The Philosophy of the Perfect Fit
"How does it feel? Seeing the strength of your seniors firsthand?"
Outside the court, seeing the match situation gradually stabilize, Ukai Keishin finally felt some relief. He turned to the side and spoke to Kageyama Tobio.
"They're strong," Kageyama answered honestly.
The score on the board was now 8:7. Although Karasuno was technically trailing, the actual momentum on the court suggested they finally had a real chance at a comeback—a breakthrough that Kageyama hadn't been able to achieve throughout the entire first set, no matter how hard he tried.
"In terms of individual skill, you've probably already surpassed Sugawara," Ukai noted. "But how much of the technique you possess is actually being utilized in the game?"
"Huh?" Kageyama froze. He didn't quite understand. If it was about seriousness or dedication to the match, he wouldn't lose to anyone.
Seeing Kageyama's expression, Ukai slapped his own forehead. "Ah, putting it that way might be too abstract. Let me try a different angle... do you like drinking beer?"
Kageyama Tobio: "???"
The sheer absurdity of the question caught everyone off guard. Even Takeda Ittetsu, the faculty advisor, couldn't sit by. "Coach! Coach! Kageyama is still a minor!"
"Oh! Right, right... my bad!" Ukai scratched his head apologetically. He frowned, thinking for a long moment before trying again. "Let's try this: what brand of sneakers do you usually like to wear?"
"Eh?" Kageyama blinked, then thought for a second. "Probably Butterfly."
"And do you think Butterfly is the 'best' sneaker in existence?"
"That..." A spark of realization flashed in Kageyama's mind. He began to see where Ukai was going.
> "When it comes to sneakers, 'the best' isn't what matters—it's 'the best fit.' Volleyball is the same. While Sugawara's individual technique can't compare to yours, as a veteran member of this team, he has a perfect grasp of every player's attacking habits."
>
Ukai continued, "So, even though the offense isn't as sharp as when you're on the court, the overall atmosphere is better. The players are in a better state of mind, and because of that, the power they actually bring out is stronger. Kageyama, your talent is immense, but volleyball isn't a solo sport. Learn to trust your teammates."
Kageyama went silent for a moment before nodding firmly. "I understand, Coach."
"Well, I don't expect you to master it all instantly," Ukai said, ruffling his own hair. "Go warm up. You're going back in soon. If we want to flip the score, we're going to need your strength."
"Yes, sir!" Kageyama responded with newfound fire.
The Return of the King
BEEP!
Ukai Keishin requested a substitution. In the designated zone, Sugawara Kōshi handed the numbered plaque to Kageyama Tobio.
"I worked as hard as I could, but I couldn't flip the score," Sugawara said with a tired but encouraging smile. "The rest is up to you, Kageyama."
"Don't worry, Sugawara-senpai."
With a brief exchange, Kageyama stepped back onto the hardwood.
"Eh? A sub already? I was just starting to get a read on 'Mr. Refreshing' and his attacking habits," Oikawa Tōru remarked with feigned disappointment. He had been looking forward to a deeper "exchange" of setter philosophies.
Next to him, Iwaizumi Hajime looked at him with pure disgust. Oikawa's personality was so dark that Iwaizumi genuinely feared being struck by lightning just by standing near him.
"Something feels... different about Kageyama," Matsukawa Issei noted suddenly. "Before, he was serious but incredibly stiff. Now, he looks surprisingly relaxed."
"A-la-la~~ Even the 'King of the Court' has to relax occasionally, doesn't he?" Oikawa added mockingly.
The match resumed at 10:9, with Seijoh holding the serve. After the ball cleared the net and was popped up by Karasuno's libero, Matsukawa and Hanamaki stood ready at the net. Their eyes were locked on the ball, trying to predict who Kageyama would target.
THUD!
In the next second, the ball zipped right between the two of them, slamming into the Seijoh court.
Across the net, framed by the gymnasium lights, Hinata Shōyō looked like a miniature sun floating in the air. As he descended, the silhouette of Kageyama's perfect set was finally revealed.
The expressions of the Seijoh players froze.
"So fast!"
It was even faster than the previous [Minus Tempo Quick].
"Did Kageyama's setting accuracy improve in that short time on the bench?"
"No," Oikawa murmured, sweat dripping from his brow. A "ferocious" smile began to spread across his face. "It's not accuracy. Their synchronicity has increased. This is getting interesting... the King of the Court is taking off his crown and evolving into a true monarch. Why? What caused this change?"
Finally, Oikawa's gaze locked onto Hinata Shōyō. "Is it because of that little brat?"
BEEP!!
The scoreboard flipped: 10:10. For the first time in the match, Karasuno had tied the score.
The Dark Aura of Akashi Asuka
Seijoh immediately called a timeout.
As the team gathered at the bench, Coach Irihata remained calm. "Don't panic. The match is still within our control. Maintain your rhythm; don't let a sudden burst from the opponent rattle you."
"Remember," the coach continued, "no matter how flashy those two first-years are, they are just decoys. Focus on our defense. As for the offense, we can leave that to Akashi... hm?"
Irihata stopped mid-sentence, noticing something was off. Akashi Asuka wasn't in the huddle.
"Where's Akashi?"
The team turned around, and their breath hitched.
Standing apart from the group, Akashi Asuka remained perfectly still. The aura radiating from him felt like a bottomless black hole, as if he were ready to swallow everything on the court whole.