Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

"The training camp is officially over. You've all worked hard, practising in an unfamiliar environment with teammates you've never played with before."

"You were handpicked by our coaching staff from all over the country—each of you among the best in your respective regions. I hope you approach the training here as something distinct from what you do with your own teams."

"If you can push each other to grow during this time, that would be ideal. Regardless, continue to work hard and strive for improvement moving forward."

"Yes!"

With that, the five-day National Youth Strengthening Camp came to a close.

The diverse group of volleyball players, each with their own unique personality and skills, would now return to their schools and teams.

However, it wouldn't be long before most of them reunited—Spring Nationals was now less than a month away.

"Taichi, see you at Spring High!" Komori Motoya called out cheerfully, dragging Sakusa Kiyoomi along as he made his way over to Kaedehara Taichi.

"Of course, Komori-senpai."

"Taichi, don't go getting eliminated before you even get a chance to face me." Hoshiumi Kōrai, as always, tilted his chin up slightly with an air of confidence.@@novelbin@@

"Don't worry, Hoshiumi-senpai. But if I remember correctly, both Kamomedai and Aoba Johsai got knocked out in the quarterfinals last year." Taichi mimicked his posture, tilting his head back just enough to glance down at him from an angle.

"Hmph—" Hoshiumi turned sharply on his heel, leaving behind only his retreating figure. Damn kid, he actually remembered that so clearly...

"Taichi, try not to run into us too early this time, or you'll be going home just as early as last year." Miya Atsumu grinned. "And Tobio, if you get the chance, take down Taichi and come see what it's like at Nationals."

"I will." Kageyama Tobio's response was firm and unwavering.

Taichi glanced sideways at him in exasperation. This guy…If he keeps talking like that, I might just leave him behind.

As for Atsumu's challenge, Taichi didn't take offence. Losing to Inarizaki last time was an undeniable fact. But this time…

"I'd actually love to face you as early as possible, Miya-senpai." Taichi's eyes narrowed slightly.

Standing between them, Kageyama glanced left and right, suddenly unsure which of them was more fox-like.

-----

[Mid-December]

Dawn had just broken, and the morning mist had yet to fully dissipate. Kaedehara Taichi buried his nose deeper into the scarf wrapped snugly around his neck as he jogged toward school.

Winter mornings were brutal. Even though the cold air had chased away any lingering drowsiness, he still wished he could have stayed in bed just a little longer.

But sleep can wait until after Spring High. Taichi clenched his fists slightly. I refuse to experience defeat again.

By the time he reached the gym, he noticed something unusual—the doors were already open.

That's odd. I'm usually the first one here…Who would come this early in this freezing weather?

"Good morning!" Taichi called out as he stepped inside.

"Oh, Taichi! You're as early as ever." Iwaizumi Hajime greeted him energetically.

Beside him, however, was a different sight entirely—Oikawa Tōru, wrapped up tightly in his sports jacket like a burrito, looking half-asleep.

"Iwa-chan, I told you there was no need to come this early!" Oikawa yawned. "And see? Only one person has shown up so far!"

"Dumbass Oikawa! You're still the team captain—act like it!" Iwaizumi shouted before launching a well-placed kick.

Taichi, having developed a high tolerance for their antics, automatically tuned out Oikawa's yelp of pain. Instead, he turned to Iwaizumi with a questioning look.

"Um…Iwaizumi-senpai, is there something special happening today?"

"Hm?" Iwaizumi gave him a puzzled look before realization dawned on him. He suddenly turned toward Oikawa, grabbing him by the collar.

"Oi, Bakakawa…Don't tell me you forgot to inform everyone?"

Seeing the dark aura flaring up behind Iwaizumi, Oikawa instantly snapped awake, the cold vanishing from his body.

"Eh-heh~!" He pulled an exaggeratedly innocent expression, hoping to weasel his way out of it.

"YOU—!"

With a loud THWACK, Iwaizumi smashed his forehead directly into Oikawa's face.

Oikawa Tōru: Deceased. [T/N - R.I.P]

—

Last week, their team manager, Mizoguchi, informed Iwaizumi and Oikawa that a group of middle school students from the area would be visiting to observe their practice today.

Since Iwaizumi had been occupied with a career counselling session at the time, the responsibility of informing the team had fallen to Oikawa. Which, as a captain, was his job to begin with! But just in case, they had double-checked with Iwaizumi as a backup.

And yet…

"This isn't a big deal," Taichi said after hearing the explanation. "We're just practising as usual, right?"

"Yeah, but…I have a bad feeling about this." Iwaizumi frowned.

Show-offs, drama kings, loudmouths—and Kyōtani Kentarō.

Hopefully, they wouldn't end up scaring the middle schoolers away.

—

As eight o'clock approached, the team gradually trickled into the gym.

"Alright, listen up!" Iwaizumi clapped his hands together, addressing everyone. "Even though we have middle schoolers visiting today, don't get distracted. Just practice as usual—don't try to act cool or show off. The tournament is coming up soon, so don't let your focus slip. Understood?"

"Yes!"

Their response was loud and firm, but Iwaizumi still had a nagging sense of unease.

"Kyōtani, don't make your expression so scary."

"…Got it." Kyōtani Kentarō answered, looking surprisingly obedient.

"Kunimi, at least pretend to be a little more motivated."

"…Okay." Kunimi Akira's reply was deliberately sluggish.

Looking around at his teammates, who were all brimming with energy in different ways, Iwaizumi sighed. This better not turn into a disaster.

Meanwhile, Oikawa—the actual team captain—was completely at ease, casually chatting with the team's managers.

A vein pulsed on Iwaizumi's temple.

THWACK!

A volleyball smacked directly into Oikawa's head.

"Oi! What was that for, Iwa-chan?!" Oikawa whined, rubbing his forehead.

"Oh, nothing." Iwaizumi dusted off his hands nonchalantly. "My hand slipped."

Taichi gave them a long, thoughtful look.

…Is it possible that the scariest one here is actually Iwaizumi-senpai?

-----

Time passed.

Initially, everyone kept glancing toward the entrance, wondering when the middle schoolers would arrive. But at some point, whether due to their natural focus or just plain forgetfulness, they gradually became absorbed in their training.

Practice continued as usual, with the main players running drills and executing plays.

Then, from the gym entrance, a youthful, energetic voice rang out—

"Excuse us!"

A group of unfamiliar faces stepped inside.

The middle school students had finally arrived. They were all dressed neatly in matching Western-style uniforms, accompanied by a teacher from Aoba Johsai.

The gym, bustling with activity just moments ago, suddenly felt a little different.

"Oh, quite a lot of them came this year." Hanamaki Takahiro remarked with interest.

Though this wasn't the first time he had seen such a scene, each year brought a different feeling. Some of these fresh faces would eventually join Aoba Johsai, but by then, he and his teammates would have already graduated…

Kindaichi Yūtarō and Yahaba Shigeru kept staring curiously at the group of middle schoolers, making it hard to tell which side was actually here for the visit.

Clap, clap, clap.

Iwaizumi Hajime clapped his hands, drawing the attention of the team. "Focus on practice!"

"Yes!"

The players withdrew their gazes and resumed training.

"Such presence! Is he the captain?"

"That's amazing, leading a team like this!"

The middle school students watched the team's practice with growing excitement.

Seeing the difference in intensity and atmosphere compared to their own school teams, they were completely captivated.

Noticing how all the middle schoolers' attention was drawn to Iwaizumi, Oikawa Tōru was visibly displeased.

"Why is Iwa-chan so popular with guys?! I thought we weren't supposed to be showing off!"

Boom!

A sharp cross-court spike thundered across the court.

The loud impact startled the middle schoolers, making them turn toward the source—Kyōtani Kentarō. Despite not being much taller than them, he packed an incredible amount of power.

"Yussh!!" Kyōtani roared, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Whoa…" Some middle schoolers even let out startled yelps at his aggressive demeanour.

"Oi, Kyōtani! I told you not to scare them!" Iwaizumi scolded.

"I wasn't." Kyōtani averted his gaze awkwardly.

"Don't mind him. Just think of it as being bitten by a mosquito and forget about it," Yahaba said kindly.

"I DIDN'T BITE THEM!" Kyōtani snapped.

"Damn it, even the Mad Dog is stealing the spotlight!" Oikawa turned to Kaedehara Taichi.

"Let's go, Taichi! Our turn now!"

Kaedehara Taichi pulled his attention away from observing the middle schoolers. He was more interested in figuring out which of them might become his juniors in the future.

Aoba Johsai had won the prefectural championship two times in a row now—surely not all the talented players will be hogged by Shiratorizawa this time.

Kitagawa Daiichi, Minami Third, Sendai Gakuen…The middle school teams visiting today seemed to have promising players.

Yes, it was time to put on a show.

Meeting Oikawa's gaze, Taichi gave a slight nod. The next second, he suddenly sprinted toward the net.

The middle schoolers' eyes were instantly locked onto him.

He's fast! And he jumps so high!

But what was he doing? They hadn't even seen the ball yet—

In the next instant, the ball seemingly materialized right in front of Taichi.

!?!?!

Where did that come from?! Who set that?!

A particular boy among the middle schoolers suddenly had a gleam in his eyes.

That set was high!

On the other side of the net, Kindaichi Yūtarō was already rising for the block.

BAM!

Taichi adjusted mid-air, avoiding the block and spiking the ball down.

Smack!

Kunimi Akira was already positioned behind Kindaichi, smoothly digging the ball.

"You're not the only one who's been improving, Taichi."

"Whoa!!!"

"He actually received that?!"

"That was insane!!!"

The force of the spike sent the ball rebounding high into the air.

Taichi had already retreated to the backrow, readying his approach.

At the same time, Oikawa jumped at the net, tipping the ball with one hand toward the side.

???

The middle schoolers were bewildered by the move. Why set it so high?

Boom!

Taichi soared into the air. For the first time, these middle schoolers saw a player's form up close—perfectly controlled, graceful, yet explosively powerful.

"He looks like he's flying…"

Among the crowd, a particularly tall boy—nearly 190 cm already—stared up in awe.

SMASH!

A super overhand spike!

The big blocker from before was utterly ineffective against him.

BANG!

The ball pounded the court with a deafening impact.

The sound was a couple of notches more powerful than that fierce-looking guy from earlier!

Taichi landed smoothly, flashing a bright, confident smile. With his striking features, the combination was nothing short of overwhelming for the middle schoolers.

"Welcome to Aoba Johsai."

His voice was warm and inviting, yet carried an undeniable authority.

"Let's stand together at the top of the nation."

_________

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