Takeda on the side also nodded.
"Compared to when they played the finals in Miyagi Prefecture, everyone's progress is very obvious! Even I, a Office Worker, can see it."
"That's right!" Ukai Keishin also smiled and nodded with satisfaction. "I've seen everyone's progress. From the crazy practice sessions in the month before our exams to the nearly one-week intensive training now... we've transformed from fledgling birds into full-fledged crows! Everyone's strength has improved greatly!"
Ukai looked at everyone on the court, a trace of excitement in his voice.
"Everyone's ball reception has become more stable, our tactics are richer, our system more complete… and Kageyama and Hinata's ever-evolving monster quick attack!"
"Hey, hey!" Takeda laughed softly.
"And Akira is getting more and more impossible to read!"
"Hmm..." Ukai's tone lowered slightly, a complicated look in his eyes. "This guy... I hope that in the national tournament, there'll be an opponent who really pushes his strength. Otherwise, seeing him flitting around us every day... it really tickles my nerves!"
"Hahahaha!" Takeda burst out laughing at his side.
"But..." Ukai's tone suddenly turned serious. "Speaking of nationals, I did some research on the major teams who've participated in recent years before we even came to Nekoma's training camp."
"Oh?" Takeda's eyes lit up. "And your conclusion is...?"
"Haha!" Ukai laughed a few times. "I'm sure of it—among the strong teams, we're in the upper echelon too! As long as we bring out our full potential… even if we face a powerhouse like Itachiyama, it's not impossible to fight!"
"Really? Do we really have the qualifications to challenge a team like that?" Takeda asked excitedly.
"Haha! Of course we do!" Ukai slapped his shoulder and laughed, then scratched his head awkwardly. "It's just... we'll have to fully unleash our strength."
"Huh?" Takeda sensed a hint of hesitation.
"Just look at everyone on the court..." Ukai's optimism dimmed slightly. "The 'nervous group' is starting to show."
He wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead, a helpless expression on his face.
In the training just now, the team made a lot of small mistakes—missed mat catches, off-target passes, spikes going out of bounds...
Especially Hinata and Asahi, who are normally high-strung, were making constant errors.
"Alas! Oh well." Ukai sighed and wiped his forehead. "This is their first time participating in a tournament of this scale. It's expected."
"That's exactly why I invited Otaki out for drinks the other night!" Ukai added cryptically. "When the time comes... everything will be fine!"
…
That evening, the team had returned to the hotel after a long training session.
Even in faraway Tokyo, their daily group meetings continued like clockwork.
"Alright!" Ukai said, standing in front of the team and pulling out a tablet. "I've got something I want you all to see!"
"Is it more footage of our upcoming opponents?" Daichi asked curiously from the front row.
This wouldn't be anything new—they had been reviewing opponents' footage every day lately.
"Nope!" Ukai shook his head and revealed a mischievous grin. "Forget about the other teams for now."
"Next, I want to show you something Takigami Electric poured their hearts into..."
"A super compilation video!!"
"Hey, hey!" Ukai grinned, scrolling through the tablet.
"This is a highlight reel of all your performances so far! Everyone's included!"
"Whoa..."
"That's awesome…"
"I want to see it!!"
Just hearing the description, Hinata and the others were already buzzing with excitement.
A full collection of their greatest plays? They couldn't wait.
As Ukai pressed play, the screen lit up, and the footage started rolling.
The first scene was of Nishinoya's brilliant receive during the match against Shiratorizawa!
"Wow!" Hinata gasped. "Nishinoya-senpai is incredible!"
"Aha!" Nishinoya's eyes sparkled as he watched himself on the screen.
"And this soundtrack... it's so well put together!" someone commented.
With the music and editing, everyone's movements looked sharper, more majestic—like they belonged on a highlight reel from a pro tournament.
"Oh!! Is that really me?"
"Kageyama, what a sick set!"
"Woohoo! That's Akira!"
…
Watching the video, everyone was completely absorbed, a spark of pride in their eyes.
Ukai smiled in relief as he watched them from the side.
Beside him, Takeda turned and said, "So this is your Gift, Coach Keishin."
"I thought we were going to be analyzing opponents all the way until the tournament started!"
"Haha! What does it matter what kind of opponent we face?" Ukai said with a grin.
"If we can't bring out our own strength, then none of it matters!"
"That's why... I wanted to use this video, with its music and visuals, to imprint the best versions of yourselves into your minds."
"That's what really counts!"