Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 223: Aoba Johsai vs. Inarizaki—The Battle for Revenge!

[January 7th—The Third Day of the Spring High National Tournament]

Aoba Johsai was finally beginning to understand the advantage of getting a bye in the first round of the so-called "Demonic Third Day".

Having played only one match so far, the team was still brimming with energy—both mentally and physically. Even though they had two gruelling battles lined up today, none of the players found it daunting.

Of course, the prerequisite was that they had to win against Inarizaki in the morning.

And for that, Aoba Johsai was more than ready.

Hyōgo Prefecture Representative—Inarizaki High School: Three consecutive years in the Spring High nationals, with a total of 31 appearances.

Miyagi Prefecture Representative—Aoba Johsai High School: Returning to the Spring High nationals after five years, with a total of eight appearances.

On Court D of the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the third-round match of the Spring High National Tournament—Aoba Johsai vs. Inarizaki—was about to begin.

Their encounter yesterday, thanks to the amicable exchange between Kaedehara Taichi and Miya Osamu, had left the teams with little to say to each other today.

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With the referee's whistle, both teams moved into their warm-ups.

Suddenly, an electrifying tune blared through the arena. Inarizaki's cheer squad had launched into their performance.

The black-and-red tide surged, and their impassioned battle anthem echoed throughout the stadium.

"Here it comes...Inarizaki's over-the-top cheering."

But this time, standing across from them in the stands, fully prepared, was the entirety of Aoba Johsai!

A wave of blue and white swept through the arena, catching everyone's attention. The bold, resonant notes of trumpets and trombones rang out, their brassy tones harmonizing with the steady rhythm of the drums, forming an exhilarating cadence.

Then, flutes and clarinets wove through the melody like a gentle spring breeze—light, fluid, and elegant.

Just as the audience was getting lost in the long, flowing notes of Aoba Johsai's symphony, a sudden burst of percussion ignited their passion.

"Otomo-sensei, it looks like Aoba Johsai came prepared this time!"

"Indeed. Last time, they were completely drowned out by Inarizaki's cheers. I'm sure the students have been holding in their frustration ever since."

"Even during warm-ups, the cheering squads are already locked in a battle of their own—it's quite the spectacle!"

"Aoba Johsai and Inarizaki—two of the tournament's top contenders. Who would've thought they'd clash so early, on the third day?"@@@@

"Their last encounter was in the quarterfinals, where Inarizaki claimed victory. This time, who will come out on top?"

"Will Aoba Johsai get their revenge, or will Inarizaki continue their relentless march forward?

Ladies and gentlemen, turn your eyes to the court—the match is about to begin!"

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With warm-ups concluded, the players stepped onto the court one after another as the announcers introduced them.

Starting Lineups:

Aoba Johsai:

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

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

Inarizaki:

Front row—Outside Hitter Ginjima Hitoshi, Middle Blocker Suna Rintarō, Outside Hitter Miya Osamu.

Back row—Outside Hitter Ojiro Aran, Middle Blocker Ōmimi Ren (Libero: Akagi Michinari) and Setter Miya Atsumu.

His confidence was undeniable.

The ball streaked toward Kunimi's right side, its trajectory sharp and swift. Kunimi shuffled slightly, eyes locked onto its path.

"I got it!"

Watari Shinji reacted first, already positioning himself.

Smack!

The ball struck his arms and bounced high into the air.

"What?!"

Atsumu's eyes widened in disbelief. His second serve—returned already?!

Oikawa darted into position and delivered a precise set to the middle.

Boom!

Kaedehara Taichi soared into the air.

"Triple block!"

Ginjima Hitoshi, Suna Rintarō, and Miya Osamu all leapt together. Atsumu had warned them—Aoba Johsai's first-year ace had grown terrifyingly strong.

But seeing it in person was a completely different experience.

Kaedehara Taichi's spike point was above their triple block!

Boom!

A clean shot over the blockers—an off-the-hand spike!

The ball crashed into Inarizaki's side of the court, bouncing high off the floor.

Kaedehara Taichi had scored!

[Aoba Johsai 1 – 1 Inarizaki]

There was no doubt about it. Kaedehara Taichi was different now.

He was no longer just relying on technical finesse to evade blockers—he had chosen to face Inarizaki's defence head-on.

His spike carried a level of confidence and dominance that hadn't been there before.

The most shocking part? Even against a triple block, his attack looked effortless.

Every motion was controlled, every movement precise, exuding an overwhelming sense of composure.

This is what Atsumu meant when he said Taichi had gotten stronger?

No, this isn't just progress—he's a completely different player!

"The senpais look pretty surprised," Taichi narrowed his eyes with a smirk. "No need to rush—we've got plenty more coming."

"Hah, the way you're grinning tells me you haven't changed one bit," Osamu shot back.

"Of course, I haven't," Taichi's gaze locked onto the banner hanging behind Inarizaki. "The only thing changing today...is the outcome."

"This time, Aoba Johsai is the one who will win!"

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