Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 150: The Challenge Match

Late July brought the height of summer.

The scorching sun blazed overhead, and the air was filled with a lazy, carefree vibe.

Two weeks into the summer break, Udai Tenma had confined himself to his room, working tirelessly on his manga. His workspace was a chaotic mess—disorganized sketches, pencil shavings, and dog-eared reference books scattered about.

Becoming a serialized manga artist was far more demanding than Tenma had imagined. Even with a clear storyline in mind, managing pacing, panel layouts, and composition presented constant headaches. Yet despite the gruelling process, he felt a blend of joy and agony.

Every time his pen touched the paper, bringing long-imagined characters and scenes to life, pure happiness coursed through him like a refreshing rain.

But looming deadlines and creative slumps were ever-present shadows, often leaving him in frustration.

After completing the first volume, Tenma felt a huge weight lift from his shoulders.

He decided to take advantage of the break and return to Miyagi to visit his family. He also planned to meet up with Taichi to discuss manga insights.

He hadn't expected to forge such a strong bond with this friend he had met by chance.

However, Taichi's singular passion for volleyball often left little room for other pursuits.

One afternoon, while strolling through a local shopping street, Tenma's eyes caught a familiar figure.

"Is that Tsukishima-senpai?" Tenma approached eagerly.

"Tenma! What a surprise!" Tsukishima Akiteru paused, momentarily startled before his face broke into a warm smile.

As a former Karasuno High School volleyball teammate, Akiteru was a year ahead of Tenma.

Despite Tenma's status as Karasuno's ace and Akiteru's more modest role as a benchwarmer, their shared love for volleyball had always burned brightly.

The encounter felt unexpectedly nostalgic, as if time had never passed between them.

"How have you been? Still playing volleyball?" Akiteru asked, his tone filled with genuine interest.

"No," Tenma chuckled shyly, scratching his head. "I'm drawing a serialized manga now."

Akiteru blinked in surprise but relaxed when he noticed the light in Tenma's eyes as he spoke about his new passion. He smiled with understanding.

"I'm still playing," Akiteru said. "On a corporate team now."

"Ha! I always figured you'd stick with it," Tenma laughed. "You used to sit on the bench looking so frustrated all the time."

Akiteru grimaced, a bit embarrassed. He had only realized how much he loved the game when he was on the verge of giving it up. Luckily, he had persisted, and volleyball still brought him joy.

Their conversation naturally shifted to Karasuno and Akiteru's younger brother.

"By the way, my brother is on Karasuno's team now. Want to check out their practice?" Akiteru's excitement rose as he mentioned his brother.

"Absolutely!" Tenma had been meaning to visit Karasuno but kept putting it off.

Taichi had told him about a first-year named Hinata Sh?y?.

Tenma's curiosity about this player had only grown.

Akiteru checked his watch. "They should be starting practice now. Let's go."

Though his brother often resisted his visits, Akiteru figured bringing the legendary "Little Giant" would leave no room for complaints.

Tenma and Akiteru arrived at Karasuno's gym as the rhythmic sounds of volleyball filled the air. The impact of the ball and the players' shouts grew louder as they approached.

"Ah!" A sudden scream pierced the air from inside.

"What's wrong, Yachi?" Kiyoko Shimizu asked calmly.

Yachi Hitoka, pale-faced, pointed toward the door. Two unfamiliar faces were peering inside.

"There's…someone suspicious at the door!" she stammered.

Tenma and Akiteru exchanged bewildered glances.

Before long, a crowd of curious Karasuno players gathered.

"Wait, wait!" Akiteru waved his arms frantically. "I'm Tsukishima Kei's brother. And this is Udai Tenma, Karasuno's former ace!"

"Tch." In the corner, Tsukishima Kei frowned in exasperation.

"The ace? Udai Tenma?" The name took a moment to register.

Hinata Sh?y?, standing at the front, lit up with pure emotion. He practically vibrated with excitement.

"N-nice to meet you, Little Giant-senpai! I'm Hinata Sh?y?!" His voice quivered. "I started playing volleyball because I saw you on TV!"

He looked up at Tenma with wide eyes, awe-struck.

Kageyama Tobio scrutinized both of them, his eyes darting between their faces.

Tenma chuckled at the familiar enthusiasm, recalling his own first meeting with Taichi. Taichi hadn't been nearly as emotional.

Maybe that brat wasn't a true fan after all.

"Nice to meet you, Hinata Sh?y?," Tenma greeted warmly. "Taichi told me about you. Karasuno's number 10, huh? That brings back memories."

"Which team are you playing for now?" Hinata asked eagerly. "Are you in a university team? Or a pro league? I searched everywhere but couldn't find anything!"

Tenma scratched his head again. "I don't play anymore."

"Eh?!" Hinata's face fell, mirrored by the rest of the team.

Tenma offered a small, apologetic smile. "But I can teach you some tips for aerial battles. I taught Taichi once, though it was only for a few hours."

Hinata's eyes lit up. He leapt into the air.

"Really?!"

Tenma watched him soar. "You're flying high."

"Yes," he nodded. "I'm curious…if I'd ever faced Taichi, how would that match have gone?"

-----

Taichi was resting when his phone buzzed with a message from Tenma:

"Let's have a practice match with Karasuno next week. My pupil will defeat you!"

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