Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 239: One Ball

The score stood at [Aoba Johsai 15 – 17 Fukurōdani].

Fukurōdani was on serve.

Konoha Akinori executed a jump float serve.

Hanamaki Takahiro received it cleanly, and Oikawa Tōru stepped in for the set.

Aoba Johsai launched a synchronized three-point attack—

On the left: Iwaizumi Hajime.

In the back row: Kaedehara Taichi.

On the right: Matsukawa Issei.

Despite Aoba Johsai's aggressive formation, Fukurōdani showed no signs of panic. Under Konoha's command, every player locked onto their designated mark.

It had been a long time since Oikawa had felt this level of defensive pressure.

Ever since Kaedehara Taichi's rise as a dominant attacker, Oikawa had grown used to manipulating defences.

But now, every attacker on his side was within Fukurōdani's field of vision—his setting choices would be read the instant the ball left his hands.

Fukurōdani had assigned a single blocker to mark Iwaizumi.

But two were watching Kaedehara Taichi.

Oikawa was confident—even from the back row, Taichi wasn't someone two blockers could stop so easily. However, as the match progressed, Aoba Johsai couldn't rely solely on Taichi.

Their other attackers needed to step up.

"Matsukawa!"

Oikawa sent the set to the right wing.

Matsukawa Issei—deliberately left open by Fukurōdani's blockers.

"Onaga, cover the cross!"

Even as Akaashi Keiji called out instructions, he and Onaga Wataru shifted to the right.

They wouldn't make it in time to meet Matsukawa head-on.

But—

"Double block!"

The two positioned themselves at the side, sealing off the crosscourt angle.

Smack!

Matsukawa adjusted mid-air and went for a straight shot.

Komi Haruki was ready—he received the spike with ease.

Akaashi jumped to set the ball.

No one in Fukurōdani knew when Bokuto's mood might take a downturn.

So they had to secure the first set now.

"Bokuto-senpai!"

Akaashi back-set the ball to the right wing.

"Double block!"

Oikawa and Matsukawa jumped to challenge Bokuto.

If they couldn't contribute on offence, they had to make up for it on defence. Compared to first-year Kindaichi Yūtarō, Matsukawa was far more precise in covering straight shots.

Boom!

Bokuto unleashed a powerful diagonal spike.

Smack!

Watari Shinji made the receive.

A perfect dig!

But the ball rebounded high, and Oikawa, having just landed from his block attempt, couldn't step in for the set.

"I got it!"

Hanamaki quickly positioned himself under the ball.

His heart pounded.

Among Aoba Johsai's four third-years—

Oikawa was their ace setter.

Iwaizumi was their most reliable attacker.

"That's Bokuto for you, casually taking a ball to the chest like that."

"Completely unbothered!"

"Man, this guy is something else...Hahaha!"

But on the court—there was no time for laughter.

"Block it!"

The ball floated directly above the net.

Onaga Wataru and Matsukawa Issei both jumped.

Smack!

Onaga, using his height and wingspan, barely managed to tip the ball to the left.

"Ah—!"

Sarukui Yamato leapt, but he was still just short of reaching it.

Smack!

Just before it dropped, Sarukui swung his left hand upward, nudging the ball over the net.

"Chance ball!"

Hanamaki Takahiro received it.

Oikawa hesitated for a split second—he didn't opt for a quick attack.

Taichi needed just a little more time to reset.

"Left-wing!"

From the baseline, Taichi extended a single hand and called for the set.

Then, he dashed down the sideline, preparing to unleash every weapon at his disposal!

Oikawa lifted the ball high toward the left wing.

BAM!

Taichi jumped for the third time.

"Triple block!"

Akaashi Keiji stepped up without hesitation, even if it meant getting blown through again.

Because just now—

Hadn't Bokuto been standing behind him to cover?

Taichi's arm muscles tensed. He whipped his arm forward with explosive power—

"It's a wipe-off!"

Komi Haruki retreated toward the baseline.

A smirk formed at the corner of Taichi's lips.

At the very last second—he slowed his swing.

"This brat—! It's a tip!"

From the back row, Konoha Akinori sprinted forward.

—Smack!—

In his eyes, Taichi's grin magnified.

Yes—it was a tip.

But—

The ball floated high into the air, dropping softly onto the far corner of Fukurōdani's court.

Konoha skidded to a halt, twisted his body, and lunged—

But he lost his balance and crashed to the floor.

Komi dove from the side, but even he couldn't reach it.

Tap, tap, tap...

The only sound left on the court was the ball bouncing against the floor.

Kaedehara Taichi scores.

[Aoba Johsai 16 – 17 Fukurōdani]

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