Looking at Hideaki Kunimi's lazy, dead-fish eyes, Oikawa flashed a bright smile. "Don't relax too soon. Did you think you could just coast
Looking at Hideaki Kunimi's lazy, dead-fish eyes, Oikawa flashed a bright smile.
"Don't relax too soon. Did you think you could just coast along for an easy win?"
Oikawa narrowed his eyes, scanning the Nekoma players one by one before letting out a strange chuckle.
"The opponents have definitely figured out our strategy. Right now, they're probably thinking, 'Let's end this match quickly.' But we can't let them have their way."
Oikawa gathered all his teammates close. The previously casual atmosphere vanished as his expression turned serious despite the faint smile still on his lips, exuding a dangerous aura.
"For the second set, we're not chasing points. Our goal now is to wear them down—prolong the match, drain their stamina, fight for every ball. We'll make Nekoma exhaust all their energy this set. Every step we take will lay the foundation for victory in the third set."
The handsome teenager raised his chin, meeting each teammate's determined gaze.
"Everyone, ready to win?"
"Yes!" ×N
...
If the first set had been an exchange of scoring rallies, the second set became a desperate battle against time.
Nekoma spiked relentlessly while Aoba Johsai scrambled to receive every ball.
The offensive and defensive roles abruptly reversed—Aoba Johsai prioritized defensive efficiency, sacrificing scoring opportunities to deny Nekoma any easy points. Meanwhile, Nekoma experienced the same frustration Aoba Johsai had faced in the first set. No matter how they attacked, the ball kept coming back, refusing to touch the ground as the exhausting rally stretched on.
Normally, a competitive volleyball set lasts about 20 minutes. But with Aoba Johsai's relentless disruption, the second set dragged on for nearly 50 minutes.
When Nekoma finally clinched the 25th point, players from both teams were gasping for breath, completely drained.
By the time the refreshed Kikuzawa brothers returned to the court for the third set, the outcome was already decided.
Final scores: First set 25-20, second set 15-25, third set 15-11.
Aoba Johsai won the practice match against Nekoma 2-1.
"It's finally over..."
Kozume collapsed onto the floor, his entire being drained of color. The grueling match made the result irrelevant—all he wanted now was rest.
Kuroo Tetsurou braced his hands on his knees, wiping sweat from his face as he watched Aoba Johsai's celebrating players, sighing quietly.
"No shame in this loss. Aoba Johsai's players are strong. Even if we'd brought our full roster, we'd probably just have lost less badly."
He hauled Kozume up by the collar, encouraging him: "Cheer up, Kenma. We'll get them back at Nationals. Our first-years haven't fully developed yet—wait until Lev and the others improve their skills, heh~"
"I'm not depressed... just exhausted..."
As Kuroo led Kozume away, both teams bowed in mutual respect, shook hands across the net, then went to receive feedback from their coaches.
Coach Irihata: "Nekoma is a well-rounded team with solid fundamentals across the board, but what really stands out is your defensive skills. Every player's receiving ability is excellent, especially your libero.
Your setter Kozume Kenma is exceptional—the tactics centered around him are highly creative. With improved offensive power, you'll undoubtedly go further at Nationals."
His words pinpointed Nekoma's current weakness: top-tier defense but lacking offensive firepower without a nationally-ranked ace spiker for guaranteed points.
Nekoma's true threat would emerge after Spring High, when physically gifted players like Lev Haiba developed their skills further.
Coach Nekomata: "Aoba Johsai's players are outstanding. Having three powerful servers is undoubtedly one of your greatest weapons. As the team's core, setter Oikawa Toru excels in both skill and leadership—he's fully embraced his captaincy to maximize each player's potential. With your strong fundamentals and talent, continued team cohesion will make you even stronger."
The coordination issues between first-years and upperclassmen were common for new semester teams. As Coach Nekomata said, only time and practice would resolve this.
...
[Results: Yuma - 9 spike points, 2 block points, 12 service points]
[Yuuki - 6 spike/set points (including second attacks), 6 block points, 9 service points]
[Grind Points +0.3] (Spikes)
[Grind Points +0.3] (Serves)
Mom! I've improved! I gained 0.6 Grind Points in one match!
Competitions really level you up faster!
During the practice match against Karasuno, Yuuki had played most of Oikawa's sets and outscored Yuma by a wide margin.
This time, playing as a backup setter, Yuuki focused more on assists with fewer direct scoring opportunities—letting Yuma finally shine.
Unable to suppress his grin, Yuma turned the net crank while flicking his distracted brother's forehead.
"Stop spacing out, Yuuki! Help take down the net!"
This wasn't Yuuki's first lapse—since the match ended, his gaze kept drifting toward Nekoma's Kozume Kenma.
Yuma recognized that look instantly—it was the same expression Yuuki used for limited-edition premium puddings.
"If you're curious, just go ask for his contact info. Making friends from other schools isn't against the rules—quit creeping!"
These socially awkward idiots were testing his patience.
Yuuki kept sneaking glances at Kenma, who—hyperaware of others' attention—noticed immediately. Their eyes met briefly before both looked away in unison, repeating the cycle.
Their obvious behavior soon caught Kuroo's attention.
After observing his childhood friend's peculiar "interaction" with the Aoba Johsai player, Kuroo finally approached the Kikuzawa brothers.
Yuma elbowed Yuuki angrily. "Now their guardian's coming to confront us! You idiot!"
"Excuse me, was there something you wanted with our setter?" Kuroo asked politely with a smile.
Yuma instantly switched to polite mode, smiling back. "Sorry about that. My brother wants to be friends with your setter but he's too shy to ask for contact info. Did we make your teammate uncomfortable? Our apologies."
Kuroo blinked at Yuuki hiding behind Yuma before his expression softened with sudden understanding. "Ah, so Kenma's reached the age of making friends, huh."
Yuma: Something feels off here. (ForcedSmile.jpg)
Kuroo turned and beckoned Kenma over.
Kenma shuddered, turning away to bow deeply—his "please don't notice me" posture mirroring Yuuki's behind Yuma.
Kuroo laughed awkwardly. "As you can see, our Kenma's also... reserved."
Nodding sympathetically, Yuma said earnestly: "I get it. Kids are shy around strangers."
The two "guardians" shared a knowing smile, seeing kindred spirits in each other.
Their conversation grew so lively they exchanged contacts, promising future meetups.
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