Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

When pressed, Yamaguchi only admitted it was a girl from Karasuno, but refused to give her grade, class, or name.

The two self-proclaimed members of Kiyoko's "bodyguard squad," who had hoped to recruit another member, were promptly denied—Yamaguchi's cheeks turning red as he shook his head when Hitoka's name came up.

This made Hayato pause. So… not Hitoka? Or is he just denying it to avoid being found out?

He studied Yamaguchi's expression for a while but couldn't tell if he was telling the truth, so he let it go.

When no one could get more information, the conversation drifted to lighter topics, and Hayato eventually dozed off listening to the chatter.

The next morning, after his usual jog around the track, Hayato headed back to the dorm and happened to cross paths with the managers, who were going downstairs to the cafeteria to prep breakfast.

When the girls spotted him, they exchanged glances and whispered among themselves.

"Oh, oh, oh—it's Kuroha-kun."

"He and Shimizu-chan make such a good pair."

Their voices were too low for him to catch.

He greeted Kiyoko, and the girls on her side immediately grew more excited, making Hayato glance at them curiously.

"Kiyoko-nee? What's with them?"

"Don't mind them. Go wash up—you're dripping with sweat."

Sensing he probably shouldn't linger, Hayato followed her advice. Before leaving, he cast a glance at Hitoka.

They'd known each other for quite a while now, so why had she still looked so timid just now?

As soon as he was gone, the girls swarmed around Kiyoko."

He called you Kiyoko-nee!"

"So nice~ Kuroha-kun's also really handsome—kind of like a loyal dog type."

"Yeah, I think so too."

Kiyoko only gave a faint smile and didn't respond. Eventually, the chatter fizzled out.

After breakfast, another day of intense training began.

Coach Ukai's focus today was on using multi-person attacks smoothly in matches and avoiding relying on a single fixed lineup.

The starting roster mixed five regulars with one substitute. Ennoshita, now more settled after two days of match play, took over Daichi's role on the court while Hayato sat on the bench.

"Relax, I've got it!"

Ennoshita called as he moved into position, eyes scanning the opponent's formation.

"Watch the left!"

"To me!"

In perfect sync, Hinata and Kageyama pulled off their signature quick, scoring cleanly.

"Nice one, you two."

But Morisen wasn't about to just roll over—they immediately answered with a textbook multi-person attack, evening the score.

From the bench, Sugawara and Hayato both sighed in appreciation.

"Morisen's combination play really is the best."

"Yeah… that's exactly what we're aiming for."

Still, Karasuno wasn't there yet. Frequent rotations meant their coordination wasn't stable enough.

Back on the court, Ennoshita kept the team focused. He'd been unknowingly tapped by Coach Ukai and the third-years as Hayato's future vice-captain—a role he fit perfectly. He had the authority to rein in Tanaka and Nishinoya, and the empathy to balance Hayato's leadership style.

For Ennoshita, every minute on court was precious. Having once run away from the team, he now valued each opportunity more than anyone.

This rally, Karasuno ran their own multi-person attack. The ball went to Tanaka, whose straight spike zipped over the net, brushing a blocker's arm for the point.

"We did it!"

"Nice, Tanaka!"

"Great pass, Kageyama!"

The bench erupted in cheers. But the second half told a different story.

Morisen dug in, clawing back point after point, eventually winning the set 25–23.

"Damn it… sorry, everyone. I couldn't receive those last balls," Ennoshita muttered, frustrated.

It was true—receiving was still Karasuno's biggest weakness, and Morisen had targeted him relentlessly. Pride wouldn't let him step aside for Nishinoya, and that stubbornness had cost them.

"Don't worry about it. We'll get 'em next time."

"Yeah, the set's over—time to focus on the next one."

Tanaka and Nishinoya patted his shoulders.

As punishment training, Daichi led the team on a grueling uphill-downhill sprint under the blazing July sun. Even the bench players came back flushed and panting.

The managers handed out water. Hitoka hesitated for a long moment before finally approaching Hayato.

"Um, Kuroha-senpai…"

She bowed deeply and apologized. She'd blurted out his connection with Kiyoko yesterday.

Kiyoko had already reassured her the night before, but Hitoka still felt she owed him an apology.

When Hayato heard, the pieces clicked—so that's why the girls had been staring this morning.

"It's nothing. Really. It's not like it's a big secret. Relax, Hitoka-chan, I'm not angry."

He smiled and gave her shoulder a friendly pat.

"R-really?"

"Of course. And as Karasuno's manager, you've got more important things to worry about—like keeping us alive with cold water."

He lifted the bottle she'd just handed him.

"Thanks."

"Yes, Kuroha-senpai!"

Relieved, Hitoka bowed again and hurried back to refill bottles for the rest.

"Did Hitoka talk to you about yesterday?"

Kiyoko had come over quietly, and now stood beside him in the shade, their shoulders almost touching.

"Yeah. She felt guilty. But really, it's no big deal… right, Kiyoko-nee?"

"Mhm. Still… I'm looking forward to the day that big deal actually happens."

Hayato knew exactly what she meant. On the day they won the championship, he'd promised to confess to her.

"I'll do my best to make that 'big deal' a complete success."

"Mm. I'm looking forward to it."

Under the tree, sunlight filtering through the leaves, they simply looked at each other.

A sudden breeze lifted Kiyoko's hair, revealing the tiny beauty mark at the corner of her lips.

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1st Bonus Chapter - 150 POWER STONES

2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 POWER STONES

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