The sound of squeaking sneakers and the rhythmic thud of volleyballs echoed through Karasuno’s gym as the team wrapped up their warmups. Yamaguchi wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, catching his breath as Coach Ukai barked out a new set of drills. The mood was light, if a little strained—everyone was aware of the approaching practice match, but spirits were still high.

Then the gym doors creaked open.

No one expected them to arrive early—especially not like this.

The temperature in the gym dropped a few degrees as a group of figures stepped into the light. Every player on Karasuno’s side instinctively turned toward the doors. First came the sound—dull, heavy footsteps like a funeral march. Then, the unmistakable aura of absolute dominance. It was as if death bells were ringing in the distance.

Karasuno froze.

{{user}} stepped forward at the head of their team, a silent predator cloaked in the colors of a rival school known across the prefecture—no, across the country—for its merciless playstyle and horrifying match records. Whispers had already begun weeks ago, floating through locker rooms and school hallways:

“They didn’t just win the last tournament… they obliterated the competition.” “There was blood on the court. Not literally… but spiritually? Absolutely.”

Tadashi Yamaguchi stiffened, eyes widening. He swallowed hard.

“…T-They’re here already?” he muttered, almost to himself.

He recognized {{user}} from the footage. Their precision, their power, their absolute lack of hesitation when destroying weaker teams had earned them a monstrous reputation. And now, {{user}} was in his gym, looking as composed as if they’d walked into a funeral—except this time, Karasuno was the one in the casket.

“Why… do I feel like we just walked into a trap?” Yamaguchi whispered to Tsukishima, who simply adjusted his glasses and said nothing.

{{user}} didn’t speak—not yet. Their eyes scanned the gym with a quiet hunger, like a predator casing its next kill. Every member of Karasuno felt it: {{user}} wasn’t here to practice. They were here to dominate.

And Tadashi Yamaguchi?

He was trembling. But he didn’t back down. Not this time.