He doesn't care much about team cohesion, focusing instead on the players' individual abilities.
Looking at the entire life of an elite athlete, one could say they are doing the right things at the right time, but.. that is indeed limited only to those who are exceptionally talented sprouts.
Shiratorizawa's selection method meant that they would inevitably filter out players who clearly had talent elsewhere but were not geniuses in the traditional sense, the gaps in the team's tactical cohesion meant that Shiratorizawa at this stage was destined to be unable to reach the absolute pinnacle.
But for Ushijima himself, the foundation Shiratorizawa laid for him and the resources they invested in him were enough to change his entire life.
Komori looked at Hinata in Miya Atsumu's arms: "By the way, Hinata, did you manage to pry any secrets out of Shiratorizawa when you went there?"
Upon hearing that, Hinata looked up and thought about it very seriously for a moment, before finally saying tentatively, "Sleeping early and waking up early, practicing the basics thoroughly, and.. eating a healthy diet?"
Sakusa, following behind, nodded upon hearing this, giving Hinata's conclusion a perfect score.
Komori laughed heartily. "Hahaha.. that makes total sense."
At this, Hinata raised his hand toward Sakusa. "I've been studying everything Kami-senpai gave me last time!"
I played the whole match this time! And I didn't even get a fever after the game!
He had asked about how to regulate match condition and stamina distribution before, following Sakusa's teachings, he carefully cherished his condition; he participated in all eight matches throughout the day.
As expected, Atsumu-ge was right; when it comes to this, Kami-senpai is an absolute master!
The corners of Sakusa's mouth curled slightly beneath his mask, his faint voice followed immediately: "Well done."
Inamura looked up in shock: "You taught him?!"
He had said that Hinata was lively on the court; he couldn't handle their opponents' Third Set at all, yet Hinata could still pull off a Quick Attack technical play..
In the end, a mole had appeared among their own people!
Komori scratched his head. "I wouldn't exactly say that was teaching something.."
Those things were actually no different from the Shiratorizawa secrets Hinata had just summarized; it was just that everyone's self-discipline varied, not everyone could excel at every single one of them.
But Inamura didn't care; after Iizuna left, he let himself go even further: "Traitor! Sakusa, you've lost your mind!"
Anyway, he had already been abandoned by everyone he loved, so what if he accused the Ace? He was the Captain!
Miya Osamu, who had just walked out while leaning against the wall, rolled his eyes grandly. "That's enough."
Inarizaki's runner-up finish was impressive in its own right; the school hung banners according to their usual tradition and distributed the prize money awarded to the national runners-up.
Miya Atsumu and Hinata, who had won national-level individual awards, also received extra prize money, the Volleyball Club's training has returned to its regular routine.
The only difference.. was probably that there were changes to their First String lineup.
The day after returning from Oita, Inarizaki held a retirement ceremony for Arima Shuji.
Even though Arima wanted to pass his number on to his successor, just like Nagumo did last year, Nishizawa Hokuto, a huge fan of Hinata, specifically requested number 17, so Arima's number could only be temporarily retired.
Even though he had retired, Arima Shuji hadn't completely left the Volleyball Club. With Ogata serving in the Second String leadership, Arima would often drop by the Second String side, occasionally returning to act as a practice partner for the First String members who lacked enough Liberos because Unabara Uta was recovering from an injury.
In the latter half of August, before the first round of the Haruko qualifiers began in various locations, the National Youth Team's training camp officially commenced.
When Miya Atsumu and Hinata arrived at Kobe Station, Suna, who had left school a step earlier, was already waiting for the two of them.
This time, their trip was not accompanied by the Coach, but Miya Atsumu had already visited the Volleyball Association more than once, so he had no problem showing the way.
Tugging on the backpack on his shoulder, Miya Atsumu was the first to step into the station. "Alright, let's go!"
On the streets of Tokyo, the boy held a map in his hands, searching for a bus stop, while another extremely tall person behind him said nothing, merely leaning forward to peek at the map in the other's hands.
After realizing he couldn't understand it either, he raised his hand to scratch his head, his expression confused and lost.
For the two who had grown up in the countryside and had never once left Sendai on their own, the complex transportation network of the bustling metropolis of Tokyo was truly enough to make their heads spin.
Right at that moment, a familiar voice rang out from behind the two of them.
“Eh?”
Hearing that voice, Bai Ze froze for a moment, then turned around with a look of pleasant surprise, looking toward the orange head peeking out from behind the station sign.
He walked over quickly. "Hinata, long time no see."
Bai Ze's steps were somewhat hurried, his voice filled with surprise and enthusiasm: "I watched your match, it was incredible. Congratulations on taking second place."
Hinata gave a thumbs-up. "Next time, I'll win the championship."
He sized up the other's even more obvious and taller physique, his eyes full of envy. "I was just wondering if I'd run into any acquaintances, but I didn't expect it to be Bai Ze!"
Watching Hinata, who had just been chatting with him, dash toward a large stranger with such familiarity, Miya Atsumu couldn't help but frown. "Who is this guy?"
While Hinata and Bai Ze were chatting animatedly, Kageyama stuffed the map into his bag and walked over as well. "Long time no see, Hinata."
Passing the road signs, he saw Miya Atsumu with a dark expression on his face, Suna holding his phone, seemingly busy with something.
Hello, Miya-senpai. Um.. hello, Suna-senpai.
Recalling Suna's surname, Kageyama greeted the two of them.
Miya Atsumu's naturally dark face grew even darker at this moment: "Hello."
And Hinata only just noticed Kageyama, who was being obscured by Bai Ze's massive frame.
His expression was one of slight shock, but ultimately, surprise took over: "Kageyama! Did you two come together!"
Kageyama nodded. "Yeah."
I got a little lost just now, but if you guys are here.. it should be this way?
Hinata was just about to speak when Miya Atsumu, on the other side, cut him off.
I'm under no obligation to give you directions.
It's not this way. Find another way yourself.
Hinata fell silent for two seconds.
Atsumu-ge, you're really childish.
Chapter 377: The Three Hundred and Seventy-Seventh Fox
Miya Atsumu crossed his arms over his chest, staring at Kageyama with a cold expression.
Meeting Miya Atsumu's gaze, Kageyama was a bit confused about what was happening. After blinking, he looked back at Hinata: "I watched the IH matches, there's something I want to ask you.."
He glanced back at the scowling Miya Atsumu, but ultimately, Hinata's desire to discuss volleyball overcame everything.
He took a step toward Kageyama, closing the distance between them: "What is it? Does Kageyama-kun have a question for the amazing Best Setter/Opposite?"
Hinata stood with his hands on his hips, chin slightly raised as he looked at Kageyama, looking as if he were waiting for Kageyama to ask his question.
Kageyama fell silent for two seconds, glanced again at Miya Atsumu, who was angry for some unknown reason, then spoke to Hinata: "I'm a bit curious about Inarizaki's approach to the back-row attack."
Oh, that," the Best Setter/Opposite Hinata said, stroking his chin in thought for a moment before speaking with absolute confidence, "Generally, it's Atsumu-ge's orchestration; I'm only responsible for the front row attack instructions when Atsumu-ge is in the back row.
A light chuckle drifted over, Kageyama looked up, finding it was Suna.
Miya Atsumu was still glaring at him.
Bai Ze raised a hand to scratch his head, but said nothing.
He hadn't learned anything about offensive coordination yet because he had started late, his training routine still consisted of things like basic skills.
Kageyama looked at Miya Atsumu and opened his mouth, appearing as if he wanted to ask Miya Atsumu for advice directly.
But before he could speak, the bus slowly pulled into the station.
Hinata rushed over and took a look at the bus number plate: "This is the one!"
Adjusting the straps of his backpack, Hinata bounced onto the bus and dropped in the change he had prepared long ago.
The Volleyball Association occupies a vast area and is not located in the most bustling part of Tokyo. At this time on a weekday, very few people travel in that direction, so there were only a few of them on the bus.
The registration time for the training camp was twelve noon today. They took the earliest Shinkansen, but since the first Shinkansen station was further south and there were no earlier trains, they arrived just in time for the registration.
That was precisely why Hinata and the others ended up running into the group from Miyagi, who were traveling from just as far away.
On the bus, Miya Atsumu sat in the outer row of the double seats, while Hinata sat in the inner row.
Although it wasn't Hinata's first time in Tokyo, it was still his first time coming to this area.
Past matches or training sessions were always too short, so they had only ever seen Tokyo Tower, but he had never been to this part of Tokyo.
Hinata leaned against the bus window, pointing at the scenery outside with some excitement, especially when the bus passed by an Olympics-themed park.
The Volleyball Association was reached soon, everyone got off the bus one after another.
Suna brought a camera from his sister and took quite a few photos along the way.
Kageyama, who was left out of the conversation by Miya Atsumu, couldn't talk to Suna, nor was he very close to Bai Ze, so he didn't say much throughout the journey.
Hinata turned his head to look at Kageyama several times, but after finding that he was only focused on the scenery outside the window, he withdrew his gaze.
Miya Atsumu tugged at him with some dissatisfaction, making him pull his gaze back.
Hinata looked at Miya Atsumu, then looked at Kageyama, not understanding where Miya Atsumu's intense hostility toward Kageyama came from.
Could it be.. that he's feeling threatened by a junior in the Setter position?
Miya Atsumu reached out and forced his face back into place. "I don't know what you're thinking, but you're not allowed to think it."
I always feel like Hinata is thinking about something naughty, or even something that would make him very annoyed.
Hinata gave a mischievous grin and said nothing more.
The bus stopped at a station near the Volleyball Association, everyone got off one by one.
From a distance, Hinata saw a very familiar figure at the entrance of the Volleyball Association.
Hinata practically dropped everyone behind him at once, running all the way to throw himself at the other.
Hikari-kun—
Miya Atsumu, following behind, curled his lip and walked over with a look of pure reluctance.
I thought they were supposed to be arch-rivals? Why do they still look so familiar with each other?
Hoshiumi stood with his hands on his hips, looking at the charging Hinata with a smile: "Long time no see."
Hinata patted his chest. "I don't know if I'll get the chance to play against Hikari-kun during this training camp, but I've carefully summarized the experience from our previous matches. I won't lose this time!"
Because he was so close, Komori, who had arrived on time while holding Sakusa's arm, poked his head out: "Hinata, Miya Atsumu, Suna, you guys are here?"