The slow, high toss drifted toward the net. Jin was already in motion, timing his jump one beat faster than the blockers could react.
"Second attack! Stop him!" shouted the Date Tech captain, Maozono, already dropping back to cover. The front row was left to the blockers.
At the same instant, Jin's eyes locked on Aone, sharp and provoking 'Come stop me, if you can.'
"Roar!!" Aone roared, springing up with Kamasaki and Futakuchi beside him. The three tallest players of Date Tech stretched out, forming their strongest iron wall. It was rare to see such a triple block so early in the match, but Jin's opening spike had already forced them to take extra precautions.
"Che!" Jin smirked midair.
Then, to everyone's shock, his raised arm suddenly pulled back. Instead of spiking, his hands shifted into a setting form, softly cushioning the ball and pushing it high.
From the back row, Asahi charged in, leaping at the perfect time to match Jin's feint.
"The back-row attack, synced with Asahi!" Ukai shot up from the bench, his voice full of excitement. "These first-year… his really something!"
For Asahi, memories flashed of Karasuno's loss at Spring High. The Iron Wall that had shut him down. That suffocating feeling of being powerless.
'But this time… this time, the wall is falling before my eyes.'
"That's it!" His gaze sharpened, his swing full of determination.
*BOOM!!*
The ball thundered into the open space behind Date Tech's block, bouncing so hard it smacked against the gym wall. The sound reverberated, carrying the weight of all his pent-up frustration and pride.
"YESS!!"
"Nice one, Asahi-san!"
"So cool, senpai!!"
The team rushed him, their excitement spilling over. Even the usually composed Kiyoko was wide-eyed, while Hitoka clasped her hands together, stunned.
Daichi grinned, relief washing over him. "That's the Asahi I know."
Jin, watching, felt a strange thrill. He loved scoring, loved that rush of dominance, but this, seeing a teammate break through… it stirred something different, something deeper.
Asahi walked up to him, voice steady but serious. "Thanks, Jin."
Jin scratched his nose, almost embarrassed. "Don't mention it. I just wanted to see you recover and spike like that again, Asahi-san."
Asahi's lips curved into a rare smile. "When you were named ace, I saw it as competition. That's why I avoided cooperating with you during practice. You must've felt it."
"Mm." Jin nodded lightly. He had.
"But don't worry. That ends here. Because we're teammates." Asahi's tone was honest, almost warm.
Then his hand tightened on Jin's shoulder. "But don't think I'll just hand the ace position to a first-year. If I slack off, I'll be left behind. I'm not letting that happen."
The team broke into laughter, the tension dissolving.
Jin smirked, raising his fist high. "Ace or not, I'll take all your trust, and blow a hole straight through this so-called Iron Wall! We're just getting started!"
His words lit a fire in everyone's chest.
---
Meanwhile, in the stands, Aoba Johsai had just arrived.
"Hmm. That first-year from Karasuno is really something. And the way the whole team play revolves around him…" Oikawa's eyes narrowed, his voice carrying an edge of annoyance.
Beside him, Yahaba and Watari whispered, but it was Iwaizumi who frowned deeply. "He's not just flashy. That was smart play."
Further down the aisle, Mad Dog who had clashed with Jin once before froze, his eyes locked on the court.
Oikawa noticed and snorted. "What's wrong? You've seen him before, haven't you? That brat's personality is the type to drive you crazy."
Mad Dog didn't reply, his silence already confirming it.
On court, Jin's gaze drifted toward the stands, sharp as ever. "So… the enemies are all showing up one by one. Aoba Johsai, huh? Looks like things are about to get interesting."
Oikawa's jaw clenched, resisting the urge to leap down and shut that smirk up personally.
---
But for now, the game was still against Date Tech.
Karasuno stormed to a streak of four straight points, shaking the Iron Wall to its core. By the sixth play, Date Tech's coach had no choice but to call a timeout.
Gathered around, he adjusted the defense. "The first-year ace is too aggressive. Focus your block on him. Their small middle blocker won't score much, keep selective blocks there."
But Aone suddenly cut in, voice firm. "Leave him to me… Alone."
Maozono frowned. "This isn't the time for pride! One man can't stop him!"
But Aone's eyes blazed. "Then I'll bet the name of the Iron Wall on it."
The team froze. His conviction was unshakable, his presence like an anchor.
"…Coach, I think." the others echoed, nodding.
Date Tech's Iron Wall was built around Aone. His spirit dictated their strength.
The coach exhaled, then nodded. "Fine. Then stop Karasuno. Stop him."
And so, the Iron Wall rose again, this time, betting everything on its name.