Part 1: Chapter 8
Blocked. Blocked. Blocked.
It was the last set and Karasuno was not any closer to winning the match. At this point, Karasuno's Boys' volleyball players were getting frustrated at the fact they were constantly being blocked by the basketball players. You were beyond baffled at the fact how could the volleyball team who specializes in volleyball were loosing against the basketball team.
The current score is 5-8.
You were sitting on the bench as the assistant coach now rather being out there on the court as the libero. Your team needs you to come out with a strategy fast or else the change of winning this match is close to zero. You watched the match with focused (e/c) eyes going on before you as you try to figure out what the basketball team's game play once more.
Keishin glanced at you, thinking of asking for a time out so that he could discussed with the players on how they can change their game play. However when he saw the concentrated look on your face, he calmed down and focused on the match once more. He need not worry about the team nor you, after all you were the best of the best.
'What is it about the basketball players that made them so hard to beat? The way how they play volleyball does not show that they are professional volleyball players like Kageyama or Daichi. So, what is that I can't seem to figure out?' You thought as your eyes followed each and everyone of the players.
You observed each player individually, assessing their power, stamina, game sense, jumping, technique and speed. Their statistics seemed below average as compared to a volleyball player. Your (e/c) eyes shift from player to player until it landed on a certain light blue-haired basketball player.
You leaned forward as your eyes focused on Tetsuya Kuroko. There was something about this player that set him apart from his teammates. The first year is from your class and so far from your impression, Kuroko is a quiet and reserved boy. It is as though he does not have a presence.
That's it! Your eyes widen as you finally figured out why your team was struggling against the basketball team. The answer was simply, it has been in front of your eyes the entire time. You mentally slapped yourself for not noticing it earlier.
The reason your team was loosing is because of Kuroko. Kuroko lacks a presence which means during games, he is usually invisible on the court. With his lack of presence, his team's opponents focused on the other players instead of Kuroko. He used this to his advantage with his passes, in this case receives by directing the ball away from him to his teammates so fast that no one can focus their attention on him.
The reason you were able to notice Kuroko despite his lack of presence was because you have a knack of noticing people no matter how subtle they tried to be. That explains why when you met Kuroko for the first time and asked him for a pencil, surprise was written all over his face at the fact that someone actually noticed him. It also explained why whenever you mentioned Kuroko to your classmates, they will give you a confused look.
You quickly turned to your brother and said. "Nii-chan, quick! Call for a time out! I figured out the basketball team's secret."
Keishin immediately called for a time out. The whistle beeped, indicating that the volleyball team had called for a time out. Your friends turned to you with confused/curious looks on their faces, wondering if you had figured something out.
As the volleyball players approached you, they were surprised with the joyous look on your face. Well, you felt happy at the fact that you finally figured out their secret and that your friends might have a chance of winning.
"You seemed rather happy (nickname)-chan. Have you discover something new about the basketball team?" Daichi asked as you passed him a towel to wipe off his sweat.
You nodded your head as you excitedly replied. "I figure out why we are struggling to win against them. The reason is because one of their teammates lacks a presence."
Everyone gave you a confused look, especially Hinata and Kageyama who had their heads tilts to one side, a baffled look on their faces. You chuckled before explaining yourself, "Do you see that light blue-haired basketball player? Tell me, have you noticed him before until I mention him?"
All heads turned to the opposite of the court where the basketball team was situated at. Sure enough, there was a light blue-haired basketball player that they did not noticed before until you mentioned him. Your (e/c) eyes glinted with amusement as the boys turned their attention back to you, giggling at their expressions.
"WHAT? WHY DIDN'T WE NOTICE HIM UNTIL NOW?!"Both Tanaka and Nishinoya shouted.
"Shh! Not so loud or else they will know we have figured out their secret." You shushed your senpais before going on.
"His name is Tetsuya Kuroko. Kuroko-san lacks a presence which means he is always invisible to other people. Outside of court, it's a disadvantage as he always has to fight to be noticed. However when on court, it's a different case. The reason being that his team's opponents focused on the other players instead of him due to his lack of presence. Kuroko-san also used this to his advantage with receives by directing the ball away from him to his teammates so fast that no one can focus their attention on him."
"That explains why the volleyball on their side of the court never seemed to be received no matter how hard we try to locate it." Daichi explained, finally understanding why it was so hard to win points.
"Now that we know this, what now?" Kageyama asked.
Everyone looked to you for an answer. Lucky for them, you do have a solution.
You grinned as you explained. "There's a downside to Kuroko's lack of presence. Once his lack of presence is noticed, it doesn't work as well as before. In lay man's term, Kuroko is visible to us now. We would be able to notice him on court while the match is ongoing. This means that whenever Kuroko pass the ball to his teammates, it would be visible to us."
"Go on." Suga encouraged you.
"Now that we discovered their secret, continue on playing like you did before. The only reason that the basketball team is winning is because of Kuroko-san. Now that he's exposed to us, they are only a bunch of students thinking that they can win against a bunch of professional volleyball players. It's time for us to show them that we are no longer "flightless crows"."
You pumped your hand into the air and the volleyball players did the same, their voice resounding throughout the gym.
You smiled at the volleyball team that you have come to associate as friends and you would do anything just to see them win every single volleyball match that they will face.
***
"Hinata! Get the last ball!" Daichi screamed as Hinata jumped as high as he could to spike the ball set by Kageyama, only to be blocked by the opposite team.
You quickly dived to where the ball was heading and hitting back up into the air, giving your team another chance of winning the third set. Currently, your team is fighting to win the last point. The score is 24 to 20 with the volleyball team at match point.
"Nice receive (name)-chan!" Kageyama shouted as he chased after the ball and looked into your (e/c) eyes.
You nodded your head as you got into a running position. The moment the volleyball touched Kageyama's hands, you took off at minus tempo and jumped as high as you can, your arms spread wide behind you to mimic that of a crow's wings.
When you were your highest point, Kageyama set the ball towards you and you spiked it with everything you got.
Silence could be heard as the volleyball touched the floor, echoing throughout the vast gym. You stood there with a blank look on your face as sweat dripped off your body. You turned around to face your team as they stared at you with wide eyes.
Beep!
The whistle sounded as the gym erupted into a loud cheer. The volleyball team had won the exhibition match against the basketball team. Your face broke out into a huge grin as you threw yourself at Tsukishima who was the closest person to you and shouted in glee.
"We won string bean! I can't believe that we won."
"Oi, get off me. You're heavy Munchkin." Tsukishima grunted, but his arms were wrapped around you in a hug as he patted you on the head.
You buried your face in Tsukishima's chest, for once both of you allowing yourselves to indulge into each other warmth. Tsukishima continue stroking your (h/c) hair and muttered something under his breath so that only you could hear him.
You smiled at what Tsukishima said before glancing up at him, his arms still around you. Tsukishima looked down at you, a soft small on his face. Both of you turned your attention towards the rest of your teammates who were cheering and screaming, celebrating their victory against the basketball team.
Suddenly, Daichi turned to you and Tsukishima with a smirk on his face. A feeling of dread overcome you at the smirk Daichi directed towards you and Tsukishima.
"My, my. Aren't the both of you getting cozy with each other?"
Everyone watched with amused looks on their faces as the two first years who claimed that they hated each other guts embracing tightly. They began to laugh when you and Tsukishima looked at each other before realizing that you two were still hugging and let go of one another with red faces.
"A-as if I would get comfortable with string bean."
"Tch. You're heavy munchkin, have you been eating a lot lately?"
"Are you calling me fat?!"
You attempted to hit Tsukishima who easily dodged all your attacks. Sometimes the two of you can be such tsunderes.
You did good (name).
For the first time ever since you met Tsukishima, he called your name instead of munchkin.
***
"Wait here for a while."
You looked at the middle blocker with a curious look on your face as he entered your family's shop. You leaned your back against the wall as you took out a manga and began to read it. Karasuno's sports festival had ended already and your class won the award for the best class.
Today had been a fun day, the volleyball team finally defeated the basketball team still lingering on your mind. Now that the exhibition match is out of the way, it's time to focus on the inter-high prelims that will be taking place soon. You need to work extra hard for your friends as they are relying on you as much as you are relying on them.
"Catch munchkin."
Tsukishima tossed you a paper bag as you dropped your manga in order to catch it. You glared at the male who smirked at you before pointing to the ground. You followed his gaze and to your horror, your manga was lying face up. You let out a shriek as you bend down to pick up your manga, clutching it to your chest.
"OH MY GOSH! I'M SO SORRY, MY DEAR BABY!"
You wailed dramatically as Tsukishima glanced at you with a blank look and took a bite out of his bun. After you have calmed down, you joined Tsukishima as you enjoyed your curry bun. Once again it was the two of you heading home together after practice after Yamaguchi went his separate way. It had become a routine for the both of you to go home together after practice or school when you found out that Tsukishima lived on the same street as you.
A comfortable silence surrounded the two volleyball players with the upcoming inter-high prelims in both of their minds. You glanced up at the night sky, the stars twinkling down at you.
"Ne string bean, do you think we can win the inter-high prelims?" You asked Tsukishima, your gaze still fixed towards the night sky.
"I don't know."
Once again silence filled the air. Tsukishima crumbled his paper bag and threw it into the nearby, walking away without saying anything. You rushed to throw your rubbish into the bin before running after Tsukishima.
The two first years headed home together, the female babbling about the most random thing in the world while the male ignored her, his headphones plucked in.
They were not sure if they will win in the inter-high prelims, but they know that as they try their best and believe in themselves, they can make it.
Later that night you were getting ready for bed when your phone rang, an incoming call. You accepted the call and placed it next to your ear, saying.
"Hello?"
"(name)-chan, it's me."
"Oh. Hello, Kiyoko-senpai. What's up?"
"Nothing much. I just need your help with something."
"Sure."
You wished Kiyoko a good night before ending the call. You went to bed that night with a smile on your bed. You can't wait to start work with the secret project that you and Kiyoko had come up with for the volleyball team. They deserved this after having work so hard for the inter-high, hopefully this little project of yours can encourage or inspire the boys to do their best at the inter-high.
***
The week before the inter-high prelims, the volleyball team trained day and night to prepare themselves for the inter-high. You were busy as well, trying to balance school and volleyball. Everyday immediately after school, you would rush for practice where you would assessed the boys to come up with strategies that will help them on court. At night, you would stay up late to plan strategies as well at the same time working on the secret project with Kiyoko.
You were tired due to lack of sleep, however it was all worth if it means that you can help your team in every way. The looks on their faces after they win each match would make up for all those hours you put into planning each strategy.
Thud!
Everyone turned their heads towards the sound coming from the entrance of the gym. You were laying flat on the floor after tripping on the step on your way into the gym. You pushed yourself up into a sitting position as the volleyball players rushed towards you to ensure that you were okay.
"(name)-chan! Are you okay?" Suga asked worriedly, going into his motherly hen mode.
You let out a groan as you rubbed your forehead which has turned red from the impact of the fall. Ennoshita pulled you up to your feet as you leaned against him, trying to regain your bearings. Suga continued to fret over you as though you were his child and him your mother.
You swat Suga's hands away as you say, "Don't worry about me, I'm fine. You should get back to practice."
"Are you sure? You seemed very tired lately." Daichi asked, concern in his voice.
You gave them a tired smile to reassure them, or at least you try to. "I'm serious when I say that I am fine. You guys should get back to practice, the inter-high is tomorrow."
Everyone watched as you stumbled, making your way to your brother. They winced when you smacked face first into the wall, really worried for you. The volleyball players know that you have been working very hard for their sake. They were thankful for you, but honestly they were very worried as you seemed even more tired as the days leading up to the inter-high passed.
"Is (name)-chan okay? She seemed tired." Hinata asked, concern for his friend.
"I'm not sure. I heard from Coach Ukai that (name) has been staying up late all night coming up with strategies for us." Nishinoya replied.
"Since (name) is working hard for our sake, we should work hard as well. If she says she's fine, she would be fine. Let's get back to practice." Daichi said as he went back to practice, the rest of his team following him.
The least they could do for their assistant coach who worked so hard for them is to win the inter-high prelims for her.
Keishin glanced up when he saw his younger sister wobbling towards him. Suddenly you tripped on your untied shoelaces, but luckily for you, your brother was there to catch you before you kissed the floor again. Keishin placed you back on your feet as he scolded you, feeling concerned for your health.
"When was the last time you slept?"
"Two days ago. I needed to finish up the strategies before inter-high begins. Here are the finalized strategies." You yawned as you passed a notebook to your brother.
Your brother took a look at the notebook and was surprised to see very detailed and neat notes. You even went as far as writing down a strategy for each individual player, even those who weren't regulars. You really put in a lot of effort for the team.
"(name).." Your brother mumbled, not knowing what to say.
You gave Keishin a smile. "It's okay. You don't have to say anything."
With that you walked away to help Kiyoko as Keishin looked at you with admiration and pride. The team was very lucky to have you as their assistant coach and friend.
"Go home and go to sleep early tonight."
"Yeah!"
"Okay, that'll do it-"
"Just a second!" Takeda interrupted Keishin as everyone turned to look at him.
"One more thing. Shimizu-san, (name)-san?"
As Takeda called your's and Kiyoko's name, the volleyball players shift their attention to the two of you.
You left out a chuckle at the sight of the eager looks on both Tanaka and Nishinoya, excited to hear what their favorite beauty manager has to say to them. Kiyoko looked to you for encouragement, feeling nervous as she was not used to doing something like this.
"You can do it." You encouraged with a smile on your face.
The manager nodded her head before facing the group of boys who were curious as to what was going on.
"I'm not good at cheering, but..." The third year trailed off before walking off.
"(name)-chan, if you will."
"Leave it to me!" You climbed up the ladder leading up to the viewing stand, a piece of black cloth on your shoulder.
"What's going on?" Nishinoya asked as everyone on the court walked closer towards the viewing stand, wanting to know what that piece of black cloth was.
Kiyoko helped you to lay the cloth on the floor before glancing up at you with a nod. On the count of three, the two of you threw it against the outside of the railing, revealing the banner in all its glory. As you finished tying the banner down, noises of excitement and awe could be heard coming from the boys below.
Written on the banner was the kanji "Take to the skies!", surrounded by crows, outlined in white, flying upward while feathers flowed gently down around the kanji.
"I didn't know we had that." Suga exclaimed in child-like glee as you smiled down at everyone with a bright smile.
"I found it while cleaning so I washed it." Kiyoko calmly explained.
"And I was the one who added the paintings!" You excitedly add on, waving your arms around to emphasize your point.
Tanaka pumped his fist into the air as he shouted, "I'm getting pumped up."
"Just what you excepted of Kiyoko-san and (name)-chan!" Nishinoya joined in with his usual gusto as you laughed at the second years' enthusiasm.
You glanced at Kiyoko, wanting to praise her when you realized she was fidgeting, which was unusual of her. How strange.
"Kiy-"
"All right! Let's get fired up-" "Wait. She's not done." Daichi cut off both Tanaka and Nishinoya who gazed up at Kiyoko with confused looks on their faces, along with everyone else.
"Do..."
Kiyoko stopped as she looked at her feet, a light blush on her face. You glanced at your senpai with a curious look, wondering what she was going to say.
"Do your best."
Kiyoko finished her sentence, her blush deepening before running off. You stood there with an amused look on your face as you smiled at her cute behavior before you shift your attention from the manager to the boys below, wondering what their reactions would be like. You bet it would be funny.
The room was silence.
Suddenly like some kind of crazy choreographed event, all the second and third years burst into tears, shooting out of their eyes like water guns. You gave a soft laugh as you stared at the perplexed looks on the first years, not sure how to react.
"SHIMIZU!" Daichi, Suga and Asahi cried in unison, rubbing their eyes.
Meanwhile Tanaka and Nishinoya stood there like statues with tears streaming down their faces like waterfalls as both Tsukishima and Yamaguchi glanced at their senpais with horror on their faces.
"Those guys... they're speechless."
"They usually never shut up."
You glanced at the two second years with a curious look. What kind of power does Kiyoko have over this two idiots?
"(name)-chan!"
"H-hai!"
You turned your attention to Kageyama and Hinata when they called your name.
Both boys looked up to you with determined looks on their faces as they shouted in sync, bending their bodies 90 degrees downwards.
"WE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN LOOSING SLEEP BECAUSE OF US. FOR THAT WE'LL LIKE TO THANK YOU!"
Now it was your turned for you to blush as all eyes turned to you, waiting for you to say something. Your darted left and right, refusing to look at the boys when you thought, 'This are my friends. I have nothing to be embarrassed about.'
Your face settled into a light blush as you smiled at them with a soft look on your face. "For you guys, I would loose my sleep over and over again if it means I can get to see you guys play on a national stage one day."
Once again silence filled the gym as everyone froze at what you said.
Cue another round of tears, this time round the first years joining in. Yes, even the usual stoic Tsukishima although he tried to hide it behind his glasses.
You laughed at your friends' reaction before landing on Tsukishima. You mouthed the words "I saw" to him, causing the tsundere beanpole to turn away from you, hiding his face. However, you can tell that he was embarrassed, his red ears giving him away.
"We're going to win the first round for sure!" Daichi declared with teary eyes.
"YEAH!" Everyone shouted in agreement.
You watched with gentle eyes as you glanced at the bunch of boys who were hyped up for tomorrow inter-high. Seeing the determined looks on their faces, you know that their passion for volleyball runs deep within their blood. Leaning your head on the railings, you pray for your team.
Even without the prayers, you believed that they can do it as long as you keep believing in them no matter what.
***
"To..torino?"
"It's read as Karasuno."
"Karasuno?"
"Yea. Don't you know about the saying behind Karasuno?"
"No, what?"
"Fallen powerhouse. Flightless crows."
Your (e/c) eyes twitched in anger as you stared at the two male students before you with a dark look on your face, the rest of your teammates mirroring the same look. How dare they say that about Karasuno?!
"Flightless, you say? Is that what you said?" Tanaka asked as he direct his infamous delinquent face at the two males.
The two students immediately shut up, feeling intimated by the spiker's face. Daichi grabbed Tanaka by the back of his jacket saying "Don't squabble" before bowing at the two students, apologizing for his teammate's behavior.
You glared at the two males with a murderous look before skipping after your teammates, your usual cheerful self back on. The two boys shuddered at the murderous glare you sent their ways. For a petite girl, you sure can be intimidating.
Everyone glanced at you guys as you entered the gymnasium where the inter-high was being held at. Whispers began to run through the crowds as your team walked on, all in black. All sorts of rumors about Karasuno's players could be heard, but the one that got to you was about Asahi.
You giggled at the gentle giant who was being misunderstood as usual, feeling sorry for him. Well, that is what happens when you looked like an adult despite being in high school only. You looked at Asahi with amusement when he was compared to Nishinoya who is what you would called wild by Suga and Daichi.
Your team is a weird bunch of people.
"Hey, look."
You shift your attention from Asahi to Kiyoko who as usual was being stared at, thanks to her natural beauty. All sorts of comments were thrown at her as she walked pass by people, talking with Takeda-sensei. One second Kiyoko was walking with Takeda, the next she was surrounded by Tanaka and Nishinoya orbiting around her, a predator look on their faces.
You laughed as you watched the two second years defending the manager from other males before Kiyoko smacked them on the head with her clipboards, saying. "Please stop."
"Kiyoko-san smacked us." Both Tanaka and Nishinoya blissfully said with flowers floating in the background, their hands clasped together and eyes closed.
You shook your head, used to the duo being idiots and continued on walking. You walked passed by a bunch of boys who cat-whistled at you and saying things about you that disgusted you to the core. Tsukishima who was walking beside you heard the comments and was about to tell them off when you had reacted.
"Why thank you boys. I'm sure you wouldn't find me cute anymore once you know the real me. After all, I am a crow."
Tsukishima watched as you send the group of boys flying kisses before turning around to catch up with the volleyball team. The boys were frozen in fear, understanding the double meaning behind your words. Tsukishima smirked at you before directing a glare towards the said boys.
"You heard her. Crows are omnivorous, but we do enjoy only eating meat once in a while."
With that, Tsukishima turned on his heels and headed after you while the boys stood there with pale faces looking like they had seen a ghost.
You just came back from the washroom when you saw what was happening to your team. A white-haired player from Dateko was pointing at Asahi with a blank look on his face. Poor Asahi looked like he is about to piss himself. Rage burned within you when you saw that two Dateko players stopping the white-haired player, one trying his best while the other looked like he wasn't even trying.
Storming towards them with blazing eyes you snapped, gaining both team's attention.
"What are you doing? Don't you know it's rude to point at other people?!"
Dateko players stood there with fear at the sight of a small girl who looked like she's ready to send them to hell.
"I swear that if you don't put your arm down, I will rip your finger out and shoved it up your ass. Mark my words! And you, help your senpai instead of half assing things, you lazy piece of shit!"
The Dateko players stared at you with wide open mouths as the white-haired player finally lowered his arm, afraid that you would really ripped his finger. The captain of Dateko apologized for his teammates before pushing his junior away from your team.
"Are you okay, Asahi?"
"That was terrifying."
"I can't tell if he's afraid of Dateko or Munchkin-chan."
"Be careful Tsukishima. If (name) heard you, she'll kill you."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT ME STRING BEAN?! DO YOU WANT ME TO RIP OUT ALL YOUR FINGERS AND SHOVED IT UP YOUR ASS?!"
"(name)-chan! Calm down, please!"
***
The Karasuno's Boys volleyball team faced their opponents, a serious look on their face. This first match would be the first stage of getting to national, the dreams of every volleyball players out in the world. Karasuno was no exception.
You sat next to your brother on the bench, your (e/c) eyes focused on the match that was about to start.
Beep!
The whistle blew and the first served was made.
Time to show the world that Karasuno has revived.