Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

Because they scored, the serve rotated to Hinata, who, along with Kageyama and Kinoshita, set up a solid defense in the front row, while Asahi served from the back row. Everyone's morale soared after winning the first point.

"Serve a good one~"

As the words fell, Asahi perked up and returned with a jump serve. Ever since he was benched during the training camp, Asahi had been holding his breath inside. Although he lacked the mental aura of an Ace, his skills were definitely worthy of the title. After returning, Asahi had been diligently practicing during free practice time after every club activity, encouraging himself to regain his starting position.

A jump serve, nearly as strong as Hayato's, flew over the net. Since the opponent gained the serve, Hayato's side didn't need to rotate. The front row players remained Tanaka, Tsukishima, and Ennoshita from left to right, while the back row was Daichi, Sugawara, and Hayato.

Daichi received the ball and sent it high up. Hayato made the first pass, delivering it into Setter Sugawara's hands.

"Hayato!"

"Here it comes!"

Hayato jumped again for a back-row attack and fiercely spiked the ball sent by Sugawara. The advantage of a back-row attack is that it's farther from the net, giving the ball a wider angle into the opponent's court. Originally meant to coordinate with a Quick Attack from the front row, Hayato's spike found a gap between Kinoshita and Kageyama's wrists.

Though Nishinoya received the ball, the power was too great to set up an effective return. The ball bounced off his hand and flew away.

With the score tied at one-all, Hinata high-fived the two seniors in the back row to celebrate.

"Damn it, Hayato's serve is still sharp. Sorry, everyone, that point was my fault."

Rubbing his wrist, Nishinoya took responsibility for the lost point. Kageyama quickly said it was because the front row hadn't blocked well, and Kinoshita nodded in agreement.

"It's still early!"

Hinata clenched his fists, cheering everyone on. When blocking just now, Hayato hadn't aimed at him, which made Hinata unhappy. He still wanted to fight Hayato, but Hayato hadn't attacked from his side.

Both sides went back and forth, vying for points. Hayato's side scored through powerful attacks and decoy tactics. Once Hayato rotated to the front row, even if he wasn't the actual spiker, he put immense pressure on the opposing team. Before the setter passed the ball to the front-row attacker, no one could tell if the jumping Hayato would spike.

This attack method could be countered—blocks reacting by watching the set direction could stop it. But if Hayato was truly a decoy and didn't spike, it was fine.

However, if the ball was passed to him, besides Hinata, no front-row player could jump to their highest point to block Hayato after seeing the ball. His excellent hang time gave him more time in the air. Often, the blocker hadn't even reached their highest point before Hayato spiked from above.

In volleyball, touching the opponent's spike is enough to counterattack. Not reaching the highest jump means no block. If the back-row defender can't receive the ball, it's Hayato's time to score.

Fortunately, Karasuno's Guardian Deity was in the back row. Nishinoya, knees protected by kneepads, braced on the ground and gave his all to receive the ball. However, the trajectory was poor, making a direct attack difficult. Kageyama decisively called for a first pass to reorganize their formation.

Asahi made the first pass. At that moment, Hinata, like lightning, ran to the other side of the net as soon as the block landed, then leapt high.

"Give me the ball!"

Though unspoken, Kageyama understood Hinata's intention: he wanted to try the New Quick Attack—surpassing even the Freak Quick—today.

"My touch is really good now, but I'm not sure I can pass perfectly, you idiot Hinata."

Kageyama muttered to himself. He'd planned to pass to Asahi, but Hinata's silent demand shifted his gaze.

Hinata leapt and turned his head to look at Kageyama's face without saying a word.

"Aren't you going to hit it?"

As if hearing Hinata, Kageyama instinctively passed the ball. The ball spun and stopped at Hinata's hitting point, unlike previous passes that went past. This time, it stopped perfectly in place, giving Hinata a moment to decide and more options in the air.

Spotting a defensive gap on Hayato's side, Hinata swung his arm, sending a perfect straight shot crashing into the opponent's court, scoring before the front-row players could react.

All of this took only seconds. The Quick Attack—surpassing the Freak Quick—was successfully executed.

The two exchanged glances, then shouted excitedly.

"Oh oh oh! We did it, Kageyama!"

"I know, I know, you idiot! At least say something if you're going to hit it!"

"Because I was sure it would work! Didn't you feel the same?"

Hayato and the others, including Coach Ukai and Hitoka, who noticed the Quick Attack's success, cheered. Kiyoko didn't cheer, but her clenched fists showed her excitement.

"Well done, Hinata, Kageyama! I knew you could do it!"

"That was a great shot!"

"Oh oh oh! Amazing last shot!"

Everyone praised the pair and lifted them in celebration. Though they'd quarreled during training camp, and Hayato had intervened, tension remained. Today, with the New Quick Attack's success, that tension finally broke. Everyone was happy about the achievement and the renewed camaraderie.

Of course, Tsukishima didn't join in. Not fully open yet, he kept his distance—partly due to personality.

"Hinata and Kageyama's issue is solved. Karasuno's first evolution is complete. Next is you, Tsukishima."

After celebrating, everyone returned to the court at the coach's urging to continue the practice match. Hayato glanced at Tsukishima, silently urging him onward. Tsukishima shivered involuntarily.

"Strange… Why do I suddenly feel cold? Am I catching a cold?"

The match resumed, Hinata's side serving again. After the ball was served, Hayato delivered a fierce counterattack—a powerful spike breaking through the triple block and landing cleanly.

"The match isn't over yet! Too early to celebrate. Keep attacking, Kageyama, Hinata!"

After scoring, Hayato beckoned to the two, telling them to bring it on.

"Yes, Hayato-senpai!"

Though the Super Quick Attack was successfully used once, they knew it wasn't enough. Kageyama and Hinata would keep trying whenever possible. The success rate was low—only about 4 out of 10. Sometimes Hinata jumped late, or Kageyama's pass wasn't precise.

Still, on one play, due to distance, Hinata pushed the ball over the net with his left hand for a point. Repeated play had improved Hinata's feel for the ball.

A success rate under 50% frustrated the pair, but they regrouped, determined to make the Super Quick Attack a reliable weapon.

The practice match ended with Hayato's side winning 25-22. The close score showed that even an immature Super Quick Attack was already threatening on the scoreboard.

"Damn it, just a little more."

After the match, Hinata held his head in frustration. Kageyama was also dissatisfied with his performance. Sugawara, the peacemaker, nudged the two toward Coach Ukai.

"Being able to pull it off is already a big success. Now you just need practice. Come on, coach has comments."

Everyone grabbed water bottles and gathered to hear Coach Ukai's feedback—who excelled, who needed work, and what to improve.

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POWER STONE!!!

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