He chose to play volleyball simply because Haruka likes it, because Haruka thought he was large-framed and would have a lot of talent for volleyball.
He was only one and a half years younger than Haruka.
As a child born from his mother's unexpected pregnancy, his poor health meant he occupied almost all of his parents' and Haruka's time until now.
Ever since he learned to walk, no matter where they were, he was Haruka Arai's little shadow.
And Haruka takes him wherever she goes; while their mother and the others were busy with work, Haruka was always the one looking after him, it remains the same even now.
If it weren't for him, Haruka could have spent more time on the volleyball he loves, rather than rushing around to handle his school enrollment during the most difficult time after being eliminated from Haruko.
He said he wouldn't go anywhere and that he wanted to follow Haruka, so he came to Rakusan.
Regarding Haruka.. he actually owes her.
So, as long as it was something Haruka wanted him to do, he would do it.
Including playing volleyball.
Aoba Kureha stared at Hinata, who had retreated several steps back into his field of vision, did not move.
This level of intensity doesn't require him to move directly; his legs are longer, so he can cover the distance of Hinata's three steps in just two.
Inarizaki's current positioning has been disrupted by them, given the current state of the front row spikers, Miya Atsumu's set will likely fly toward this side.
Considering Hinata's technical skill level, he certainly wouldn't be able to block it alone; he would have to call for the others to join him.
“Over here!”
Hearing his voice, Aoba Haruka and Iori Miwa, who were already moving toward this side, rushed over instantly, the three of them lowering their centers of gravity as they prepared to lunge toward Hinata's position.
But at the exact moment Miya Atsumu sent the ball out in a back flight from the Kita Team's court, Hinata suddenly took two steps toward the Position 2 marker and leaped up on one foot.
His movements were incredibly fast; the explosive power from those two steps allowed Aoba Kureha to clearly see the taut outline of Hinata's ankles.
The ball reached the edge of Position 2 in an instant. Aoba Kureha gritted his teeth and lunged with one hand, but Hinata still managed to seize the space between the block and the marker. A powerful line spike slammed into the ground, letting out a sharp crack.
Having dove into empty air, Aoba Kureha landed on the ground, her expression blank for a moment.
Hinata met Aoba Haruka's gaze, his eyes burning with fighting spirit: "I hit it back."
He couldn't replicate Aoba Haruka's spike just now, but Aoba Haruka wouldn't be able to replicate his spike either; he would definitely score more points than his opponent!
Aoba Haruka clicked his tongue lightly, showing no sign of backing down. "I won't let you through so easily next time. Again!"
Hinata also held up a finger: "Again!"
Watching Hinata turn to high-five Miya Atsumu and the others, Kureha remained silent, slowly clenching his fists.
Haruka Arai envied Hinata; he knew it very well.
Even though Hinata is short and has an even smaller frame than Haruka, he possesses certain unique talents that others simply cannot replicate.
In the field of Quick Attack, perhaps no second person could ever surpass Hinata.
Haruka Arai is different; he doesn't have a long Achilles tendon, extraordinary physical stamina, an incredibly sharp mind, or even such outstanding jumping ability.
With a height that was neither too tall nor too short, lacking both flexibility and sturdiness, all he could do was study various technical balls and tricky playstyles.
Perhaps Haruka's current achievements are quite high, but this gap in technique can be closed bit by bit over time.
Haruka is visibly being chased and surpassed by Hinata.
Although Haruka seemed quite happy, he just couldn't bring himself to like Hinata.
But he couldn't bring himself to hate him, because.. he actually had no reason to hate him.
Haruka is working very hard, he knows.
Hinata works very hard too, he knows it.
Because Haruka had told him more than once that during the previous Youth Team training camp, Hinata had been doing extra training every single day.
“What are you thinking about? You look like you're about to cry.”
A familiar voice drifted from beside him, Aoba Kureha lowered his head, meeting Haruka's eyes, which were filled with a hint of worry.
Looking at Aoba Haruka's bangs, which were already soaked with sweat, Aoba Kureha said very seriously, "I'm worried about you."
"What is there for me to worry about.." Haruka's voice faltered for a moment, because he probably understood what Kureha meant.
He laughed out of sheer frustration. "Instead of worrying about me, you'd be better off thinking about how to improve your own block success rate. Your current success rate is a disgrace to someone of your size."
Glancing at the scoreboard out of the corner of his eye, seeing a six-point gap, Kureha felt very dejected. "I'm sorry."
If only..
If only Haruka had his height..
In the next second, he felt someone kick him in the back.
Aoba Haruka frowned. "What kind of expression is that? Are you looking down on me?"
He met Kureha's gaze, his eyes gentle yet firm: "Don't think too much; I won't lose."
—Whether it's now or in the future.
Kureha lowered his head and did not respond.
Aoba Haruka had originally wanted to say something encouraging to his younger brother, but seeing him in this state, he ultimately said nothing.
He knew Kureha didn't have that much interest in volleyball, but he also didn't know what Kureha actually liked; it seemed the other only had an obsession with simply following him.
That was why, when he was helping Kureha choose a high school, he asked about the situation at Inubushi Higashi and Seito, wanting to ensure Kureha wouldn't be so tied to him.
Unfortunately, in the end, he still couldn't win against his younger brother, they were still together, just as they had been in Junior High.
Since he had already made such a choice, he would take good care of Kureha.
Whether the other person loves volleyball a little more in the future, or falls in love with something else, he will respect their choice.
But at least for now, Kureha is still with him, so he has the right to encourage him to work harder at volleyball.
Giving up halfway is not a good habit.
After all.. he is an older brother.
Haruka Arai looked up at Kureha and said, "Be more decisive and bold when you spike. If you only aim for safe plays like a Sharp Cross, the Coach will have your head."
Kureha nodded. "I will."
Seeing the atmosphere ease slightly, Hinata, who had been eavesdropping, gasped and whispered to Rishia, "A pillar of shame.. so scary."
Aoba Haruka was momentarily speechless, then turned to launch a verbal attack on Hinata: "You've already been branded, so stop struggling."
Hinata's eyes widened. "Eh? Why would you Rakusan people go and do that to me!"
Haruka laughed loudly, turning her head to confirm Miya Atsumu was speaking with Unabara Uta in the back row before adding, "The legend of your serves has already been etched onto the Hall of Shame of high school volleyball. Stop struggling, Hinata."
Hinata's expression went blank, then he covered his face and crouched down, crying, "Aaaah—can we please not talk about that anymore!"
Please, don't ever mention something like that again!
Kureha also silently gave Hinata a thumbs-up: "I've seen it, it's very impressive."
Haruka said with a squinting smile, "Once we become famous in the world, I'll help promote you."
Hinata's face was written with despair: "Can't you promote a more brilliant and heroic image of me!"
Aoba Haruka looked Hinata up and down, shaking his head silently. "You still have a long way to go."
Hinata felt a slight pain in his knees.
At the very least, I should be as brilliant and mighty as you.
A voice came from behind Hinata, making Aoba Haruka silently take two steps back.
Suna looked Miya Atsumu up and down and gave a soft click of his tongue.
The smile on Miya Atsumu's face could no longer be maintained.
Chapter 441: The Four Hundred and Forty-First Fox
Hinata raised his hand and wiped the sweat from his chin with the back of his hand.
As expected, playing steadily to widen the gap didn't suit him at all; this feeling of a swift and decisive victory was his true comfort zone.
If one had to say, perhaps this is the domain that belongs to him at this very moment!
Aoba Kureha slowly averted his gaze, refusing to meet Hinata's eyes.
That gaze was too intense, even.. somewhat blinding.
Don't panic, don't waver.
The match isn't over yet; they must fight until the very last second.
Suna, who was on the opposing side and had just gained the Service Right, walked to his approach position and let out a soft breath.
To be honest, his match today was relatively easy, he didn't feel that much pressure.
Of course, there is a price to pay for these.
As for tomorrow's match.. Miya Atsumu didn't plan on making it easy for him.
He protested, but to no avail.
The whistle for the serve sounded, Suna did not hesitate for long; once he ensured he was in proper form, he immediately raised his hand to toss the ball.
Uehara Tsuyoshi's reaction speed was very fast, but his body, which could no longer keep up with the pace of the match, failed to respond immediately.
When he lunged forward, his backward step failed to provide enough support, with insufficient momentum, he fell straight to the ground.
Fortunately, Miyazaki rushed over from the other side in time, barely managing to set the ball.
Yumi Matsuo quickly moved up to follow the pass: "Beautiful! Haruka!"
Watching the ball fly over steadily, Aoba Haruka also quickly followed up with a spike.
The first receive on this ball wasn't good enough, so Yumi Matsuo didn't have much room to adjust the set, leading him to choose a low-angle line shot, which was more his specialty.
Similarly, this was also a ball that Aoba Haruka excelled at.
Suna and Miya Osamu had both rotated to the back row. Although Tokura's blocking skills were decent, he was ultimately lacking in experience compared to the Third Year seniors.