Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

After enjoying a visit to a well-reviewed sushi restaurant, Hayato and Kiyoko ended their day with a trip to a bookstore and a relaxing stop at a cat café. As the golden hour painted the town in warm hues, they finally wrapped up what could only be called a gentle, heartwarming date.

On the train ride home, Kiyoko, worn out from their little adventure, leaned against Hayato's shoulder and fell asleep. She only stirred when Hayato gently called her name as they arrived at their station. Embarrassed at having dozed off, she quickly wiped the corner of her mouth, relieved there were no traces of drool.

At Hayato's doorstep, they said their goodbyes. The moment Kiyoko stepped into her home, her mother was already waiting.

"So, how was the date?"

Kiyoko gave a light-hearted recount—leaving out one or two delicate details, like the lingerie shop incident. Still, when she mentioned the aquarium and their matching couple outfits, her mother gave an approving nod.

"Sounds serious. So, are you two officially a couple now?"

"Not yet," Kiyoko replied quickly. "I'm in my final year of high school, and Hayato has his tournament. We agreed to talk about it later."

Her mom gave her a knowing look and smirked.

"Later means now, doesn't it? But fine, you're both young. Just remember to stay responsible, okay?"

"M-Mom! That's enough!" Kiyoko squeaked in protest, clutching her shopping bags and fleeing upstairs to her room.

Chuckling, her mother shook her head. "Ah, youth."

In the safety of her room, Kiyoko dropped everything and flopped face-first onto her bed. Her mind replayed the day's memories—how bold she'd been, how fun it was—and she rolled onto her back, feet swaying, face pink.

Just then, a message pinged.

Hayato had sent her a selfie. In their matching couple outfit, he posed in front of a mirror, flashing a V-sign and his signature cheerful grin.

Kiyoko giggled, heart fluttering a little. Without hesitation, she got up, changed into her matching top, and took a quick mirror selfie to send back.

Hayato replied almost immediately.

"Kiyoko-nee looks great in anything."

She smiled. Before she could type a response, her mom called her downstairs for dinner. With one last message promising to chat later, she put down her phone and headed out.

As the school exam date approached, the Volleyball Club's training shifted into study mode. Every night after practice, Hayato and the others gathered to help the "Volleyball Four" (Tanaka, Nishinoya, Hinata, and Kageyama) cram hard.

Kiyoko understood and didn't mind. She knew how crucial the upcoming training camp was.

Finally, exam day came.

Sitting at his desk, Hayato wasn't anxious for himself. But what if—despite all the tutoring—his teammates still bombed?

After finishing the last paper, he left the classroom and sat with his head in his hands.

"What's up, Hayato? You look like someone failed you," Tanaka asked, unusually relaxed now that the ordeal was over.

"I'm just... worried you guys might've done worse because of me."

"Eh? Nah, don't sweat it!" Tanaka clapped his back. "What's done is done. Let's go train!"

"Wait! I haven't even grabbed my bag—hey! Stop pulling me!"

Despite his protests, Hayato was dragged out of the room.

Back in the locker room, the atmosphere was loud and cheerful. Hinata was bouncing with excitement.

"Training camp! I can't wait to meet strong players!"

"Oi, you dummy!" Kageyama snapped. "You should focus on your technique first! Kuroha-senpai just taught you that soft spike and you still haven't mastered it!"

Karasuno's locker room was as lively as ever.

Meanwhile, Hitoka had officially joined as the team's second manager. Wearing her black Karasuno tracksuit, she bowed politely as the team turned around, thumbs pointed at their nameplates.

"Welcome to Karasuno High School Volleyball Club!"

Hayato joined the chorus, smiling warmly as Hitoka bowed again.

When exam results were posted the next day, the tension hit its peak.

Fortunately, thanks to all the tutoring, Tanaka scored over 50—significantly better than in the original timeline.

"I broke fifty!" he boasted in the locker room, waving his paper. "This is what senior pride looks like!"

Nishinoya proudly followed suit.

Sugawara smiled. "Great job, both of you. You've really improved! Hayato, what about you?"

"Eh? Me? Lowest was 97."

He casually pulled out his test paper. Two subjects even had perfect scores.

"...How is your brain even real?" Sugawara laughed.

"Doesn't feel like a compliment," Hayato muttered.

Nearby, Tsukishima sighed as he saw Hinata's score.

"He failed English. Filled in the answer sheet one space off."

"Oh no," Asahi groaned. "Mr. Ono won't let that go."

"Didn't I tell you to double-check before submitting?" Hayato scolded, sounding exactly like Kageyama.

"Because when you say that, I get even more nervous!" Hinata whined.

Meanwhile, Daichi reviewed Kageyama's paper.

"Modern Japanese… failed."

"I studied vocabulary, not reading comprehension," Kageyama admitted sheepishly.

Still, he'd aced the kanji section, which Asahi praised.

"Kageyama, are you secretly an idiot?" Hayato deadpanned.

Everyone cracked up—especially when he styled his hair like Kageyama and mimicked his iconic line.

"Idiot! Hinata idiot!"

After the laughter settled, Hayato patted the failed duo on the shoulder.

"Don't get too down. There'll be another chance."

But the two had already entered their melodramatic spiral.

"How do we get to Tokyo now? Run?"

"Bike there!"

Sugawara sweat-dropped. "They're serious…"

Just then, Tanaka offered salvation: his sister could drive them—if they completed their make-up lessons.

Instantly, Hinata and Kageyama bowed and thanked Tanaka like he was a divine messenger.

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POWER STONE!!!

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