Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 84: Why Not Us

As Kaedehara Taichi returned to the front row, the offensive strategies led by Oikawa Tōru became even more unpredictable. The match quickly lost its suspense.

A sudden scoring spree from Aoba Johsai felt like a statement: the neck-and-neck struggle from earlier was nothing but an illusion.

Just like in the first set, Aoba Johsai secured victory with ease.@@@@

[Aoba Johsai 25 - 20 Karasuno]

The match was over. The winner: Aoba Johsai.

Hinata Shōyō seemed unable to shake himself free from the aftermath of the game. He stood rooted to the spot, watching the Aoba Johsai players already huddled together in celebration.

'I want to play again—'

Even for Hinata Shōyō, these words failed to leave his mouth. Unlike practice matches, losing in an official elimination round meant the end of the line.

"Let's go." Kageyama Tobio walked past Hinata without a hint of emotion in his voice.

Hinata pressed his lips tightly together as his vision began to blur.

"Hinata, Kageyama, time to line up." The steady voice of Sawamura Daichi came from behind.

Hinata turned around, his voice trembling. "Captain....I'm sorry..."

"We didn't make any mistakes." Sawamura Daichi looked firmly at Hinata. "If it wasn't a mistake, then there's no need to apologize."

"We simply weren't good enough. We'll work harder, get stronger, and win next time!"

Sawamura Daichi had experienced enough losses to know what mattered most at this moment.

"Line up!"

"Thank you for the match!"

"That was an excellent game," Ukai Keishin said, addressing the team. "Seeing you trying out new things to boost your offensive power in those crucial moments—it was encouraging."

As a coach, Ukai Keishin knew that hearing 'excellent game' after a loss could sting, but Karasuno couldn't falter here. There was still Spring Nationals. And there would always be a next year...

"I...I just..." Karasuno's players still had so much left unsaid.

"Hurry up and pack your things. The next teams need to warm up." Ukai cut them off, his tone firm. "You can do your cooldown stretches outside. Don't hold up the schedule for the others."

There wasn't even time to dwell on their regrets. Silently, Karasuno's players began packing up their bags.

The only ones who get to stay on the court are the winners.

[Ding! The side mission 'Make a Name for Yourself' has been completed]

After a brief opening, the match began in earnest. There was little room for pleasantries as both teams immediately entered competitive mode.

Kaedehara Taichi showcased his versatility during the game. His already extensive arsenal of skills, combined with Oikawa Tooru's precise setting, made for an unstoppable duo.

With two 'tricksters' working in perfect harmony, Aoba Johsai's offence overwhelmed Senseki High School, leaving their defence in complete disarray.

The match progressed smoothly, with no surprises regarding Senseki's capabilities.

Taichi took advantage of the situation to hone his jump float serves and back-row attacks. Although Senseki High School began to catch on to his intentions, they were powerless to counter them.

Since the practice match against Shiratorizawa, Kindaichi had focused heavily on improving his blocking.

Observing Date Tech's blocking strategies had given him fresh ideas to incorporate. Height, timing, and jump power—Kindaichi poured all his concentration into the net, effectively shutting down Senseki High's ace hitter on multiple occasions.

Coach Irihata nodded approvingly. Aoba Johsai treated every match with respect, but their ultimate opponent was always Shiratorizawa.

To defeat Shiratorizawa, Aoba Johsai would need to bring out every weapon, every strategy, and every ounce of strength they possessed.

[Aoba Johsai 25 - 18 Senseki]

[Aoba Johsai 25 - 16 Senseki]

Once again, Aoba Johsai dispatched their opponents with a quick 2-0 victory. With the second day of the IH preliminaries concluded, the four semifinalists from Miyagi Prefecture were determined:

From the East:Aoba Johsai and Johzenji.

From the West:Wakuntani Minami and Shiratorizawa.

For the post-match interview, Kaedehara Taichi stayed behind.

As the top scorer of the day across Groups A and B—and only a first-year—Taichi had already left a strong impression. The image of the dark-haired player was now firmly etched in everyone's minds.

After a few routine questions, a female reporter asked Taichi for his thoughts on tomorrow's first-round opponent.

"I'm already thinking about who we'll face in the finals," he replied confidently.

So arrogant? The female reporter raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Was it today's performance that fueled his self-assurance, or was it the audacity of youth? Either way, this interview was becoming interesting.

"Do you mean Shiratorizawa? Are you confident you can beat them? From what I know, Aoba Johsai has lost to Shiratorizawa for two consecutive years."

"Of course, we're confident. One team has to win—why not us?"

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