Everything has changed

Chapter 17: Nationals

The crisp January air carried a biting chill as the Karasuno team bus wound its way through the streets of Tokyo, its windows fogged with the mingled warmth of anticipation and nervous chatter. The city loomed before them, vibrant and bustling with life, a backdrop to the culmination of their tireless training and the sacrifices that had brought them to this point. This was it-the start of the Spring High School National Volleyball Tournament. Every player on the bus felt the weight of the moment pressing against their chests, a mixture of tension and excitement that made their eyes gleam with determination.

Yachi Hitoka sat near the front, hands gripping her bag tightly, fingers twisting the worn straps as she glanced over at the players. The normally boisterous Hinata and Tanaka were uncharacteristically quiet, their eyes focused somewhere far beyond the bus window, each lost in thoughts of the battles that lay ahead. Kageyama's brow was furrowed in his usual intense focus, but there was something sharper in his gaze, as if he were already playing out each move in his mind. The chatter that usually filled the bus was subdued, voices dropping to whispers as the city unfolded around them, the skyscrapers casting long shadows over the roads.

The bus turned a corner, and a rare moment of shared silence fell over the team. The only sounds were the soft rumble of the engine and the occasional rustle of jackets and bags as players shifted in their seats. Coach Ukai stood up, his eyes scanning the bus, searching for signs of readiness-or hesitation. His presence, though wordless, brought a measure of calm to the tense atmosphere.

"We're here," Daichi's voice broke through, steady and clear as he turned to face his teammates, a small, reassuring smile playing on his lips. His eyes carried the weight of leadership and the silent promise of giving everything for the team. "This is what we've been working for. Let's make it count."

The bus lurched to a stop, and the doors opened with a hiss, the cold air rushing in to meet them. Each player hesitated for a second before stepping off, their breath visible in white puffs as they took their first steps onto the pavement. The sight before them was breathtaking: the massive sports complex rose like a colossus, banners in bold, vivid colors fluttering in the winter breeze. Each proclaimed the glory of the tournament and the schools competing for victory, a testament to the trials and dreams of teams from across the country. It felt as if all of Tokyo was watching, holding its collective breath.

"Look at that," Nishinoya whispered, awe stretching across his features as he craned his neck to take in the sheer height of the banners. Each one rippled with the names of the teams they would battle, and his eyes gleamed with the fierce promise of a libero ready to defend his court at all costs. "That'll be us up there someday."

"Only if we win, idiot," Tsukishima replied, his tone dry but unable to fully mask the flicker of excitement that betrayed his usual detachment. The corners of his mouth twitched, hinting at a smirk that dared to appear.

Yachi's heart thudded in her chest as she took in the scene, the sheer magnitude of it all sinking in. She turned her gaze to Kiyoko Shimizu, who stood slightly apart from the group, her posture composed, eyes fixed on the path ahead with the calm, unwavering focus that Yachi both admired and yearned for. Kiyoko, sensing Yachi's gaze, turned and met her eyes, offering a small, supportive nod. It was an unspoken promise: We're in this together. You're not alone.

The gesture filled Yachi with a quiet resolve. It was moments like this that reminded her how much she still had to learn and how fiercely she wanted to be worthy of being Karasuno's manager. This wasn't just about running errands or keeping things organized; it was about being a steady presence, a part of the team that kept them moving forward even when things got tough.

"Alright, everyone, focus up," Daichi's voice cut through the cold, bringing them back to the present. His eyes swept over his teammates, taking in the mix of nerves and determination on their faces. "Tomorrow we play for more than just ourselves. We play for every practice, every struggle, every time we picked each other up. Let's show them what Karasuno is made of."