The moment Karasuno's two Aces stepped onto the court, their presence shifted everything. With Azumane in the front row and Hayato rotating in the back, the lineup radiated confidence.
From left to right: Azumane at Left Wing Spiker, Kageyama in the middle as Setter, Tsukishima on the right as Opposite Hitter. In the back row stood Hinata, Daichi, and Hayato, ready to receive serves, with Nishinoya rotating in as Libero.
Aoba Johsai held the first serve of the third set. That meant only one thing—Oikawa would open.
Karasuno's formation adjusted. Their two blockers pressed forward at the net, Kageyama set slightly behind them, while the three receivers spread evenly across the backcourt. With their best passers—Daichi, Hayato, and Nishinoya—covering all angles, they could respond to any sharp serve.
If there is such a thing as a "fated rival," Coach Takeda's words echoed in their minds, then for Karasuno, that rival is Aoba Johsai. This final set is where you surpass them. Let all your past failures explode into strength now.
"Bring it on!"
Nishinoya's shout ignited the team. Their focus sharpened on Oikawa's approach.
"Deciding set—time for my greeting!"
Tossing the ball high, Oikawa leapt, his form flawless after two sets. He smacked down a thunderous jump serve to open the rally.
"I got it!"
"Nishinoya!"
Both Daichi and Nishinoya called, but it was Nishinoya who dove, arms outstretched, making a crisp underhand pass.
"Chance ball!"
"Attack!!"
The bench roared. With Azumane fresh in the front row and Hayato waiting in back, Kageyama had options.
"Azumane-senpai!"
The set sailed left. Azumane exploded upward, fearless against Kyotani and Kindaichi's double block. His spike slammed into Kindaichi's fingertips and ricocheted out of bounds.
"Alright!"
"Azumane!!"
Karasuno broke Oikawa's rhythm instantly. The roar from the bench and stands confirmed it—the momentum had swung back.
He's too strong… Oikawa grimaced, rubbing his temple. To save that stamina and unleash him now—it's brutal.
Karasuno rotated. Tsukishima moved to serve, Hinata rotated into the front row, and Nishinoya stepped out. Hinata stretched his arms and legs, muttering about needing to stand out as Karasuno's decoy. Azumane smiled beside him—Hinata hadn't changed. Even with Hayato rising as their Ace, Hinata never stopped pushing himself.
Then I'll show them too, Azumane thought. I may be a substitute, but I'm still an Ace.
Tsukishima's serve was received cleanly. Oikawa's eyes flicked left—Kyotani was already charging in. The toss was perfect. Kyotani soared and whipped a savage cross-court spike, cutting the angle too sharp to stop. The ball thudded into the floor.
Aoba Johsai wasn't backing down. With Iwaizumi anchoring as Ace, Oikawa orchestrating, and Kyotani running wild as a decoy, their offense was relentless. Karasuno countered with their double Aces, Hinata's speed, and Kageyama's precision. One mistake would mean disaster.
Now it was Iwaizumi's turn to serve. His jump serve wasn't as famous as Oikawa's, but the sheer power behind it made him dangerous.
The ball ripped toward Karasuno's backcourt. Without Nishinoya, the responsibility fell on Daichi. He dove forward, keeping the ball alive, though he couldn't rejoin the attack.
"Give it to me!"
Hinata, in the front row, was already at the net. He launched into the air, and Kageyama's set connected perfectly. The New Quick fired off in a flash.
Oikawa had read it, but reading and reacting were two different things. The ball streaked past before his arms could reach. Hinata and Kageyama landed, grinning—point for Karasuno.
The score bounced back and forth. Karasuno pulled ahead, but each time Aoba Johsai clawed back.
Finally, Hayato rotated to the front row—facing Kyotani once again.
Don't take the bait, Hayato reminded himself. He ignored the "Mad Dog's" wild grin and predatory stare. This time, Karasuno's "Fierce Bird" folded his wings, waiting for the right chance to strike.
But Hinata stumbled. His serve clipped the net, falling short.
"I'm so sorry!" Hinata cried, cheeks red.
"Don't worry about it, get the next one!" his teammates shouted. Everyone knew Hinata's serve was still shaky.
"Oh no, Hinata made a mistake," Koyuki sighed in the stands.
Hitoka quickly explained, "He's still learning—he'll bounce back!"
Sensing weakness, Aoba Johsai targeted Hinata on the next serve. But Azumane stepped in, shouldering the reception.
"Azumane-senpai, thanks!" Hinata grinned.
Kageyama called for the ball. "Hayato-senpai!"
The toss arced high. Hayato rose, muscles coiled, and smashed through Aoba Johsai's double block. Kyotani snarled, but the Libero rescued the ball.
Counterattack—straight back to Kyotani.
Hayato tensed at the net. Tsukishima slid over beside him.
Before the match, Tsukishima had told Hayato: Just guard the straight line. Leave the sharp cross to us.
And Kyotani, true to his nature, went straight.
Tsukishima's read was perfect. He extended, forming a seamless wall with Hayato.
Boom!
A perfect block. The ball ricocheted straight down, Karasuno's side erupting in cheers.
The "Mad Dog" had been tamed—for now.
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