A/N: Hello, readers! Another chapter is here! Enjoy!

edited on august 4th, 2021 @ 7:09am

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CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR - MOONRISE

TADAHIRO YAWNED AS HIS BACK was against the bus that was parked in front of the school. He had to wake up early in order to arrive at school since they were leaving to Tokyo again. "Oh, man! Oh, man! Taking off in the middle of the night is pretty exciting!" Hinata exclaimed.

"Oh, right! You guys were late last time." Tanaka commented as Tadahiro watched Tsukishima walk over.

"Being an idiot must be nice. You can fall asleep anywhere." Tsukishima stated.

"What was that?" Hinata and Tanaka growled.

"It's way too early in the morning to deal with you guys..." Tadahiro sighed.

"Well, we're scheduled to arrive early in the morning once again. Ukai and I will take turns driving." Takeda announced once everyone was gathered. Ukai yawned.

"Sorry I nod off." Ukai said.

"Counting on you, sir!" Daichi spoke up, bowing.

"Sir!" Everyone exclaimed. Tsukishima and Tadahiro were the only ones who didn't bow or yell. Mostly because Tadahiro didn't have the energy to do it.

"All right, Ryu!"

"All right, we're heading out."

"Let's show 'em what we're made of!"

"Heck yeah, Noya!"

"Just shut up and get on."

"Let's do this."

Tadahiro was the first to climb on the bus as he sat down near the back. Just as he was about to close his eyes, his phone buzzed, making him sigh and take it out of his pocket.

"Messages from Ken-chan and Tetsu..." Tadahiro thought. He replied to them both before shutting off his phone and closing his eyes.

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When Tadahiro had gotten off the bus, he was met with a bright light, making him wince and hide behind the nearest person. "Didn't know you were a vampire, Hiro." Tadahiro heard Daichi laugh.

"The sun is blinding me... Dai-chan, why do you have to be so short? The sun is still in my face." 

"I'm only 176 cm, Hiro."

"Yeah, you're short."

"To you, maybe! Stupid tall ass giant..."

"You love me, Dai-chan!"

Daichi huffed as Kuroo walked over to talk with him. Tadahiro took that as a sign to leave. He grabbed his things and walked over to Yaku.

"Yo." Tadahiro greeted, yawning as he did so.

Yaku chuckled. "Did you get enough sleep, Kagami?" He questioned.

"I slept on the bus on the way here, don't worry about me, Yaku-chan." Tadahiro answered.

"Hey, hey! Where's the Skytree?" Tadahiro heard Hinata ask Kenma.

"Huh? The Skytree?" Kenma questioned in confusion.

Tadahiro watched as Hinata pointed to the transmission tower. "Oh! Is that the Tokyo Tower?" He asked in excitement as the red head snickered.

"Huh? That's just a transmission tower." Kenma replied as Tadahiro chuckled to himself. Everyone started walking as Kuroo stood in the middle of Daichi and Tadahiro with Kai on Tadahiro's other side.

"What the hell? Are there no transmission towers in Miyagi? Pretty sure I've heard that conversation before." Kuroo said with a sly look.

"To us country folk, all steel towers in Tokyo look like the Tokyo Tower!" Daichi stated.

"That's a bit unreasonable. Also, we're in Saitama." Sugawara said in an exhausted tone. They continued walking as Tadahiro stopped next to Kenma.

"Hey, Ken-chan." Tadahiro greeted, tiredness still laced in his voice.

"Hey." Kenma greeted back. Before the two could catch up, Hinata came over.

"We're going to be playing in a different high school than last time." Hinata noted as Kenma nodded in reply.

"Apparently, all the summer training camps are held in Shinzen. It's nice and cool here." Kenma informed as Tadahiro jumped when he suddenly slapped his arm. "Though, there are tons of bugs."

Tadahiro sighed. "Perfect. I hate bugs. Especially spiders." He shivered at the thought.

"Hinata! Kagami-san!"

Tadahiro raised an eyebrow at the sound of his name being called. Lev was running towards them. "Have you grown any taller?" Lev bluntly asked Hinata.

"Lev, shut up." Kenma sighed at him in annoyance. Lev stopped once he faced them.

"How rude for that to be the first thing you say. Like anyone grows taller in just two weeks!" Hinata hissed as Lev just smirked.

"I grew two milimetres." He stated, making Hinata jump back in shock. Tadahiro and Kenma just left them.

"Anything interesting happen lately?" Tadahiro questioned.

"Oh. I have more videos of Kuro being dumb. I didn't bother sending them because I knew you'd be here. If you want, I can show you them after practice." Kenma replied.

Tadahiro laughed. "I'd love to see them!" He commented.

"I'm so grateful to be alive right now. To hear Hiro laugh. I should just force him to come back to Nekoma." Tadahiro heard Kuroo from behind him.

"Not a chance!"

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When Tadahiro entered the gymnasium, he was greeted by a loud but familiar yell.

"Kagami!"

Tadahiro jumped when he saw Bokuto waving him over with Akaashi trying to calm him down. Tadahiro shook his head and jogged over to the two, leaving his teammates confused. "Boku-chan, Kaashi-chan, it's been a while." Tadahiro said.

"It has, Kagami-san." Akaashi agreed.

Bokuto then frowned. "I'm sorry about the problem with Kuroo." He apologized.

"Boku-chan, it's fine. It's like I told Ken-chan, I don't blame the parties involved. The past is the past for a reason." Tadahiro reassured him. "Plus, I have Dai-chan now."

"Oh, that's right. You're dating your captain." Bokuto said. "I still think you should've come and joined our team. Your insane jumping ability would've been useful for us."

Tadahiro laughed. "Says the one who's in the top five aces in the nation." He commented.

"Bokuto-san, we should let Kagami-san go join his team so we can play volleyball." Akaashi informed as Bokuto blinked and nodded.

"You're right!" Bokuto gasped out.

Tadahiro headed back to his team. "You know them?" Sugawara asked.

"Hmm? Yeah. I know Boku-chan back when I was with Nekoma. I met Kaashi-chan through him." Tadahiro responded.

"Great, another team we have to worry about stealing you..." Daichi mumbled as Tadahiro just blinked in confusion.

Soon enough, everyone put on their practice jerseys with their numbers on it and gathered around Ukai. "All right, we're gonna swap out members constantly this time around, so be prepared." Ukai informed as everyone was in the gym wearing their gym clothes with their yellow jerseys over their white shirts.

"Right!"

TWEEET!

"Our goal is zero penalties!" Bokuto exclaimed as everyone got onto the court. Fukurōdani was serving first. The ball went towards them as Tadahiro saw it going towards Nishinoya. "Noya-chan!" He shouted as Nishinoya nodded and saved the ball in time.

"Yeah!" Nishinoya cheered.

"Nice receive!" Daichi praised as Kageyama rushed to his position to set the ball to Hinata.

Tadahiro looked as Hinata charged forward to do the quick attack, it made Tadahiro anxious. "That weird fast attack is coming!" Bokuto announced as another member got ready to lock.

However, when Kageyama had set it as Hinata had jumped, making Tadahiro's eyes widen. Hinata landed on his feet as the ball fell to the ground. It made everyone stare at Kageyama in shock and some in confusion.

"What the heck? Kageyama, that wasn't like you." Tanaka chuckled from the sides as Kageyama grew flustered.

"I'm sorry." He apologized, turning away. Tadahiro noticed Hinata look at him in surprise.

"All right! One more! Nice serve!" Bokuto said.

Tadahiro sighed and rolled his shoulders so he wouldn't pull a muscle.

The ball gets served again as Tadahiro kept his eye on it. "Got it!" Nishinoya yelled as he saved it and it went towards Kageyama once more, who gets ready to toss to Hinata.

Hinata jumped up as Kageyama tossed to him, however, it was too far this time.

Tadahiro sighed, thinking they weren't going to get a point, but was shocked when Hinata used his left arm to send the ball back up as he came tumbling down.

The ball rolled over the net and Karasuno gained a point.

"Nice, Hinata!"

"Nice, Shoyo!"

Tadahiro blinked at what he had just witnessed. Hinata hadn't done that before. Not to mention Kageyama was setting differently. Everyone was improving, making Tadahiro huff in annoyance.

"Everyone is trying their best to sharpen their skills. Then there's me who hasn't even come close to opening the second door." Tadahiro thought, clenching his jaw.

Asahi was now doing his serve, as he bounced the ball up and down, he threw it up and did a jump serve, making the ball go over the net. However, he hit the ball too powerfully and it was an out.

"Out! Out!"

Asahi clicked his tongue in annoyance when the ball goes out and Fukurōdani gets the point. "That's fine! Keep it going!" Ukai encouraged.

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Kageyama and Hinata had been swapped out and were replaced with Sugawara and Tsukishima. Tadahiro knew that Ukai wanted to try out the synchronize attack, so that's what they did. Tadahiro charged forward from the back, however Sugawara tossed the ball too late making Tadahiro along with everyone else tense a little as the ball dropped to the ground.

"Well, we shouldn't expect it to go completely right the first time..." Tadahiro thinks to himself.

The game continued as the ball goes up and Sugawara saved it. "Sorry! Cover!" He announced as Tadahiro watched Nishinoya smirk happily and run forward.

"Leave it to me!" He exclaimed, jumping up to do his own set, however, he jumped too far, he realized his mistake and the ball bounced on the ground once more.

"Hey, what's up with you guys today?" Bokuto questioned with a smile on his face as Nishinoya was trembling with a flustered look. "Are you all right?" Bokuto added.

Nishinoya groaned looked to the side. "Damn it!" He hissed to himself.

Tadahiro glanced at the score, which made him frown a little.

Karasuno

12

Fukurōdani

24

The game resumed as Tadahiro watched the ball get served into the air, it goes to Akaashi who tosses it to Bokuto who happily jumped up. Daichi and Tsukishima also jump up to block him but the spike was too powerful and Bokuto got through them. Tadahiro dived down to save the ball, but he was too late.

"Yes!" Bokuto cheered when he got through the two blockers.

TWEEEET!

Everyone lined up once the game ended with Bokuto's team winning. "I need to get stronger." Tadahiro thought as Karasuno lined up and bowed at Fukurōdani.

"Thank you!"

Daichi then lead everyone outside. The sun blinded Tadahiro, but his eyesight quickly adjusted. "The penalty for this camp is apparently something you see only at Shinzen: A refreshing uphill dash through the forest behind the school!" Daichi announced.

"All right... ready... go!" Daichi exclaimed as he clapped his hands and everyone started running up. Tadahiro did more of a jog instead, not wanting to use up his speed.

"There's no way in hell I'm running up this hill. I already did that in Miyagi and that was just a complete disaster." Tadahiro thought, thinking back to when him, Kageyama, and Hinata ran into Ushijima.

Once everyone was finished, they all went back down as Yachi handed them their water bottles. "Here." She said, giving the red head his water bottle.

"Thanks, Yacchan." Tadahiro said, taking the water bottle from her and drinking it. He looked over at Hinata who was peeking inside, but decided not to bother him.

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It was dark out and with Karasuno losing they had to do the penalty. Tadahiro was currently walking around the school grounds. His phone started to buzz. He looked down to see Taiga was calling him.

"Little tiger. This is a surprise." Tadahiro greeted.

"You sound dead, Nii-san." Taiga commented.

"That's because I am. I've been practicing constantly trying to open the second door. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, Taiga!" Tadahiro exclaimed in frustration.

Tadahiro heard Taiga let out a long sigh on the other end. "Anyhow, how's Tokyo? You texted me saying you're at away games? With other schools?" He said as Tadahiro hummed in confirmation.

"It's okay, I suppose. We keep losing though." He replied.

"Well, losing is apart of improvement. You're the one who told me that."

"Aww! My little tiger is finally listening to my wise words!"

"Shut up, bastard!"

"Hiro! Over here!" Tadahiro looked over to see Kuroo waving him over with Bokuto right next to him. They were in the gymnasium.

"Nii-san, who is that?"

Tadahiro gave Kuroo and Bokuto a peace sign in greeting. "It's just Tetsu." He replied.

"Tetsu? Wait, as in Kuroo Tetsurō? As in your ex? Hand over the phone, I'm gonna kick his ass!"

"You technically can't kick his ass, Taiga. You're on the other side of Tokyo."

"Just let me talk to him. Let me yell at him for what he did."

Tadahiro let out a long sigh. "Okay, that's my cue to hang up now." He said.

"Oi, Hiro-nii. Don't you dare—"

Tadahiro ended the call and walked over to Kuroo and Bokuto.

"Was that call important?" Kuroo asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Nope. It's just my younger brother checking up on me. No matter how much he thinks I'm annoying he does care." Tadahiro responded. "Anyway, what do you need?"

"Wanna practice with us?" Kuroo asked as he grinned slightly while Bokuto had a begging look.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt." Tadahiro answered as Bokuto dragged him into the gym.

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Kuroo was busy training Lev who looked as if he might collapse. Akaashi was setting to Bokuto as Tadahiro was saving the ball.

"We need a blocker..." Bokuto informed as they stopped for a moment.

"Why not ask him?" Kuroo spoke as he pointed outside. Tadahiro followed his gaze to see Tsukishima walking by.

"I'm not sure if that's a good idea, Tetsu. Knowing Tsu-chan, he will—"

"Oh hey, you, Karasuno! You with the glasses!"

Tadahiro twitched his eye as Kuroo ignored him. He sees his junior pause and look over at Kuroo.

"Can you jump a few blocks for us?" Kuroo asked as he gestured Tsukishima to come closer as Bokuto was standing next to him and stretched his arms. Akaashi and Tadahiro stayed a little bit behind in the back.

Tsukishima stared at the duo before he spoke up. "Actually, I'm done for the night. If you'll excuse me." He stated with a small bow.

"What?" Kuroo and Bokuto flinched a little, as they weren't expecting that to be Tsukishima's answer.

"It's meaningless to practice spiking without blockers. I beg you!" Bokuto begged as Tsukishima narrowed his eyes at him.

"Why does it have to be me? Why not someone from Fukurōdani?" Tsukishima questioned. Akaashi and Tadahiro walked on over.

"Bokuto-san's spike practice is endless so they all hurry and leave to escape from it." Akaashi informed.

"And I'm busy training this guy over here." Kuroo spoke up, as he smirked and gestured over to Lev who was laying down on the floor, in a pool of his own sweat as he weakly lifted his head up.

"I'm saying I'll jump all those blocks!" Lev managed to get out as Kuroo looked at him with an irked look.

"Shut up!" Kuroo scolded. "If you want to continue as a regular on Nekoma's team, you need to actually be able to receive the ball!"

Lev groaned at this as Tadahiro looked back at Tsukishima, who was giving everyone a judging look, making Tadahiro frown. He had been the only one out of the whole team who seemed like he wasn't improving, or more like he didn't want to improve.

"He may not look it, but this guy is one of the top five spikers in the nation, so I think he'd be good practice for you." Kuroo spoke up, pointing to Bokuto who just blinked before smiling and crossing his arms in pride.

"He probably just misses being in the top three." Akaashi spoke. Tadahiro tried to hold back a snicker while Kuroo smirked and gave his friend a pat on the back.

"Don't mind."

Bokuto pushed Kuroo's arm off his back and gave him an annoyed look.

"Don't raise me up just to let me get knocked down!"

Tadahiro was always amused by their friendship. He turned to Tsukishima who was once again judging them. Kuroo must've noticed because he then threw a challenging look at Tsukishima.

"Besides, if you're a middle blocker, shouldn't you practice blocking a little bit more?" He challenged.

That seemed to make Tsukishima snap as Tadahiro watched his junior walk over and get inside the gym, they watched as Bokuto gave a thumbs up to Kuroo who smirks proudly.

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"One more!" Bokuto exclaimed as Akaashi sets to him and Tsukishima tried to block. The ball goes by as Tadahiro dives down to save it.

"One more!" Bokuto added as they repeated it again and again. Tadahiro's arms were starting to throb and turn red as he watched Bokuto jump up to spike.

"A straight..." Tadahiro thought, noticing the way Bokuto was aiming. Tsukishima also noticed this. However, Tadahiro then narrowed his eyes. "No, it's not a straight!"

He moved positions once Bokuto slammed the ball and easily got passed Tsukishima. Tadahiro was there to save it as the ball goes back up. He smirked as the ball bounced on the ground.

"Yes!" Bokuto cheered as he got passed Tsukishima.

"You just beat all of one blocker." Akaashi stated bluntly making Bokuto grumble.

"Shut up!" Bokuto hissed as Tadahiro chuckled and picked up the ball. He sees Kuroo walk over to Tsukishima's side.

"Well, how about two, then?" He suggested with a sly grin. "Bring it on!"

"Wasn't he training Lev?" Tadahiro thought as he turned around only to see Lev on the floor once more, surrounded by three volleyballs. "Is he okay?"

"If that's the case, I'll be libero for Boku-chan's side." Tadahiro announced, walking under the net.

"Whoo!" Bokuto cheered as Kuroo groaned.

"Aw, but Hiro!" Kuroo complained as Tadahiro rolled his eyes.

"Shut it, Tetsu. Maybe I should've had Taiga chew you out." Tadahiro sighed as Kuroo yelped.

Bokuto takes the ball from Tadahiro and got ready to serve it. "Here we go!" He called out as he throws the ball up to Akaashi.

Akaashi tossed it up as Bokuto ran forward to jump. Tadahiro gets into position to save the ball just in case. He watched as Tsukishima and Kuroo jump up as Bokuto was about to slam down the ball. He saw an opening next to Kuroo for Bokuto to spike. However, Kuroo also saw this as Bokuto. The seconds Bokuto aimed and slammed the ball to the opening, Kuroo moved his hands and blocked the ball.

Tadahiro widened his eyes a little before running over to save the ball but was slow as the ball hit the court.

"Yeah!"

"Damn it!"

Tadahiro sighed. "I was so close on getting that ball too." He frowned, walking over. Akaashi patted his back in reassurance.

"Specs, you have a good read on things, but you know, your blocks are pretty weak." Bokuto bluntly stated which Tadahiro could tell that made Tsukishima irked.

"I get worried that I might break your arm in two or something. You gotta rush in and stop it. Rush in!" Bokuto encouraged as Tadahiro chuckled a little. Tsukishima then smirked.

"I'm still a growing boy! I have a ways to go in both muscular strength and in height." He grinned as Bokuto grew irked at this.

"If you take things too easy, shorty will take all the glory away from you. You guys play the same position, right?" Kuroo spoke up as Tadahiro slightly widened his eyes and glanced to Tsukishima in concern who got quiet.

"I don't think I can do anything about that. There is an obvious difference in potential between Hinata and myself." Tsukishima spoke, rubbing his neck and giving everyone a sheepish look.

Tadahiro frowned at his words. "Ah! Are you practicing again?" He heard Inuoka's voice call out, making Tadahiro look to see him and the rest of Nekoma walking in.

"Want me to block? I can block!" Inuoka offered as Tadahiro saw Yaku stare at Lev.

"Hey, Lev! Don't you be rolling around there like that! Receive!" Yaku scolded as Lev lifted his head up.

"Gah! Yaku-san!"

"What do you mean, "Gah?"

"Well, looks like I'll be in the way, so if you'll excuse me." Tsukishima spoke as he walked away from them. "You coming, Kagami-san?"

Tadahiro shook his head. "You go ahead. I'm staying here for a bit." He replied as Tsukishima nodded and continues to walk off.

"Hey!" Kuroo called out but got no response.

"I think you struck a nerve, Kuroo." Akaashi pointed out.

"You pissed him off." Bokuto added. "That was a huge failure as a master of provocation, Kuroo."

Kuroo winced at this. "Well, I wouldn't have thought that." He spoke, making Tadahiro raise an eyebrow.

"Thought what?" He questioned.

"Karasuno's shorty is definitely strange a threat, but in terms of technique and experience, he's like a baby bird. Plus, he's really short." Kuroo replied as Tadahiro sweat dropped but nodded in agreement.

"Specs is tall and has those brains, and yet, he looks at shorty not only as an equal..." Kuroo continued as Tadahiro finally realized what he was saying.

"...But as someone that he is no match against." Tadahiro finished, making Kuroo nod.

"Let's continue practicing!" Bokuto exclaimed, breaking the silence as everyone nodded. The other Nekoma players come over to join the practice.

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It was the next day as Tadahiro sat down at the table next to Sugawara. As he was eating the food from the cafeteria, he heard Nishinoya calling out to Tsukishima.

"Hey, Tsukishima. Eat up! Or you're not gonna last!" Nishinoya ordered as Tsukishima just smirked.

"Nishinoya-san, at least your stomach's big." Tsukishima teased as Tadahiro chuckled.

"What'd you say? You cheeky brat! This is what you get!"

Tadahiro watched as Nishinoya annoyed Tsukishima. "Your true self will pay!" Nishinoya exclaimed.

"H-Hey, stop! They're gonna break." Tsukishima stated, gesturing to his glasses. Yamaguchi and Tadahiro watched from afar.

"Hey, Daichi's gonna get mad!" Sugawara warned them.

Tadahiro let out a long sigh and went back to eating his food.

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Karasuno was currently in the gymnasium playing against Nekoma. Tadahiro glanced over at the score since they had been playing for a while now. He sighed when he saw it.

Karasuno

15

Nekoma

24

It was Asahi's turn to serve as he waited for the whistle. Once the whistle blew, he served the ball, however it hits the net and Nekoma got match point, Tadahiro sighed, knowing they would have to do the penalty.

Daichi lead all of them outside. Tadahiro groaned at the sight of the hill.

"Go!" Daichi announced, clapping as everyone ran up the hill.

The game they had, they lost once more as they re-did the penalty. It was becoming a norm for them

"Go!"

Everyone rushed up the hill once more.

The same thing kept happening again and again. "I'm done!" Tadahiro coughed out as they entered the gym once they finished their penalty run.

"Here you go, Kagami." Kiyoko spoke as the red head nodded in appreciation and gulped down the water.

"Everyone!"

They all turned when they heard the voice of Shinzen's manager. They saw the managers holding watermelons.

"The parents from Shinzen High gave us some watermelons!" She said as everyone cheered.

They were all given a break as they ate their watermelons. Tadahiro was on his second one as he was seated next to Daichi.

"You okay?" Daichi asked.

Tadahiro sighed. "I'm frustrated, Dai-chan." He responded.

"Does your frustration have to do with opening the second door?"

"I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Taiga isn't really much help either."

"Don't stress out too much, Hiro. You'll figure it out."

"Sorry, by the way."

Both Daichi and Tadahiro looked up to see Kuroo. "About what?" Daichi asked in confusion.

"I think I might have pissed off your glasses guy yesterday." Kuroo replied.

"What?"

"Wow... Tsukishima actually helped out with free practice. Even if you cornered him into it..." Daichi stated. "So, what did you say?"

"Some stupid shit. Then again, that's Tetsu's personality." Tadahiro said in a bored tone.

"So rude!" Kuroo said before he explained. "I provoked him and said he was going to lose to your shrimp over there."

"I've definitely noticed that Tsukishima seems to feel inferior to Hinata somehow." Asahi admitted.

"I'm not sure if this is relevant, but my sister..." Tanaka trailed off as he began telling what his sister told him.

"Huh? Tsukishima has an older brother?" Daichi asked in shock.

"Oh, but I'm not sure. They could just have the same last name and not be related." Tanaka answered.

Soon they were able to start some more matches once everyone had finished their fruit.

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At their next game, Karasuno was versing Nekoma in which they lost at 16 points. Nishinoya had failed to save the ball the last minute.

TWEEET!

Tadahiro headed outside, the sun was setting. "Go!" Daichi announced, as everyone did so.

Tadahiro watched as the ball went into the air. "Left! Left!" He announced, calling for a toss as Kageyama glanced at him and tossed the ball towards him. Tadahiro jumped up and spiked the volleyball down, getting past three Ubugawa blockers.

"All right!" Tanaka cheered for him as Tadahiro looked at the score to see where they were at.

Karasuno

12

Ubugawa

17

"Hey, you went idle just now!" Kageyama scolded to Tsukishima. "Even if you're a decoy, you need to jump!"

Tsukishima scoffed. "So observant... sorry, man." He huffed, jogging away.

"Tsukishima, your serve is next." Daichi informed as Tsukishima nodded and grabbed the ball.

His teammates cheered for him as he served the ball. Tadahiro watched as the ball goes back and fourth, keeping it play. However, he widened his eyes when he saw Nishinoya and Daichi bump into each other. They both apologized before going back into the game.

Soon the ball goes into play as Tadahiro watched Kageyama receive it. Tadahiro ran forward to cover for him.

"Go for it, Asa-chan!" Tadahiro called out to their ace as he set the ball towards him, but it was a bit short, making the red head scowl in annoyance.

Tadahiro noticed Hinata lick his lips, as if he wanted to spike it. But he suddenly froze, and he saw him look at Asahi who had an intense aura around him. Hinata took a step back for Asahi to spike it instead as Asahi jumped up and got past three blockers with a powerful slam.

"Nice kill, Asahi! That was an awesome spike!"

Even so, they had eventually lost, as Karasuno approached the doors, Tadahiro saw that it was dark out.

"Go!" Daichi clapped as they all raced up the hill.

Once they were done, they headed back down the hill. Hinata was his normal happy self, bouncing around.

"Man, I wish I had his energy." Tadahiro thought as he watched Hinata get excited, it made him even more tired.

"Time for personal practice!" He exclaimed.

"Another magnificent total loss today." Sugawara commented as Tadahiro followed everyone else inside.

Once he stepped in, a familiar voice called out to him. "Kagami, you wanna practice with us again?" Bokuto asked as Tadahiro sighed.

"Sure." He replied as Bokuto beamed.

"Great, now where's Specs?" He asked as Tadahiro was confused at first, but then realized he was referring to Tsukishima.

"Over there." He replied, pointing in the direction where Tsukishima was. Bokuto walked on over.

"Specs!" He called out which made Tsukishima tense a little. "How about you come help us with our spike practice again today?" Bokuto asked as Chiharu noticed Hinata was listening in.

"I'm sorry. I'll pass." Tsukishima replied, walking away from him.

"Oh, really? Kuroo!"

"Aw, man..."

"I haven't even said anything yet!"

Tadahiro chuckled and patted Bokuto's shoulder. "I'll be in the gym." He informed and walked out.

As he was walking out, he stopped and saw Tsukishima leaving, making him frown a little.

"I can tell he isn't big on volleyball. He doesn't give it his all. That could become a problem for us once the preliminaries come up as well as me trying to open the second door." Tadahiro thought. "I don't want to pry, but I can't help but be curious as to what happened..."

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A/N: Another chapter done! I'm updating this on my phone since I'm on vacation. Thanks for reading!

Word Count: 4825 words.