Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 124: Aoba Johsai vs. Inarizaki (Double-Length)

"Congratulations to Inarizaki for advancing to the quarterfinals! Your match was scheduled as the final game this morning. Will this affect your performance in the afternoon?"

At Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium's Court B, the representative team from Hy?go, Inarizaki High, had just secured their spot in the IH National Tournament's quarterfinals.

Renowned sports journalist Machino Keiko, who had been waiting on the sidelines, wasted no time approaching Inarizaki's captain, Kita Shinsuke, for an interview.

"Thank you. For us, every match requires the same level of preparation, so it doesn't particularly affect us," Kita replied with a calm smile. Despite his courteous tone, his composed demeanour created a sense of distance that left Machino feeling slightly unsettled.

"Well then, what are your thoughts on your afternoon opponents, the underdog team that has garnered so much attention—Aoba Johsai?"

"Thank you for informing me. We don't have time to follow other matches during our own," Kita said evenly. Although the opponent wasn't Mujinazaka as anticipated, his expression betrayed no trace of surprise.

"Aoba Johsai...It's not a familiar name. Regardless of who our opponent is, our goal remains the same: to play our best volleyball."

Machino was taken aback by the poise of the third-year student before her. His answers were measured, exuding maturity far beyond his years.

"Could you comment on your team's current condition?"

"Sure. After a match, there's naturally some fatigue, but everyone's mindset is steady. This kind of situation is routine for us. The team prepared well beforehand, so I'd say we're in good shape."

Machino found Kita's formal response less interesting than the unwavering smile on his face. If possible, she wanted to measure the curve of his lips—it hadn't shifted since the interview began.

"Ahem... Ahem..." The accompanying cameraman cleared his throat, snapping Machino out of her trance. This had become something of a hallmark of her interviews.

Realizing her lapse, she chuckled sheepishly. "One final question—what is Inarizaki's goal for this national tournament?"

"Of course, it's to win the championship."

For the first time, Kita's expression changed, radiating a powerful confidence that made Machino unconsciously hold her breath.

"Ha! Only powerhouses like us get this kind of media coverage," a third-year member of Inarizaki's cheer squad boasted to a junior. His tone and posture made it seem as if he were the one being interviewed.

"Why interview Kita, though? If we're talking about famous players, shouldn't it be the Miya twins?" the junior asked, confused.

"Those two...uh…" The senior's face froze awkwardly. "If they were interviewed, it'd probably turn into a broadcast disaster…"

At that very moment, the much-discussed Miya twins were arguing over rice balls.

"I want two rice balls," Miya Osamu declared.

"I want three," Miya Atsumu countered.

Osamu glanced at his twin and upped the ante. "Fine. I'll take four!"

"Then I'll take five!"

"Actually, six sounds better for me!"

"I'll eat however many it takes to beat Osamu!" Atsumu shouted at the team manager.

Ojiro Aran, unfazed by their antics, gestured to the team manager to ignore the twins. However, Atsumu and Osamu remained locked in a standoff, blocking the manager's path.

"What are you two doing?"

The familiar voice of Kita Shinsuke interrupted them. The twins turned to see their captain returning from his interview.

"Atsumu's trying to compete with me over rice balls!" Osamu protested, shoving Atsumu's face aside.

"Don't phrase it in a way that gives people the wrong idea, Osamu!"

Kita nodded politely to the team manager before stepping between the squabbling brothers.

"I've already said not to eat too much at lunch. We have a match this afternoon. Two rice balls each, three at most," he stated calmly.

Though the twins opened their mouths to protest, they fell silent under Kita's stoic gaze and reluctantly took two rice balls each.

"This is your fault, Osamu."

"No, it's your fault, Atsumu!"

"You started it!"

"You did!"

"Hmm…" Kita cleared his throat.

The twins immediately stopped bickering and quietly ate the rice balls prepared by Kita's grandmother.

"Atsumu, our next opponents are Aoba Johsai. I hear their setter was scouted by Ushijima several times but turned him down," Kita said calmly. "You won't lose to him, will you?"

Atsumu swallowed the last bite of his rice ball, stood up, and grinned.

"As Coach Norimune already said, they're the dark horse of this tournament."

"But..."

"Their dominance in Tokyo ends here."

------

Hy?go Prefecture representatives, Inarizaki High, were making their third consecutive appearance at nationals and their 30th overall.

Miyagi Prefecture representatives, Aoba Johsai High, were making their seventh appearance at nationals and their first in five years.

At Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium's Court C, the national quarterfinal match between Aoba Johsai and Inarizaki was about to begin.

"Mr. Otomo, what do you think will be the biggest highlight of this match?"

"The setters' duel, no doubt about it. I guarantee both teams boast elite-national-level setters. It'll be fascinating to see what sparks fly when they clash."

"And let's not forget the ace showdown. The youngest ace in this year's nationals, Kaedehara Taichi, just led his team past Mujinazaka, taking down one of the top three spikers, Kiry? Wakatsu. Now he'll face Ojiro Aran, one of the country's top five aces. Can he keep his streak alive?"

As both teams warmed up, tension filled the air.

"Tch." Iwaizumi Hajime clicked his tongue, clearly in a bad mood.

"Oi, Iwa-chan, you've been doing that since we got here. What's bothering you?" Oikawa T?ru asked, puzzled. So far, he hadn't done anything to provoke Iwaizumi—or so he thought.

"It's because of all the girls waving fans with 'Miya Atsumu' written on them," Hanamaki Takahiro chimed in.

Iwaizumi nodded slightly.

Oikawa blinked. "Huh?"

"That has nothing to do with you, Iwa-chan. It's not like girls cheer for you anyway," Oikawa said obliviously. "If anyone should be upset, it's me. And, well, I am… just a little."

Iwaizumi shot Oikawa a glare, choosing to hold back his anger—for now.

Matsukawa Issei pulled Oikawa aside, smirking. "I get it. When someone you already dislike multiplies into two, and they're even more annoying, it's bound to get under your skin."

Oikawa: "..."

The third-years of Aoba Johsai exchanged knowing looks, their camaraderie in teasing Oikawa as strong as ever.

------

"Osamu!"

"Atsumu!"

"Aran!"

As the warm-up began, cheers for Inarizaki reverberated through the arena. From the stands, a symphony orchestra accompanied by a cheer squad performed an elaborate routine, enhancing the overwhelming atmosphere.

"Isn't this way too over the top?"

At Aoba Johsai High School, where students were gathered to watch the game, some couldn't help but comment.

"I heard Inarizaki's brass band is top-tier too..."

"This cheering is really distracting. I wish we were there in person…"

"Even if we were, we couldn't compete without preparation!"

Frustration brewed among the students. Due to upcoming finals and the school's focus on academics, Aoba Johsai hadn't arranged for supporters to attend the match.

The live viewing was only organized at the last minute because the volleyball team had made it to the quarterfinals.

As they watched the match, it was only now that many realized their school's team had quietly grown into a nationally recognized powerhouse.

"Let's go, Seijoh! You can do it!"

"Victory for Seijoh!"

The core cheering squad, present at every match during the prefectural qualifiers, was the first to rally. Even without being there in person, they refused to let their support waver.

"Seijoh, unrivalled and supreme!"

"Seijoh is the strongest—unstoppable!"

The energy of the cheering squad infected the rest of the students, who joined in enthusiastically. At that moment, the entire school was united under a single belief—win no matter what!

-----

As usual, Taichi meticulously observed the opposing team during warm-ups. Among all teams in the tournament, Inarizaki stood out the most in his memory, second only to Shiratorizawa.

[Miya Atsumu—Setter. Overall ability: 90: Height: 183.6 cm, Strength: 85, Jump: 90, Stamina: 90, Speed: 88. Attributes: Serve: 97, Set: 97.]

Dubbed the top setter in high school, Atsumu's dual-weapon serving technique dazzled the crowd.

His jump serves alone could score outright, while his float serves demonstrated precision unmatched by most. Bold, crafty, and brimming with competitive fire, his setting was dynamic and unpredictable.

Add his excellent coordination and high volleyball IQ, and he seemed like a more aggravating version of Oikawa T?ru.

[Miya Osamu—Wing Spiker. Overall ability: 88: Height: 183.8 cm, Strength: 88, Jump: 88, Stamina: 88, Speed: 88. Attributes: Receive: 88, Spike: 88.]

Versatile in both offence and defence, Osamu complemented Atsumu seamlessly. A hidden setter himself, his slightly superior physical stats were offset by his brother's technical finesse.

[Ginjima Hitoshi—Wing Spiker. Overall ability: 86: Height: 180.3 cm, Strength: 88, Jump: 86, Stamina: 90, Speed: 86. Attributes: Receive: 84, Spike: 82.]

Known for his powerful serves and solid all-around play, his 180 cm height was on the shorter side for a spiker, but still taller than...a certain senpai of his.

[Ojiro Aran—Wing Spiker. Overall ability: 85: Height: 184.7 cm, Strength: 93, Jump: 90, Stamina: 85, Speed: 72. Attributes: Receive: 80, Spike: 90.]

Ranked among the top five wing spikers nationally, Aran excelled in power and vertical reach. Though not as explosive as Bokuto K?tar? or as technically refined as The Big Three, his scoring ability and raw strength made him a formidable opponent—a bit like Taichi himself.

[Akagi Michinari—Libero. Overall ability: 85: Height: 174.2 cm, Strength: 86, Jump: 86, Stamina: 86, Speed: 84. Attributes: Receive: 85.]

Like many national-level liberos, his athleticism was exceptional, but his technical skills were still maturing.

[Suna Rintar?—Middle Blocker. Overall ability: 86: Height: 185.7 cm, Strength: 75, Jump: 90, Stamina: 85, Speed: 90. Attributes: Block: 90, Spike: 90.]

Taichi had vivid memories of Suna's sharp-angled spikes. With aggressive attacks, calm composure, and outstanding blocking instincts, he was a strong contender for the top ten middle blockers in the nation.

[?mimi Ren—Middle Blocker. Overall ability: 81: Height: 191.5 cm, Strength: 80, Jump: 72, Stamina: 88, Speed: 82. Attributes: Block: 82, Spike: 85.]

Taichi didn't recall much about him, other than his imposing height. Likely, he was used to supplement the team's blocking line.

[Kita Shinsuke—Wing Spiker(Captain). Overall ability: 82: Height: 175.2 cm, Strength: 75, Jump: 75, Stamina: 90, Speed: 85. Attributes: Receive: 85, Spike: 80.]

Kita's physical abilities and offensive skills were average, but his psychological resilience, leadership, and sharp observational skills made him an exceptional captain.

Taichi clenched his fists, the anticipation surging through him. How did Karasuno defeat Inarizaki back then? This team was undeniably strong.

Yet, Taichi could see cracks in their armour.

Atsumu and Osamu still lacked stability and mental fortitude. According to coach Irihata's scouting reports, they'd blown a six-point lead in a match last year.

This would be a fight worth taking on. Taichi's fighting spirit ignited.

"Atsumu, that kid's stare is really annoying!"

"I saw it too! He looks like he thinks he can beat us."

The twins exchanged identical smirks, like hunters finding an intriguing prey.

"Let's crush him!"

Before they could act on their thoughts, Oikawa stepped into their line of sight, smiling brightly. For reasons they couldn't explain, the sight of him infuriated the Miya twins further.

"Atsumu, Osamu, where do you think you're going?" Kita's voice rang from behind. "The match is about to start."

"Ah, nothing…just stretching our legs…fufufu~"

The twins sheepishly returned to warming up, while Oikawa snickered.

"Taichi, you've already got them riled up," Oikawa said cheerfully, clearly enjoying the tension.

"Isn't that a good thing? You seem to be enjoying it too, Oikawa-senpai."

Taichi shot Oikawa a knowing glance. Though he often appeared lighthearted, Oikawa's emotional control was masterful.

Aoba Johsai thrives on strategy.

...Except for Ky?tani Kentar?.

And Kindaichi Y?tar?.

"Come on, let's hit a few more spikes before warm-ups end."

"Got it."

-----

The whistle blew.

The IH National Quarterfinals officially began!

Aoba Johsai's starting lineup:

Front row—Wing Spiker Kunimi Akira, Middle Blocker Kaedehara Taichi, Setter Oikawa T?ru.

Back row—Wing Spiker Hanamaki Takahiro, Middle Blocker Ky?tani Kentar? (Libero: Watari Shinji) and Opposite Hitter Iwaizumi Hajime.

Inarizaki's starting lineup:

Front row—Wing Spiker Ginjima Hitoshi, Middle Blocker Suna Rintar?, Outside Hitter Miya Osamu.

Back row—Wing Spiker Ojiro Aran, Middle Blocker ?mimi Ren (Libero: Akagi Michinari) and Setter Miya Atsumu.

Miya Atsumu stepped onto the serving line.

-----

[T/N] - I feel like Aran's stats are a bit...underwhelming. The Big Three and Bokuto can eat him alive any day of the week and it's not even close...those are my thoughts anyway.

We shouldn't judge a book by its cover tho...

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