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After a brief recess, it was time for the second set, and with it, came the return of Kageyama-kun, perfectly fine despite the volleyball to the face earlier. He seemed really eager to get back on the court right away, which was granted.

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the teams to get onto the court and into position.

“Hey, Hinata, Kageyama! Keep calm, okay!?” Suga-senpai called out, as Kageyama-kun and Shoyo-kun were pretty much the opposite – they were totally amped up!

There was a brief moment where Terushima-san approached and talked to Shoyo-kun from the other side of the net, likely a bit of trash talk if Shoyo-kun’s reaction was any indicator.

After that, Johzenji was up to make the first serve of the set. Noya-senpai caught it and sent it back up, and Kageyama-kun and Shoyo-kun were already in formation to do their quick.

“Ah!” you gasped, as Kageyama-kun put a little too much force into his toss and it flew past Shoyo-kun’s path. Someone’s a little too excited...!

Luckily, Daichi-senpai caught it before it could fly out of bounds.

It flew back over to Johzenji’s side, and after a few touches from other players, it returned to Terushima-san, who spiked the ball.

Daichi-senpai was there again, sending it back up, and Kageyama-kun and Shoyo-kun tried again; this time, Shoyo-kun managed to spike and scored Karasuno’s first point.

“Alriiiight!!” you heard Yamaguchi-san cheer.

“They definitely got it that time!” Suga-senpai agreed loudly from the reserves’ area.

You sighed out, patting your chest. What a relief! Thank goodness Karasuno had Daichi-senpai around...

The match continued for a while, the tide still in Karasuno’s favour, until the score stood at 13 – 09 after Karasuno’s latest scored point.

Despite the bad odds on Johzenji’s team’s side, their captain was still calling to his players to keep their spirits up, and in turn his teammates were undeterred by the circumstances.

They kept trying hard, to keep Karasuno from scoring another point. They really had a lot of energy; it was easy to see that that was one of their strong points.

But despite all their running around and diving, Shoyo-kun scored the next point, sending it barreling through Terushima-san’s block.

“YESSS! A COUNTER!!” someone from Karasuno's reserves called out; you believed that it was Suga-senpai again.

In the next play, Shoyo-kun went on to score another point, and I thought he was really hitting his stride, but in the play after that he ended up getting a net ball.

“Agh! Sorry!” he cried.

“Don’t mind!” Tanaka-senpai called back.

Now, it was Terushima-san’s turn to serve.

“Terushima, give ‘em a good one!” one of Johzenji’s players called.

“WE’RE GONNA TAKE IT BACK IN ONE GO!!” Terushima-san yelled enthusiastically, and his team happily agreed, as he through the ball up and ran into his serve.

It landed out of bounds, his serve perhaps a little too enthusiastic....

“Nggggh!!” you heard Terushima-san growl loudly, frustrated. You actually felt a little sorry for him. He was trying so hard...

And it wasn’t just Terushima-san. His whole team were trying their hardest to keep the ball in play, and make up some more points to catch up to Karasuno’s 5 point lead.

But after another spike attempt ended in an out of bounds ball, things were looking grim. Johzenji’s manager called for a time-out and gathered his players.

“Attacking is all well and good, but Johzenji’s pretty impatient.” Ukai-san’s friend commented and you agreed.

“They’re all trying to get in there at once so it’s no wonder they keep bumping into each other and losing points. There’s no deeper strategy to their plays.” you added and Ukai-san’s friend nodded in agreement wordlessly.

You watched curiously as rather than the coach, it was their team-manager, the girl with the brown bob that spoke to them, after having enough of Terushima-san’s unwavering optimism.

After a moment, her voice was raised and she yelled at them for a bit, but you couldn’t make out what she said to them.

The time-out eventually came to and end, and with the scores sitting at 17 – 11 to Karasuno, the second half of the set resumed. Whatever that manager had said to Johzenji’s team seemed to have done the trick, because they all looked more focused and determined than ever to turn it around.

From there, they were a lot more organized and were quickly catching up in points, although Karasuno retained a strong lead of more than two points.

Eventually, as the points were at 20 – 16, Shoyo-kun was switched in in Noya-senpai’s place again, and it was Tsukishima-san’s serve.

“Uwaaah, we’ve almost got it...!” Hitoka-san squeaked from beside you and you nodded.

“Johzenji still can’t stop Hinata’s quick either. Now’s their chance to take it all in one go!” Ukai-san’s friend said.

But something was strange. This time, they weren’t even trying to mark Shoyo-kun. And this new strategy of theirs seemed to be working out, too. They tightened the gap of points to a two-point difference and they didn’t seem to be breaking their stride.

You clenched your fists, and pursed your lips closed, gulping. Karasuno had to do something or they’d lose their lead.

“Ahh, Aoba Johsai did the same sort of thing, too... There’s no helping it. Hinata’s spikes are still ‘lacking power’ after all...” Ukai-san’s friend sighed.

You pouted at hearing that; he wasn’t wrong. But you knew that a disadvantage like that would only fire up Shoyo-kun even more.

Johzenji made the next serve, and Noya-senpai was there to receive it. Kageyama-kun caught the ball and tossed it to Shoyo-kun who was already airborne to spike it.

He spiked it with such precision as well, landing it safely on the inside of the edge of the court.

“Yes!!” you gasped, happily.

“Nice Kill!!” Hitoka-san also called out, excited.

“Well, things’re definitely different to how they were with Aoba Johsai, that’s for sure!” Ukai-san chuckled, pleased.

“Make it count, Kageyama!” Daichi-senpai called as Kageyama-kun got into position to serve.

From there, the points bounced back and forth for a little while, until Karasuno scored their match point through Shoyo-kun, which he did so with the new special Quick he and Kageyama-kun had honed over the summer.

Clearly trying to pull out all the stops, Johzenji tried to turn what could be the last play to their favour with tactic we’d seen them unsuccessfully attempt in the previous set.

“No way...! At a time like this, they’re trying another synchronized attack?!” Ukai-san gasped, shocked.

But their attempt was to no avail, once again. This time Terushima-san managed to spike it. But this time, he also spiked it out of bounds. The match was over.

And Karasuno had won.

...

As we met the team outside the courts after the match, Tanaka-senpai and Noya-senpai had enthusiastically high-fived you and Hitoka-san, pumped up from their resounding victory today.

It was then that that giant from Date Kogyo approached Shoyo-kun. You gasped, and thought about going to hide behind someone, but decided against it.

You clenched my fists in the fabric at the bottom of my jacket, and watched as the giant Date Kogyo player stared Shoyo-kun down.

Shoyo-kun in turn looked back up at him, trying not to quake in his sports shoes, confused at the stare-down.

Then, suddenly, the giant spoke up, pointing straight at Shoyo-kun, “Tomorrow. I will stop you,” he said seriously, with steely determination in his eyes.

You blinked in surprise, before it dawned on you. This guy, if you remember right, always challenges the team’s Ace, right?? That means he considered Shoyo-kun on the same level of threat.

You found yourself grinning at Shoyo-kun, and it seemed he’d realised it too.

“Nuh-uh! Tomorrow, I’ll dodge you again!!” Shoyo-kun responded, and the giant merely dipped his head in acknowledgement, before turning and leaving on his way. Then Shoyo-kun started doing that excited cry of his, “Hoooooaaaahhh!!”

“Shut up!!” Kageyama-kun snapped, annoyed at the noise.

“Did he really come all the way over here just to say that? When did Hinata get so famous?” Yamaguchi-san asked.

“It’ll only happen more and more from here!” you agreed confidently, clapping your hands together.

Shoyo-kun jumped in surprise, and rubbed the back of his head, looking a mix of bashful, pleased and nervous all at once; “R-R-Really...??” he asked.

You turned to him and nodded, smiling, “Yes, it’s what I believe! And they’re not in the wrong to do so, either,” you replied, and Shoyo-kun blushed deeply, getting even more bashful.

“Oi,” Tsukishima-san deadpanned, “Don’t overload the shrimp’s ego,” he commanded, and Shoyo-kun turned to glare at the tall blonde.

You sighed, rolling your eyes at your classmate. Of course, people should be keeping an eye on him too.

After all, if Date Kogyo won their match today against Aoba Johsai and we won against our next opponent tomorrow, they would be Karasuno’s next opponents in the semi-finals.

Whichever the opponent was, everyone knew it would be a difficult match-up.

Your team also got a brief look at the aforementioned next opponent, Wakutani Minami, as well as the cheering squad family of what must’ve been one of their players; a ‘Takeru’.

With a first glance at our next opponents, we left for the day to regroup for tomorrow’s matches.

...

"Your first game today was well played, everyone!” Ukai-san called out once we were all back at Karasuno’s gym later that afternoon.

“Thanks, Sir!!” everyone replied.

Takeda-sensei stepped forward, “If we win, we will have to play two games in a row tomorrow, so be sure to rest well tonight!” he informed everyone.

“Our quarter-final match is against Wakutani Minami Unlike the other teams we’ve hit so far, their third years stuck around and are still playing. That makes them the most ‘complete’ team we’ve faced yet this tournament. Their defensive tenacity and offensive flexibility is up there with Nekoma,” Ukai-san explained and you saw Tanaka-senpai and Shoyo-kun flinch in recognition; Ukai-san continued “So if we start having trouble getting shots through, stay patient. Don’t let your tempers get the better of you.” He said and Tanaka-senpai and Shoyo-kun flinched a second time, straightening up.

Daichi-senpai grinned, “Don’t worry, we’ll be there to back them up, coach.” He reassured Ukai-san, and Tanaka-senpai, Noya-senpai and Shoyo-kun all looked to him in wonder.

You smiled behind my hand at that.

Daichi-senpai clenched his fist, “Okay, guys. Listen up. Tomorrow, we are going to win.” He said decisively and everyone was fired up by his confidence.

They got in a circle and put their hands in; Hitoka-san, Kiyoko-senpai and you joined in too, “Go... Karasuno!! Yeah!!” you all cheered, and with that, everyone all split off and headed home for the day.

Like Takeda-sensei suggested, you took a warm bath and went to bed early, which you were sure everyone else did the same.

Tomorrow was the big day for the boys.

...

The night came and went and before you knew it, you were sitting up in the stands again with Hitoka-san and the team banner, watching as Daichi-senpai and Wakutani Minami’s captain shook hands in preparation for today’s match.

“Hey there! Good morning! It was [Last Name]-san, right...? And...” you turned to see one of Ukai-san’s friends from the neighborhood team approach the two of you.

You blinked in recognition, “Ah, Shimada-san, right...? Good morning!” you said, and bowed in greeting.

Hitoka-san hurriedly followed suit, flustered; “Yachi Hitoka! I-I-I’m also an assistant m-manager!” she said nervously.

“Woah, calm down! Are you okay?” Shimada-san waved his hands to calm the girl.

“Are you here by yourself today, Shimada-san?” you asked him.

“Yeah, Takinoue said he might be able to make this afternoon’s match, but unfortunately he has work this morning.” Shimada-san explained and you nodded.

“Maaan, this is gonna be exciting!!” you heard a loud woman’s voice approaching behind Shimada-san and saw a woman with bleach-blonde hair in a bob, wearing a leather jacket and a low cut red shirt coming over to you all. She waved a hand in a sloppy salute, “Yo! I’m Saeko, my little brother’s on Karasuno’s team!” she explained.

You blinked, looking her over; you had a hunch on who her little brother was, just by looking at her.

“Then.. Are you... perhaps Tanaka-senpai’s sister?” you asked her hesitantly and she nodded swiftly.

Wow...

“Th-they’re identical....!” Hitoka-san gasped quietly.

Saeko-san then turned to the court and began calling out to Tanaka-senpai, “Yoohoooo~! Ryuu!!! Yuuuu~!!” she called loudly.

You saw Tanaka-senpai flinch at noticing her, and Noya-senpai through his hands up to the air excitedly, “Saeko-neesan!!” he called back happily.

Wha... Nee-san? Your senpai weren’t related... were they....?

You were a little confused, but let it slide. Surely they’d have mentioned something like that by now? But, maybe not; you can call someone who isn’t really your sister, like a sister, you guessed.

You turned back to see Hitoka-san staring at Saeko-san in shock, “Are you okay, Hitoka-san?” you asked her.

She blushed and waved her hands, “I-It’s nothing...!” she denied and you glanced back at Saeko-san discreetly. Well.... You supposed they are big, after all...

‘Hitoka-san. I understand.’ you thought, folding your hands over your chest and leaning forward on the barricade.

...

Pretty soon, both teams were done with preparations and the match began with the referee’s whistle blow.

“Here we go, day 2. Keep winning guys!” said Shimada-san.

Decided by a coin toss, Wakutani Minami, better known as Wakunan for short, were up to serve first.

“Yeah, first thing’s first! Shock ‘em with the Freak Quick!” Shimada-san smiled, as you saw Kageyama-kun and Shoyo-kun’s set up after Wakunan’s serve was received.

Shoyo-kun hit the ball over the net, making it past the blockers. But Wakunan’s captain was there to make contact. It bounced sideways off his forearms and went out of bounds.

Karasuno's first point!

But Wakunan wasn’t shaken by it at all, which surprised Shimada-san, but not you. After all, Johzenji yesterday were the same. But something about the way Wakunan reacted was different, and kind of unnerved you.

You gripped the barricade you were holding onto, watching the match carefully.

“You know, I think this might be the first team that hasn’t been surprised by that Quick, right?” Shimada-san mused, and you nodded.

That meant these guys were ones to look out for.

Kageyama-kun was next up to serve, and the Wakunan captain received that serve again. This time he got it up successfully and it went to their Setter to toss.

They tricked Shoyo-kun with a delayed spike, and as he was marking someone else, he wasn’t there to back up Tanaka-senpai with his block, and the pony-tailed player’s spike broke through easily.

“Dwahh!! That guy came out of nowhere!” Hitoka-san yelped.

“A delayed spike, huh...?” Shimada-san frowned, “It’s not a new trick... but it looks like they’ve put their own spin on it. The level of technical skill on their team is impressive!” he added.

Next up was Wakunan to serve, which Asahi-senpai received, sending it over to Kageyama-kun.

Kageyama-kun then sent it again to Shoyo-kun, who spiked it over the net. It bypassed the blockers again, but was quickly picked up by another Wakunan player.

After being bumped up by another player, it was sent to the captain, “Last one’s all yours, Takeru!!” the player called.

“Got it!!” Takeru-san replied, and proceeded to spike the ball through a wall of three with ease, and then send it careening off into the audience after hitting Shoyo-kun’s forearm.

The guy in the stands seemed surprised to have actually caught it.

Wow.... That was a Block Out. Wakunan’s captain... He’s really good. You had a bad feeling about this match... You knew it wasn't going to be easy for them.

...

Ten or so minutes later, and you weren’t wrong, but at the same time, Karasuno was doing really well, too. The points for the first set stood at 15 – 14 to Wakutani Minami, and their star player truly was Takeru-san, the captain. He’d been dominating his team’s points, like the Ace usually did.

“Huh. It’s been like this for the whole game but Karasuno’s not falling behind at all,” Shimada-san said with a smile, “But it doesn’t look like Wakunan’s gonna let us take the lead either!” he added ruefully.

You nodded, frowning down at the match. Noya-senpai had just received a spike from Wakunan, sending it over to Kageyama-kun’s hands.

Shoyo-kun ran in for the spike quickly, and Wakunan again caught it, but like the first play of the match, it bounced sideways and out of bounds. Their captain was right onto his player with encouraging words, however.

In the next play, Karasuno served, and the ball was soon brought over to our side again, which Tanaka-senpai received. Kageyama-kun decided this time to send the ball to our Ace, Asahi-senpai, who spiked the ball straight down, scoring another consecutive point.

“Yuss!!” both Hitoka-san and you fist pumped, as if in synch, pleased with the play’s result.

For the first time since the match started, Karasuno had finally pulled ahead of Wakunan. Regardless of if it was just by one point, it was something, and we were grateful. Now they only had to keep the streak going!

From there, the points kept jumping back and forth and Wakunan and Karasuno were neck-to-neck. It was super intense.

But then, it happened.

The score stood at 17 – 19 to Karasuno and things were looking good. The point gap was finally widening...!

“This is it, guys!! This is our chance! Let’s keep the momentum!!” Daichi-senpai called out to the others confidently.

“Ossu!!”

Karasuno served, and the ball went over the net, being received by the pony-tailed guy, who sent it back up to the Setter, then to one of the wing-spikers, whose spike was received by Tanaka-senpai.

“Yeah! Good dig! Cover, cover!!” Daichi-senpai called out.

“It’s all yours, Asahi!!” Tanaka-senpai shouted, as Asahi-senpai went in for the spike.

Wakunan received it again, extending the play.

“Gah!! They got it again!!” Hitoka-san cried, frustrated.

“Man, just watching is wearing me out...” Saeko-san commented, and you nodded.

“They’ve got this, though! After all, we’ve got such reliable receivers, like Daichi-senpai, and Noya-senpai!” you responded, watching as the ball broke through Karasuno’s wall of blockers again and ricocheted off to the side, and Daichi-senpai rushed after it desperately.

Wait... But so was Tanaka-senpai... they’re gonna collide!!

“Yes!! They got it over!” you barely heard Shimada-san say as Hitoka-san cheered. All you could focus in on was Daichi-senpai and Tanaka-senpai...

“Wait... huh?” Shimada-san trailed off, realising it too.

You cried out, “Daichi-senpai!!” you yelled down onto the court, upset.

Next to Tanaka-senpai who nursed his elbow, lay Karasuno’s unconscious team captain.

Description
After a brief recess, it was time for the second set, and with it, came the return of Kageyama-kun, perfectly fine despite the volleyball to the face earlier. He seemed really eager to get back on the court right away, which was granted.

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the teams to get onto the court and into position.

“Hey, Hinata, Kageyama! Keep calm, okay!?” Suga-senpai called out, as Kageyama-kun and Shoyo-kun were pretty much the opposite – they were totally amped up!

There was a brief moment where Terushima-san approached and talked to Shoyo-kun from the other side of the net, likely a bit of trash talk if Shoyo-kun’s reaction was any indicator.

After that, Johzenji was up to make the first serve of the set. Noya-senpai caught it and sent it back up, and Kageyama-kun and Shoyo-kun were already in formation to do their quick.

“Ah!” you gasped, as Kageyama-kun put a little too much force into his toss and it flew past Shoyo-kun’s path. Someone’s a little too excited...!

Luckily, Daichi-senpai caught it before it could fly out of bounds.

It flew back over to Johzenji’s side, and after a few touches from other players, it returned to Terushima-san, who spiked the ball.

Daichi-senpai was there again, sending it back up, and Kageyama-kun and Shoyo-kun tried again; this time, Shoyo-kun managed to spike and scored Karasuno’s first point.

“Alriiiight!!” you heard Yamaguchi-san cheer.

“They definitely got it that time!” Suga-senpai agreed loudly from the reserves’ area.

You sighed out, patting your chest. What a relief! Thank goodness Karasuno had Daichi-senpai around...

The match continued for a while, the tide still in Karasuno’s favour, until the score stood at 13 – 09 after Karasuno’s latest scored point.

Despite the bad odds on Johzenji’s team’s side, their captain was still calling to his players to keep their spirits up, and in turn his teammates were undeterred by the circumstances.

They kept trying hard, to keep Karasuno from scoring another point. They really had a lot of energy; it was easy to see that that was one of their strong points.

But despite all their running around and diving, Shoyo-kun scored the next point, sending it barreling through Terushima-san’s block.

“YESSS! A COUNTER!!” someone from Karasuno's reserves called out; you believed that it was Suga-senpai again.

In the next play, Shoyo-kun went on to score another point, and I thought he was really hitting his stride, but in the play after that he ended up getting a net ball.

“Agh! Sorry!” he cried.

“Don’t mind!” Tanaka-senpai called back.

Now, it was Terushima-san’s turn to serve.

“Terushima, give ‘em a good one!” one of Johzenji’s players called.

“WE’RE GONNA TAKE IT BACK IN ONE GO!!” Terushima-san yelled enthusiastically, and his team happily agreed, as he through the ball up and ran into his serve.

It landed out of bounds, his serve perhaps a little too enthusiastic....

“Nggggh!!” you heard Terushima-san growl loudly, frustrated. You actually felt a little sorry for him. He was trying so hard...

And it wasn’t just Terushima-san. His whole team were trying their hardest to keep the ball in play, and make up some more points to catch up to Karasuno’s 5 point lead.

But after another spike attempt ended in an out of bounds ball, things were looking grim. Johzenji’s manager called for a time-out and gathered his players.

“Attacking is all well and good, but Johzenji’s pretty impatient.” Ukai-san’s friend commented and you agreed.

“They’re all trying to get in there at once so it’s no wonder they keep bumping into each other and losing points. There’s no deeper strategy to their plays.” you added and Ukai-san’s friend nodded in agreement wordlessly.

You watched curiously as rather than the coach, it was their team-manager, the girl with the brown bob that spoke to them, after having enough of Terushima-san’s unwavering optimism.

After a moment, her voice was raised and she yelled at them for a bit, but you couldn’t make out what she said to them.

The time-out eventually came to and end, and with the scores sitting at 17 – 11 to Karasuno, the second half of the set resumed. Whatever that manager had said to Johzenji’s team seemed to have done the trick, because they all looked more focused and determined than ever to turn it around.

From there, they were a lot more organized and were quickly catching up in points, although Karasuno retained a strong lead of more than two points.

Eventually, as the points were at 20 – 16, Shoyo-kun was switched in in Noya-senpai’s place again, and it was Tsukishima-san’s serve.

“Uwaaah, we’ve almost got it...!” Hitoka-san squeaked from beside you and you nodded.

“Johzenji still can’t stop Hinata’s quick either. Now’s their chance to take it all in one go!” Ukai-san’s friend said.

But something was strange. This time, they weren’t even trying to mark Shoyo-kun. And this new strategy of theirs seemed to be working out, too. They tightened the gap of points to a two-point difference and they didn’t seem to be breaking their stride.

You clenched your fists, and pursed your lips closed, gulping. Karasuno had to do something or they’d lose their lead.

“Ahh, Aoba Johsai did the same sort of thing, too... There’s no helping it. Hinata’s spikes are still ‘lacking power’ after all...” Ukai-san’s friend sighed.

You pouted at hearing that; he wasn’t wrong. But you knew that a disadvantage like that would only fire up Shoyo-kun even more.

Johzenji made the next serve, and Noya-senpai was there to receive it. Kageyama-kun caught the ball and tossed it to Shoyo-kun who was already airborne to spike it.

He spiked it with such precision as well, landing it safely on the inside of the edge of the court.

“Yes!!” you gasped, happily.

“Nice Kill!!” Hitoka-san also called out, excited.

“Well, things’re definitely different to how they were with Aoba Johsai, that’s for sure!” Ukai-san chuckled, pleased.

“Make it count, Kageyama!” Daichi-senpai called as Kageyama-kun got into position to serve.

From there, the points bounced back and forth for a little while, until Karasuno scored their match point through Shoyo-kun, which he did so with the new special Quick he and Kageyama-kun had honed over the summer.

Clearly trying to pull out all the stops, Johzenji tried to turn what could be the last play to their favour with tactic we’d seen them unsuccessfully attempt in the previous set.

“No way...! At a time like this, they’re trying another synchronized attack?!” Ukai-san gasped, shocked.

But their attempt was to no avail, once again. This time Terushima-san managed to spike it. But this time, he also spiked it out of bounds. The match was over.

And Karasuno had won.

...

As we met the team outside the courts after the match, Tanaka-senpai and Noya-senpai had enthusiastically high-fived you and Hitoka-san, pumped up from their resounding victory today.

It was then that that giant from Date Kogyo approached Shoyo-kun. You gasped, and thought about going to hide behind someone, but decided against it.

You clenched my fists in the fabric at the bottom of my jacket, and watched as the giant Date Kogyo player stared Shoyo-kun down.

Shoyo-kun in turn looked back up at him, trying not to quake in his sports shoes, confused at the stare-down.

Then, suddenly, the giant spoke up, pointing straight at Shoyo-kun, “Tomorrow. I will stop you,” he said seriously, with steely determination in his eyes.

You blinked in surprise, before it dawned on you. This guy, if you remember right, always challenges the team’s Ace, right?? That means he considered Shoyo-kun on the same level of threat.

You found yourself grinning at Shoyo-kun, and it seemed he’d realised it too.

“Nuh-uh! Tomorrow, I’ll dodge you again!!” Shoyo-kun responded, and the giant merely dipped his head in acknowledgement, before turning and leaving on his way. Then Shoyo-kun started doing that excited cry of his, “Hoooooaaaahhh!!”

“Shut up!!” Kageyama-kun snapped, annoyed at the noise.

“Did he really come all the way over here just to say that? When did Hinata get so famous?” Yamaguchi-san asked.

“It’ll only happen more and more from here!” you agreed confidently, clapping your hands together.

Shoyo-kun jumped in surprise, and rubbed the back of his head, looking a mix of bashful, pleased and nervous all at once; “R-R-Really...??” he asked.

You turned to him and nodded, smiling, “Yes, it’s what I believe! And they’re not in the wrong to do so, either,” you replied, and Shoyo-kun blushed deeply, getting even more bashful.

“Oi,” Tsukishima-san deadpanned, “Don’t overload the shrimp’s ego,” he commanded, and Shoyo-kun turned to glare at the tall blonde.

You sighed, rolling your eyes at your classmate. Of course, people should be keeping an eye on him too.

After all, if Date Kogyo won their match today against Aoba Johsai and we won against our next opponent tomorrow, they would be Karasuno’s next opponents in the semi-finals.

Whichever the opponent was, everyone knew it would be a difficult match-up.

Your team also got a brief look at the aforementioned next opponent, Wakutani Minami, as well as the cheering squad family of what must’ve been one of their players; a ‘Takeru’.

With a first glance at our next opponents, we left for the day to regroup for tomorrow’s matches.

...

"Your first game today was well played, everyone!” Ukai-san called out once we were all back at Karasuno’s gym later that afternoon.

“Thanks, Sir!!” everyone replied.

Takeda-sensei stepped forward, “If we win, we will have to play two games in a row tomorrow, so be sure to rest well tonight!” he informed everyone.

“Our quarter-final match is against Wakutani Minami Unlike the other teams we’ve hit so far, their third years stuck around and are still playing. That makes them the most ‘complete’ team we’ve faced yet this tournament. Their defensive tenacity and offensive flexibility is up there with Nekoma,” Ukai-san explained and you saw Tanaka-senpai and Shoyo-kun flinch in recognition; Ukai-san continued “So if we start having trouble getting shots through, stay patient. Don’t let your tempers get the better of you.” He said and Tanaka-senpai and Shoyo-kun flinched a second time, straightening up.

Daichi-senpai grinned, “Don’t worry, we’ll be there to back them up, coach.” He reassured Ukai-san, and Tanaka-senpai, Noya-senpai and Shoyo-kun all looked to him in wonder.

You smiled behind my hand at that.

Daichi-senpai clenched his fist, “Okay, guys. Listen up. Tomorrow, we are going to win.” He said decisively and everyone was fired up by his confidence.

They got in a circle and put their hands in; Hitoka-san, Kiyoko-senpai and you joined in too, “Go... Karasuno!! Yeah!!” you all cheered, and with that, everyone all split off and headed home for the day.

Like Takeda-sensei suggested, you took a warm bath and went to bed early, which you were sure everyone else did the same.

Tomorrow was the big day for the boys.

...

The night came and went and before you knew it, you were sitting up in the stands again with Hitoka-san and the team banner, watching as Daichi-senpai and Wakutani Minami’s captain shook hands in preparation for today’s match.

“Hey there! Good morning! It was [Last Name]-san, right...? And...” you turned to see one of Ukai-san’s friends from the neighborhood team approach the two of you.

You blinked in recognition, “Ah, Shimada-san, right...? Good morning!” you said, and bowed in greeting.

Hitoka-san hurriedly followed suit, flustered; “Yachi Hitoka! I-I-I’m also an assistant m-manager!” she said nervously.

“Woah, calm down! Are you okay?” Shimada-san waved his hands to calm the girl.

“Are you here by yourself today, Shimada-san?” you asked him.

“Yeah, Takinoue said he might be able to make this afternoon’s match, but unfortunately he has work this morning.” Shimada-san explained and you nodded.

“Maaan, this is gonna be exciting!!” you heard a loud woman’s voice approaching behind Shimada-san and saw a woman with bleach-blonde hair in a bob, wearing a leather jacket and a low cut red shirt coming over to you all. She waved a hand in a sloppy salute, “Yo! I’m Saeko, my little brother’s on Karasuno’s team!” she explained.

You blinked, looking her over; you had a hunch on who her little brother was, just by looking at her.

“Then.. Are you... perhaps Tanaka-senpai’s sister?” you asked her hesitantly and she nodded swiftly.

Wow...

“Th-they’re identical....!” Hitoka-san gasped quietly.

Saeko-san then turned to the court and began calling out to Tanaka-senpai, “Yoohoooo~! Ryuu!!! Yuuuu~!!” she called loudly.

You saw Tanaka-senpai flinch at noticing her, and Noya-senpai through his hands up to the air excitedly, “Saeko-neesan!!” he called back happily.

Wha... Nee-san? Your senpai weren’t related... were they....?

You were a little confused, but let it slide. Surely they’d have mentioned something like that by now? But, maybe not; you can call someone who isn’t really your sister, like a sister, you guessed.

You turned back to see Hitoka-san staring at Saeko-san in shock, “Are you okay, Hitoka-san?” you asked her.

She blushed and waved her hands, “I-It’s nothing...!” she denied and you glanced back at Saeko-san discreetly. Well.... You supposed they are big, after all...

‘Hitoka-san. I understand.’ you thought, folding your hands over your chest and leaning forward on the barricade.

...

Pretty soon, both teams were done with preparations and the match began with the referee’s whistle blow.

“Here we go, day 2. Keep winning guys!” said Shimada-san.

Decided by a coin toss, Wakutani Minami, better known as Wakunan for short, were up to serve first.

“Yeah, first thing’s first! Shock ‘em with the Freak Quick!” Shimada-san smiled, as you saw Kageyama-kun and Shoyo-kun’s set up after Wakunan’s serve was received.

Shoyo-kun hit the ball over the net, making it past the blockers. But Wakunan’s captain was there to make contact. It bounced sideways off his forearms and went out of bounds.

Karasuno's first point!

But Wakunan wasn’t shaken by it at all, which surprised Shimada-san, but not you. After all, Johzenji yesterday were the same. But something about the way Wakunan reacted was different, and kind of unnerved you.

You gripped the barricade you were holding onto, watching the match carefully.

“You know, I think this might be the first team that hasn’t been surprised by that Quick, right?” Shimada-san mused, and you nodded.

That meant these guys were ones to look out for.

Kageyama-kun was next up to serve, and the Wakunan captain received that serve again. This time he got it up successfully and it went to their Setter to toss.

They tricked Shoyo-kun with a delayed spike, and as he was marking someone else, he wasn’t there to back up Tanaka-senpai with his block, and the pony-tailed player’s spike broke through easily.

“Dwahh!! That guy came out of nowhere!” Hitoka-san yelped.

“A delayed spike, huh...?” Shimada-san frowned, “It’s not a new trick... but it looks like they’ve put their own spin on it. The level of technical skill on their team is impressive!” he added.

Next up was Wakunan to serve, which Asahi-senpai received, sending it over to Kageyama-kun.

Kageyama-kun then sent it again to Shoyo-kun, who spiked it over the net. It bypassed the blockers again, but was quickly picked up by another Wakunan player.

After being bumped up by another player, it was sent to the captain, “Last one’s all yours, Takeru!!” the player called.

“Got it!!” Takeru-san replied, and proceeded to spike the ball through a wall of three with ease, and then send it careening off into the audience after hitting Shoyo-kun’s forearm.

The guy in the stands seemed surprised to have actually caught it.

Wow.... That was a Block Out. Wakunan’s captain... He’s really good. You had a bad feeling about this match... You knew it wasn't going to be easy for them.

...

Ten or so minutes later, and you weren’t wrong, but at the same time, Karasuno was doing really well, too. The points for the first set stood at 15 – 14 to Wakutani Minami, and their star player truly was Takeru-san, the captain. He’d been dominating his team’s points, like the Ace usually did.

“Huh. It’s been like this for the whole game but Karasuno’s not falling behind at all,” Shimada-san said with a smile, “But it doesn’t look like Wakunan’s gonna let us take the lead either!” he added ruefully.

You nodded, frowning down at the match. Noya-senpai had just received a spike from Wakunan, sending it over to Kageyama-kun’s hands.

Shoyo-kun ran in for the spike quickly, and Wakunan again caught it, but like the first play of the match, it bounced sideways and out of bounds. Their captain was right onto his player with encouraging words, however.

In the next play, Karasuno served, and the ball was soon brought over to our side again, which Tanaka-senpai received. Kageyama-kun decided this time to send the ball to our Ace, Asahi-senpai, who spiked the ball straight down, scoring another consecutive point.

“Yuss!!” both Hitoka-san and you fist pumped, as if in synch, pleased with the play’s result.

For the first time since the match started, Karasuno had finally pulled ahead of Wakunan. Regardless of if it was just by one point, it was something, and we were grateful. Now they only had to keep the streak going!

From there, the points kept jumping back and forth and Wakunan and Karasuno were neck-to-neck. It was super intense.

But then, it happened.

The score stood at 17 – 19 to Karasuno and things were looking good. The point gap was finally widening...!

“This is it, guys!! This is our chance! Let’s keep the momentum!!” Daichi-senpai called out to the others confidently.

“Ossu!!”

Karasuno served, and the ball went over the net, being received by the pony-tailed guy, who sent it back up to the Setter, then to one of the wing-spikers, whose spike was received by Tanaka-senpai.

“Yeah! Good dig! Cover, cover!!” Daichi-senpai called out.

“It’s all yours, Asahi!!” Tanaka-senpai shouted, as Asahi-senpai went in for the spike.

Wakunan received it again, extending the play.

“Gah!! They got it again!!” Hitoka-san cried, frustrated.

“Man, just watching is wearing me out...” Saeko-san commented, and you nodded.

“They’ve got this, though! After all, we’ve got such reliable receivers, like Daichi-senpai, and Noya-senpai!” you responded, watching as the ball broke through Karasuno’s wall of blockers again and ricocheted off to the side, and Daichi-senpai rushed after it desperately.

Wait... But so was Tanaka-senpai... they’re gonna collide!!

“Yes!! They got it over!” you barely heard Shimada-san say as Hitoka-san cheered. All you could focus in on was Daichi-senpai and Tanaka-senpai...

“Wait... huh?” Shimada-san trailed off, realising it too.

You cried out, “Daichi-senpai!!” you yelled down onto the court, upset.

Next to Tanaka-senpai who nursed his elbow, lay Karasuno’s unconscious team captain.