Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 129: Settling the Score Immediately

"Inarizaki has always impressed fans with their innovative and daring playing style, consistently delivering surprises time and again."

"But this time, their tactics don't seem to be working as well. Aoba Johsai appears to be far more familiar with their own strengths…"

"That's another characteristic of Inarizaki, isn't it? Their matches often feel like an experimental ground for volleyball strategies. Regardless of success or failure, every new technique they showcase leaves the audience in awe."

"This quality is especially prominent in the Miya twins. Their bold breakthroughs perfectly embody the title of 'Strongest Challengers,' earning them countless admirers."

"In the past, their sights were set primarily on the eastern powerhouse Itachiyama. But now, faced with the unexpected rise of the dark horse Aoba Johsai, Inarizaki encounters a fresh challenge."

"I'm looking forward to seeing who will have the last laugh in this match…"

After their lightning-fast twin quick attack was blocked, Atsumu Miya noticeably played it safer with his sets. For the remainder of the first set, the twins refrained from attempting the quick attack again.

While this stabilized Inarizaki's play, they couldn't find a way to overtake the score.

Then came Oikawa T?ru's service turn. A ferocious serve secured the set point for Aoba Johsai.

Inarizaki now stood at the edge of defeat in the first set.

[Aoba Johsai 24 – 21 Inarizaki]

Oikawa served again. Michinari Akagi barely managed to receive it.

"Cover it!"

Atsumu scrambled to make the set, barely delivering the ball to the net. Rintar? Suna spiked it down.

"Chance ball!"

Iwaizumi Hajime received it easily, setting up Aoba Johsai's counterattack.

Without hesitation, Oikawa sent the ball to the left wing.

Kaedehara Taichi leapt up, facing three Inarizaki blockers at the net.

Despite failing to score with his cross-court spike earlier, Inarizaki stubbornly prioritized blocking the diagonal angle, leaving only the straight path open.

Taichi swung with his left hand, smashing the ball down the line.

"Atsumu!"

Osamu Miya shouted, frustration evident in his voice. "How much longer are you going to stay down, you idiot?!"

Atsumu scowled but moved into position as the straight-line spike came directly toward him.

Smack!

The perfect reception sent the ball soaring toward the net.

Osamu, as if anticipating the play, jumped and slammed the ball back over with ease.

[Aoba Johsai 24 – 22 Inarizaki]

"You're nothing special either, brat!" Atsumu yelled at Taichi from the back row.

Taichi: "???"

Osamu glared at the bewildered Taichi and lowered his voice. "Don't get cocky, kid. I'll dismantle your weapons one by one."

Taichi: "…"

Wait…is this because of what I said earlier? But that was ages ago!

Aran Ojiro, noticing Taichi's confusion, held back a comment, choosing not to add fuel to the fire during such a critical moment.

Inarizaki's serve turn.

Hitoshi Ginjima unleashed a powerful jump serve.

"Another thunderous serve! Inarizaki's serving rhythm is heating up, and their shots are becoming increasingly tricky!"

"Beautiful reception! On the other side, Aoba Johsai's Iwaizumi pulls off a brilliant pass!"

"And here it is! The Oikawa-Kaedehara super quick attack!"

"Too bad…Rintar? Suna reacted with lightning speed and stayed glued to Taichi!"

"One touch!" Suna called to his teammates as the ball bounced toward the back row. Atsumu Miya was already in position, smoothly receiving it.

Wait…No setter?

Just as Aoba Johsai's front row began to breathe a sigh of relief, Osamu Miya leapt into the air, sending the ball soaring toward the left wing.

His setting posture was textbook-perfect, and in the back row, Aran Ojiro was ready to spike.

"Triple block! Stop him!!"

Hanamaki Takahiro, Kunimi Akira, and Kaedehara Taichi lined up, jumping simultaneously.

Smack!

"Aran Ojiro delivers another thunderous spike! The sound of that hit is deafening!"

The volleyball ricocheted off Hanamaki Takahiro's arms and floated above the net. Taichi, landing quickly, jumped again and pushed the ball back over the net.

"Save it!"

Freshly rotated to the front row, Atsumu Miya dove forward, digging the ball. Osamu Miya immediately set it to the left wing again.

"Aran!"

"Block him!"

"Aran Ojiro attacks from the left wing once more!"

"No slacking!" Hanamaki shouted.

"Triple block!" The Aoba Johsai front row jumped again, forming a solid wall.

Boom!

"Aran Ojiro's hammer-like spike blasts through Aoba Johsai's triple block!!"

The ball rebounded off Kunimi Akira's arm, plunging straight into Aoba Johsai's court.

"Not so fast!"

Oikawa T?ru dove to save it, sending the ball back into Inarizaki's court.

"Aoba Johsai clings desperately to their side of the court! Oikawa T?ru keeps the ball alive, but they've lost the opportunity to counterattack!"

"Chance ball!"

Inarizaki slowed their offensive tempo. Atsumu Miya received the ball cleanly, and Osamu Miya stayed in the front row to act as the setter again.

This time, Osamu thought about sending the ball to the right wing for a quick attack by Rintar? Suna.

"Give it to me!!!"

But Aran Ojiro pulled back, starting his run-up from the back row.

"So demanding," Osamu muttered, but he still sent the ball to the left wing.

"Triple block!" Aoba Johsai's blockers stayed tight on him.

Bang!

"A high hand shot! Aran Ojiro's spike is above the blockers—he's jumping incredibly high!"

"The ball drills into Aoba Johsai's court, leaving their defence helpless!"

"Ahhh!" Osamu glanced at the increasingly fired-up Aran, a smile creeping onto his face.

"YES!!!" Aran roared, clenching his fist.

"Under such intense pressure, Aran Ojiro has launched three consecutive spikes to secure this point!"

"This play is a testament to his status as one of the top five attackers in the nation!"

[Aoba Johsai 24 – 23 Inarizaki]

Ginjima served again, and Watari Shinji handled the reception perfectly.

"Let's divert their defence."

Oikawa T?ru sent the ball to the right wing. Kunimi Akira jumped in front of the net.

"Double block!" Rintar? Suna and Aran Ojiro stepped up to block him.

"The blockers reacted quickly!"

Kunimi tipped the ball lightly to the backcourt.

"That little brat, always playing smart!" Ginjima lunged forward, saving the ball.

The volleyball grazed the net, dropping slowly. Without time to adjust, Osamu Miya extended his leg and kicked the ball up toward the back row.

Atsumu attempted an attack but sent the ball harmlessly over the net.

"Inarizaki's formation is disrupted! Can Aoba Johsai capitalize on this chance?"

"Chance ball!" Iwaizumi Hajime set the ball to Oikawa T?ru.

"Taichi!"

Oikawa launched the ball to the left wing. Kaedehara Taichi powered through, spiking the ball fiercely.

Smack!

"I've got you covered!" Osamu Miya shouted as the ball rebounded off his hands, soaring back into Aoba Johsai's court.

"Again!" Oikawa sprinted toward the ball. "Let's take the first set!"

With a perfect pass, Oikawa sent the ball high to the left wing once more.

"Triple block!" Rintar? Suna, Aran Ojiro, and Osamu Miya regrouped quickly, forming a wall in front of Taichi.

His diagonal angle was completely sealed, leaving only a narrow straight-line path.

However, as Taichi jumped, he noticed Atsumu shifting toward the sideline in his peripheral vision.

You're trying the same trick on me twice? Don't underestimate me!

Since Oikawa's initial set to Kunimi, Aoba Johsai's trio had already synced their plan.

Under Inarizaki's stunned gaze, Taichi changed his spiking motion mid-air, sending a perfect set to the right wing.

This set feels great, Taichi thought smugly.

Kunimi Akira leapt easily and hammered the ball down to score.

[Aoba Johsai 25 – 23 Inarizaki]

Landing on the court, Taichi seemed to remember something. Turning to the Miya twins, he called out:

"Next time, please respond quicker. I always settle scores on the spot."

_________

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