"Bodhi, just what the hell did you do?" Kindaichi asked.
"I literally did nothing! All I did was buy food from him and leave," Bodhi stated, only getting a dry look from his friend.
"I'm sure you did something to piss him off. He looks absolutely irate right now," Kindaichi replied, pointing across the gym to where the Karasuno coach was seen staring daggers into Bodhi's back.
"Well that sure as shit ain't my problem, I'm looking forward to playing them though," Bodhi said eagerly, finishing his stretching as the games were about to begin.
"Who cares about that? Why the hell do you know Karasuno's manager!" Yahaba asked incredulously.
"You're really shallow, aren't you Yahaba," Kindaichi said.
"Kiyoko? We were childhood friends. I reconnected with her recently but with how busy I've been with practice I never got to hang out with her and catch up. I had no clue she was a manager though, and a volleyball one a that. Small world, also… stay away," Bodhi told Yahaba.
Yahaba who heard the threatening tone in the first year's voice, backed off and quickly finished his warm stretches before moving away to join the other second years.
"Alright! Everyone gather 'round!" Coach Yamiji yelled. Getting all the players' attention. "Welcome to the first of two training camps being held by the Fukurodani Academy group. To those who don't know me, I'm Takeyuki Yamiji, head coach of Fukurodani Academy. First and foremost, remember that this camp is not just about honing your skills; it's about pushing your limits and discovering what you're truly capable of. Each one of you has a unique talent and potential waiting to be unlocked. Challenge yourselves every day. Step out of your comfort zone. Embrace the drills, the challenges, and even the moments of failure. It's in these moments that you will learn the most about yourself. Teamwork is the heart of volleyball. You are not just here to become better individual players; you are here to elevate one another. Trust your teammates, communicate openly, and support each other fiercely. A successful team is built on strong relationships, and those bonds will carry you through the toughest matches. Remember, when one of you shines, the whole team shines."
Coach Yamiji paused a moment. Taking in the looks of determination on the players' faces, making sure each and every single one was listening to him.
"As you train, set clear goals for yourself. Visualize your success, whether it's perfecting your serve, mastering a block, or improving your agility. Keep that vision in your mind and let it drive you. But also remember that progress takes time. Celebrate your small victories along the way, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Each misstep is a stepping stone on your path to greatness. Remember to stay positive and resilient. There will be tough days, days when you might feel exhausted or question your abilities. On those days, lean on your teammates, draw strength from one another, and remind yourselves why you love this game. Your passion and dedication will carry you through. Finally, always play with heart. Give your all in every drill, every scrimmage, and every game. Play not just for yourself, but for your teammates and the love of the sport. Let your enthusiasm be contagious and inspire those around you."
A round of applause came from all those in the gym. It wasn't often but when Coach Yamiji made a speech it sure as hell was one to remember.
"Now, here are the lots for the first set of matches. Also, a friendly reminder to those who lose. Here at Fukurodani Academy, the punishment for losing your match is a flying lap. Here we go, on court one; Nekoma vs Ubugawa, court two Fukurodani vs Karasuno, court three Aoba Johsai vs Shinzen. We will rotate opponents after every flying lap," Coach Yamiji finished.
All of the players rejoined their teams and made their way to their designated courts.
"Alright, not much is known about our opponent. They're new to the group so stick with what you know and use your combo plays to overwhelm their defense. Daiki lead the way, Eikichi focuses on keeping their spikers in check," Coach Yoshiki Sasagawa told his team.
"Alright boys! Let's hit em where it hurts!" Daiki yelled out. Getting into position.
Shinzen High (For the positions, it's a complete guess. They only mention Daiki's and Eikichi's. If you know the proper ones lemme know and I can change 'them.)
Setter: Masaru Kodama
Wing Spikers: Daiki Ogano, Noriaki Shimafu, Yu Akatani.
Middle Blockers: Eikichi Chigaya, Shota Naguri
Libero: Kazutaka Yoshikawa
On Aoba Johsai's side. Coach Irihata was giving a bit of a different speech.
"Gentleman, this will be the first of many matches today. Going with our new ethos I'll be rotating players out as I see fit. Trying different combinations of different players to try and find what works. We've already started on this process, but we can use these coming games to further refine them. Play hard and play smart," Coach Irihata said.
"Let's kill it Kindaichi! Kunimi!" Bodhi said excitedly. Having completely forgotten the drama that unfolded this morning. He has a one-track mind for volleyball after all.
Setter: Shigeru Yahaba
Wing Spikers: Akira Kunimi, Bodhi Hamada, Takahiro Hanamaki
Middle Blockers: Yutaro Kindaichi, Issei Matsukawa
Libero: Shinji Watari
"Game Start! Shinzen vs Aoba Johsai! Shinzen won the toss and have elected to receive," the referee, Mizoguchi for the first match said.
Bodhi made his way to the backline and began his serve routine. He took five steps from the line and turned around, facing down his opponents. He didn't know which of them was good or bad at receiving so he decided to aim for the corner. Spinning the ball three times, he felt the grooves etch into his hands, stopping it on the third as he felt the lines of the ball settle into his, lifting the ball to his head he waited.
The whistle blew signalling service.
Those watching were not only limited to the teams playing on court two, but two others took notice. One was Tatsuki Washio, looking to see if his rival had improved any and the other was a tall lanky first-year decked out in a black tee shirt and blue practice jersey. He didn't know why but Bodhi looked familiar to him.
Tossing the ball up high with his right hand he made his approach. Slamming his left foot down in front Bodhi leapt up high and made full contact with the ball, flattening it upon impact.
*SMACK*
*BOOOOOM*
The sound the ball made as it impacted the left corner, left all those speechless. Shinzen didn't even make an attempt at receiving it, seeing as how none of them even saw the ball.
"Fweeee! Point Aoba Johsai!" Mizoguchi said.
"No touch ace!" Kindaichi yelled.
The sound that had reverberated around the gym when the ball impacted the floor made it known that Aoba Johsai had came here for one thing, and one thing only.
To Rule the Court…