Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 170: A Head-On Breakthrough!

Futakuchi Kenji's second serve came with even greater power, a whistling shot aimed towards Iwaizumi Hajime's direction.

Smack!

The crisp sound of the ball meeting hand signalled the beginning of Aoba Johsai's counterattack.

Iwaizumi handled the serve with ease, a clean and steady reception that set the tone for the rally.

Oikawa Tōru's gaze briefly passed over Kaedehara Taichi.

The glimmer in the 'Monster's' eyes was even brighter than before—a pure focus, a thirst for greater heights.

It was as though nothing else existed in his vision besides the blockers before him.

"Go for it..." Oikawa murmured under his breath, his voice soft but brimming with trust in his teammate.

With precise movements, he adjusted his position like a finely-tuned cog in a machine, sending the ball soaring high into the air—a bridge leading Taichi straight to the pinnacle.

Kaedehara Taichi launched from the back row, his approach brimming with explosive energy like a predator about to strike.

Thud!

With that resounding sound, he leapt into the air, his body carving a graceful arc as he ascended. Every muscle in his arm tensed, primed to unleash a devastating strike.

At that moment, time seemed to slow. Everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on the airborne figure, awaiting the inevitable.

"Double block!" Aone Takanobu and Koganegawa Kanji jumped to meet him.

For the first time, Date Tech's coach found himself doubting his defensive strategy.

Perhaps, when Kaedehara Taichi was in the front row, it was necessary to always deploy a triple block...

From Taichi's perspective, Koganegawa's blocking posture was slightly off, a gap forming in the Golden Iron Wall.

But—

What he wanted was not to exploit the gap.

He wanted to crush the wall head-on!

—BO—OOOM!!!—

The volleyball deformed against Taichi's palm as it tore through the air with overwhelming force, hurtling toward Date Tech's blockers.

—Smack!

Despite extending his arms as high as possible, Aone could only manage to graze the ball with the top of his hand.

"One touch!"

The ball rebounded upward, and Aone believed the play wasn't over yet.

But when he glanced at his teammates and saw no movement, he turned around—only to realize the ball was nowhere in sight.

A sudden realization struck him, and he looked up. The volleyball was now resting in the hands of a third-year senior seated in the back rows of the stands.

[Aoba Johsai 1 – 1 Date Tech]

"It's not enough..."

Taichi's eyes glimmered like two deep lakes. His focus had narrowed, zeroing in entirely on the confines of the 18m × 9m court.

The serve rotated, and Oikawa Tōru stepped up to the service line.

Date Tech formed their most cautious reception formation. Every player felt an unprecedented pressure weighing down on them.

Yet, the source of this pressure wasn't the server standing at the baseline—it was the unusually calm presence of Kaedehara Taichi in the front row.

Obara Yutaka once again anticipated the trajectory and received the ball. The volleyball soared high, hovering near the net.

At that height, the ball would normally be sent back to Aoba Johsai's side, but Date Tech's setter, Koganegawa Kanji, had other plans.

Leaping near the net, Koganegawa cast a quick glance at Aoba Johsai's formation before suddenly spiking the ball one-handed.

Smack!

Oikawa received it with precision. As a professional setter, he wasn't easily deceived by basic moves—though it seemed like Koganegawa wasn't even trying to fake him out.

The ball was sent back toward the net. Kunimi set it high, the trajectory clean and stable.

Yet, he couldn't ignore the palpable hunger for a spike radiating from the player beside him.

"It's coming!"

Kaedehara Taichi's eyes lit up as he locked onto the two blockers in Date Tech's front row.

Aone Takanobu and Koganegawa Kanji both noticed his gaze. It was a clear challenge.

Taichi's energy shifted, becoming more subdued. His awareness honed in on the pivotal moment approaching.

As he looked up, the volleyball reached the perfect height. His muscles tensed, a reservoir of power ready to be unleashed as he began his run-up.

—Boom!

Taichi's foot struck the floor with a heavy thud, his legs propelling his entire body upward.

Across the net, his keen vision captured everything—Aone's intent, Koganegawa's movements, and the positioning of every player on Date Tech's side of the court.

"Double block!"

Date Tech's Iron Wall, forged through countless battles, was as formidable as ever.

Taichi swung his arm mid-air, the sensation of the ball already vivid in his mind even before contact.

At the exact moment of impact, his palm pressed firmly against the upper half of the ball. With a sharp wrist snap, he delivered a powerful strike infused with speed and spin.

—Boom!!!—

The volleyball tore through Aone's block and slammed into Date Tech's court with an echoing crash.

[Aoba Johsai 3 – 1 Date Tech]

"Phew—"

Taichi landed smoothly, his breathing steady yet deep. Sweat dripped from his forehead, splashing onto the hardwood floor.

The relentless jumping and spiking took a significant toll on his body. Yet—

"This feels amazing!"

Whether it was the instant his hand struck the ball mid-air or the moment he broke through Date Tech's wall, it was exhilarating.

Kaedehara Taichi couldn't help but anticipate the next phase. He knew Date Tech's blocks would only continue to grow stronger—and the thought filled him with excitement.

"Taichi! ACE!! Taichi! ACE!!"

"Aoba Johsai! Victorious!! Aoba Johsai! Victorious!!"

Banners emblazoned with "Rule the Court" waved amidst the sea of blue cheers.

Aoba Johsai's momentum was unstoppable!

_________

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