Everyone froze for a moment as the volleyball crashed to the ground. Hands paused mid-motion, and they all exhaled slowly. But the sound of Kageyama Tobio landing suddenly snapped everyone out of their awe, pulling them back from the surreal battle that had just unfolded.
Everyone rushed to Takashi Sugawara, who was just getting back on his feet, to check if he was okay.
The first to react was the coach, Keishin Ukai.
"Are you an idiot?!"
"Was it really necessary to go that far for a ball like that?!"
"This is just a practice match within the team!"
"What if you'd gotten hurt?!"
"This was a dangerous move that could have caused serious injury!"
"Do you want me to have a major accident on my first day as coach?!"
The same Ukai who had been stopping Kobu-sensei from halting the match just moments ago now transformed into a full-blown demon coach, lecturing Sugawara with furious energy.
Sugawara, feeling guilty, could only offer an apologetic smile in return.
Daichi Sawamura, Azumane Asahi, and the others also approached, expressing their dissatisfaction. There should be no next time for a play like that.
Meanwhile, second-year Ryunosuke Tanaka was moved to tears.
"This is what a hot-blooded guy looks like, Sugawara-senpai!"
"So cool, Suga-san!"
Nishinoya Yuu nodded in genuine admiration.
"Awesome, Sugawara-senpai!"
"I wish I could have a moment like that too!"
"Hinata, don't copy me!!"
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Once they confirmed that Sugawara was unharmed, everyone started reflecting on the amazing plays from the previous point.
Hinata Shoyo turned to Hoshino Katsuri, who had the best view from the bench.
"Hey, Hoshino… what would you have done if that ball was coming straight at the wall?"
Hoshino sighed.
"I knew you'd ask that."
He paused, then continued,
"I couldn't make a sacrifice set like Sugawara-senpai. That's not the kind of player I am, I can't give 100% of myself to the ball like that."
"I also couldn't do a move like Kageyama, with his unparalleled sense and technique combined with exceptional athleticism."
"If it were me, I'd probably just hit it with one hand and try my best to return it."
Hinata's face twisted in mock disgust.
"Hoshino!"
"What?!"
"You're such a weakling!"
"Millennium Falcon Strike!"
Sugawara glanced at the volleyball club, still caught up in their playful chaos, and smiled wryly.
He then turned to Kageyama.
"Kageyama… I have to admit, your athleticism and sense for the ball are overwhelming. Only a genius could pull off a move like that."
"No."
Kageyama shook his head, serious.
"Your set, Sugawara-senpai, was just as good as mine."
"A set that makes your teammates give their all to score? I couldn't make one like that."
Sugawara didn't argue over whose set was better. After sending the ball from Sawamura to Asahi and watching Asahi respond perfectly, he had completely let go of any pressure from Kageyama.
"No matter what, I'll keep fighting for the team in my own way."
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Once Ukai confirmed that Sugawara was unharmed, and after giving him a proper lecture, he declared the match would continue, at least until the end of the current set.
Makoto Shimada, trailing by five points, unleashed his signature move: the jump float serve.
But after scoring three points, he was successfully defended by Hoshino, who had already adapted to the rhythm. If there's one area where Hoshino, as a libero, edges out Nishinoya, it's his experience.
Having competed in national tournaments, Hoshino had faced many different styles and strong players. Though junior high and high school players weren't on the same level, Hoshino could read styles and steadily improve his defense, allowing him to stop even the most skilled opponents.
After everyone had showcased their full strength, the set came to a satisfying conclusion.
In the first set, the first-year team had overcome the upperclassmen with their overwhelming offensive power.
In the second set, the upperclassmen, having figured out the first-years' tendencies, relied on their coordination and experience, targeting Tadashi Yamaguchi's weaknesses.
They successfully dragged the higher-potential first-year team into a technical, point-by-point battle, ultimately claiming the second set.
After the second set, Ukai had a clear understanding of each player's abilities and strengths, so he stopped the match, calling an end to practice for the day.
The Karasuno team then engaged in their usual post-match conversations.
Each member of Karasuno was still cautiously figuring out how to relate to one another, trying to cultivate the best possible team atmosphere.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria