Annihilation

Hey, I hope all of you are doing great!

The power stones goal is 40, so good luck and enjoy reading :D

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The soft golden rays of the morning sun gently bathed the Miyagi Prefecture suburbs in a warm, ethereal glow.

"Haa!" As the world outside began to stir, Shoyo found himself emerging from the embrace of sleep, his limbs stretching languidly as he made his way to the kitchen.

Upon entering, his senses were immediately captivated by an enticing aroma that hung in the air like a promise of a delightful day ahead. To his astonishment, the kitchen countertop was adorned with a splendid spread: freshly cooked Waffles, crispy Bacon, and perfectly scrambled Eggs lay before him, their savory fragrance wafting through the room and making his stomach rumble in anticipation.

Shoyo's eyes widened in amazement, reflecting the sheer delight that filled his heart. "Whoa!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine surprise and gratitude.

But the enchanting surprises did not end there. As he inhaled deeply, his nostrils were graced by the heavenly scent of aromatic coffee, a rich and inviting fragrance that enveloped him like a comforting embrace. The promise of that first sip was almost palpable, and he could practically taste the indulgence in the air.

"Sho," a familiar voice called out, breaking his reverie. Startled, Shoyo spun around to find Sora standing there.

"Eek!" Shoyo squeaked in surprise, his reaction echoing through the kitchen like a delightful melody.

"Hahaha!" Sora's laughter bubbled up at Shoyo's adorable surprise, filling the room with a contagious sense of joy.

Shoyo then shifted his attention to Sora's outfit, studying the details with curiosity.

Sora was wearing an orange jacket, the vibrant color contrasting with his black shorts. Underneath, he had black leggings, providing extra comfort and flexibility, and he completed the look with a pair of crisp white tennis shoes.

Sora approached Shoyo, his fingers gently ruffling through his hair, a tender gesture that spoke volumes of their bond.

"Good morning, Sho," Sora greeted, his voice warm and affectionate. "How was your sleep?"

"It's great," Shoyo replied, his smile radiant, mirroring the morning sun streaming through the windows.

"That's great!" Sora responded, his enthusiasm infectious. "Anyway, eat some breakfast, and I will leave now."

Shoyo, curious, raised one of his brows in a questioning manner. "Why are you leaving so early?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

"I have a Tennis Practice Match, remember?" Sora explained a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot about that," Shoyo replied, his tone tinged with understanding.

With a cheerful grin, Sora waved his goodbye.

"Well, see ya later!" he called as he walked out of the kitchen.

"Oh, sure, Aniki," Shoyo replied, his voice filled with affection, acknowledging Sora's departure with a fond smile.

Shoyo turned to the mouthwatering spread of food on the kitchen counter, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"I've dreamed of this moment all my life," Shoyo said with a grin, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

Without further ado, he eagerly reached for the waffles, bacon, eggs, and a steaming cup of aromatic coffee, ready to savor the delicious breakfast that awaited him. Of course, he would leave some for Natsu.

================

Time Skip

Sora and Nicholas arrived at the Aoba Johsai Tennis Court. Sora's face bore a bored expression, his eyes scanning the surroundings disinterestedly, while Nicholas looked around, taking in the unfamiliar environment.

Meanwhile, Ichigo and Hideo remained at Karasuno, since Sora was the one who was requested to play.

Nicholas glanced at the well-maintained court and remarked, "Their tennis court looks better than the ones in Karasuno. Hey, Sora, how come you chose Karasuno?"

Sora shrugged nonchalantly. "It's because Shoyo is there."

"I see," Nicholas replied, accepting the explanation without further question.

In the distance, a middle-aged man in a mint-colored tracksuit approached them, his presence unexpected.

"Welcome, I'm Masuda Kotone, the coach of Aoba Johsai Tennis Club," he introduced himself politely.

After exchanging pleasantries, Sora raised one of his brows. "So, where's Kazuki Tanaka?"

"Ah, sorry about that, he was taking a bathroom break," Masuda explained apologetically.

"Sorry, I'm late!" They suddenly heard a masculine voice, the source of the sound emerging as a figure hurried toward them,

They turned to where the voice came from and saw a lean but muscular teenager. He had striking short purple hair and sharp red eyes, a combination that stood out even from a distance. By Sora's standards, he was undeniably handsome.

"You're late, Tanaka," Masuda said, his tone both tender and firm, a blend of understanding and discipline.

"Sorry about that, coach," Tanaka replied sheepishly, scratching the back of his head in a gesture of apology.

Sora observed Tanaka quietly, taking in his appearance without passing judgment. 'So, this is Kazuki Tanaka,' he thought, mentally preparing himself for the match ahead.

Tanaka saw Sora and offered his hand with a warm smile. "I'm Kazuki Tanaka. It's nice to meet you again, Hinata."

Sora raised one of his brows, puzzled by the "again" in Tanaka's statement. He shook hands with him and inquired, "Again?"

Kazuki let go of the handshake and scratched his cheek, a hint of embarrassment in his expression. "Well, we actually faced each other in the Miyagi Inter-Junior High Tennis Tournament five years ago, and I lost horribly against you. Hehe."

"Oh," Sora replied, his tone neutral, not quite sure how to respond to the unexpected revelation. He maintained a composed demeanor, although a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes before he quickly masked it.

...

After a brief warm-up and a coin toss, the two players were now on opposite sides of the court, preparing for the match. Kazuki stood ready to serve, the ball in his hand, while Sora positioned himself to receive the serve, his focus entirely on the game ahead.

Nicholas and Masuda stand in the sides, while a random member of Aoba Johsai is doing the umpire job.

"Play," the umpire commanded, his voice cutting through the silence like a command.

Kazuki served with impressive speed, the tennis ball leaving his racket at a staggering 90 miles per hour.

However, Sora's response was nothing short of extraordinary. With lightning-fast reflexes, he returned the ball with incredible speed, sending it zooming towards the right single sideline at a jaw-dropping 120 miles per hour.

The court seemed to vibrate with the force of his shot, leaving everyone, except Nicholas, utterly stunned by Sora's unparalleled skill and power.

Nicholas, standing on the sideline, merely nodded, his eyes gleaming with pride. He had seen Sora's incredible abilities before, but even he couldn't help but be amazed by the sheer brilliance of that return.

...

"Game, Hinata," announced the umpire, marking the first game of the set and putting the score at 1-0 in Sora's favor.

He had won that point just by returning the ball at a staggering speed of 120 miles per hour.

It was now Sora's turn to serve.

Sora stepped up to the baseline, his eyes focused and determination etched on his face. He bounced the ball a few times, his grip firm on the racket handle. With a swift, controlled motion, he tossed the ball into the air.

The tennis court was silent except for the sound of the ball being struck. Sora's racket met the ball in a powerful flat serve, executed with perfect precision. The ball shot over the net at an impressive speed of 135 miles per hour, slicing through the air in a straight, low trajectory.

Kazuki, caught off guard by the sheer velocity and flat trajectory of the serve, attempted to react, but the ball zipped past him before he could make a move.

He could only watch in awe as the ball landed squarely in the service box, marking another point for Sora. The mastery of Sora's technique was evident in the precision and speed of the flat serve, leaving Kazuki momentarily stunned.

...

"Game and set, Hinata," the umpire declared, his voice carrying the finality of the score.

Sora clinched the opening set with a flawless 6-0 victory within 29 minutes.

Throughout the first set, Sora displayed remarkable precision by consistently striking the ball flat. His shots zipped across the court, leaving Kazuki little room to react. Sora's strategy proved to be highly effective, putting immense pressure on his opponent and earning him a decisive win in the set.

Feeling the weight of his previous defeat and the pressure of the current match, Kazuki approached Masuda for some advice.

"Coach, he's doing it again," Kazuki said, frustration evident in his voice as he remembered his embarrassing loss against Sora in the Miyagi Inter-Junior High Tennis Tournament.

Masuda adopted a thoughtful pose, considering Kazuki's words carefully. "You should be more aggressive and hit those sidelines," he suggested, his tone firm but encouraging.

Masuda continued, his voice laden with determination, "From the way you've played, you're inadvertently feeding Sora the ball. You need to disrupt his rhythm, make him move, and don't give him any chance to settle comfortably on the court. Be aggressive, find those openings, and challenge him at every turn. Remember, tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical. Believe in your abilities, Kazuki, and seize the opportunity."

Kazuki's frustration was palpable as he voiced his concerns to Masuda. "But how can I do that when he keeps sending me those balls like a bazooka?" he asked, his tone tinged with desperation. "I... just don't have the time to react."

Masuda placed a hand on Kazuki's shoulder, offering reassurance. "I understand it's challenging, Kazuki, but remember, tennis is also about strategy. Anticipate his moves, read his body language, and try to predict where he might hit the ball. Position yourself strategically, be light on your feet, and stay on your toes. Don't let his speed overwhelm you; instead, use it against him. Stay calm, focus on your game, and trust your training. You have the skills; now, it's about applying them under pressure."

Kazuki took a deep breath, his resolve solidifying. He sighed, releasing his tension, and nodded. "Okay... I'll try," he said, determination flickering in his eyes.

Masuda smiled encouragingly, patting Kazuki's back gently.

...

It was now the time for the second and final set.

Kazuki would be serving first.

Kazuki took a deep breath, his focus sharpening as he looked at Sora, who stood prepared and vigilant on the other side of the net.

'I'll try serving down the T', he thought, a strategic decision in his mind.

In tennis, serving down the T refers to hitting the ball down the center of the court, aiming for the service box located in the middle of the baseline. This strategy is often used to catch the opponent off guard, as it minimizes the angles and gives the server a good chance to control the point from the very beginning.

With deliberate precision, Kazuki tossed the ball into the air and swung his racket in a smooth, powerful motion. The ball shot across the court like an arrow, its trajectory aimed perfectly at the center of the service box. The impact echoed faintly, resonating with Kazuki's determination.

Sora, quick to react, managed to return the serve, but his response lacked the power and depth he intended. The ball landed short in the middle of Kazuki's side of the court.

Seizing the opportunity, Kazuki sprinted forward, closing the gap between him and the ball in an instant. With swift footwork, he positioned himself and unleashed a potent forehand shot towards the right sideline of Sora's side. The ball sailed through the air, a testament to Kazuki's newfound confidence and determination.

Sora, initially hesitant, sprinted towards the ball, his eyes locked on its trajectory. He skidded to a stop, contemplating whether the ball might be out.

However, much to his surprise, the ball landed perfectly within the sideline, marking a brilliant shot by Kazuki. Sora's eyes widened slightly, acknowledging the skill displayed by his opponent, even as he prepared himself for the next exchange.

...

"Game, Tanaka," declared the umpire, marking Kazuki's successful service game.

Undeterred by his previous attempts, Kazuki persisted with his strategy of serving down the T. However, Sora, recognizing the pattern, adjusted his positioning and timing, managing to catch up to 40-40. The exchange was intense, with each player showcasing their skills and determination on the court.

In a tense moment, Kazuki summoned his resolve and executed a masterful play, forcing Sora into an error. With a powerful shot, he claimed the game, his determination evident in every stroke.

Sora released a sigh, his mind focused and determined. 'It seems it's now my turn to serve,' he thought, a flicker of strategy forming in his mind.

He grinned, his confidence shining through. 'I'm going to body serve at him,' he planned, aiming to exploit Kazuki's position on the court.

In tennis, a body serve refers to hitting the ball directly at the opponent's body, making it challenging for them to react and return the shot effectively. The aim is to exploit the opponent's lack of mobility and force them into a defensive position, making it difficult for them to generate power in their return.

With purposeful steps, Sora approached the baseline, his eyes fixed on his opponent. He bounced the ball a few times, feeling its familiar weight in his hand. The court was silent, and then, with a swift motion, he tossed the ball into the air.

Sora's racket sliced through the air, meeting the ball with precision. The impact reverberated as he delivered a powerful flat serve aimed directly at Kazuki's body.

"Shit!" Kazuki exclaimed in frustration as he lunged to return, putting all his effort into it. Unfortunately, his attempt was in vain.

The ball sailed off his racket, going out of the court with a trajectory akin to that of a baseball home run. The point was lost, leaving Kazuki visibly frustrated by the missed opportunity.

Masuda, who watched Sora's serve in astonishment, couldn't help but marvel at the young player's skill.

'How is this kid a teenager? He plays like a pro and hits like a damn truck.' he wondered, his mind racing as he observed Sora's professionalism and power on the court.

His curiosity piqued, Masuda glanced at the radar gun, the device that measured the speed of the tennis ball. The digital display read 139 mph, confirming the incredible velocity of Sora's serve.

Masuda shook his head in disbelief, recognizing that he was witnessing a level of talent rarely seen in players of Sora's age. With a newfound sense of respect, he continued to watch the match unfold, eager to see how Kazuki would respond to the challenge posed by this exceptional opponent.

Nicholas, standing on the sidelines, felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him as he witnessed Sora's powerful serve. "That serve, it feels like I'm coaching Aubert again," he muttered proudly to himself, a hint of admiration in his voice.

During training sessions, Nicholas had often noticed striking similarities between Aubert and Sora. Their playstyles mirrored each other, characterized by raw power and a relentless determination to win. Nicholas couldn't help but wonder if Sora was a huge fan of Aubert, drawing inspiration from the world-renowned player.

"Could it be that Sora is a huge fan of Aubert?" Nicholas speculated as he watched Sora serve yet another ace, his mind racing with thoughts.

Aubert Hiro, the current number-one tennis player in the world, was a source of inspiration for many aspiring athletes. Nicholas wouldn't have been surprised if Sora admired him greatly, unknowingly emulating his style.

Unbeknownst to Nicholas, he remained unaware of Sora's mysterious past life, the truth hidden beneath the surface of the young tennis prodigy he was coaching.

===============

"Game, set, and match, Hinata!" the student umpire declared, making Sora's victory official.

Sora had dominated the match, winning with a score of 6-0 in the first set and 6-1 in the second.

Sora and Kazuki met at the net, a mixture of disappointment and sportsmanship in Kazuki's eyes. Despite his own frustrations, he managed to summon a smile. "Great game, Hinata!" he said, his voice carrying sincerity and respect.

Sora returned the handshake, acknowledging Kazuki's efforts. "You played well too, Tanaka. Keep practicing, and I'm sure we'll have an even more challenging match next time," he encouraged, showing his sportsmanship and humility in victory.

Sora leaned in closer to Kazuki's ear, his voice gentle but firm. "Also, be confident and stop doubting yourself," he whispered, his words carrying the weight of experience. "If you do that, you'll win more matches."

Kazuki looked at Sora, surprise and gratitude mingling in his eyes. He nodded slowly, taking in Sora's advice.

...

After bidding their farewells, Sora and Nicholas stood together in front of the Aoba Johsai gate.

"Okay," Nicholas clapped his hands with an encouraging smile. "That was a fantastic match, Sora. Keep it up! Your progress is remarkable, and I'm sure you're going to make waves in the tennis world."

Sora nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Thanks, Coach. I won't stop here. I'm aiming for the top."

Sora winced as Nicholas lightly punched his shoulder. "Ouch," he muttered, rubbing the affected area with a small grin.

Nicholas's curiosity got the best of him as he inquired, "By the way, Sora, are you a big fan of Aubert Hiro?"

Sora's heart skipped a beat, but he chose his words carefully, not wanting to reveal his true identity. "Uhh... yeah, why?" he asked, maintaining a casual demeanor.

Nicholas nodded thoughtfully. "Oh, it's nothing. It's just that you two possess a similar playing style. It's impressive to see that influence in your game."

Sora breathed a sigh of relief, relieved that his secret remained safe. "Yeah, I've always admired his game. He's an inspiration."

"I see," Nicholas replied, nodding in understanding.

"I'll go home now; I still have classes and a volleyball practice match later," Sora said, offering a small wave before he turned to leave.

"Uhh... okay," Nicholas said, his voice trailing off as he watched Sora's disappearing figure.

He sighed, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in his tone. "He also acts like Aubert, leaving so suddenly without me saying goodbyes."

With that, Nicholas left the Aoba Johsai gates and went back to Karasuno.

=================

Sora arrived at his house, unlocking the door with his house key. He wasted no time, immediately changing his clothes and taking a refreshing shower. Afterward, he donned his school uniform, preparing for the volleyball match scheduled for later in the day.

Gathering his necessary equipment and belongings, Sora checked to ensure he had everything he needed. With his backpack slung over his shoulder, he locked the house securely behind him and headed towards Karasuno High School.

Sora was aware that he had skipped half of his classes for the morning tennis match, but it wasn't a concern. The teachers were well-informed about his commitments, understanding that he needed to balance his academic responsibilities with his rigorous training and practice schedule.

After a while, Sora arrived at school, and it seemed like he had reached during the lunch break.

Walking through the bustling hallway, he observed his fellow students going about their activities, some chatting, and others enjoying their meals.

Finally, he arrived in front of class 4. Sora gently slid the door open and entered, his classmates engrossed in their own conversations and tasks, completely unaware of his presence.

"Sora-san," he suddenly heard Yamaguchi's voice behind him.

"AHH!", Startled by the unexpected greeting, Sora jumped in surprise, causing a ripple of laughter to spread through the classroom as his classmates turned to see what had happened.

Amidst the laughter, Sora couldn't help but blush in embarrassment.

Once the mirth had died down, his classmates returned to their activities, and Sora turned around to find Yamaguchi and Tsukishima looking at him.

"Yams, you shouldn't scare me like that," Sora sighed in a mix of amusement and relief, his hand resting gently on both of Yamaguchi's shoulders.

Yamaguchi sweatdropped, "Sorry about that, Sora-san," he said, his expression sheepish as he offered an apologetic smile.

"Nah, it's fine," Sora waved his hand dismissively, his good-natured demeanor evident.

"I didn't know the Ice King could scream like a princess asking for help," Tsukishima remarked, a playful smirk on his face.

Sora chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, if that's the case, you can be my knight in shining armor," he teased, his playful tone laced with humor.

Tsukishima's cheeks tinged with a hint of blush as he huffed in response. "Tch!" he scoffed, looking away.

It dawned on him that trying to mock Sora was a futile endeavor; his friend's witty comebacks and good-natured humor made it nearly impossible to get the upper hand.

Yamaguchi noticed Tsukishima's reaction and decided to change the subject. "By the way, Sora-san, how was your tennis practice match?" he inquired, steering the conversation toward a more neutral topic.

"Before that, let's get to our seats," Sora suggested, motioning for his friends to join him.

Their seats happened to be conveniently right next to each other, allowing them to continue their conversation without missing a beat.

Once settled, Sora enthusiastically shared the details of his dominant performance in the tennis match. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he described the intense rallies, powerful serves, and strategic plays that had led to his victory.

Yamaguchi and Tsukishima listened intently, their expressions reflecting both admiration for Sora's skills and pride in their friend's accomplishments.

"Geez, that wasn't a battle, that was a massacre," Yamaguchi muttered, shaking his head in amazement at Sora's dominating performance on the tennis court.

Sora grinned, appreciating his friend's humor. "Well, I just gave it my all," he replied modestly, downplaying his achievement.

Tsukishima smirked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're getting pretty confident there, aren't you?" he teased, but there was a subtle note of admiration in his voice.

Sora shrugged, his grin widening. "Confidence is key, Tsukki," he said, his tone light. "But hey, enough about tennis. How's the volleyball team doing?"

...

At the end of class, all the members of the Karasuno boys' volleyball club gathered in front of a minibus, their anticipation palpable in the air.

"Line up!" Daichi's commanding voice cut through the chatter, prompting the team to swiftly form a line, their energy focused and ready for the upcoming practice.

Keishin and Takeda were in front of them. They both realized that Sora was not there.

Keishin turned to Shoyo, his tone a mix of curiosity and authority. "Hey, Brat," he called. "Where's Sora?"

Takeda, standing alongside Keishin, also looked concerned, realizing the significance of the missing players in the upcoming practice.

"I actually don't know, let me call him," Shoyo said, pulling out his phone in an attempt to reach Sora.

Yamaguchi, who had been with Sora earlier, chimed in. "Sora-san said he was getting something," he informed the group.

"Sorry, I'm late!" Right on cue, they heard Sora's voice.

They all turned and saw Sora running toward them at full speed, leaving a huge trail of dust behind him.

All of them sweatdropped, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on their faces as they watched Sora's dramatic entrance.

"You damn brat, you're late!" Keishin exclaimed, unable to hide his irritation as he smacked Sora's head lightly, a mix of scolding and camaraderie in his tone.

"Ow!" Sora winced slightly, but he wore a sheepish grin, acknowledging his tardiness.

"Now, get in line, brat," Keishin said, his tone firm yet laced with affectionate exasperation.

"Hai," Sora muttered, giving a playful salute as he touched his head in acknowledgment.

Okay, today is the practice match against Aoba Johsai, so let's win!" Keishin declared, his voice brimming with determination and confidence.

"Hai!" The team responded in unison, their voices echoing with unity and resolve. They bowed down, a gesture symbolizing their commitment and respect for the game, their opponents, and the hard work they were about to put in.

==================

Omake:

Why Keishin is tired of the Hinata twin's antics:

Keishin had always acknowledged the immense potential in Sora and Shoyo, recognizing their passion for volleyball and their eagerness to improve. That's why he had willingly coached them even before they officially joined Karasuno.

However, what he hadn't anticipated was the level of stress that came with mentoring the energetic twins. It wasn't that they were hard to teach; in fact, their talent was undeniable.

The challenge lay in the fact that the twins often found themselves in the midst of unexpected trouble.

One particular incident stood out vividly in Keishin's memory. He had taken them to a nice café as a treat, hoping for a relaxing outing. But in a twist of fate, while Keishin was momentarily distracted, Sora had somehow managed to accidentally start a fire in the bathroom.

The cause remained a mystery to everyone except the three of them. The once-charming café had been reduced to ashes. Fortunately, with their acting skills, nobody knew Sora was the one who did it.

Also, nobody was hurt, so it was good.

"U-Uhm, Keishin-san, please...don't tell anyone about this," Sora whispered to his ears.

Keishin nodded as he watched the firemen putting the fire out.

In another unfortunate incident, this time involving Shoyo, he accidentally poisoned one of the neighborhood members, Yukinari Mori. It was a genuine mistake – Shoyo had unwittingly given Mori expired milk, unaware of its condition, which led to Mori being hospitalized.

Sora, feeling responsible for his brother's actions, took it upon himself to handle the situation. Using the money he had earned from the tournaments he won and sponsorships, he decided to cover Yukinari's medical bills.

Fortunately, Yukinari survived the incident, although it left everyone involved deeply shaken. Shoyo, feeling guilt-ridden, couldn't stop apologizing, his regret evident in every word and action as he tried to make up for his unintended mistake.

Shoyo approached Keishin, his eyes wide with concern, and whispered urgently, "Keishin-san, please don't tell this incident to everybody outside the Neighborhood Association Team."

Keishin let out a weary sigh, his frustration was evident as he facepalmed.