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Chapter 20: Seijoh vs Wakunan (5)
🕑 Added 2024-12-18 09:58:14 +0000 UTC[Ding! The reward for the mission "The Ace's Determination" has been updated. Tōru Oikawa has broken through his limits. Passing ability +1.]
[Ding! The host has successfully altered Tōru Oikawa's career trajectory. Reward: Tōru Oikawa (current state) player card.]
The system chimed twice in quick succession, leaving Kaedehara Taichi unsure where to even begin his complaints.
The mission "The Ace's Determination"—the one that had caused him to publicly embarrass himself last night—turned out to have a reward meant for Tōru Oikawa. This 'bright-eyed, bushy-browed' guy seemed to reap all the benefits without leaving a crumb behind.
What intrigued Taichi even more, however, was the fact that Oikawa's career trajectory had actually been altered.
Taichi wasn't particularly surprised by Oikawa's sudden improvement. After all, as someone who would eventually join the Argentine men's national volleyball team, Oikawa was destined to experience a breakthrough sooner or later.
What Taichi hadn't expected was for it to happen now.
Thinking back, Oikawa's original high school career had been marked by three years of losses and mediocrity. He had even faced moments of doubt about whether to continue playing volleyball at all.
It wasn't until José Blanco—the former setter of Argentina's national men's volleyball team, who later became the coach of Japan's V.League team Tachibana Red Falcons—stepped in and mentored him that Oikawa reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing his volleyball dream.
Staying in Japan meant Oikawa would always face an insurmountable mountain in his path—first Wakatoshi Ushijima, and later Tobio Kageyama.
So, he chose to forge his own path, heading to Argentina. A temporary departure for the sake of a triumphant return.
But now, Oikawa's high school career wouldn't end in obscurity. Someone had stood before him and matter-of-factly stated: "If Kageyama can do it, so can you." Not as encouragement, not as comfort—just a simple declaration of fact.
Faced with such a junior, Oikawa couldn't even find the words to explain that "talent gaps exist."
Instead, deep within, he felt a surge of exhilaration at this audacious challenge: "If that's what you think, then I'll show you!"
The court was silent as Aoba Johsai prepared to serve. Tōru Oikawa stepped onto the service line once again. He took a deep breath, adjusted the strength and angle of his wrist, and felt an almost zen-like clarity. He was in peak condition.
"Oikawa! Let's see a great serve!"
The voices of his teammates echoed in his ears. Tossing the ball high, Oikawa took two steps forward, jumped, and swung his arm in a powerful arc.
At the moment of impact, his fingers and wrist tensed, delivering a sharp, precise strike.
The volleyball spun through the air with no visible rotation, wobbling unpredictably in its flight. The sudden shift caught Wakunan's receivers off guard.
The ball, seemingly slow, reached Kazeteru Akiu's position in an instant. Just as he raised his hands to receive, the ball plummeted sharply before his eyes.
Point for Oikawa!
[Aoba Johsai 13 – 8 Wakunan]
"What was that?! That was incredible!"
"The ball just... dropped all of a sudden, didn't it?" The first-years in the crowd couldn't suppress their amazement.
"A jump float serve? He can do that too?" Even Wakunan's players were stunned by the baffling serve.
As if Oikawa's powerful jump serves weren't headache-inducing enough, now he had switched to another type of serve entirely!
The gap in the score widened, and the oppressive atmosphere began to shake Wakunan's resolve. Restlessness spread among their players like a wave.
"Stay sharp! We have to receive the next ball!" Though Nakashima Takeru knew that such simple encouragement might not work at this point, he still shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Yes!" The voices of Wakunan's players were strained, their exhaustion evident.
Takeru felt a sinking sensation in his chest. The next point....we must defend it no matter what.
"Another one, Oikawa-senpai!" Unlike Wakunan's subdued atmosphere, Aoba Johsai's side was electric with energy.
Tōru Oikawa flashed a victory sign toward the sidelines, drawing an uproarious cheer from the spectators.
Aoba Johsai continued serving, and Oikawa delivered his third serve.
Smack!
Hearing the unusual sound, Taichi immediately knew something had gone awry.
The volleyball smacked straight into Iwaizumi Hajime's head, who had instinctively raised his arms to protect the back of his head.
The ball shot straight up into the air before dropping down at Iwaizumi's feet.
Oikawa's serve faulted, awarding a point to Wakunan.
[Aoba Johsai 13 – 9 Wakunan]
Thud, thud, thud....For a moment, the only sound on the court was the volleyball bouncing on the floor.
"Pfft..." Taichi couldn't hold back his laughter, and the crowd quickly followed suit. "Sorry, Iwaizumi-senpai! I didn't mean it!"
Iwaizumi didn't reply. He silently picked up the ball at his feet.
"Iwa-chan, don't lose your cool! We're still in a match—ahh!" Oikawa's attempt to calm his teammate was interrupted by a perfectly executed spike from Iwaizumi that hit him square in the back. "Hanamaki! You're not even going to try to stop him?"
Having vented his frustration, Iwaizumi composedly bowed slightly toward Wakunan's players and the referee in apology.
Nakashima Takeru took a deep breath. Thanks to Oikawa's error, Wakunan finally had a moment to catch their breath.
Wakunan served.
With their spirits slightly lifted, Wakunan's performance returned to its usual level. Nakashima maintained his aggressive attacks, managing to score another point despite being blocked by three Aoba Johsai players.
The score was now [Aoba Johsai 13 – 10 Wakunan].
Kaedehara Taichi rotated to the back row, swapping places with Watari Shinji. As he sat down, he felt a chill run down his spine.
Nakashima Takeru, the second-best ace in the prefecture after Wakatoshi Ushijima, displayed remarkable versatility in his attacks.
Aoba Johsai had to compromise their blocking strategy to counter him. Whether it was sharp line shots, touches off the blockers' hands, or feints, Nakashima's offense had no weak points. The match's momentum was shifting back to a tense equilibrium.
Standing on the bench, Kaedehara Taichi locked his eyes onto Nakashima. He was utterly focused, analyzing every detail of Nakashima's movements as if trying to engrave them into his memory. For Taichi, there could be no better lesson than this.
"Taichi! Taichi!" Kindaichi Yūtarō called out twice, but the boy beside him remained unresponsive.
Turning his head, Kindaichi noticed Taichi's unwavering gaze, fixed solely on Nakashima. His intense focus seemed to block out all the noise around him.
Coach Irihata, standing nearby, also noticed this scene. He smiled faintly, impressed by Taichi's concentration.
With a soft chuckle, Irihata glanced at Kindaichi. "It seems Taichi's attention has been completely captivated by the opposing ace. Such focus is rare to see. For now, let him observe and learn. You'll be going in for the next play."
"Me?" Kindaichi was caught off guard by the sudden opportunity to join the match.
"Did you warm up properly?" Irihata asked directly.
"Yes! I'm ready!" Kindaichi replied with a mix of excitement and determination.
"Then go!" Irihata nodded, giving him the green light.
Kindaichi Yūtarō stepped onto the court, brimming with confidence, ready to make his mark on the game.
