Practice was about the same as usual, with the rhythmic sound of volleyballs being spiked, and the players' grunts of exertion filling the air. However, today there were two managers overseeing the practice. Yachi stood alongside Kiyoko, observing the intense training session with wide eyes. She watched Kiyoko's every move, eager to learn from her experienced senpai.

(Y/n), on the other hand, stood beside Keishin, armed with a clipboard and a determined expression, as they coached the boys. The sight of (y/n) actively participating in the practice as an actual coach left Yachi in awe. She marveled at her friend's dedication and the way she effortlessly commanded the attention of the players.

With a gentle smile, Kiyoko encouraged Yachi. "You'll get the hang of it, Yachi-san. Just observe and learn from our practice sessions. It'll be exciting to see you grow as a manager."

Yachi nodded, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling inside her. "Thank you, Kiyoko-senpai. I'll do my best."

(Y/n) left Yachi and Kiyoko to their managerial duties, a trail of giggles following her as Kenta, her loyal companion, snuggled up against the 2 managers. The adorable pup seemed to enjoy the attention he received from the players and the managers alike.

Making her way to the center of the court, (y/n) joined her brother. They huddled together, going over strategies and discussing the players' progress. The two of them exchanged ideas, analyzing the team's strengths and areas that needed improvement.

As the practice session drew to a close, Keishin raised his voice to grab everyone's attention. The gymnasium fell into a brief silence, all eyes turning to their coach.

"Listen up, team! Tomorrow, we'll have a practice match against another school," Keishin announced, his voice filled with anticipation.

Excited murmurs spread through the gymnasium, and the players exchanged eager glances. The prospect of a practice match ignited a spark of competitive energy within them.

Amidst the excitement, Kenta, who had been resting comfortably in (y/n)'s arms, perked up his ears and let out a series of confused howls. The sudden noise elicited laughter from the team, as they couldn't help but find Kenta's reaction amusing.

(Y/n) couldn't help but chuckle, her gaze shifting between the players and her furry friend. "Looks like even Kenta is excited for the practice match, huh?"

Keishin nodded, a grin forming on his face. "Indeed. It's a chance for everyone to put their skills to the test and see how far they've come. Let's make the most of it."

As everyone began their stretches for cooldown, Keishin's voice cut through the buzz of conversation, instantly attracting their attention.

"Hey, Jinx," he called out to (y/n), using the playful nickname he had given her. "I assume you got a call today, right?"

(Y/n) nodded, her brows furrowing slightly. "Yeah, Naoi called me earlier. So, I'll just assume you already know and it's set?"

Keishin simply grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Yup."

The team exchanged curious glances, their interest piqued. Asahi, always the concerned one, spoke up, voicing their collective thoughts. "What is set, exactly?"

The rest of the team leaned in, their curiosity piqued by the conversation unfolding before them. Their expressions ranged from eager anticipation to outright devastation as they absorbed the news.

Nishinoya, Tanaka, and Hinata seemed to bear the brunt of the emotional impact, their vibrant spirits shattered at the thought of (y/n) leaving. Their usually lively personalities dimmed, and a sense of melancholy settled over them. Tanaka clenched his fists, struggling to hide his disappointment, while Nishinoya let out a heavy sigh, his eyes betraying his sadness. Hinata, usually the embodiment of boundless energy, slumped his shoulders, his usual zest momentarily extinguished.

Sugawara, true to his caring nature, assumed his role as the team's mother figure. His brows furrowed with concern, and he instinctively took a step closer to (y/n), as if seeking reassurance. His nurturing instincts kicked in, and he mentally prepared himself to offer comfort and support to his teammates in the days to come.

Yamaguchi, Ennoshita, and Asahi, known for their more reserved demeanor, wore expressions of quiet disappointment. Yamaguchi's eyes reflected a touch of sadness, his gaze fixed on the floor as he processed the news. Ennoshita's usually calm facade showed a crack, revealing his internal struggle to accept the reality of (y/n)'s departure. Asahi, the gentle giant, carried a heavy heart, his disappointment palpable as he struggled to find the right words to express his emotions.

Kageyama and Tsukishima, ever the stoic duo, appeared seemingly unaffected on the surface. However, a keen observer could detect a flicker of sadness in their eyes, a subtle shift in their usual composure. They understood the impact of (y/n)'s absence and silently mourned the temporary loss of their valued teammate and friend.

In that moment, the gymnasium was filled with a mix of emotions—disappointment, sadness, and a renewed determination to make the most of the time they had left together. Each player processed the news in their own way, but they were united in their shared bond and unwavering commitment to their team.

As (y/n) observed her teammates' reactions, she couldn't help but feel a pang of bittersweet appreciation. Their deep connection and the genuine camaraderie they shared reaffirmed her belief in the strength of their team. She resolved to make the most of her remaining time with them, cherishing every practice, every game, and every moment they spent together.

"So, you're leaving for Tokyo before all of us?" Daichi finally spoke up, voice laced with disappointment.

(Y/n) took a deep breath, meeting everyone's gaze with a mixture of determination and understanding. "Yes, I'm leaving right after the exams." she confirmed. "But, my teachers aren't concerned about my grades, so I'm heading out earlier to meet the other teams. Grandpa Neko wants me to analyze them, maybe freak them out a little. The other teams will arrive a few days earlier so I can work with them. But don't worry, I'll be fine, and I'll have Kenta with me."

At the mention of his name, (y/n)'s furry companion leapt up, barking happily as if to emphasize his agreement with her words.

Sugawara's eyebrows furrowed in worry, his gaze shifting between (y/n) and Kenta, ""We'll miss having you around, (y/n)-san."

(Y/n) smiled warmly, appreciating the support. "I'll miss you all too. But don't forget, we'll be reunited soon!"

Keishin, sensing the somber atmosphere, stepped in, breaking the silence. "Alright, team, let's focus on the task at hand. We've got some cleaning to do," he said, motioning for the players to gather their things and head out.

As the team dispersed to take care of their cleaning duties, Keishin and Takeda exchanged a knowing look, understanding the importance of their upcoming conversation. They stepped aside, their voices hushed as they discussed strategies to support the team during (y/n)'s absence and ensure a smooth transition.

Meanwhile, (y/n) gathered the team members, excluding the four troublemakers, for a quick update on their progress. She wanted to relay the information to her older brother, who was also invested in their success.

"I want an update on their progress, so I can tell Onii-chan," (y/n) began, her voice filled with determination. "I know that Kageyama and Hinata got help from Yachi today, and they did great. How are Tanaka-senpai and Nishinoya-senpai doing?"

"Well, they're not sleeping in class anymore," Ennoshita reported with a hint of pride in his voice.

"And I overheard Takeda saying they were even asking their teachers questions," Sugawara chimed in, a warm smile gracing his face.

Listening to their accounts, (y/n) felt a surge of hope. It seemed that Tanaka and Nishinoya were making genuine efforts to improve their academic performance. With continued dedication and a calm mindset, they stood a good chance of passing their exams.

Expressing her gratitude to the team for their hard work, (y/n) dismissed them to get changed and ran off to find Yachi. Stepping outside, she caught sight of Hinata bombarding the poor girl with questions about whether she would officially join as a manager. Unsurprisingly, the second-year duo, Tanaka and Nishinoya, contributed to the chaos with their own banter.

Daichi, ever the reliable captain, intervened to calm the group, reminding them to stay focused and follow through with their responsibilities. With his guidance, the team members gradually dispersed, heading their separate ways.

Before leaving, (y/n) approached Yachi, mindful of the girl's slight unease. She wanted to address any concerns or lingering doubts Yachi might have.

"Hey, sorry about them," (y/n) began, her tone sympathetic. "I know I probably already said this, but they can get a bit too intense."

Yachi offered a small smile, appreciative of (y/n)'s consideration. "Ah, yeah, it's fine," she reassured. "I'm just surprised they want someone like me to join."

"It makes sense to me," (y/n) responded confidently. "You're very kind to everyone and doing your best to assist Kiyoko-senpai. You'd be perfect as a manager."

Yachi's eyes widened, her surprise evident. "Oh! Thank you a lot, (y/n)-san!"

The two continued walking towards the shop, a comfortable silence settling between them. However, (y/n) noticed Yachi fidgeting and sensed that she had something more to say.

"Something wrong?" (y/n) inquired gently, giving Yachi space to express herself.

"Um... well, I overheard Takeda-sensei and Coach Ukai talking," Yachi started, her voice hesitant. "It sounds like we need money for the upcoming trip to Tokyo. I was thinking of making some posters to try and get donations. Do you think it's a good idea?"

A spark of excitement ignited within (y/n) as she heard Yachi's suggestion. "I think that's a great idea, Yachi! You'd be amazing at it, especially with your talent for designs. Just make sure to discuss your ideas with Takeda-sensei once you have a layout in mind."

Yachi's eyes shimmered with gratitude. "O-oh, thank you! I was just trying to figure out what I should do for them."

Offering her support, (y/n) continued, "For now, maybe focus on getting some layout options ready. Personally, I think capturing some action shots of the guys would be pretty cool. After all, they are the ones the money would benefit. But that's just a thought. Brainstorm a bit on what you think would look best."

"Mhm! Thanks, (y/n)-san!" Yachi beamed, a renewed sense of purpose in her voice. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

With a nod and a wave, (y/n) watched as Yachi entered the shop, accompanied by Kenta. As she made her way home, (y/n) couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for her teammates' progress and a sense of hope for the upcoming challenges. Together, they would face whatever lay ahead, supporting one another and proving that their unity extended beyond the court.

...

A few days had passed since the practice match, and the team had welcomed Yachi as an official manager. Her dedication and creativity shone through in her work, particularly with the posters she had designed featuring Hinata soaring through the air. The impact was immediate—people were calling in nonstop, eager to make donations and show their support.

Yachi's natural talent for managing the team's affairs surpassed her own expectations, but (y/n) made it a point to acknowledge and appreciate her efforts at every opportunity. The bond between them grew stronger as they worked side by side, ensuring that the team's journey to Tokyo would be as successful as possible.

"(Y/n)-san, I never imagined that I could make such a difference," Yachi confessed one evening as they sat in the clubroom, organizing paperwork. "I'm still amazed by the response we've received from the community."

Smiling warmly, (y/n) reassured her, "You're doing an incredible job, Yachi. Your passion and dedication have made a significant impact on the team and our fundraising efforts. Your posters have captivated people's attention, showcasing the spirit and determination of our players."

Blushing at the praise, Yachi replied, "Thank you, (y/n)-san. I couldn't have done it without your guidance and support."

"(Y/n)-san is right," Hinata chimed in, bounding into the room with his usual enthusiasm. "Yachi-san, you're the best manager we could ask for!"

Nodding in agreement, (y/n) continued, "You've brought a fresh perspective and an invaluable contribution to the team. Your hard work inspires all of us to strive for greatness. We're so lucky to have you."

Yachi's eyes shimmered with gratitude, her passion for the role of manager renewed. "I'll continue to give it my all," she vowed. "I want to ensure that our journey to Tokyo is a success, not just for the team, but for everyone who has supported us."

As they continued their work, the clubroom buzzed with an air of anticipation. The posters on the walls served as a visual reminder of the team's dreams and the community's unwavering support. Together, (y/n) and Yachi would lead the team towards their goals, their friendship growing stronger with each passing day. And as they prepared for the challenges that awaited them in Tokyo, they knew that they would face them head-on, fueled by their shared determination and unwavering spirit.