Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 18: Seijoh vs Wakunan (3)

"Don't rush, your strategy just now was solid, Takeru!" Coach Onikabe called out firmly to Takeru Nakashima.

Takeru lifted his head and met his coach's gaze. The coach spoke in a low voice, "Your battlefield is in the air!"

"Yes, sir!" Nakashima responded resolutely and returned to the court with his teammates.

Coach Onikabe watched Nakashima's back intently. He knew that at this moment, the only player Wakunan could rely on was Takeru Nakashima. As long as Nakashima was on the court, there was still hope for victory.

"The next point!" Nakashima scanned his teammates with determination. "We're going to pick this one up!"

"Yeah!" Wakunan echoed with renewed resolve.

Oikawa Tooru wasn't intimidated by the opposing team's determination. He confidently went for another powerful jump serve.

"Out!"

The ball went out of bounds, and the Wakunan players silently let out a sigh of relief. Only Nakashima looked slightly dissatisfied.

Sure enough, coming back from a timeout disrupted his rhythm, Oikawa thought as he glanced at Nakashima, a tinge of regret in his expression.

[Aoba Johsai 5 – Wakunan 3]

It was Wakunan's serve. Kunimi Akira received the ball cleanly, and Kaedehara Taichi, Matsukawa Issei, and Iwaizumi Hajime all rushed forward.

Oikawa's gaze shifted to the right, focusing on Taichi. Although Taichi had been briefly drawn by Nakashima's movements earlier, Nakashima had also been keeping a close eye on Taichi.

Nakashima noticed Oikawa's focus and moved to block in front of Taichi.

At that moment, Oikawa set the ball to the left for Iwaizumi Hajime, who spiked it down for the point.

[Aoba Johsai 6 – Wakunan 3]

That earlier look—it was a feint?

Nakashima gritted his teeth. That setter across the net was downright crafty.@@@@

Oikawa, as if sensing the thought, turned back toward Nakashima with a smirk. "Next point, I really will set it to Taichi. You better be ready to block him."

"Of course I will." Nakashima responded with a bright grin.

"Tch, what a pain," Oikawa muttered, clicking his tongue. He couldn't stand players who were unfazed by his mind games.

Aoba Johsai served again, and Taichi sent the ball over.

"Chance ball!" Libero Kazeteru Akiu shouted, steadying the ball with a perfect pass to Hanayama Kazumasa.

Damn it, that serve was too easy to handle. Taichi rushed forward to defend.

Hanayama set the ball to the left, and Naruko Teppei went for the spike.

Taichi barely managed to receive the ball, but it didn't reach Oikawa's position.

Ugh, the pressure of the first touch is crushing. My weak reception skills are completely exposed right now.

Oikawa quickly sent the ball to the right side, where Matsukawa Issei was waiting. Matsukawa's spike boomed toward Wakunan's side.

Again, Nakashima was there!

In the back row, he received the spike cleanly. Without missing a beat, Yuki Shiroishi executed a quick attack through the centre, catching Aoba Johsai off guard.

Shiroishi scored with a direct quick attack.

[Aoba Johsai 6 – Wakunan 5]

"Woohoo! Takeru, great receive!"

"Nice spike, Yuuki!" The Wakunan players had completely regained their momentum.

A sharp whistle cut through the air. Aoba Johsai had called for a timeout.

Coach Irihata gathered his team around. "When Taichi rotates to the back row, our offensive power and blocking will weaken, and the defensive gaps in the back row become obvious. So, when Taichi moves to the back row, Shinji will sub in for him. Their offence lacks strength, but their defence is solid. Stay patient while attacking."

"Yes, coach!"

"Sorry for the trouble, Watari-senpai," Taichi murmured, his head low. This was his first time starting, and now he was being subbed out for poor performance. A wave of dejection washed over him.

Watari smiled and patted Taichi's shoulder. Though he wasn't the type to comfort others with words, Taichi could still feel his senpai's encouragement.

"Taichi," Oikawa suddenly called out. "Since you'll have time to rest in the back row, I'm counting on you to go all out on offence in the front row."

Taichi lifted his head, meeting his teammate's trusting gaze. "Understood!"

Seeing Taichi's renewed determination, Oikawa couldn't help but smirk. "The ace still struggles with reception, huh? Pfft."

Taichi's face instantly turned beet red. He shouldn't have expected any true captain-like demeanour from Oikawa.

"Idiot, stop running your mouth." Iwaizumi's kick found its mark with pinpoint accuracy.

The timeout ended, and Wakunan resumed their serve.

From the bench, Taichi watched as both teams traded blows, neither side giving an inch. It was only then that he noticed something—Nakashima was also in the back row.

Without Nakashima in the front row to lead the block, Wakunan's offence lacked its usual edge. His spiking skills couldn't be fully utilized, and their attacks were noticeably less threatening.

However, Nakashima's presence in the back row had significantly bolstered their defence. In the prolonged rally just now, Aoba Johsai's two spikes were easily received by Nakashima, giving Wakunan a chance to counterattack.

How enviable....An ace who excels in both offence and defence.

"Boom!"

Iwaizumi's spike landed, and Aoba Johsai rotated positions. Kaedehara Taichi was back in the front row.

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