After watching Aobajosai's interview, everyone at Shiratorizawa found themselves wanting more. They hadn't expected interviews to be this interesting.
"Which school is next?" Kawanishi yawned after finishing his drink, looking a little sleepy.
"Karasuno!" the three first-years answered in unison, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
Tendo tilted his head and looked them over.
"You three… why do you look so excited?"
Ushijima knew a bit about it, but chose not to say anything.
Tsutomu Goshiki eagerly answered Tendo's question, his voice full of curiosity about Karasuno.
"They're really strong! A few days ago, I went to watch a match with Ryosuke and the others. At first, when Ryosuke told me that school was strong, I didn't believe him. But after seeing the match, I realized his eye for talent is insanely sharp!"
Ryosuke, suddenly showered with praise, gave a shy grin.
"Oh!" Yamagata slapped his fist into his palm in realization. "I saw that match too. Their setter and middle blocker were both really impressive. I heard they're first-years too. That's amazing!"
It was like Shirabu and Eita Semi had built-in setter detectors. Their heads snapped around at the same time, both staring straight at Yamagata. Startled, Yamagata flinched.
"They're really that good?"
"First-years?"
The two questions came at once, leaving Yamagata momentarily confused.
Reon sighed, turned their heads back forward, and flicked each of them on the forehead.
"Don't whip your heads around like that. It's scary. If you want to know, just watch."
Chastised, the two shrank back and fixed their eyes on the TV.
The rest of the team grew curious too. What kind of school could earn such praise from their own players?
At the back, Coach Washijō paused when he heard the name Karasuno. Something seemed to surface in his mind, and his eyes turned thoughtful.
...
Back with the interview crew, they were still making their way there with difficulty.
Kuiya had been tricked by Irihata and Makki into going to find the school bus. Amid the driver's constant grumbling, he finally got on. Only then did he realize the problem.
The driver was unbelievably slow.
Even kids riding bicycles were overtaking them. Sitting on the bus, Kuiya couldn't stay still.
By the time they finally arrived at Karasuno, the entire staff was full of resentment. They had endured a nonstop scolding the whole ride for no reason at all.
Only then did Kuiya realize he had probably been pranked. Grinding his teeth, he silently cursed Makki.
Meanwhile, Makki, in a great mood, paid no attention to the chill creeping up behind him and happily hummed his way toward the cafeteria.
At Karasuno, Ukai stood at the entrance of the gym. For once, he wasn't in his usual worn-out T-shirt and shorts. Instead, he wore a neat short-sleeved shirt and long pants without a single wrinkle. He looked down at his watch, his face scrunched in irritation.
"I knew this interview crew wasn't reliable."
They were already half an hour late.
With his arms crossed, Ukai gave off a clear don't-talk-to-me-right-now vibe.
"Coach Ukai!"
Just as Ukai was about to tell the team no one was coming, Kuiya arrived with a large group, calling out from afar as if afraid Ukai might leave.
Panting, Kuiya stopped in front of him, dragging bags of equipment. His posture was extremely humble.
"I'm very sorry, Coach Ukai. We were delayed on the way. Please don't take offense."
If Ukai got upset and filed a complaint, his year-end bonus would be gone.
Ukai waved him off impatiently, not wanting to hear it.
Ever since hearing about the interview that morning, those brats had been fired up like crazy. It was a good thing they showed up. If they hadn't, the team would've been crushed for a while.
"Follow me."
Ukai made a quiet gesture, signaling them not to disturb practice, and led them to the lounge.
Takeda-sensei had already prepared tea and turned on the air conditioning. This was Karasuno's first interview in years, so they had to be proper hosts.
Kuiya was almost moved to tears.
It wasn't that other schools were bad, but none were this thoughtful. Karasuno really felt like a group of genuinely good people.
The crew set up their equipment. After learning he could sit in on the interview, Ukai pulled over a small chair and sat down with interest.
Click.
He lit his lighter.
"Coach Ukai!"
Takeda-sensei shot him a look, clearly telling him not to be rude in front of guests. Sitting there with his legs crossed and smoking made him look like a delinquent. It could scare people.
Ukai rubbed his nose awkwardly and put the cigarette away.
For some reason, whenever he faced Takeda-sensei or any teacher, he instinctively backed down.
Takeda-sensei smiled apologetically at Kuiya.
"Mr. Anri, should I call the students over now?"
Kuiya nodded.
"One at a time. Don't draw attention. I saw they're still training, so I'm afraid you'll have to make a few trips."
"No trouble at all, no trouble at all."
Takeda-sensei bowed repeatedly, then trotted off cheerfully.
When he reached the gym entrance, he slowed down, worried about disturbing them.
Mr. Anri didn't say who to call first… does that mean I get to decide?
He's so kind!
Takeda-sensei peeked inside. Everyone was training.
Daichi was supervising Tanaka's serve receive. It didn't seem obvious during practice, but in real matches, Daichi had realized Karasuno's fundamentals weren't strong. Tanaka, a second-year, struggled to handle proper receives.
They had been too comfortable.
A sharp glint flashed in Daichi's eyes. He was determined to train Tanaka properly.
"Daichi… Daichi, Daichi!"
Takeda-sensei called softly several times, but Daichi didn't respond. Only when his voice rose did Daichi finally notice.
He waved Ennoshita over to take over and walked toward Takeda-sensei, looking puzzled.
"Hey! Daichi! Why didn't you let me supervise Ryu?"
Sugawara complained loudly from behind.
Without turning back, Daichi replied, "Suga, don't you still have training? And are you really not going to fool around with Tanaka?"
"Hmph!"
Sugawara, puffing with annoyance, fired a volleyball straight at the back of Daichi's head.
Thud.
Direct hit.
Daichi simply turned back with a gentle smile.
"Don't be mad, Suga. Keep training. I'll go see what Takeda-sensei needs."
After hitting him, Sugawara felt satisfied and waved it off.
Daichi sighed helplessly. Even as a third-year, Suga still acted like a kid.
Takeda-sensei led him toward the lounge, acting mysteriously the whole way, leaving Daichi confused.
When Daichi pushed open the door and saw all the cameras, he finally remembered.
Coach Ukai had mentioned it that morning.
There really was an interview today.
Even someone as steady as Daichi couldn't hide the excitement in his eyes.
Karasuno's moment… had finally come.
"Hello, I'm Anrikuiya."
Kuiya stood and greeted him.
"Hello, Mr. Anri. I'm Daichi Sawamura, the current captain of Karasuno."
Kuiya immediately understood why he seemed so reliable.
He had watched match footage earlier, but only after meeting him in person did he realize something.
Daichi's presence during matches wasn't overwhelming.
And yet, he made people feel at ease.
They sat down, and Kuiya signaled the crew to begin.
Daichi was a little nervous, but quickly adjusted.
Since he was the first interviewee, he had to set the tone well.
That sense of responsibility snapped him into focus.
"Daichi, how do you feel about Karasuno's performance this year?"
Scratching his head, Daichi smiled awkwardly.
"I'm really happy, and honestly a bit surprised. Reaching the top three is a new breakthrough for us. It's mainly thanks to everyone's efforts."
He remained humble, not mentioning himself at all.
Kuiya glanced at his notes.
"I noticed many first-years played this year. Could you talk about that?"
Daichi carefully organized his thoughts.
"All of our first-years played. At first, I thought this tournament would be a good learning experience for them. But later, I realized they were incredibly serious and performed really well.
Our 'freak duo,' Kageyama and Hinata, achieved great results together. And our pinch server Yamaguchi and blocker Tsukishima also showed great coordination. They've developed their own scoring system."
He spoke in detail, clearly wanting these first-years to be recognized.
As for the third-years, they were already preparing to pave the way.
Kuiya picked up on this and deliberately pushed further.
"Since you value the first-years so much, do the second- and third-years ever feel dissatisfied?"
Daichi froze.
He hadn't expected a question like that.
Should he answer honestly? Would that cause problems? But he couldn't lie either.
Kuiya watched as his expression shifted, then settled.
"Our upperclassmen have actually accepted it well. You could say these first-years have brought new life to Karasuno.
As for positions, everyone competes fairly. Some even gave up their spots willingly so the first-years could shine. For us, this is a transition we have to go through."
Kuiya nodded, understanding.
But he still couldn't fully grasp why third-years would step aside so easily. He made a mental note to talk to Coach Ukai later.
Refocusing, he moved on.
"So what are your thoughts on Karasuno's future?"
"Of course…"
Daichi's demeanor shifted instantly. The earlier awkwardness vanished, replaced by sharp determination.
"Nationals!"
Every volleyball player dreams of it.
Karasuno was no different.
There was more Daichi didn't say.
Even after graduating, he hoped these rising players would lead Karasuno back to its former glory.
He wanted Miyagi, the entire country, even the world, to remember the name Karasuno.
To let the crows soar everywhere.
But he didn't say it.
Some things didn't need to be spoken.
"Good."
Kuiya nodded, feeling his own blood stir.
Youth was powerful. Full of energy. Full of certainty.
The long-buried crows had finally taken flight.
"Last question. Is there anything you want to say to your teammates?"
Daichi's expression hardened again, returning to his usual commanding presence.
Even Kuiya was taken aback.
"You all need to train properly. Stop messing around all day. Once you become upperclassmen, you have responsibilities. First-years, don't rush. Take things step by step. One match doesn't prove anything. There's plenty of time and opportunities.
And to those who've been with me these past three years… thank you for never giving up on Karasuno, and never giving up on volleyball. I hope that ten years from now, we can still sit together and talk about it."
A quiet sadness crept into Kuiya's chest.
Everyone Daichi mentioned was still training just beyond the wall.
And yet, it sounded like a farewell.
Ukai, sitting below, seemed to understand something and sighed silently.
After this tournament, the third-years would have to decide their futures.
Daichi must be struggling with that too.
Kuiya stood and saw Daichi out, then turned to Ukai.
"Coach Ukai, let's talk about Karasuno's third-years."
...
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