Haikyuu - I Am A Different Hinata!

After a few hours traveling back to Miyagi, the players arrived at Karasuno High School. It was already dusk, and most of them looked exhausted.

"Alright, everyone, get some rest!" Takeda said after gathering all the members in a circle.

"Yes!" they all shouted in unison.

"Remember, as I mentioned, there will be an inspection at the gym tomorrow, so there won't be any club activities. Tomorrow is a day off," Takeda explained. After he finished speaking, all the Karasuno players headed to the locker room to get organized before leaving.

"Ah, man! I need something to get better. This isn't enough!" Hinata sighed.

"What? You already have the super-quick attack with Kageyama, and you're still the best at regular spikes on the team. Out of everyone, you're the one who needs to improve the least! You're just a first-year!" Tanaka questioned.

"That combo attack relies too much on Kageyama. When you look at guys like Bokuto and Ushiwaka, they can break through blocks on their own. That's the level I want to reach!" Hinata said, clenching his fists.

"This time, Tanaka's right. We all need to improve... Don't be so hard on yourself. You're already at a really high level for a first-year. In fact, I'm not sure if there's any first-year better than you and Kageyama," Daichi said, walking over and lightly tapping Hinata on the back of his head.

"Now go home!" Daichi ordered in an authoritative tone. After a few minutes, everyone was on their way to their respective homes.

"I'm home!" Hinata announced as he opened the door to his house.

"Mom, big bro's here!" Natsu called out, noticing Hinata's arrival.

"Oh, I'm glad you're okay! Nothing bad happened in Tokyo, right?" Hana asked in a worried tone.

"Of course not! I told you nothing would happen. In fact, Tokyo should be worried about itself when I'm around!" Hinata said with a mischievous grin on his face.

After getting home, Hinata ate dinner and lay down on his bed, lost in thought.

"Even though I'm already at a good level, I don't want to wait until next year to improve. If I can do it now, I will. I just don't know exactly what to do. I've realized that what I'm missing is power, but I don't know how to improve... Maybe that guy knows..." Hinata thought as he closed his eyes to sleep.

The next day, it was already late afternoon when Hinata walked toward Ukai's store. After entering, he saw Ukai reading a magazine.

"Ukai-san," Hinata said, trying to get Ukai's attention, who didn't seem to notice his arrival.

"Hinata? What are you doing here?" Ukai asked.

"Well, ever since we got back from Tokyo, I can't stop thinking that I need to improve and level up my skills. I came here to ask if you have any specific training or tips for me!" Hinata asked.

"Ukai-san is a good coach, but my real goal in coming here is to try to get him to take me to that old man. Maybe he knows how to help me... He helped the original Hinata in the anime," Hinata thought as he waited for Ukai's response.

"Well, when I think about your qualities, I believe you're already on the right path. I'd just let time do its thing, and you'd naturally improve over time..." Ukai said thoughtfully.

"So there's nothing I can do to improve right now?" Hinata asked, pouting to try to convince Ukai.

"Alright... I know someone who might have a way to help you. Wait a moment!" Ukai said, heading into the back of the store.

"Ready for a little trip?" Ukai said, holding up a car key suggestively.

"Let's go, why not?" Hinata said, following Ukai into a yellow van. After a few minutes of driving, they arrived at a house. Ukai walked in freely, and inside, they went to the back of the court, revealing an area with a volleyball net and several kids playing volleyball with an older man—the original Ukai.

"Hey, Keishin! Is this the kid you told me about that one time? Why'd you bring him here?" Ikkei Ukai asked, stopping his sets for the kids to turn his attention toward the two.

"He needed some help, and I thought it'd be good to introduce him to you," Ukai replied.

"Hello, sir. I'm Shoyo Hinata, a first-year at Karasuno, and I play as a wing spiker. It's a pleasure to meet you!" Hinata said, bowing respectfully.

"Hmm... First-year and a wing spiker, and you're pretty tall. So tell me, what do you need from an old man..." Ikkei Ukai said, placing his hands on his hips.

"Well, recently we went to Tokyo to play some practice matches against teams like Nekoma, and I realized I'm not at the level I believe I can reach..." Hinata explained.

"Isn't he the first-year kid who's already an ace, good at receives and serves?" Ikkei Ukai asked, looking at his grandson.

"Actually, he is..." Ukai replied.

"Then why didn't you tell him to stay quiet and just keep working!" Ikkei Ukai shouted, slapping his own grandson and sending him flying.

"Sir, I know it might sound arrogant, but I believe I can reach an even higher level this year. I just need more strength and power. And since those are things that usually take time... but I don't have another way..." Hinata pleaded, looking at the old man in front of him.

"Hmm... It might sound like arrogance, but since you're so determined to improve, I can show you something that might help. It's not a guarantee, though, so don't get too excited. But it's worth a try, especially if it means leveling up Karasuno and taking down bastards like that old cat from Nekoma..." Ikkei Ukai declared.