After Heiwajima left, having briefly spoken with Takeda and Ukai, both of them thought it was the perfect time to reveal the new trip to compete in more friendly matches.
"Gather around, everyone!" shouted Daichi as all the members gathered around the two.
"Alright, as expected, we've received another invitation to go to Kanto for a few more rounds of friendly matches, and we'll be leaving tomorrow. So, make sure to be here at school tomorrow morning!" declared Takeda.
"NICE! WE GET TO TRAIN WITH THOSE GUYS AGAIN!" said Tanaka excitedly.
"Well, the more high-level matches, the better... I guess..." said Asahi, somewhat reluctantly.
"I wish I had the chance to watch the rest of the nationals because, from what I saw, both Yukigaoka and Kitagawa Daiichi advanced to the quarterfinals. But the main focus is volleyball, so I won't complain..." said Hinata, shrugging.
"Hinata, did you say Heiwajima mentioned they'd have a friendly match against Seijoh?" asked Daichi.
"Yes! Just like the friendly match against Shiratorizawa that Kageyama and I accidentally ended up participating in," confirmed Hinata.
"Tsk! I wonder if Oikawa would have done better in my situation, playing among Shiratorizawa's players..." pondered Kageyama, who in canon had disguised himself to spy on that Seijoh friendly match. But now, having already defeated Aoba Johsai, he didn't feel the same sense of urgency, though he still considered Oikawa a major threat.
"I wouldn't mind, but it would be amazing to test our strength against a university team!" said Daichi with a dreamy expression, echoed by the rest of the Karasuno members.
The next day, just before dawn, all the players were gathered in front of the bus, waiting for Takeda to give his speech.
"Alright, everyone, counting this one, it's the second time we've had the opportunity to go to Kanto to participate in friendly matches with strong teams before the elimination rounds begin. So, this is more experience for you to test and refine your skills in almost real matches," said Takeda.
"Also, thanks to the good impression Hinata made and the interaction we had yesterday, we've secured a friendly match against Heiwajima's team, Hiromi University," declared Ukai with a proud smile, even though it was Takeda who had called and requested it.
"We get to play against university students!" said Tanaka, celebrating.
"I'll give it my all and prove my worth to Heiwajima!" said Nishinoya, clenching his fists energetically.
"But either way, that match won't happen for a few more days, closer to the start of the elimination rounds. So, let's focus on the now, which is heading to Kanto!" said Ukai as he boarded the bus, with the rest of the players following, their faces determined and excited by the news.
The trip went smoothly without anything special happening, and after a little over two hours, the players arrived in Kanto, once again in Tokyo at the Shinzen facilities, where they were greeted this time solely by Nekomata.
"Hello, how are you all... everyone's in the gym warming up..." said Nekomata in his usual sly tone.
"Well, the trip went well! Thank you for the invitation!" thanked Takeda, bowing.
"No need to thank me so much every time. We just didn't include you as a fixed part of the Fukurodani group due to the geographical distance and the logistical difficulties, which are quite troublesome for friendly matches," commented Nekomata as he guided all the Karasuno members to the gym.
"NO!... I mean... it's not difficult for us at all! It's always a pleasure to travel this distance to compete against you!" said Ukai, abruptly joining the conversation.
"Hohoho, either way... have your players store their things and come to the gym!" said Nekomata with a smile.
"Alright!" agreed Ukai as they headed to the room they had stayed in previously, dropped off their bags, changed into their uniforms, and went straight to the gym. Upon entering, they observed the teams warming up at a slower pace, and as soon as Bokuto noticed Tsukishima's entrance, he shouted in his direction.
"HEY! TSUKI! COME BLOCK FOR ME! HEY! HEY! HEY!" said Bokuto excitedly, gesturing with his hands.
"Sure, thanks for playing with me!" agreed Tsukishima without hesitation, leaving Bokuto slightly surprised.
"That was too easy! But I don't blame him! Who wouldn't want to train with someone as amazing as me!" said Bokuto triumphantly, pointing at his chest with a smile.
"He just wants to train with you so he can block Ushiwaka, the Final Boss..." sighed Akaashi.
"Hey, Akaashi! That's not a problem if I keep beating his block here and he ends up defeating Shiratorizawa. That just means I'll have beaten Ushiwaka!" said Bokuto confidently.
"YES!" Kuroo celebrated after successfully blocking Lev, who was completely outmatched.
"Dude, if you think you can't get past him, you can just tip the ball to try and send it back to your team," sighed Hinata.
"But I always think I can get through! And next time, I definitely will!" said Lev, slightly irritated.
"Keep that up, and you won't even get past Tsukishima. HEY! Tsuki, come on! Or are you just going to stand there?" said Kuroo, calling out to Tsukishima, who was drinking water. Tsukishima agreed and headed to the court.
"Lev, close your arms!" warned Hinata as they jumped into a triple block alongside Asahi to stop an attack from Bokuto. The ball hit Asahi's hands, softening the impact and going to Yamamoto, who was ready to receive it.
"I'll set the ball! The days spent watching Kageyama won't go to waste," commented Hinata as he positioned himself under the ball and jumped, setting it high for Lev. The ball was so high that Lev almost missed it but managed to hit it in the end, and the two successfully bypassed the block.
"I told you! Our combination is fun!" said Hinata, laughing after Lev's point.
"We managed to get past Kuro-san's block!" said Lev, also laughing.
"It was pure luck, but it's definitely a strong move!" thought Kuroo, pausing to reflect on the last play. Due to Hinata's height, he could set the ball at a height that only Lev could reach, and with some precision... For a regular setter to set the ball that high, they'd need to use much more force, which could reduce accuracy... Even though Hinata's set was pure luck.