Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

As Hinata and Kageyama entered the court, the match there was already at match point.

On Wakutani's side, their captain—Nakashima, wearing the Number 1 jersey, pink-and-white uniform, and a sharp buzz cut—soared into the air, connected with the setter's toss, and smashed a straight spike with brutal force.

The ball hit cleanly. Match won. Wakutani Minami High advanced.

"Oh, oh, oh! That Number 1 jumped so high!"

"The power and trajectory were perfect, too. So that's Wakutani, huh? They're our opponent tomorrow."

Even from a single rally, Nakashima's spike left a lasting impression. In the stands, a whole family leapt to their feet, shouting his name. Nakashima grinned and shouted back—clearly, they were his relatives.

"Their whole family came to cheer? That's amazing."

"Yeah. And that's the team Coach Ukai warned us about earlier. Before we can face Date Tech, we've got to get through Wakutani first!"

As they left the arena, Hinata ran into Aone from Date Tech, who had waited specifically for him.

"I'll block you next time."

"I'll avoid your block for sure!"

With that strange promise, their rivalry turned into something like friendship. And because of it, Hinata was even more determined: Karasuno had to win against Wakutani tomorrow.

"Idiot, that's only if Date Tech beats Seijoh first," Kageyama muttered, rolling his eyes. As evenly matched as the two teams were, he knew that with Oikawa and Iwaizumi, Seijoh held the edge.

That evening, back at Karasuno, the team sat in a circle in the gym for their post-match reflection. Kiyoko passed her notebook to Coach Ukai, who had carefully recorded mistakes and standout plays.

Ukai read aloud, his voice steady but serious. "Mistakes must be reflected on, and excellent plays should be maintained. Remember—Wakutani isn't just any opponent. Their defense and tenacity rival Nekoma's. If your attacks don't land, don't panic. If you lose your patience, we'll end up trapped like Jozenji did today."

His gaze shifted toward four particular culprits.

"Especially you high-spirited, single-minded types."

Tanaka, Nishinoya, Hinata, and Kageyama froze. Tanaka and Noya grinned nervously. Hinata twitched. Kageyama only looked confused.

"Pfft—Tobio, he means you," Hayato whispered, covering his mouth to laugh.

"Huh? But I'm not high-spirited or single-minded," Kageyama said flatly.

Ukai sighed. "Didn't I just say your mistake at the start of the second set was because you were too fired up?"

Kageyama blinked, then quickly bowed. "S-sorry! Thank you, Captain."

If not for Daichi's early save, he knew he and Hinata would have dropped three or four points straight.

"Whoa~ Kageyama got scolded!" Hinata laughed—before Kageyama caught him in an iron claw.

"Don't laugh! You were at fault too, you dumbass!"

"Ow, ow, ow! My head's gonna split!"

The antics earned a tired smile from Daichi, who gently pried them apart.

"Don't worry, Coach. I'll keep them in line. And Hayato's here, too."

"That's right," Hayato said cheerfully. "Leave it to us."

The team nodded together. "We're counting on you!"

Ukai rubbed the back of his neck, half-helpless, half-relieved. Sheesh… these kids trust them more than me.

Between Daichi's leadership, Hayato's calm, and the managers keeping everything organized, Ukai sometimes felt less like a coach and more like Karasuno's mascot.

After the meeting, he dismissed them early. The day's matches had drained both body and mind. Formal tournaments always carried pressure that practice couldn't replicate. Some—like Daichi and Hayato—handled it with ease. Others, like Hinata, Noya, and Tanaka, didn't even think about it. And Tsukishima… well, nothing seemed to bother him at all.

These kids really are big-hearted, Ukai thought as he watched them leave.

In the changing room, the smell of medicated lotion filled the air as players rubbed their sore arms. Spikes hurt, and bruises were unavoidable, but they all joked and chatted through it.

Tanaka suggested a trip to Ukai's family store for steamed buns, but Daichi vetoed it.

"We need proper rest. Go home and eat well."

So, in pairs and trios, everyone left school.

At the gate, Kiyoko waited, leaning casually against the wall with her bag. Several boys who passed greeted her, and she answered with polite nods. Finally, Hayato emerged.

"Sorry, Kiyoko-nee! Did you wait long?"

"Not long," she answered, smiling faintly.

They walked home shoulder to shoulder. With Hitoka escorted by Hinata this time, Hayato didn't have to play chaperone.

Behind them, Hinata wheeled his bike while Hitoka sighed.

"Hayato-senpai and Kiyoko-senpai… they look so natural together."

"Eh? Do they?" Hinata tilted his head. Romance wasn't exactly his specialty.

Hitoka giggled softly. "Never mind. Let's just focus on tomorrow. We'll beat Wakutani together!"

"Yeah! Because we'll get to face even stronger teams!" Hinata beamed.

Their voices faded into the night as they walked off together.

Later at home, Hayato had just hung up his uniform when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, he blinked.

"Kiyoko-nee?"

There she was, still in her school uniform—but with a pale pink apron tied neatly around her waist, sleeves rolled up, holding a steaming pot.

"What are you staring at? Come help. We're having stewed meat and potatoes tonight."

Her little pout made Hayato chuckle. He hurried to take the pot from her, the delicious aroma hitting him instantly.

"Mmm, smells amazing. Did Miri-obasan make it?"

"Of course. We just got back—like I'd make it this fast."

Hayato grinned, watching her turn away, skirt swishing as she stepped into the house. The sight of Kiyoko in her apron, half-casual, half-elegant, sent a quiet warmth through him.

She glanced back over her shoulder.

"Well? Don't just stand there. Come in."

"Coming, coming. But wait—when you said, 'eat with me,' was that Obasan's idea or yours? Ow, ow—!"

Kiyoko pinched his ear with practiced ease, dragging him inside.

And so, another ordinary yet warm evening began.

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