Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

Chapter 155: Stronger

The second set of the practice match ended predictably, with Karasuno experiencing a slow but inevitable defeat due to the difference in skill levels.

[Aoba Johsai 25 – 18 Karasuno]

Although they managed to score two more points than in the first set, there wasn't much joy among Karasuno's players.

"Tobio-chan, I won again~" Oikawa's smug expression was almost too much for even his teammates to bear.

"It's not over yet! Next match…" Kageyama Tobio muttered, as if trying to bolster his own resolve, "I won't lose again!"

That look in his eyes.

Oikawa recognized it instantly—it was the same look he had after each defeat by Ushijima Wakatoshi. That unyielding determination to succeed next time.

People who could show such resolve were destined to grow stronger, to transform.

For Oikawa, this practice match was merely the prelude to the final chapter of his high school volleyball journey.

Still, he was confident—whether it was himself or Kageyama—their paths would inevitably lead to professional volleyball.

They would remain rivals, not just now, but even far into the future.

"Kei."

Tsukishima Akiteru had been watching the entire match from the sidelines. From his perspective, Karasuno's blocking was underwhelming.

His younger brother, Tsukishima Kei, had failed to block even one of Aoba Johsai's ace's spikes.

Yet Akiteru still believed that, given time, Kei would transform into someone extraordinary.

While Kei's outward demeanour didn't show it, Akiteru knew his brother's heart burned with a quiet determination.

"I remember you mentioning something about joining a practice session. Can you reserve a spot for me?" Kei murmured with his head down. "But it'll have to wait until after the qualifiers. Until then, we'll be doing joint training camps with other teams."

"Really? That's great!" Akiteru exclaimed in surprise.

Last week, when Akiteru returned home, he noticed Kei seemed lost about his role in the team. Offering help as both an older brother and a volleyball veteran, he had suggested Kei join advanced training sessions.

Kei had rejected the idea coldly at the time, but today's match must have had a deep effect on him.

Akiteru knew Kei had a bad habit—whenever facing stronger opponents, he would default to thinking, "Losing is inevitable."

Kei didn't yet understand the exhilaration of breaking through a seemingly insurmountable wall, nor the addictive thrill of standing on the other side, looking back.

-----

Tsukishima Kei sat silently in a corner of the gym, his mind in turmoil. Lately, his frustration had only grown stronger. What did volleyball mean to him? He tried to figure out what he was missing.

First, there was Fukurodani's Bokuto K?tar? bluntly telling him, "Maybe the reason you're not having fun is 'cause you're bad at it."

And now today, despite being a first-year, Kaedehara Taichi hadn't even spared him a single glance throughout the entire match.

He had been completely ignored.

Kei's gaze shifted toward the court, where Taichi was talking to Hinata Sh?y?. The volleyball lay at their feet, a silent witness to their conversation.

Maybe I love volleyball more than I thought. Maybe…I also want to stand in the centre with them.

"Taichi! You've gotten so, so, so much stronger!!" Hinata Sh?y?'s sparkling eyes practically lit up the area around Taichi.

"Well…uh, I guess?" Taichi scratched his head, a little embarrassed. Does he have to be so direct?

"Really! You're amazing!!"

Hinata jumped high in excitement, waving his arms exaggeratedly.

"Your serves are incredible now! And your straight shots! And your cross-court shots!"

Oh no…Taichi felt himself starting to float from the praise. He wanted to say something, but his mind had gone blank.

Fortunately, Hinata didn't let the energy dip. Filled with curiosity, he continued to bombard Taichi with questions.

"Wow! You've even played against another top-three ace?! The only national top-five ace I've faced is Bokuto-san, and even that was insane!"

"And what?! There's an even better setter than Grand King?! And they're twins?!" Hinata's eyes sparkled with fascination.

The mention of setters caused both Kageyama and Oikawa to stealthily inch closer to listen in.

Hearing Taichi's description of the Miya twins, Kageyama's hunger for nationals grew stronger, while Oikawa…

"Taichi! Didn't you say before that even if you lost, you thought I was better than Miya Atsumu?!"

Taichi dodged Oikawa's dramatic dive, responding casually, "That's true, but Atsumu is already recognized as the best setter in the country…"

"Ughhh, it's so frustrating! Tobio and Atsumu both make me so mad!" Oikawa grumbled, sulking on his own. Kageyama, meanwhile, wore a blank, innocent expression.

-----

As night fell, Aoba Johsai's players prepared to leave.

"Thank you, everyone!"

"Good luck at Spring High," Taichi said as he turned to Hinata and Kageyama. "I'd still love to face you again in an official match."

"We will! See you at Spring High!" Hinata replied confidently.

The moment Aoba Johsai's players left, Karasuno began practising on their own.

The opening of the match had been a wake-up call. After the training camps, Karasuno had been basking in the feeling of growth and improvement.

But today, Taichi's five-point streak at the start had shattered that illusion, replacing it with a sinking realization—Aoba Johsai was pulling even further ahead.

There was no doubt now—Aoba Johsai was the second national-powerhouse in Miyagi.

Though Karasuno had yet to face Shiratorizawa, hearing from Taichi about their evenly matched practice games only added to the tension. No one felt like resting.

"Chikara, can you help me out?" Nishinoya Y? asked calmly. "I want to focus on overhand receives for float serves."

As Karasuno's libero, Nishinoya couldn't hide his frustration over conceding five points at the start.

"I can't call myself Karasuno's Guardian Deity if this keeps up."

"Tanaka, let's work on spikes and serves," Azumane Asahi suggested.

"Yes, Asahi-senpai!" Tanaka Ryuunosuke replied enthusiastically.

Each member of Karasuno resolved to push themselves harder. Today, they had learned a harsh truth—every member of a strong team needed to excel at serving.

-----

On the way back to the bus, Aoba Johsai's players discussed the match.

"Those crows sure are evolving quickly," Coach Irihata commented as he glanced back at Karasuno's gym.

Hearing this, Taichi paused mid-step before boarding, following the coach's gaze.

"Well, it's not like we'll wait around for them to catch up," Taichi said matter-of-factly. "As long as we stay stronger, that's all that matters."

Coach Irihata was momentarily taken aback, then broke into a smile.

"You're right. If anyone should be worried, it's them!"

_________

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