Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 22: Seijoh vs Wakunan (7)

"Oikawa, when Taichi gets on the court later, focus the sets on him. I want to see how his offence holds up as we approach the endgame." Oikawa Tōru recalled the coach's words as Kaedehara Taichi stepped onto the court.

Standing at the net, Taichi noticed Oikawa staring at him.

"What is it, Oikawa-senpai? Thinking about whose head to blast open with your serve again?"

"Hmph, if we're talking juniors, Kageyama's still the cuter one."

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Aoba Johsai served, and Hanamaki Takahiro sent the ball over.

"Naruko, nice receive!"

"Shun, spike it!"

"Great dig, Hanamaki!" The volleyball arched high above Oikawa.

The moment Taichi entered the game, the opposing defence began targeting him. At this point, Iwaizumi was in the back row. If the ball were set to Iwaizumi for a back-row attack, it might catch them off guard.

But, after observing for so long....Don't you want to challenge their blockers?

Oikawa glanced at the intensely focused Taichi and set the ball to him.

"Three-man block!" Shiroishi Yūki, Naruko Teppei, and Kawatabi Shunki lined up at the net.

This is the feeling! Kaedehara Taichi jumped, his senses heightened, as if the movements of the blockers had slowed. Aiming for the edge of Shiroishi Yūki's palm, he unleashed a powerful spike.

The ball grazed Shiroishi's fingers and flew to Wakunan's backcourt.

He really went for it! Watching Taichi's jump, Nakashima Takeru had an inkling of his intent. Reacting swiftly, Nakashima sprinted to the back to save the ball.

A setter and a middle blocker from Aoba Johsai daring to play like this at such a crucial moment....They've got nerves of steel, these bastards!

Despite his valiant dive, Nakashima failed to reach the ball before it hit the floor.

Kaedehara Taichi scores!

[Aoba Johsai 23 – 20 Wakunan]

"Aoba Johsai scores consecutively!" Cheers erupted from the sidelines.

"Taichi, that was a beautiful spike!"

"Another point, great job..." Taichi stared at his hand, exhilarated. To score with a play executed just as he envisioned—it felt amazing!

Hanamaki Takahiro stepped up to serve again.

"Hanamaki-senpai, give us a good one..."

The ball skimmed the top of the net and dropped into Wakunan's court.

"Argh!" Naruko Teppei dove, managing a miraculous save.

Kazeteru Akiu followed up with a bump. "The ball's drifting—cover it!"

The volleyball floated directly above the net.

"Takeru, push it over!"

The whistle blew, marking the end of the first set.

The abrupt conclusion left the gymnasium in stunned silence for a moment. Then, the arena erupted in deafening cheers.

"They actually ended the game with a setter's dump!"

"Oikawa-senpai is so cool!"

"Wow! I really thought that last ball would go to Taichi!"

Even Oikawa felt a bit shaken. That intense look from Taichi had almost convinced him to set the ball his way.

But hearing the wave of praise and cheers around him, Oikawa felt vindicated. This outcome was far more satisfying.

He turned to Taichi with a smug expression, raising an eyebrow and sending a challenging look that clearly said, I won.

"What's wrong, Oikawa-senpai? Do your eyes hurt?" Taichi teased with a bright smile.

Oikawa's face froze momentarily. "Hmph, ignorant brat."

Kaedehara Taichi, however, was still savouring the thrill of his earlier movements. Although it was Oikawa who had scored, seeing the opposing blockers chase after him in vain and then react with shock had filled him with satisfaction.

Of course, he understood Oikawa's look—it was pure teasing. But he chose to ignore it. What a child.

"Everyone did a great job. Take a breather and get ready for the second set," Coach Mizoguchi called from the sidelines.

"Yes!"

As Taichi walked to the bench, a mechanical voice suddenly sounded in his head.

[Ding! Temporary Mission: 'Successor of the Little Giant' Progress Updated.]

[First set completed. Nakashima Takeru scored 3 points via touch-outs. Host scored 1 point via touch-out.]

Huh???

Taichi froze mid-step. Oh no, he had completely forgotten about this mission!

Hurriedly, he glanced at the system interface. Fortunately, the mission hadn't failed yet. Taichi breathed a sigh of relief—the task lasted the entire match.

He quickly approached Gouchi Sadayuki. "Coach Mizoguchi, could I see the score sheet?"

"Sure." Mizohuchi handed him the sheet.

Taichi found Nakashima Takeru's stats: 14 attack attempts, 9 points scored.

Ridiculous. He scored nearly half of his team's points—and that's not even counting his contributions on defence.

Then, he looked at Oikawa's and his own stats.

Oikawa Tōru: 6 points (2 dumps, 4 service aces).

Kaedehara Taichi: 3 points from spikes.

Taichi sighed. Whether in terms of raw points or efficiency, he was still far behind.

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