A second sunshine

A Pratice Match

It was Saturday. Natsu got to the school as early as possible. The past three days, had been practicing in three different groups of six. Two teams would go and the others would be watching and passing the ball back and forth to each other. The team was facing a wall having a person in the back throw the ball to the front and everyone tried to pass it back. Niiyama was waiting for the other team's arrival. The coaches didn't tell the girls what team their practice match was against. Readjusting her hair, Natsu looked over at the door. The other team still wasn't there. They did a couple stretches so their muscles wouldn't stiff up. Finally after finishing the gym door opened. All the Niiyama girls looked over. As soon as Natsu saw the jacket she knew. Their practice match was against Karasuno.

"The girls team isn't anything like the boys team. From what I've seen in the past three years they haven't made it past the second round when it comes to qualifying." Matsumomo whispered. Pulling Natsu down as she stretched upward in the straddle.

"If they're coming here, they have to be improving though. I thought our opponent was going to be either Shiratorizawa or Aoba Joshi."

"We'll see how the match goes."

"Hopefully I score a lot of points on them."

"Is that a genetic thing?"

"No, I don't think so. Just kinda picked up on it." If Natsu wasn't with Niiyama right now, Karasuno would've most likely been at her high school. "I almost went there."

"Hmm?"

"Since I was in elementary school I wanted to go to Niiyama but I didn't think I could pass the entrance exam. If it wasn't for the athletic scholarship I'd be a crow."

"I'm glad you're here. I have someone to annoy before classes."

"That's my job, get your own." Natsu nudged her. Karasuno had finished warming up. Taking her last sip from the water bottle Natsu went inside the court. Mina was in the court for the start, leaving Ono waiting for the rotation. The third spiker was Kaya Emi. Natsu wondered how they played together. Amanai and Karasuno captain Abe Aoi shook hands. Asano went for the behind the line for the first serve. Even if Natsu didn't want to admit it, she was nervous. This was her first high school game. Even if it wasn't official, her first high school game, playing as a starter. It was a bit nerve racking. As soon as one of the managers for Karasuno whistled for the serve, Nastu brushed it off.

This is just like your first game of junior high. Keep your eyes on the ball, be aware of your teammates. No emotion until the ball hits the ground. Natsu thought to herself.

Karasuno's number seven, their libero was the first to receive the ball. It was passed to number five. Number five was setting. It was a set for Karasuno's number three. Amanai was on the block, the spiker hit over top of her. Directly behind Amanai stood Mina, dropping down on her right knee to receive it.  The ball bumped on the front of her arms being passed to Ogawa, who was under the pass. Natsu began her approach to the net, she was going to the left. Emi in the back and Asano on the right. Looking over at Ogawa, Natsu saw the ball coming her way, striking her hand, landing it between Karasuno's libero and their number eight.

Feeling a hand slap her on the back the orange haired teen exhaled her nerves away. Her fellow team members that are currently on court shouting "Nice kill." As the hand on her back begins to move off. Peering over her shoulder Mina was standing giving her a thumbs up.

Pulling Natsu down to whisper in her ear, "Keep it up. You're a good player so it's no shock you're at Niiyama. You'll be a regular on court if you're not a starter this year. There's zero doubt in my mind you'll be a second and third year starter, maybe you'll even be a first." Mina gave a thumbs up before going to her spot again. Natsu gave one back and then turned pointing at Matsumomo smiling with a thumbs up. Asano tossed the ball into the air, sending it over the net. The ball landed between the front line of Karasuno's captain and number six. A service ace. Niiyama was winning the game. Asano served three more times before Karasuno snuck a point in. The score was 5-1. Karasuno's Captain did an overhand serve that hit the net. Ogawa was the first touch. She didn't get a great receive sending it backward in Mina's direction. Natsu ran in front of her, dropping her knees a little and getting under the ball. She set it to the right side of the court. Amanai approached for the ball, spiking it on the line. Niiyama had earned another point.