I'm only a weakling | haikyuu

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"Oh? Since the afternoon game is only Karasuno vs. Aoba Johsai, it seems like Dynamite-senpai is particularly interested in this one."

You caught the challenging look in Oikawa's eyes as he continued, "So... tell me, who do you think will win, Dynamite?"

As you felt the inevitable approach of this question, your mind went blank. But before you could deflect, he'd already thrown it out, and now Hinata was gazing up at you, eyes wide with anticipation.

It felt like the classic "Who do you love more?" type of question.

...Probably not the best comparison.

You felt the pressure mounting as you stared at Oikawa's smirk and Hinata's expectant eyes. Honestly, you wanted to blurt out that Karasuno would win, just like in the original story, but after watching how much stronger Aoba Johsai looked this morning and remembering how quickly Karasuno was improving during the Tokyo training camp, it didn't seem so certain anymore.

Plus, you'd already change so far off the original storylines with Shiratorizawa's victory at Inter-High that it was clear the future wasn't going to play out as neatly as it had in the manga.

Just as you were struggling to find an answer that wouldn't offend either side, a calm, familiar voice sounded from behind you.

"Shiratorizawa will win."

The three of you turned in unison, startled, to find Ushijima standing there.

Apparently unfazed by your looks, Ushijima's expression remained steady and reliable as ever as he continued, "The final winner will only be Shiratorizawa."

Right. Just now, Oikawa hadn't asked who would win this game—he'd asked who the "final winner" would be. Ushijima had basically sidestepped the whole question with that simple answer.

You mentally gave Ushijima a grateful nod for his quick thinking, unaware that he probably didn't even know what game you were talking about in the first place. By sheer luck, he'd just saved you from a tough spot.

Hinata blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting an answer like that, while Oikawa threw an annoyed glance past you at Ushijima's towering frame.

There he was, Ushijima being Ushijima: with a few words, he'd effectively shifted Oikawa's focus off you and onto himself. Well, maybe not focus so much as annoyance.

You noticed a few other players and spectators were starting to gather around, likely eavesdropping on the conversation, so you quickly encouraged Hinata and Oikawa with a few neutral words, then nudged Ushijima along, leading the way into the stadium.

Once seated, you felt a wave of relief. With Hinata around, trying to quietly escape from any restroom interaction was out of the question.

Now that you were settling in to watch the game, you could feel Ushijima's steady gaze on you again, as if he had something he wanted to bring up but kept hesitating.

Curious, you glanced over, but as soon as you did, he looked away. Strange as it was, you didn't press the issue—if Ushijima had something important to say, he'd eventually come out with it.

What you didn't realize was that Ushijima had been deep in thought about your supposed "bathroom fight" with the other players. He hoped that, moving forward, you'd refrain from using such "techniques" in official matches. But he just couldn't figure out how to bring it up without somehow encouraging more of what he'd already seen.

So, this was why Ushijima kept glancing over at you.

Unaware of this, you had no idea that your so-called "aggressive streak" was becoming more established among your teammates with each passing day.