>>>>>>>EARLIER TODAY>>>>>>>

FWEET!

TOSS~

"Got it!"

BUNT!

"Left!"

From the stands, I watch Aoba Johsai and Date Tech go head-to-head.

"Well? Are they winning?!"

"Don't push."

I turn my head, seeing Date Tech's former third-year members, Moniwa, Kamasaki, and Sasaya.

"They're still only two points ahead."

"They're only on their second. Who got the first set?"

"Apparently Seijoh got the first set."

"Eh/Ahh!"

They're startled when I answer for them, realizing me and the third-years are nearby.

"Hey."

"Hey there."

"Urk!"

I sweat-drop when Sasaya grabs Kamasaki by the jaw to stop him from making that threatening glare. I decide to greet them and walk over.

"Haven't seen you in a while."

"Y-Yeah. I'm surprised Karasuno still has third-years."

"I see you've got some new blood on the team."

I refer to that big guy with the dirty-blonde hair wearing #7 jersey.

TOSS!

"What the heck was that?!"

I hear my brother shout as everyone watches the ball being tossed up at a high point.

"I'm counting on you, Futakuchi-senpai!"

🏐

FWEET!

Unfortunately, his spike doesn't make it through.

"Ahh, sorry!"

"Don't mind!"

"That's our new weapon," Moniwa says, proudly, "the giant setter, Koganegawa."

TOSS!

FWIP!

"...!?"

"Uh..."

Our faces goes blank when the ball flies over Aone and right into their coach's hands.

"Nice catch."

"I'm sorry! I'll run around the school a hundred times to make up for it!"

"You should probably practice tossing instead!"

I watch Futakuchi scold Koganegawa then turn to Date's third-years.

"H-He's still learning," Moniwa stutters, "he recently become a setter! He'll eventually be a huge deal!"

"T-Those kinds of mistakes happen all the time..."

'You're making Karasuno's captain take pity on you, Moniwa.'

"Futakuchi is having trouble with his junior."

"Hah! Serves him right!"

WHAM!

"One touch!"

"Alright! Makki!"

"Got it!"

This time, Mastukawa is the one to toss.

TOSS!

"Oikawa!"

Their captain runs up for the counter-attack, just as Aone and Futakuchi get ready for the block. Even so, Oikawa could still pass them with that open blind spot.

FWOOM!

"Oh."

"OORRRAAA~!"

🏐

"Ahh/Ngh!"

THUMP!

FWEET!

"Yosha!"

Date Tech earns a point, thanks to Koganegawa swooping in at the last moment. Except...

"Learn to hold back, you idiot!"

"Right! Sorry! Are you okay, Futakuchi-senpai?"

"No, I'm not! That's why I'm telling you to learn to hold back!"

Again, the new appointed captain scolds his junior. I don't blame him after getting the wind knocked out by two giant players colliding at full force. Either way, I'm sure with a little more experience, their new iron wall will be even better than before.

"Excuse me."

I look up to see one of the gym's employees.

"Hinata Mizuki?"

"That's me."

"I came to deliver a message."

He leans forward as I listen. And then...

My outburst obviously startles the audience and those down below, but I'm too upset to care as I start packing my things.

"W-What's wrong, nee-san?"

"Sorry, but I gotta go take care of something."

"H-Hold on," Asahi whispers, "you have to leave by 1:45, right? You won't see us after that, so if you miss the train..."

"I'll be fine, Asahi."

I surprise him with a kiss on the cheek.

"If I'm not back in time, just send me a video of the rest of the games. But I promise, I'll come back to say goodbye. I could never leave you hanging like that."

"Aha...no, you wouldn't."

He smiles and reciprocates a kiss on my cheek. We earn a few 'ooh's' making us awkwardly chuckle.

"Keep me posted, Keishin."

"We'll save you a big hug for later!"

"Be careful, nee-san."

"Don't worry, I got here with my motorcycle, so I'll be back before you know it."

"Oh, okay."

"Wait—motorcycle?!"

"You never said you had a—"

"See ya later!"

I sprint up the stairs and all the way out of the gym.

>>>>>>>INTERMISSION>>>>>>>

While warming up, I stop stretching my legs and look to Rosa.

"Since when can you drive a motorcycle?"

"Oh, I got my license during my stay in America."

"We both got ours on the same day," Skye grins, victoriously.

"You kids today sure are proactive."

"So, why did you leave so early?"

"Cause this idiot got herself into the hospital cause of temporary fatigue. Again."

"What!?"

"Just for that?"

"But that's when things get complicated after I arrive."

>>>>>>>HOSPITAL>>>>>>>

"This...is ridiculous."

"I'm sorry."

I give a firm look and crossing my arms like a parent would scolding their kid. I stand near the bed with bags of bento meals set on the desk.

"Do you make it a habit of pulling me out of a game for this?"

"I can't help it," Skye whines.

"I told you not to overeat, cause then you'll be starving later on in the day! Seriously, ow does that even happen?"

Knock-Knock-Knock

"Come in."

"Pardon the intrusion."

"Nishimura-san..."

"You know him?"

"The front desk told me I would find you in here."

"You're looking for me? Why?"

"I'm so sorry."

That's when he bows to me with desperation.

"Since the master and his wife are out of town, I didn't know who else to turn to."

"Nishimura-san, calm down. What happened?"

"It's the young master and miss. They're being held hostage inside the manor."

"Ehh?!"

"The one in charge...he seems to know you."

My eyes narrow, already thinking of the culprit responsible for this.

"Did he have a scar on his face?"

"Huh? Um, yes, miss. Right across his forehead. Please, Hinata-sama. If I don't return with you in ten minutes, they'll—"

"Tell me; are the police already there?"

"They're outside the manor forming a barrier."

"Is there a detective named Miyama Saki?"

"Yes, he's the one in charge."

"Good. Let's go!"

"I'm coming too!"

"You're still in no shape to be up!"

"I just ate five bentos, so my energy level is half-charged up!"

"Oh, I give up!"

"It's alright, miss, she can ride with me."

Outside, I notice an old fashioned-military motorcycle with a sidecar next to mine.

"Dang~ that is one sweet ride!"

"Thank you. It was a present from my grandfather before I was enlisted."

"And look—we got police escort up ahead!"

"Then what are we waiting for? Come on!"

🚨🚨🚨🚨

🏍🏍🏍🏍

With the help of the sirens, citizens let us through as we drive down the streets at full speed.

SCREECH~!

I stop in front of the polic vehicles surrounding the gate.

"Woah..."

I knew they were rich, but I never expected their home to be fit for a royal family. And on top of a hill at that, even if it is clique.

"Mizuki!"

"Miyama-san!"

I rush over to the redhead.

"Is it true? Is he really—"

"Afraid so. Honestly, I don't want you being in the same room as that man."

"I have to, Miyama-san. Just tell me what to do."

Once the plan is set, I present myself in front of the gate.

"I'm here like you asked!"

⚡BUZZ~

C-CLANG!

Slowly, it opens up and I walk forward and towards the front door. Entering the foyer, I notice five armed men.

"Hinata Mizuki."

I look in-between the double staircase, where that man with the scar stands, and the twins tied to chairs.

"Hinata-san!"

"I was hoping you'd show up."

"Can't believe you sent your men after me. Yet alone how you remembered me."

He clicks his tongue and leans on one chair.

"How could I forget the girl who did this to my face?"

"I was a child, what did you expect? At least I did something instead of making excuses. I'm surprised you even managed to pull this stunt off."

"Don't get cocky," he snarls, "unless you don't give me the money, these kids will have a scar just like mine."

"Don't do it, Hinata-san!"

"They don't fool us! They're gonna kill us all!"

"Shut up, boy!"

"Enough! Are we going to do this or not?"

"Well then?"

"First, we'll make the trade. The kids for the money and myself. That's why I'm here, isn't it?"

"Smart girl."

With a nod, two of his men untie the twins and they immediately run to me.

"We're so sorry."

"It's okay, Takahiro. Oh, Sachi..."

I pull out a volleyball and give it to her.

"This is for you."

"Eh? B-But this is yours. You take it everywhere."

"I don't need it anymore. I've reached my goal. Now it's time you do the same."

"Stop mumbling over there and hurry up."

"Take good care of it for me."

"Wait/Don't go!"

I slowly make my way over with the bag of loot.

"I've been waiting for when I'd get back at ya."

He cracks his knuckles.

"I'll make you wish you hadn't messed with me."

"You did that yourself, jackass. I'm smarter than that."

"I told you!"

FWOOM!

"DON'T GET COCKY YOU BITCH~!!"

FWIP!

"Nah!"

✋🏼💥💥✋🏼

Though he could throw a punch, I easily dodge with a high flip and slam my fists on both sides of his head.

KA-THUMP!

I land safely while he is knocked unconscious.

"Told you I was smarter."

"That was awesome!"

"Do it again!"

"Boss is down!"

"Get her, boys!"

"Ugh, not again."

VRR—VRR~!

Hearing engines running, we turn to the door.

💥

SCREECH!

Coming in with a bang is Nishimura on his bike.

"Children, hop in!"

"Nishim—"

"Not so fast!"

"Kyaa!"

"Sachi/Young miss!"

I chase after the man who takes Sachi up the stairs.

FWIP!

I run along the railing and lunge my feet forward.

KICK/GYAHH!

THUMP!

I quickly kneel beside Sachi to help her up.

"Get them!"

"Hold on tight!"

"Go that way!"

Putting her on my back, Sachi wraps her arms around my neck as we run for it.

"Now go left, up there!"

I take the spiral stairs, with those thugs not far behind.

🚪💥

I push through then lock the doors quick, barricading the handles with a heavy candlestick holder.

"Shoot, a dead end."

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Sachi, just let me...think...?"

That's when I see the balcony.

"C'mon, open up!"

"You can't hide forever!"

"Sachi...do you trust me?"

"Huh?"

"Do you trust me?"

"H-Hai. What are you..."

"Then do you believe we can fly?"

"Eh?! W-Wait, you're not gonna—"

"It's our only chance, but we gotta time this right."

"But, I'm scared."

"It's okay to be scared. You just have to face it head on. Just like in a match."

"Like...a match?"

The door starts to show cracks, making me step away.

"I-I..."

I look at Sachi when she hugs my neck tighter.

"I can't fly...but I know you can, Hinata-san!"

"Then let's do it. Together."

"Un!"

"GO!"

Taking big strides, I storm out before stomping my foot on the concrete railing.

💨💨

"Ahh/No way!"

As if the wind is on our side, we soar high and far in the air.

🌳RUSTLE—RUSTLE!

"AHHH!"

RUSTLE/THUMP!

We land into the trees and fall onto the thick bushes below.

"Ah, Sachi!"

I see her next to me, looking dazed.

"Sachi, are you okay?"

"WOO-HOO~! That was amazing!"

She hugs me, but this time with joy.

"I knew you could fly, but not like that!"

"(Laughs)Well, it seems fate was smiling down on us. Thank goodness."

"Thank you, Hinata-san!"

"Young miss!"

"Sachi/Mizuki!"

The others run over, and Miyama helps me and Sachi out from the shrubbery.

"We got the perpetrators."

"Another successful case, detective."

"Well, that's settled, but what about the game?"

"Aw, crap—I'm gonna miss the last of the second half!"

"That's what you think. Alright, men, let's move it! Double time!"

"Yes, sir!"

>>>>>>>INTERMISSION>>>>>>>

"So that explains what happened to your face."

Gina points out the bandages on my left cheekbone, one on the lower-right and another on the jawline.

"I told Coach Ojiro I'd be fine since it's only minor cuts. At least my other body parts are fine."

"You live one crazy life, Hinata."

"Just call me Mizuki, Sato-san."

"I'm glad the Nakajima twins are okay."

"But did you make it back in time?"

FWEET!

Just then, Coach Ojiro whistles to get our attention.

"C'mon girls, time to practice! Our new members will answer questions afterwards!"

"Aw, just when we were getting to the good parts."

"How about we continue this at Shinjou's?"

"You know Shinjou-san, too? I'll be working at his ramen shop when I move here."

"Ooh, you gonna give us a discount now that we're teammates?"

"Don't be stingy, Anzu."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Ugh/Ahaha/Here we go again..."

>>>>>>>EARLY AFTERNOON>>>>>>>

SCUFFLE!

"Huff...y'know...this is the most...hah!...I've run in one day!"

"If I have to sprint back out again, I'm gonna cut my legs off!"

"Well, that's brutal!"

Mizuki and Skye arrive and stand in the open doorway.

"Cover, cover!"

"It's up!"

"Stop it/Don't let them have it!"

Both schools cheer as the ball heads for Oikawa.

TOSS!

"Iwa-chan!"

"Right!"

Iwaizumi eyes the toss and heads for the net. Waiting for him is the tall trio.

'We're not going...'

CLANG—CLANG—CLANG!

'...to let it end here!'

FWOOM!

The iron wall comes together as Seijoh's ace leaps for the strike.

"Your resolve is weak..."

FWIP!

"—you little first-year!"

"Hah/Ahh/Nah!"

"Ngh..."

"..."

"...It...It went through the middle of his arms!"

"YEAH!"

In a flash, Iwaizumi's team tackles and praises him nonstop.

"You're amazing, Iwaizumi-san!"

"Nice kill/That was awesome!"

"Heh...I guess I still have a lot to learn" Oikawa smirks.

"He faced those three blockers head-on."

"I have to admit, but that was awesome."

FWEE~EEET!

"Thank you very much!"

"I guess we know who we'll face next."

"Wow, Johsai did a pretty good job."

"They sure did."

"Huh..."

"Uhh/Dah...a-ah..."

"...😓 ..."

When meeting with Aoba Johsai, the boys are shocked to see Mizuki's face covered in band-aids.

"The hell happened to you?!"

"H-Hey, Hajime!"

Iwaizumi grabs her face, squishing it.

"How did you get these?! You couldn't have fallen down!"

"W-Well, sort of."

"Was it a guy!? Did some jerk hit you!? Who was it?! Tell me so I can beat his sorry ass to a pulp!"

"Iwa-chan, you're gonna pop her head at this rate! And you—Mad-Dog-chan! Where do you think you're going?!"

"To find the asshole."

"You don't even know what he looks like! Don't go punching every guy that looks suspicious!"

"Will everyone just shut up for a second!"

Mizuki manages to break free.

"I'm perfectly fine, okay? I just had a slight detour. Now, putting that aside, I wanted to see you before going to Karasuno."

"I was about to ask you that," Oikawa implies, "oh, are you perhaps congratulating us on our win? I'm flattered~!"

"Shut it, Crappykawa."

"So, uh...."

"Hm?"

They notice her becoming anxious, despite having a straight face.

"Did you...watch that cd I sent?"

"CD?"

"O-Ohh...you mean that."

"So, you did. Then you know everything."

Some give a half-smile or shrug.

"Anyway, I...I just wanted to say thanks."

"Don't worry, Mizuki. You said it all in the video."

"I'm glad you got to stick around long enough to see your team and us play today."

"It was an honor to practice with you, Miuzki."

"...Out there...you guys were so amazing! You were really cool on that last spike, too, Hajime!"

Iwaizumi grabs her by the head and pulls her in for a hug.

"Thanks, Mizuki. We'll give it our all in the next match."

"Dive!"

"Gahh—the fuck Oikawa!"

Seijoh's captain slings both arms around them.

"But our team is going to win. We are the best."

"Hehe...no way, dummy, Karasuno will."

"We'll see about that. Makki, Mattsun!"

"Alright!"

The two join in, making them laugh as the juniors smile. When breaking the group hug, Iwaizumi playfully tussles Mizuki's hair.

"You better show the Paragons what you're made of."

"We'll be rooting for you, Mizuki."

"I know Mad-Dog-chan will."

"Oh, shut up!"

"So, go on. Go do what you need to do."

With a smile, Mizuki hugs Iwaizumi once more.

"Thank you, onii-chan."

"See you around, Mizuki."

Iwaizumi waves as the ginger-haired girl runs off.

"You really are her 'scary big brother'."

👊🏼💥

BRII~IIINNNG!

Mizuki stops in her tracks when her phone rings.

"Hello?"

[Mizuki, it's me.]

"Hi, Shoutarou-san."

[I just called to remind you that the earliest train leaves at 2:15.]

"We'll be there."

[Also...]

"Yes, sir?"

[Thank you...for sticking with me to the end. Take care of yourself.]

"...You too, sensei."

Her smile widens.

"We'll make you proud. See you around, Paul."

[Count on it, Mizuki.]

"And Paul..."

[Yes?]

"Let's have a reunion next year with everyone. Reservation at Izumi's place?"

[Haha...sure thing, kiddo.]

Hanging up, Mizuki takes a pitstop to the restroom to freshen up.

Creak~

"And so, I was on my way...ah, hey!"

"Hm?"

"You're Hinata Mizuki, aren't you?"

"Uh, yeah."

"We are huge fans of yours."

"I heard you got drafted to be with the Valiant Paragons. Is that true?"

"Aha...guess it's out already."

"Wow~."

"Good luck with your career."

"We're cheering for you!"

"Thank you."