they did have their best moments as the setter of their own team.

Tobio gritted his teeth in anger as Daichi’s voice echoed in his head that he won’t be able to play setter.

“All you have to do is win. You were full of confidence taking on the senpais, weren’t you?”

Shouyo’s sudden statement made everyone either laugh, chuckle or grin. It was such a Shouyo thing to say.

‘That’s right. I can’t get anxious. I can’t rely on this guy, but I can send tosses to that second-year guy.’ Tobio thought then looked at Shouyo. “Hey. We better do something about that sorry receive of yours by Saturday.”

“You did have shitty receives back then, Shouyo.” Bokuto laughed.

“Both him and Lev did.” Kenma said and then stopped in thought. “I should have invited Lev.”

Shouyo was pouting but perked up at Kenma’s words. “Yeah! I’m gonna message him now and send the link!”

“Sorry? Well, but we can’t use the gym.” Shouyo said but Tanaka appeared through the window from inside the gym. “Ahem! Oh, yes. Morning practice is at 7:00 AM tomorrow, right?” He not-so-subtly shouted.

“That was so obvious!” Tanaka laughed at his younger self along with everyone with him.

“You had a cool senpai.” Adriah smiled with broken Japanese.

“Yeah!! Tanaka-senpai is the best!”

ninjashouyo | at -- : -- am

@Tanakasenpai!!! Tomas-san thinks you’re cool!!!

Tanakasenpai | at -- : -- am

:eyes:

Ohhhh

THE Adriah Tomas?!

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

THAT’S BECAUSE RYUU IS TOO COOL!!!!

Tanakasenpai | at -- : -- am

YUUUUUU!!!

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

RYYUUUUU!!

Daichi | at -- : -- am

Alright alright. you love each other so much.

Now, let’s watch the show.

“Ah, um, well… Was the vice principal’s wig okay?”

“Hey, stop talking about that!”

Everyone laughed at the mention of the wig incident. It was the funniest one yet and none of them doubt it’s gonna be forgotten that easily.

Tanaka especially, was laughing hard again.

The two first years told each other not to be late as they started to walk away from the gymnasium. They soon started racing each other with Shouyo ending up shouting about forgetting his bag.

Shouyo rubbed his head in embarrassment.

The former Karasuno team members all watched fondly, remembering that there wasn’t a day that the two didn’t race each other (except maybe, during the summer camp in Tokyo).

The scene changed into the morning.

“Oh, I thought the episode would end there.” Meian said.

Shouyo and Tobio seemed to arrive early and were already bickering after finding out that the door was still locked. Thankfully, a sleepy Tanaka arrived, yawning.

Shouyo excitedly called to him.

Tanaka pulled something out of his pocket and showed the keys to the gym with a smirk. “Get out here before 7:00 am.”

“So did you really didn’t know that we’re gonna sneak into the gym?” Tanaka asked Daichi.

“Well, I didn’t at first. But I wouldn’t have kicked them out anyway.” Daichi grinned.

“Daichi-san, you’re evil.” Tanaka laughed.

The two first years thanked Tanaka and the older used the chance to make them call him senpai.

“You’re such a dork.” Kiyoko laughed.

ninjashouyo | at -- : -- am

Tanaka-senpai!!!

kageyamatobio | at -- : -- am

tanaka-senpai!

hitokachan | at -- : -- am

Tanaka-senpai!

yamadashi | at -- : -- am

Tanaka-senpai!!

NoyaTheAvenger | at -- : -- am

Tanaka-senpai!!!!!!!!

OI @Tsukikei YOU BEANPOLE!

Tsukikei | at -- : -- am

What they said.

Anyway, Noya-san. Isn’t it like past midnight on your side of the world? 

Why are you so active?

And noisy.

NoyaTheVoyager | at -- : -- am

BECAUSE I WANNA SEE MY FAVOURITE KOUHAI OF COURSE! RIGHT @ninjashouyo?!

ninjashouyo | at -- : -- am

°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°

hitokachan | at -- : -- am

Blatant favoritism (╥ω╥)

enno | at -- : -- am 

There there, @hitokachan (っ´ω`)ﾉ(╥ω╥)

You are the captain’s favorite. Right @yamadashi

Sugasen | at -- : -- am

Oh :eyes:

Tanakasenpai | at -- : -- am

Oh :eyes:

KiyoMizu | at -- : -- am

Oh :eyes:

Tsukikei | at -- : -- am

Oh :eyes:

“I smell tea in the chat.” Ushijima said with a straight face which made Tobio and Kourai look at him with mouths hanging open.

“Who on earth taught you that one?” Kourai asked and then waved it off. “Of course it’s Tendou-san.”

“No. It’s actually Sakusa Kiyoomi.” Ushijima corrected which made the two even astounded.

Tanaka finally opened the gym and the three of them entered. Shouyo excitedly jumped around in happiness. Tanaka watched the two first years as he recalled what Daichi had said to him and Suga last night. Suga asked if Daichi had a special reason on being hard on the two first years.

“You guys saw their match last year. Kageyama had outstanding ability as a junior-high student, but his ability hasn’t yielded any results.” Daichi started, the screen playing a flashback of Tobio scolding his teammates. “Plus, he’s self-centered, which means he’ll repeat the same mistakes as in junior high. He’ll get in the way of the team for sure.”

Tobio pouted, getting annoyed that his junior high self always gets mentioned. However, he knew how important that past of his was to whatever he was in the present. He learned so much and was only glad that he did.

Daichi was shown again, “But what’s different from junior high is that Hinata is on the same team now with Kageyama.” A brief still shot of Shouyo is shown before Tanaka appears tilting his upper body in skepticism.

“Hinata? Well, he’s sort of a ball of athletic reflexes, but…”

Daichi continued to explain the potential of Shouyo and Tobio as a pair could mean while the screen showed Shouyo and Tobio in their future Karasuno uniforms.

“I miss our Karasuno uniforms.” Shouyo sighed dreamily.

“If we can utilize that combination, Karasuno will evolve explosively!” The scene changed into a vision of crows behind Daichi with Suga and Tanaka being blown away. “Don’t you think so?”

All of them felt goosebumps watching the scene.

“I love these visions.” Suga said in awe. “It’s so accurate. It just makes me curious how in the world Shouyo gets his hands on this.”

“Daichi didn’t know how right he was!!” Bokuto said cheerfully. “The two of you are a menace.”

The former captains including Meian listened thoughtfully to Daichi’s words, wondering if they would have done the same as the Karasuno captain. Ushijima knew that he definitely wouldn’t have back then. 

Oikawa was sure he would have let them join his team, knowing full well the potential Tobio holds (not that he’s gonna say that to his face). He’d be skeptical with Shouyo but the shrimpy was hardworking enough that Oikawa knew he’d get in anyway. 

Kita didn’t know much about Shouyo, but he had a feeling that he would have loved the small boy as a kouhai and Tobio would have been a great addition to their team, if not for the definite clash with their own setter. 

Kuroo already knew from back then that he’ll take the two of them anytime, but couldn’t see Karasuno in any other way without the freak duo on their side.

Tanaka’s thoughts were cut from Shouyo and Tobio fighting again, which caused him to make a discouraged expression.

All the captains who were just thinking about how they were going to handle the duo shared the same sentiment as the second-year on screen.

Tanaka tried to stop the two immediately but it was not working because the two were busy throwing hands at each other. Tanaka made a funny face again, making him look like he swallowed a lemon.

“Why do I have the worst facial expressions?” Tanaka cried.

“I don’t think they’re the worst. Just amusing and funny.” Kiyoko giggled.

The lights opened and Shouyo expressed his excitement in being in the gym again.

“Wow! The gymnasium.” Shouyo cheerfully exclaimed in the middle of the gym.

“You were here yesterday.” Tanaka noted but Shouyo ignored him deep in thought.

‘The Little Giant practiced here, too!’ Shouyo smiled and shouted. “All right. Let’s do this!!”

Ending plays…

“Oh man! That’s quite an episode.” Bokuto said. “I’m excited for your three vs. three against Tsukki!”

“Yeah!! That was so fun!” Shouyo said, matching Bokuto’s energy.

“It’s gonna be hard if yer just starting to practice receiving, Shouyo-kun.” Atsumu said. “But yer gonna win this, aren’t ya?”

Shouyo just grinned sheepishly.

“You and Kageyama-kun were so troublesome back then, Hinata.” Meian chuckled.

“That’s just the beginning, Meian-san. Kageyama and Shouyo’s got more where that came from.” Kenma said, making Shouyo blush in embarrassment. He should get used to it though. Because the show seemed to be showing every embarrassing stuff he’s gonna do.

“The next episode is called ‘The Formidable Ally’ .” Sakusa said as he read it on the screen. “Do you think it’s about the three on three match?” He turned to Shouyo in question.

“I’m not sure but it could be! I hope it is!”

“Well then, why don’t we proceed to the next episode?”

Kenma informed the others in the chat that they’ll be starting the next one which everyone agreed to.

“All right! Let’s do this!!” Shouyo cheered, mimicking himself in the end.

Next episode begins.