Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

They were told to take it easy, but the gym's maintenance only lasted a day. The next afternoon, training resumed as usual—but something had changed. The air around the boys' Volleyball Club was charged with new energy.

Thanks to Daichi's efforts, they'd earned the right to use the First Gymnasium after the girls' team finished their session. The boys' team still trained in the Second Gymnasium for now, but individual practice in the main gym was now an option—and everyone was fired up.

"Hinata!" Hayato turned at the familiar voice barreling toward him.

"Hayato-senpai! Coach Ukai taught me so much yesterday! I still didn't really get what you meant by offensive rhythm, but after Coach showed me, it finally clicked!"

Hayato smiled, not the least bit surprised. "Good. Once we wrap up basic drills, I'll set for you. Let's get to work."

He ruffled Hinata's hair. Hinata's learning style was no mystery—he absorbed more through action than theory. That's why Hayato didn't mind when his long message hadn't made an immediate impact. What mattered was that Hinata understood it now.

But Hinata had something else to say.

"Coach Ukai wants to see you today too. He said I should bring you."

"Really? Then let's go. You can train there instead."

Hinata nodded and skipped off to warm up. With that settled, Hayato waved Kageyama over. Despite not having fought, things between them were still a little stiff.

"So," Hayato asked casually, "have you figured out what kind of set suits Hinata best?"

Kageyama gave a short nod. "Coach Ukai helped me with it yesterday."

Hayato clapped him on the shoulder. "That's good. You'll figure it out. Just focus."

Kageyama had genius instincts. Once he understood something, the rest was just refining the process.

Right now, Hayato didn't plan to micromanage the rest of the team. If he could stabilize the Hinata–Kageyama duo and himself as a third option, Karasuno's front line would become terrifyingly effective. That would be their starting point.

So Hinata's job was simple: be faster, jump higher, and get ahead of the block. The goal wasn't to last five sets—it was to overwhelm the opponent in the first two. Hayato didn't believe in "pacing yourself." He believed in dominating.

Offense wasn't a problem. With Tanaka, Hinata, Asahi, and himself, Karasuno had firepower. A rotation system would keep everyone sharp and rested. No one needed to warm the bench permanently.

Coach Ukai's old plan—making Hinata adaptable to any Setter—was admirable, but it took too long. Hayato had a different philosophy: build a weapon around Hinata's explosive potential now. They could fill in his weaknesses after they won a championship. The third-years only had one shot at this.

After practice, Hayato apologized to Kiyoko for not walking home with her, then grabbed Hinata and headed for Coach Ukai's place.

"Oh? So you're the new guy." The old man looked Hayato up and down, eyes sharp but amused. "You've got spirit."

"Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Hayato Kuroha. Hinata and Coach Ukai probably mentioned me."

"They did. You up for showing me a few things?"

Hayato nodded, and the two stepped onto the court. Whether it was cross-court, down the line, or feints, Hayato executed each move cleanly and with intent. His setting and receiving were also sharp, if not elite.

The old man whistled. "With you on the team, Karasuno really might go to nationals."

Hayato didn't pretend to be humble. He waved Hinata over and shared his training idea.

On the way there, Hayato had already explained it to Hinata: they would focus not on versatility, but on maximizing his strength—the freak quick—with Kageyama. It was the opposite of Coach Ukai's philosophy. Hinata had wrestled with it but ultimately decided to trust Hayato.

After hearing Hayato out, the old man stroked his chin.

"Alright. Let's see it first."

Hinata suddenly pouted. "Coach, I'm Hinata. Not 'little guy.' And why do you call Hayato-senpai by his last name?"

The old man grinned. "Because people who can't handle the ball don't get full names."

Hinata was left speechless, as always.

Hayato moved to the center, Hinata across from him. When Coach Ukai tossed the ball, everything happened in an instant—Hinata disappeared from sight. A blink later, he was already airborne at the net.

Hayato's set wasn't perfect, but Hinata stayed calm and smashed the ball through the defense.

"So fast..." the old man muttered. "So that's the effect."

The two jogged back toward him, eyes expectant.

"Alright. Your idea works. I won't argue."

Hayato and Hinata high-fived in victory.

"Does that mean I don't need to train here anymore?" Hinata asked hopefully.

Hayato smirked. "Actually, I want you to keep coming. When summer camp hits, we'll hit the others with a surprise."

The old man grinned back. "Now that's a plan."

From then on, Hinata trained under both Hayato and Coach Ukai. The old man's stamina meant he could only set so much, and when he rested, Hayato took over. Hayato wasn't the most skilled Setter—Sugawara was better—but he trained diligently to prepare for the surprise they were building together.

Hinata's speed, technique, and stamina all improved quickly. But Hayato didn't push too far. He still had to bike home, after all.

Before sending him off, Hayato handed Hinata a handwritten meal plan and asked if there was anything he didn't like to eat.

"A proper athlete needs proper fuel," Hayato said. "This isn't just about meals—fruits, hydration, and supplements matter too."

At home, Hayato went the extra mile—literally. He ordered five pounds of banana cream protein powder online. It cost over ten thousand yen. He had no intention of telling Hinata how much it cost.

If Hinata knew, he'd never accept it.

So Hayato came up with a trick. He'd pack two bottles and drink it with him, pretending it was just something he happened to bring along.

That trick would only work on Hinata. If it were someone like Tsukishima? He'd have seen through it immediately.

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POWER STONE!!!

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