The Conniving Crow

Chapter 136: Spring Tournament Starting Soon

Karasuno and Date Tech engaged in a spirited exchange of volleyball prowess, delving deep into their practice matches that stretched across the gymnasium. The court echoed with the rhythmic thuds of spikes and the resounding slaps of receives as the teams fiercely contested eight sets. A competitive dance unfolded, each team securing victory four times in this prolonged bout of training and skill honing.

As the rally of serves and blocks reached its zenith, the gymnasium seemed to hold its collective breath. Tension hung in the air, and the players, with sweat-soaked jerseys and determined expressions, poured their energy into every play. The echoes of encouragement and strategy discussions reverberated, creating an electric atmosphere that encapsulated the essence of their relentless pursuit of improvement.

Yet, even in the midst of the heated exchange, a subtle acknowledgment lingered—both teams recognized the inevitable conclusion drawing near. The time to end this intense practice session finally arrived, bringing with it a mixture of relief and anticipation for the challenges that awaited them in the imminent tournaments.

With the resonant echoes of the final whistle still hanging in the air, the gymnasium transformed into a bustling hive of conversations. Koganegawa, fueled by newfound determination, trailed Kageyama, the two setters immersed in an animated dialogue about the nuances of finger training. Koganegawa's inquiry about how Kageyama kept his fingers pain-free during rigorous practices opened a gateway to a wealth of insights into the meticulous routines of the Karasuno setter.

As the discussion unfolded, the air buzzed with shared experiences and tips on finger training. Koganegawa, eager to emulate Kageyama's dedication, absorbed the advice like a sponge, pledging to incorporate these newfound techniques into his daily regimen. Their exchange became a bridge, connecting the two teams through a shared pursuit of excellence and self-improvement.

However, in the midst of this camaraderie, Futakuchi couldn't resist injecting a sharp edge into the conversation. A sly smirk adorned his face as he scoffed, "You, Koganegawa, keeping up with that for more than three days? I'd believe it when I see it."

Koganegawa's expression flickered with a mix of determination and offense, prompting a timely intervention from the ever-watchful (y/n). Stepping forward, she diplomatically interjected, "A captain's role is to uplift the team, not undermine their efforts. If Koganegawa is willing to commit to the training, then that deserves encouragement, not skepticism."

Futakuchi's retort hung in the air, sparking a verbal joust between him and (y/n). The gymnasium became an arena of words, a reflection of the fiery spirit that fueled the competitive world of high school volleyball. Each argumentative volley only intensified the resolve of those involved.

Amidst the verbal skirmish, Aone emerged as the voice of reason. The towering Date Tech player, displaying a rare moment of assertiveness, approached Futakuchi and deftly pulled him away from the confrontation. Before retreating, Aone offered a respectful bow to (y/n), a silent acknowledgment of her role in quelling the brewing storm.

As the dust settled and the two teams bid their farewells, the Karasuno players found themselves filled with an unquenchable thirst for improvement. Some of them, driven by an insatiable desire to push their limits, proposed the idea of additional practice. Conversations sparked among teammates, ranging from discussing new techniques to reminiscing about standout moments in the day's matches.

As the gymnasium buzzed with the fervor of determined athletes, the afterglow of the practice matches lingered like a comforting warmth. Kinoshita, his eyes gleaming with purpose, and Nishinoya, the libero with an unyielding passion for defense, decided to seize the opportunity for extra practice. A silent agreement passed between them, and they paired up, each honing their skills in preparation for the looming challenges of the nationals.

Kinoshita's jump floaters sliced through the air, leaving a trail of unpredictable movement. He focused on perfecting the finesse of his serves, aiming for precision that would confound even the most adept receivers. Nishinoya, standing resolute, eagerly embraced the challenge. With each powerful serve, his quick reflexes and unwavering concentration translated into seamless overhead receives.

Meanwhile, a bit removed from the duo's intense training session, the Karasuno players engaged in animated discussions about the day's events. The atmosphere was charged with the camaraderie that had become the hallmark of their tight-knit team. Tendou teased Yamaguchi about his evolving jump float serve, and Tanaka enthusiastically recounted a powerful spike that had left even Date Tech's blockers in awe.

Amidst the lively banter, the absence of (y/n) did not go unnoticed. The question of her departure lingered, prompting curious glances and speculative murmurs among the players. Tsukishima, ever observant, raised an inquisitive eyebrow, prompting Tanaka to voice the unspoken query.

"Hey, where did (y/n)-san go?" he asked, glancing around as if expecting her to reappear at any moment.

Daichi, the reliable captain, offered a shrug, "She left with the coach a little earlier. Didn't mention why, though."

The curiosity in the air intensified, but the team, respecting each other's privacy, refrained from prying further. Instead, they redirected their focus to the ongoing practice, fueled by the shared goal of refining their skills for the impending tournament.

As Kinoshita's jump floaters and Nishinoya's receives reverberated through the gym, the practice took on a rhythm of its own.

As (y/n) and her brother navigated the familiar streets, a subtle tension lingered in the air, hinting at the unspoken secret that bound them. The decision to leave the gym early carried a mysterious weight, a shared understanding between siblings that transcended words. Yet, the promise of revelation hung in the air like a suspended breath, waiting to be exhaled in due time.

The streets, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, painted a serene backdrop to the unfolding conversation. (Y/n)'s footsteps fell in rhythm with Keishin's, and beside them, Kenta, the loyal canine companion, added a touch of whimsy to the quiet ambiance. He hopped alongside them, occasionally halting to investigate an enticing scent, a playful reminder of the simplicity and joy that could be found in the midst of their shared journey.

A comfortable silence enveloped the siblings, a silence born not of awkwardness but of mutual understanding. They exchanged knowing glances, acknowledging the gravity of the impending discussion. As they approached the threshold of their home, Keishin broke the silence, his voice carrying a mixture of seriousness and anticipation.

"You ready for this, Jinx?" he asked, his eyes reflecting the determination that mirrored the challenges awaiting Karasuno in the upcoming nationals.

She nodded, her gaze meeting his. "Let's get to work. Tsubakihara Academy won't know what hit them."

With a shared sense of purpose, they entered their home, the living room bathed in the soft glow of lamplight. Kenta settled beside them, seemingly attuned to the gravity of the moment. Keishin retrieved a small box, carefully opening it to reveal the game tape from Tsubakihara Academy—the first formidable opponent Karasuno would face in the national tournament.

As the images flickered to life on the screen, the siblings delved into the intricacies of Tsubakihara's gameplay. The living room transformed into a makeshift war room, strategic discussions unfolding between Keishin and (y/n). They dissected plays, identified key players, and analyzed patterns, forging a blueprint that would guide Karasuno through the upcoming battles.

The air hummed with focus and determination, a shared commitment to the team's success. Through the discussion, (y/n) and Keishin's bond as siblings and strategists strengthened, laying the foundation for the challenges and victories that awaited Karasuno on their journey through the national stage. And as the night unfolded, the game tape became more than just footage—it became a vessel for dreams, aspirations, and the unspoken language of a team bound by a common goal.