The gym buzzed with energy as the team huddled around Coach Anzai.
"Listen up," he barked. "We've got a practice match next week."
A few heads perked up, and murmurs spread through the group.
"Against who, Coach?" asked Shun, wiping sweat from his brow.
Coach's lips curled into a grin. "Kawasaki Technical."
The room went quiet.
Kawasaki Tech.
They weren't just a strong team—they were the team that knocked out Miyagawa in last year's semifinals.
Yuuto's expression hardened. Even Renji felt his stomach twist. This wouldn't be just another practice match.
It would be a preview of what was waiting for them at State.
---
A Familiar Face Returns
Later that afternoon, as the team broke off into groups for drills, the gym doors opened.
In walked a tall figure, familiar and unexpected.
"Yo," the voice called.
Renji turned—and blinked in surprise.
"Kazuma?"
Kazuma Tachibana, former third-year starter and one of last season's powerhouses, stood in the doorway with a grin. Though he'd graduated, he looked like he never left—still broad-shouldered, still confident, still carrying that calm, big-brother energy.
"Kazuma-senpai?" a few of the underclassmen echoed in awe.
Coach Anzai raised an eyebrow. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Kazuma shrugged. "Heard about the Kawasaki match. Thought I'd drop by. Offer some advice, maybe."
Yuuto crossed his arms. "You planning to coach us now?"
Kazuma smiled, unfazed. "Just here to observe… and maybe remind you that volleyball's more than just points and pride."
---
Testing the Captain
Kazuma stayed through the drills, watching silently as Renji ran receives and Yuuto led serves. When practice ended, he motioned for Yuuto to stay behind.
"You're still trying to carry everything, huh?" Kazuma said as they sat in the bleachers.
Yuuto didn't respond at first. Then: "It's my job."
Kazuma shook his head. "No, it's your choice."
Yuuto's jaw tightened.
"You're a good leader," Kazuma continued, "but leading doesn't mean doing everything yourself. It means trusting others to rise with you."
Yuuto didn't answer, but the words stuck with him.
---
The Rising Core
That night, Renji couldn't sleep.
He found himself watching footage of Kawasaki Tech on his tablet—their tall blockers, their lightning-fast setter, the captain who shouted louder than anyone but never once looked rattled.
They were fierce. Coordinated. Efficient.
"We're not ready," he muttered.
A message buzzed on his phone.
It was Asuka.
[Asuka: "You okay?"]
He hesitated, then replied.
[Renji: "Trying to figure out how we beat Kawasaki."]
A pause. Then:
[Asuka: "Start by believing you can."]
Renji smiled faintly. Simple words. But they calmed the storm in his chest.
---
Unity in Pieces
The next few days were intense.
Coach pushed them harder than ever.
Yuuto, still sharp and aggressive, started sharing more responsibilities—passing control to Shun during sets, asking Renji to lead defense rotations.
Slowly, the cracks began to heal.
And on the final day before the match, Coach Anzai gathered the team one last time.
"Kawasaki won't be easy. But neither are you."
He looked around the room.
"They've got firepower. So do you. They've got teamwork? Prove that yours is better."
His voice rose, firm.
"You've made it this far because you didn't give up on each other. Don't start now."
---
End of Chapter 56
---
To Be Continue