7 p.m.

Tons of people arrive. and when you've got dozens of high schoolers, it's a party. Most of the boys were wearing yukatas.

"Ah~ I almost had it!" Bokuto wails after losing a shooting game to Kuroo, who triumphantly holds his prize.

"One more time!"

"Why not."

"You think he'd learn after the third try," Akaashi sighs, making Komi awkwardly chuckle.

"Wow, Hana-san, you're good at goldfish scooping." Sugawara's compliment made her blush.

"T-thank you, Sugawara-san."

"Her dad is a fisherman," says Rin.

"So, fishing is in her genes," Matsuko adds.

"By the way..."

"Yes?" Matsuko looks to Sawamura.

"Where are Mizuki and Akira?"

"I haven't seen them, either," Asahi implies.

The trio-girls mischievously smile.

"Who knows~." The Karasuno third-years blink in confusion. At that moment, Shoyo and Kenma were eating takoyaki and cotton-candy, when the second-year looks down the path.

"Ah...isn't that..."

"Hm?...Oh~!" Shoyo smiles. He quickly waves his arm to get everyone's attention.

"Guys~! They're they are!" When everyone looks, their reaction was the same. No longer in sportswear, the duo were clashing lovely yukatas. Skye had a white with pink-flower pattern-n'-sash, and a bun-hairstyle. Mizuki's was a dark-blue with white on the ends of the sleeves-n'-rim, a red-sash, and a side-ponytail-hairstyle.

"So pretty," Yachi and Hana unison.

"You guys look great," Sawamura compliments.

"Hey~. You two still in there?" Sugawara and Ennoshita were poking the second-year-duo, as if they were in a trance.

"Thanks! Ah, Yaku-san~!"

"Dah!" Skye hugs him.

"Thank you so much!"

"E-eh...why?"

"Because," she giggles, "you were cheering me on the whole time. I was so happy." Yaku shies away from her gaze, scratching his chin.

"W-well, I wasn't the only one..."

"And here's your reward~."

Chu~

"Ngh!" He went stiff as a board painted red after she kisses his cheek. Skye backs away and smiles.

"Thank you, Morisuke." He could only stutter gibberish, unable to comprehend what happened.

"Nice one," Kuroo gives a thumbs up.

"Lucky you," Bokuto laughs.

"S-Shut up!" Everyone laughs as Yaku argues with them.

"...Hm...?" From the sidelines, Mizuki spots two boys and one girl playing a ring-toss game.

Clank!

"Aww~ dang it!"

"Nice try, man."

"Hey pops, one more try."

"Sure thing."

"Excuse me..."

"Huh?" They turn around to see Mizuki.

"Ah! Y-you're Hinata-san!"

"Yeah, that's me."

"We saw you compete today."

"You guys were amazing!" Mizuki pats the boy's head.

"I'm flattered. Thanks for your support."

"O-oh, uh, you're welcome."

"What prize are you aiming for?"

"Uh...that one." He points at a toy.

"Hmm...okay, then." She puts some coins on the counter.

"Excuse me, sir, I'd like to play. And do you have some string so I can tie up my sleeves?"

"Alright." She turns to the children.

"Mind if you guys help?"

"Eh?"

"...Hm...what the...?"

"What's wrong, Hinata?"

"Look." He and Asahi find Mizuki standing a foot away from the booth, her hands in formation. The kids were standing on both sides with rings.

"Okay, you know what to do."

"You sure it's okay?"

"I mean, didn't you get hurt during your game?"

"I can still move. So, come on..."

"Alright...here!"

WHIRL

One tosses a ring to Mizuki.

Foom!

She responds by tossing it into one of the pegs.

Clank!

"Yeah! It went in!"

"Keep it coming, guys."

"Right!"

WHIRL

Fwoom

Clank!

Fwoom

Clank!

With focus and agility, Mizuki landed every last ring into all the pegs. The people around her clap, astounded by her performance.

"That was so cool!"

"Okay, kids, take whatever prize you want."

"Thank you, Hinata-san!"

"Ooh, look at this one!"

"I'm getting this."

"Nee-san is really good with kids," Shoyo smiles, making Asahi chuckle.

BRI~NG--BRI~NG!

Just then, Mizuki's phone rang.

"Yes, hello?...Oh, hey. Yeah...I'm glad you took the time. Uh...where?...Okay, sure. See ya soon." She hangs up.

"Who was that," Asahi asks.

"A friend of mine is near the shrine. Do you mind if I say hello?"

"Okay. Just call me when you're done."

"Thanks." Mizuki goes off in another direction. When arriving above some stairsteps and everyone else, she sees more than just one familiar face.

"Hey-yah~/Hey, Mizuki." Oikawa and Tendou were waving.

"Good evening, Hinata." Ushijima, Ohira, Shirabu and Semi bow their heads.

"Did you walk far?"

"Hi, Hajime...and no, it only took ten minutes."

"Eh~? How come you started calling Iwa-chan by his name?"

"Don't be jealous, Oikawa," Hanamaki teases, "you can't outdo a sibling bond."

"U-um, hello again, senpai."

"Ah, Goshiki-kun. How are you?"

"Y-you look pretty!"

"Uh...thank you?"

"Not the right words."

"Sorry!"

"But you do look nice in that yukata," Ohira compliments.

"It's been a long time since I've worn these." Just then, she notices Kyotani behind Matsukawa and Hanamaki.

"Hi, Kyo-chan! Did you watch the competition, too?" He flinches at the sound of that nickname. He then glances at her before bowing his head.

"That's great. Thanks for your support."

"Of course your number one fan wouldn't miss it."

"S-shut up!" He glares at his upperclassmen.

"But seriously," Iwaizumi intervenes, "I can't believe you cut your hair."

"Yeah, what possessed you," Oikawa asks. Mizuki plays with the ends.

"Well, it was a bit too long...but I guess..." She starts to smile.

"Now that I'm here, I want to make a fresh start. And that meant I had to let go of what was holding me back. Figuratively and literally."

"You sound like a wise-man."

"You mean, woman." Iwaizumi rubs her head as they both laugh.

Squawk~!

"Uh?"

"Hey, look who's joining the party."

Flap-Flap!

The boys marvel at the bird as it perches between her shoulder and elbow. A bird with black-brown feathers, and an orange-bandaging-tape around one talon.

"What is that," Goshiki asks, "it looks so cool!"

"Guys...this is Aves. He's a black-kite; an avian species." She strokes his neck, making him rub his head against her face.

"Is he your pet," Shirabu asks.

"Of course not," Mizuki smirks, "no one can tie down this bird. I rescued him in an alley a few weeks ago and treated his wounds. He follows me when he feels like it."

"I see," Iwaizumi chuckles, "so he's your friend."

"Mm-hmm. He's the one who saved me, earlier."

"Eh?"

"You see, it happened after the team and I receive our trophy..."

"After that, Miyama-san arrested Kobe and we all had a happy ending."

"I-I see." Some were awkwardly smiling.

"But I really am glad that all of you came to see me play one last time."

"Eh?"

"What do you mean?"

When she explains, most of them were surprised.

"So, that's why..."

"Aww, does that mean you won't see us play?"

"Sorry, Tendou-san."

"Well, whatever," Iwaizumi grins, "just do your best to become a first-string member."

"I will...but for now, you guys better watch out. Cause' Karasuno will be coming strong if we face off again."

"We'll be ready."

>>>>>>>FAST FORWARD>>>>>>>

"Nee-san~!"

"Mizuki-san~!"

"Do you see her?"

"Not yet." Nishinoya and Shoyo were trying to find her in the crowd, after Asahi told them where to look.

"Shoyo~!"

"Oh..." He sees an arm waving.

"Hey, guys." She breaks through the swarm.

"Hey, back."

"Asahi said you wanted to see us."

"Yup. Oh, but let's go somewhere more quiet."

The shorties come across a bridge, looking over the people near the riverbed.

"So, what did you want to tell us," Nishinoya asks.

"It's more like I forgot to say it," she awkwardly smiles, "but here goes..."

"Huh..." Out of nowhere, Mizuki hugs both of them, huddling together.

"Thank you."

"...Nee-san?"

"Out of everyone...I think you two are the best players I ever met." Their eyes widen.

"Shoyo...you're not just my brother...you've been my practice partner since we were kids. And Yuu..."

"Y-Yuu?!" He gaps when hearing Mizuki say his name for the first time.

"You reminded me of myself when I was a libero...and that's one reason why I wanted you to improve." Taking a step back, she fondly smiles.

"I want you to promise me something."

"......"

"Promise that you won't give up. And if you have to cry or even scream to the heavens...do it now...and after you make it to the nationals."

"N...Nee-san..."

"I'm very proud. You two have proven today that you have what it takes. You will make it to the final round of the preliminaries. And you will win."

"Senpai..."

"I'm sorry I can't be there to share that moment with you." Shoyo shakes his head.

"No! You will be! Because when we play out there, your spirit will be with us!"

"That's right! Your strength is now ours! We'll make you even more proud! We swear!"

"Mizuki/Nee-san..." They quickly bow.

"THANK YOU!"

"...(chuckles)Honestly..." She strokes their trembling heads as the droplets fall near her feet.

"Alright...I'll be counting on you."

"Hai!!" Mizuki stays silent, taking in the sound of their sobbing that somehow soothed her heart.

Moments Later....

[Hello, Tokyo~!!] Mizuki hollers into the mic.

The crowd roars to the Tenacious Hearts band, wearing their signature shirts as they stand on stage.

[Are you ready to light this summer fest up?]

"Yeah~!"

[This song goes out to the future dreamers! The future believers! The generation that will soar above the darkness and into the light!]

WHOO~/YEAH~!

[Let's go~!]

"1, 2--!"

Gonna fly high

Spread your wings and leap into the sky

Leave all your worries behind

You can make it, make it come on

You're gonna fly, fly high

Soar into the distant sky

A little baby bird still new to the world

Bruised and hurt, it glares at the sky

Those other birds flying in low altitude

Just let them laugh away

They'll never get to say that they were right

Let the wind blow through your soul

Let it fill your lungs and fuel your heart

You're ready, set, go

Hop, step, take the leap

Gonna fly high

Spread your wings and leap into the sky

Leave all your worries behind

You can go anywhere that you wanna go

And though you're green, you are free

Instinct telling you to claw and fight

No matter what lies ahead

Know you can make your, make your dreams all come true

And fly, fly high

Soar into the distant sky

The rain came pouring down from blackening clouds

And suddenly my wings were useless

On the path ahead, that dark storm awaits

It's one you can't escape

But you'll rise in its wake to see the light

The approaching, rolling thunder

Like crashing waves, the sound

Like the applause from the crowd

Count down with me now

Gonna fly high

With this fire burning in your heart

It shines wherever you are, so let it guide your soul

And shine from within and

Light the way, when dawn breaks

Watch the blossom of your talent bloom

So then 'til you reach the end

Aim to overcome your limits

And you will fly

Gonna fly high

Spread your wings and leap into the sky

Leave all your worries behind

You can go anywhere that you wanna go

And though you're green, you are free

Your instinct telling you to claw and fight, yeah

You can make, make it, come on you're

Gonna fly high

With this fire burning in your heart

It shines wherever you are, so let it guide your soul

And shine from within and

Light the way, when dawn breaks

Watch the blossom of your talent bloom

So then 'til you reach the end

Aim to overcome your limits

And you will fly, fly high

Soar into the distant sky