hotmtlnovel Chapter 9: After The Game
Chapter 9: After The Game
"Hmm? Changing the course of destiny?" Kaedehara Taichi's mind raced as he processed the situation. Could his presence have altered the world's trajectory?
Reflecting on the original storyline, Hinata Shoyo and Kageyama Tobio's 'Freak Quick' was indeed a nearly invincible move at first. However, during a training match against Nekoma, their defensive ace, Inuoka Sō, managed to partially counter Hinata's attacks.
In the original timeline, the "Freak Quick" remained Hinata's trump card until the Inter-High quarterfinals. After their loss to Aoba Johsai, Hinata began exploring ways to evolve his playstyle during the training camp.
Now, with Asahi Azumane missing, Hinata bore the brunt of Karasuno's offence in this training match. Ryunosuke Tanaka struggled to alleviate the pressure, allowing Taichi to almost perfectly neutralize Hinata's performance.
This forced Hinata to realize early on that he couldn't rely solely on the 'Freak Quick.' The 'Crows' evolution was accelerating ahead of schedule.
Originally, the plan was to help Aoba Johsai gain confidence through a training match victory. Instead, this seemed to have catalyzed Hinata's growth, making it even harder for Aoba Johsai to defeat Karasuno in the future.
Still, seeing a stronger Hinata Shoyo earlier than expected filled Taichi with excitement. Besides, he'd snagged a Hinata Shoyo player card. Totally worth it!
"Taichi, why are you grinning like a creep?"
"Ahem, no, I'm not..." Taichi quickly adjusted his expression.
"Taichi, thank you..." Kindaichi approached him. To others, this might have been an ordinary training match, but for Kindaichi, it held special significance.
"Kindaichi, we won because of my serve, you know," Oikawa Tooru interjected with his trademark smug grin.
"If you'd started the match, we wouldn't have struggled so much!" Iwaizumi Hajime launched a volleyball at Oikawa's head.
"How could you! Iwa-chan, I'm still recovering! Stop hitting me!"@@@@
"Kageyama-kun," Oikawa teased, turning to the stoic first-year, "you've grown taller since we last met. But just so you know, I'm still better."
Kageyama's eyes narrowed. Without a word, he grabbed Hinata, who had been staring blankly nearby. "With the two of us, we won't lose."
"Is that so? Well, you're not the only ones with strong first-years." Oikawa motioned toward Taichi, who was stretching on the sidelines while munching on a snack. "Oi! Taichi! Say something intimidating!"
Taichi rolled his eyes. How childish.
Unbothered, Oikawa shifted his focus to Kindaichi, who eventually caved under his captain's intense gaze. Turning to Kageyama, Kindaichi declared, "Next time, the victory will still be ours."
"Yes!"
Hearing the loud and united response from the players, Team Manager Sadayuki looked at Coach Irihata with admiration. Indeed, experience speaks volumes—just a few words from the seasoned coach were enough to curb any budding arrogance among the team members.
With that, Aoba Johsai's Saturday training session continued.
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Outside the Gym
Karasuno's team walked along the road back to school. Having lost the match, a heavy silence hung over the group.
"Kageyama, from what you said earlier, you've known Oikawa for a while?" Sugawara Koshi asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"He was my senior in middle school. I learned my serving and blocking by watching and imitating him," Kageyama replied after a pause. "If I can surpass Oikawa-senpai, I'll become the best setter in the prefecture."
Daichi Sawamura glanced at him. It wasn't often that Kageyama admitted someone was better than him as a setter.
Shaking his head slightly, Daichi pushed aside his wandering thoughts. "Honestly, I'm frustrated. Hinata and Kageyama's combination is incredible, but this training match exposed our two biggest weaknesses..."
"First, when Hinata's offence is neutralized, we don't have anyone else who can break through and lead the attack. Second, our receive is all over the place. Without solid receives, we can't organize proper plays. And on the national stage, Oikawa won't be the only one with such powerful serves."
Kageyama furrowed his brows. Daichi was right—those were the critical issues they were facing. But addressing them wasn't something that could be done overnight.
"However..." Daichi suddenly turned to look at the teammates behind him. "There's no need to worry too much. Karasuno's Guardian Deity and Ace will be back soon."
"The Ace!"
"The Guardian Deity?!"
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