Especially since they had taken the wrong path this morning and lost time; Hinata probably won't be back for the whole morning.
Mentioning Hinata, Rishia also thought of the most important matter: "By the way, are you staying to play in the match tonight?"
Koganezawa naturally agreed a hundred percent: "Sure, sure!"
He didn't come yesterday because he was called back by his homeroom teacher for criticism, but today, he will definitely, definitely play together.
"What about you?" Kageyama looked at Tsukishima.
"Don't you have something you absolutely must try? Sugawara-senpai asked me to accompany you." Tsukishima slightly raised his chin, looking down at Kageyama.
Although he didn't want to accompany the King at all, since it was a request from his senior, it wouldn't be a bad idea to accompany him for a little while.
Kindaichi looked at Kunimi beside him: "Are you still leaving tonight?"
"I don't want to do extra practice.." Kunimi was halfway through his sentence when his eyes met those of Rishia Heisuke, who was staring over from this direction.
Players from all over the country, even those who won the championship this year and are currently at their peak, are not even in the same league as Shiratorizawa.
Reasonably speaking, he should seize this opportunity that none of his seniors have had.
But emotionally speaking.. he just wanted to go home.
Kunimi finally solidified his resolve: "I'm going home; I don't want to be with Kageyama."
Kindaichi didn't force him either: "Alright, but Kageyama's changes are truly significant."
But to be honest, after playing half a set yesterday, he was actually a bit curious about what kind of sets the current Kageyama would give him.
Looking back, they really played a complete mess during their junior high school days..
As if sensing what Kindaichi was thinking, Kunimi frowned slightly.
To be honest, Kageyama used to lose his temper with him more often back in Kageyama Junior High; after all, Kindaichi was truly giving his all to chase down every single ball.
So it was probably because he saw that Kageyama had truly changed from the past that he felt even more unwilling to accept it.
His own words.. were alright.
Kindaichi recalled yesterday's match, pondering how he would play tonight.
Under Oikawa-senpai's leadership, they had even broken their record of never having made it to nationals during junior high, so even his resentment had largely vanished by this time.
Now, it's more of.. curiosity, I suppose.
By the way, when we played a practice match against Yatsu, didn't that setter-senpai suggest you try to figure out Hinata's movement logic?" Kindaichi continued trying to persuade Kunimi Akira. "Are you really not going to try it?
Kunimi retorted, "Are you sure he has logic?"
After saying that, he fell silent himself.
If it were Usui-senpai, he would probably be laughing and saying, "It's because it's illogical that I need you to judge it" by now.
—His heart is too black.
Kindaichi continued, "We don't have to play, we can just watch from the sidelines."
Just as Kunimi Akira was about to say something you'd think I'd believe, Kindaichi added another sentence: "We can also walk together."
Kunimi Akira was truly silent this time.
Aobajohsai is quite a distance from here, there are no buses at night. It would take them nearly an hour to walk, so it really isn't very convenient for one person.
"So why can't we stay in the dorms.." Kunimi Akira sighed.
You can, you can just submit an application to Coach Washijo.
A voice suddenly appeared in front of the two, blending into the conversation quite naturally.
Kunimi Akira's eyes darted down, meeting Hinata's eyes.
Even so, he couldn't maintain his composure at this moment: "Where.. where did you come from?!"
Hinata stood with his hands on his hips: "I just happened to be passing by."
He had just agreed with Coach Washijo that he would stop his basic physical training for these few days and instead focus on training his balance and explosive jumping power.
Since breakfast, he has completed today's training and can now participate in the training camp as usual.
Hinata waved at Kunimi Akira with eyes full of anticipation: "So.. do you need me to help find a coach? We can stay next door."
Kunimi Akira was shamefully tempted.
Not having to walk back and forth in pain—that is more tempting than anything.
Noticing Kunimi Akira's hesitation, Kindaichi decisively grabbed Hinata's hand: "Then I'll leave it to you, Hinata."
Having listened to the whole thing, Rishia Heisuke said nothing.
If you moved into the dormitory just because you didn't want to walk, then you've made the wrong choice.
Because once you move in, a terrifying orange creature will fill your rest time to the brim; you'll definitely end up playing volleyball until you collapse..
Morning basic skills training proceeded as usual, after the lunch break, the afternoon training also began as usual.
Just as Hinata expected, the third-year seniors from Shiratorizawa he was familiar with arrived at the gymnasium.
Tendo made a funny face at Hinata: "Hey! You little brat from Inarizaki! Just watch me shut you down this time!"
Bring it on, Tendo-senpai!" Hinata replied aggressively, then turned and grabbed Hyakuwa Takehiro by the arm. "Let's do it together.
Hyakuwa nodded. "Alright."
With the two-meter giant backing him up, Hinata looked at Tendo and Yamagata on the opposite side with full confidence.
This time.. even against Shiratorizawa's strongest defensive combination, he won't be afraid!
Coach Washijo gave a chuckle and sat down on a small stool by the sidelines.
And the court behind him featured Kageyama and Rishia facing off against Kunimi Akira and Ushijima.
Taking a glance back, Washijo simply waved his hand. "Aobajohsai and Inarizaki, switch places."
Kunimi's expression distorted instantly, but he still obediently swapped positions with Rishia Heisuke as Coach Washijo instructed.
Glancing up at Kunimi, Kageyama didn't say much either.
He seemed to have already found his rhythm; he could not indulge the Spiker too much, nor could he give him balls that were too far beyond his capabilities.
Within the opponent's range of ability.. to "coerce" them to the absolute limit.
Just like..
It was as if Hinata was forcing him to set.
Come to think of it, it seems Miya-senpai used to set like that too, having a very deep understanding of all his teammates.
But in that regard, it seems Oikawa-senpai is even more incredible.
What was it that Oikawa-senpai did?
It was.. communication?
Speaking of which, Hinata is also very skilled when it comes to interacting with people; he is basically already acquainted with everyone in this match.
I should turn back and ask if there are any insights..
On the other side, during the Junior National Team training camp, someone was having the same thoughts as Kageyama.
This Oikawa-senpai is unexpectedly formidable; it feels like he figured out everyone's habits in just a single day yesterday.
While waiting during the bye round, Hoshiumi turned his head and spoke softly to Komori, who was stepping off the court as the substitute Libero.
Komori nodded. "After all, they are someone who could lead their team to break through Shiratorizawa's blockade; they are indeed incredible."
He looked at Oikawa on the court, then looked at Miya Atsumu on the other side.
Hoshiumi suddenly beckoned to Komori, gesturing for him to lower his head.
Komori leaned over and whispered, "What is it?"
Hoshiumi asked in a low voice, "Do Oikawa-senpai and Miya Atsumu live together?"
Komori recalled what Miya Atsumu had said yesterday: "Yeah, it seems so. He wasn't here yesterday because he went back to pack his things."
"Then I'll pull Oikawa-senpai into this in a bit," Hoshiumi said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
This time, it was Komori's turn to be stunned: "What?"
Hoshiumi only replied with a single word, but the sinister smile on his face was impossible to hide.
Crowd.
Chapter 153: The One Hundred and Fifty-Third Fox
While waiting for the Shiratorizawa assistants to arrive at the various courts to serve as referees, Kageyama Tobio thought it over repeatedly before quietly approaching the other side, where Hinata and his teammates were playing.
Coach Washijo didn't say anything either, he just tacitly allowed Kageyama's behavior.
Seeing Kageyama approach for no apparent reason, Hinata, who had been discussing the strategy for this set with Hyakuwa Takehiro, felt a bit lost. "What's wrong?"
He pumped himself up: "I'm telling you, I've already teamed up with Hyakuwa, so you don't have a chance anymore!"
I want to.." Kageyama's words paused for a moment, sounding a bit hesitant and slightly, imperceptibly, shy, "ask something.
Hinata perked up his ears: "What?"
What kind of questions could the King have? He couldn't be here to ask him about Inarizaki's secrets on behalf of his junior high teammates, could he?
He would never say a word!
Kageyama stole a glance at Kunimi Akira, who was staring over here: "Is there any.. way to quickly bridge or ease the relationship?"
Hearing this question, Hinata's eyes widened slightly. "You.."
Repeating Kageyama's question in his mind once more, Hinata gave Kageyama a strange look. "It's not like your relationship with others is really bad, is it?"
Thinking about it now, the sentence he had heard repeated most frequently over the past two days seemed to be—not playing volleyball with Kageyama.
Kageyama's expression twisted instantly.
Sensing something was wrong, Hinata hurriedly recounted the "secret teachings" Iizuna-senpai had once imparted to him: "The simplest way to get closer to someone is to change how you address them—use their name or a nickname or something like that."
At this point, Hinata said in a tone mimicking Miya Atsumu, "For example.. little Tobio?"