𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓖𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓼 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓵:𝓣𝓼𝓾𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓶𝓪 𝔁 𝓨/𝓷

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 3: ꜱᴛʀᴀᴛᴇɢɪꜱᴛ

Warning: None

The clash of the geniuses had only just begun, and (Y/n) was more determined than ever to come out on top. (Y/n) wasted no time in considering Coach Ukai's proposal. The opportunity to become a strategist or manager for the Karasuno volleyball team was one she couldn't pass up, especially if it meant a chance to earn Tsukishima's elusive respect.

Over the next few days, (Y/n) immersed herself in volleyball tactics and strategy, poring over textbooks, game footage, and any resources she could get her hands on. She wanted to be as prepared as possible, to demonstrate to Tsukishima and the rest of the team that her insights were not just surface-level observations, but the product of genuine expertise and dedication.

When (Y/n) finally approached Coach Ukai with her decision, there was a determined set to her jaw and a fire in her eyes.

"Coach, I'd be honored to join the team as a strategist," she said, her voice unwavering. "I know I have a lot to learn, but I promise I'll work harder than anyone to contribute to the team's success."

Ukai regarded her for a moment, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I'm glad to hear it, (Y/n)-san. I have no doubt that you'll be a valuable asset to the team."

With that, (Y/n) was officially welcomed into the Karasuno volleyball fold, and she set to work immediately, studying the team's strengths and weaknesses, analyzing game footage, and brainstorming new strategies.

But her true test would come during the team's next practice session, when she would have the opportunity to present her insights to the players, including the ever-elusive Tsukishima.

As the team gathered on the court, (Y/n) took a deep breath and stepped forward, her gaze sweeping across the faces of the players. She could feel Tsukishima's icy stare burning into her, and she knew that this was her chance to prove her worth.

"Alright, everyone," she began, her voice clear and confident. "I've been studying the team's performance, and I've come up with a few ideas that I think could help us improve our overall strategy."

She launched into a detailed breakdown of her observations, highlighting areas where the team could tighten their communication, optimize their positioning, and adapt their plays to better counter their opponents' tactics.

As she spoke, (Y/n) couldn't help but steal glances at Tsukishima, watching for any signs of reaction or acknowledgment. To her surprise, she noticed a subtle shift in his expression - a slight narrowing of his eyes, a slight tilt of his head, as if he was actually listening and considering her words.

When she finished, the team was silent for a moment, their gazes fixed on (Y/n). Then, to her immense relief, Ukai stepped forward, a proud smile on his face.

"Excellent work, (Y/n)-san," he said, his approval evident in his tone. "These are some really insightful suggestions. Let's give them a try and see how they pan out."

As the team began to implement the new strategies, (Y/n) couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. She had taken the first step towards earning Tsukishima's respect, and she was determined to continue proving her worth, one practice session at a time. As the Karasuno volleyball team began to implement the strategies proposed by (Y/n), there was a mix of reactions among the players.

Initially, some of the players, especially the more experienced ones, were a bit skeptical. They were used to doing things a certain way and were hesitant to try something new, especially when it was coming from someone who wasn't even on the team.

Tanaka, scratched his head and said, "Uh, I don't know about this, Coach. Doesn't this seem a little...complicated?"

Nishinoya, always the enthusiastic one, chimed in, "Come on, Tanaka! Don't be such a wet blanket. I'm willing to give it a shot if it'll help us win!"

Daichi, the team's level-headed captain, stepped in to mediate. "Now, now, let's not dismiss (Y/n)-san's suggestions so quickly. Coach Ukai seems to think they're worth trying, so let's give it our best shot."

Sugawara, the team's vice-captain, nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We should at least give it a try and see how it works in practice. Who knows, it might just give us the edge we need."

Tsukishima, as expected, remained stoic and silent, his expression betraying nothing. But (Y/n) couldn't help but notice that he was listening intently, his gaze fixed on the court as the team began to implement the new strategies.

As the practice session wore on, the players gradually began to see the benefits of (Y/n)'s suggestions. The improved communication and positioning led to smoother transitions and more effective plays, and the team's morale started to rise.

Hinata, the team's energetic middle blocker, was particularly enthusiastic, bouncing around the court and exclaiming, "Wow, this is so much better! I can really feel the difference!"

Even Kageyama, the team's notoriously demanding setter, seemed to acknowledge the improvements, nodding approvingly as the team executed the new plays.

By the end of the practice, the initial skepticism had given way to a sense of cautious optimism. The players were surprised by how well the new strategies were working, and they were eager to see how they would perform in their next match.

As (Y/n) watched the team from the sidelines, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Her hard work and dedication had paid off, and she had taken a significant step towards earning the respect of the Karasuno volleyball team, including the ever-elusive Tsukishima.