A/N: Hello, readers! Welcome to another chapter! Enjoy!

edited on august 27th, 2021 @ 5:33am

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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE - STILL GROWING

"TEN, DARLING, I'M HOME." Takashi said, walking into his and his fiancé's apartment.

"Welcome back. How was the game?" Tenma questioned.

"Good. Karasuno was able to make it to the qualifiers." Takashi responded. "Oh, remember Sakai-chan?"

"Our first-year manager back when we were third-years?"

"Yeah. She came to watch. Unfortunately, she isn't able to watch the qualifiers. But I heard from Nagata that Uyeda and Kobayashi are going." Takashi answered. "You should come too, you know."

"You know I'm busy with university, Kashi." Tenma reminded him. "Perhaps I'll go when Karasuno makes it to nationals."

"Oh, I almost forgot. I have to head to Aoba Johsai tomorrow."

"What for?"

"Hmm... Irihata mentioned something about the team having a practice match with a college that some of their alumni go to. I think he wants me to spectate or something." Takashi replied.

"Kashi, just out of curiosity..." Tenma began as Takashi looked at him. "Between Tobio and Oikawa, who do you think will surpass you? There's a high chance they'll play against each other again."

"You want me to be brutally honest, Ten?" Takashi questioned as Tenma nodded. "In truth, they both have the ability to surpass me as a setter. It just depends on which of them try their hardest to."

"Of course, no one can take my title as the number one pro setter in Japan. Right, Ten? I'm the best, huh?"

"Your ego is getting to your head, Kashi."

"Don't be like that darling. I'm not only the best at volleyball. I'm also the best in—"

A pillow was met with Takashi's face. "Don't finish that sentence, Kashi!" Tenma yelled as Takashi chuckled a bit.

"You know it's true!"

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"All right, start your individual practice now. We now have less than two months until the qualifier at the end of October. Work hard on improving individually." Keishin announced.

Hinata and Nishinoya bounced over. "Yeah!" The two exclaimed in unison.

Takashi noticed Yachi carry the basket with the team's jerseys to the wash, so he walked on over.

"Need a hand?"

"Oh, Kageyama-san. Yes, please."

Takashi held the basket for her as the two headed outside, however they both stopped when a figure in a black hoodie walked by them. Yachi squealed in surprise which caught Takashi slightly off guard and causing the unknown figure to slightly jump.

Takashi blinked. "Ka-Ka—" Yachi stuttered but the black haired male cut her off.

"I'm afraid to ask, but I'm gonna do it anyway. What the hell are you doing, my dear little brother?" Takashi asked as Tobio stared at them in shock.

"You could tell it was me?" He questioned in shock.

"Yeah..."

"Damn it!"

Tobio takes off the sunglasses and his blue and white Hollywood cap. "W-Was that suppose to be a disguise?" Yachi asked as Takashi smirked in amusement.

"It's not a very good one if I'm being honest." He added. Tobio didn't reply as he looked away from them instead.

"Um, uh..."

"There's a team that we might face during the qualifier for the prefecture, and I wanted to check them out before that."

"I see! You're going to record a video of them or something!"

"No, there's an unwritten rule that you can only record official matches. So, it's not like anything will happen just because I go watch. There's less than two months till the qualifiers since summer break is over. I feel like I should definitely check them out." Tobio ranted.

"If you don't want to stand out at a school after school hours, you should probably just wear plain training gear."

Tobio widened his eyes as he turned to his older brother with wide eyes.

"Oh."

Takashi sighed at him, and checked the time on his phone. "Crap, I'm gonna be late if I don't leave now." He thinks to himself before looking over at Yachi.

"Sorry, but I actually have to get going." Takashi apologized as Yachi smiled at him.

"It's fine, Kageyama-san. Thanks for the help!" She said as Takashi handed her the basket full of jerseys before looking over to Tobio.

"All right, let's go."

"Huh?"

"I believe I know what school you're going to spy on, and I have to head over there anyhow."

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Tobio and Takashi got off the bus that took them to Aoba Johsai. Takashi walked forward towards the entrance with his brother following him. They walk in, passing by some students walking by them to either head home or to their club. Tobio was wearing his black shirt and pants.

"And like... That's too funny."

The two past two girls who were in conversation with one another as they started at them, mainly Tobio. Takashi didn't blame them as his younger brother had an intense aura around himself as well as mumbling to himself.

"What a weird guy..."

"Yeah... Hey, who is that guy though?"

"I don't know, but he's pretty attractive."

Takashi ignored their comments as him and Tobio reached the gymnasium. Takashi peeked into the gym doors while Tobio went to the window.

"All right. We're about to start." Oikawa announced. "We're going to be switching out members next."

"Right!"

Takashi looked to see they happened to be in the middle of a member-swap. "I'm Oikawa. Nice to meet you all." He said with a smile as he walked over to the members of the opposing team, greeting them.

"That's Seijoh's captain, right?" A player from the opposing team asked his teammate, making Takashi look over at the two college students.

"He's pretty gaudy."

Takashi chuckled to himself before entering the gym. "Now, now, Tōru may be a show off, but I did teach him everything he knows. So I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk shit about my student that way." He smiled at them.

"Y-You're—!"

Takashi just hummed and went to the sidelines. As always, he was impressed with how Oikawa was able to bring out the best in each of his teammates. Kindaichi and Kunimi, who were keeping score, were also impressed.

It was soon dark as the college team eventually left, and Aoba Johsai was still practicing

"Achoo!"

Takashi jumped at Oikawa's loud sneeze as he looked over to see him shivering and holding his arms to his chest. "I just got a chill..." Oikawa stated.

"If you catch a cold, I'm going to punch you." Iwaizumi threatened.

"That's so heartless!" Oikawa whined, following after Iwaizumi while Takashi snickered.

"I see you've improved, Tōru." Takashi said. "Don't tell me you're doing extra practices?"

"He is, senpai."

"Iwa-chan, you traitor!"

Takashi sighed loudly before kicking the back of Oikawa's knee with his uninjured leg, making him yelp.

"Taka-chan!"

"What did I say about the extra practices, Tōru?!" Takashi yelled. "Do you want to get injured more?"

"But—"

"I'm not finished!" Takashi interrupted. "I tore my ACL because of my carelessness. I don't want the same thing happening to you."

"I know, Taka-chan." Oikawa mumbled. "I want to be able to surpass you someday. That's why I'm working hard."

"That won't happen if you are no longer able to play volleyball. You're not the only one who wishes to surpass me, you know." Takashi sighed. "I'm going home."

Oikawa watched as Takashi left the gym. "You know Kageyama-san means well, Shittykawa. But you know he's right." Iwaizumi spoke up.

"Isn't he always?" Oikawa mumbled. "Like hell I'll let Tobio have that chance at surpassing him. I'll be the one to do it."

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Takashi and the rest of Karasuno were in front of Nekoma High. "So, with the prefectural qualifier in October, we'll only be able to come to Kanto for practice matches two more times, including this trip. Let's make the best of this opportunity." Takeda explained.

"Right!"

"Yo, Takashi. I heard your team defeated a guy that was 201 cm." Matsuda greeted.

"Yeah. He was new to volleyball, so he didn't have the experience."

"So like Lev?"

"Minus the speed and senses Lev has though."

The next day, Karasuno was currently playing a practice match with Shinzen, with them at 20 and the opposing team at 8 points. Shinzen gets a point when Tobio and Hinata didn't do a quick attack, or at least failed to do, but that was to be expected.

"It appears that the quick's success rate is still about 70%." Takeda pointed out.

"Nothing's going to fix that except more practice." Keishin responded.

"Lev! I told you not to block with a banzai pose! They're getting through right between your arms! Your arms need to be together enough, so the ball won't go through!"

Takashi looked at Nekoma, who was going against Fukurōdani, as Kuroo was shouting at Lev.

"Right!" Lev replied, making Takashi slightly chuckle.

September soon rolled around quickly, as everyone continued to practice at Karasuno, even having a few practice matches with the Neighborhood association. Day after day, they trained hard for the prefectural.

It had soon reached October as Takashi was marking the prefectural dates on his calendar.

"The prefectural tournament starts on October 25th... And that's just a few more days." Takashi thought.

"I have to put all my faith that this team can restore Karasuno's former glory. They'll no longer be humiliated. I truly believe they'll make everyone eat their words once they make it to nationals."

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Karasuno was currently at Shinzen High, having their practice match with them. This time, they were up against Nekoma as it went on for a while. Nekoma was at match point, with Karasuno being at 24.

"Front! Up front!"

Daichi dived down and saved it. "Sorry!" He apologized as Tanaka ran over and got under the ball.

"Got it!" Tanaka said.

"Center!" Hinata called out.

"Hinata!" Tanaka shouted, sending the ball his way.

Takashi watched as Hinata spiked the ball, as he also noticed Kenma looked shocked about something as him and Lev tried to block Hinata. The ball flew past the two blockers.

"Out!" Yaku announced as the ball hits the outside of the court, making Nekoma have a point.

"Damn it! Sorry about that!"

"At long last, we can't let our guard down around them." Kuroo commented, walking up to Kenma. "Seems as though Matsuda-senpai was right."

Kenma nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah." He responded quietly.

Later, they were packing everything up as Matsuda walked up to Takashi. "I've decided." Matsuda began as Takashi hummed.

"I want Karasuno and Nekoma to play in an official game together. Where our current team's have a chance for the Battle at the Garbage Dump. Just like back then." Matsuda smiled.

"You're making us sound like old men, Ren. Don't make me punch you."

Matsuda only laughed. "Next time our teams see each other, it'll be on the same court you and I played on." He informed.

"Yeah, it will."

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The day of the prefectural tournament had finally arrived. Takashi had already seen other schools arriving as well, wearing their school colors.

"We're here!" Hinata exclaimed. "We're back at the Sendai City Gymnasium once again! We're totally gonna get our revenge!"

The rest of the team stood in silence, ready to win their matches. Takashi jumped when Hinata started to run off. "Don't you dare false start, you dumbass!" Tobio yelled as he chased after Hinata.

"It's like Hinata and Kageyama live on spinal reflex alone." Yamaguchi dead panned.

"They're like insects." Tsukishima added, making Tanaka and Nishinoya laugh at his words.

"Sometimes I wonder how he's related to me." Takashi mumbled.

Takashi watched as he saw Hinata and Tobio almost crash into another school. He sighed and jogged over, only to be surprised when he saw the guy who had dyed blonde hair and piercings. He looked back and smiled when he recognized Kiyoko.

Takashi watched as he moved Hinata to the side and started to wave at Kiyoko. "Glasses-chan! Be sure to tell me your number today!" He announced, waving at her.

Kiyoko looked away. "She's so cute when she gets shy." Takashi heard him comment, before he saw how Tanaka and Nishinoya got fired up.

Tanaka and Nishinoya charged forward. "Hey!" Daichi called out to them, as Hideaki watched with a sweat drop as Tanaka and Nishinoya jumped up and got ready to pounce on the dyed haired male.

"Stop it! Ugh... I'm so sorry about that!"

Takashi was taken aback when he saw that Johzenji had a female manager as well. As she scolded her team, she bowed at Nishinoya and Tanaka who stopped and froze in place.

"Hey, they stopped." Yamaguchi commented.

"They've stopped in mid-air. That's awesome." Tsukishima added.

"Well, see you in the first match."

The guy and his team walk off into the building. Takashi didn't bother to hear the rest of what Tobio and Hinata said, but he saw how they suddenly dashed off.

"We're gonna beat them all!" They exclaimed.

Takashi and the rest of Karasuno watched with dead panned looks. "They're so hyper." Sugawara commented.

"That just calms us down even more." Daichi added as Takashi's phone suddenly buzzed from his pocket, making him take it out from his jacket and reading the text that was sent.

"Oh? They're already here?" Takashi thinks to himself, before sending a reply.

"Well, good luck to you all. I have to go meet up with some people." Takashi informed as he entered the building.

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"Senpai!"

Takashi looked up and spotted Nagata with a male who had blonde hair and red eyes, while the other male had white hair with amber eyes.

"Uyeda! Kobayashi! You guys made it." Takashi greeted.

"Duh." Kobayashi stuck his tongue out playfully. "Like hell we would miss this!"

Uyeda then looked around. "Udai-senpai isn't coming?" He asked.

Takashi shook his head. "He's busy. Said he'll come to nationals if Karasuno makes it." He answered.

"I know for sure they will. Nagata-senpai has told Uyeda and I all about the current team." Kobayashi said as they began walking to the court.

Meanwhile, by the bathrooms, Miura was staring at Oikawa. "By the way, you're Oikawa Tōru, yes? Yama-chan's student?" He asked.

"And what of it?"

Miura smirked. "Being Yama-chan's precious student, you most likely want to surpass him for sure." He continued before narrowing his eyes.

"I wish you luck. Because I believe that the only person who can surpass him is his own flesh and blood." Miura finished as his comment made Oikawa irked.

"Miura-san, stop interrogating them."

"You're just as bad as me, Wakatoshi!"

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Takashi, Uyeda, Kobayashi, and Nagata entered the gym that was filled with school cheers.

"Oh, Karasuno is facing Johzenji right off the bat." Nagata hummed. "I heard they made it to the semifinals during the Inter-High."

"Huh?!" Uyeda exclaimed.

"Yahoo!"

The four Karasuno alumni turned their attention to the court just in time to see Johzenji jump up.

"Johzenji is known as the party team, if I remember correctly." Nagata stated.

"They sure are lively." Kobayashi stated before turning his attention to Karasuno. "Say, Kageyama-senpai. Who's Karasuno's current libero?"

Takashi chuckled. "Of course you'd be interested in him. He's Nishinoya Yuu. He's a second-year." He replied.

"Are his receives as amazing as mine were?"

"Just about."

"No way! Remind me to talk to him after the matches, I want to meet him!"

They turned their attention back to the court as both teams looked at each other in determination.

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A/N: Another chapter is done! Thanks for reading!

Word Count: 2609 words.