The results of Sunday's practice matches remained at fifty-fifty. Since they had to drive back to Miyagi, Karasuno had to leave early in the afternoon. Before they left, everyone said their goodbyes.
"Keep playing at that level. We'll see you at the National Championship."
"We'll only get stronger. Just wait for the Trashcan showdown—we'll beat you."
Kuroo and Daichi traded threats as usual. The two captains tightened their clasped hands at the same time, neither willing to yield.
"Tsukishima, keep practicing your blocks after you get back."
Bokuto patted Tsukishima's shoulder, looking as though he was eagerly anticipating his performance. Tsukishima nodded without saying anything. He still needed more practice, but that was fine. There was still some time before the training camp during autumn break.
After saying goodbye, everyone from Karasuno took the bus back to school. Once Teacher Takeda finished his summary, everyone went home. After two straight days of intense training, they needed a good night's rest.
"Shoyo! Catch!"
Hayato tossed the bottle in his hand to Hinata. Hinata caught it with both hands. It was a small bottle of Protein Powder. After all this time, even someone as dense as Hinata understood that his upperclassman had prepared it especially for him.
He had originally wanted to say that he would pay for it too, but Hayato gave his head a vigorous rub instead.
"You're Karasuno's Strongest Decoy. If we raise you properly, we'll have a better chance of taking another step forward. So don't bring up money. Just take it."
With his senior taking such good care of him, Hinata could only accept it. He felt even more grateful toward Hayato.
"Hayato-senpai, thank you so much!"
Everyone already knew that Hayato had been giving Hinata special treatment, but no one thought there was anything wrong with