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Chapter 218: Who Is the Prey?
That blistering quick attack seemed to signal the start of Aoba Johsai's full-scale offensive.
Oikawa Tōru's sets became even sharper and faster, elevating the team's attacking rhythm along with them.
"So their offence was just getting started, huh?" Kuroo Tetsurō wiped at the nonexistent sweat on his forehead.
"If this were a game, I'd say the debuff on their court has worn off," Kozume Kenma muttered under his breath. "I was hoping we could take the first set somehow."
Under Oikawa's precise orchestration, Aoba Johsai's offense crashed down like relentless waves.
Nekoma's players were gradually being forced into a defensive struggle, barely able to catch their breath.
No matter how strong their receive skills were, they couldn't organize an effective counterattack against such a relentless onslaught. Every successful reception only momentarily eased the pressure before the next wave of attacks surged forward.
This continuous barrage not only tested Nekoma's defensive capabilities but also put an immense psychological strain on them.
Every point Aoba Johsai scored was like a heavy blow hammering at their morale.
Still, the Nekoma players endured, waiting for their 'brain' to find an opening. But under Aoba Johsai's airtight coordination, this was proving to be exceptionally difficult...
Boom!!
Kaedehara Taichi's powerful sharp-angled shot slammed toward the court.
"Out!" The referee's voice was calm and decisive.
"Hoo—" Nobuyuki Kai exhaled in relief. The ball had flown right past him, and he hadn't even had time to react.
Kaedehara Taichi glanced at his own palm. Looks like he had been too focused on avoiding Nekoma's receivers.
[Aoba Johsai 22 – 20 Nekoma]
Thanks to Taichi's attack error, Nekoma finally managed to push their score past twenty.
"Beep! Nekoma requested timeout."
Both teams gathered at their respective benches, taking the chance to rehydrate and catch their breath.
"Are the preparations done?" Coach Nekomata squinted at Kenma, his voice gentle yet expectant.
"More or less," Kenma muttered, though a faint sense of unease still lingered in his chest.
-----
The match resumed.
Kenma's serve targeted the seam between Watari Shinji and Oikawa Tōru.
"I got it!" Watari stepped forward to receive, while Oikawa sprinted toward the net without hesitation.
For a team as seasoned as Aoba Johsai, this type of serve wasn't enough to disrupt their formation.
Pop!
A perfect first touch—Oikawa immediately set the ball high to the right side.
Kyōtani Kentarō took a diagonal approach and launched into the air.
Even before Kyōtani's jump, Nekoma had already started moving.
A three-man block sealed off his attack angles, while defenders covered both the sharp cross and straight shots, with an additional player stationed in the middle to guard against tips.
"Here it is—Nekoma's all-out defensive net!" The commentator, Aoi, called out excitedly.
Bang!
Kyōtani went for a sharp cross-court spike.
Smack!
Fukunaga Shōhei dug the ball cleanly, sending a perfect pass to the setter!
Kenma quickly set the ball to the right side.
Boom!
Yamamoto Taketora delivered a powerful spike!
Iwaizumi Hajime stepped in to receive, and Oikawa positioned himself to set the ball to the left wing.
Kaedehara Taichi sprinted, then took off for a powerful attack.
"Nekoma is already repositioning again!" Aoi stood up in excitement.
"I—!"
"Lev!" Yaku's voice rang out sharply. "What are you doing? Keep your hands steady when blocking! There are defenders behind you for the straight shot!"
Kaedehara Taichi lowered his head slightly.
If Nekoma wanted to strengthen their offence, they had to endure growing pains like these.
Lev Haiba's blocking was still far too weak...
If this were just a regional qualifier, Taichi might have let it slide—after all, Lev was a first-year with time to grow.
But this was Nationals.
A stage countless talented players had fought for three years to reach—only to never set foot on it.
If you're not strong enough, then at least learn to respect those who are.
Kenma finally understood the source of his unease.
Nekoma had tried to contain Taichi with their receive-focused strategy—but Taichi wasn't playing along.
He was simply bypassing their defence through sheer force.
Lev was being targeted.
His receiving wasn't strong, so Nekoma positioned him as a blocker to compensate for that weakness.
It had worked against Kyōtani.
But Taichi didn't play by the rules.
Kyōtani served again.
Yaku delivered a perfect first touch.
Kenma set the ball to the centre. Yamamoto launched a powerful spike.
Boom!
Smack!
Watari Shinji received it cleanly.
Oikawa stepped in and set the ball back to the centre.
Kaedehara Taichi sprinted and leapt into the air.
Midair, his sharp gaze swept across Nekoma's entire formation.
Step by step, analyzing their attack, waiting for the right moment to counter...
It was just like the old Aoba Johsai—except missing that one decisive finisher.
"That's what I am."
"Triple block!"
Nekoma's front row leapt again, their eyes resolute. This time, Lev wouldn't waver!
BANG!
Kaedehara Taichi's right arm slashed down.
The ball curved swiftly through the air, flying past Yamamoto's outstretched fingers—
—a clean cross-court super spike!
[Aoba Johsai 25 – 20 Nekoma]
"Aoba Johsai's ace secures the final three points of the first set all on his own!"
"Beep—!"
The first set ends.
Winner: Aoba Johsai.
_________
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