Just when she was on a trip to the store, she met a boy with dyed blonde hair and cat-like eyes. She gave a smile as she put the bottles in her bag.

"Kozume, Kenma. That's a nice name," she then pointed at herself, "I'm Hinata Mizuki. Nice to meet you, Kenma."

".... Hinata...?"

"What's the matter?"

"Ah...no. I think I met someone named Hinata."

"Really....wait, then that means you're the boy my brother was talking about," she pointed at him, "the one he met yesterday on his run."

"Eh? Brother...."

"Oh, sorry...you see, Shoyo is my little brother."

".... I see," he nodded. Suddenly, they heard a ringing. Mizuki reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She swiped it and answered.

"Hello? Oh, Shotarou-sensei....eh...? Y-you're kidding me! You're stuck in traffic!?"

"Don't worry," Shotarou answered, "I called Nekomata to have the other coach get you at the convenience store. I gave them the location, so stay there and wait until you see him." He looked bordely at the massive amount of cars around him.

"How will I know?"

"He's wearing red sports uniform just like the others. It should be easy to spot him. Look, I have to go...just be safe until then, okay?"

"Alright. I'll see you later. Bye." She hung up. Mizuki could only sigh in defeat.

"... Um...."

"Hm...? Oh, don't worry about me. I lost my ride, so I have to wait here until the volleyball coach arrives."

"Really?"

"Hai. You see....uh...." She then noticed something. She stared at Kenma and his appearance, which made the boy tilt his head in confusion. He was wearing a red sports uniform. Mizuki then came closer and walked around him. When spotted the back of his jacket, she shouted in alarm, startling the boy.

"You're from Nekoma!?" Mizuki asked.

"... Hai."

"So you must be one of the volleyball memebers," she thought.

"Yes."

"Tell me...what year are you?"

"Eh...um, second-year."

"Heh~ so that makes me your senpai."

"Senpai?"

"Hai. I'm 17 years old."

"Eh? Really?" his monotone voice shot up in surprise.

"Ahaha, I don't look like it though... I graduated high school early in America. I'm just here on vacation. So anyway, if you're on Nekoma's volleyball team...then what position are you?

"I'm a setter."

"Setter, huh? I bet you're really good. I was a libero and an ace when I was on a team."

"Really...?"

"Mhm...oh, so Kenma...my coach told me that your other coach is coming here to pick me up. So it shouldn't be that long until he arrives. We can both go together."

"Oh...okay."

"Hey~!" Oh, speak of the devil. A man with short black hair came towards them. Mizuki realized who it was.

"Manabu~!" She ran towards him and gave him a hug.

"Eh? Mizuki?"

"I thought it was you," she looked up at him with a smile, "I didn't know you were the coach."

"I didn't know you were the one coach was talking about," he grinned, "its good to see you. Oh, Kenma is here too." Kenma looked up at him and nodded.

"I'm so sorry for the trouble. I didn't think things would get out of hand..."

"It's fine. Why don't you two just hop in and we'll get going." He pointed to their team's vehicle. They did what he said and climbed in the back.

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

Nekoma's volleyball team was standing in front of a bus stop. They waited until everyone arrived, but Kenma was the only one who wasn't there.

"Did he wake up late?"

"No way. We need our setter. He's our heart."

"Eh.... right."

"... What's wrong, Kuroo?" Yamamoto glanced towards his captain.

"Just got a call from Kenma. Says he'll be here in a minute."

"Where was he?"

"At the convenience store."

"I wonder what Karasuno's volleyball team is like..."

"Hey, Inuoka. Stay focused when the game starts."

"Oh...coach is here." The boys saw the bus pull up.

"Coach Naoi," Yamamoto shouted as he ran towards the vehicle.

"Get in you guys. Oh, by the way, I have one of Karasuno's supporters with me. Treat her nicely."

"...?" They peeked in the back and saw Kenma with a girl.

"Eh!? A girl!" Yamamoto stuttered.

"Hello," Mizuki smiled at them.

"Who are you?" Inuoka asked.

"Hey, Kenma! Who is this!? Is she your girlfriend!?"

"No, she isn't," he frowned at Yamamoto.

"I'm Hinata Mizuki."

"Mizuki has some business with Nekomata," Naoi explained, "so we'll be bringing her to the gym."

Naoi drove down the street. Everyone got in their seats and then introduced themselves.

"I'm the captain of the volleyball team. Kuroo Tetsuro, third-year."

"I'm the vice-captain, Kai Nobuyuki, third-year. Nice to meet you." Mizuki smiled at him, and then turned to see Yamamoto.

"Are you by any chance, Yamamoto Taketora?"

"Eh!? A-ah, y-yes! I'm a second-year student!"

"Kenma told me about you. He says you're the ace of your team, the one who always shouts and makes a fool out of himself."

"Ngh--! Hey, Kenma! What else did you tell her!?" He growled at him, but Kenma ignored him.

"I'm Yaku Morisuke, third-year student."

"Fukunaga Shohei, second-year."

"I'm Inuoka So, first-year," he grinned.

"Shibayama Yuki. I'm a first-year too. Nice to meet you, Hinata-san."

"Its nice to meet you all," she smiled, "oh, and you can call me Mizuki."

"Eh...but..."

"Its okay. In America, I got used to being call by my name. So don't be afraid to call me that."

"Um...Hinata-san?"

"Mizuki...Yaku-san," she corrected him.

"Ah...Mizuki-san.... are you one of the managers for Karasuno?"

"Oh no. I help now and again, but I'm not part of their school. Besides, I already graduated high school."

"Really? Wait, how old are you?"

"I'm 17."

"Eh!? Seriously!?" Some exclaimed.

"Hey, don't be rude," Naoi shouted from the driver seat, "you know she played as a libero and ace in her volleyball team..."

"You play volleyball, too?" Inuoka asked curiously.

"Hai," she nodded, "I was the captain for two years. Right now, I'm using Karasuno's gym to train. Volleyball is so much fun, right?"

"Mm...it is," Inuoka grinned in agreement. Mizuki glanced towards Kenma, who was playing a game. She smiled as she saw the familiar game console.

"Can I try?" She asked.

"Eh...ah, sure." Kenma gave his game to her. Mizuki picked a level, and then sped her thumbs across the buttons. Kenma was a bit surprised by her swift moves.

"Its been forever since I played this," Mizuki thought, "I didn't think it would still be popular." The sounds of trumpets were heard on the game.

"Yes! I won!"

"Eh!? You cleared the level!?" Yamamoto exclaimed as he peeked at the console.

".... Do you like...playing games?" Kenma asked.

"I don't play them as much, but its fun to pass the time. I like any games that seem interesting to me."

"Senpai....

"Hm?"

"Um... how did you, defeat it...?"

"Hmm...? Oh...well, you just push this button, then use these two...." She explained as Kenma intriguingly listened.

"Kenma isn't acting shy around her," said Yaku with a smile.

"Hmm~ that girl is interesting," Kuroo smirked.

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

"Neko-okksan~!" Mizuki ran down the hallway and into the old man with a hug. He happily returned it.

"Ahaha! If it isn't little Mizuki," he grinned, "its been a long time. Look how much you've grown."

"You still look like an old cat," she smirked.

"Still energetic I see," he did the same, "so...I believe you have something to say to me?"

"Hai. Ukai wanted me to observe your team, so I'll be with you writing down information for future use. Is that okay?"

"Sure. This is a practice match, so writing vital information to know your opponents is a part of the experience."

"Thank you, Neko-okksan," she bowed to him.

"Coach," Naoi walked towards them, "Karasuno has arrived."

"Alright. Why don't you go and meet up with your friends? I have to speak to their coach."

"Okay."

Mizuki went outside, and looked around. She then saw Karasuno and Nekoma Volleyball teams coming towards her. She saw her brother and Kenma, looking at Yamamoto and Tanaka who were depressed. Mizuki snuck behind Hinata.

"Boo!"

"Gyah!!" Hinata jumped back in alarm. Mizuki gave him a toothy grin.

"Hey guys!"

"Aaahh!! Nee-san!!" Hinata shouted.

"You finally made it, Shoyo!" she hugged him.

"Nee-san?" Yaku said in shock.

"That shrimp is her brother?"

"Mizuki? Why are you here?" Sugawara asked.

"Keishin asked me to come early."

"Mizuki-san~!" NIshinoya and Tanaka both hugged her as she sheepishly smiled.

"Ahaha...its good to see you too," she said. She got used to their unexpected hugs.

Unaware to her, Yamamoto glared at them as he grits his teeth, while Yaku and Inuoka sweat dropped. Mizuki took notice of this and sighed.

"Yama-kun, stop giving that face. There's no need to fight."

"E-eh!? U-um..." Yamamoto blushed as he stuttered.

"Mizuki-san, you gave him a nickname!?" Nishinoya whined, "that's not fair~"

"Why is that?"

"We want a nickname too!"

"But I like calling you by your name. So, there's no need for one."

"Mizuki~" they complained.

"Shut up!" Mizuki bashed their heads. She then turned to see Hinata and Kenma.

"Let's head inside already."

"Hai~!" Hinata and Kenma followed her in the gym. Yaku and Sugawara sweat dropped.

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

"Eehh!?" Hinata, Tanaka and Nishinoya exclaimed in shock. Mizuki sighed but smiled anyway.

"That's why I'm telling you," she implied, "I'll be sitting with Nekomata while observing his team. It'll help with your next training exercises if you knew what kind of skills your opponents have."

"That's true," Sawamura nodded, "well, we won't interfere with you."

"Thanks, but I'll still keep an eye on all of you." Just then, Kuroo entered the scene.

"Yo, little mandarin~," he gave an amusing look. He pats her head affectionately.

".... Mandarin...?" She tilted her head at the unusual nickname. Behind her, Tanaka and Nishinoya glared at him. Sawarmura smiled, but inside he was really annoyed by Kuroo's actions.

"Our coach is wondering if you're ready."

"Oh, okay. I'll see you guys. Do your best." She walked next to Kuroo as they went to the other side of the court.

"I seriously don't like that guy," Tanaka hissed.

"He's way too friendly with her," Nishinoya growled.

"Now, now," Sugawara tried to calm them, "let's focus on the match. You guys need to get out there." He and Sawamura pushed them to the court.

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

"Ah!"

"What's wrong?" Yusuke asked Shimada.

"Isn't that Mizuki?" He looked down at the orange hair girl who was sitting next to Nekomata.

"It is. I haven't seen her in years."

"....?" Mizuki looked up to see the two men. She smiled and waved to them. They did the same.

It was the first match, and Mizuki was watching the teams play. It was then, that Kageyama was setting the ball. Within an instant, Hinata jumped high and slammed the ball passed Kenma. The sound of the ball hitting the wall and bouncing back.

"Amazing speed," Inuoka gaped.

"What was that? He wasn't watching the toss," Nekomata was shocked. Ukai and Takeda were grinning mischievously. Mizuki giggled.

"Impressive, right?" she looked at Nekomata.

"Heh...seems you gave us a scare," he grinned, "but we'll turn the tables soon enough."

After a few points, Hinata spiked another one passed Inuoka. Mizuki looked at him, and then at Kageyama.

'It looks like Kageyama knows... Inuoka is targeting Shoyo,' she thought to herself, 'not to mention the blockers are in a dedicate shift....'

She watched as her brother did another spike, but failed when Inuoka did a one touch. Kenma then did a feint, which caught Hinata off guard.

'Nice play.... seems that Nekoma hasn't changed a bit.'

When the next attack came, Noya was ready to cover.

"Right!" Kageyama called the toss. Nishinoya served it. On the right, side, Kageyama jumped and slammed the ball passed the blocker.

"That's called a straight," he pointed at Hinata, "learn to discriminate with your spikes." Hinata got irritated as much as Tanaka and Sugawara. Mizuki sighed with a smile.

The score was now 11 to 19, with Karasuno still in the lead. Right after Yamamoto covered the ball, Kenma ready to set. He glanced to the right, which Tsukishima caught sight of. However, when he started to go in that direction, Kenma sets the ball to the left instead.

"All right!" some of Kenma's members shouted.

"He's concerned about what others think," Nekomata spoke, which Mizuki heard him, "hence he's good at observing people. However, that's not the only strength of our team."

"I agree," she stated, "and I'm pretty sure what your strategy is going to be in the next set." Both she and Nekomata smirked at each other. And she was right.

Mizuki watched all players one each side. She noticed their styles, plays, techniques and every intention. What made her aware was how Hinata was being pinned by Inuoka. He kept blocking every spike her brother did. On the other bench, Ukai also noticed the change of pace.

'Their #7 is getting used to Hinata's moves,' he said in his thoughts.

Hinata was getting warned out. Karasuno was in a pinch.

"The 'human wall' that breaks the will," Nekomata said, "the more you run into it, the more discouraged you feel."

".... Heh~ you really think so...?" She said casually with a smile, catching Nekomata's attention. Just then, Kenma's eyes widened. Hinata was smiling. He shocked everyone on the court, even his teammates.

"He's smiling," the old man was surprised.

"I used to hate blocks," Hinata told Kageyama, "I hated them. But...I feel excitement when that guy's in front of me, blocking all my spikes. It's different than usual...but with a strategy and your toss, I'm sure we can break through this wall." He then faced the raven hair boy.

"So please...one more time. Toss to me!" Kageyama could only agree with him.

"You finally get it, Shoyo!" Mizuki shouted to him, Hinata looking at her.

"You go and do what you do best," she smiled with her eyes closed, "I know you can find a way." Hinata's smile widened as he nodded.

After a while, Hinata and Kageyama were trying to do a different approach. Though they struggled to come in sync, they tried over and over until the whistle blew for a brief time out. Mizuki looked at Karasuno. Hinata was apologizing to them, but it seemed that everyone, except Tsukishima, was keeping his spirits up.

"It seems you're expecting something to happen," Nekomata's voice caught her attention.

"Maybe," she smiled to herself, "I only met Karasuno for a while, but I know my brother...and he's still learning. All the more reason to leave room for improvement. That's one thing I'm hoping." Nekomata couldn't help but smile. As she continued, she kept her eyes on the game.

"I'm sure Keishin remembers what his grandpa said," she implied, "how the 'Little Giant' was always being blocked, but he soon overcame that later on." Right at that moment, Ukai was saying the same thing.

"I'm just repeating the story my grandpa told me," Ukai stated, as Takeda and Kiyoko listened. He watched as Hinata was in mid-air. Inuoka tired to block him.

"Because people don't have wings..." He began.

"Because people don't have wings..." Mizuki started.

"We look for ways to fly." They both said.

When he made contact with the ball, Hinata turned his hand to spike the ball on the far right. Unfortunately, Naoi called 'out', making it Nekoma's point. Still, it was surprising to the opponents.

"That was amazing, Shoyo!" Inuoka smiled at him in excitement. Hinata exhaled and then looked up.

"One more!" He shouted. With that, Mizuki smiled at her brother.

"Looks like its not over yet."

'What will you do now.... Shoyo?'