Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 42: Change

Coach Irihata turned to the team, his expression serious. "Our blocking today isn't sticky enough. You need to be more aggressive in disrupting Ushiwaka's spikes."

One of Wakatoshi Ushijima's defining characteristics as a spiker was his sheer power—a force capable of breaking through blocks.

Right now, Kaedehara Taichi and Kunimi Akira were completely unable to stop it.

Even Kindaichi, Iwaizumi, and Matsukawa, who had the strength to block him, often hesitated at the net.

Ushijima's overwhelming presence on the court was enough to shake their confidence, causing a split-second delay that he exploited.

Several of today's points had been lost for exactly that reason.

"The second issue," Coach Irihata continued, his tone uncharacteristically sharp, "is receiving Ushiwaka's spikes. Right now, only Oikawa and Watari can handle them. Does that mean the rest of you have nothing to do with it?"

Another hallmark of Ushijima's spikes was the left-handed spin. The unusual rotation often led to reception errors even when his spikes lacked full power.

"I'll explain the overall situation first, and then we'll discuss our approach." Coach Irihata gestured for Manager-Coach Mizoguchi to hand over the analysis sheet for the day's match.

"In the first set we won, Taichi scored 9 points, Oikawa 5, and Iwaizumi 3. For Shiratorizawa, Ushijima scored 11 points, Tendou 3, and Kawanishi 2."

"Our offense wasn't weaker than Shiratorizawa's."

Taichi, surprised by his own performance, nodded eagerly as he listened.

"But in the second set, Taichi scored 6 points, Oikawa 4, and Iwaizumi 4. Together, the three of you barely matched Ushiwaka's points alone."

The members of Aoba Johsai fell silent, their faces tense. When laid out like this, the terrifying dominance of Wakatoshi Ushijima became even more apparent.

"As for the third set," Irihata's tone grew heavier, "it was a complete breakdown. There's no point in analyzing it further."

His gaze swept across the room, stern yet encouraging. "We at Aoba Johsai are strong in every area, which is why we can defeat most teams. But we're not the best in any single area, which is why we can't beat Shiratorizawa."

"This is the time to seek change. Taichi is one of our new weapons, but it's not enough. If we want to reach nationals, we need more." His eyes shifted to Oikawa Tōru and Iwaizumi Hajime. "You two are the captain and vice-captain. I need an answer from you tomorrow."

With that, Coach Irihata turned and walked out of the gym with Manager Mizoguchi.

"Thank you, Coach!" The players called out in unison, their voices echoing in the gym as they bowed to send him off.

"Why are the seniors suddenly talking about this?" Kindaichi whispered to Kunimi, his confusion apparent. "Isn't reception something we're all supposed to practice?"

Kunimi, used to Kindaichi's endless questions, replied in a low voice, "We're short on time. It's faster for the main spikers, who already handle the first touch, to practice reception. It also means sacrificing some of their own offensive opportunities."

"But you're a spiker too. Why aren't you practising with them?" Kindaichi asked bluntly.

Kunimi rolled his eyes. "Because I'd get blown away by those spikes."

"You should practice with them anyway," Matsukawa Issei interjected suddenly. "We need to overhaul our attack strategy too. We didn't gain any advantage in the last two sets." Then, after a pause, he added, "Let's call Kentarō back and see what level he's at now."

The gym fell silent again. Iwaizumi and Hanamaki's earlier discussion was about dividing roles, but Matsukawa's suggestion introduced the possibility of changing the starting lineup—a move that could significantly impact the team dynamic.

The first-years, unfamiliar with the name, stayed quiet, unsure of what to say.

"I disagree!" The sudden voice of Yahaba Shigeru, a second-year, broke the silence. His tone was firm, even though Kentarō's return wouldn't directly affect his position.

"He's been out of the game for a while now, hasn't he? Plus, he's disruptive and doesn't respect his seniors," Yahaba said, looking to the third-years. "I don't think he'd bring any value to the team!"

"But his attacking skills are strong," Matsukawa replied calmly.

"Senpai, I don't think he's better than you!" Yahaba shot back, his voice rising.

Matsukawa gave a bitter smile but said nothing. No one wanted to give up their final year of volleyball. But if it was for the sake of the team's victory...

"Enough," Oikawa said, his voice cutting through the tension. "We don't even know if Kentarō is willing to come back. We'll need to ask Coach Irihata about it tomorrow."

Yahaba clenched his fists, but he knew the captain's word was final. Reluctantly, he returned to his spot.

Taichi stood frozen, watching the heated discussion unfold before him. It felt like everything was somehow related to him, yet at the same time, completely unrelated.

Why hadn't anyone asked for his opinion?

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