Meanwhile, at Karasuno:
Hoshiumi looked at the dozen or so photos he had received and burst into laughter. "Hahahaha—come quickly and look! High-definition, scandalous photos of that arrogant setter from Inarizaki!"
Hirugami: "So this is what Inarizaki's famous scenery looks like."
Chapter 16: The Sixteenth Fox
Recalling the ball that had just caused the brothers to turn against each other, Miya Atsumu said, "If I'm going to improve it, I'll probably need a bit more time."
To ensure the ball has the speed of a fast ball, while also being able to hang at its peak like a parabola..
It wouldn't be difficult to achieve, but at this stage, the margin of error is somewhat outrageous; with a fast serve like that, even a three-centimeter deviation could cause a failure to coordinate with the wing spiker.
Moreover, this isn't just a training drill meant for a single Wing Spiker like Hinata; Miya Osamu is equally capable of coordinating with it.
Miya Atsumu looked down at Hinata. "Anyway, until I've mastered it, let him work hard on solving his technical issues."
In Hinata's field of vision, the demon-like senior was smiling.
A voice, as if rising from hell itself, rang in his ears: "If you can't even spike the ball I set for you.. you'd be an absolute failure, wouldn't you?"
"Here we go again." Miya Osamu said expressionlessly.
This guy.. he handles interpersonal relationships like he's constantly making threats; no wonder he can't get along with anyone else.
This little guy should..
Don't worry, Atsumu-senpai!" Hinata responded loudly, "I won't let you down!
“I'm looking forward to it.” Miya Atsumu gave a sincere smile.
By the time Hinata arrived, it was already late. They only played a few simple rallies to get a feel for the ball, the rest of the time was spent with Coach Kurosu providing a summary.
Before dismissal, Coach Kurosu mentioned the most important matter for the upcoming period.
"By the way, regarding the practice matches during Golden Week, I want to make the arrangements now." Coach Kurosu looked toward everyone.
Considering that the main goal this time is to give the freshmen some practice, let's swap the third-year students out for this training match.
He needed to consider the arrangements for each position once this year's third-year students graduate; preparing in advance by cultivating talent was what they should be doing.
Everyone nodded.
That means the positions currently left vacant are one Wing Spiker, one Middle Blocker, one Libero.
The Wing Spiker and Libero positions are undoubtedly reserved for Rishia Heisuke and Unabara Uta, but as for Hinata..
Oori Ren looked at Hinata, a heavy expression of unease in his eyes.
Can Hinata fulfill the responsibilities of a Middle Blocker?
As for blocking.. many times, Hinata can only guarantee a touch on the ball.
Miya Osamu directly raised the question that everyone was already thinking: "Should we have Rishia switch to Middle Blocker? Or should I do it?"
Inarizaki's blocking has always been sharp, besides, shifting all the pressure to the back row is unrealistic.
Coach Kurosu turned his gaze toward Miya Atsumu, wanting to hear his thoughts: "What about Atsumu?"
Hoshiumi and Karasuno's "Little Giant" are both Wing Spikers in their respective teams, but unfortunately, it's obvious that Hinata is currently in a state where he isn't quite proficient at anything..
By contrast, a Middle Blocker who doesn't really need to receive balls would indeed be more suitable.
If one wants to hold that Middle Blocker position when there is a gap in the block, then one must make full use of the Middle Blocker's other roles to their absolute fullest.
In other words—Quick Attack.
Miya Atsumu flashed a very confident smile: "I'm fine with that."
Since blocking is a factor that is nearly impossible to change in a short period due to objective limitations, having Hinata act as the central axis to spread the floor is indeed the most suitable choice.
Fortunately, the other members of the team can fully handle the blocking, so Rishia and himself can just provide extra help.
Overall.. it was still quite worth it.
In fact, Hinata, who hadn't kept up with everyone's pace at all, glanced around nervously.
He felt as if everyone was discussing his own problems, but they hadn't mentioned his name once throughout the whole thing, so he couldn't be certain at all.
“Hinata,” Coach Kurosu called out to the restless Hinata, “You'll play as the main Wing Spiker in the training match on the second day of Golden Week.”
Hinata was stunned for a moment, but having already gained a deep understanding of what each position does, he raised his hand and pointed to himself: "Me?"
Before he could even react, his seniors had already decided his fate.
And.. it was the kind of thing that was completely ridiculous.
Who's playing Middle Blocker? Him?
Miya Atsumu reached out and patted Hinata's shoulder. "Good luck, Shoyo-kun."
The captain, Kita Shinsuke, who was extremely well-informed about the current status of the first, second, third strings, said, "The second string will start training blocking soon. You should practice hard before Golden Week so that you'll have a chance to play during the training camp."
“Ohhh—A training camp!” Hinata grew excited.
The legendary essential part of club activities! Does he finally have a chance too!
Coach Kurosu thought for a moment and finally said, "Take Hinata, Kumagai, Tokura with the Second String."
"Understood." Coach Omimi nodded.
Today's training ended, while changing clothes, Hinata finally asked the question he had been curious about: "Heisuke, do you know where the training camp is being held?"
Rishia shook his head. "I'm not sure."
So, the two of them turned together to look at the senior they were currently second most familiar with—Suna Rintaro.
Hinata approached Suna directly: "Suna-senpai, what are the arrangements for Inarizaki's training camp?"
Suna froze for a moment, looking up only to find that Aran was not there.
He explained simply, "The Golden Week training camps are organized every year by us and Seito High School from Kyoto; it's a process where everyone plays continuous practice matches to gain experience."
“As for the members.. there's Shirabu from Oita, Inubushi Higashi from Kyoto, Kaifang Academy from Osaka.”
The venues rotate; this time, it's at Inubushi Higashi.
Rishia Heisuke had already begun to swallow nervously: "They're all powerhouse schools."
Every single school you pull out is so familiar..
Hinata sat down directly next to Suna and asked enthusiastically, "Then, Suna-senpai, how is the practice match with Nekoma arranged?"
It should be at Inubushi Higashi's gym," Suna speculated, while extending a hand toward Hinata. "Give me your phone for a second.
Hinata obediently handed over his phone and continued listening to Suna talk about the training camp.
On the other side, Miya Atsumu looked at Miya Osamu beside him: "Why ask Suna instead of me?"
He felt that his relationship with Hinata was already very good.
Miya Osamu gave him a roll of the eyes. "Aren't you going to reflect on yourself?"
This guy is practically a demon senior..
By the time Hinata walked out of the school gates, it was already quite late, but his exhaustion did not hinder his anticipation for the upcoming training camp.
“Training camp.. Heisuke, you were just talking about that ace from some place called Saka..”
Rishia's footsteps faltered. "Oh no!"
"What's wrong?" Hinata blinked, looking a bit dazed at Rishia's panicked expression.
“My literature homework! I just took it out to ask Kita-senpai a question and forgot to put it away!” Rishia was at his wit's end.
He hoped the clubroom wasn't locked yet, otherwise he might be punished with standing for the rest of tomorrow—
By the time the two of them rushed back to the gym, the lights in the clubroom were still on, the voices of Coach Kurosu and Kita-senpai could be heard faintly from around the corner as they discussed matters.
Hinata and Rishia exchanged a glance, preparing to take a different route so as not to disturb the coach and the others while they were discussing matters.
But just at that moment, Coach Omimi's voice rang out.
The current starting and substitute rosters for IH are already full; among the first-years, we should only be taking Rishia and Unabara.
The registration materials will be submitted in a few days, we won't have to play the first round of the regional preliminaries, just like before.
Upon hearing these words, Hinata, who had just been feeling somewhat excited, uncontrollably lowered his eyes.
Even though he had already guessed it, the contact over this period of time still made Hinata unconsciously look forward to the chance that he might get that opportunity.
But then again, it made sense; even someone as talented as Rishia could only play as a substitute, so why should he, who couldn't do anything, expect anything more?
As if sensing someone approaching, Coach Kurosu poked his head out to take a look.
Seeing it was Hinata and the other, he was a bit surprised. "Did you two forget something?"
Rishia scratched his head. "We.. forgot something.."
Before he could even finish speaking, Hinata suddenly stepped forward: "Coach!"
His gaze was extremely firm, as if he had suddenly reached a decisive conclusion.
Just as Kita and Omimi thought he was going to say something unrealistic like "striving for a spot on the bench," Hinata's voice rang out immediately after.
“I want to be closer to the court. I heard from the Second String seniors that the first-year cheering section is located up by the brass band, so they can't see clearly into the court.”
After watching that Karasuno match, he had already realized the profound importance of observation.
Even just by watching, one can learn enough.
Even if it's just a little bit, he wants to get even closer to that court.
If it were Coach Kurosu, he could probably move him from the back row to the front row to cheer.
Coach Kurosu was stunned for a moment.
To be honest, he had actually already thought of how to refuse Hinata, but he hadn't expected that the request Hinata would propose would actually be this kind of thing.
Honestly..
What a simple-minded, almost foolish child.
"So.." Opposite him, Hinata was still struggling to find the right words, thinking about how he could get the coach to agree to his request.