#kaibashadow

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Hinata faces many challenges along with way, and one of his first plights he uncovers is his encounter against the tall middle blocker, Tsukishima Kei. Tsukishima is rock, a mountain, an unmovable strength. Scoring against him proves to be quite a difficult task to do by himself. His sheer height was already a force to be reckoned with along with the fact that he has exceptional observational skills and is a quick thinker. He sure was not going to go easy on anyone, and Hinata was no exception.

However, this middle blocker has his own set of problems that he deals with on a daily basis. He is even worse about opening up his feelings than the other middle blocker. After all, he is not the type of person who would ask for help. He wound try to do one of these things: 

Try to solve them himself.

Ignore the topics and pretend that they do not even exist.

Bury them until they become an issue at a later time.

Be surrounded and influenced by something and take one drink, then it’s all forgotten.

Tsukishima is usually the cool, calm, clever, levelheaded person on the volleyball team. He is the wave. He is the ocean. Different tide with every morning, but this guy can usually adjust to whatever situation that life throws at him and let it fall with the current.

Of course, he also hates losing as well. No one really likes to lose. It is not a great feeling after all, but it is an experience that most people have gone through with each passing time.

But that moment when it all falls down and where his team lost against Aoba Johsai, he had mixed emotions. Sure, he was down, but was there a reason to keep trying? It is not like he is planning on doing this forever. Maybe it was better if he quit volleyball after all.

“Don’t be an idiot! It’s our sense of pride! What more do you need?” his best friend, Yamaguchi, yells at him with conviction. Yamaguchi was not going to let Tsukki walk out on this, not when he knows that he can do a lot better than his current skill level. He figured that if he is able to help change Tsukki’s state of mind, then he would be able to change his tune and give him that urge to keep going and push forward despite what his obtrusive thoughts keep telling him to do or what other people are saying around and about him.

That same night, he cannot help but commend Yamaguchi for his actions. Maybe that was his wakeup call. Maybe that could be a drive to help motivate him. When there is a cause, there will be an effect.

Even if that were the case, he definitely needs more reasons than just pride to back this theory up. After all, he is a practical person, not an idealist. So, he does the next best thing that one can do when searching for answers, and that is to seek out more information from other sources.

Tsukishima talks to Akaashi, Bokuto, and Kuroo about their reasons for volleyball. He is determined to find out if he can analyze any other causes he can come across and see if they make help achieve a desirable effect.

Out of all of them, Bokuto seems to be the most eager to answer Tsukishima’s question.

“If that moment ever does come to you… That’s the moment you’ll fall in love with volleyball.”

This specific quote is what Kei kept in his mind. He recalls his older brother, Akiteru, also telling him about his own moment and how he felt at that time that impels him to keep moving forward with the sport.

Eventually, the match against Shiratorizawa gives that opportunity for Tsukishima Kei. The moment he is able to achieve his own victory and successfully block one of the top three aces of the nation. Being able to block Ushijima’s spike meant everything for him at that time. That is an unforgettable moment for him and everyone who has seen this happen in real time.

- - -

If volleyball was easy, then everybody would be playing this sport. Everyone would be winning. There would not be any challenges in the game. It would always be fun to win.

Of course, that is never the case.

During that same game, both Hinata and Tsukishima are struggling against the strong team, specifically by one person, Ushijima. Both players are working overtime, but the more time that is being spent on this match, it seems like it is getting so hard that they can barely breathe. After all, they feel like Ushijima was holding the both of them down onto the court to the point where they can no longer fight back. It was nerve-racking, time-consuming, and an infuriating experience. If it was not for the rest of the Karasuno team to help them out and break them free from the ace’s powerful grips, they might have been defeated and fallen into despair at that point.

While Hinata is the type who tends to not dwell on the past, Tsukishima is quite the opposite. He is a critical thinker after all, but he can also be pessimistic as well. Shoyo is an optimist who can easily bounce back from being down and will try to use his infectious positive influence to bring others back up.

With the taller guy’s case, however, it takes time for him to get over things. For him, it’s getting so hard for him to understand certain aspects to these issues and a lot harder for him to believe that things will just work out in the end. He is not like the shorter volleyball player after all.

However, despite how he normally is, Tsukishima did make a promise to Hinata that he would back him up even if it was indirectly with a low five. And because of that, he had to at least give it his all and try his best to overcome the problems over time.

But even when everything is becoming increasingly strenuous to the point where even sheer willpower is failing, it was getting to be so difficult to try to keep that promise. it’s getting so tiring for Kei that he is barely able to see what is the purpose anymore.  Why keep trying to strive for a win if it will take just about everything from his mind, body, and soul just to achieve that goal? Even Shoyo can see that his taller teammate may find that giving up is the effortless option and it would be easy to admit defeat.

So, Hinata continues to talk to Tsukishima and remind him of everything good that has happened to them to this day. He does not want Tsukki to quit. He has come so far already to just give up now. He can keep going. Shoyo clutches his chest and hopes that Kei could hear him. He cannot bear the thought of losing him. He would not know what to do without him.

Just when things look bleak and everything is out from their control, Tsukki finally snaps out of his mental anguish and pays attention to what is happening on the court. He can do this. He has to do this. There is no doubt about it. He can conquer anything if he puts his mind to it.

By doing so, this makes the sun smile at the moon. Hinata never gave up on Tsukishima, and Tsukki was able to deliver and keep his promise to his teammate.

- - -

As time passes on, both middle blockers were drifting far apart from each other. Hinata seems oblivious to notice, but Tsukishima is quite observant. He knows how important this next game is and one slip-up or miscommunication is all it would take to bring the whole team down. They need to be able to understand each other and sync up once again. They have to because neither one of them can face their next match alone. They need each other to do this.

Kei decides to initiate the conversation first. He tells Hinata about the other team and what he is capable of doing and what he thinks he could try to do. But instead of letting his pride get the best of him, Tsukki knows that he needs to be realistic and truthful with his words.

“But… I can’t do that.” This really means a lot to Kei. He knows his limitations, and he is not going to pretend that everything is and will be okay. He will not be able to defend and block out all the hits, attacks, and spikes. He knows that. No one can ever reach that impossible feat. But he does not want to face this problem alone and be left and lost at sea.

He reminds Hinata, “If so, you’d better be there.” This is important for Kei. He is putting all of his trust onto Shoyo, which is something that he rarely ever does for anyone. He knows that he cannot rely on just himself to be able to achieve the best possible outcomes and have positive results for him and his team. If they want to win, then they have to work together to achieve a victory that will be and already is arduous and time-consuming to do. 

With the game reaching a critical point and emotions running high into these sets, Hinata continues to support and have Tsukishima’s back in all of this. He knows that it took his tall teammate a lot to be able to give that trust onto him. He was not going to let him down. He will be there for him. They cannot exist without the other. They will be able to defeat the odds and beat this game.

Even at certain plays, Shoyo cannot help but gaze at Kei in awe. “Wow! Tsukki is an incredible blocker.” He looks up to him. They can respect one another and continue to teach each other a lot. Even when it was hard for either of them to admit how well they work together, they are able to get the job done.

Both middle blockers prove their skills and their teamwork on the court. They make an incredible team. They overpower the obstacles and have their plays and moments. Even when it was to the point where the team was tired and everything was turning too dark for them like the night sky about to envelop and enclose each of them under the shroud of darkness, the sun comes out and brightens their hope, giving them all that opportunity to get back to the moment, recollect and regroup themselves, give them a breather, and to try again and execute the plan to succeed.

Hinata Shoyo and Tsukishima Kei have been through a lot with each other. They continue to work and play hard, do their best, and have each other’s backs going into things. They both respect one another despite their contrasting personalities. They continue to train against one another to improve their games and put their skill levels to the test. They point out their flaws and weaknesses and help each other become better.

And it all started back at that one night. The night where they met each other. The moment where they both discover their opposite. The moment where they met as rivals before becoming teammates who will constantly push each other to their limits. The moment where their challenges become their realities. The moment where the sun and the moon finally meet. The moment where it all began.

- KᴀɪʙᴀSʜᴀᴅᴏᴡ ♥

Despite being apart from each other by one grade year, Kuroo has always been looking out for Kenma, especially during his first year of high school. There is a lot of pressure being involved with being the newbie student of a new school, especially for someone with Kenma’s lonesome personality. Kuroo was somehow able to convince Kenma to join the volleyball club when he got to high school, saying phrases like, “It’s our last years together” and “C’mon, you’ll have a great time, especially with me around.”

Kenma despises Kuro of saying such sentimental words like these. It is not like Kuro is planning to leave anytime soon, and they always hang out and practically do everything together. Even if Kenma is engrossed deeply into a new video game he had just got, Kuroo has a way of making his presence known to the gamer.

Despite the awkwardness of meeting new people on a team again, Kenma agrees to it because Kuro is there. He does not want to disappoint his closest bud, especially since Kuro has done a lot for him, even during those times when he was not feeling all too well to where no amount of video gaming was not going to make him feel like himself. Age should not have been a factor when it comes to volleyball, or any club activity in general, but somehow, according to Kenma, it really is.

- - -

Kenma has been thinking a lot lately. He wants to quit, but he has trouble trying to tell that to Kuro. He does not want to let his best player two down, but he cannot keep pretending that he wants to endure through all of this. It pains him to his very core, and he feels even more isolated than what he has been going through before.

As he continues to sit on the stairs and contemplate how Kuro would take his news, Kuroo already knows all about this. He is not blind or oblivious to the situation after all. He can see how Kenma is struggling during practice, how much he despises being treated this way from the older teammates, and how much it stresses him to balance this extracurricular activity with school and his time for his video games.

But he also knows that Kenma is not a quitter and that he hates to lose.

So, instead of accepting Kenma’s reasons for feeling this way, Kuroo is going to convince his compadre that he is never going to let him fall. He has to keep going. Even if it will take him a while to get into the rhythm of his new daily life, Kuroo is going to make sure that Kenma can overcome anything and that he will always make sure that Kenma knows that Kuroo will always be around.

- - -

Kenma is grateful for Kuro for pushing him to go past his negative thoughts and be better at his craft. Sure, he becomes the official setter for Nekoma his second year, which he always says that it is not a big deal, but it really is. Kenma has Kuro to thank for that. He glances at Kuro from across the room and gives him a little smile. Even at such a young age, Kuro always takes care of him and is quite observant. In sickness and in health, they both are so good for each other.

It is so rare to catch Kenma smiling over something that is not a video game, but Kuroo notices and cannot help himself but to beam back at the setter. Kuroo smiles a lot, but this is big of Kenma to do. Kuroo knows that Kenma has a nice smile and wishes he would often do this from time to time, but to know that Kenma even relies on him even when facing a hard level on a video game, that is good enough to let the middle blocker know that he is still important to the setter. And he is glad that no one moved away ever since they had met and that they can both take the same train ride together back home every day after school and practice.

Kuroo is a great middle blocker, but he is also protective of this team, especially over Kenma. It really helps that Kuroo is quite tall and intimidating. He does not let Kenma be bad-mouthed around by other players and lets everyone know that Kenma has a reputation of being Nekoma’s brain, heart, and soul. This team functions when Kenma is around, and Kuroo is certainly not going to let his favorite guy down.

Even though while growing up Kenma was only playing volleyball for Kuro, he cannot help but also enjoy what he has gone through with this sport. From the time he could barely catch a ball with his hands and always let it hit his face and when he first joined a team to where he is now, standing with a solid team with very uplifting chances that they could possibly win multiple games and advance to higher levels, the setter looks forward to these games. It is even better to know that even if this is their last year of playing volleyball together, he is happy to be able to do this with Kuro, especially knowing that this is his last year for him. The setter is even able to talk to other people whether they are on the same team or opposing teams because of the middle blocker, and for that, Kenma will always be grateful.

They might not be able to admit it right now, but they really do love being with each other. They care so much and deeply know and understand one another. From the moment they met, they instantly clicked, and it did not even matter what kind of issues they were dealing with on their own. They were able to work it out and encourage each other one way or another. They both grew up sharing the same interests and they both know that they are so good together. Maybe one day, when the timing is right, they might confess their own feelings, but for now, they will stand up with each other forever.

The Quincy looks away for one second just to find his opponent shirtless. He formulates his own theories in his mind. What is his game? What is he trying to do? The Quincy excels in analyzing his opponents quite closely, but he does not know what the Espada’s intentions are.

Szayelaporro eyes Uryu like he is a tasty treat. There is no way he is going to let this specimen get away from him.

The scientist’s fast approach startles Uryu. The Quincy is not used to not being able to read his opponent’s schemes. He is observant. He is quick-witted. He has to figure out how to beat this battle against the pink-haired male in front of him.

However, Szayelaporro is someone who often hides his true plans. He may give obscure hints to others around him, but it isn’t until it’s too late for his enemies to gain the upper hand. Is this the same case with this Quincy?

Uryu either cannot tell what is going on or has trouble deciphering the scientist’s current behavior and advances. If Szayelaporro Granz does not want to fight, then what exactly does he want to do that involves Uyru?

It seems like a casual conversation between the Espada and the Quincy going on between the battle. It’s as if they are both taking a break from fighting each other, however, that doesn’t seem to be what’s going on right now. Szayel wants to tempt Uryu and tells him, “Come to the back.”

Uryu seems to be slightly distraught as he continues to ponder about the scientist in front of him. However, the scientist is his enemy. He will not be swayed by any cheap tricks. He lifts his Quincy bow up and decides to shoot his opponent to see how he would respond.

The light of the arrow travels toward the Espada and quickly dissipates out of thin air. Szayel is not hurt at all. He seems even more amused by his foe’s failed attempt. He openly holds out his hand for the Quincy, just puzzling Uryu even more with this problem.

What exactly is Szayel’s true intentions? What kind of battle is going on? Who will win between the two of them? The Espada or the Quincy? You decide what happens next.

Story 2:

Shoyo Hinata confronts the people in front of him who are messing with him and the guy behind him.

However, Tobio Kageyama knows quite well that whatever this situation is, this has nothing to do with that boke. Instead, he decides to ask Kei Tsukishima what his deal is.

Kageyama first notices Tsukishima during volleyball practice. It’s really not that hard to miss the tallest person in the gym, especially if he is blonde, has glasses, and looks at you with a snarky, condescending tone. The setter silently challenges the middle blocker to a game of volleyball with the ball in his hand. Kageyama learns a lot about the players by observing them carefully during a match. Little did he know what Tsukishima’s plans are at that point.

The setter has quite an interest to his favorite sport, but he cannot tell what his teammate is up to. Does he want to play a game at that time? Is there even enough players for such a game? How long as Tsukishima been holding onto that ball anyway? Is it even the same ball that we used during practice today?

This isn’t the blonde’s first time seeing his teammate and rival in front of him. Tsukishima has his eyes on Kageyama, but who knows for how long? He wants to know things about the setter. What makes the King tick? What are his weaknesses? Can I expose and exploit them to my own advantage?

Tsukishima smirks as he makes his way towards the King. Just what is going on in each of their heads right now? What kind of interaction is this? Is this a good encounter or a terrible one?

Kageyama watches and remembers Tsukishima’s serves when it comes to volleyball. It’s not as strong or intense as his own, but as long as his serves go over the net and makes a valid play, he can respect the tall blonde’s choice in that regard.

Kageyama eyes the ball and gets ready to set. Then, he realizes something: Both Tsukishima and him have volleyball in common. Is this the middle blocker’s way of getting closer to the setter?

Tsukishima makes sure that Kageyama is looking right at the ball. The middle blocker wants to make the setter figure out what the volleyball actually represents: a pair of shackles that binds the two together and tethers them to this game. There’s no escaping of any kind from here on out.

The setter feels the middle blocker eying him carefully. Tsukishima makes it very clear that Kageyama is the King here. And what role does Tsukishima play? He tells him in an enticing tone, “Baby, I’m your slave.”

Kageyama recalls and recognizes that same irritatingly, fierce smirk that Tsukishima has given to him earlier that day. He thought he did that to piss the setter off, but now, Kageyama isn’t too sure. It’s true that the setter was having some difficulty reading his opponent’s playstyle and behaviors. Kageyama knows that Tsukishima is a very smart guy. And the way the middle blocker is making the strong setter feel right now frustrates him to his wit’s end.

Kageyama forcefully grips Tsukishima’s collar, making the middle blocker drop the volleyball.

Tsukishima likes seeing the setter become angry with him. He knows very well that the setter won’t try anything harmful, especially with witnesses around. Though, the middle blocker finds it very amusing and satisfying to tempt Kageyama to do something. “I’ll let you whip me if I misbehave,” taunts the tall blonde.

The dark-haired setter actually contemplates about that request. Though, he may not plan on acting on it now, he truly is plotting his revenge on the middle blocker.

From time to time, Kageyama and Tsukishima often find each other either arguing or trying to one-up the other. The middle blocker has a way of messing with the setter’s ego, and the latter is often irritated just by looking at him. And with the way they act around each other, it never goes unnoticed by their own teammates. Will these two ever find a common ground? Will they eventually get along and respect each other? Is there something more between them than just volleyball? You decide how this goes.

Story 3:

(Will write DR story later, and will have to re-edit the two stories above at a later time. I hope you enjoy watching and reading!)

Happy Birthday, Kageyama!

Kei Tsukishima is a force to be reckoned with. In that one instance, in that one play, that is all it took for Tsukishima to stop the captain of Shiratorizawa.

He is never going to forget this feeling. He is ecstatic. He is excited. He is very proud of himself to be able to read block the play at this important moment. This is an ultimate game-changer for this middle blocker. He passionately grips the air and all of his emotions that he had built up inside of him comes crashing down and pouring out in a loud, long, unforgettable scream.

Everyone in the gym erupts and cheers for the young volleyball player. Everyone is surprised that someone like Tsukishima could even block someone like Ushijima. They want to see more plays like this. They all know that this would be a good game.

Those who know Tsukishima want to remember this exact moment. The moment where Kei Tsukishima got hooked into volleyball and fell in love with the sport.

- - -

The game continues on. Tsukishima does his best to be an active volleyball player on the court. He also pays close attention to everyone’s movements, the volleyball, and the gameplay. He still continues to plan and think about different scenarios and best courses of actions for Karasuno, even whenever he is off the court. This man always thinks ahead and in the moment. He keeps a level head and does not let others get to him. He might not have really shown this before, but Kei Tsukishima does not want to lose. He wants to win, and the only way to do that is to make the rugged climb towards the battle in front of him and score as many points as he can. He needs to beat that mountain of a school, Shiratorizawa. It already is and will continue to be hard, exhausting, and difficult to achieve, but that is not enough to stop the tallest Karasuno player from doing such a thing. He will not be intimidated or shut down by the other team. He will not let the ball get past him. As long as his teammates have his back, he knows that he is not going through this alone.

- - -

However, Kei Tsukishima has had some doubts lately as well. They bother him from time-to-time, but he will not pretend that they do not exist in the first place. After all, he does tend to ponder about a lot of issues almost all of the time.

After the point is scored, when the ball is not in play, when both teams have a few moments just to catch their breath before hearing the whistle blow for the server to start serving the ball, Tsukishima’s eyes focuses on the net and the court. He sometimes thinks about what may happen in the future. Will he wake up one day and realize that he does not want to play volleyball anymore? Will he lose that passion and that drive for the game? Will he regret his decisions for playing this sport in the first place?

“Will I be gone? Will I forget any of this?”

Tsukishima is not the type of person who can easily express his emotions. He has his own insecurities that he often hides away from other people. So, if anyone watches very closely, they can see the middle blocker deep in thought about everything. Tsukishima has a lot of questions in his mind, but the one question that he constantly goes back and forth on is this:

“Will I be able to walk away from it all?”

- - -

When it is game time, Tsukishima displaces all of his thoughts into the back of his mind and focuses his full attention back on the game. He will not let the other team get a point past him. That number 11 of Karasuno read blocks the plays and gives plenty of opportunities for his other teammates to score the points.

Of course, Kei Tsukishima will not let them have all the fun. After all, when he gets the chance to, he will also score some of those crucial points as well.

This clever blocker makes his own decision. After careful analysis and spending some time contemplating on his own, he realizes that right now, it does not matter what that distant future will be like up ahead for him. This is his life, and he wants to enjoy every single moment of this sport. His pride, his reputation, and his skills are on the line now. He will do his very best in those moments to fight right now and win this game.

- KᴀɪʙᴀSʜᴀᴅᴏᴡ ♥

Edited: July to September 2020