Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

"Kamomedai…They're one of the strongest teams in the country when it comes to blocking."

"I've heard there's a team in Miyagi known for their blocking too, but there's no way they can compare to Kamomedai, right?"

"After all, their blocking core is led by one of the top three middle blockers in the nation, Hirugami Sachirō. On top of that, they have a 2-meter-tall second-year wing spiker…"

From a corner of the stands, Kuroo Tetsurō spoke as he analyzed the matchup with a slouched-over Kozume Kenma sitting beside him.

"But the most important piece of the puzzle is their ace—the guy who was just named one of the top three aces in the country yesterday. The Little Giant, Hoshiumi Kōrai," Kenma murmured, reading from the team roster pamphlet distributed at the venue.

"Oh? Kenma, are you interested in this Hoshiumi guy?" Kuroo asked, intrigued.

"Mm…He just kind of reminds me of Shōyō," Kenma muttered softly. "But…his technique is probably way better than Shōyō's."

"Hahaha! That little pipsqueak is probably watching this match from home," Kuroo said with a hearty laugh.

"Yeah. Shōyō said Coach Ukai told them to watch every single match Aoba Johsai plays. Karasuno even watched the match where we lost to Taichi," Kenma replied absentmindedly while fiddling with his phone.

Kuroo's laughter came to an abrupt stop.

—Shōyō, are you watching? Kamomedai's Little Giant.

Kenma typed out a message.

—Yeah, Karasuno's first and second years are watching at Coach Ukai's shop.

Hinata Shōyō responded almost instantly.

Kenma narrowed his eyes. Good. He didn't want those crows to lose their fighting spirit just yet.

In truth, it wasn't just Karasuno—almost every team in Miyagi that had ever lost to Aoba Johsai was watching this match. While it was partially to study their potential opponent for next year, there was also something else.

For the first time in years, a team from Miyagi had made it to the semifinals of Nationals.

And deep down, everyone was waiting for something to happen.

-----

"Taichi!"

As Aoba Johsai entered the court, a familiar voice called out from the stands behind them.

"Udai-senpai, you finally came to watch me play!" Kaedehara Taichi teased.

"Ahaha…I was busy with deadlines the past few days," Udai Tenma admitted sheepishly. "But I won't miss a single match from now on!"

Taichi rolled his eyes. "After today, there's only one match left before we win the championship."

"Hahaha, Taichi, you're still as confident as ever," Unai said approvingly. "I thought maybe after facing all these top players, you'd tone it down a little."

"Huh? Not really. I'm just following school rules~" Taichi replied with a bashful grin.

"…School rules?" Unai looked confused. But when he followed Taichi's gaze, his eyes landed on Aoba Johsai's team banner hanging on the opposite side of the court.

—RULE THE COURT—

Udai burst into laughter. So this was Aoba Johsai's essence—beneath their composure was an undeniable arrogance.

Just having that banner displayed at Nationals was already a direct provocation to every other team in the tournament.

-----

Once the standard pre-match introductions were over, both teams began their warm-ups.

"Now that I've made it this far…no one underestimates me anymore," Hoshiumi Kōrai murmured to himself on the sidelines.

"Hah?" Passing by, Hirugami Sachirō stopped in his tracks. "What's up with you, Kōrai?"

"C'mon! If they dare look down on us small guys, they'll regret it!" Hoshiumi shouted under his breath, eyes closed.

Hirugami: "…"

What an idiot.

"We're already in the semifinals—who's still dumb enough to judge an opponent just by their height?" third-year outside hitter Nozawa Izuru chuckled. "You're overthinking it."

Hoshiumi scowled, deep in thought. Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him.

"If you really want someone to belittle you, leave it to me."

Kamomedai's 2-meter-tall wing spiker, Gao Hakuba, towered over Hoshiumi with a defiant smirk.

"Compared to smaller life forms, larger ones undeniably have the advantage!"

"Oh, I see. That makes sense," Hoshiumi replied indifferently.

"Oi! That was your cue to get mad at me! You're supposed to snap back!!" Gao grabbed Hoshiumi's shoulders and shook him back and forth.

"…I've heard this speech from you way too many times already," Hoshiumi said dizzily.

"Wha—!" Gao gasped, looking betrayed.

—

Kamomedai Roster & Player Stats:

[Hirugami Sachirō—Middle Blocker: Overall Rating: 89; Height: 190.4 cm, Strength: 90, Jump: 85, Stamina: 90, Speed: 90; Key Attributes: Serve: 90, Block: 92, Spike: 90.]

One of the top three middle blockers in the country and Kamomedai's defensive core, nicknamed—Hirugami the Immovable!

[Gao Hakuba—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 83; Height: 203.3 cm, Strength: 90, Jump: 80

A second-year wing spiker who surpasses Hyakuzawa Yūdai in height. Though physically well-trained, his technique is still developing.

[Suwa Aikichi—Setter: Overall Rating: 86; Height: 177.8 cm, Strength: 80, Jump: 88, Stamina: 90, Speed: 85; Key Attributes: Serve: 88, Receive: 85, Set: 88.]

A third-year setter and team captain, he is known for his composure and precise jump float serves.

[Nozawa Izuru—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 86; Height: 181.8 cm, Strength: 95, Jump: 88, Stamina: 85, Speed: 80; Key Attributes: Recieve: 85, Spike: 88.]

A reliable third-year spiker with a solid technique and strong mentality.

[Kanbayashi Keiichirō—Libero: Overall Rating: 87.2; Height: 173.2 cm, Strength: 80, Jump: 88, Stamina: 90, Speed: 90; Key Attributes: Receive: 90.]

Kamomedai's defensive anchor, ensuring their blocking system remains impenetrable.

[Bessho Kazuyoshi—Middle Blocker: Overall Rating: 84.2; Height: 186.7 cm, Strength: 75, Jump: 80, Stamina: 85, Speed: 90; Key Attributes: Serve: 88, Block: 88, Spike: 88.]

The only first-year on Kamomedai's starting lineup. Unlike most rookies, he stands out for his refined technique rather than sheer physicality.

With the stage set, the highly anticipated showdown between Aoba Johsai and Kamomedai was about to begin.

-----

"Tweet—!"

With a long whistle, the players moved into their positions.

Nagano Prefecture representative—Kamomedai High School—Three consecutive years, a total of 15 appearances at Spring High Nationals.

Miyagi Prefecture representative—Aoba Johsai High School—First appearance in five years, a total of 8 appearances at Spring High Nationals.

[Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Center Court]

[Spring Interhigh National Tournament Semifinals]

Aoba Johsai vs. Kamomedai—The match begins.

Aoba Johsai's lineup:

Front row—Setter Oikawa Tōru, Middle Blocker Kindaichi Yūtarō, Outside Hitter Kaedehara Taichi.

Back row—Outside Hitter Kyōtani Kentarō, Middle Blocker Matsukawa Issei (Libero: Watari Shinji) and Outside Hitter Iwaizumi Hajime.

Kamomedai's lineup:

Front row—Outside Hitter Hakuba Gao, Middle Blocker Hirugami Sachirō, Outside Hitter Hoshiumi Kōrai.

Back row—Outside Hitter Nozawa Izuru, Middle blocker Bessho Kazuyoshi (Libero: Kanbayashi Keiichirō) and Setter Suwa Aikichi.

Kamomedai to serve. Suwa Aikichi stepped up to the service line.

"Suwa-senpai, send a good one!"

Bang!

With Kamomedai's captain Suwa Aikichi executing a jump float serve, the match officially kicked off!

The ball landed in a tricky spot—right between Watari Shinji and Kyōtani Kentarō.

"I got it!"

Watari lunged forward, taking the receive ahead of Kyōtani to ensure the team's maximum attacking power.

Smack!

The ball was lighter than Watari had expected, causing it to rebound a bit short.

However, such a slight miscalculation was almost negligible for Oikawa Tōru.

Whoosh—!

The ball soared high toward the right wing—of course, the first ball had to go to the top three ace in the nation!

Oikawa's lips curled into a smile.

"Go for it, Taichi!"

BAM!

With swift, compact footwork, Kaedehara Taichi leapt high in the front row.

Squeak, squeak, squeak.

Kamomedai's blockers moved in unison—

"Triple block!"

Hakuba Gao, Hirugami Sachirō, and Hoshiumi Kōrai all jumped together, forming an impenetrable wall in front of Kaedehara Taichi.

"That's high…"

It was unclear whether the audience was marvelling at Taichi's jump or at Kamomedai's towering block.

It had been a long time since Kaedehara Taichi had encountered blockers who could keep up with him in sheer height.

Boom!—

The ball shot past Hakuba Gao's outstretched arms, slamming directly onto the three-meter line on Kamomedai's left side.

A super sharp cross-court shot!

Kaedehara Taichi had ripped through Kamomedai's ironclad block with a tight-angle spike to score!

[Aoba Johsai 1 - 0 Kamomedai]

"This guy…!" Hakuba Gao grumbled, clearly frustrated.

That block would have shut down a normal player. And yet, Aoba Johsai's ace had calmly spiked a cross-court shot right past him!

Kaedehara Taichi, who had just turned back to celebrate with his teammates, overheard Hakuba's complaint. Smirking, he returned to the net.

"Nothing to panic about, really. Whether it's small guys who jump high or big guys who stand tall—I've seen them all before."

!!!

Hoshiumi Kōrai forgot to warn Hakuba Gao—don't engage with Kaedehara Taichi during a match.

"And one more thing, Hakuba-senpai," Taichi smiled. "I'm not 'this guy.' I'm Kaedehara Taichi, Aoba Johsai's absolute ace."

"Oh, and by the way—" Taichi's eyes curved mischievously. "I'm already one of the nation's top three aces, just like your teammate Hoshiumi-senpai."

Taichi tilted his head toward Hoshiumi.

"Hoshiumi-senpai, I thought you'd at least introduce me to your team."

"I know your name," Hakuba replied, regaining his composure. "I spent all night watching footage of Aoba Johsai."

"Next point—you won't be so lucky."

"Oh?" Taichi suddenly grinned. "Hakuba-senpai, next play, I'll hit a quick attack."

Hakuba Gao: "???"

"Mm, I might as well tell you the location too—middle." Taichi squinted playfully.

"You little—!"

"Gao! Don't let him get to you!" Hoshiumi quickly called out.

From the sidelines, Hirugami Sachirō observed Kaedehara Taichi with growing interest.

"Taichi…is pretty interesting…"

—

Serve switch. Aoba Johsai to serve.

Oikawa Tōru stood at the service line. He had heard everything Kaedehara Taichi had just said.

A quick attack in the middle?

Oikawa knew Taichi hadn't just said it to provoke—it was exactly what he planned to do.

But whether the opponents would believe it…was another story.

"This kid sure knows how to make things complicated."

But Oikawa liked the challenge.

He tossed the ball. Approach. Jump. Strike—

"WOOHH—HEYYY!"

BOOM!

Even the toughest blockers were helpless against a strong serve!

Smack!

The ball traced a sharp arc in the air—slamming right in front of Kamomedai's setter, Suwa Aikichi.

This was the serve of a setter armed with a knife!

Oikawa Tōru—No Touch Ace!

[Aoba Johsai 2 - 0 Kamomedai]

"Hoo—!"

Suwa Aikichi exhaled deeply.

As Kamomedai's captain, he was known for his composure. He had long accepted that he wasn't a "genius setter."

But being targeted like this right at the start of the match was still frustrating.

Was Aoba Johsai really only 'clean-looking' in their uniforms?

"Don't mind it! Next ball!" Kanbayashi Keiichirō called.

According to Kamomedai's scouting, Oikawa's favourite targets were usually liberos.

Yet, this time, he went straight for the setter.

Kamomedai's receiving was above average at the national level—but they lacked an exceptional defensive specialist.

The best receiver on the team was likely still Hoshiumi Kōrai, who was in the front row.

Oikawa Tōru basked in the cheers from the crowd as he returned to the service line.

Nothing felt better than scoring right off the serve!

BOOM!!

Second serve—

Smack!

Suwa Aikichi barely received it. The ball bounced straight back into Aoba Johsai's court.

"Chance ball!"

Watari Shinji set it up perfectly.

Was it really going to be a quick attack?

The question flashed in Hakuba Gao's mind—but he already had his answer.

Kaedehara Taichi was already mid-air at the centre.

"Already?!"

Hakuba's eyes widened in shock.

He had seen this on video—but experiencing it in real life was completely different.

The ball had just reached Aoba Johsai's side!

Whoosh!—

Oikawa connected with Taichi in a direct, pinpoint set.

No way!

Kamomedai's three blockers reacted simultaneously—

BOOM!

The ball soared over their hands and slammed into Kamomedai's court.

Oikawa-Kaedehara super quick attack scores!

[Aoba Johsai 3 - 0 Kamomedai]

"IT'S HERE! Aoba Johsai's deadly first-strike special!"

"Lightning-fast quick attack—Kamomedai's blockers couldn't even react!"

"The top three ace in the nation scores again—Kaedehara Taichi is unstoppable!!"

"Even a two-meter wall is helpless against Kaedehara Taichi—no wonder he's ranked among the top three aces in the country!" 

"Haha...Looks like Ōtomo-sensei has been keeping up with the latest intel!" The commentator Aoi chuckled. 

"Of course! And just to add to the excitement, Kamomedai's very own Hoshiumi is also one of the nation's top three aces. That means this match is a clash of titans!" Commentator Ōtomo exclaimed with enthusiasm. 

The crowd erupted into cheers, the hype surrounding this match turning out to be even greater than expected! 

"Taichi won't be able to keep this up for long," Kuroo Tetsurō muttered, leaning forward in his seat as he focused on Kamomedai's front-row blockers. "As expected of a team known for their blocking, all three of them reacted to that ultra-quick attack on their first encounter." 

"But Taichi still has plenty more tricks up his sleeve. Honestly, I hope they can keep up a little longer," Kozume Kenma said lazily. 

"At the very least, you guys should be getting a hand on the ball!" Hoshiumi Kōrai shot Hakuba Gao a look of disapproval. 

"Hey, just the fact that I reacted in time deserves some praise, don't you think?" Hakuba shot back, unwilling to admit defeat. 

"It was really impressive, Hakuba-senpai~" 

In just a few minutes of gameplay, Hakuba already didn't want to hear that voice again. The one who suddenly complimented him was none other than Kaedehara Taichi, standing across the net. 

"Looks like I was just a little lucky with that shot~" Taichi grinned. 

Hakuba remained silent, already preparing a comeback—but only after he had successfully blocked Kaedehara Taichi. 

"Hakuba-senpai, next play…it's another quick attack!" 

Taichi was completely unfazed. 

Two meters? 

He would spike straight through two meters!

_________

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