"Ball!"
"Nice spike!"
After regaining the serve, the veterans rotated their lineup once more. Takinoue Yusuke moved to the back row, while Sawamura Daichi shifted up to the front.
Even now, Karasuno still boasted an incredibly strong blocking lineup, and the veteran team was no longer at their ideal formation. Seeing his junior, skilled at reception, move to the front row, Takinoue ran a hand through his stubble. Though his mind had sharpened compared to his high school days,
it was only relatively smarter, at heart, he was still that silly kid chasing after the ball, just like his younger self.
Unable to devise a strategy, he simply grabbed the ball and walked toward the serving area.
"Hey."
If I can't think of a plan, then I won't. I've never been a strategist; I'll just take it step by step.
He gave a subtle smile, baring his teeth just slightly.
Takinoue tossed the ball into the air with his left hand and swung his right arm, smashing the ball over the net in a sharp arc.
It may not be as powerful as that kid's jump serve, but it's my jump serve. Missing it could be deadly!
He didn't aim for anyone in particular. The blond man had no idea which first-year could or couldn't receive it. He simply sent the ball in the most comfortable way for himself.
By sheer luck, or fate, the ball curved in just enough to head straight for the first-year team's weakest player: Yamaguchi Tadashi.
Frozen in place, Yamaguchi felt utterly helpless. He wanted to move, to receive the ball like everyone else, to contribute to his team.
But my physical abilities… my training… they won't let me move this time.
Even though the ball was right in front of his face, he couldn't control his body.
BOOM.
The ball curved just enough to avoid Yamaguchi's body and slammed into the court floor. A successful, ace-worthy serve.
2:2. Tied.
"Eh? So not all you first-years are that strong, huh?"
Takinoue was surprised by the unexpected ace. He glanced at Yamaguchi, gave a high-five to Shimada Makoto, and quickly gathered his temporary teammates into a circle. Together, they shouted, "Let's go!"
In that brief moment, he realized something. Seeing the slightly embarrassed expressions of the second- and third-year players around him, he quickly grasped his teammates' intentions.
"So you all knew this guy wasn't that skilled all along?"
"Why didn't you tell us?"
Frowning, Takinoue scanned the Karasuno juniors in front of him.
During the pre-match strategy meeting, you mentioned everyone's strengths, right? Yet you didn't say a word about that green-haired freckled kid.
"Come on, don't feel bad about exploiting a junior's weakness," he said.
"Not pointing it out would be the real insult to him."
Though Takinoue spoke in his usual calm tone, it sounded like a seasoned, slightly grizzled middle-aged man, one who'd seen it all, lecturing the younger players.
Seeing his juniors' conflicted expressions, Shimada quickly stepped in to smooth things over.
"Relax. Don't overthink it. Treat every opponent seriously and find a way to win each point, that's the greatest respect you can show the juniors."
As his teammates visibly relaxed, Shimada pushed up his glasses and added,
"Don't underestimate a first-year who looks like a side character."
"Who knows? One day he might become your secret weapon."
"Oh! Speaking of which, back in high school, you were just like that little freckled guy, bad reception, weak spikes…"
"Shut up!"
Takinoue hadn't even finished speaking when Shimada's sharp gaze, hidden behind his glasses, silenced him.
Making a gesture to close his mouth, Shimada finally softened his killing stare.
After this exchange, the veterans of Karasuno finally managed to refocus.
Sugawara Koushi and Sawamura Daichi exchanged a look and instantly understood each other's intentions.
Now is not the time to pretend to be caring toward the juniors.
If you really want to care, do it by crushing them on the court.
Either they sink and quit the team, enjoying the rest of high school quietly…
Or they step up, train hard, and reclaim the respect lost on the court.
"Senior!"
"Yamaguchi's volleyball skills are ordinary, both reception and blocking. Let's exploit that as our opening!"
The usually gentle Sugawara spoke with unexpected harshness.
Without lowering his voice, he simply stated the truth about the weakest player on their team.
Yamaguchi looked up blankly, his pupils trembling slightly as he met the gaze of the cheerful senior across the net. Sugawara noticed his reaction.
No avoidance. No mockery. Just a steady, unwavering stare.
"Yamaguchi! If you think I'm wrong, then prove me wrong with your actions!"
Sugawara's voice was earnest, eyes locked on Yamaguchi.
Come on, use your actions to slap me in the face!
Though he was the one being spoken to, Yamaguchi quickly looked away, quietly accepting his position.
He lowered his head slowly, unwilling to meet Sugawara's gaze again.
"Uh…"
Sugawara, feeling a pang of sympathy, wanted to say something, but Sawamura shook his head, stopping him.
It's better to be disciplined by your own team now than humiliated under the spotlight later. The weight of failure will feel far heavier then.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria