Bokuto Koutarou |5| (bokuaka).

Dinner at the multi-school camp had ended, but the gym was still buzzing. Akaashi, with impeccable composure, tossed the ball into the air. Bokuto leaped with wild power and spiked fiercely, defying the double block Kuroo and Lev had set up on the other side of the net. The ball slammed to the floor just as the door burst open.

Hinata rushed in like a whirlwind, her eyes filled with bright devotion.

— Bokuto-san! That was amazing! How did you change the angle at the end? Please show me!

Bokuto puffed out his chest with overflowing pride, happy to instruct his "little crow." Beside him, Akaashi remained attentive, ready to rein in his captain if he started to exaggerate.

Suddenly, a tall figure appeared behind Hinata. It was Kageyama, the setter for Karasuno. Akaashi immediately noticed that the boy was looking at him with a gaze heavy with respect and emotion. Before he could process it, Kageyama bowed sharply toward him.

— Please, Akaashi-san! Teach me how to make sets as amazing as yours! How do you control your spiker? How do you know so much?

Akaashi wasn't used to being the center of attention, but Kageyama's genuine admiration made him feel good. With a slight nod, he began explaining technical concepts as they walked along the side of the court. Kageyama followed him submissively, absorbing every word.

A few feet away, Bokuto's joy turned into a cold sting of jealousy. He wasn't bothered that Akaashi was receiving recognition; in fact, he was pleased. What infuriated him was that Kageyama was stealing his attention. Seeing the dark-haired boy preparing to ask more questions, Bokuto strode toward them and stepped between them, pointing at the boy with a scowl.

— Excuse me... what are you doing with MY Akaashi!? Get your own! —

He complained in a childish but possessive voice, immediately demanding his place next to his shipowner.