Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 121: Consecutive Outbursts (D-L)

"In this critical final set, Mujinazaka holds a firm grip on the game!"

"Their dominance is largely due to the timely return of their core member—Usuri Mitsuru. He had a rough time being targeted by Aoba Johsai in the last set," the commentator Aoi chuckled lightly.

"Yet, he quickly adjusted his mindset and reentered the game. Usuri's exceptional court vision has revitalized Mujinazaka's offensive system, making Kiryū's attacks even more menacing."

Bang!

"Keisuke Unnan scores with a high-handed spike from the middle! Mujinazaka's twin towers aren't just effective blockers; they're breaking through on offence as well."

The scoreboard reads: [Aoba Johsai 6 – 8 Mujinazaka]@@@@

"It's Kiryū Wakatsu's turn to serve now—this couldn't be worse news for Aoba Johsai..."

Boom!

"A service ace! Mujinazaka extends their lead to three points!"

[Aoba Johsai 6 – 9 Mujinazaka]

"Time-out!" The referee's whistle blew.

------

"Offense is the best defence!" Coach Irihata declared sternly during the break. "We must keep them in check. As long as we stop them from widening the gap with consecutive points, we'll find our chance to turn the tide."

"Yes, Coach!"

"Shinji, trust Oikawa. Just get that first pass up; leave the rest to him."

"Yes!" Watari Shinji replied with an unwavering expression. "That's always been my job."

Oikawa grinned, ruffling Watari's short hair. "Thanks for the hard work, Shinji."

The timeout ended, and the match resumed.

Kiryū's second serve was a fastball, spinning with incredible force as it zipped across the court.

Boom!

Watari braced himself and absorbed the impact head-on, falling to the ground as the ball shot upward.

"That's enough," Oikawa muttered, quickly positioning himself. Aoba Johsai launched a synchronized attack.

Whoosh!

The ball was set to the centre. Kaedehara Taichi leaped high.

"I saw that coming!" Keisuke Unnan jumped in tandem, forming a towering wall in front of him.

Taichi tipped the ball over Keisuke Unnan, sending it behind him. Ezota dove to save it, and Hondo Subaru reached out with one arm, managing to send the ball over the net.

Oikawa received the free ball perfectly and set up Taichi for another strike in the middle.

"This won't work!" Keisuke Unnan followed him closely, once again erecting a barrier.

Smack!

Taichi lightly touched the ball, which bounced off Keisuke Unnan's hands and back toward Aoba Johsai's side.

"A Rebound?"

Taichi's expression finally shifted as he quickly sprinted toward the right side of the court.

"Damn it, you cheeky brat!" Keisuke Unnan gritted his teeth and gave chase. At the edge of the court, he managed to catch up to Taichi.

As Taichi bent his knees to jump, Keisuke Unnan pushed off hard, his hands already reaching over the net to block.

"Got you!"

But there was no ball.

Keisuke Unnan began descending, and only then did Kaedehara Taichi leap. Oikawa's set floated precisely into his striking range, timed perfectly.

Bang!

"A one-man tempo delay!"

Kaedehara Taichi spiked the ball over Keisuke Unnan's head, scoring a clean point.

[Aoba Johsai 7 – 9 Mujinazaka]

"Were the first two plays just bait? His real target was this?" Keisuke Unnan recalled the sequence of moves.

With that speed, the opposing #10 barely outran him. If Keisuke Unnan didn't jump immediately, he wouldn't be able to block the quick attack.

"So, he avoided my blocks during the first two plays, lured me in with wide movements, and then exploited my overcommitment in the third attempt?"

Keisuke Unnan clenched his teeth. No way, could this first-year really think that far ahead?

"Twin-Tower-senpai, your blocks are so predictable~." Kaedehara's lips curled into a faint, sly smile.

No! This wasn't just a coincidence! Keisuke Unnan realized. This kid...

"Don't overthink it, Keisuke Unnan-senpai!" Usuri Mitsuru called out. "This guy got me with the same trick earlier."

"Just stick to your usual blocking style. The reason he's using these elaborate setups is that your blocks are working!"

Keisuke Unnan blinked in surprise, then glanced at Usuri with gratitude. Good thing I wasn't the first victim.

The match continued, with Iwaizumi's serve crossing the net with a heavy spin.

Bishin Haruma barely managed to keep the ball up, and Usuri quickly set it to the left wing.

Taking two steps to gather momentum, Kiryū leapt into the air.

Even with the set coming from a sharp angle, he hammered the ball down with unrelenting power.

Bang!

"One touch!" Kyōtani Kentarō shouted, gritting his teeth. As long as it's high enough, this ball isn't getting through!

Kindaichi Yūtarō dove to save the ball with one arm, sending it back toward the net.

"Spike it!"

Usuri jumped, ready to finish the overpass. Just as his palm reached the ball, a large hand appeared between him and the ball.

Smack!

Oikawa sent the ball toward the right side with a single-handed pass.

[Aoba Johsai 18 - 18 Mujinazaka]

Oikawa stared at Taichi's back in silence.

There was no doubt about it—this little monster had evolved again.

"Following that piercing straight shot, Kaedehara Taichi delivers a superb cross-court kill!"

"The ball landed just inside Mujinazaka's three-meter line! What an angle! Their back row didn't stand a chance!"

"Aoba Johsai takes the lead!"

[Aoba Johsai 19 - 18 Mujinazaka]

"He's really strong," Kiryū Wakatsu murmured as he watched the figure on the other side of the net.

"Waka-chan, what are you talking about? Obviously, you're the strongest!" Nozomu Mami declared confidently, adjusting his hair.

"That's not it..." Kiryū muttered quietly. "They're really strong, too."

Lowering his head, Kiryū's lips curled into a wry smile. Weak as hell, but still trying to act tough, huh?

Watching Taichi's figure, Kiryū couldn't help the thoughts racing through his mind.

Facing opponents like him left no room to hide his own fears and insecurities.

There were too many things he was afraid of—his teammates' encouragement, their expectations, the cheers of the crowd—all of it weighed on him.

"Wakatsu-senpai, you're the best today too!"

Kiryū exhaled deeply, grounding himself.

"I'm someone with zero confidence in myself, but I wholeheartedly believe in my amazing teammates. Since they've said as much, there's no point in running with my tail between my legs. Better to be overconfident instead!"

"Kiryū Wakatsu will be the strongest today!"

[Ding! Kiryū Wakatsu has entered Burst Mode]

[Kiryū Wakatsu (Burst Mode): Overall Ability Rating: 94.5

Height: 188.3 cm | Power: 100 | Jump: 92 | Stamina: 92 | Speed: 90

Technique: Serve: 100 | Receive: 98 | Set: 95 | Spike: 100]

Taichi's gaze snapped to Kiryū. Though he had anticipated this moment, seeing those perfect 100s still shocked him.

Taichi had also noticed his own transformation. Beyond the improvement in his state, he felt a newfound ease in controlling his body.

His eyes burned with fierce determination. Bring it on, Kiryū Wakatsu!

Boom!

"Mujinazaka's ace, Kiryū Wakatsu, stabilizes the game with a heavy spike to tie the score!"

[Aoba Johsai 19 - 19 Mujinazaka]

"Kaedehara Taichi catches Mujinazaka off guard with a soft tip after the rebound! What an incredible play!"

"#10, Taichi's performance in the final set is extraordinary. He's both patient and adaptable!"

[Aoba Johsai 20 - 19 Mujinazaka]

Boom!

The ball flew past Aoba Johsai's block, crashing onto the court before bouncing high into the air.

"Unbelievable! This is the power of a top-three national-level ace! At this critical point in the third set, Kiryū Wakatsu delivers a devastating spike!"

[Aoba Johsai 20 - 20 Mujinazaka]

Boom!

"Kiryū Wakatsu lands another cross-court shot! While focusing on power, he showcases his incredible technique!"

"Kaedehara Taichi anticipated the ball's trajectory, but he couldn't handle it—it flew out of bounds!"

"Honestly, that felt beyond high school-level strength! Even attempting to receive it was commendable..."

[Aoba Johsai 20 - 21 Mujinazaka]

"Afraid? I don't have time for that anymore. Just keeping up with this man in front of me has already drained me completely," Taichi thought, his nerves taut as he analyzed the players' positions and possible attacks.

"Taichi!" Oikawa called out to him.

Oikawa could tell that Taichi was in his best condition, but the match had now devolved into a duel between Taichi and Kiryū.

Still, in a one-on-one matchup, Taichi wasn't enough.

"I know!" Taichi shouted back. He was fully aware of the gap between them. In this state, his understanding of the situation was sharper than ever.

He needed to find a way to score, but Kiryū? He ignored defences entirely to score.

"So, don't fall behind us, Oikawa!" Taichi yelled at him.

Winning this game alone was impossible.

Oikawa froze for a moment.

This kid had been getting way too cheeky lately. Not that Oikawa particularly cared about seniority anyway.

Still, he's not very cute, is he?

Bending down, Oikawa lowered his centre of gravity, his gaze sharpening.

At least he knows he can't win alone. He hasn't let the situation get to his head.

Well then, it was time for the senpai to step up.

Sometimes, the incredible states of both teammates and opponents could pull others into their rhythm.

[Ding! Oikawa Tōru has entered Burst Mode]

[Oikawa Tōru (Burst Mode): Overall Ability Rating: 95

Height: 184 cm | Power: 99 | Jump: 90 | Stamina: 95 | Speed: 90

Technique: Serve: 99 | Set: 99]

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