A Day in the Stadium: Between Matches

A Day in the Stadium: Between Matches

With their first match behind them, the Nekoma team had some time to relax and observe the competition. The Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was alive with energy as matches continued on adjacent courts, vendors set up booths selling team merchandise, and players mingled with fans and rivals.

Lev and Wakasa: Courtside Commentary

Lev and Wakasa found seats in the stands to watch one of the ongoing matches. They were watching Kamomedai play against an unseeded team, fascinated by Hoshiumi Kourai's acrobatics.

"Look at that guy!" Lev exclaimed, pointing as Hoshiumi leaped into the air for a sharp spike. "He's like a flying seagull!"

Wakasa smirked. "Yeah, but a seagull that can kill you with his spikes. That guy's scary."

Hoshiumi landed and immediately signaled for another set. His intensity was palpable even from the stands.

"Do you think I could jump like that?" Lev asked, bouncing in his seat.

"You'd probably hit your head on the ceiling if you tried," Wakasa deadpanned, drawing a laugh from Lev.

As they continued to watch, Lev leaned closer to Wakasa. "Do you think we'll face them?"

"Probably," Wakasa replied. "And when we do, you better be ready to block that seagull."

Lev grinned. "I'll be the cat that catches him."

Kuroo and Bokuto: A Friendly Rivalry

Meanwhile, Kuroo wandered over to another court where Fukurodani was warming up. He spotted Bokuto doing his usual over-the-top stretches and immediately made his way over.

"Bokuto!" Kuroo called, a sly grin on his face.

Bokuto perked up and turned, his eyes lighting up. "Kuroo! My man!"

The two captains clasped hands dramatically, drawing attention from nearby spectators.

"So, you're still being your loud, flashy self, huh?" Kuroo teased, leaning against the barrier.

"Of course!" Bokuto replied, puffing out his chest. "Gotta show everyone who the real ace is!"

Kuroo raised an eyebrow. "Real ace? Did you forget about Wakasa? Or Sakusa? Or Ushijima?"

Bokuto deflated slightly, then immediately bounced back. "They're good, but they don't have my energy!"

"Yeah, sure," Kuroo said with a laugh. "Just make sure you don't let Akaashi carry you through your matches."

"Hey! I'm a top-tier player!" Bokuto protested, but Kuroo was already walking away, still laughing.

Kenma: A Quiet Observer

Kenma, true to his nature, found a quiet corner where he could watch matches while analyzing the competition. His notebook was open, filled with scribbles about potential strategies and weaknesses.

He glanced up occasionally, noting the movements of players like Atsumu, Ushijima, and Hoshiumi.

"If we face them, it'll be a challenge," he murmured to himself.

Yaku and Inouka: Team Merch Enthusiasts

Yaku and Inouka had taken a break to explore the merchandise stalls.

"Do you think they have our team's shirts?" Inouka asked, scanning the racks of colorful jerseys.

"They'd better," Yaku said, picking up a Fukurodani shirt and inspecting it. "If not, I'm complaining to the organizers."

Inouka laughed. "What if we bought shirts from other teams just to confuse people?"

Yaku smirked. "I'd rather wear our own. But hey, you can buy a Hoshiumi shirt if you really want to."

Reuniting and Reflecting

By late afternoon, the team regrouped at their designated seating area.

"What did you guys do?" Kuroo asked, plopping down beside Kenma.

"Watched Hoshiumi," Lev said. "Wakasa thinks he's a seagull."

Kenma raised an eyebrow at Wakasa, who shrugged.

"He's good," Wakasa admitted. "But we're better."

"Obviously," Kuroo said, leaning back. "And we'll prove it soon enough."

As the team sat together, the atmosphere was light but focused. They knew the toughest battles were yet to come, but for now, they enjoyed the camaraderie and the thrill of being at Nationals.