Right after the two day training camp from Kanto, the Karasuno volleyball resumed their training to their gymnasium. This time, it's a practice match between the Neighbourhood Association.

"Geh?! Kazumi-san's coaching them?!" Takinoue's face turned blue from shock after learning it from Coach Ukai "That demon woman?!"

"You've got to be kidding...that woman's scary...really scary... demonic scary even!" another one agreed.

"O-Oi...s-stop that..." Shimada paled and sweated bullets when he saw Kazumi smiling at them from behind while emitting a dangerous aura.

"I'm flattered, boys~" she said in a sweet voice that sent shivers down their spine "You really know how to compliment a woman~"

"HIIEEEEEEEE!!!"

Mercifully, Ayame arrived and told them to warm up now.

***

As Kageyama sets the ball to Tanaka, he tried to do a cut shot, which surprised almost everyone in the court.

"AAAAAAAH!! I'M SORRY!!!" Tanaka panicked after it was an out and hit the water bottles on the corner "I'll clean it up!!"

"No, I'll get it" Shimizu assured him.

"Uh, did you see the angle on that cut shot?" Daichi asked the ace "It was so far out it wasn't funny"

"Yeah..."

"Amazing...to begin with, Ryu-senpai's shoulder muscles are already flexible...it shouldn't be surprising if he wanted to learn a cut shot like Bokuto-san" Ayame thought before making a silent thanks to Fukurodani's ace "Bokuto-san, you're such a good role model! Thank you very much!"

*Fukurodani*

"Uwoooooh!! I feel like I was complimented!!" Bokuto's energy level maxed out.

"That's only in your head" Akaashi told him.

***

"Eh? Kazumi-san, you're not coaching the high school team in this match?" Mr. Takeda asked.

"I'm leaving it to my daughter. In that way, she's learning how to coach and observe. Besides..." she smiled and gestured at her daughter, who is staring at the court with wide eyes "Her observation skills are getting better and better"

Serves. Receives. Sets. Spikes. Combination plays. The volleyball team practiced their asses off (as Kazumi would say) for the incoming qualifier matches in October. Not only to get their revenge from Seijoh but to beat the school who's been to nationals more than once: Shiratorizawa.

Of course, training's not the only thing they are all doing, especially for the two certain first years.

"Pardon the intrusion" Yamaguchi said after taking off his shoes and putting them aside.

"Ah, it's okay, Tadashi-kun. Mom's out working. No need to be so formal" Ayame told him.

They inserted time for them to spend together as a couple without the team watching at them during their free time.

Just the other day, Ayame asked him to come over to her house after she said that she wanted to talk to him about something. Of course, the only people they informed ware Daichi and Kazumi. No need to tell the whole team about it, particularly two certain people. The lady was out today because of her work and the captain has no problems with it.

Right now, the freckled teen couldn't help but feel nervous since it's the first time it's just the two of them in her house.

"Sorry for the wait" she said as she returned back to the living room with a tray of tea and cookies "Please help your self with these"

"Ah, thanks" he picked a cookie and ate it before smiling "Your cooking's delicious as always, Ayame"

"It's just one of the things I'm good at" she drank the tea "I guess I got my dad's skills in cooking. He was the one always doing the cooking in the family"

"Kaito-san?"

She brightened up and smiled widely "Yep!! Dad's cookings were the best!! Mom's never a cook so he's the one always doing the cooking! This is just the two of us but, it was because of his cooking mom fell in love with him. Sounds cute, right?"

*Meanwhile*

"Achoo!!"

"Mizuki-san, are you really all right? I heard you went back to playing volleyball" her co-worker asked her worriedly.

"I'm fine. Actually, I'm only helping the kids train" she explained after wiping her nose with a tissue.

***

Before, the mention of her dad would cause her to remember the action she committed and she would blame herself all over again. But right now, after she let it all out to him and to the team, she could talk about him freely and with a smile on her face.

"Would you like to see my dad's picture?" she asked him.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I told you about dad, but, you haven't seen what he looks like" she stood up and took his hand "I'll show you"

They went to the altar where her father's picture is placed "This is what he looks like"

Indeed, she got her violet eyes from him. He could sense that her kind personality and gentle nature also came from her father.

"He's handsome, right?" she smiled.

"No wonder Ayame's beauty is like an angel...she got both of her parent's beauty..." he thought "Can I light an incense stick for him?"

She nodded and the both of them lighted an inscense stick and made a silent prayer.

*Timeskip*

"Uwaaaah...the air's gotten chilly lately..." Ayame said as she suddenly shivered when the breeze lightly swayed her hair. Shimizu tucked her hair behind her ear while Yachi also shivered as the breeze hits them. She's already wearing her jacket but she could still feel the cold.

Date: September 26

Another day and another practice match between the players of Karasuno. Yamaguchi did his jump float serve and the wind blew yet again, sending shivers down to Ayame's knees.

Daichi received his serve and Kageyama sets it to Hinata, performing their new quick and earning a point for their side.

"All right!!"

"Their quick are having lesser mistakes each day. I'd say that the success rate is about 85%" she thought with a smile as she watched Yachi tally the quick's successful points with a smile on her face.

"Narita-san, you reacted a little late to that block! You were hesitating so please don't underestimate your blocks!" the strategist told him.

"Got it!"

The following day, the three first years ate their lunch on the rooftop.

"Tsukishima-kun, happy birthday!" Ayame smiled as she took out a container with strawberry shortcake inside "I baked this for you, for being a good friend and classmate and club member"

The megane refused to show he's extremely happy to have his favorite cake on his birthday. He only raised a brow, showing his poker face. Yamaguchi could practically see his lips twitching to a smile, knowing how the blonde liked Ayame's strawberry shortcake.

"Should I be thankful for this?" he asked her with his usual smirk.

"Now, now, don't be like that" she smiled "Don't be so salty on your birthday, Tsukishima-kun. Here, have a slice"

He accepted it and took a bite. The two stifled their laughs when he was emitting a happy while maintaining his poker face.

"You know, you can be yourself when you're with us" she told him.

He gave her a sidelong smirk "I have a reputation to uphold"

"As expected of Tsukki" Yamaguchi snickered.

Ayame gave the other piece to her boyfriend and the other to herself. The blonde noticed that there are still some slices left.

"Hold on" he said "Why is it that we have a few slices left?"

"Ah" the violet eyed girl realized what he meant "That's because-"

The door opened and there stood the oddball duo and the blonde manager.

"Sorry, we're a little late!"

"I also invited Hitoka-chan, Shoyo-kun and Kageyama-kun" she continued, much to the megane's dismay and she saw it "Don't be like that, Tsukishima-kun. We're the first years in the club so we should stick together as much as we can"

"That doesn't mean you have to invite those two idiots" he replied.

"What the hell was that, Tsukishima?!" Hinata and Kageyama glared at him with fire backgrounds.

"Okay! No fighting, guys!" Yamaguchi clapped his hands "Today's Tsukki's birthday so let's at least respect that, Kageyama, Hinata. And besides, Ayame baked a cake for us"

"Cake!" Hinata and Yachi's eyes sparkled.

The first years formed a small semi-circle to each other. Of course, no way the two are seated next to Tsukishima.

"Thank you for the food!"

***

Date: October 1

Today, two members were practicing their serves in the second gymnasium, with Nishinoya receiving some of it. The other players were in the first gymnasium honing their synchronized attack.

Ayame watched on the sidelines as the libero received Asahi's serve and changed his attention when he saw Yamaguchi do his jump float serve. He tried to receive it, but the ball swerved farther from his arms.

He saw the look of surprise on the first year's face.

"I...did it...right?"

"Nice serve, Yamaguchi!!" Nishinoya grinned as he jumped.

"You did it, Tadashi-kun! Good job!" she clapped her hands.

"O-Osus..." he rubbed his nape sheepishly.

By the time it was almost evening, they stopped their club activities and were about to go home when Daichi suddenly pulled the freckled teen outside the cub room.

"Hey, Yamaguchi...uh..." he cleared his throat "I know you and Ayame-chan are always together when going home but...just for now, can I escort her this time? I get it that you're her boyfriend but...uh...I guess I just want to spend a bit more time with her as her nii-chan"

The captain was scratching his head as he asked. To be honest, Yamaguchi was a little surprised Daichi asked him for permission, since he always thought it should be the other way around, because the third year is her "onii-chan".

"I understand, Daichi-san" he nodded and bowed "Actually, you don't have to ask permission from me. You're her childhood friend, after all. Ano...I'm sorry if she didn't get to spend more time with you because of me"

"Crap... how could I forget that Daichi-san knows her the longest?" he mentally face palmed.

"Ah, no, no, you've done nothing wrong, Yamaguchi" he assured her "You don't have to be guilty about that. Thanks for letting me"

Sugawara suddenly snickered by the doorway after hearing them "Daichi's been pretty sulky lately because he's jealous that his sister spends more time with her boyfriend than him"

"That's not it, Suga" he sighed loudly.

"I clearly remember that you we're saying "Ayame-chan's leaving me... She's growing up without her nii-chan by her side...Yamaguchi took my little sister from me..." a few days ago during practice" the setter snickered as he recalled it again.

Daichi's face slightly steamed from embarrassment when his fellow third year kept teasing him to the point he pushed Sugawara's face away.

"Please don't mind Suga and forget what he said. Rest assured I'm not blaming you, Yamaguchi"

"A-Ah, osu..."

Ayame was waiting for them downstairs when she noticed "Ah, you guys are done?"

"Yeah. By the way, Ayame" Yamaguchi said "I won't be going home with you today"

"Eh? Why?"

He smiled "Daichi-san will be going home with you. We've been going home together almost everyday so I think maybe, you should go home with him this time. He's your "older brother", right?"

"Yeah.That's true...I don't usually go with nii-chan these days..." she said "Oh dear, he must've been sulking. Thank you for reminding me, Tadashi-kun!"

She hugged him, and his heart nearly jumped out from his chest from the sudden action, but he slowly relaxed and hugged her back. Ah, he can't deny that it's a little saddening he can't go home with her but she also needs to spend time with the captain.

Before Daichi and Ayame left, the third year glanced back at him and mouthed "Thank you"

"Hmm~" Sugawara grinned and slung his arm over his shoulder "It's been a while he's with Ayame-chan"

***

"I want to see the Skytree~" Hinata whined as they stepped off the bus.

"We're here to train, dumbass" Kageyama scolded him.

"Kageyama-kun, you're so cold" the shorter teen told him "No wonder no one likes you"

The setter attempted to squish the teen's face after he pissed him off from his comment.

Date: October 6

"Don't fight, you guys" Sugawara told them "Kazumi-san's with us, so be on your best behavior"

"It's fine, Koushi. Uwaaa~... it's been a while since I've been to Shinzen High" the woman stepped out of the bus and slightly covered her eyes from the sun's light with her hand "I already know those two are like that so it's fine, as long as they don't go overboard"

She flashed them a smile, and the two instantly straightened up.

"As expected, mom's ability to discipline is something" Ayame said as she watched them.

"I don't know if she got that from Gramps or if it's from her former delinquent persona..." Coach Ukai sweat dropped.

Kazumi tagged along on their second away games after finishing her paperworks and finding no conflicts on her shifts. Of course, the moment Kageyama and Nishinoya saw her with them during their departure back at Miyagi, they couldn't contain their excitement and bowed multiple times in front of her. It was obvious how much they idolized the woman.

With the qualifier matches in the 25th, they have to take every chance they get to train to powerhouse city schools.

"Kazumi, nice to see you here again" Coach Nekomata shook hands with her with a smile "It's been a while since you've come to help with volleyball practices of high schoolers"

"So it seems" she smiled "This is the team my daughter is coaching for and Karasuno's my old school, after all"

"Kazumi-san, it's been a while" Naoi shook hands with her.

"Likewise, Naoi"

He instantly protected his head from her karate chop but she landed a playful punch on his stomach instead, much to his surprise and pain.

"She really loves to hit people..." the Karasuno players thought.

"If you protect your head, then I'll just target your stomach" she smiled and started walking inside.

"Why does she have to hit me everytime we see each other...?" he complained while clutching his stomach after she left.

"I know how you feel..." Coach Ukai nodded, empathizing with the other coach.

When they went inside, the coaches of the other schools greeted the woman with respect. The players started whispering and pointing to her direction and the excitement on the air could be felt when they recognized her as none other than the "Demon Vixen", Mizuki Kazumi or formerly known as Haruka Kazumi.

"She's famous..." Yamaguchi said.

"Yeah. A former international player, Miyagi's best serving specialist and many more. She's more famous than we probably expected" Daichi told him.

Kazumi is helping out, as promised, to Karasuno, but she also helped Nekoma and the other teams as well, though not as much as Karasuno.

"Akaashi! Did you see that?! An international player is coaching Karasuno!!" Bokuto's eyes gleamed with excitement "Not only that! She's also helping us out!! Isn't that awesome?! She's also Mizuki-chan's mother!!"

Akaashi's face was monotonous, but he's actually holding back his excitement from seeing one of the former setters he respected "Hai. I could see that clearly, Bokuto-san"

"Iyaaaah...I didn't actually expect Kazumi-san to come here to the training camp with Karasuno" Kuroo said.

"It's been months since we last saw her" Kenma added "And now, she's helping with the training"

"Eh?! So that's Ayame-san's mother?! They look the same!" Lev noted.

"Hehehehe...a beauty from a mother passed to her daughter. Of course they are the same" Yaku was chuckling proudly.

Ayame sat on the bench with her mother, coach, and teacher as the players started warming up. She breathed deeply while closing her eyes.

"Now then..." she slowly opened her eyes and scanned the whole court with spatial-like senses "Let's begin"

Mizuki Ayame's skill: Whole court observation.

With that skill, the violet eyed girl can observe every player within the span of 10 meters from her line of sight. She could then mentally record everything she noticed from each player and figure out it's strength and weakness.

Of course, it can exhaust her mentally if she keeps it up the whole day. Add that she has to observe the game too.

"Everyone, here's the plan..."

***

"I'm tired~" Ayame yawned and stretched out her hands. Evening arrived and the last game was over so everyone helped each other out in cleaning the gym.

Kazumi and the other older coaches headed out for a drink in the nearest pub.

"Will Kazumi-san be fine?" Kageyama asked the coach after knowing she'll be drinking.

"It'll be fine. She can down 10 bottles without falling on her back" Daichi assured him, knowing full well she could even drink all night without a care to the world.

Yamaguchi saw the violet eyed girl zoning off and he worriedly approached her "Are you okay?"

"Yeah...just a little tired, I guess..." she sighed and rubbed her eyes "I'll be fine after a little food..."

Yamaguchi handed her a chocolate bar "Will this do for now? Shimizu-senpai asked me to give this to you in case you got tired"

Her eyes sparkled and she happily accepted it and munched it down "Thank you"

Hinata suddenly sneezed a little farther from them "Uwaa...the nights are cold, even in Tokyo, huh?"