Haikyuu: Zero to Almighty

[May 1st, 6:00 a.m.]

The sky was just beginning to brighten.

Taichi Kaedehara sat in the entryway, carefully tying his shoelaces.

Although Coach Irihata had mentioned that the team could check in at 8:00 a.m., Taichi's internal clock had him up early anyway.

Today marked the first day of the training camp. Taichi was brimming with excitement, as it was his first time participating in such an event. His heart was filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness.

He hoisted the backpack he had packed the night before, which contained all his training gear and daily necessities. Stepping out of the house, the fresh morning air greeted him, cool and invigorating, lifting his spirits even higher.

When he arrived at the gymnasium, he spotted a familiar figure standing near the entrance.

"Good morning, Mad Dog-senpai," Taichi greeted cheerfully.

Kentarō Kyōtani flinched at the unexpected voice behind him and instinctively jumped back, turning to face Taichi.

Wow, that reaction really is like a dog, Taichi thought, holding back a chuckle. He asked, "Not going in?"

It was that annoying first-year from yesterday. Choosing to ignore him, Kyōtani pushed the gym doors open forcefully and stepped inside.

The gym wasn't crowded yet. However, by the time Taichi arrived, all twelve players listed on the main roster had gathered.

After all, as the starters, they knew they had to push themselves harder than those without guaranteed court time.

"Well, well, you're earlier than I expected, little Mad Dog-chan," said Tōru Oikawa, strolling over with a group of third-years.

The others were busy warming up or casually practising on their own.

Kyōtani ignored Oikawa's remark. "When does spiking practice start?" he asked directly.

"You should warm up first. The schedule will be decided once the coach gets here," replied Hajime Iwaizumi, his tone steady.

"Got it," Kyōtani said with an uncharacteristically polite tone, nodding before heading off to warm up.

"Huh?? Why do you only listen to Iwa-chan and not me?" Oikawa exclaimed indignantly.

"Probably because back when Kyōtani first joined, he kept challenging Iwaizumi—and kept losing," interjected Issei Matsukawa. "Whether it was long-distance running, baseball pitching, or arm wrestling, he failed every time. Eventually, he developed a certain respect for Iwaizumi."

"What are they, a pack of wolves or something?" Takahiro Hanamaki quipped, earning a few chuckles.

"Hey, Mad Dog-chan!" Oikawa called out, his eyes glinting as he addressed Kyōtani, who was heading to warm up. "Aren't you thrilled to play under your amazing captain, Oikawa-senpai? I'll make sure you feel grateful from the bottom of your heart."

By 8:00 a.m., the coach, team manager, and all members had arrived.

"Is everyone here?" Coach Irihata asked as the players lined up neatly in front of him.

"Yes, sir!"

Irihata scanned the group, his sharp eyes glinting with approval at their energetic demeanour.

"Good. From this moment on, you have only one goal: practice, practice, and more practice!"

"Even if it makes you sick, get those balls up!"

"Understood!"

------

"Forward, forward!"

"Save it!"

"How could you miss that? Ten more repetitions!"

The gym was filled with shouts and the rhythmic echoes of shoes squeaking on the polished floor. The air buzzed with energy and heat.

When it came time for spiking drills, Shigeru Yahaba and Oikawa alternated as setters, tossing balls to the attacking players one by one.

Kyōtani's turn arrived. Yahaba set the ball perfectly, his hands steady as he sent it toward the optimal position. Kyōtani locked onto the ball, muscles tensing as he launched himself into the air, his legs propelling him powerfully.

With a ferocious strike, he sent the ball crashing down onto the court.

The form was impeccable and the power, unmatched.

But the momentum carried him forward too forcefully, causing him to collide head-on with Yahaba.

"Ow! What the heck?! Watch where you're going!" Yahaba exclaimed, propping himself up on the court. "You're so careless—it's like you're not even trying to avoid anyone!"

Kyōtani's face darkened.

"Who's not trying? What does this have to do with hitting you?" he retorted.

"You've barely been showing up for training! If that's not slacking off, what is?!" Yahaba shot back, his frustration mounting.

In truth, most of the volleyball team members felt a mix of frustration and resentment. Kyōtani Kentarō, who they thought had quit the team, had returned as if nothing had happened.

Without any explanation or apology, he skipped their gruelling daily practices yet still managed to secure a spot in matches, bypassing their hard-earned efforts.

Slowly standing, Kyōtani loomed over Yahaba, who was still sitting on the floor. "And yet, all your so-called hard work has only gotten you this far."

"What did you just say?" Yahaba sprang to his feet, grabbing the collar of Kyōtani's jersey.

"Enough! That's enough!" Iwaizumi Hajime appeared behind them, firmly separating the two.

"This training camp isn't a place for your petty arguments."

"Tch. This is pointless....I'm going home," Kyōtani muttered, his words shocking everyone around him.

"What?"

Ignoring Yahaba's glare, Kyōtani turned and started walking toward the gym doors.

I knew it would come to this, he thought. Club activities were a hassle. The teammates were annoying, the rules were suffocating, and even in the workplace, volleyball would be the same—what mattered was the game, not the team.

Volleyball teams were everywhere. Why should it matter if he played without Aoba Johsai's uniform? Volleyball didn't require a specific logo to be enjoyable.

Bang!

A volleyball slammed down right at Kyōtani's feet.

He turned back, his eyes narrowing. The ball had come from that first-year—Kaedehara Taichi. The boy stood there, grinning at him.

"Mad Dog-senpai, running away again? You know, you lost to me yesterday, that also five to zero."

Oikawa Tōru, standing nearby, started frantically winking and gesturing at Taichi. Clearly, he wanted the first-year to clarify it was a team win, not just his own.

But Taichi ignored him entirely.

Kyōtani froze mid-step, not only provoked by Taichi's taunt but also reminded of the words Shimizu-san had said to him, and the real reason he had shown up today.

"Then let's settle it. One more match," Kyōtani said, glaring at Taichi.

"Buuuutt even if I beat you, there's no real benefit for me," Taichi replied, feigning a troubled expression.

That smug look, so confident in victory even before the match began, made Kyōtani's face twist into an expression of barely concealed rage.

"Alright, I've got an idea," Coach Irihata interrupted, stepping forward. He had been watching the commotion from the beginning.

"Recently, a team from Tokyo has been in touch. They're a former powerhouse in the national circuit. I hear their coach has ties to Karasuno's Coach Ukai Sr., and they're here specifically to challenge Karasuno."

"Their match is scheduled for the last day of Golden Week, but before then, they'll be using Karasuno City Park Gymnasium as their base and playing practice matches against various schools."

"Yesterday, I received a request for a match with them. I think it'll be an excellent opportunity for us."

Irihata turned to Taichi and Kyōtani. "How about this: you'll each play one set in that match. Let's see who scores the most points."

"Yes, sir!" Taichi responded enthusiastically.

Kyōtani simply gave a small nod, a quiet acceptance of the coach's proposal.

Taichi, however, could barely contain his excitement.

He hadn't expected to encounter Nekoma before even Karasuno did. The idea of facing them so soon sent a thrill coursing through him.

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