Run with the Wind: Chapter 1: The Residents of Chikusei-sou

He had never expected running to come in handy like this.

Kakeru Kurahara laughed quietly to himself as he savored the feeling of rubber soles bouncing against hard asphalt.

Every muscle in his body fluidly absorbed the impact from his feet. Wind whistled in his ears. Heat burned just below his skin. He didn’t have to think about it―his heart pumped blood, and his lungs calmly took in oxygen. His body became lighter and lighter. He could run anywhere.

But where? And for what?

Kakeru finally remembered why he was running, and slowed his pace slightly. He listened carefully for anyone behind him, but there was no more shouting or footsteps to be heard. In his right hand rustled a bag of bread. As if to destroy the evidence, Kakeru opened the bag and began to hungrily devour the bread as he ran. After pondering for some time what to do with the empty bag, he stuffed it into the pocket of his hoodie.

Even though keeping the empty bag with him would be the most damning evidence that he had stolen it, he just couldn’t bring himself to litter. Funny how that works, Kakeru thought to himself.

All these years, even without being told, Kakeru diligently trained every day. It was a habit he had drilled into his body. In the same way, he had been told since childhood that he mustn’t litter, and so found himself simply unable to.

Once convinced of something, he would follow what he had been taught to the letter. Once decided on something, he would keep to it more strictly than anyone.

Thanks to the extra blood sugar from eating the bread, Kakeru’s legs returned to hitting the ground at their regular pace. He focused on his breathing, feeling his heartbeat. With his eyelids half-closed, he could only see right ahead of his feet―just the toes of his shoes kicking out, and the white line drawn on the black asphalt.

Following that thin line, Kakeru ran.

Even though he couldn’t bear to litter, he felt no guilt over stealing bread. He only felt the satisfaction of finally soothing his hungry, aching stomach.

How like an animal, Kakeru thought. Training every day, drilling a precise and strong form into his body in order to run faster and longer. Stealing a loaf of bread from a convenience store out of hunger. He was no different from a beast, patrolling his territory and pouncing on prey out of need.

Kakeru’s world was a simple and fragile one. Running, and taking in the energy needed to run. That was basically all there was to it; the rest just drifted in a shapeless and wordless haze. But every once in a while, he could hear someone shouting something through the haze.

As he ran along the night road, Kakeru stared at the images that had haunted his mind for the past year. A fury so intense that he saw red. A fist thrown, and not stopped.

Maybe this is what regret is, he thought. The cry I can hear coming from inside me is the sound of me chastising myself.

He let his gaze wander to distract himself from the memories threatening to overwhelm him. The trees covered the road, their thin branches reaching up towards the sky. It was almost time for them to bloom, but there was still none of that soft green to be seen. A twinkling star caught on the tip of a branch. The empty pastry bag in his pocket crinkled like a dead leaf.

Kakeru finally noticed someone else’s presence nearby and tensed up.

Someone was following him. The rusty creak of metal closed in behind him. Even if he were to cover his ears, he knew he’d be able to sense it through his skin. He’d felt it during countless tournaments: the rhythm of another being against the ground. The sound of their breath. The moment the scent of the wind changed.

An elation that he had not felt for a long time shuddered through him.

But this was not the oval track of the stadium. Kakeru abruptly turned the corner of the elementary school and sped up, making for a shortcut. As if I’d let you catch me.

The roads in this area were so narrow it was hard to tell which were private property and which were public roads, with dead-end alleyways branching off at every turn. Kakeru chose his path carefully, so as not to get caught up. He ran past the elementary school windows, painted in darkness, and cast a sidelong glance at the university campus he’d be attending in the spring.

Eventually, he came upon a slightly larger street. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should turn right towards the city, but decided to continue straight ahead through the residential area.

The light was green as he crossed the street. The sound of his footsteps echoed among the quiet houses. Yet it seemed his pursuer was no stranger to the area, and Kakeru could feel his presence growing closer.

Kakeru was again taken by the awareness that he was not just running, but running away. A sense of frustration rose in his throat. I’m always running away. The realization pushed him forward even more. It felt as if he stopped here, he would be admitting to that fact.

A faint white light illuminated his feet. It was right behind him now, bouncing from side to side.

A bicycle? Kakeru was surprised at himself for taking so long to realize. He had heard the squeak of metal, but somehow it hadn’t occurred to him that his pursuer might be riding a bicycle, even though he knew from experience that there weren’t many who could keep up with him over this distance on their own two feet.

At some point, he had become taken by the feeling that he was being chased by something vague and terrifying inside him. So he ran.

Suddenly feeling foolish, he glanced back.

A young man was pedaling a shoddy bicycle with a basket. It was too dark to see his expression, but he didn’t seem to be the cashier from the convenience store. Not only was he not wearing an apron, but he was wearing what looked to be a padded kimono, with massage sandals on his pedaling feet.

What in the world was going on?

Kakeru slowed down to get a better look. The bicycle casually pulled up beside him, making a sound like an old waterwheel.

Kakeru stole a sideways glance at the man beside him. He had a fresh face and wet hair, as if he had just taken a hot bath. For some reason, there were two wash basins in the basket of his bicycle. He kept looking over at Kakeru, and Kakeru wondered uncomfortably if he was some kind of pervert.

The man pulled away slightly and continued riding beside Kakeru, who kept running at a steady pace, watching the man carefully. Did the cashier ask someone else to give chase? Or was he just a random passerby? Just as Kakeru’s anxiety, tension, and frustration were about to reach their peak, a calm voice rang in his ears like a distant ocean wave.

“Do you like running?”

Kakeru stopped in surprise. The road in front of him vanished suddenly, leaving him like a dazed man standing on the edge of a cliff.

He stood still in the middle of the nighttime street. His heart pounded in his ears. The bicycle beside him screeched to a halt, and Kakeru turned towards it slowly. The young man on the bicycle stared back at him. Kakeru finally processed that it had been he who had just asked him that question.

“Don’t stop so suddenly. Let’s jog it out a bit.”

With that, the man slowly started pedaling again. Why should I go with a random stranger? Kakeru thought, but his legs followed unbidden, as if something else was controlling him.

Staring at the man’s back, Kakeru felt something in between indignation and disgust well up inside him. It had been a long time since anyone had asked about his feelings towards running.

What if he said he liked it, as if being served his favorite food at dinner? Or what if he said he hated it, as casually as one might throw garbage into the trash? Kakeru couldn’t bring himself to do either. There’s no way I could ever answer that, he thought. How could he, when he ran day in and day out, though he had no destination? How could someone like him say with certainty whether he liked or disliked running?

The last time running had ever brought him such simple joy was as a child, running around the grassy hills and fields. After that, he had been trapped in endless ellipse, struggling desperately against the flow of time, until the day his impulses exploded and shattered everything he had built up.

The man on the bicycle gradually slowed, eventually coming to a halt in front of a small, shuttered store. Kakeru stopped too, and out of habit, began stretching to loosen up his muscles. The man bought some cold tea from a flatly-lit vending machine and tossed a can to Kakeru. The two of them crouched on the ground in front of the store. Kakeru felt the coolness of the can in his hand absorbing the heat from his body.

“You run well.”

After a moment silence, the man spoke. “Excuse me.”

The man suddenly reached out to touch Kakeru’s calves through his jeans. I guess it doesn’t matter anymore if he’s some kind of weird pervert. Feeling a bit reckless, Kakeru let the man touch his leg. He was terribly thirsty, and quickly downed the tea the man had bought him in one gulp.

The man checked the muscles on Kakeru’s legs methodically, as if he were a doctor checking for a tumor. He then raised his head and looked Kakeru squarely in the eyes.

“Why did you shoplift?”

“… Who are you?”

Kakeru shot back bluntly, throwing the empty can into the nearby bin.

“I’m Haiji Kiyose. I’m a senior at Kansei University.”

That was the university Kakeru would be going to. Almost unconsciously, Kakeru replied.

“I’m… Kakeru Kurahara,” he answered honestly. He’d grown up in the military-like hierarchy of school sports ever since middle school, and found himself unconsciously deferring to his seniors.TN

“Kakeru… A good name.”TN

The man who had introduced himself as Haiji Kiyose spoke to Kakeru casually.TN “Do you live around here?”

“I’ll be attending Kansei University in April.”

“Ooh!”

Kiyose’s eyes lit up with a strange spark, and Kakeru couldn’t help but shrink back. A man who had chased after a stranger on his bicycle then suddenly felt up his leg couldn’t possibly be sane after all.

“Well, I’ll be going now. Thank you for the tea.”

Kakeru hurriedly tried to get up, but Kiyose wouldn’t let him. He grabbed the hem of Kakeru’s shirt and pulled him back down next to him.

“What department?”

“… Sociology.”

“Why did you shoplift?”

The conversation circled back to the beginning as Kakeru staggered back into a crouch, like an astronaut unable to escape the Earth’s gravity.

“Seriously, who are you? Are you trying to threaten me?”

“No, not at all. If there’s anything bothering you, I figured I might be able to help.”

Kakeru grew even more suspicious. Kiyose definitely had an ulternior motive. There was no way he’d say that just out of friendliness.

“Now that I know you’re my junior, I can’t just leave you be. Money troubles?”

“Uh, I guess.”

Kakeru hoped that maybe Kiyose would lend him some money, but all Kiyose seemed to have with him were two wash basins and some change in his pocket. Kiyose continued questioning him with no sign of offering money.

“What about money from your parents?”

“They gave me money to sign my lease, but I spent it all on mahjong, so until I get my allowance for next month, I guess I’ll just have to camp out at school.”

“Outside?”

Kiyose leaned forward, staring at Kakeru’s legs, and began to think about something. Kakeru wiggled his toes inside his sneakers uncomfortably.

“That sounds rough,” Kiyose said in a sincere voice. “If you want, I can show you the apartment where I live. It just so happens there’s an open room right now. The place is called Chikusei-sou; it’s right around here. It’s a five-minute walk to school, and the rent is 30,000 yen.”TN

“30,000 yen!?”

Kakeru couldn’t help but shout. What kind of secrets were hidden behind such an amazing rent? He shuddered, imagining closets soaked with blood, or white shadows roaming the dark corners of the apartment every night.

Kakeru had always lived in a world where speed could be measured in numbers, finding joy in meticulously cultivating a body for running, but he had never been good with things like ghosts or the occult, which eluded understanding.

Kiyose, however, seemed to take Kakeru’s horrified cry as the wail of a man left penniless by mahjong.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure if you ask the landlord, he’ll let you pay when you can. There’s no security deposit or anything.”

Kiyose threw out his empty can, apparently taking Kakeru’s agreement for granted, and was already standing up and kicking up his bike’s kickstand. Kakeru was growing increasingly suspicious of this “Chikusei-sou” where this mysterious man lived.

“Come on, I’ll show you around,” Kiyose urged. “We should grab your stuff first. Where on campus have you been you staying?”

By the gymnasium. He had been hiding in the shadow of a concrete staircase, sheltering from the wind and rain. All the belongings he had brought with him from home could fit in a single duffel bag. He figured if there was anything else he needed, he could have it sent from home later. And so he had left his home and come to Tokyo without securing a place to stay, only to lose all of his money at a mahjong parlor the night he arrived.

Even so, he did not feel anxious or afraid. He had no trouble being alone in a place where he didn’t know anyone. In fact, he found it freeing. But it was true that he wanted to find a place to live before the entrance ceremony, and he was fed up with shoplifting at convenience stores while out jogging.

Kakeru stood up quietly, and Kiyose nodded in satisfaction. Instead of getting on his bike, he pulled it along by the handlebars, the chain rattling in the air. The street lights shone brightly on his frayed jacket.

Strangely enough, despite all his attention to Kakeru’s running, he had never once asked him if he had any track experience. Nor had he told him not to shoplift anymore. Kakeru mustered up his courage and called out to Kiyose, who was walking ahead of him.

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

Kiyose turned around and smiled quietly, as if he had spotted a green weed sprouting through a gap in the asphalt.

“You can call me Haiji.”

Kakeru gave up on asking and stepped in line with Kiyose and his bike. No matter how cheap the apartment or how eccentric its residents, it was probably better than sleeping outside.

Run with the Wind: Prologue

Just a twenty-minute walk past Kanjou Route 8, away from the city, the nighttime air is so clear that the smog warnings that ring throughout the day feel like a lie. The residential streets lined with small houses are sparsely lit; still and silent.

As he walked along the narrow one-way streets, Haiji Kiyose looked up at the sky. It couldn’t possibly compare to the starry skies of his hometown of Shimane, but he could still glimpse a small dusting of light.

If only there was a shooting star right now, he thought, but the sky remained quiet.

A breeze brushed across his nape. It was almost April, but the night was still cold. Above the low roofs of the houses, he could see the chimney of his usual bathhouse, Tsuru-no-yu.

Pulling himself away from his stargazing, he buried his chin into the collar of his padded jacket, and hurried along.

Baths in Tokyo were unbearably hot. As usual, Kiyose rinsed off his body and sank down into the bath, but the heat was too much for him and he soon stood back up, earning a laugh from one of the other regulars, a middle-aged plasterer.

“Just a quick dip again, Haiji?”

It would be silly to leave so soon having paid the entrance fee, so Kiyose sat down on one of the plastic stools and began to shave his beard in the mirror with the razor he had brought with him. The plasterer ambled past him leisurely and sank down into the bath with a groan.

“The perfect temperature for a bath is when the water bites you in the ass, as Tokyoites always say.”

The plasterer’s voice echoed against the high, tiled ceiling. There were no signs of life from the women’s bath. At the attendant’s booth, the bathhouse owner idly plucked his nostril hairs. It seemed Kiyose and the plasterer were the only guests.

“You know, I always thought that was a good one, but I do have one objection.”

“What?”

“This isn’t Shitamachi. It’s Yamanote.”TN

Kiyose finished shaving and approached the bathtub again. Keeping a stern eye on the plasterer, he turned on the faucet and poured some cold water into the steaming hot bath. The cooler liquid rippled into the hot water, and after checking that it had mixed in enough, Kiyose sank into the tub. Taking up a position by the faucet, he spread out his legs in the now tolerable water.

“Seems you’ve settled in here pretty well to be able to tell the difference.”

The plasterer seemed to have given up on recapturing the faucet, and instead moved to a spot diagonally from Kiyose to avoid the cooling water.

“It has been four years now.”

“How is it at Chikusei-sou? Will you be able to fill the rooms this year?

“We just need one more, but I don’t know.”

“Well, I hope you can find someone.”

“Thanks.”

I hope so too, Kiyose thought. This was his last year, and the opportunity of a lifetime was just around the corner. Just one more. He scooped up some water and rubbed his face with his hands. We just need one more person.

The hot water stung his face lightly. Razor burn, perhaps.

Kiyose accompanied the plasterer out of the bathhouse. The plasterer walked his bike along as the two of them strolled leisurely along the night road. Thanks to the hot bath, they couldn’t feel the cold at all. Just as Kiyose was debating whether or not to take off his jacket, the distant sound of footsteps and shouting came from behind them.

Turning around, he could see the distant silhouettes of two men on the narrow street.

One man was shouting something, while the other shook him off and ran towards Kiyose and the plasterer with precise strides. Kiyose had just enough time to observe that he was a young man before he had already run past them. Some distance behind, a man in a convenience store apron gave chase.

As he brushed past Kiyose’s shoulder, the young man had not been breathing heavily at all. Kiyose almost started running after him, but the plasterer’s voice interrupted him.

“Ugh, a shoplifter.”

Now that he mentioned it, the shopkeeper had been yelling, “Catch him!” But Kiyose’s ears hadn’t registered those words at all.

His eyes had only been on the young man’s running―the strong gait of his legs, almost like a machine.

Kiyose snatched the handlebars from the plasterer and wrestled the bicycle from him.

“I’m going to borrow this.”

He left behind the dumbfounded plasterer and pedaled as hard as he could, still standing, as he followed the trail of the young man who had disappeared into the darkness.

It’s him. He’s the one I’ve been searching for.

A fiery conviction like writhing magma burned inside him. He couldn’t lose him. The young man’s tracks glowed on the narrow road. Like the Milky Way in the night sky, or the sweet scent of a flower beckoning to an insect―they lingered in the air and guided Kiyose along his path.

Kiyose’s jacket billowed out with the wind, and the bicycle’s headlight finally shone on the running man. With each turn of the pedal, the white circle of light swung from side to side against the man’s back.

He has good balance. Kiyose controlled his excitement and observed the man carefully. It was as if a line had been drawn straight through his spine. His legs stretched out beneath his knees. His shoulders were relaxed, and his ankles lithe as his feet hit the pavement. His running was light and refined, yet powerful.

The young man seemed to have noticed Kiyose’s presence, and as he passed under a street lamp, he turned around slightly. His profile stood out against the darkness, and Kiyose let out a soft, “Oh.”

So it was you.

A flood of emotions whirled inside his chest, though he did not know if they were of happiness or fear. All he knew was that something was about to begin.

He pedaled faster, until he was beside the man. He felt as if some faraway force was controlling him; as if a voice coming from deep, deep inside him was pushing him along. He didn’t ask of his own will―the question poured out of his mouth before he could think.

“Do you like running?”

The man stopped suddenly, frozen, and looked at Kiyose with an expression that was neither quite confused nor angry. His dark eyes hid an intense passion, but they shone with a pure light as he looked back at Kiyose and asked him in return.

“What about you? Can you answer that question?”

At that moment, Kiyose knew. If there truly are such things as happiness or beauty or goodness in this world, to me, they would take the shape of this man.

The light of conviction that had pierced him would continue to shine inside him forever; like a lighthouse in a raging storm, a single ray of light guiding his path.

Unchanging. Constant.


TN: Procrastinated on other work today by translating the prologue of Run with the Wind by Shion Miura. This is a 672-page novel, so while I may continue to work on it in my spare time, please don’t expect a full translation any time soon, if ever.

Haikyuu!! Cross team match!: Main Story: Day 3, After Exploration

Keishin Ukai
Be sure to loosen up, everyone!
Protagonist
Yes, sir!!
It’s the third day, and my body’s really starting to feel it. I’ve been practicing more than I could ever imagine doing at my school.
But with this practice, I’ll be able to improve! I’ll manage somehow and stick with it.
Protagonist
Oh! I’ll help clean up!
Daichi Sawamura
Are you sure? I’m sure things have been intense, don’t push yourself.
Protagonist
Yes, I’m fine!
Ryunosuke Tanaka
It’s really ridiculous how much you love volleyball.
Yu Nishinoya
You’re one to talk. But anyway, how did you end up being the only member of the volleyball club?
Protagonist
Well, from the start, there were only the third-years and me, the only first-year.
So I knew this would happen when the third-years retired, but…
Koshi Sugawara
The club won’t be dissolved or anything?
Protagonist
I begged the teacher and promised that I’d definitely get more members, so we avoided being disbanded.
But when I tried to invite people, nobody would join a volleyball club with just one member…
Daichi Sawamura
That sounds like a tough situation.
Koshi Sugawara
Hinata, do you have any advice? You were in a similar boat in middle school, right?
Wait, you’re crying!?
Protagonist
Huh? Hinata, why are you crying?
Shoyo Hinata
Because I understand! I understand your pain…!
Protagonist
That reminds me, you said something like, “I was like that too,” the day we first met, right?
Shoyo Hinata
When I joined the volleyball club in middle school, I was the only member.
So I would always practice in the corner of the gym…
Protagonist
Same! I always practice in the corner! Comrade!!
Shoyo Hinata
It sucks, doesn’t it!?
Protagonist
It sucks! It’s so lonely!
Shoyo Hinata
My friend!!
*grab*!!
Hinata and I hug tightly. It’s the first time I’ve felt such a bond with someone.
Morisuke Yaku
I guess shorty’s had some rough times too, huh.
Lev Haiba
You say shorty, but aren’t you and Hinata around the same height, Yaku-san?
Morisuke Yaku
What did you say!?
*bonk*!!
Lev Haiba
Agh!!
H-headbutting me from behind is unfaair…
Morisuke Yaku
Shut up! It’s time for your receiving practice!!
Lev Haiba
Whaat? Still?
Taketora Yamamoto
That idiot… I’m sure we’ve told him by now not to talk about Yaku-san’s height.
Tetsuro Kuroo
He just doesn’t learn.
Shoyo Hinata
Let’s play a lot of volleyball this summer!
Protagonist
Yeah!! Let’s do it let’s do it let’s do a whole bunch of it!!

Haikyuu!! Cross team match!: Main Story: Day 3, Before Exploration

Protagonist
Hello!
(silence…)
Protagonist
Huh, nobody’s here. I must be early again.
I’m trying to wait patiently, but my body is itching to go.
Protagonist
I guess I’ll practice by myself until everyone gets here.
Kiyoko Shimizu
Morning.
Protagonist
Aaack! You startled me! Oh…
It’s Karasuno’s manager. She’s really pretty.
What was her name again, um… Oh, right.
Protagonist
Hello, Shimizu-senpai!
Kiyoko Shimizu
Sorry to surprise you. You’re practicing by yourself this early?
Protagonist
Yes! I feel antsy if I’m not doing anything.
Kiyoko Shimizu
I see. Don’t push yourself too hard, okay?
Protagonist
Okay!! Thank you!
Kiyoko Shimizu
…You kind of resemble our first-years, a bit.
Protagonist
Karasuno’s first-years?
I wonder who?
Kageyama-kun, maybe? Fellow geniuses… Just kidding.
Kiyoko Shimizu
You always practiced by yourself at Momijihara?
Protagonist
Yes! So this training camp has really been a lifesaver!
Kiyoko Shimizu
It’s difficult to practice volleyball by yourself, huh…
Protagonist
That’s right, so I’m really grateful.
And to think, they’re even letting me play in the matches… I’m really, really happy!!!
Kiyoko Shimizu
Wait, are you crying? Are you really that happy?
Protagonist
I mean, I thought I wouldn’t be able to practice volleyball for real until next year, at the very least.
Kiyoko Shimizu
I see… Then you’d like to practice more?
Protagonist
Of course!
Kiyoko Shimizu
…Got it, wait here a sec.
Protagonist
Uh, Shimizu-senpai?
She suddenly left. I wonder where she went?
Oh, she’s back. The coach is with her, too.
Protagonist
Hello, Coach Ukai!!
Keishin Ukai
Hey, you’re energetic as usual.
Kiyoko Shimizu
Would it be possible for him to join in the daytime practices, too?
Protagonist
Huh!? In the morning too!? Is that okay!?
Kiyoko Shimizu
What do you think?
Keishin Ukai
Hm, well…
We mainly focus on practicing in teams, so there’ll be a lot of things you can’t really participate in, but if you’re okay with that, then sure.
Protagonist
R-really!? Thank you so much!!
Keishin Ukai
Don’t expect too much, though. Even if you do come, you might not get to practice much, okay?
Protagonist
That’s totally fine! Even just watching will be great practice!
Keishin Ukai
With that mindset, I’m sure you’ll be able to get something out of it.
Keep at it.
Protagonist
Yes! Thank you very much!!
Kiyoko Shimizu
That’s good news, huh.
Protagonist
Seriously, thank you so much!!
What a good person. I can’t believe she’d do that for someone like me…
I have to practice and learn a lot so I won’t disappoint her!
Protagonist
Starting tomorrow, I’m going to come in at 5:00 in the morning!!
Kiyoko Shimizu
Huh? 5:00? I don’t think anybody will be here yet…
Protagonist
I’ll practice by myself! I’ll clean the court and wait!
Shoyo Hinata
In that case, I’ll come at 4:00!!
Protagonist
Huh? Wait, when did Hinata…
Keishin Ukai
Huh? It’ll still be dark at 4:00, what the hell?
Tobio Kageyama
If we come at 3:00, we can practice for another hour.
Protagonist
Kageyama too, when did he… And wait, huh!? 3:00!? That’s a bit too…
Kiyoko Shimizu
Wait, don’t pressure him…
Shoyo Hinata
Alright! In that case, let’s aim for 3:00 and have a contest to see who can get here first!
Tobio Kageyama
My thoughts exactly. I’ll be first, though.
Shoyo Hinata
Don’t kid yourself, I’m going to be the first!
Protagonist
I-I’ll come too!!
I can’t lose! I have to be the first one at practice!
Ryunosuke Tanaka
I came by since I thought I heard Kiyoko-san’s voice. You guys are the same as ever, huh…
I’m not going to babysit you anymore, okay?
Keishin Ukai
Hey, it’s fine to wake up early, but don’t be absurd, okay? If you get sick from lack of sleep, I can’t help you.
Everyone should take care and manage their own health.
Hinata/Kageyama/Protagonist
Yes, sir!!
Okay! I’ll come first tomorrow, and practice more than anyone!

Haikyuu!! Cross team match!: Main Story: Day 2, After Exploration (After the Match)

Protagonist
Pant… Wheeze… Pant…
It’s not like I haven’t been jogging lately, but wow, am I breathing hard… I need to go running more…
…Phew.
…Hm?
What’s going on? There’s a crowd of girls. Is there a famous person here or something?
Toru Oikawa
Okay, line up~ It’s one autograph per person.
Protagonist
Huh? I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before…
On TV? TV…
Protagonist
Oh! I remember!
He was on the Miyagi Evening Deuce during the Inter-High! He had a solo interview. Aoba Johsai’s captain…
Protagonist
…Oikawa-san.
Toru Oikawa
Hm? Oh, do you want my autograph, too?
Protagonist
Huh!? No, I…
Girl
Wow, Oikawa-kun even has male fans! Of course he does~♪
Toru Oikawa
I attract not only girls, but also dumpy boys. I’m a sinful man~
Protagonist
No, I– Um, about volleyball… Oikawa-san, I saw you on TV!
Toru Oikawa
Oh, you saw me on TV and became a fan? I’m so happy!
Sorry everyone, but do you mind if I give him an autograph first?
High School Girls
We don’t mind~♪
Protagonist
Wait, I don’t need an auto–…
Toru Oikawa
Everyone says it’s fine, so don’t be shy.
There we go~ What should I do for your name?
Protagonist
Um, can I ask you a question first?
Toru Oikawa
A question? What could it be? The secret to popularity or something?
Protagonist
What’s your usual training regimen?
Toru Oikawa
Training regimen? …Are you a volleyball player?
Protagonist
Yes, with the Momijihara High School Volleyball Club.
Toru Oikawa
Momijihara? Hmm…?
Sorry, I don’t think I’ve heard of them. How were the spring prelims?
Protagonist
They… To be honest, I’m the only club member right now…
Toru Oikawa
The only one, huh? That’s rough. It’s hard to get a proper practice that way.
Protagonist
That’s right. That’s why I’m really indebted to Karasuno High School’s joint practice right now.
Toru Oikawa
Karasuno? Hm…
Huh? I feel like the look in his eyes changed…
Protagonist
It’s just over the summer break, though.
Toru Oikawa
Hmm, I see.
I was thinking I’d give you some advice since it must be rough by yourself, but I changed my mind~
Protagonist
Huh!? Why!?
Toru Oikawa
I don’t want to increase my competition.
Protagonist
Am I your competition…?
Toru Oikawa
Well, why don’t you just go do your best over at Tobio’s place?
Protagonist
Tobio?
Wait, who’s that?
Protagonist
Um, any advice at all…
Toru Oikawa
Oh, I know, once you’ve gotten good enough to be on TV, then I’ll teach you some things.
Protagonist
Me, on TV!? There’s no way!!
Toru Oikawa
Okay, here’s your autograph. Sorry to keep you all waiting! Next person, please~
Protagonist
U-um…
Girl
I’m next! Move!
Protagonist
Ah…
Toru Oikawa
Okay, don’t push~ I won’t run away.
Protagonist
He really is popular, huh.
With that popularity, he might be able to make it to TV, but for someone like me that’s asking way too much.
Protagonist
I guess I’ll go home and practice.
Toru Oikawa
Hey, don’t push, don’t push! ♪
Hajime Iwaizumi
Heyy! Shitty Oikawa! Stop fooling around!

Haikyuu!! Cross team match!: Main Story: Day 2, After Exploration (After Losing the Match)

Kotaro Bokuto
All riiiight!! Victory! VICTORY! Doesn’t matter the team―I always shine the strongest!
Protagonist
W-we lost…
Tetsuro Kuroo
Man, but you were pretty cornered there too, huh, Bokuto? Who knows what’ll happen next time.
Kotaro Bokuto
Nah, we’ll win next time, too! Alright, Akaashii! Let’s practice even more for the next one!!
Keiji Akaashi
You’re still going to do more? …Fine.
After practicing for the whole day and then playing a practice match, he’s still going to do more free practice? Being one of the top five spikers really is something.
Protagonist
Alright! I’m going to run all the way to the station, too!

Haikyuu!! Cross team match!: Main Story: Day 2, After Exploration (After Winning the Match)

Kotaro Bokuto
Damn it!! Even with a mixed team, I didn’t actually think we’d lose!!
Tetsuro Kuroo
It’s because you’re too hard to work with~
Kotaro Bokuto
Shut up!! Hey, let’s have one more round! One more!
Keiji Akaashi
Bokuto-san, we don’t have any time left today. Please accept your defeat with grace.
Kotaro Bokuto
Hmph! Fine. But I definitely won’t lose the at the final tournament, okay?
Protagonist
Okay! But I won’t lose either!
Kotaro Bokuto
Oh, you’re actually pretty confident, huh? I’m really looking forward to it.
Protagonist
Yes, me too!!
Kotaro Bokuto
Next time we’ll win without giving up a single point! Akaashi, spike practice!!
Keiji Akaashi
You’re still going to do more? …Fine.
After practicing for the whole day and then playing a practice match, he’s still going to do more free practice? Being one of the top five spikers really is something.
Protagonist
Alright! I’m going to run all the way to the station, too!

Haikyuu!! Cross team match!: Main Story: Day 2, After Exploration (Before the Match)

Protagonist
Sugawara-san, thank you for everything. I feel like I’ve gotten to know everyone a bit better.
Koshi Sugawara
That’s good. Feel free to reach out to me any time.
Protagonist
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Kotaro Bokuto
HEY HEY HEEY! Today’s your showdown with us!
Protagonist
Wha!? Sh-showdown?
Kotaro Bokuto
Don’t tell me you’re going to play with Nekoma and not us!
Let’s do it! Come on, let’s do it! Let’s do it now! Actually we’re already doing it!
Oh!? He’s really assertive!? If I remember correctly, this is Bokuto-san, I think?
Tetsuro Kuroo
What’s up, you’re playing Fukurodani today?
In that case, it’ll be good practice. Bokuto here is one of the top five spikers in the country.
Protagonist
Huh!? Top five in the country!? Amazing…!!
Kotaro Bokuto
Hehehe… Aw, you’re exaggerating, I’m really just… that super awesome!
Oh wow, he’s super confident, too!
Tetsuro Kuroo
Well, Ushiwaka from Shiratorizawa is in the top three, but.
Protagonist
Top three!!
Kotaro Bokuto
Again!! I told you not to praise me if you’re just gonna kick me down!!
Keiji Akaashi
We’ll also play with a mixed team, so please put together a good one, okay, Bokuto-san?
Kotaro Bokuto
Yeah, leave it to me!
Alright, this is now a matter of my pride as one of the top five! We won’t give up a single point today!!
Keiji Akaashi
With the way the rules of volleyball work, I think it would be pretty difficult to not give up a single point.
Kotaro Bokuto
Akaashi, can’t you just go along with me sometimes!?
What a funny guy. But he’s one of the top five spikers in the country…
I can’t believe I get to have practice match with someone so amazing! I’ll definitely try to absorb as much as I can!

Haikyuu!! Cross team match!: Main Story: Day 2, Before Exploration

Protagonist
A team, huh… I wonder what kind of team I should make.
After watching a bunch of games with different teams…
…I’ve realized that I can’t just put together a team only by gathering the top players.
Protagonist
After all, you can’t put together combination plays in a day.
So you have to think about compatibility, and who clearly just won’t get along.
But, it’s possible that combinations that wouldn’t seem to work actually bring out new skills.
Protagonist
In any case, I need to start by getting to know everyone better.
In order to do that, it isn’t enough to just practice together. I need to build rapport as much as possible outside of that.
Protagonist
Everyone seems like they have a quirk or two.
But that’s what makes it interesting! It’d be nice if I could win. No…
Protagonist
I’m definitely going to aim to win!
Protagonist
Hello! …Huh? It’s strangely quiet.
Nobody’s here? Where did everyone go?
Protagonist
Is today a day off? No, I didn’t hear anything about that.
Did I get the time wrong!? Oh no!!
Koshi Sugawara
Oh, you’re early… Er, did something happen?
Protagonist
Ah… Sugawara-san! Nobody was here, so I thought maybe I got the time wrong.
Koshi Sugawara
Ahaha, you’re fine.
Afternoon practice just finished, so everyone’s back at the camp building or out shopping or something.
Protagonist
Oh, that’s all? I thought I got the time wrong, so I was panicking a bit.
Koshi Sugawara
Some people will probably be coming back soon, I think?
Protagonist
Then is it okay if I wait here?
Koshi Sugawara
Sure, that’s fine, but… If you’d like, do you want to go out with me for a bit?
Protagonist
Huh? Go out where?
Koshi Sugawara
There’s still time, so I figured it’d be nice to go around and see everyone.
It’s hard to chat much during practice, but right now I can introduce you to some people.
You still don’t know everyone well yet, right?
Protagonist
Yes! That’d help a lot!
Koshi Sugawara
Of course! Alright, let’s go, then!
Protagonist
Okay!

 
Suga takes you to meet Kageyama, Daichi, Noya, and Yamaguchi (conversations will be uploaded on their respective pages).

Haikyuu!! Cross team match!: Main Story: Day 1, After Exploration (After the Match)

Tetsuro Kuroo
Man, it’s really nice playing with different players than usual, it makes for a different kind of thrill!
Protagonist
Same here! It was really fun!
Morisuke Yaku
Just switching out one player makes for a pretty different team, huh.
Tobio Kageyama
…That’s true… If even just one person is different the variety of attack also changes…
Kenma Kozume
That’s kind of a pain…
Taketora Yamamoto
Now that you mention it, I feel like Karasuno might have been even tougher than usual today.
Ryunosuke Tanaka
Karasuno vs Nekoma, next time we won’t lose!!
Tetsuro Kuroo
That’s true. It’s like in a real tournament, you don’t know what you’ll get thrown at you, so the pressure is actually more realistic.
Keishin Ukai
So by switching up the players, you can get a sense of the pressure you’d feel at a tournament, huh.
Well, we have a tournament coming up, so it’ll be a good rehearsal.
Tobio Kageyama
Whoever it is, I’ll bring out their best with my toss.
Protagonist
Woah, that’s some confidence…
Shoyo Hinata
I’ll hit any kind of toss!
Kei Tsukishima
…Sigh, this is why they’re the freak duo.
Shinzen Captain
Ooh, you’re really at it!
Tetsuro Kuroo
Oh, you’re here. That’s Shinzen High School’s captain.
His name is… Broccoli.
Protagonist
Shinzen’s…
Broccoli?
Broccoli?
Oh, you’re the one we let in last minute? I heard about what happened.
Welcome to the Fukurodani Group. We have some really high-level managers~
Protagonist
Huh? Huhh…?
Tetsuro Kuroo
What are you talking about right off the bat? At least introduce yourself.
Broccoli?
Come on, it’s important, right? I’m Shinzen High School’s captain, Daiki Ogano. Nice to meet you.
Protagonist
Broc–… Ogano-san! Nice to meet you!
Daiki Ogano
Well, looks like you have some pep! …So, you’re already playing with mixed teams?
Tetsuro Kuroo
We just finished a match with this guy.
Daiki Ogano
…But aren’t the playoffs coming right up? Do you really have time for that?
What’s the point of playing with mixed teams now?
Keishin Ukai
I get what you’re saying, but Shinzen’s coach also agreed to this.
Daiki Ogano
Huh? For real?
Keishin Ukai
Shinzen is known for their combination plays, but to make the most of that, each player also needs to improve individually.
That’s what Shinzen’s coach said.
Tetsuro Kuroo
What he’s saying is, we all still suck~
Daiki Ogano
Guh… Damn it, just you wait. We’ll be the ones to improve the most!
Kotaro Bokuto
That’s my line!
Shoyo Hinata
Mine too!!
Everyone’s really fired up! I can’t lose, either!
Protagonist
Man, I’m tired~!
It’s been a while since I’ve felt like this. I’m worn out, but it feels really great.
Protagonist
But I can’t let myself be satisfied just playing volleyball. There’s going to be a match on the last day, too.
They even entrusted me with a team. If I’m going to do it, I’m going to be in it to win.
In order to do that, I need to improve, but I also need to get to know everyone better.
Protagonist
I’m getting excited just thinking about it. Okay! I’m going to run all the way home!
Wah!?
Woah, big…
No… eyebrows!?
Takanobu Aone
(*stare*)
Protagonist
Eek!? E-excuse me! I was just training and thought I’d run home…
Takanobu Aone
……
H-he’s not saying anything… He’s watching me…!?
Protagonist
E-excuse meeeeee!!
Kenji Futakuchi
Koganegawa, how many times have I told you? Your tosses need to be a bit lower!
Kanji Koganegawa
Yes sir!! I’m sorry! I’ll do 100 squats, so please forgive me!
Kenji Futakuchi
Like I said, I’m telling you to do more toss practice before you do that!
…Hm? Aone, what are you standing there for? You weren’t fighting with someone again, were you?
Takanobu Aone
……
Kenji Futakuchi
Well, whatever. Nobody’s there, anyway.
More importantly, Koganegawa.
Kanji Koganegawa
There’s more!?
Takanobu Aone
……
Close