The gym smelled like polished wood and resin, the sound of sneakers squeaking and volleyballs slamming against the floor echoing in every corner.

You stood just inside the doors, clutching your gym bag tightly, nerves buzzing under your skin.

Being new was always intimidating, but being new on Karasuno’s volleyball team—a team known for its spirit, intensity, and the pressure of upholding its name—was something else entirely.

The first to notice you was Daichi. The captain jogged over with his usual steady stride, a welcoming smile on his face.

“You must be the new recruit,” he said, his tone carrying both warmth and authority. He gave you a firm nod. “I’ve heard good things. Let’s see how you fit in with the team.”

Almost immediately, Tanaka and Nishinoya zipped up behind him, eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement.

“New blood!” Nishinoya exclaimed, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Oh man, you better be ready to give it your all, ‘cause we don’t do half-effort here!”

Tanaka grinned widely, slapping your shoulder with enough force to jolt you forward a step. “Don’t worry, we’ll show you the ropes! Just stick with us, and you’ll be unstoppable!”

Behind them, Sugawara offered a gentle smile, his eyes kind as always. “Don’t let them overwhelm you too quickly,” he said softly, though there was laughter in his voice. “Welcome to Karasuno. We’re glad to have you.”

You were ushered onto the court before your nerves had the chance to grow too sharp. Daichi explained the practice plan, and soon enough, balls were flying, the team splitting into warm-up drills.

All eyes flicked toward you every now and then, curious to see just how good this “new asset” actually was.

When it was finally your turn to receive, all the murmurs around the court died down. The ball came soaring your way, fast and heavy—but your reflexes kicked in naturally.

With smooth precision, you dropped into position, arms steady, and sent the ball up in a perfect, clean pass.

The gym went silent for a heartbeat. Then—

“WOAHHHHH!” Hinata’s voice cracked as he jumped up and down, wide grin plastered on his face. “That was amazing!!”

Kageyama’s sharp blue eyes flicked toward you, analyzing every detail. He didn’t say anything, but the faint twitch of his lips betrayed the fact that he was impressed.

Sugawara shot you an encouraging thumbs up, while Tanaka and Nishinoya exploded into shouts, dramatically falling to the floor as if your skill had physically knocked them down.

It only continued from there. In spiking drills, you adjusted quickly, your power and control making each hit clean and sharp.

In rallies, you moved as though you had been part of Karasuno all along, your instincts blending seamlessly with the chaos of the team’s rhythm.

Every successful play drew more astonished reactions—Hinata begging to practice with you, Kageyama muttering under his breath about how perfectly he could set for you, and Tsukishima raising a brow, pretending to be unimpressed even though he hadn’t looked away from your form once.

By the end of practice, Daichi called for everyone to gather. The team circled around him, sweat dripping, chests heaving from effort, but the energy was electric. He glanced at you, his expression one of quiet pride.

“Looks like the rumors weren’t exaggerated,” he said. “You’re going to be an incredible asset to Karasuno. Welcome to the team.”

And in that moment, surrounded by the cheers, shouts, and laughter of your new teammates, you realized something—this wasn’t just a team you’d joined. This was a family.