Hinata stood by the sideline, bouncing lightly on his feet, his hands flexing in anticipation.
The familiar squeak of shoes against the polished wooden floor filled the air as the players warmed up.
"Yo, Hinata!"
Hinata's head snapped toward the voice, and he immediately spotted Riku (Outside Hitter), making his way over with his usual lopsided grin.
"What's up?" Hinata grinned back, raising his hand.
Riku dapped him up without hesitation, gripping his hand firmly and pulling him into a quick half-hug.
Even though Riku was a high schooler, he had always treated Hinata as an equal.
No condescension, no holding back—just genuine camaraderie.
"Ready to mess these guys up?" Riku asked with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"You bet." Hinata grinned, his eyes gleaming with competitive fire.
The rest of Team A started gathering around, some offering friendly waves and nods.
Kota (Middle Blocker) slapped Hinata's back lightly, flashing a grin.
"I swear, you better not hold back today, shortie." he teased.
"You're one to talk. You couldn't even touch my last spike!" Hinata shot back with a playful smirk.
"Oho! You're cocky today." Kota chuckled, stretching his arms.
Nearby, Jin (Libero) was tying his shoelaces, his calm, calculating eyes scanning the opposing team.
He was the cool-headed anchor of Team A, always sharp and reliable.
Riku nudged Yuto (Setter), who was doing some quick wrist stretches.
"You better not mess up my tosses today, Yuto." Riku smirked.
Yuto snorted, rolling his eyes.
"You better actually jump for it this time."
The banter continued until Coach Naruto's sharp whistle cut through the air.
"Alright, enough chit-chat! Get into position!" he barked, walking over to the referee stand with his usual commanding presence.
The players hurried onto the court, their shoes squeaking as they settled into their formations.
Team B won the coin toss and elected to serve first.
Kensuke (Opposing Outside Hitter) walked to the backline, his gaze sharp and focused.
He tossed the ball into the air and struck it cleanly with a controlled topspin.
The ball cut through the air, diving low toward Team A's back row.
Jin (Libero) read the serve perfectly, his knees bent low as he angled his platform.
The ball met his forearms with a solid smack, floating upward in a clean pass.
"Up! Up!" Jin called, his voice steady and composed.
Yuto (Setter) darted forward, positioning himself perfectly beneath the ball.
His hands moved fluidly, pushing a high set toward the left-wing.
"Hinata!" he called out.
Hinata's legs were already in motion, his body coiling like a spring.
With a sharp intake of breath, he planted his feet and exploded upward, his muscles rippling with power.
Higher. Higher!
He soared above the net, his orange hair flashing like a flame.
The two blockers from Team B—Shouji (Middle Blocker) and Takuma (Opposite Spiker)—jumped in unison, their hands spread wide to block him.
Skill activated.
Hinata's eyes instantly locked onto their fingertips.
He angled his wrist slightly, sending the ball crashing into the edge of Shouji's hand.
The ball deflected off the block and spun out of bounds before anyone could react.
"Out! Point – Team A!"
The referee signaled as the scoreboard ticked upward.
Team A: 1
Team B: 0
Hinata landed lightly, a satisfied grin stretching across his face.
"You really went for the fingertips on the first play? Savage." Riku teased, giving him a fist bump.
On the other side, Team B's players groaned.
"Again?" Takuma muttered, dragging a hand through his hair.
"Why does he have to be on the other team today?"
Team A rotated servers, and Riku (Outside Hitter) was next.
He spun the ball in his hand, bouncing it once before tossing it high.
With a powerful jump, he snapped his wrist, sending the ball rocketing over the net with a heavy topspin.
Kaito (Team B's Libero) read the serve, diving low to pick it up.
The ball sailed toward Ren (Setter), who flicked a quick set to Haruto (Middle Blocker).
Haruto swung his arm forcefully, sending a low, fast spike toward the right corner.
Hinata darted across the court, his feet light and quick.
Read it. Track it. Move!
He swept low, his arms steady as he absorbed the spike's force, sending the ball cleanly upward.
"Nice receive!" Jin called out, his voice sharp.
Yuto rushed into position, his hands snapping upward for a quick back set.
"Riku!"
Riku took off, but three blockers jumped in front of him.
Instead of powering through, Riku tipped the ball over their hands.
The ball landed softly behind the block, catching Team B off guard.
"Point – Team A!"
The match turned into a fierce battle, both teams clashing with skill and determination.
Team A – 6
Team B – 4
Another play began.
Kota (Middle Blocker) jumped high, delivering a solid float serve.
The ball wobbled erratically, making it difficult to receive.
Team B's libero barely controlled it, sending a shaky pass.
Ren (Setter) scrambled, pushing a tight set toward the right-wing.
Takuma (Opposite Spiker) launched into the air, swinging with full force.
The ball shot toward the sideline, sharp and low.
But Hinata was ready.
He dived low, his arms perfectly positioned, sending the ball high into the air.
"Up!"
Yuto flicked his wrist, setting the ball beautifully to the left-wing.
Hinata took off, his legs burning with exertion.
He soared above the net, the ball perfectly aligned with his strike zone.
The blockers moved to intercept him—
But Hinata's skill activated again.
Dip it.
He flicked his wrist downward, sending the ball into a sharp drop shot that barely cleared the net.
The blockers landed helplessly as the ball hit the floor.
"Point – Team A!"
The scoreboard climbed steadily:
19 – 8
22 – 11
In the final play, Jin received a tricky float serve, perfectly stabilizing it.
Yuto snapped a fast back set toward the middle.
"Hinata!"
Without hesitation, Hinata dashed forward, his legs pumping powerfully.
He launched into the air, his orange hair flashing brightly.
The blockers scrambled to close the gap—
But Hinata was faster.
He slammed the ball straight down, catching the blockers mid-fall.
The ball hit the floor with a loud thud, sealing the final point.
"Point – Team A! Match over!"
The scoreboard flashed:
Team A: 25
Team B: 13
Hinata staggered slightly, panting as sweat dripped from his forehead.
The players clapped each other on the back, exchanging tired grins.
"You're a monster, Hinata." Riku chuckled, shaking his head.
"That last shot was insane!"
Hinata grinned, clasping Riku's hand.
As they shook hands with the opposing team, Kensuke smiled wryly.
"Playing against you is so unfair, man."
Hinata just grinned wider, his eyes glimmering with satisfaction.