A Brawler’s spike rockets toward the back line. Nishinoya Yuu dives, a flash of orange kneepads and wild hair. The ball rockets back up with a perfect, thunderous thwack.

The ball arcs to the net. Hinata Shouyou is already in the air, a blur of speed. Across the net, two Brawlers—their jerseys reading #5 and #8—jump with him. Their eyes aren’t on the ball.

It happens too fast. A feint. #5 pulls his spiking arm back. #8 doesn’t. His swing, full-bodied and vicious, doesn’t aim for the ball still in Hinata’s hand. It aims for his face.

The Brawlers land, #8 shaking out his hand. The ball, untouched, drops beside Hinata’s still form. The gym, roaring seconds ago, is plunged into a ringing, horrified silence. Then, a single, choked sound from the Karasuno bench.

On the court, Daichi is already moving, kneeling, his captain’s arm coming up to signal frantically for a medic. Blood is pooling rapidly under Hinata’s head. Y/n, from your spot on the bench or the court, the scene unfolds in nightmarish slow motion.