A week before the training camp, Ichinose Guren, aside from participating in club activities, continued his personal training at home.
To be precise, only at home did he dare push himself to high intensity, because he had access to a liquid nitrogen freezing device that greatly eased his post-training muscle fatigue.
A short rest in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber followed, allowing his body to recover even more efficiently.
On top of that, whenever the coach pointed out areas where teammates needed improvement, Guren would provide cutting-edge, proven training methods.
He made the most of every moment of practice to help his teammates improve their skills.
[Let's train together!]
Although the group chat's name kept getting changed by Hinata to suit his "cool" whims, until Hoshino finally scolded him, it had become a solid way for the team to share updates.
Now, a new member had joined the chat:
[Seniors, don't worry! We've all been using the devices Guren-senpai left for training!], Kawashima
Attached was a full-team photo of the Yukigaoka volleyball club.
[This year's first-years… so many talented guys! ] - Suzuki
[Indeed, lots of strong prospects. Kawashima, don't let them go to waste!] - Mori
[Whoa, Mori! You sound just like a captain!] - Hinata
[Ah, sorry, sorry, I got carried away.]
[Mainly because there are no third-years in our club this year, so the oldest in the team is me.]
[Kawashima and Suzuki are kind guys, so I have to play the role of the scary one.], Mori
[Well done, Mori.] - Hoshino
[Great. Let's work together to make Yukigaoka one of Miyagi's volleyball powerhouses!] - Ichinose Guren
[Yeah!!!] - Mori, Suzuki, Kawashima
[Nice to meet you, everyone.] -Tadashi Yamaguchi
===========
Three days before the training camp, Yamaguchi could already connect five consecutive balls in reception drills.
But in Coach Ukai's eyes, that was still far from enough.
===========
One day before the camp, the "monster duo's" super-fast attack was completely blocked by Ichinose Guren, who even gave a faint smile while doing so.
After being stopped at the net, Kageyama and Hinata turned their heads simultaneously, a rare moment of unspoken teamwork.
"Tch!"
"Tch!"
Next time, we'll show him! Defeat this "big boss"!
Next time, we'll show him! Defeat this "big boss"!
===========
In the morning Hinata arrived at school riding like Midousuji.
Ukai was in the gym expressing his dissatisfaction with the team's average reception skills.
"Even if you train until you puke, catch the ball! Got it?!"
"Yes!"
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
Time flew by from after school all the way to eight in the evening.
Thus began Karasuno's official training camp.
"So."
"Cool."
"This."
"Dormitory."
"Is."
The hot-blooded trio gawked at the straight-edged yet impressively comfortable dormitory.
"When did Karasuno get a dorm like this? Back then, it was just an old house."
"It's the same address."
"I thought they hadn't changed it in years."
Coach Ukai, equally stunned by the large villa before him, muttered:
Damn… back when I was a student, why didn't we have a place like this?
Kobu-sensei quietly adjusted his glasses, a glint reflecting off the lenses.
"Hehe, Ukai-kun," he said, "actually, this dorm was built just two weeks ago."
Ukai's expression said clearly: I didn't go to college, but you don't have to trick me like this.
Seeing Ukai's disbelief, Kobu quickly waved his hands, insisting it was true.
"Really, I'm not lying. This is a modular luxury villa developed by the Ise Group.
It's luxurious and comfortable, yet affordable because it's built from prefabricated panels, labor costs are much lower."
Looking at the villa, Ukai couldn't help but admire:
Technology is amazing.
===========
"The starting lineup for the practice match is out."
Ukai laid out his tactical board in front of the team. Every player watched intently as he revealed the first-choice lineup.
Behind each starter was Ukai's careful thought.
Setter: Kageyama Tobio
After what Sugawara told me, I knew exactly who to choose.
Respect, Sugawara. You gave up your spot, but never gave up your fight.
Libero: Nishinoya Yuu
Of course. With you here, there's no need for a second choice.
Karasuno's Guardian Deity.
Ace: Ichinose Guren
Come on, show me your full effort!
The highest point attacker with both offense and defense, I won't put you on the bench.
Middle Blocker: Yudai Hyakuzawa
Karasuno's tower.
With solid reception skills too, I won't overlook you.
Middle Blocker: Hinata Shoyo
Time to show your potential, Monster #1.
Middle Blocker: Tsukishima Kei
Become part of Karasuno's iron wall.
Ace:
As eyes moved down, only one starting spot remained.
Sugawara, long resigned to not being in the first lineup, still swallowed nervously.
No way a third-year won't be chosen…
If not Asahi, then Daichi…
Who will it be?!
Ace: Daichi Sawamura
"Phew."
Asahi Azumane and Daichi exhaled in relief.
Before anyone could speak, Ukai added:
"This is the first starting lineup."
"Huh?!!"
"Huh?!!"
"Huh?!!"
"Hey, what are you surprised about?"
Ukai furrowed his brows at the dumbfounded team.
"I never said the practice match would have only one starting lineup.
To advance in a tournament, sufficient backup players are essential.
Before the official competition, you must train lineups capable of facing various opponents.
If you don't experiment with different lineups in practice, how will you prepare for real matches?!"
=============
Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria