Everyone gawked with shocked expressions. Mizuki smiled at Ukai as he gave a toothy grin.

"You haven't lost your touch," Ukai implied.

"Same to you," Mizuki grinned, "nothing less from the coach of Karasuno."

"Woah~! That was awesome!!" Hinata ran towards his sister.

"That jump...." Sawmaura gaped.

"It was just like Hinata."

"No. It was even higher than his..." Sugawara thought.

".... Amazing...." Asahi stared at her as she smiled at Hinata. It was then that Ukai pulled out a bento box wrapped in a cloth.

"I figured you would skip breakfast today," he said, "so eat this and rest for now."

"Eh? Nee-san, you didn't eat anything yet?"

"I ate a few snacks, but that's it. I woke up around 5...and then I practiced in the gym with coach." She took the bento from Ukai.

"She's very hardworking," Shotarou grinned, "she called me ahead of time so we could practice before you guys could wake up. As expected of my former captain of my team. Its no wonder she's one of the top 5 female players in the country."

"Seriously!?"

"The best player!?"

"You had to put it so bluntly," Mizuki sighed while folding her arms.

"Ahahaha! Its fine, right? You didn't meet all those pro players who volunteered to practice with us for nothing."

"Nee-san! Is that true!? You're one of the top players!?"

"In the U.S., I am. Even though I'm moving back to Japan, I won't stop pursuing my dream to become a pro player."

"Woah..." Hinata admired his sister's confidence.

"Anyway, I'll eat over here and let you guys practice."

"Do your stretches first."

"Hai hai~" Mizuki put the bento on top of the stage. Then, with one deep breath, she let her legs spread out, letting her fall to the ground until she was in a split position. She leaned forward to stretch her right leg. The boys were amazed, but also had dumbfounded looks with a blush.

"That's some reflexes," Nishinoya mumbled.

"Nee-san is really flexible, so this is easy for her," Hinata grinned. The boys continued to do warm ups. Some were going back and forth from looking at Mizuki as she continued to do her stretches.

"Hinata, your sister is really good," Yamaguchi smiled, "has she always played volleyball?"

"Hai. Ever since we were kids, that's all we ever did."

"So she's one of the best," Tsukishima mumbled, "it's a mystery how she could be related to someone who doesn't know the basics."

"What the hell!?" Hinata hissed at the blonde.

"What are you guys doing!? Get on the court and practice already!" Mizuki yelled at them as they ran towards the others. Ukai chuckled as Takeda and Kiyoko smiled. Mizuki sat on the edge of the stage, ate and watched as they practiced throughout the hours spent.

She was amazed by how much Hinata improved in his jump, though his knowledge of the basics was still fuzzy as Kageyama tried to explain it. She was a bit surprised by how loud Tanaka and Nishinoya were the first time, and they still kept getting scolded by Sawamura for not paying attention whenever they turned to see her. Mizuki then looked at their ace. Though he looked like a tough guy, he was very kind and, what Sawamura and Sugawara told her, a 'glass heart' and a 'goofball.' She smiled as she saw Asahi getting lectured by his friends, he wasn't very straightforward like the others. Kiyoko was very nice to her, as she answered any questions Mizuki had to ask about Karasuno and the volleyball team. After a few hours of training, Mizuki saw the third years coming towards her.

"Hello Hinata-san," Sugawara waved.

"Its Mizuki," she corrected him, "just call me Mizuki. Its normal in America, so you can say it here."

"Ah...sure," Sawamura smiled, "so Mizuki...how are you?"

"I'm good. It looks like you guys are doing great with practice."

"Yeah. We're working real hard for the upcoming battle between Nekoma."

"Hah~ Nekoma.... I haven't seen that old man in forever. I hope I'll see him in the practice match."

"Eh? Mizuki, you know Nekoma's coach?"

"Of course. When I was a kid, I got to meet all kinds of coaches. That includes Nekomata, Ukai, and others too..."

"Seriously?"

"Yup. Oh...Azumane-san," Mizuki looked at the tall boy.

"Y-yes?"

"Do you mind if I talk with you for a while? I heard a lot about you being an ace, so I was hoping I could ask some questions about your experience."

"Eh? Ah...s-sure."

"Hoh~? Asahi-san isn't intimidating her," Sawamura made an 'o' from his mouth.

"You made a friend, Asahi-san," Sugawara grinned.

"H-hey...why are you guys acting like that?" Asahi sweat dropped as the two left them alone.

"They seem to give you a hard time," she sheepishly smiled. Asahi chuckled a little.

"But, they're right. You don't seem to be afraid of me."

"Of course not," she shook her head slightly, "you're way too kind to be this scary character. Even if you look older than you are, that doesn't mean you're terrifying. So if I know you're so kind-hearted and caring, then why should I be afraid of you?" Asahi was astonished by her words. He didn't think a girl would say such nice things about him.

"Thank you, Hinata-san."

"Geez, its Mizuki. Just call me by my name."

"Ah, but..."

"I know," she pointed her finger out, "if I call you Asahi, then you have to call me Mizuki. That way we can get used to calling each other. Okay?"

"Eh...?" He stared at her as she put her hand out.

"Nice to meet you, Asahi-san," she smiled. For some reason, Asahi had to smile as he shook her hand.

"N-nice to meet you too....Mizuki-san." As they were busy talking, the second year duo was tearing up from the heartfelt moment.

"Asahi-san...you're making new friends..."

"You're so cool, Asahi..."

'But...I'm so jealous.' They both thought the same thing.

For the past three days, Mizuki got acquainted with the Karasuno volleyball team. She especially got close with Asahi. Mizuki knew he was very shy at first, but she wanted to be his friend and get him to open up more. She found out that they both had problems before that involved volleyball. She could relate to that. When she watched the others practice, she cheered for everyone.

"Nice receive! Nishinoya-kun!" She shouted. Nishinoya felt his cheeks burn as he stuttered while looking at her. Although it resulted in him getting a volleyball to the face.

"Good play, Shoyo! Keep your guard up, Tanaka-san!" Hinata gave her a thumbs up as Tanaka roared in excitement.

"Nice kill, Asahi!" She smiled as Asahi rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish smile.

"Nice block, Tsukishima! Even if its Shoyo, use your height against them!" She heard him sigh and then turn his head to her.

"I know that," he retorted, "at least I'm not short like you. I can easily block them."

"Hey, Tsukki..." Yamaguchi sweat dropped.

"Hey, Tsukishima! Don't be rude to your senpai!" Nishinoya growled. Mizuki hummed in amusement.

"But, Tsukki~" she called out, "I've always been this short. You're smart...so why are you stating the obvious?" They paused. She grinned at them. Soon Tanaka, Nishinoya, Kageyama and Hinata were cracking up, while Tsukishima was left defeated, though he didn't want to admit it. Yamaguchi awkwardly smiled while the third years chuckled.

It was fun to see them play. It reminded her of when she played with her teammates before leaving America.

"Alright! Next is running!" Ukai shouted. Everyone got up and started running, leaving Mizuki and the coaches in the gym.

"Your team sure is lively," Shotarou grinned.

"Heh..."

"Hey, Keishin," Mizuki strolled up to him, "did you already choose the starting order for the match?"

"Somewhat," he nodded, "it wasn't easy on which setter I should pick, but Sugawara was very respectful about the decision I would make."

"I see...tomorrow will be an interesting game. Although, are you sure you want to coach right after the game with Nekoma?"

"I didn't sign up for this," Ukai grunted, "I just want to see if Nekoma is progressing."

"Hmm... if that's the case, let's give that old geezer a real surprise." She gave a toothy grin at him as he rubbed her head.

"While they're gone, can you help me practice?"

"Sure," Ukai agreed, "its been a long time since we practiced together."

"That's because I was only a kid back then... but I could still kick your butt."

"Shut up," he laughed.

>>>>>>>>Fast Forward>>>>>>>

"Yosh! Let's do a few more!"

"Hai!" Mizuki positioned herself. Sitting on the bench was Shotarou and Takeda, watching Mizuki practice. Kiyoko, who was standing near them, heard a hand grabbed the end of the gym door. She looked to see the boys coming back from their run.

"Welcome back," she spoke casually.

"Oh, nee-san..." Hinata saw his sister practicing with his coach. The boys watched her do receives.

"Even though she's an ace," Shotarou spoke, "she still keeps her libero skills in good condition."

"Next one!" Ukai shouted.

"Hai! One more!"

WHACK!!

He spiked the ball on the left side. Mizuki ran towards it and dove in to receive the ball.

"Watch out!" Takeda shouted as he and Shotarou were moving the bench away.

"Ah!" They thought she would crash into them, but Mizuki thought otherwise. She slammed her left hand on the floor and used her legs to spin herself around.

"What!?"

After spinning herself halfway, Mizuki's feet landed on the ground, almost kneeling with her left hand in front of her for balance. Everyone was shocked, except for Shotarou and Ukai. The blonde smirked, and then spiked another one in the middle for Mizuki to chase after. She received it perfectly, without fail.

"Heh, not bad," Ukai said, "I thought I had you for sure."

"Did you forget who you're dealing with," she smirked at him, "come on, one more!"

"You got it!" Ukai kept spiking as Mizuki received them.

"W-what was that?" Sawmaura questioned.

"That receive was different," Ennoshita implied.

"... ..." Nishinoya was stunned.

"Quite interesting, aye kid," Shotarou caught the second year's attention, "she learned to do that by herself. Its not the usual diving receive...but in order to help her team, she wanted to find a quicker way. That's her style of a diving receive...I don't think anyone can pull it off at first glance. That's what makes her my star player. She doesn't know when to quit." He chuckled at that last part.

"Nice receive!" Mizuki panted slowly as sweat went down her face.

"Alright, go take a break. The boys have to get back to practice."

"Sure thing," she walked back to the stage and picked up her towel and bottle, "I'll be outside if you need me." She walked towards the door. Her brother jumped in excitement, though blocking her way.

"That was awesome, nee-san!"

"Thanks Shoyo. Now, go warm up," she giggled. She ruffled his hair as she passed him and the others.

"Let's get to it," Ukai shouted, "everyone does drills!"

"Hai!" They shouted. Just as they were going back to the court, Shotarou noticed Nishinoya's expression.

"If you want to ask her something," he began, "you might as well say it now." Nishinoya glanced at him. Shotarou gave a smile. Without another word, he watched the young boy step outside. Mizuki was by the outdoor sink, washing her face. She shut the faucet off, and then dried her face with the towel.

"Mizuki-san!"

"Hm?" She glanced to her left, seeing Nishinoya standing right there. She turned to face him, with her towel around her neck.

"Oh, hey Nishinoya. What is it?" Mizuki gave a confused look. For a moment, he said nothing. He clenched his hands, and then took a deep breath.

"Mizuki-senpai!" He shouted, startling her for a spilt second.

"You...are a really excellent libero! The whole time you practiced, you didn't flinch or run away from any spike! Your reflexes are amazing! That's why..." He bowed to her.

"I was wondering if you could give me some pointers! Please!!" He stayed that way for a long time. Mizuki blinked for a moment, but then sighed. Nishinoya didn't move, he could hear her walking towards him, until he saw her feet.

"Nishinoya..."

"H-hai!" He shot up. Mizuki reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. He glanced at it like it was an alien.

"Nishinoya Yuu," she began, "I heard a lot about you and your reputation as a libero. I can say that I'm impressed that someone your age has accomplished a lot."

"... ..." He stared at her.

"Of course," she smiled at him, "I'd be honored. I might have switched to being an ace, but maybe I might learn a thing or two from you." Just like that, Nishinoya's face brightened.

"Th...thank you very much!! Mizuki-san!!" He bowed again, and Mizuki just chuckled. She kept her word to Nishinoya. Within breaks, Mizuki would point out some things, any flaws or good points that were useful. She would even demonstrate, showing different stances and gestures with her arms and legs. Nishinoya watched and listened to everything she said, as if writing it down in his mind.

As time went by, evening came. Everyone was sitting in the mess hall as they waited patiently. Takeda, Kiyoko and Mizuki were currently making the food. Takeda observed as Mizuki chopped some ingredients and briskly put it in the pot.

"Kiyoko-san, can you hand me the carrots and cabbage?"

"Okay." Kiyoko took a few and put it down on the cutting board. Mizuki immediately chopped the carrots into different shapes and sliced the cabbage into thin pieces. Some of the boys watched her as she separated the foods.

"H-hey, Hinata," Kageyama gave him a weird look, "you're drooling!"

"Eh...I am...?" He kept his happy face while wiping his mouth. Some of them sweat dropped.

"Mizuki-san," Takeda smiled, "you're really good at cooking."

"Its no big deal. I love cooking, so I'm glad I can help you out." She stirred in the pot and then poured some of the curry into a small saucer for taste testing.

"Hmm...I think its ready."

"Alright," Takeda nodded, "I'll hand this out now." After putting the food on the table, everyone put their hands together.

"Itadakimasu~!" They all dove in to eat. Hinata and Kageyama had their mouths puffing out like chipmunks stuffing acorns.

"Delicious~!" Tanaka and Nishinoya happily ate.

"Yeah...this is really good," Asahi thought.

"You're cooking is great, Mizuki," Sugawara complimented her.

"Thank you." Mizuki looked at her brother, who was so absorbed into finishing his meal.

She giggled, which caused Hinata to look up at her. He swallowed his food before speaking.

"What's wrong, nee-san?"

"Eh? Ah, no...nothing, its just..." she smiled at him, ".... I just thought of something from when we were kids."

"Really? Like what?"

"Mm.... you still have that same look whenever I make your meals. Its been a long time since I've seen that...I really missed you, Shoyo." Hinata tilted his head, but soon smiled. Still the same boy she knew before, always smiling.

"Oh, by the way," Hinata said, "I met someone earlier. He was a volleyball player like me. He's also a setter."

"Is that so?"

"Mm.... I hope we meet again. I'd like to play volleyball with him."

"I'm sure you will." They talked to each other the whole night.

>>>>>>>>>The Next Day>>>>>>>>>>>>

It was 6 in the morning, and most of Karasuno's members were still in bed. Unaware to them, the orange-hair girl left early, due to a request for Ukai to meet Nekomata before they did. Mizuki had on her regular clothes; V-neck shirt and shorts. She went to the convenience store to buy a new bottle after a hole broke through the last one. As she entered, she searched through the isles until she found it. When she read the price, they were on sale.

'Maybe I should grab a few...' She thought to herself.

Mizuki got four of them, just in case, but she was starting to struggle while walking to the check-in-line. Suddenly, she dropped one and was rolling down the isle. Just before she could reach it, a hand went down and grabbed it. She looked up to see a boy with black and dyed-blonde hair, wearing a red sports jacket and sweat pants. She blinked a few times before the boy spoke.

"... Do you need help?" He softly spoke.

"Ah, yes. I'd really appreciate it." The boy helped her take the stuff to the cashier as she paid for the supplies. As the two left the store, Mizuki turned to see him.

"Thank you for that," she said, "it was really thoughtful of you to help me."

"No...its no big deal." She smiled at him.

"What's your name?" She asked.

".... Kozume.... Kenma."