"Haikyuu: A Twin's Choice"

14.5- Asahi's War Flashbacks

In Karasuno, it was a typical Wednesday afternoon. The school grounds were bustling with students engaged in various club activities. The autumn sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm and inviting glow over the campus. The leaves of the trees had started to take on shades of red and gold, signaling the arrival of the fall season.

In one corner of the school, the volleyball club members were practicing their serves, spikes, and receives. The rhythmic sound of the volleyball hitting the floor and the voices of the players filled the air. Some students were diligently perfecting their techniques, while others took a break, chatting and enjoying snacks.

As the afternoon wore on, a few students, their club activities finished for the day, began to make their way home. They walked down the tree-lined paths, their backpacks slung over their shoulders, sharing stories and laughter as they headed toward the school gate.

Meanwhile, at one of the tennis courts, the atmosphere was intense. Three players were engaged in a spirited match. The sun's rays glistened on the green surface of the court, casting long shadows as the players moved swiftly across the court.

Sora, one of the players, had just served an impressive ace, clocking in at 125 miles per hour right down the T.

Hideo, his opponent, had been unable to return the powerful serve. Sora couldn't hide his excitement and grinned, celebrating his successful shot with a self-made fist bump.

"Game, set, and match, Hinata!" the umpire declared.

The score stood at 6-2 and 6-1, making Sora the clear winner of the match. Sora and Hideo, still catching their breath, made their way to the net.

Hideo was perspiring heavily from the relentless flat hits delivered by Sora. He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Hinata, you should've gone easy on me."

Sora shook his head, his determination evident in his expression. "I don't go easy on anyone. I view all of my opponents equally."

Sora had learned a valuable lesson from his previous life: never underestimate his opponents. He had faced embarrassment when he underestimated a qualifier and suffered a loss. That experience had shaped his competitive spirit and commitment to treating all opponents with respect.

Hideo smiled at Sora's response. "You're very humble, Hinata," he said, acknowledging the young athlete's dedication and sportsmanship.

Ichigo Mikoto, their fellow member of the Boy's Tennis Club, couldn't help but express his amazement. He gracefully descended from his umpire's seat, his impressive 6'3" frame casting a shadow over the court.

"Honestly, Hinata," Ichigo began with a hint of playful disbelief, "you're just 16, yet your service is not only fast but incredibly powerful. I stand here, a full 6 inches taller than you, and you serve even better than I do."

Sora, bashfully, scratched his cheek and felt his cheeks redden. "Well," he stammered, "I don't really know what to say about that, Ichigo-senpai."

Ichigo Mikoto, with his striking black hair and mesmerizing pink eyes, exuded an air of confidence that matched his impressive stature. As a second-year high school student, class 4, he was a respected presence both on and off the tennis court, embodying the spirit of Karasuno's Boys' Tennis Club.

Hideo couldn't help but chuckle as he observed Sora's enthusiasm on the tennis court. "I honestly thought you'd be emotionless during tennis practices," he admitted, a playful glint in his eyes. "It seems the rumors were false."

Throughout the practice match, Sora's face was often adorned with a wide grin each time he won a point. His genuine excitement and passion for the game were evident, and this unexpected display of emotion left both Hideo and Ichigo pleasantly surprised.