When Karasuno only had one decoy, shutting down Number 10 was enough to cut off their entire offense.
But the moment Karasuno gained both a decoy and a powerhouse ace, their attacks became unstoppable.
A true ace isn't only a finisher.
He is also, inevitably, a terrifying decoy.
Even though Date Tech's players gave everything they had,
Captain Moniwa, after that one perfect receive, seemed to have awakened, his receiving skill suddenly improving by a large margin.
Aone and Futakuchi, once they gradually adapted to Karasuno's attack rhythm, managed to touch the ball several times and even block one or two spikes.
The other players also fought desperately to halt Karasuno's advance.
But sadly… Karasuno now was like an armored battering ram with a steel spike mounted in front.
Once their momentum began to flow, Date Tech had no chance of stopping them.
There was no longer any need for Asahi Azumane to carry the weight of everyone's expectations on his shoulders.
With the towering strength of Hyakuzawa Yudai and Ichinose Guren supporting the team, those broad backs were more than enough to carry Karasuno forward.
And with Hinata and Kageyama ultra-fast quick attacks backing him up…
Asahi, former Ace of Karasuno, finally once again experienced the feeling of a clear and open sky in his heart as he spiked.
He let go of the anxiety of being surpassed by his juniors…
And the shame of sometimes sitting on the bench.
If even the steadfast Sugawara could lay down the pride of being a starting setter to ease his own pressure,
Then how could the gentle-hearted Asahi not do the same?
Of course, neither of them have given up on themselves.
Even if most of their time in their third year may be spent on the bench,
Whenever the team needs them,
They will stand on the court again to fight for Karasuno.
Karasuno 25:16 Date Tech
Karasuno 25:17 Date Tech
The second match of Group A ends, shocking many in the audience.
Karasuno, with overwhelming momentum, easily defeated Date Tech, a team considered top-four level in all of Miyagi.
A clean and sharp 2:0.
Moniwa once again fails to lead Date Tech to the third round…
Yet, after the loss, he lets out a long, slow breath, as if a great burden had finally been lifted.
He pats Aone and Futakuchi on their shoulders.
Leaving only a quiet line:
"Let's reorganize the team."
Meanwhile, in the stands, Karasuno's girls' volleyball team, who had already lost in round one, cheered joyfully for the boys' victory.
At that moment, a plain-looking man quickly left the crowd.
Holding a video camera, he walked toward the smoking area.
He prepared the camera, lit a cigarette, inhaled deeply… then exhaled slowly, calming the excitement in his chest.
This height and reach… if he grows a few more centimeters… that's a rare, powerful opposite hitter in the making. And he's only a first-year, he'll definitely get taller.
This athleticism, coordination, and natural feel for volleyball… Karasuno might become the new Shiratorizawa in two years.
After organizing his words carefully, he took out his phone and made a call.
Once the other person answered, he covered the microphone and began speaking slowly:
"Yes… I'm at the Sendai City Gymnasium in Miyagi."
"No, it's not about Wakatoshi Ushijima. I've found another outstanding wing spiker, one who could also be a strong opposite."
"He's only a first-year, and his hitting reach is already at 3.50 meters!"
"No mistake. Trust my eyes. I'm never wrong."
"His fundamentals are solid. Aside from setting, his technical level is already near the top in high school."
"His personality?…"
"He's fine. Though it seems… he really likes psychological warfare."
"No, not strategic mind games, just pure mental pressure."
"Yes. Trash talk. And extremely good at it. The referees didn't catch a single violation."
"Yes, I recommend him for the National Youth Reserve Training Program."
"Wait a moment, there's also a first-year setter in Miyagi. Very talented. Still a bit raw, but absolutely a rare gem."
"Yes. I recorded the match. I'll send the footage soon."
After hanging up, he lit another cigarette.
===========
"Kings, dark horses, it doesn't matter."
"Whoever they are, "
"We crush them and advance to Nationals."
"We are the ones who will win."
At that time, Aoba Johsai vs. Oomisaki had just reached the second set.
Oomisaki 14 : 23 Aoba Johsai.
But compared to Date Tech, the Oomisaki players already seemed utterly defeated.
Their faces showed unwillingness, but no will to fight back.
It was Oikawa's serve.
A new face stood in the front row, one who hadn't appeared in earlier scrimmages.
A short blonde buzzcut.
The Mad Dog, Kyoutani Kentarouu,
Returned to the team after being crushed during training by Ichinose Guren over the break.
His fierce eyes were locked into the match.
He hadn't even noticed that the opponent he swore to defeat, Ichinose himself, was in the audience watching.
Oikawa, having already scored several service points, unleashed another serve nearly equal in power to Ichinose's.
BOOM!
The crowd watching alongside Karasuno flinched.
"That looked like it might break someone's hand…"
But Oomisaki's libero, having adapted somewhat by now, managed, barely, to receive it.
Oikawa had already moved to the front.
Years of polished setting form, unchanging, unreadable.
Three attackers ran at once.
Oomisaki's blockers were scattered, lost.
At the final moment,
Oikawa sent a back set.
Kyoutani dashed in diagonally,
SLAM.
A devastating cross-shot over a double block.
Aoba Johsai took two more points in a row, ending the set.
Karasuno had seen everything.
Oikawa Tooru,
The setter who can draw out 120% of every teammate's power.
A general who commands the battlefield.
No wonder they call him the Great King
On the bus back to school, Ichinose Guren let out a quiet chuckle, speaking softly, almost to himself:
"No wonder… they call him the Great King"
Kageyama Tobio, who cared deeply about Oikawa and Ichinose both, asked curiously:
"Great King? You mean Oikawa-senpai? Why that name?"
=============
Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria