Haikyuu - I Am A Different Hinata!

"Wait, so there's really a way!? Can you teach me?" Hinata asked, his face glowing with excitement.

"I already told you, it's just speculation. It all depends on how well you adapt. Before I explain, I need to see how you hit the ball to be sure of anything," Ikkei Ukai said as he picked up a ball from the ground.

"Alright, kids... clear the court for a moment!"

"Ugh, fine!" one of the kids complained but obeyed and left the court.

"Come on, let's do this," Ikkei Ukai said, calling Hinata onto the court.

"Got it!" Hinata replied, stepping onto the court and getting ready to attack.

"On three: one, two, three!" Ikkei Ukai shouted, setting the ball high to give Hinata time to prepare, run, jump, and then hit the ball cleanly with a solid spike.

"Kid, you really jump high!" Ikkei Ukai said, looking slightly surprised.

"Can you tell me the point of all this?" Hinata asked, walking closer to the old man.

"As I thought, you're the straight arm swing type," the old man said, scratching his beard.

"What exactly are you talking about?" Hinata asked, not understanding at first.

"Listen, there are three types of arm swings in volleyball: the straight arm swing, the bow and arrow swing, and finally, the circular swing," Ikkei Ukai explained.

"Swing?" Hinata mumbled, still confused.

"Well, basically, in the straight arm swing, the arm moves straight back and then forward, and the player keeps the arm extended for a direct hit on the ball, which is your case," Ikkei Ukai said, demonstrating the motion.

"Now, the bow and arrow swing is when the arm stays with the hand above the elbow, bringing it back near the ear and then over the head for the hit."

"And finally, the circular swing is when the arm and elbow first go down, then are brought around to the flipped position of the first, where it gets turned over to hit the ball," Ikkei Ukai finished, also demonstrating the motion.

Hinata watched the man making those movements and quickly remembered that in the Haikyuu universe, after the timeskip, Ushijima also modified his arm swing, so it really could be beneficial for him to do the same.

"Well, as I said before, this is personal. There are cases and cases, but it might be that you're not using the best motion for your specific style," Ikkei Ukai commented.

"So, Hinata, why not try a different one!" Ukai said, overhearing the conversation and sounding excited.

"Got it! Toss to me again, sir!" Hinata requested, thinking about using the bow and arrow swing and visualizing the motion.

"Here you go, kid!" Ikkei Ukai said, setting the ball toward Hinata, who executed the bow and arrow motion perfectly and spiked the ball, which seemed stronger than before.

"That was amazing! It looks like you really hit the ball harder!" Ukai praised.

"It really did seem that way... let's move on to the next one!" Hinata said.

"But why? Clearly, that's your style!" Ukai argued.

"Shut up! Let the kid experiment!" Ikkei Ukai shouted, sounding like a grandfather protecting his grandson from getting scolded.

"But I'm your grandson!" Ukai sighed.

"Here we go again!" Ikkei Ukai said, setting the ball for Hinata, who jumped and tried the circular swing but ended up hitting air as the ball passed by him, just like when he was learning to use his left hand.

"See! I told you that was your swing!" Ukai said, watching Hinata stare at his own hand.

"Again!" Hinata exclaimed with a smile, looking even more excited.

"What!? But you didn't even hit the ball! Why do you want to try that again?" Ukai asked, confused and irritated.

"Coach, I didn't get it because the timing is really different from what I'm used to, and the bow swing is more similar..." Hinata analyzed.

"Then just stick with it!" Ukai interrupted.

"Wait, it might have a very different timing, but when I was doing the motion, I could feel that I built up a lot more power than with the others. If I had hit it, it would've been a monster spike!" Hinata said, almost jumping with excitement.

"Well, if you really think so, then train to get used to the new timing. But it won't be easy. It'll be like rebuilding your entire mechanics. But if you think it'll be worth it, go for it!" Ikkei Ukai said, holding the ball.

"Grandpa! Don't say things like that! He's already a great player, and what if he doesn't get used to it and even forgets his old swing!?" Ukai questioned.

"YOU BRAT! YOU HAVE MY BLOOD, DON'T BE SUCH A COWARD! IF YOUR BEST PLAYER IS THIS MOTIVATED TO IMPROVE, YOU HAVE TO TRUST HIM AND ENCOURAGE HIM!" Ikkei Ukai shouted, sending his grandson flying again.

"Fine! Do it!" Ukai declared.

"Then it's decided. Kids... let's play a bit!" Ikkei Ukai said, calling everyone back to the court, and they started practicing, with Hinata still struggling to hit the ball.

"Thank you, sir... I believe if I improve this motion, I'll be able to reach the next level like I want!" Hinata said, bowing.

"Kid... you have talent. That idiot coach of yours has probably already told you, but don't push yourself too hard... I'm looking forward to seeing your growth!" Ikkei Ukai replied, ruffling Hinata's hair.

"Got it! See you later!" Hinata said, leaving the place with Ukai. They got into the yellow van at dusk, and Ukai dropped Hinata off at his house.

"Hey, remember we're back to training tomorrow!" Ukai said, watching Hinata get out of the vehicle.

"Don't worry! I'm really looking forward to training!" Hinata said with a smile.

"I have a feeling Kageyama won't be too happy with you missing his sets... see you later!" Ukai said, starting the van and leaving Hinata.

"It'll be tough at first, but it'll be worth it!" Hinata thought as he entered his house, grabbing his video game to play and pass the time.