"Okay, the Spring Tournament Preliminary rounds start tomorrow," Takeda declared, his voice filled with excitement. "If we win two games, we will advance to the qualifying rounds that begin in October."

Hinata, ever the bundle of energy, couldn't contain his curiosity. "Huh? We only get to play two games this time?" he asked, his eyes wide with wonder.

Sugawara, with his calm demeanor, chimed in to explain. "We made it to the top 16 during the Inter-High tournament," he said. "That means we get a pass for the first round."

Hinata's excitement soared. "Ohh! We're awesome!" he exclaimed, a bright smile spreading across his face.

"You certainly did great!" (y/n) chimed in, joining in the celebration. "We're very proud of all of you!"

Takeda's voice filled the gymnasium as he rallied the team. "With the skills you have and the training you've done, I'm sure you will win!" he exclaimed. "Let's go there and do what we always do—give it your all!"

Cheers erupted, filling the air with a wave of enthusiasm. The boys, fueled by their coach's words, headed to the court to warm up. (Y/n) made her way to the side, joining the managers.

"N-now come the r-real games," Yachi stammered, her nerves evident as she clutched her stomach. "I-I'm feeling a l-little nervous..."

"This is your first tournament, isn't it?" Kiyoko gently inquired, her reassuring presence offering comfort.

"Y-yeah," Yachi confirmed, her voice trembling slightly.

"Don't worry about the nerves," (y/n) interjected, offering words of reassurance. "You should see the team before a match—some of them get just as nervous as you are now, maybe even worse. To be honest, it's kinda funny to watch."

"Hehe, that's true," Kiyoko agreed with a soft smile. "But when the match starts, everything changes."

"Oh, really? I'm curious to see what it'll be like," Yachi said, her gaze fixed on the boys as they warmed up.

"Speaking of tournaments, for us third years, this will be our last one," Kiyoko spoke up, her tone tinged with nostalgia.

Both Yachi and (y/n) turned to their senpai, their expressions filled with sadness.

"Oh! I'm sorry! Please don't cry!" Kiyoko exclaimed, noticing their pained expressions.

"I-I'm n-not crying!" Yachi protested, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. "A-a mosquito flew in my eye, that's all..."

"A mosquito!?" Kiyoko questioned, surprised.

"It'll be fine. We'll make this tournament count," (y/n) assured them, her voice filled with determination. "Your last tournament will be your best one."

Both managers gazed at (y/n), inspired by her confidence and resolve. They watched as she walked over to the boys, ready to lend her support and guidance.

"Yeah, this will be the one," Kiyoko murmured, a gentle smile gracing her lips, as she continued to observe (y/n).

As the boys engaged in their serve practice, (y/n) noticed Yamaguchi focusing too much on where Nishinoya was standing. Unable to resist offering guidance, she called out to the freckled teen, her voice filled with encouragement.

"Yamaguchi, don't focus on where you don't want to hit the ball," (y/n) advised. "Focusing on that will make it land there, so focus on where you do want it to land."

Understanding dawning in his eyes, Yamaguchi nodded gratefully. "Right, thanks (y/n)-san!" he said, a smile of appreciation on his face.

"You've been working hard on your serves," (y/n) continued, her smile warm and encouraging. "Be confident in them, and you'll do great!"

Yamaguchi felt his cheeks heat up, unable to suppress the blush that crept onto his face. Grateful for her kind words, he thanked her once more before regaining his composure and serving again, newfound confidence in his actions.

The joined practice came to an end, and everyone dispersed to their individual practices. Hinata and Kageyama, having decided to train at (y/n)'s grandfather's place together, eagerly awaited her company.

"(Y/n)-san, are you ready to join us?" Hinata asked, his eyes shining with anticipation.

(Y/n) nodded, a playful smile adorning her lips. "Of course! Let's go and have an amazing training session!"

With their shared determination and camaraderie, the trio set off, ready to make the most of their time together, both on and off the court. Excitement filled the air, and the promise of growth and progress loomed ahead.

...

"Gramps~!" (y/n) called out cheerfully as she sprinted toward her beloved grandfather.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite crow," the former coach greeted her with a twinkle in his eyes. "How's your ankle? Should you be running like that?"

(Y/n) paid no mind to his concerned remarks as she launched herself into his embrace, holding onto him tightly. Kenta yipped happily as he bounded around the two, sharing in the joyous reunion.

"I'm fine, don't worry!" (y/n) reassured him, her smile radiant. "Hinata's setter came along today, and they've been diligently working on their new quick! Can you help them out for a bit? Pretty please?"

Ikkei chuckled, unable to resist (y/n)'s infectious enthusiasm. He ruffled her hair affectionately. "You know I can't say no to you," he conceded. "But let me grab you a chair first."

"I don't need it! Maybe you should sit down and take it easy instead!" (y/n) playfully retorted, her pout melting into a mischievous grin.

The former coach arched an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "What was that?" he questioned, a playful challenge in his tone.

"N-nothing! I'll sit down!" (y/n) quickly relented, unable to argue with him. "Thanks for looking out for me, Gramps!"

With the chair momentarily forgotten, the first-year duo resumed their attempts at perfecting their new quick attack. Ikkei observed their every move, offering valuable pointers and guidance along the way. Time seemed to fly as they tirelessly practiced, the atmosphere alive with determination and growth.

Amidst their training session, (y/n)'s phone buzzed in her pocket, momentarily diverting her attention. She retrieved it and glanced at the messages from 'String Bean', a playful smile dancing on her lips.

String Bean: My brother came to visit today.
Munchkin: Oh? How was it? Did you have a good talk?
String Bean: It was fine.
String Bean: He wants to watch our matches.
Munchkin: That's great! I would love to meet him!
String Bean: I said no.
Munchkin: What? Why? Family support is important!
String Bean: It's distracting.
String Bean: Why are you so desperate to meet my older brother, Munchkin-san?
String Bean: Do you want to get closer to me by meeting my family? How cute.
Munchkin: 🙄
String Bean: 😏

(Y/n) couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully at Tsukishima's teasing. She quickly composed herself and stowed away her phone, refocusing her attention on the court just in time to witness Hinata and Kageyama executing a flawless quick attack.

"Alright! That was amazing!" (y/n) exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she leaped out of her chair.

"Thanks!" the duo replied in unison, their faces beaming with pride and satisfaction.

"Did you see that, Gramps?" (y/n) turned toward her grandfather, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Karasuno is doing great! I'm sure we'll make it to nationals!"

Ikkei smiled warmly at his granddaughter, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You've done well, little crow," he praised. "I'm eagerly looking forward to watching them play."

"Arf!" Kenta barked, seemingly in agreement with his human companions.

With her heart brimming with pride and hope, (y/n) joined Hinata and Kageyama once more, eager to help them fine-tune their quick attack and ensure its consistency. They practiced diligently, their determination unwavering, until they could flawlessly execute the move time and time again. The training had paid off, and as they called it a day, a sense of readiness washed over them.

Tomorrow would mark the beginning of their real challenge—the Spring Tournament Preliminary rounds—an opportunity to showcase their growth and seize their dreams. With their unwavering bond and unyielding spirit, (y/n) and the Karasuno team were more than prepared to face whatever lay ahead, fueled by their shared passion for the sport they loved.