Chapter 16: Aoba Johsai vs. Wakutani Minami
On the weekend, the Wakutani Minami High School volleyball team traveled by bus to Aoba Johsai High School. Although Wakutani Minami had initiated the practice match invitation, their school's gymnasium was reserved for the basketball team on weekends, so the match was set at Aoba Johsai.
Upon arriving, Wakutani Minami's players disembarked orderly under their coach's guidance, wearing matching team uniforms with "Wakutani Minami" printed on the chest. They chatted animatedly, curiously eyeing Aoba Johsai's gymnasium and facilities, clearly intrigued by the renowned stronghold of this reputable team.
"Amu, why'd you pick Aoba Johsai for a practice match?" asked wing spiker Kawato Shunya.
The question was directed at Wakutani Minami's ace, Nakashima Taku, who was snapping photos of Aoba Johsai's campus with his phone, planning to share his "adventure" with his younger siblings later.
He grinned. "Because Aoba Johsai's strong."
His teammates groaned at the answer, though it suited his personality perfectly.
The team's setter, Hanayama Kazuya, suddenly asked, "By the way, how do you have time for a practice match today? Don't your siblings need you?"
"My older brother's home on break to watch them. I'll head back tonight," Nakashima Taku replied.
At that moment, two players in Aoba Johsai uniforms approached them.
"Hello, welcome to Aoba Johsai High School. We're from the volleyball team. I'm Yahaba Shigeru, a second-year, and this is Kaedehara Taiichi, a first-year."
Kaedehara Taiichi had volunteered to greet them. Drawing from past experience, he wanted to scout the opponents early.
He also had some familiarity with Wakutani Minami. Their ace, Nakashima Taku, was known as the player most similar to Umenai Tenma in style and Miyagi's second-best ace after Ushijima Wakatoshi. Taiichi was eager to meet him.
"System-san, please," Kaedehara Taiichi thought silently. Instantly, data panels appeared beside each Wakutani Minami player.
"Nakashima Taku: Overall Ability 92, height 175 cm, power 88, jump 90, stamina 88, speed 95, specialties: Receiving 88, Spiking 92."
Wow, the first wing spiker with a 90 overall I've seen! Spiking 92, and Receiving 88 too. Makes sense—Taiichi vaguely recalled Nakashima later playing as a libero in the V3 League.
"Shiraishi Yuki: Overall Ability 81, height 178 cm, power 85, jump 82, stamina 94, speed 75, specialties: Receiving 85, Spiking 80."
Great stamina, but average.
"Akiho Kazumitsu: Overall Ability 80, height 174 cm, power 70, jump 70, stamina 85, speed 84, specialties: Receiving 90."
…No recollection at all.
"Kawato Shunya: Overall Ability 80, height 175 cm, power 72, jump 87, stamina 85, speed 85, specialties: Receiving 82, Spiking 85."
Pineapple head. Proof you need flair to be memorable.
"Naruko Teppei: Overall Ability 81, height 186 cm, power 80, jump 82, stamina 78, speed 78, specialties: Receiving 186, Blocking 82."
"Hanayoshi Kazuya: Overall Ability 79, height 178 cm, power 85, jump 75, stamina 78, speed 80, specialties: Receiving 80, Setting 82."
Whoa, an old-man-looking setter. Standing next to Asahi, no one would think they're students.
"Matsushida: Overall Ability 62, height 187 cm, power 86, jump 88, speed 88, stamina 75, specialties: Receiving 80, Spiking 82."
After reviewing all the data, Kaedehara Taiichi had one burning question: how did Wakutani Minami become a Miyagi semifinalist?!
Aside from Nakashima Taku, the other players' levels seemed comparable to Johzenji High.
It wasn't that Taiichi underestimated Wakutani Minami, but he knew that in Miyagi's "one superpower, many strong" death bracket, relying on a single star couldn't secure top results.
***
Entering the spacious, well-lit gymnasium, Wakutani Minami's players took a collective deep breath, facing the open court.
"What a huge gym! It really feels like a powerhouse's domain!"
Wakutani Minami's coach, Oninotsume, stepped forward, clapping to gather attention. "Alright, warm up. No matter how strong the opponent, remember our goal: give it everything, no regrets!"
The team responded in unison, their loud chant echoing through the gym. They began meticulous warm-ups, each spike and agile movement showcasing their rigorous training and team synergy.
Watching their warm-up, Kaedehara Taiichi shed his last trace of underestimation.
Soon, a sharp whistle from the referee signaled the start of the practice match.
Ding. "Temporary Task: Successor to the Little Giant," the system's voice announced.
"The host has learned part of the Little Giant's techniques, but Nakashima Taku is currently recognized as the player most similar to the Little Giant. In this match, if the host's points from hitting out off the block exceed Nakashima Taku's, the task is successful. Otherwise, it fails."
"Task Reward: Jump +5. Task Failure: Deduct one stamina potion from the host."
This came out of nowhere—and with a failure penalty!
Kaedehara Taiichi's mind raced. His technique wasn't polished, so racking up points was unrealistic. The key was limiting Nakashima Taku's hit-out points!
Nakashima Taku felt someone's gaze and looked across the net, spotting the Aoba Johsai first-year who'd greeted them. He flashed Taiichi a smile.
Taiichi felt provoked.
"Let's do this!"
With little time to strategize, both captains shook hands and returned to their positions, teams poised for action.
Aoba Johsai's lineup: Front row—Middle Blocker Kaedehara Taiichi, Setter Oikawa Tooru, Wing Spiker Iwaizumi Hajime; Back row—Wing Spiker Hanamaki Takahiro, Wing Spiker Kunimi Akira, Middle Blocker Matsukawa Issei (Libero Watari Shinji).
Wakutani Minami's lineup: Front row—Middle Blocker Shiraishi Yuki, Middle Blocker Matsushima Go, Wing Spiker Kawato Shunya; Back row—Setter Hanayama Kazuya, Middle Blocker Naruko Teppei (Libero Akiho Kazumitsu), Wing Spiker Nakashima Taku.
Wakutani Minami served.
Hanayama Kazuya aimed at Iwaizumi Hajime, sending the ball over the net to disrupt Aoba Johsai's wing spiker's offensive rhythm.
"Nice serve, Hanayama!"
Iwaizumi Hajime received the ball, passing it to Oikawa Tooru. Oikawa signaled Taiichi with a glance. "First point, let's try our new weapon."
Kaedehara Taiichi began his approach simultaneously, jumping as Oikawa's set reached him perfectly.
What a comfortable set—moderate speed, pinpoint accuracy! Facing Shiraishi Yuki and Matsushima Go's double block, Taiichi's aerial vision sharpened. Aiming for Shiraishi's fingertips, he spiked.
Smack!
The ball hit the upper part of Shiraishi Yuki's palm, rebounding into Aoba Johsai's court. Oikawa set to a repositioned Iwaizumi, who spiked from the back row to score.
[Aoba Johsai 1 vs. Wakutani Minami 0]
Damn, I aimed for the block's fingertips to hit out, Taiichi thought, frustrated. His aerial vision was clear, but his spiking mechanics weren't ready.