Chapter Thirty-One: Let’s Go To Tokyo!!

THE DEFEAT AGAINST SEIJOH WAS STILL FRESH in Karasuno's mind. While it was disheartening, it was also inspiring. The team was fired up to face them once again and beat them! So they were starting their practice with just a bit more fire under their feet. They still had another chance to win against Oikawa and his team. That meant there was plenty of practicing to do until then.

Currently, they were having a short game between each other. Endo stood off to the side as he watched his teammates go through a practice game with each other. He had already played a short game while playing against Nishinoya, which was certainly tiring. That boy could never let a ball hit the ground if he could help it. It made things frustrating for Endo, which is why he was more than happy to have a short break besides Kiyoko.

"So who do you think it would look best on, hmm?" 

Kiyoko pursed her lips, "Suga."

Endo stared intently at the gray-haired setter and tilted his head back and forth in consideration. "I suppose," he clicked his tongue, "though my vote would be for Daichi. I really think blue is his color." The two were discussing the newest designer outfit that he had just gotten the day before. It was quite a pretty and elegant suit that was a nice navy blue. Though it just reminded Endo of what it was for. After all, his father had gifted it to him in order to wear it to his first official meeting when he joined the company under his apprenticeship. Oh, how Endo was so ecstatic with that.

The two pictured Daichi in the suit and considered it. Daichi definitely would look good in a suit, both of them could agree on that. Or maybe even a uniform, who knows? Oh, they can dream. Shaking out of their thoughts, Kiyoko continued to scribble some notes down as they observed the others.

All throughout the practice, everyone was challenging each other. They were blocking, passing, spiking, and diving to their best ability, and it seemed like everytime they missed or succeeded they were more than ready to do better the next time.

The last few points were played, the white team was the one who ended up winning. 

"All right." Ukai called now with the game being over, "That's it for today."

"Let us play one more set, please!" Shōyō shouted as he ran up to Ukai.

The coach blinked, "Huh?"

"Please!"

"Guys, playing until you drop isn't the answer. Captain, you need to tell these guys-" He turned to Daichi, only to see that all of the other boys had the same expression(sans Tsukishima). It appeared that they weren't going to be stopping just yet. "You guys…"

So they played one more set, to all of their agreement. By the end of that one, the boys were tired. It was one thing to have the motivation to keep playing to get better, but exhaustion was going to catch up eventually. The only ones who seemed to defy that were the troublesome duo. 

"Kageyama!" Even while letting out small puffs of breath in fatigue, Shōyō turned to the setter, "You can still go, right? Give me some tosses!"

Of course, Kageyama was up for it, "Right." 

Tanaka sighed as the two raced over to the net to try some more, "You guys are still gonna practice?"

"Hey!" Daichi said, "We've still got to clean up, so that's enough for today!"

The first-years sighed, "Right…"

So they all set up to do their stretches and clean up the gym. They put the balls away, took down the net, and paired up to do some cooling down. Endo had paired up with Suga and started stretching together.

"Ow, ow!" Asahi whined as the libero pushed down just a little too forcefully on his back. Sure, he needed to stretch, but didn't need to be turned into a pretzel, "Hey, Nishinoya! Ow!"

"Hey," Suga said as Endo did the same for him, "make sure you cool down properly."

"Looks more like Noya's trying to snap Asahi in half," Endo chuckled at the distressed expression on the ace's face. 

The door suddenly slid open loudly as their club advisor came barreling through. He accidentally flopped over onto the floor, concerning everyone who was surprised by the loud entrance.

Everyone came rushing over to see what the fuss was about. "Sensei?"

"Take-chan?" Tanaka asked in concern.

Ukai also asked, "You okay?"

"W-We're going, right?" Takeda asked, disregarding their worry.

"Where?" Shōyō blinked.

Kagayama stared at him with wide eyes, "Your nose is bleeding!"

Adjusting his glasses over his bloody nose, Takeda exclaimed, "Tokyo!" That caused everyone to stare in shock. 

"Tokyo?" Shōyō asked, which earned a nod in confirmation, "Tokyo? You mean…" he blinked before shouting, "Nekoma?!" 

In Tokyo, Kenma sneezed. Yamamoto shouted in disgust, "Gross!"

"Tissue!" Yaku exclaimed, already having them ready for Kenma to use. Ever the team mom.

Kagayama asked, "A practice match?"

"Yeah! But it won't just be Nekoma this time." Takeda started to explain, "The Fukurodani Academy Group. It's a group of schools from the Kanto region that includes Nekoma. Apparently, they hold practice matches all the time. This time, because of Coach Nekomata, Karasuno will also be able to participate in their practice matches." All of the boys oohed and awed at that. They couldn't imagine meeting so many powerful schools. Playing with them would definitely prepare them for the teams they would face going forward in their tournaments.

Ukai stepped in to explain even further, "Groups like that are created through relationships built up over years, so it's not easy to get in without connections. We've got to make sure to thank Coach Nekomata. And Sensei, too, who I'm sure kept persistently asking him."

"No, I didn't, really…" Takeda waved his arms around, "Your name helped a lot, Coach Ukai."

"Thank you," the boys all bowed at their teacher in thanks.

Their teacher smiled, "Over the years, we've lost our connections with other schools in the prefecture that we were once close with. There are many schools where the coaches that were once close to the former Coach Ukai are now gone. We shouldn't miss this chance!"

Everyone cheered at that, "Yeah!"

Fire started to burn around Kageyama as he thought back to the cat's setter, "I'm going to be able to see that set up in person again."

Elsewhere, Kenma shivered, unknowingly being mentioned by Kageyama, "Maybe I caught a cold… I'm getting chills."

"Hey!" Yamamoto shouted, "We're right before a match!"

Nishinoya jumped in the conversation, just as fiery as usual, "This time, I'm going to protect us 'til we win!"

"Yeah…" Yaku shivered alongside his setter, "It might actually be a little cold today."

Yamamoto turned to his upperclassmen in worry, "You, too, Yaku-san?!" There had to be something going around if both of them were saying that!

Tanaka joined in on the shouting, "We're gonna take down that City Boy Alliance!"

"City Boy…" Tsukishima tried to keep his snickers to himself.

Yamaguchi was doing the same, "...Alliance?"

"I'm feeling hot!" Yamamoto shouted, seemingly tearing his uniform off, "I'm burning up!"

"Yamamoto, shut up," Kuroo said boredly.

From his spot, Shōyō was just about bursting with energy at this news. He pumped his fists, "This time, I'm going to break through for sure!"

"Um, the only thing is, their prelims for the Inter-High start this weekend, so it won't be right away." Takeda pointed out, "Also, at this point, we've only received the invitation. There are some agreements we have to work out, but I'll tell you all about the details another time. But it seems that all of you are…"

"Of course!" Daichi nodded.

All the boys jumped up happily and chorused, "We'll go!"

"I've got a staff meeting," Takeda said while looking down at his watch, "so I've got to get going. Ukai-kun, I'll leave the rest to you."

Ukai nodded, "Sure."

"Thank you!" They all called out as Takeda took his leave.

"It's going to get busy." Asahi chuckled lightly. He already knew that everyone was going to put in even more work just so they could compete with the schools at the camp.

Daichi grunted, "Yeah."

"You'll be busy, too, Shimizu." Suga commented and looked at their manager, "This'll be your first long trip with us."

Endo clicked his tongue, "don't worry, I'll keep those pesky guys away from you, Kiyoko." Ah, what a gentleman.

"Don't say something like that, you'll start sounding like Nishinoya and Tanaka!" Daichi laughed.

Endo stuck out his tongue, "I'm not a perv like them."

Kiyoko just smiled cutely, "I'll do my best, too." The boys just stared at her and her adorable nature. Obviously quite taken with her at that moment.

"Come on!" Ukai called, breaking them out of their trance, "Hurry and clean up, then go home!"

"Right!" They all called out before doing just that.

---

Sakura walked through the halls of the first-year classrooms. Everyone was buzzing around, going to eat lunch with their friends or get some studying done in their free time. She was heading to find her brother with her lunch held in hand. Apparently, they mixed up their bento boxes that morning. She would much rather have the lunch she packed herself that morning, instead of whatever Shōyō had thrown together. He always packed some of the strangest things for his lunches, and she didn't want to imagine what he had for himself today.

As she headed down the hall, there were whispers and murmurs all around her as she headed closer to Shōyō's classroom. Something must be going on, she thought to herself. She got closer and found that it was Kiyoko who was the center of attention. The goddess of a student was standing in front of a tomato red Shōyō. Sakura raised an eyebrow at the scene since she never would have thought of Kiyoko coming down to this part of the school. Wonder what she's doing here, Sakura thought.

As she approached, Sakura could hear the angelic third-year ask her brother, "Do you know any first-years who aren't in a club?"

Sakura came up to her star-struck brother and her senpai, "You're looking for a new manager?" Shōyō just about jumped at his sister's voice, still a bit in awe of Kiyoko's appearance at his classroom. Though that changed when he saw that she had his lunch in her hands.

He seemingly brightened at the sight of his packed lunch. "Imouto, ah, thanks," He said as he took his lunch from her, "I have yours here!" He went into his classroom and went to grab hers as well.

The older girl nodded her head, "Yes, after this year, I want to make sure that there's a manager to take my place."

That was understandable, Sakura was well aware that the team would not be managed correctly they had the possibility of falling apart. Especially with the likes of the troublesome duo. Not to say they couldn't take care of themselves but… they just needed quite a bit of help. She pursed her lips while standing in front of Kiyoko, "Hmm, have you found anyone?"

"No, so far everyone I've asked already has their own commitments to other clubs." That was a bummer. Time was running out on finding a successor for the position.

Sakura pursed her lips in thought. Did she know anyone that might take up the offer? Her blonde haired friend then popped into her head. She had been talking about trying to find a club to fit in, after all… "I may know someone who may be a good candidate."

"Really?" Kiyoko brightened at that, "Do you mind introducing us after school?"

She nodded, "Sure. I'll bring her to your classroom sometime."

"Thank you, Sakura." Kiyoko bowed towards her, "I appreciate this."

Growing hot at all the attention that the action was garnering, Sakura scratched her cheek in embarrassment, "No need to bow, really senpai. It's fine, besides it's not like I'm saying she's going to agree. All I'm saying is that she's been looking to join a club, and being manager might interest her."

Kiyoko smiled, a flowery aura surrounding her, "Still thank you."

More than red-faced at her senpai, Sakura muttered, "Yea, yea."

"Here, Saku!" Shōyō came bounding back out with his sister's bento in his hands. "I might have eaten a bit of your rice, but everything else is in there." He smiled widely, as if proud of himself for not eating her entire lunch.

Sakura raised an eyebrow, "uh huh, I'll be taking your rice as compensation." 

---

Changing into his workout clothes, Endo listened to the boys as they talked about the magazine that he had brought in. As soon as he caught a glimpse of who was mentioned in it, he knew he had to show them all. Not only would it be interesting to read what it said, but it would no doubt be funny to see the team's reactions.

Tanaka shouted out at the sight of the arrogant photo presented to him. "Oikawa's featured in Monthly Volleyball, and it even has his picture." It just wasn't fair!

Endo chuckled, "I know, right? Honestly, it isn't even that good of a picture," he nudged Shōyō's shoulder, "paparazzi-chan could definitely take better pictures than that, doncha think!"

Shōyō nodded his head rapidly, "yea, she definitely could!"

"Well, he's good enough to play in a national league." Suga said from over Tanaka's shoulder, "So, what does it say?" 

"Um…" Tanaka started to read from the magazine, "'Oikawa's favorite food is milk bread. His favorite saying is, 'If you're going to hit it, hit it until it breaks.'"

"What the hell is that?" Suga

"That's so… I don't even know what to say to that," Endo blinked, not knowing what to think about Oikawa's favorite saying.

"Who cares?" Nishinoya growled, obviously irked, "That's completely useless!" 

Tanaka continued on with the article, "Looks like Seijoh wants to take down Shiratorizawa, so most of the third-years that were regulars are still there." He became fired up while nearly tearing the magazine in half, "Come on and bring it, Seijoh!"

"Bring it!" Shōyō echoed him just as worked up as ever.

Suga then came in and wacked Tanaka away from the magazine, "Hey! You're gonna rip it! For crying out loud…" He picked it up to a random page and perked up, "Hey, it's Ushiwaka." It was a professional photo of Ushijima Wakatoshi, and on his uniform was the Japanese flag. 

Shōyō blinked in surprise, "Japan?" 

"Hey!" Diachi said from the doorway with Asahi behind him, "Get out here already. We're going for a run." 

Endo plucked the magazine from Suga and presented it to his captain, "you'll never guess, Daichi!"

He pointed to the photo of their ultimate obstacle as Suga explained, "Ushiwaka's in the Youth World." 

"What?" Daichi and Asahi said in shock.

"Youth World?" Yamaguchi asked.

Tsukishima was the one to explain it to him, "Simply put, he's representing Japan in the under 19 age group." 

"Only one high school can represent Miyagi in the spring tournament." Daichi started to explain to everyone. "For us to go to nationals, we'll have to defeat Ushiwaka and Oikawa." Everyone was now determined after hearing news like that. It was no doubt going to be a large obstacle to get over, but they weren't going to go down without a fight. "All right! Let's go running!"

The boys all shouted, "Right!"

---

Gathered around at the bottom of quite an infamous hill, the volleyball team were lining up to get through their run for the practice. "Here we are." Tanaka said as they all stared up at the road they were about to run up. "Karasuno's famous Heartbreak Hill."

Endo groaned loudly, "do we have to do this? Can't we just… not?"

"Don't be such a baby," Suga laughed at his misery.

"All right! Ten dashes uphill to the halfway mark! Two at a time! Ready…" First to line up was Ennoshita and Tanaka who took off after Daichi clapped. "Ready…" Next was Yamaguchi and Tsukishima, "Tsukishima! Run like you mean it!" He scolded and continued on with counting the boys down. Next was Kinoshita, Narita, and Endo. Though Endo did not look at all pleased with having to do this. He certainly hates running. "Ready…" Daichi clapped and the trio was off, "Ready… Ready…" Eventually it was time for the troublesome duo to go, since they were second to last. Just like everything else between them, Shōyō and Kageyama turned it into a competition between each other. So once they were told to go, they took off like rockets.

At the mid way mark up the mountain, all the boys who had gone first took a breather. Some were more winded than others, but they got the exercise they needed, so that was good. 

"Hey, good job, Tsukishima." Ennoshita encouraged the first-year as he came up to the group. 

Endo was leaning over his knees, trying to take in large gulps of breath. He sure likes playing volleyball with his friends, but the exercise that comes with it was always so tiring. Why couldn't he just sit on the sidelines, be a benchwarmer and sit there while looking pretty? Was that so much to ask for? Breaking through his thoughts was the obnoxious yelling of Kageyama and Shōyō as they came running towards them. Then they ran straight past them as well, not even slowing down a little bit. 

"Hey!" Tanaka shouted after them, "Where are you guys going?!" Though they were too invested in their race that they didn't even see or hear them and just continued on running.

"Pretty sure we can just let them go." Tsukishima commented bordley, watching the duo run off on their own. What complete idiots.

Endo huffed and puffed through his words, "T-They… really need to… stop making everything… a competition." He held the stitch in his side as he did his best to stay upright. Though the ground was looking quite inviting, maybe even comfy enough to lay on.

Enoshita patted his upperclassmen on the back, "you okay, Endo?"

"Yeah, just give me a second." The blond nodded his head and took one large breath,"I… I hate running."

--

Shōyō and Kageyama were found eventually. It was quite the scene once they got back. The two were chewed out by Daichi for not listening and such, which earned chuckles from the likes of Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, and Endo. They were taking some delight in seeing the terrified expressions on the two's faces. Daichi really was scary when it came to things like this. A terrifying father, one that you would never want to anger.

Though Endo found it more than interesting that they talked about meeting the Ushiwaka while on their detour. He certainly wasn't surprised to know that the pair had challenged the star ace after only a few minutes of talking. Their big mouths were going to get them in trouble so much. Endo wasn't sure if he loved or hated that about them. Time could only tell which.

After that though, the team was all sitting in a half circle around their coach and teacher. They had a few things to go over about the camp and anything else it seemed. "Ahem…" Takeda cleared his throat. "As for our series of away games in Tokyo, for the time being, it's planned for next month. Because they are away games, we will need permission for your parents or guardians, so I'll hand out those forms later. We also have tentative consent from the school, as well. However, as you are aware, you have final exams starting next month. Right?" A few of the boys froze up at that reminder. Looks like they didn't seem to remember about them, oh no. "So, I think you know what I'm getting at, but if you fail any subjects, supplementary classes will be held that weekend. Which means you won't be able to go to the away games."

Endo took in the expressions of Shōyō, Kageyama, Tanaka, and Nishinoya and snickered lightly. "Looks like some of us are going to have some difficulty," he, not so quietly, whispered to Asahi. He wouldn't say he's the best student around, but he could confidently say he could pass all of his classes and tests in order to go to the camp. Did he have faith that these four would be able to? Maybe. Though it will be more than entertaining to watch them try.