Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 109: The Snake’s Assault

In volleyball, nothing is ever guaranteed. Success often comes from riding the unpredictable winds of fortune.

And if winning was the goal, why not use every possible tactic to achieve it?

Nohebi Academy's serve. Naoyasu Kuguri delivered a float serve with a controlled jump, sending the ball spinning toward the court. Watari Shinji moved laterally and received it cleanly.

"Eh? Can't you even receive properly?" Naoyasu Kuguri taunted Kunimi Akira, his tone dripping with mock surprise.

The ball had landed in the seam between Watari and Kunimi—a situation typically handled by the more skilled receiver, Watari, since Kunimi needed to remain ready for offence.

It was yet another baseless provocation. Kunimi didn't dignify it with a response.

Oikawa Tōru set the ball to the left side, where Kaedehara Taichi leapt to spike.

"Double block!" Suguru Daishō and Hiroo Kōji leapt into position.

Taichi avoided their block and struck a sharp cross-court shot. In the back row, Kazuma Numai received it with precision.

"No problem, that spike was weak!"

Nohebi's setter, Isumi Sakishima, lifted the ball high into the air. Suguru Daishō jumped, spiking with ferocity.

"Double block!" Taichi and Hanamaki Takahiro rose to meet him, their height casting a shadow over the opposing captain.

Smack!

The ball grazed the side of Hanamaki's hand and flew out of bounds.

Off the block and out. Daishō scored.

[Aoba Johsai 1 – 2 Nohebi]

"What exquisite spiking technique! Nohebi Academy's captain, Suguru Daishō, scores against Aoba Johsai's double block!" The commentator's voice explained the play to the excited crowd.

"Oh? So your blocks are all height and no technique?" Daishō's voice carried a lighthearted yet cutting tone.

Hanamaki frowned but held his tongue. They had just lost the point—there was little room for rebuttal.

Moments later, it was Iwaizumi Hajime's turn to attack.

"Oooh, a thunderous spike from Aoba Johsai's #4, Iwaizumi Hajime! He powers through Nohebi's block for a spectacular point!"

[Aoba Johsai 2 – 2 Nohebi]

"#4? Isn't that supposed to be the ace's number? Did some first-year kid snatch your ace spot?" Hiroo Kōji teased, glancing at Iwaizumi with mock disbelief.

In volleyball, the #4 jersey was traditionally reserved for the ace, though many teams didn't adhere to this rule strictly. Still, for a third-year starter and vice-captain, it was hard not to raise questions.

"How pitiful..." Suguru Daishō chimed in at the perfect moment, feigning sympathy.

"Do you always talk this much after losing a point?" Iwaizumi retorted calmly, his expression stoic as he faced Nohebi's players.

"Just offering my condolences," Daishō replied with a nonchalant wave of his hand.

Kyōtani Kentarō rotated to the front row.

Aoba Johsai served. Kaedehara Taichi's jump float landed in Nohebi's court, where Akama Sō received it. Isumi Sakishima quickly stepped into position, setting to the right side for Kazuma Numai's spike.

Hanamaki managed to dig the powerful attack, the ball ricocheting toward the net.

"Hit it back!"

Hiroo Kōji leapt to attack but found himself matched by Aoba Johsai's setter.

"Mad Dog-chan!"

Oikawa Tōru rose higher than expected, tipping the ball to the left side where Kyōtani had already started his approach.

"Double block!" Nohebi's Numai and Seguro leapt to intercept. But their rushed block proved futile against Kyōtani's raw power.

Boom!

The ball nearly grazed Seguro's chest before slamming into Nohebi's court.

Kyōtani scored.

[Aoba Johsai 5 – 4 Nohebi]

-----

[Aoba Johsai 7 – 7 Nohebi]

Two rotations later, Oikawa Tōru stepped onto the service line.

"Oikawa-senpai, get us a good one!"

Standing at the line, Oikawa soaked in the atmosphere of the court.

By now, the court's dimensions, the height of the ceiling, the lights above, the hum of the crowd, and the distant camera lenses were all familiar to him. His nerves remained, but more than that, he felt exhilaration. This is what I've been dreaming of—playing on the national stage.

He realized he had been unusually quiet during the match, a stark difference from his usual self. Perhaps his teammates had noticed it too.

Breathe.

Oikawa exhaled deeply, his focus sharpening. The familiar motions of toss, approach, and jump felt second nature.

His palm connected with the ball, and it rocketed over the net with overwhelming force, compressing the air around it.

Boom!

The ball slammed into the baseline of Nohebi's court and rebounded into the audience behind them.

The arena went silent, all eyes drawn to Oikawa.

"Out!"

Akama Sō, the libero of Nohebi, hesitated briefly before claiming, "It was out!"

"It was out. I saw it too. Such a shame." Suguru Daishō feigned calmness, masking his satisfaction.

The sideline referee hadn't clearly seen the ball's trajectory.

In the absence of technology like Hawkeye, the decision rested on the main referee. Trusting Nohebi's prior displays of 'honesty', he signalled:

"Out!"

The call stood.

[Aoba Johsai 7 – 8 Nohebi]

"Such a pity. I could've sworn that ball clipped the baseline," the commentator lamented.

"But Aoba Johsai's Oikawa Tōru proves his skills are truly exceptional even at the national level!"

"Defeating Shiratorizawa wasn't a fluke. This team is packed with talent," the co-commentator added, trying to keep the mood light.

While Aoba Johsai's players looked visibly frustrated, they held back their protests—except for one.

"Are you blind?! That was clearly in!" Kyōtani shouted, his rage boiling over as he pointed at the referee.

The referee frowned and issued him a warning.

"Ask the spectators! Even their libero is lying!" Kyōtani continued, stepping toward the referee.

Before he could get any closer, his teammates rushed to restrain him.

The referee brandished a yellow card.

"Are you siding with them?!" Kyōtani roared, struggling against Iwaizumi's firm grip.

"Kyōtani!" Iwaizumi Hajime barked, holding him down as their coach, Irihata, intervened.

Tweet! The referee blew his whistle and raised a red card.

Aoba Johsai was penalized 1 point.

[Aoba Johsai 7 – 9 Nohebi]

Aoba Johsai called for a timeout.

_________

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