Irihata was momentarily dazed as he watched Oikawa under the spotlight.
It seemed he had never truly understood this kid. He had always thought Oikawa's drive to lead Aobajosai to victory came from his sense of responsibility as captain, and he had even felt guilty about that at one point.
But it turned out Oikawa's original intention had never changed. He had always been chasing after stronger opponents, facing them head-on.
Watching Oikawa grow from an impulsive boy into who he was now, Irihata realized he could no longer clearly see through him.
Something stirred in Irihata's heart as he recalled the phone call from Washijō that morning.
That stubborn old man might be rigid, but he truly valued talent. Between the lines, he had made it clear that he planned to invite Oikawa to Shiratorizawa's Golden Training Camp, giving those who didn't make the national youth training camp another chance.
Although Oikawa had always disliked Ushijima, he probably wouldn't refuse an opportunity like this.
On the other side, Kuiya listened carefully to Oikawa's answer before speaking again.
"So, what would you like to say to those who are still persevering in volleyball?"
It was the final question, and this time Kuiya didn't make things difficult. Just a standard question.
Oikawa grinned, carefree as ever.
"To those of you still working hard, don't give up. The heavens don't favor people who don't have dreams."
With that, the recording ended.
Oikawa stood up and, still smiling playfully, began bargaining with Kuiya.
"Mr. Anri, we've known each other for so long… for this interview, let me appear last."
After all, the ace always appears at the end. When it came to things like this, Oikawa was always childishly competing with Ushijima.
Kuiya chuckled and waved him off.
"Alright, alright. Go call the next person."
No one could really get mad at someone as sharp as Oikawa. Even though Washijō found him a bit scheming, he had to admit Oikawa had a knack for handling people and conversations, like someone who had spent years navigating society.
Especially compared to Ushijima, Oikawa seemed much more calculating.
"Coach, I'm off!"
After getting the next name, Oikawa immediately started plotting a sneak attack, completely forgetting the embarrassment from earlier.
Irihata nodded with a smile.
The next person Kuiya called was Kindaichi. For some reason, Oikawa felt like this year's interviews were paying unusual attention to the new first-years. It was strange.
After using the restroom, Kindaichi and Kunimi strolled back toward the gym, chatting as they walked.
Kunimi had his hands tucked into his jacket pockets, shoulders slouched, looking half-asleep. He even let out a small yawn.
Kindaichi kept muttering about various things, but listening closely, it was all about Kageyama.
Lately, Kindaichi had started remembering certain things.
"Kunimi… do you think… maybe we went a bit too far back then…?"
Kunimi narrowed his eyes but said nothing. He hadn't been involved, so he had no comment.
But something felt off in Kindaichi's heart. Especially after seeing Kageyama with Karasuno a few days ago. He had never seen Kageyama get along with others like that, or be able to trust his teammates on the court.
Kindaichi was starting to understand, just a little, what Kageyama must have felt back then.
Some time ago, he had also heard by chance that Kageyama's grandfather had passed away two or three years ago, and that his older sister had given up volleyball.
Thinking about the timeline, that was exactly when Kageyama had been at Kitagawa Daiichi.
Someone who knew Kageyama's grandfather had once said that the old man's biggest concern had always been Kageyama. He had hoped Kageyama would make a proper friend at school.
But back then, everyone had been isolating Kageyama, both openly and in subtle ways.
At that age, kids are always competing with each other. Maybe it was Kindaichi's faint jealousy or his pride, but what started as a decent relationship had turned into constant conflict.
He had even said those things during the final match.
To others, those three years might have seemed precious. But for Kageyama, they were three years where his hope was slowly crushed.
His beloved grandfather, his volleyball-loving sister, teammates he could get along with. Did Kageyama ever sit up in the middle of the night, thinking it was all his fault that everything turned out so badly?
The young Kageyama had been awkward and stubborn, appearing indifferent to everything, but in truth, he had already gone numb inside.
Under all those circumstances, he became quiet and withdrawn, labeled by others as a "reclusive genius" and an "arrogant king."
Even Iwaizumi, the only one who showed him kindness, ended up treating him unfairly because of Oikawa's influence. After all, to Iwaizumi, there was no way Kageyama could compare to Oikawa, who had grown up with him.
And Oikawa had also, openly and subtly, pushed things along. He refused to guide Kageyama and watched coldly as the talented setter was led astray by others.
Of course, Kindaichi didn't know any of that.
His voice grew quieter and quieter, until guilt filled his heart.
After all, he had never properly spoken to Kageyama. He had only ever snapped at him out of his own pride.
"Enough."
Kunimi's calm voice interrupted his thoughts. He clicked his tongue in irritation. People really were strange, so easily controlled by their emotions.
At the beginning, everyone had been getting along just fine.
Kindaichi had never truly understood Kageyama. The harsh words and the quiet exclusion were not things that could simply be erased with an apology.
They would leave a mark in Kageyama's heart, a reminder of those painful three years.
"Next time you see Kageyama, apologize," Kunimi said flatly.
Kindaichi nodded as if he had been granted relief, as though the unease inside him had finally been resolved.
Kunimi sighed inwardly but didn't say the rest.
He didn't know if Kageyama would forgive him.
If he said that, Kindaichi probably wouldn't sleep that night.
"Kindaichi, come here!"
Oikawa's voice rang out from the hallway window.
"Coming, Oikawa-senpai!"
Kindaichi quickly said goodbye to Kunimi and ran over, the two of them immediately starting to chatter about something.
Kunimi watched them from behind, his gaze thoughtful.
In all of Aobajosai, it felt like only Iwaizumi and he understood Oikawa's more unpleasant side.
"What is it, Oikawa-senpai?"
Oikawa patted Kindaichi on the shoulder, smiling brightly.
"Nothing. The coach has something for you in the lounge."
"For me?"
Kindaichi was confused, but seeing Oikawa's serious expression, he didn't question it. This was the senior he trusted most. What bad intentions could he possibly have?
Right. What bad intentions could he have?
Kindaichi stood at the lounge door and knocked politely.
"Coach, I'm coming in."
"Come in."
He pushed the door open and was immediately met with a group of people holding cameras pointed at him. It almost startled him.
Kindaichi turned back and saw Oikawa grinning behind him, clearly pleased with himself.
He sighed but said nothing, stepping inside obediently. Only then did he notice that Irihata was also there. He sat down stiffly in the chair.
Kuiya noticed his nervousness and subtly guided the conversation, helping him relax little by little.
Then the formal interview began.
"Kindaichi, what do you think about Karasuno, the dark horse that appeared this year?"
The first question completely stunned him. He had expected questions about Aobajosai, not Karasuno.
Kuiya had sharp instincts. From just one set Kindaichi played in the prefectural tournament, he had already judged him to be straightforward and honest. Asking others would get nothing useful, but Kindaichi would give real answers.
Kindaichi had just been talking about Kageyama and Karasuno earlier, so when asked directly, he felt a bit uneasy.
"Um… before the match, I thought Karasuno was just like everyone said."
"A fallen powerhouse? A crow that can't fly?" Kuiya prompted.
Kindaichi nodded quickly, but his next words were unexpected.
"But I knew that wasn't true. Karasuno has an incredible setter, number nine this year. And a team that can bring out that setter's full potential is definitely something special."
He thought for a moment and chose to answer honestly. He wasn't the same immature person as before, saying hurtful things. And besides, it was simply the truth.
Not just because of Kageyama.
A smile appeared on Kuiya's face. Just as he expected, Kindaichi was different.
"So, how does Aobajosai view Karasuno as a new opponent?"
The question was clearly a trap, but Kindaichi didn't notice at all and honestly revealed everything.
Somewhere else, Oikawa suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
"I think Karasuno is a great school in every way. But Oikawa-senpai thinks going to three sets this time was just an accident. Next time, he could score thirty points in a row with his serves alone."
Irihata sucked in a breath, clutching his chest and desperately signaling to Kindaichi. This kid really had no filter.
Later, when Oikawa saw this interview, he was so angry he nearly fainted. Thirty points in a row? Not a chance.
But that was for later.
Kindaichi didn't notice Irihata's signals and only got more excited, continuing to talk. He shared not only Aobajosai's views but also what he had heard from other schools.
Kuiya's eyes lit up. He had already decided that from now on, Kindaichi would be interviewed before Oikawa. The effect would be incredible.
"Iwaizumi-senpai thinks very highly of Karasuno. He says that a team that can receive Oikawa's serves within three touches is really impressive."
"Of course, some schools say Karasuno just got lucky…"
Kindaichi kept going.
After listening, Kuiya nodded in satisfaction and asked who would win next time.
"Aobajosai will definitely win. I trust everyone. But Karasuno is improving really fast. I think everyone at Aobajosai is looking forward to playing them again."
Kuiya then asked the final question.
"Is there anything you'd like to say to your future opponent, Karasuno?"
Kindaichi looked at the camera. He had a lot to say, but suddenly didn't know how to put it into words. He returned to his usual self, a bit timid.
"Karasuno… do your best. I hope you go even further."
Then he quickly added,
"But in the end, the winner will still be us, Aobajosai!"
His face turned bright red as he shouted it out.
Kuiya nearly laughed out loud.
Irihata closed his eyes, completely exasperated. It felt like all of Aobajosai's innocence was concentrated in this one kid.
After finishing, Kindaichi stood up stiffly and walked out, his ears burning red.
Kuiya sighed and smiled at Irihata.
"You're truly fortunate to have such honest players."
Irihata felt a headache coming on. It sounded more like sarcasm.
Once outside, Kindaichi's straight posture collapsed. He wondered why he hadn't used the opportunity to say sorry.
So he really was a coward, just like Kunimi said. A coward who couldn't even say a single word.
He found Kunimi and told him about the interview. Kunimi nodded calmly, hands already back in his pockets. Before leaving, he gave Kindaichi a strange look.
What was wrong with him? It was just an interview. Why did he look so down now?
...
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