Summer Vacation

"Hayato-senpai! How was my performance just now!"

"Amazing. I've always believed you're a genius, Hinata. And Kageyama, you too. To perfect the new quick attack in just a week, that's incredible."

After Coach Ukai finished his commentary, he told everyone to rest for a bit. Hinata, who couldn't wait any longer, pulled Kageyama over. Their eager looks for praise made Hayato chuckle, unable to help himself. He ended up patting both of them on the shoulder, offering encouragement for their performance.

Hinata sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Kageyama, on the other hand, nodded excitedly, accepting the praise from his respected senior. Seeing them both getting a little too carried away, Hayato cautioned them that their new quick attack wasn't stable yet and needed more practice.

However, Sugawara had just reminded them of the same thing. Hayato's reiteration was just to make sure these two first-years took it seriously.

The progress of the first-year duo also motivated the other members. After the basic training, Coach Ukai's proposed tactic of multiple simultaneous attacks began to take shape under Daichi and the others' practice. This tactic was something Hayato had proposed just a few days before he went abroad. Now that Hayato was back, he could be incorporated to expand the lineup options. After all, you could never have too many players in a formation that required the whole team to cooperate.

Nishinoya went to practice with Asahi. Hayato understood the technique he saw them practicing: a libero's jump float. Before Hayato arrived, Nishinoya and Asahi already had a good relationship, and Nishinoya had great faith in Asahi as the ace.

However, with Hayato's arrival, the ace position had changed. Yet, Nishinoya still wanted to do something for Asahi. Asahi didn't disappoint him, and the two of them improved together. Seeing this, Hayato felt nothing was wrong with it. A team's starting positions should naturally be in such a competitive state; only by working harder could one avoid being left behind.

"Hayato, what are you spacing out about over there? Come train with us! I'll set for Asahi, and then it'll be your turn!"

Noticing Hayato watching them, Nishinoya didn't stand on ceremony and directly invited him to join. To Nishinoya, both of them were aces in his heart. Even if he wanted to help Asahi, he couldn't neglect Hayato; that would be too unfair.

"Huh? I get to join too?"

"What are you talking about? We're teammates, of course, we have to get stronger together."

Puffing out his chest naturally, Nishinoya uttered a cool line.

"Nishinoya-senpai is so cool!"

Hinata, who overheard this, immediately jumped in to cheer, making Nishinoya a little embarrassed. He then offered to treat Hinata to an ice pop, as he was the senior and it was natural to look after his juniors.

Nishinoya and Asahi, who had started practicing the new technique, played earnestly on the side. Hayato looked at Nishinoya, who was no different from the original team members, and suddenly felt a pang of melancholy. He missed his old teammates a little. As the thought crossed his mind, he sighed.

I can't go back. But I'm not alone now, am I?

Answering his own question, Hayato smiled again and joined Nishinoya and the others in their practice.

After club activities ended, they went with Hinata and Kageyama to see Coach Ukai. After Kageyama introduced himself, Hayato first let the old man watch their Monster Quick Attack. After astonishing the old man, he then revealed the new quick attack to him, which completely piqued the old man's curiosity.

Unfortunately, this time, they couldn't execute the new quick attack even after ten consecutive attempts.

Just as the old man was about to suggest a break, an impact like flying crows with black feathers scattering directly at him struck. The new quick attack was successful. The elementary school students watching let out gasps of surprise.

"So amazing."

"Yeah, Hinata's partner is strong too."

Seeing the astonished old man, Hayato smiled like a fox.

"What do you think, Coach? Karasuno's new weapon."

"This is truly... amazing."

The old man looked at the two first-years and sighed in admiration. Hinata's reflexes and physical abilities were excellent. If it weren't for his technical limitations, the old man felt Hinata could be compared to the Little Giant. These were conclusions he had drawn from observing Hinata over the past few days, so he wasn't surprised by Hinata.

What surprised him was Kageyama. His precise passes, like surgical scalpels, were at a level beyond genius for Kageyama's age, especially his technique of setting the ball to a specific hitting point.

Hinata and Kageyama, having finally succeeded, clenched their fists and cheered. Looking at the astonished expression of the old Coach Ukai made them feel as comfortable as drinking iced water in summer.

"Coach, remember to come watch Karasuno's match during the Inter-High qualifiers," Hayato reminded him thoughtfully.

"Haha, you rascal. Alright, I'll definitely be there to watch."

For the remaining days, the members of the volleyball club trained diligently. Finally, Friday arrived, the day before the summer break.

"Finally, vacation!"

After the last class, the teacher announced the end of school, and everyone in the classroom cheered to celebrate the arrival of the holiday.

"Remember to be safe during the summer break, and don't forget your summer homework. Otherwise, you'll be in trouble when you get back."

The teacher reminded the students again before leaving the classroom.

Others also began packing their belongings, preparing to go home.

"Hayato! Vacation's finally here! We can leave for training camp tonight, aren't you excited?"

Tanaka sidled up to Hayato, who was packing his school bag, with the fervor of a young boy.

"Don't get too close, it's too hot. And you haven't packed your stuff yet."

Pushing the enthusiastic boy away slightly, Hayato reminded him that he hadn't packed yet.

"So cold. We're going to training camp, you know! You can be a little more excited. Show me the same passion you have when you play, my friend."

Tanaka returned to his seat and stuffed his belongings into his school bag, slightly displeased with Hayato's lack of enthusiasm.

"Because it's hot. Don't you think the temperature has been rising these past few days?"

"Huh? Is that so? I didn't really notice."

After chatting while packing, they headed towards the locker room. Since it was the start of summer break, Hayato could feel that everyone was a bit giddy as soon as they entered. It was Daichi, as the captain, who came out to remind everyone that they had summer training camp tomorrow and it wasn't time to relax yet, which finally curbed the atmosphere.

Since they had to depart for Saitama late at night, Coach Ukai scheduled a relatively light training session for today. If they were too exhausted, they wouldn't be able to rest well on the bus, and it would be a loss if it affected their performance the next day.

This summer training camp was to be held at Morisaki High School in Saitama Prefecture. It was said to be very cool there, which made Hayato the happiest. He found that he was starting to struggle with the gradually rising summer temperatures; he felt listless when it got hot.

Could it be summer fatigue? Hayato mused absentmindedly.

Club activities soon ended, and everyone had to go home to pack their luggage. Since they would be staying there for a long time, they needed to bring more changes of clothes. Today, Hinata would be taking Hitoka home, so Hayato and Kiyoko could go straight home.

"Okay, clothes are packed. Toiletries, phone charger. Ah, and I need to bring the mosquito repellent. I wonder if there will be many mosquitoes over there."

While packing his bags, Hayato received a message from Kiyoko asking how his packing was going.

Sitting on his bed chatting with Kiyoko, Hayato wasn't in a hurry, as it was still a long time before departure. After chatting with Kiyoko for half an hour, they finally ended their conversation.

After putting everything into his bag, Hayato decided to go have dinner first.

Once it was completely dark, everyone gathered at the school. Teacher Takeda, who was leading the trip, gave a pre-departure speech. This time, like last time, they were expected to arrive in the morning.

Hinata, who had missed the late-night departure last time, was excitedly cheering alone.

"It's so exciting to depart in the middle of the night!"

"Well, you and Kageyama missed it last time," Tanaka said, standing next to Hinata with his arms crossed.

Tsukishima, standing nearby, quipped, "It's good to be single-celled; you can sleep anywhere." This remark immediately angered the two single-celled individuals.

"What did you say?"

They responded in unison.