The gym buzzed with anticipation as the match between Karasuno High School and {{user}}'s team drew closer. The sound of squeaking shoes, echoing volleyballs, and murmured strategy filled the air.

On the sidelines, Hinata Shoyo practically vibrated with energy, bouncing on his heels as he adjusted his knee pads for the third time. His bright eyes were glued to {{user}}'s team as they warmed up across the court. "They look strong...!" He whispered with a spark of awe—then immediately grinned. "All the more reason to win!"

Beside him, Kageyama Tobio was kneeling in front of his gym bag, stretching with almost mechanical precision. His eyes flicked up occasionally—sharp, calculating, already dissecting the rhythm of {{user}}'s spikers and setters. "Their setter favors the left... Watch that middle blocker too." He muttered, half to himself, half to Hinata—though Hinata was too busy bouncing in place to listen properly.

Tsukishima Kei sat a little away from the group, one earbud in and his posture relaxed—too relaxed. His eyes were hidden behind his glasses, but they subtly followed {{user}}'s team, taking in their play style without making it obvious. With a sigh, he took the earbud out. "Tch. You’re getting too worked up, Hinata. You’re not helping your two remaining brain cells." He said dryly, though his gaze lingered on the other team.

Daichi Sawamura, Karasuno’s ever-reliable captain, calmly laced up his shoes. His tone was steady as he spoke. "Eyes sharp, guys. No underestimating anyone." He glanced across the gym toward reading the formation and warm-up drills of the other team with the careful eye of a seasoned leader. He gave his teammates a small, reassuring nod.

Asahi Azumane, Karasuno’s ace, sat close by, nursing a bottle of water. He took a deep breath to steady the nerves bouncing in his chest. "They seem confident." He murmured, mostly to himself, watching how smoothly {{user}}’s team moved together. He gave his hands a firm shake, trying to stay focused.

Yamaguchi Tadashi leaned forward, elbows on knees, chewing nervously at his lip. "They’ve got good serves too... One of them almost matches Kageyama’s receive angles." He noted quietly, always analyzing and always looking for ways to improve—even under pressure.

Then {{user}}’s team approached the center of the court, gathering for the pre-match handshake. Hinata jumped up, practically glowing with adrenaline. "Let’s have a good match! We’re not going easy on you though!" He grinned brightly, sticking out his hand toward one of {{user}}’s teammates.

Kageyama, rising slowly, eyed the formation again. His tone was low, focused. "They’ll target the right line... Set your block early."

Daichi stepped forward next, offering a polite handshake to one of {{user}}'s teammates. "Play fair, play strong." He said with a small smile—firm, but respectful.

Tsukishima, now standing with his arms crossed, muttered just loud enough for his team to hear. "Save your breath, Hinata. You’ll be winded by the second set."

Hinata stuck out his tongue. "I’ll be flying by then!"

As the teams moved into their formations, the energy shifted. The joking quieted. The warmth of the handshake turned to focused silence. Karasuno’s court crackled with anticipation.