There was a massive gap in strength, no suspense in the result.
Karasuno swept the first set easily, 25–12.
Now, at the start of the second set, Coach Ukai rotated the lineup, swapping out most of the starters for the third-string players. They had another match later in the afternoon, and saving energy mattered most.
Their first match was pure luck, they faced a weak opponent. But the next one… Date Tech. The team known for their impenetrable "Iron Wall."
Last year, they had completely crushed. Even if Karasuno had been reborn since then, shadows like that weren't easy to erase.
"Recover well, everyone." Coach Ukai yelled from the sideline. "This afternoon's match will be on your shoulders."
---
*Ding!*
"Task Completed! Speed attribute increased!"
"Main Quest Updated: Final Chapter"
Objectives: Break through the Iron Wall!
Just those four words explained everything. The first "main quest" had reached its final round. Once this was done, a new set of quests would unlock.
Jin's eyes shifted toward Asahi. His face was stiff, serious, like he was carrying a ghost on his shoulders.
For Asahi, Date Tech was a nightmare. And in the afternoon match, he would be the one with the heaviest shadow.
"Asahi-san, you're thinking about the next game, hmm?" Jin dropped down beside him, a sly grin on his face.
"Ah… yeah. I'm still nervous," Asahi admitted honestly. "But this time, I won't run away."
Jin gave an OK sign, a flash of mischief in his eyes. "That's fine. Hey, want to try a combined attack with me?"
"…Ours?" Asahi blinked in disbelief. They'd never practiced anything like that together.
Jin leaned close, whispering his plan.
When Asahi heard it, his stiff expression softened into something more like hope. "If there's a chance… let's try it."
Volleyball was a team sport, no one could dominate the court alone. Jin knew that well. If he wanted to secure his role as the ace, he had to raise the team's overall power. He thought constantly about what kind of new attacks could shake things up for Karasuno.
---
"Whoa, already done? That was fast!"
"Just look at their height… that's terrifying…"
The murmurs spread as Date Tech's squad walked into the third arena, looming like a shadows of wall.
The afternoon match would be played here, so Date Tech had arrived early to scout their next opponent, Karasuno.
"Tch. Not bad, Karasuno," Futakuchi muttered with a slight mocking tone, looking at the new lineup.
Beside him, Kamasaki cracked his neck and added, "Last year we demolished Karasuno. So this year's different? Don't make me laugh."
At the center of their team, Aone Takanobu said nothing. His sharp eyes landed on the Karasuno bench, locking immediately on Asahi.
Without hesitation, Aone raised his arm and pointed directly at him. In his eyes, Karasuno's ace was clearly that guy.
But Asahi didn't avert his gaze. He stood up, staring back at Aone with trembling determination.
Gunpowder filled the air. Sparks flew before the match even began.
"Oi, Aone!" Futakuchi hissed, tugging at his arm. "Cut it out, don't start crap before the game!"
Their captain sighed helplessly. "Sorry," he said to Karasuno with a bow. "Aone just can't resist provoking the opposing ace."
Daichi waved him off. "It's fine. We're not backing down anyway. Let's make it a proper match."
---
But Jin wasn't about to just sit there.
In a blur, he slipped out from the bench. Before anyone noticed, he was already standing face-to-face with Aone.
Aone's pupils shrank. His instincts screamed danger. He hadn't even seen Jin move, only the afterimage.
Jin smirked. "One thing you should know. Karasuno's ace this year isn't Asahi-san. It's me. First-year, Shirogane Jin."
Though shorter, Jin's presence didn't waver. His speed, explosiveness, and momentum overflowed.
Others might still doubt his position, but Aone understood from that instant, this first-year was real.
"…I'll stop you first," Aone said flatly, his rare provocation carrying the weight of his will.
Every eye on Date Tech turned toward Jin.
"Don't run off on your own again!"
A heavy smack landed on Jin's head, Daichi's iron fist. The captain grabbed him by the collar and yanked him back. Bowing apologetically to Date Tech, he said, "Sorry. Our first-year's a bit of a handful."
Date Tech's expressions darkened in unison, silently sympathizing with Karasuno for having such a wild card.
But Daichi's lips curved slightly as he dragged Jin back. He wasn't really angry. Being provoked was fine, so long as they responded harder.
"It looks like the afternoon's gonna be intense," Futakuchi muttered with a sharp grin before leading Date Tech away.
Back on the bench, Daichi clapped Asahi on the shoulder. "Good job today, Asahi. You didn't back down."
Asahi shivered, mumbling, "So tall… so scary…"