“Welcome, Uryu Ishida,” greets the eager Espada, Szayelaporro Granz. The pink-haired scientist smirks at the dark-haired Quincy. He has been focusing on Uryu for quite a while now and has an interest in the smart human. Szayel wants to try some experiments with the Quincy that that may or may not involve whipping the scientist in some form of fashion if he dares to misbehave.
Uryu has had enough of the Espada’s tricks and threatens to shoot him with his Seele Schneider if he does not get on with the battle.
The scientist gives no answer to the young male. However, he should have thought twice before testing the Quincy’s patience.
Uryu’s aim is spot on as he shoots Szayelaporro in the abdomen. It is not enough to kill him, but the human wants to prove his point. He wants to let him know that he is very serious when it comes to battling. He has no time for any of scientist’s cryptic games.
Szayelaporro gazes at the Quincy in front of him and is amazed at what he sees. Even though he faces his enemy standing tall and strong with a desire to defeat him, Szayel’s thoughts take him somewhere else. Is it curiosity? Is this love? The pink-haired male is not sure, but one thing is definitely on his mind. “It’s just that no one makes me feel this way,” he tells the unsuspecting Uryu Ishida. Even the Quincy’s smile captivates him in such an indescribable way.
The Quincy looks away for one second just to find his opponent shirtless. He formulates his own theories in his mind. What is his game? What is he trying to do? The Quincy excels in analyzing his opponents quite closely, but he does not know what the Espada’s intentions are.
Szayelaporro eyes Uryu like he is a tasty treat. There is no way he is going to let this specimen get away from him.
The scientist’s fast approach startles Uryu. The Quincy is not used to not being able to read his opponent’s schemes. He is observant. He is quick-witted. He has to figure out how to beat this battle against the pink-haired male in front of him.
However, Szayelaporro is someone who often hides his true plans. He may give obscure hints to others around him, but it isn’t until it’s too late for his enemies to gain the upper hand. Is this the same case with this Quincy?
Uryu either cannot tell what is going on or has trouble deciphering the scientist’s current behavior and advances. If Szayelaporro Granz does not want to fight, then what exactly does he want to do that involves Uyru?
It seems like a casual conversation between the Espada and the Quincy going on between the battle. It’s as if they are both taking a break from fighting each other, however, that doesn’t seem to be what’s going on right now. Szayel wants to tempt Uryu and tells him, “Come to the back.”
Uryu seems to be slightly distraught as he continues to ponder about the scientist in front of him. However, the scientist is his enemy. He will not be swayed by any cheap tricks. He lifts his Quincy bow up and decides to shoot his opponent to see how he would respond.
The light of the arrow travels toward the Espada and quickly dissipates out of thin air. Szayel is not hurt at all. He seems even more amused by his foe’s failed attempt. He openly holds out his hand for the Quincy, just puzzling Uryu even more with this problem.
What exactly is Szayel’s true intentions? What kind of battle is going on? Who will win between the two of them? The Espada or the Quincy? You decide what happens next.
Story 2:
Shoyo Hinata confronts the people in front of him who are messing with him and the guy behind him.
However, Tobio Kageyama knows quite well that whatever this situation is, this has nothing to do with that boke. Instead, he decides to ask Kei Tsukishima what his deal is.
Kageyama first notices Tsukishima during volleyball practice. It’s really not that hard to miss the tallest person in the gym, especially if he is blonde, has glasses, and looks at you with a snarky, condescending tone. The setter silently challenges the middle blocker to a game of volleyball with the ball in his hand. Kageyama learns a lot about the players by observing them carefully during a match. Little did he know what Tsukishima’s plans are at that point.
The setter has quite an interest to his favorite sport, but he cannot tell what his teammate is up to. Does he want to play a game at that time? Is there even enough players for such a game? How long as Tsukishima been holding onto that ball anyway? Is it even the same ball that we used during practice today?
This isn’t the blonde’s first time seeing his teammate and rival in front of him. Tsukishima has his eyes on Kageyama, but who knows for how long? He wants to know things about the setter. What makes the King tick? What are his weaknesses? Can I expose and exploit them to my own advantage?
Tsukishima smirks as he makes his way towards the King. Just what is going on in each of their heads right now? What kind of interaction is this? Is this a good encounter or a terrible one?
Kageyama watches and remembers Tsukishima’s serves when it comes to volleyball. It’s not as strong or intense as his own, but as long as his serves go over the net and makes a valid play, he can respect the tall blonde’s choice in that regard.
Kageyama eyes the ball and gets ready to set. Then, he realizes something: Both Tsukishima and him have volleyball in common. Is this the middle blocker’s way of getting closer to the setter?
Tsukishima makes sure that Kageyama is looking right at the ball. The middle blocker wants to make the setter figure out what the volleyball actually represents: a pair of shackles that binds the two together and tethers them to this game. There’s no escaping of any kind from here on out.
The setter feels the middle blocker eying him carefully. Tsukishima makes it very clear that Kageyama is the King here. And what role does Tsukishima play? He tells him in an enticing tone, “Baby, I’m your slave.”
Kageyama recalls and recognizes that same irritatingly, fierce smirk that Tsukishima has given to him earlier that day. He thought he did that to piss the setter off, but now, Kageyama isn’t too sure. It’s true that the setter was having some difficulty reading his opponent’s playstyle and behaviors. Kageyama knows that Tsukishima is a very smart guy. And the way the middle blocker is making the strong setter feel right now frustrates him to his wit’s end.
Kageyama forcefully grips Tsukishima’s collar, making the middle blocker drop the volleyball.
Tsukishima likes seeing the setter become angry with him. He knows very well that the setter won’t try anything harmful, especially with witnesses around. Though, the middle blocker finds it very amusing and satisfying to tempt Kageyama to do something. “I’ll let you whip me if I misbehave,” taunts the tall blonde.
The dark-haired setter actually contemplates about that request. Though, he may not plan on acting on it now, he truly is plotting his revenge on the middle blocker.
From time to time, Kageyama and Tsukishima often find each other either arguing or trying to one-up the other. The middle blocker has a way of messing with the setter’s ego, and the latter is often irritated just by looking at him. And with the way they act around each other, it never goes unnoticed by their own teammates. Will these two ever find a common ground? Will they eventually get along and respect each other? Is there something more between them than just volleyball? You decide how this goes.
Story 3:
(Will write DR story later, and will have to re-edit the two stories above at a later time. I hope you enjoy watching and reading!)
Tsukishima Kei enters the gym and grabs his belongings. He glances over at the other teammates running and practicing their volleyball skills. He observes them from a distance and takes mental notes of their current strengths and weaknesses.
You’re not good enough.
Tsukishima attempts to hide those bad thoughts and goes to the Third Gym to train with a few other volleyball players. He tries so hard to block Bokuto Kotaro’s spikes, but alas, he could not stop them.
You really think you’re different? Man, you must be kidding.
Akaashi Keiji senses something must be on Tsukishima’s mind and walks over to talk to him.
Tsukishima notices, smiles, and assures Fukurodani’s setter, “I have to tell myself, ‘Think you’re gonna hit it,’” and turns away from him.
Akaashi does not believe Tsukishima for a single second but chooses to leave the matter alone for now. After all, he knows that the tallest Karasuno player does not really open up to anyone or admit his own faults easily.
But you just don’t get it.
Tsukishima knows that having these terrible thoughts is affecting him. He wants to get them out, but he is not sure how to. He makes an effort to work out with Yamaguchi and his other teammates to see if this could be his positive reinforcement.
It’s impossible. It’s not probable. You’re irresponsible.
Tsukishima gets easily exhausted and more negative notions continue to plague his mind. He cannot concentrate on what is going on around him. He feels out of breath. Sweat constantly drips out from him. He is on the verge of just giving up. What is he even doing this for?
Tsukishima looks up and recognizes someone from across the court. Oikawa Toru, one of his greatest rivals.
Oikawa points at Tsukishima, often challenging the tall player and baiting him just to get some kind of reaction. Oikawa does not have to say anything at all, but Tsukishima can tell that that Aoba Johsai’s setter is mocking him with every intent of making the blonde guy mad. It’s like he is telling him, “You can’t be a pro. Don’t waste your time no more.”
It’s one thing when Tsukishima knows he can’t do certain tasks or things on his own, but when somebody else tells him that, Tsukishima does not like it at all. He vows to beat Oikawa at his own game, and he will train even harder to reach that goal.
- - -
Kageyama Tobio realizes that Tsukishima is focused on the practice game more than usual, but just the mere thought of seeing Tsukishima there by his side somehow pisses him off. Something Tsukishima said earlier irks the Karasuno setter, “Watch your mouth.”
Tsukishima replies back with a snarky comment of his own, “I don’t give a damn if you disapprove.”
They start to fight with each other, and Ennoshita Chikara can’t help but feel embarrassed by them, knowing that someone is going to have to break the first years apart soon.
- - -
Tsukishima continues to practice even when he is not forced to. He watches everyone’s movements and the gameplay very carefully, especially Hinata Shoyo’s. He secretly wants to stop Hinata’s and Kageyama’s quick attack just even once. He will make his move because that is what he wants to do.
- - -
There is a practice game going on with Aoba Johsai and Karasuno. The positions are set for both teams and everyone knows their own roles. Oikawa specifically targets one person on the other side of the net, Tsukishima Kei. He knows for a fact that his dear ole Tsukki can never master any receives coming from his own powerful serves. He purposely wants to block Tsukishima’s vision.
Tsukishima knows that he was an easy target for the third year and tries his best to receive, but ends up failing to do so. Tsukishima has felt Oikawa’s strong serve bounce heavily on his arms. He beats himself up for it. “Damn!” Tsukishima knows that he needs to do better and he has to do it fast. Oikawa has his eyes set on him, and there is no way he is out of the zone in this state yet.
Someone once told Tsukishima this: “’Cause you hold the power as long as you’re driven.”
Oikawa serves the ball and aims straight for the first year again.
Tsukishima gets into position and receives the ball. The ball goes up, and the game continues on.
- - -
After the game, Tsukishima walks around at night to reflect on his own thoughts.
You’re never gonna make it.
He has many things on his mind, most of them often bringing himself down. Why am I doing any of this? What is the point-
“Tsukki!!!” That nickname alone stops the pessimistic guy on his tracks.
Yamaguchi Tadashi rushes out like a bullet train. He will not allow Tsukki to be alone with these thoughts in his mind. He knows what he has to do to bring his best friend back to his senses.
There’s no way that you make it.
Tsukki turns around and faces his childhood friend. “What?” he asks.
Yamaguchi starts getting mad at his best friend. He tells him, “You’ve been acting really lame lately, okay!”
Tsukki knows that Yamaguchi looks up to him like a role model, but Tsukishima wants, no, he needs to have a reason to keep playing volleyball. Tsukishima does not have the best experiences when it comes to this sport. “Why does it even matter?” he yells out to Yams.
Yamaguchi has had enough of Tsukishima’s lame antics, so he grabs Tsukki’s shirt and makes him listen to him. “Don’t be an idiot! It’s our sense of pride! What more do you need?” Yamaguchi rarely ever expresses his anger towards anyone or anything, but if this is enough to get through to his best friend, he will not hesitate to do this again.
Tsukishima is quite surprised to see Yamaguchi like this. Watching Yamaguchi makes Tsukki realize something as if he is looking at a mirror right now. But Tsukishima questions his best friend, “Are you just gonna take that?” He knows of his teammate’s failures and uses this argument against him, but he wants to know if this is his ultimate reason, his own drive to keep moving forward in all of this.
Yamaguchi does not let up and he does not back down. He is aware of his own faults, but he strives to get better. That’s all that once can do in life after all. Don’t give up and don’t quit now.
Tsukishima does not have to hear a single word to know what Yamaguchi is thinking. He is an observant person, and he does not want to let his best friend down. “Or will you fucking fight back?”
Tsukishima’s response surprises Yams. He did not expect for Tsukki to believe him, let alone, see a genuine grin. All is well for both athletes.
- - -
The next practice game is between Fukurodani and Karasuno. Tsukishima focuses on everything that Nekoma’s middle blocker, Kuroo Tetsurou has taught him. “Insert power all the way up to your fingertips so they never get blown back.”
Tsukishima tries this method against Bokuto.
Bokuto senses a change in aura against Karasuno’s number eleven. It sends a chill down his spine that he is barely aware of where the volleyball is at that moment. The ace manages to send the ball over the blockers and score a point in that manner.
On that night after the game, Bokuto goes over to Tsukishima and points at him. He deems him worthy of being his opponent and his friend. He also helps his boy, Tsukki out by giving his own reasons for playing volleyball.
- - -
After a little while, Tsukishima and Yamaguchi decide to go to the park and have a couple of refreshments there. Tsukishima feels better being around with Yamaguchi as he listens to his music through his headphones.
Meanwhile, Yamaguchi takes this time to reflect back to his own past.
- - -
As a young boy, it was always easy for the other kids to pick on him. Maybe because he was small? Or he was weak? Or he did not fit in with the other kids at all. Yamaguchi gets bullied enough that he cries in front of all of his bullies, to which they make fun of him even more.
Yamaguchi does not often look at his own reflection in the mirror. It just reminds him of back then when he could not face his own problems. Luckily though, something good did happen during that one time in the playground.
Tsukishima Kei. Even for his age back then, Tsukki is quite tall. He was curious about the situation going on while he was walking from school to his house and notice that the small freckled-boy in the green hoodie was in trouble. Tsukki is not the type of person to intervene, but when Yamaguchi and the bullies see him, Tsukishima smiles and states, “That’s so lame.” With that, he starts walking away.
No one knows what he is talking about and has blank looks on their faces. One of the bullies decides to take matters into his own hands and chases after Tsukishima. He roughly grabs Tsukishima’s bag to get his attention. Little did he know that that would be a grave mistake.
Because of Tsukishima’s height, he uses this to his advantage and intimidates the bully. “Stop what you’re saying. Stop what you’re making.”
The scaredy-cat starts to run away, and his other two lackies follow, leaving Yamaguchi alone. The bully gets one last sentence in before leaving the scene, “Everybody here knows that you’re just faking.”
Tsukishima laughs. He is completely unphased by the short boy’s words and chooses to ignore him.
And from that day on, Yamaguchi has someone to look up to.
- - -
Tsukishima ponders to himself, (Wait, I was that cute back then?). Nah!
- - -
Kuroo and Akaashi try to talk to Tsukishima to see where his head is at. They know that he will eventually have to go up against Oikawa and his team, so they want to make sure that their fellow middle blocker is ready for them.
Tsukishima smiles at them and says, “I don’t wanna hear it anymore.” He leaves thm to go find some peace and quiet.
Yamaguchi finds Tsukishima and tries to talk to him, but Tsukishima is quite tired and sick of people asking him about Oikawa. “I don’t wanna hear it anymore,” he repeats one last time. Tsukishima knows that he is in a bad mood, but for once, he does not want to spend his time thinking about that setter. No matter how much he tries, it’s as if Oikawa has found a way to somehow psychologically mock him without being anywhere near him.
- - -
Tsukishima’s thoughts continue to consume him even in the next practice game against Aoba Johsai. He sees Oikawa talking with his teammates to boost their confidence and their morale.
Tsukishima decides that he has had enough. To truly get these wicked thoughts out of his head, he has to beat Oikawa. He knows he cannot do this on his own, so he has to rely on his other teammates, especially the so-called King. Kageyama Tobio.
Kageyama agrees to back up Tsukishima and puts his money where his mouth is. “I’m about to shut the motherf*ckin door.” Seeing this side of the king makes the middle blocker excited to see how the outcome of this game will turn out.
Tsukishima takes a page out of king’s book and trash talks the other team mainly to keep his spirits up. “With all you poor ass haters with your heads in the clouds, talking out loud so proud…”
Oikawa turns to look at the Karasuno players. He looks forward to this match and beating Tsukishima once again.
Tsukishima has a feeling that Oikawa is focusing more on him than the others, but is unable to say anything. Instead, Yamaguchi catches on and exclaims, “You better shut your damn mouth, before I do more than speak out!”
Tsukishima just stands there and eyes the setter in front of him. He may not show it, but he tries to remember when the last time Yamaguchi cussed someone out or even if he ever cussed at all before. He knows that Yams is serious when he says this, so he vows to back him up in any way that he can.
- - -
Yamaguchi clearly remembers the last time they had an official game against Aoba Johsai. He was a nervous trainwreck being put into the game at that time. He knew that he wasn’t like the other first-year players who started in the lineup. He has every single reason to be afraid at that moment, but he has to at least give it a try. Maybe luck was on his side. Maybe he can do it.
You’re never gonna make it.
Yamaguchi puts the ball up and serves. The ball touches the top of the net and stays in place for about two seconds before falling slowly back into the ground. The pinch server’s open mouth turns into one of disappointment. He’s upset. He feels sad. He has let himself down. Even when the coach tells hims that it was not his fault, Yamaguchi can’t help but feel like he is not like all the others.
There’s no way that you make it.
Yamaguchi does not want to just give up without trying. He looks for some kind of inspiration, some kind of goal to set and surpass in order to give him the drive that he needs to do better.
Maybe you could fake it.
Yamaguchi gazes at Oikawa, knowing that he is a very powerful volleyball player. His reputation precedes him. Oikawa is one of the best players out there in the court and in the country. Yamaguchi strives to be like him, but he is so far out of reach. If he puts the time and effort, would he be able to be like him?
But you’re never gonna make it.
Yamaguchi has his goal in mind, but in order to reach it, he has to clear many obstacles ahead of him. The first step is to get himself to calm down when stepping into the court.
He remembers that experience as clear as day. One step on the court, and the whole atmosphere changes. He isn’t someone just standing by in the sidelines anymore. He might not be a starter, but he was put into this game for a reason. All eyes are on him now. Will he be able to gain control, or will he falter once again?
- - -
Are you just gonna take that?
Yamaguchi is determined to get his pride back. He has to get it back. He needs to show Tsukki that putting all of this work is worth it.
Yamaguchi reminds himself, “I’m not a confrontational guy, but I still went off on Tsukki the other day.”
Yamaguchi has to back his own claim up. He had the courage to stand up against the one guy he admires most of all. His very own best friend. Tsukishima Kei. He got Tsukki to finally listen to him. Now, it’s time to prove it to himself and everyone else that he has the skills to play on this court.
Make them take it all back.
From taking advice from others, practicing countless hours into improving his craft, and his own past experiences, number twelve of Karasuno makes sure that he takes everything that he has learned into account and puts every single one of them into great use. He is going to take his shot. This is his chance. His chance to show them up.
Yamaguchi does not let any distractions from crowd interfere with his process. Karasuno has his back no matter what. It’s time to show Aoba Johsai what this team is all about.
Don’t tell me you believe that.
Kei does his best to give some helpful advice to Tadashi. “We’re all just thinking about how lucky we’ll be if we can get this.”
Yamaguchi remembers Tsukishima’s words. Tsukishima rarely ever shows his emotion, but he believes that this best friend can do this. He puts all of his trust and faith into the pinch server.
Yamaguchi holds the ball up in front of him.
Oikawa watches Tsukishima and Yamaguchi with careful intent. He thinks that Yamaguchi will mess up his serve just like he had done before. There is no need to be worried at all about this.
Yamaguchi takes a deep breath in and clears his mind. All eyes are on him now. He has the ball. He knows what to do. He has trained and conditioned himself well for this exact moment.
Are you just gonna take that?
The referee blows the whistle. That’s the start. He has eight seconds to get the ball up into play.
Yamaguchi tosses the ball up in the air. He eyes the ball carefully and jumps up in the air. He controls his body’s movements as the ball falls down towards him.
As soon as it is in his path, he hits it. The ball floats in the air and is over the net. Every player keeps their eye on the ball. Aoba Johsai’s libero tells his teammate, “It’s out.” But is he so sure?
The ball goes in between them and falls within bounds. It’s in!
Oikawa despises jump float serves. Its trajectory and its course can throw off players’ perception. He does not know if he should be mad that Karasuno got the point or if it’s that rival of his that was able to make a service ace at that time.
Yamaguchi feels that moment with pride. He got it in! Karasuno has another weapon in their arsenal, and it is their spear. All of his teammates and happy and excited that Yamaguchi was able to nail that service ace.
But the game is not over yet. After the short celebration, Yamaguchi knows that Aoba Johsai will soon figure out how to return his own serve, so he has to be ready to fight back. He has his eye on the ball at all times.
However, Yamaguchi is not the only one watching the volleyball. Tsukishima always assesses the situation and plans ahead. He knows exactly where and how to hit the volleyball to score a point for his team.
Tsukishima jumps up. Three blockers in his way in front of him, but that won’t stop this middle blocker. Oikawa has left a wide opening to his right, and Tsukishima uses this fact to his advantage.
He makes sure that the ball softly touches Oikawa’s fingertips. He did this mainly to ensure that he would win the point as well as mocking Oikawa at his own game. He was also not going to let Yamaguchi’s serve go to waste. Tsukishima faces Oikawa and feels satisfied over seeing his rival being annoyed at him for a change.
Tsukishima bends down to pick up the ball when he hears Yamaguchi cheering his name, “Tsukki!”
He turns around and tells his teammate, “Do it again.” He tosses the ball over to him.
Yamaguchi catches it, surprised to hear Tsukki say some encouraging words, but he knows exactly what he needs to do. He smiles and nods at him.
Tsukishima Kei and Yamaguchi Tadashi continue to have their moments in volleyball. They encourage each other. They look out for one another. They represent numbers “Eleven” and “Twelve” of Karasuno. They are the Shield and the Spear. They understand their roles in all of this. They have an affinity for this sport. The sport that bonded them together since childhood. That time when they became best friends. Best friends who grow and learn how to fight back!
Kei Tsukishima is a force to be reckoned with. He has a plan going into this game: To block a few of Ushijima’s spikes. He has been told and known for having the height, the brains, and the reflexes when it comes to volleyball. He might as well put all of these qualities into good use.
There is an opportunity where the play from the other team is less than ideal for them and more so for Karasuno. Tsukishima catches onto that play rather quickly and never loses sight of the ball. He carefully watches the other team’s movements on the court and assesses his next plan of action. He does not need to worry about running into his teammates or any of them being in his way. They trust him, and they will do whatever it takes to fight and win.
The setter sets the position for Ushijima. The ball goes up and leaves the setter’s hands as the ace jumps for it. Ushijima controls his own body’s movements up in the air and feels the volleyball touch his left hand just for a mere second. He sees the small view of the opening in his line of sight. Only two blockers in his way, but their defense is utterly hopeless. He can get past them with very little effort and no problem at all.
Ushijima spikes the ball in a split-second decision and goes in for the kill.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
The volleyball hits the floor with a loud thud, but it is in the wrong side of the court for the wing spiker. That ball may only have hit the floor once, but that sound reverberates in everyone’s minds. As everyone watches the monitor show instant replays from different camera angles of that last play, no one could believe what they just witnessed.
What just happened? How did it end up there? Karasuno got another point? Wait, did Ushiwaka get blocked? He blocked Ushijima? The guy with the glasses did that? Who is that guy?
Kei Tsukishima is a force to be reckoned with. In that one instance, in that one play, that is all it took for Tsukishima to stop the captain of Shiratorizawa.
He is never going to forget this feeling. He is ecstatic. He is excited. He is very proud of himself to be able to read block the play at this important moment. This is an ultimate game-changer for this middle blocker. He passionately grips the air and all of his emotions that he had built up inside of him comes crashing down and pouring out in a loud, long, unforgettable scream.
Everyone in the gym erupts and cheers for the young volleyball player. Everyone is surprised that someone like Tsukishima could even block someone like Ushijima. They want to see more plays like this. They all know that this would be a good game.
Those who know Tsukishima want to remember this exact moment. The moment where Kei Tsukishima got hooked into volleyball and fell in love with the sport.
- - -
The game continues on. Tsukishima does his best to be an active volleyball player on the court. He also pays close attention to everyone’s movements, the volleyball, and the gameplay. He still continues to plan and think about different scenarios and best courses of actions for Karasuno, even whenever he is off the court. This man always thinks ahead and in the moment. He keeps a level head and does not let others get to him. He might not have really shown this before, but Kei Tsukishima does not want to lose. He wants to win, and the only way to do that is to make the rugged climb towards the battle in front of him and score as many points as he can. He needs to beat that mountain of a school, Shiratorizawa. It already is and will continue to be hard, exhausting, and difficult to achieve, but that is not enough to stop the tallest Karasuno player from doing such a thing. He will not be intimidated or shut down by the other team. He will not let the ball get past him. As long as his teammates have his back, he knows that he is not going through this alone.
- - -
However, Kei Tsukishima has had some doubts lately as well. They bother him from time-to-time, but he will not pretend that they do not exist in the first place. After all, he does tend to ponder about a lot of issues almost all of the time.
After the point is scored, when the ball is not in play, when both teams have a few moments just to catch their breath before hearing the whistle blow for the server to start serving the ball, Tsukishima’s eyes focuses on the net and the court. He sometimes thinks about what may happen in the future. Will he wake up one day and realize that he does not want to play volleyball anymore? Will he lose that passion and that drive for the game? Will he regret his decisions for playing this sport in the first place?
“Will I be gone? Will I forget any of this?”
Tsukishima is not the type of person who can easily express his emotions. He has his own insecurities that he often hides away from other people. So, if anyone watches very closely, they can see the middle blocker deep in thought about everything. Tsukishima has a lot of questions in his mind, but the one question that he constantly goes back and forth on is this:
“Will I be able to walk away from it all?”
- - -
When it is game time, Tsukishima displaces all of his thoughts into the back of his mind and focuses his full attention back on the game. He will not let the other team get a point past him. That number 11 of Karasuno read blocks the plays and gives plenty of opportunities for his other teammates to score the points.
Of course, Kei Tsukishima will not let them have all the fun. After all, when he gets the chance to, he will also score some of those crucial points as well.
This clever blocker makes his own decision. After careful analysis and spending some time contemplating on his own, he realizes that right now, it does not matter what that distant future will be like up ahead for him. This is his life, and he wants to enjoy every single moment of this sport. His pride, his reputation, and his skills are on the line now. He will do his very best in those moments to fight right now and win this game.
