Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

The Sunday practice matches ended with Karasuno holding a win rate of roughly fifty percent. Still, with the long trip back to Miyagi ahead, they had to leave Tokyo early that afternoon.

Before departing, goodbyes were exchanged in the usual Karasuno fashion—half sincere, half competitive.

"Keep your level up; we'll see you at Nationals," Kuroo said with a smirk.

"We'll only get stronger," Daichi replied. "Just wait for the Battle at the Garbage Dump—we'll be the ones on top."

The two captains shook hands like they were trying to crush each other's fingers, neither willing to let the other have the last word.

Bokuto clapped Tsukishima on the shoulder. "Tsukki, keep working on those blocks, alright?"

Tsukishima just gave a short nod. He knew he still had a long way to go, but there was time before autumn training camp.

Once back at school, Takeda-sensei gave a brief summary before dismissing everyone. Two days of nonstop, high-intensity matches meant one thing—rest was the top priority tonight.

On the way home, Hayato tossed a small bottle to Hinata.

"Shoyo! Catch!"

Hinata caught it with both hands and blinked. It was protein powder.

Even with his thick skin, Hinata knew this was something Hayato had bought especially for him. He opened his mouth to offer to pay for it, but Hayato cut him off with a firm head pat.

"You're Karasuno's strongest decoy. If we train you right, we'll have a better shot at moving forward. So don't talk about money—just take it."

Hinata's chest swelled with gratitude. "Thanks, Hayato-senpai!"

Nobody minded the favoritism. Hinata's stamina still lagged behind, and since both parties were fine with the arrangement, there was nothing to criticize.

Monday morning brought reality crashing back—homeroom was abuzz with preparations for the upcoming school festival. Class 2-1 had settled on a haunted house, and as part of the executive committee, Hayato and Takanori were now neck-deep in planning.

Between reporting to the student council, purchasing materials, and organizing the build, Hayato's afternoons were suddenly packed. Ennoshita agreed to oversee first-year training in his absence.

By lunchtime, Hayato, Takanori, Tanaka, and a few classmates had pushed their desks together to go over the budget while eating.

"Kuroha-kun, if we buy all of this, our budget's going to be tight," Takanori warned.

Hayato glanced at the proposal, sighed, and began crossing items out. "Then let's go with a cheaper fabric, and we'll cut back on decorations."

Takanori scribbled notes diligently. Tanaka, who'd been the one to suggest a now-cut item, shrank into his seat.

"I'll, uh… go get drinks for everyone," he offered quickly.

"Oolong tea for me," Hayato said without looking up.

"Strawberry milk for me," Takanori added.

"And a cola," said their classmate Uki.

By the time Tanaka left, his list had grown to four drinks, and Uki went along to help carry them.

That afternoon, Hayato and Takanori headed to the shopping street for supplies. Carrying bolts of fabric turned out to be the hardest part.

"You okay?" Hayato asked, noticing Takanori swaying under the weight of her bags.

"I'm fine! Cheerleaders lift people during practice, so I'm taking this as training!" she replied, even as her arms trembled.

They eventually hauled everything back to the classroom, where Takanori collapsed into a chair.

"My arms… are numb."

"You worked hard," Hayato said, already sorting the materials into the storage cabinet.

"Kuroha-kun's really strong," she said enviously.

"Just training," he replied simply.

She tried to stand but failed, wiggling in place like a stuck bug until Hayato finally helped her up.

With time left before dinner, Hayato decided to squeeze in some gym practice. Takanori, having the day off from basketball, asked to tag along and watch.

The moment they stepped into the gym, a stray volleyball rocketed toward her head. Takanori flinched and shut her eyes—only to open them and find Hayato's hand in front of her face.

"Careful. Our spikes hit hard," he warned.

She nodded quickly.

"Ah, Hayato! Oh, and Takanori too?" Tanaka called from the sidelines.

After greeting him, Hayato explained their visit to Coach Ukai, who remembered Takanori from the prelims and welcomed her warmly before telling Hayato to warm up.

While Hayato joined the ongoing practice match, Takanori chatted with Kiyoko and Hitoka. The three girls quickly fell into easy conversation, while Tanaka and Nishinoya, clearly showing off for the audience, got themselves scolded by Ukai.

If nothing else, Takanori's visit definitely lit a fire under the team's energy for the rest of practice.

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