Everything has changed

Chapter 7: Return

The sun had barely risen as the bus rolled along the familiar roads leading to Shinzen High. The early morning light filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow on the sleepy faces of the Karasuno volleyball team. It was just past six, and the air was thick with anticipation and the smell of fresh tea from the thermos Yachi had prepared the night before.

Yachi sat near the front of the bus, her heart fluttering as she reviewed the schedule for the day. She was excited but nervous about the second joint training camp. It had been a few months since the first camp, and she had felt a surge of growth in her confidence since then. She knew that this time would be different; she was more prepared and ready to take on her responsibilities as manager.

As the bus jostled slightly over a bump in the road, Yachi glanced around. Tanaka was animatedly explaining a new serve to Nishinoya, who listened with wide eyes, while Kageyama sat with his arms crossed, looking somewhat disinterested. Hinata, however, was practically bouncing in his seat, eager for the day to start.

"Is everyone ready?" Coach Ukai called from the front.

A chorus of "Yeah!" erupted from the team, filling the cramped space with energy. Yachi felt a smile spreading across her face, her excitement mingling with the nervousness that always accompanied such events.

"Okay, everyone!" Coach Ukai called, his voice cutting through the chatter. "We're about twenty minutes away. Make sure you have everything you need. This camp is just as important as the last one, so I expect everyone to give it their all!"

Yachi's stomach fluttered with nerves. This camp felt different somehow. She had spent the last few weeks preparing herself, focusing on her role as manager, trying to balance her responsibilities while also finding her voice among the strong personalities of the team. She was determined to make a good impression-not just on her own team but also on the managers and players from other schools.

Finally, the bus arrived at the Shinzen gym, a modern building with a welcoming facade. As the players filed out, Yachi took a deep breath, ready to face the new day. The moment she stepped off the bus, she felt a rush of familiarity. The last camp had been a whirlwind of activity, and she had enjoyed every moment of it, but this time, she felt more assured in her role.

They were greeted by warm smiles. Yachi's nerves settled a bit when she recognized Miyanoshita Eri. Eri stood beside Ōtaki Mako, both of them exchanging friendly words with Shirofuku Yukie and Suzumeda Kaori, the two Fukurōdani managers, as they shared laughs.

The familiar voice of Kuroo Tetsurou rang out as he strode towards them, a grin playing on his lips. His black hair tousled by the morning breeze, he greeted Karasuno with enthusiasm. "Welcome back, Karasuno!" His voice was as smooth as ever, loud enough for the whole group to hear. He wasn't just addressing Yachi, but the entire team, his gaze sweeping over everyone with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Behind him, the members of Nekoma exchanged greetings with their rivals. "Yo, Karasuno!" Kenma raised his eyes from his phone just enough to acknowledge the group, a faint, soft smile curving his lips as his gaze met Hinata's. "Still as loud as ever, huh?" Hinata grinned widely, waving both arms excitedly. "Kenma! It's good to see you again!" The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before the volleyball teams settled into more relaxed conversations.

Meanwhile, Tsukishima and Kuroo exchanged a glance, their rivalry ever-present, though masked by a shared respect. "You still haven't grown any taller, huh, Tsukishima?" The playful taunt sparked a brief exchange of mock glares before both of them broke into amused smiles, the tension melting away in the familiarity of it all.

On the other side, Tanaka and Yamamoto were energetically engaged in a conversation, their voices rising in volume as they threw playful jabs at each other. While Nishinoya and Yaku were excited to be meeting each other once again.