Because he knew that the reason Hinata gave was likely very different from the true motive hidden deep within his subconscious.
It wasn't because he regretted not being able to play against Nekoma, but rather.. he regretted that the final volleyball match of someone's life wouldn't be brought to a close by his own hands.
Miya Atsumu continued to briefly explain the situation in Kyoto to Hinata.
Unlike last year's three-way stalemate, after the starting setter graduated, Inubushi Higashi's team, built around the current Second Year Middle Blocker Kai, has not yet become fully perfected, causing them to briefly lose their ability to compete with Rakusan and Seito.
Seito's core remains the Libero Tachibana, but under the counter-pressure of Rakusan's increasingly powerful offense, Seito lost 3:1 to Rakusan, allowing Rakusan to secure a spot in the next round.
Hinata recalled the contents of the previous agreement: "This time, Haruka asked me and Hanae to go together; we're going to the station in Kyoto to meet him."
Upon hearing this, Miya Atsumu couldn't help but click his tongue.
As a player who had already been invited during the summer, there was no reason for him to be excluded from the winter training camp, given that his performance remained stable.
Whether as a player in his third year of high school or as a regular member of the National Team, Miya Atsumu had already lost the right to go to Tokyo with Hinata.
He knew that Hinata was strong, independent, had his own opinions, so no problems would arise because of his absence.
But..
He will feel lonely.
Seeing Miya Atsumu's slightly lonely profile, Hinata froze for a brief moment before hurriedly saying, "I'll remember to call you, Atsumu-ge!"
And who knows, there might be some problems I'll need you to answer then, so you'd better remember to pick up my calls, Atsumu-ge.
Miya Atsumu replied earnestly, "Of course. As long as you look for me, I'm always available."
Hinata spoke earnestly, just as he had when instructing Xiaoxia, "Atsumu-ge, don't argue with Kazuharu-senpai all the time, don't go around intimidating Heisuke and the others. Even when I'm not around, you still have to be a mature Captain!"
Miya Atsumu's mouth twitched. "I'm not a child anymore, I wouldn't bother arguing with Kazuharu."
Hinata stared at Miya Atsumu.
Atsumu shut his mouth, after a long silence, he waved a hand at Hinata. "Don't worry, I'm not the person I used to be."
Just as he said himself, a mature Captain would never stoop to the level of a player who is foolish and refuses to follow the Captain's decisions!
Hinata will take your word for it for now.
Although the scenes of the Miya Twins arguing were a must-see sight on the Inarizaki campus, from his personal perspective, he did not want to see the two of them get into a fight.
But even if they did fight, they still had the reliable Coach Kurosu!
As usual, a call from the National Team youth training camp arrived on a workday morning just before the end-of-term exams.
This time, Hinata was the only player from Inarizaki notified to participate.
Under Kumagai's hard work of persuading them to study, none of the regular members of the Inarizaki Volleyball Club failed their final exams, which almost moved Coach Omimi to tears.
Because he was truly reluctant to be separated from Hinata for such a long time, Miya Atsumu stayed at the Hinata family for several days after Inarizaki announced the break. He didn't leave until Hinata had gone.
To take the Shinkansen to Tokyo, one needs to go to a nearby large city; since Hinata and Hanae had agreed to travel together, Coach Kurosu drove Hinata to Kobe this time.
In addition to Hanae, Kanzaki was also invited by Municipal Kobe this time.
When he reunited with the two of them, Hinata received a resentful look from Hanae.
Under Coach Kurosu's gratified gaze, Hinata raised both hands high and rushed toward his friends from other schools.
Hanae! Long time no see!
What does fighting tooth and nail on the court have to do with being good friends once they leave the court!
Hanae tried his best to put his crushing defeat behind him, raising his hand to high-five Hinata. "Long time no see."
Besides Aoba Haruka, Kai was also selected from Kyoto, but since Kai had not contacted them before, he did not travel with them.
The familiar Tokyo Station, the familiar station exit.
This time, Hinata didn't get lost!
In the middle of the crowded plaza, Hinata stood with his hands on his hips, looking quite proud of himself.
Alright! Let's take the bus now!
He marched toward the bus stop with his backpack on his back, looking quite aggressive.
Hanae stood behind him with his arms crossed, while Aoba stood with one hand on his hip; neither of the two moved as they stared at him.
Kanzaki, visiting this place for the first time, raised his hand. "Wait, the navigation doesn't seem to say that?"
Aoba's mouth twitched. "Of course, because that's the opposite direction."
Hinata, who had just stepped backward, widened his eyes. "Eh? It's the opposite direction?"
Hanae sighed and walked to the very front, as if resigned to his fate: "Follow me."
He knew Hinata was completely unreliable!
After all, he had never seen this guy acting alone; every time they met, he was either accompanied by that demon from Inarizaki or that socially anxious guy.
Hinata scratched his head, decisively casting aside the fact that he had just taken the wrong path, ran cheering toward Hanae, who had already headed toward the correct location.
Aoba, who had fallen behind, turned to look at his new acquaintance: "Hanae and Hinata are unexpectedly familiar."
Kanzaki shook his head. "No, if you insist on saying it.. they should be the arch-rivals of our destiny!"
Even though we haven't won a single set against them.
Aoba gasped in shock at hearing this for the first time: "That's brutal!"
Even if it were Fukurodani playing against Itachiyama, they wouldn't go a whole match without winning!
Kanzaki Yoshimasa spoke with sharp words, unintentionally slandering Inarizaki: "You know, Inarizaki loves to bully Liberos; most of that is based on the experience Akari and Itachiyama-senpai gained."
Recalling her own Libero, who had almost cried while floor-cleaning, Aoba Haruka nodded seriously. "I understand. That is indeed a massive grudge."
The playstyles of Itachiyama and Karasuno are actually quite conventional; if one stays vigilant and finds a way to counter them, it is still possible to find a breakthrough.
But Inarizaki's overall style basically follows Miya Atsumu; his playing style and his personality are essentially the same.
—Once he bites onto an opponent's weakness, he will never let go.
Even Karasuno was taken down 3-1 under those circumstances, so it is completely understandable that Municipal Kobe was pressured to this extent by Inarizaki.
Kanzaki said aggrievedly, "I want to help Akari share the burden every time, but he looks down on me."
Aoba Haruka comforted him, saying, "It's fine, he also looked down on Hinata during previous training sessions."
Kanzaki expressed that he had been comforted.
He raised his arms and struck a pose to show off his muscles.
He said with some regret, "If only my power were a bit greater, I could break through Inarizaki's defense head-on, instead of being suppressed so uncomfortably."
“In your dreams, why can't I be a Fake Knight—"
Aoba chimed in, "I want to be a Fake Knight too."
He, Hinata, Kanzaki. The three of them are all aces who are not good at power-based play.
He himself is relatively well-balanced, with perhaps more flexible thinking, is relatively better at playing standard tactical balls and supporting defense.
Kanzaki's style leans more towards technical balls, using various spins and drops exceptionally well.
As for Hinata.. he is an oddity no matter where he is placed.
Because he is unlike spikers of average height like them, who focus their efforts on technical balls that can overcome a block.
Hinata's specialty happened to be the very domain that only tall players could master to the extreme—height and speed.
Yet, among tall Aces who possess advantages in height and speed, Hinata is an outlier who is willing to focus his attention on technical balls and receiving.
Watching Hinata tap his card to board the bus, Aoba Haruka's mouth twitched. "That guy looks like he's completely prepared to become an Omnipotent Hand.."
Of course, he himself had no intention of giving up.
He could ensure that his performance in technical balls was excellent enough, recently he had also begun to pursue an advantage in strength; given more time, he would certainly be able to gain even more control.
Aoba Haruka turned his head to ask Hinata, who was sitting one row behind him, "By the way, do you guys have any plans for further education?"
“Coach said Kyoto University wanted me, but I don't really want to go there.”
Hinata replied quickly, "Yeah, I've already signed a recommendation for Central Physical Education University."
Aoba Haruka's eyes widened. "You signed that quickly?!"
That's only Second Year High School!
Hinata took the opportunity to pitch Central Physical Education University: "Then, Haruka, would you be interested in coming? Komori-senpai has decided to go, Natsume-senpai and Bokuto-senpai are there now too."
I'll pass.." Aoba Haruka refused. "I'd rather go straight to the professional leagues, but looking at my current condition.. if I can't achieve great results by next year, I'm afraid I'll have to start from V2.
Kanzaki scratched his head.
To be honest, he felt that he would probably have to start at V2.
After all, it is very difficult to achieve significant results at Municipal Kobe, since he himself is not the type of player with exceptional height, he will inevitably need more time to build up his experience.
For him and Aoba Haruka, who need to quickly build up their market value, playing in the University League doesn't offer such a high return on investment.
Hinata and the others already possessed sufficiently strong personal achievements, so they could continue to devote themselves entirely to their studies without any reservations, having no need to consider their individual commercial value.
In other words, regarding the people Hinata just mentioned, they might be scouted before they even graduate from university.
No, professional teams are likely already making their moves.
Hanae crossed his arms over his chest and let out a cold huff.
Hinata looked at him: "What's wrong?"
Kanzaki pointed at Hanae. "I heard your Captain invited Akari to Central Physical Education University before, Akari also agreed."
As it turns out, Komori-senpai later said it was possible to go, so your Captain kicked Akari out.
Hinata, hearing about this for the first time, exclaimed in shock, "Atsumu-ge is that mean?!"
Hanae opened one eye and looked at Hinata by the window: "Then, are you going to consider compensating me?"
He didn't dare to cause trouble for Miya Atsumu, but he still dared to cause trouble for Miya Atsumu's boyfriend.
Hinata nodded repeatedly: "Sure, he definitely needs to make it up to me."
How could Atsumu-ge do such a thing as standing someone up! He was going to have a serious word with Atsumu about this as soon as he got back!
He patted his chest and gave Hanae his word: "As long as it's within my power, I can do it!"