Miya Atsumu made a simple deduction: "It's most likely that he'll wait until Nishinoya graduates before officially becoming the Libero. Their overall defensive strength has dropped quite a bit lately, they lack an Ace who can adapt to teammates' mistakes like Kiryu-senpai. Not to mention the Setter.."
Atsumu went silent, but Hinata understood what he meant.
Indeed, previously Shirabu's first receive was terrible and his setting was also terrible; the only reason they could organize such terrifying attacks time and again was thanks to Kiryu-senpai's amazing adaptability.
But now, without Kiryu-senpai's indulgence, with the Setter unable to improve in a short period of time, Shirabu will inevitably have to focus his efforts on the First Receive.
This must be what Atsumu-senpai has been telling him lately—the significance of personnel rotation and playing to one's strengths while compensating for weaknesses.
Miya Atsumu closed his folder. "I guess we won't know the rest until the day the match starts. For now, let's just prepare by using the same methods we used against Shirabu."
Hinata nodded. "Understood."
The practice match between Inarizaki and Shirabu was scheduled at Amagasaki City. Although Kusubashi wanted to play against Inarizaki, both of Inarizaki's volleyball halls were quite large and not suitable for matches, especially since professional players would be coming to watch.
Even though these two professional players were from his own team, the Coach still adhered to the principle of providing the best treatment and arranged for a gym with spectator seating.
Standing at the entrance of Amagasaki City, Miya Atsumu looked expressionlessly at Kiryu Aran and.. who had arrived together.
——Oikawa Tooru.
Miya Atsumu's temple throbbed, he wore a forced smile. "Why are there extra people?"
Oikawa Tooru turned his head, covering his ears with his hands as he said, "It sounds like someone is talking; it's so noisy."
Looking at this unexpected combination, Hinata cheered, "Oikawa-san!"
He had thought Oikawa-senpai was planning to go abroad directly, but it made sense; Coach Utsunomiya was currently pushing him to learn Portuguese, so Oikawa-senpai would likely have to pass a Spanish exam as well.
To improve at volleyball and sign a short-term contract with a club at the same time is quite normal.
That's right, I think I saw Oikawa-senpai and a foreign coach coming to find Aran-senpai together during the Haruko..
Oikawa Tooru raised his hand and waved at Hinata: "Long time no see, Shoyo-kun."
The next second, Miya Atsumu took a step forward, stepping between Oikawa Tooru and Hinata: "Oikawa-senpai, visiting so suddenly without even greeting me, your Captain, is a bit much, don't you think?"
Hinata leaned his head to the left.
Miya Atsumu took a step to the left.
So Hinata leaned to the right.
But Miya Atsumu quickly followed by taking a step to the right.
Miya Atsumu reached out and pressed down on Hinata, who was preparing to protest, while his eyes remained fixed intensely on Oikawa Tooru on the opposite side.
He said softly, "Be good, go play with Aran first; I have something to discuss with Oikawa-senpai."
Hinata stared at the back of Miya Atsumu's head for a while, decisively casting the current situation aside, before finally dragging someone over from the very back.
By the way, Aran-senpai!
The person, who was nearly a head taller than Hinata, was led by Hinata to stand before Aran. Hinata puffed out his chest and introduced him to Aran: "This is my junior! Haseda Katsuya! He's going to become an amazing Ace just like you, Aran-senpai!"
Haseda Katsuya looked up at Owari Aran on the steps.
He indeed had no impression of Aran's name, but seeing this face at this very moment, he suddenly remembered who the other person actually was.
In those Hinata Shoyo highlight reels that he had watched countless times, this dark figure had also appeared countless times.
First receive, spiking, digging, cover, support—this Ace wearing number 4 could do almost all of them, he did them exceptionally well.
He is.. the former Ace of Inarizaki.
While he was dazed, Hinata had already pulled the other two over: "This is Fukami, this is Reo Mizuta."
Seeing Hinata standing there with his chest puffed out and a proud look on his face, Aran couldn't help but smile.
Then he turned serious and said to the three first-years, "Hello, I am Owari Aran, a graduate of Inarizaki, currently playing for the Tachibana Red Falcons in the V1 League."
Fukami was full of surprise: "V1—that's amazing!"
After introducing all the juniors to Aran, Hinata turned his head to glance at Miya Atsumu and Oikawa Tooru, who were still glaring at each other for some reason.
Ignoring the two, Hinata rushed toward Kiryu Ya, who was still waiting for Shirabu and the others: "Kiryu-senpai! Long time no see!"
Kiryu Ya gave him a high five and called his name: "Long time no see, Shoyo."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly.
But before he could say anything, Kiryu turned and said, "I originally wanted to ask our team's Setter to come along, but as soon as he heard it was a match against Inarizaki, he refused to come no matter what.."
Oikawa Tooru leaned in and said, glancing sideways at Miya Atsumu with an expression full of anticipation, "After all, it's been a long-standing grudge."
Miya Atsumu froze for a moment. "Grudges?"
Wait, it seems like Inarizaki has offended quite a few people and teams. Which setter ran off to the Azure Rockets?
Seeing what was going through Miya Atsumu's blank expression, Oikawa Tooru's face was full of mockery: "Tsk, tsk, tsk."
This guy isn't even worth a single hair of his; at least he gets along well with most teams, it's just that things are a bit strained with certain specific people.
However, the good news was.. those who held grudges against him had either gone off to university or had not yet graduated, so he found the current V1 League very easy on the eyes.
Facing Oikawa Tooru's face, Miya Atsumu stared back immediately.
So what if his popularity isn't good? He doesn't need it!
Besides, he has Shoyo! It's fine if Shoyo is popular!
Aran said expressionlessly, "These two are truly beyond help; every time I see them, they're engaged in intrigue and subtle power struggles like celebrities walking a red carpet."
At this point, he raised his hand and covered his eyes: "And.. Atsumu-senpai, why are you wearing a jacket like Shinsuke? It's so out of place!"
Rishia Heisuke raised a hand and pressed it against his chest, suddenly feeling a sense of refreshment in both body and mind.
That's the feeling!
Can Aran-senpai re-enroll! He really doesn't dare to criticize senpai!
Miya Atsumu immediately retorted, "Aran, your opinion doesn't count. Shoyo said I'm super cool."
Aran asserted, "This guy has lost his mind."
Is he actually worried about whether he looks cool right now?!
In front of Oikawa Tooru, Miya Atsumu pulled Hinata into his arms and dragged him inside, saying, "Come on, Shoyo, let's ignore this rude, uninvited fellow."
This Volleyball Hall does not welcome graduates from other schools! Who knows if they're here to spy!
Oikawa Tooru grabbed Hinata's other arm in one motion. "Shoyo-kun! Hoshiumi told me a huge secret just now! Don't go with him!"
That damn Miya Atsumu! Getting all handsy with me! Shoyo-kun, come back to your senses right now!
Hinata was being pulled from both sides, feeling a bit dizzy: "Um, Atsumu-senpai, Oikawa-senpai.."
Let me go first—
In the bushes not far away, a tuft of white hair poked out from within.
Looking at the person fully armed and peeking at the entrance of the Volleyball Hall, Nagumo Kanata spoke with a hint of helplessness, "Kiryu invited you, didn't he? We can go in and watch openly."
Shut up.
The person in front tightened the mask and sunglasses on their face, then pulled up the hood of their sweatshirt to cover themselves.
I just happened to run into you in Osaka for your weekend research trip right after my practice match ended, happened to hear about the practice match between Inarizaki and Shirabu from Aba, happened to accidentally let this slip to you.
You said you really wanted to come see it, since I happened to have some time, I reluctantly accompanied you here.
Nagumo raised his hands in surrender. "Yes, yes, yes, I'm the one who wanted to come see them."
I wanted to see how the juniors are doing; you're just here to accompany me.
So, are we going in through the main entrance now? After all, I'm an Inarizaki graduate; the Coach won't kick me out.
On the stone-paved path leading to the main entrance of Amagasaki City, Honda, wearing an orange and blue tracksuit, scratched his head while looking at the chaotic scene: "What is everyone doing.."
The shorter one wagged his finger and walked toward the front. "Now is the chance to demonstrate the conduct of a reliable, powerhouse school."
Just as Usui Mitsuru was about to lead the way toward the Volleyball Hall, a voice carrying a hint of disdain drifted from behind him.
Vice-Captain, your shoelaces are untied.
Chapter 272: The Two Hundred and Seventy-Second Fox
Usui Mitsuru remained silent for two seconds, quietly crouched down to tie his shoelaces, then, ignoring the person calling out behind him, charged directly toward the entrance of the Volleyball Hall.
Aba-senpai!!
Honda also quickened his pace, walking toward where Kiryu Ya was located, with a look of joy on his face that he simply could not hide.
The person with flowing red hair reached out and patted the shoulder of the person with middle-parted hair, following the seniors forward.
Michiko, who was trailing behind, walked up to his side. "This should be your first time seeing Aba, right?"
Shirabu, a freshman in this generation, nodded. "Yeah, I've only seen him on video before."
Watching Kiryu Ya smile and greet every junior, even reaching out to pat Usui Mitsuru on the head, Tomomichi Chita raised a hand to stroke his own chin.
He looks even more kind and approachable than he does in the videos..
Shirabu and the people from Inarizaki entered the Volleyball Hall one after another, even Oikawa Tooru, who had been brought along by Aran, successfully entered the second-floor stands.
Nagumo Kanata, crouching behind the bushes like a thief, let out a deep sigh. "I'm serious, Souya, I'll tell everyone it was my fault for dragging you here."
Wakamura Souya turned his head to glance at him, the two of them stared at each other, falling into silence for a moment.
In the end, he reluctantly agreed, "Fine, since you've invited me so enthusiastically, I suppose I can keep you company."
Nagumo stood up, stretching his legs, which had gone a bit numb from squatting: "That's great, then."
Watching him stretch his joints like an old man, Wakamura's face showed a hint of disdain: "How long has it been since you last exercised? Your physical condition has declined significantly."
Nagumo recalled, "I haven't exercised since the National Sports Festival ended; I really should go to the gym to work out."
Although his studies are busy and he probably wouldn't have time for the Todai volleyball team, he really should give serious thought to his physical fitness.
During the previous exam preparation period, he only slept three or four hours a day, his overall energy and spirit had significantly declined.
Watching Nagumo, who was swaying slightly because his legs were numb from squatting, Wakamura reached out and grabbed him. "Alright, let me help you walk."
Most people just get fat as they age, but you're starting to gain weight while you're still so young. You'll lose those abs you worked so hard to build up, won't you?