Ushijima's spike were recieve.
Jin straightened with a grin, showing off. But his foot still ached faintly from the sheer force of Ushijima's spike, but the satisfaction of keeping the ball alive made it worth it.
On the sidelines, even Shiratorizawa's players muttered in disbelief. No one expected a first-year outsider to stop Ushiwaka's strike, even with his foot.
Tendō tilted his head, giving Jin a wide, sly grin. "Not bad, silver hair. You've got attack and defense. With that kind of save, I'd almost think you were a libero or some defensive wing spiker."
Most first-years were expected to start small defense first, attack later. But Jin only frowned and shook his head.
"I already told you… I'm an ace. If I don't put the ball down myself, you'll never believe it."
Tendō blinked, then let out a laugh. "Hah! Bold, aren't you? Alright then, show us."
Rotation. Now both Jin and Ushijima were in the front row.
The two aces locked eyes. Ushijima's stare was calm but heavy, his presence filling the court like gravity. Jin didn't flinch. He flashed a grin that was all provocation.
"I'll take your spike… and if you've got the guts, stop mine."
The direct challenge is so blatant and finally stirred something in Ushijima's steady expression. His competitive flame ignited.
The serve came in. This time it was Shiratorizawa's first-year libero who took the shot.
It's nothing great but steady got over the net which is easily received by Jin's teammate.
"Give it to me!" Jin shouted, sprinting in from the left so fast it that they only see blur.
Semi hesitated. He hadn't even planned to toss to Jin. But something inside him told to toss to Jin. Against all reason, the ball was sent high to left where Jin's voice came from.
"Eye of Insight!" Jin thought as he leapt. His gaze locked onto the blockers.
Seeing the ball trajectory, Ushijima follow and rose in front of him. Tendō soared alongside, hands twisting to form a perfect double block. The wall loomed, big enough to shut down most spikers.
But Jin's sharpened vision picked out the smallest imperfection, the little space outside Ushijima's elbow, the sliver chance that only appeared for an instant.
"There it is."
*Boom!*
His swing cracked through the little space, grazing Ushijima's arm with a whip of air before slamming down on the floor.
The ball bounced away. Point won.
Jin landed lightly, raised his head, eyes gleaming as he stared at the two in front of him.
"See…? That's my role. I'm the ace. Too bad your teammates didn't react, or maybe you'd have stopped it."
He had no intention of testing Tendō's unpredictable block head-on, Jin knew forcing that would only get him stuffed. Instead, he aim for Ushijima with ruthless precision.
Tendō clicked his tongue and laughed, shaking his head. "Kyaa, annoying brat. But… that was good spike."
Ushijima clenched his fists slightly, he look at his team and with calm voice .
"Give me the next ball."