After serving only two balls before Aoba Johsai wrestled back control, Yamaguchi was the one who looked most regretful. He bit his lip hard, his eyes locked across the court with raw frustration. His serves hadn't been mistakes—they had been the best he could muster. But the weakness of the Jump Float Serve was its lack of speed. Once the opponent adjusted early, its threat diminished.
That was the strength of Aoba Johsai—their ability to adapt instantly when the match was on the line. Yamaguchi knew this, but knowing didn't make it easier to swallow.
Hayato silently patted him on the shoulder. Yamaguchi raised his tear-brimmed eyes.
"I… I'm sorry, Hayato-senpai."
"You've already done very well, Tadashi."
But Yamaguchi couldn't hold back anymore. He had wanted to end the game with his serve, to prove himself. Instead, he had been pulled out after just two balls. The gap between expectation and reality crushed him, and the tears spilled over.
If the match were already decided, everyone would have rushed to comfort him. But the game continued, and under the crowd's gaze, Hinata and Yamaguchi exchanged numbers at the sideline.
"Ah, what a pity. Just one more ball and he might've ended it."
"I hope this doesn't scar him. Aoba Johsai really is terrifying at times like this."
"The second serve was perfect, but they received it—and even spiked at him directly. To get scored on after being targeted like that… he must be devastated."
Sympathy rippled through the stands. Even Saeko, usually full of fire, fell quiet. She had believed Yamaguchi's serve would seal the game. Instead, Aoba Johsai had stood firm and even turned the tables.
"Yamaguchi's crying…" Koyuki whispered, spotting him wiping his eyes on the bench as Sugawara and Ennoshita leaned in to comfort him. Koyuki's chest ached at the sight.
"It's normal," Hizume said evenly, though her usual stoic face softened with a trace of sympathy. "He wanted to help end it, but he was taken out after only two serves."
"Things are looking bad," Shimada muttered, clutching the railing. "Their trump card was neutralized. If Karasuno panics now, mistakes will pile up."
Coach Ukai thought the same, though his face betrayed nothing. Hands folded in front of him, he kept his calm exterior, but inside, anxiety churned. He had counted on Yamaguchi's serve to close the door. It had worked against Wakutani—beautifully, even. And though the first serve here had landed, Seijoh had prepared. They had seen Yamaguchi before. They had studied him.
We were scouted. They knew this card was coming… Ukai thought bitterly.
Across the net, Oikawa smirked faintly, eyes following Yamaguchi back to the bench. He had been ready for this. After watching Karasuno's earlier games, he had warned his team about the Jump Float Serve.
They didn't underestimate Yamaguchi. Oikawa had drilled them against float serves even sharper than his. To them, Yamaguchi was dangerous, but not unbeatable. The proof was right there: one adjustment, and they had turned his weapon back on him.
Targeted and scored on by the Mad Dog… I hope that first-year doesn't break from it, Oikawa thought, a flicker of sympathy crossing his mind. In such a high-stakes moment, that kind of blow could crush a player's spirit.
And it wasn't just Yamaguchi who faltered. The mood on Karasuno's side sagged. Hinata felt the weight, ready to say something, but Hayato's voice cut through the tension.
He clapped his hands sharply, drawing all eyes.
"Listen up. I haven't faced Aoba Johsai before, so I don't have any history with them. But right now? This is the toughest match I've played. And you know what? I'm excited. Because this—" he spread his arms wide, grinning, "—this is exactly what I came here for."
He turned. "Shoyo, what's our goal?"
"Eh—ah, to go to Nationals!" Hinata shouted, startled but quick to answer.
"That's right. Nationals! And to get there, we have to clash with strong opponents. Aoba Johsai, Shiratorizawa, and countless others. Every time we fight them, we get stronger. So don't hang your heads—we haven't lost yet!"
Hayato's voice carried like a spark through dry grass.
Daichi's shoulders relaxed as he smiled. "He's right. We haven't lost."
Tanaka slapped Hayato's shoulder. "And we'll keep fighting! You're not just our Ace—you're our strongest decoy too."
"I'm Karasuno's strongest decoy!" Hinata cut in immediately, puffing his chest. He might not be the Ace, but that title belonged to him. Besides, Hayato already had the cooler nickname—'Fierce Bird.' Hinata shot him a resentful glare, as if to say, Don't steal my role too.
Hayato laughed. "Haha, sorry, sorry. Our Shoyo is still the strongest decoy."
The court lightened. The gloom dissipated. Karasuno's rhythm returned.
They rotated, ready to receive. Hinata was now in the back row—prime target for Seijoh's serve.
"Nishinoya-senpai, cover me!" Hinata said, shifting nervously.
"Of course!" Nishinoya grinned, expanding his stance.
The whistle blew. Seijoh's serve came screaming straight for Hinata.
"I got it!" Nishinoya shouted, diving forward. Hinata pulled back just in time, letting the libero sweep in. Arms tight and precise, Nishinoya absorbed the serve and sent it cleanly into the air.
Karasuno had the chance ball. With Hayato and Tanaka in the front, and Hinata in the back, the court opened with possibilities.
On the other side, Oikawa narrowed his eyes, irritation flashing.
"…Truly a troublesome team, Karasuno."
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