The ride back to school was filled with noise and excitement.
After Ichinose Guren's long talk about Alexander the Great, the entire Karasuno team was buzzing with energy.
Seeing the "Four Idiots" pumping their fists and shouting about fighting "the Great King" for three hundred rounds every day, Ichinose couldn't help but smirk, hiding his grin behind his hand.
If only they knew... this so-called reincarnated Alexander the Great keeps getting crushed by your very own 'Ushiwaka,' the reincarnation of Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
Who would've thought that little Miyagi Prefecture would somehow produce not one, but two reincarnated legends of history?
"Yoshitsune vs. Alexander", practically the eternal finals of Miyagi volleyball. And Alexander never won.
Not until he crosses the "sea at the end of the world" to challenge his rival once more… on the other side of the ocean.
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Back at school, during the pre-match meeting, Coach Ukai Keishin wrapped up the review of their match against Date Tech and shifted his tone.
Their next opponent, their third match, was no easy one.
The second powerhouse of the Group of Death: Wakutani Minami High.
"Wakutani is a very complete team," Ukai said seriously. "Their defense and endurance are both extremely strong. Don't rush, and don't underestimate them."
"There may be moments when our attacks just won't break through. When that happens, if you can't score, leave it to our ace!"
Ukai's eyes drifted toward Ichinose Guren. The tall first-year seemed to have grown yet again, and seeing him gave the coach a sense of relief.
Another 'genius victim'… just like Sugawara, Ukai thought with a wry smile.
"Asahi, Ichinose, Hyakuzawa, you'll be starting tomorrow. I want to test our offensive strength against them first."
He had gathered plenty of data.
If Ichinose played at full capacity, Wakutani wouldn't be a problem.
But the coach also saw this as the perfect chance to test out new formations, evaluating Karasuno's adaptability in live combat.
"Tsukishima, don't slack off on the bench. You could be called in at any time."
He wasn't just saying that for morale; Ukai was genuinely planning for in-game adjustments.
Tsukishima merely nodded lazily, showing no disappointment despite being benched again.
Ukai rubbed his temples.
Good height. Calm defense. Fast reflexes. Reads opponents well enough to adjust mid-attack… so why does he have no fire?
Karasuno's blocking structure improved drastically when Tsukishima was on the court, but a team's fighting spirit required everyone to contribute.
If Tsukishima couldn't find that hunger to fight, Ukai knew he might have no choice but to keep the tall, bespectacled first-year as a substitute.
Besides, with Ichinose and Hyakuzawa improving rapidly and Asahi's blocking steadily strengthening under their influence, Karasuno didn't need another passive blocker.
Having a player without drive in the starting lineup does no good for the team, Ukai decided silently.
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Interhigh, Day Two.
When Karasuno arrived at the gym and began warming up, they couldn't help but notice how mature Wakutani's players looked.
Aside from two who looked suspiciously like small-time gangsters, the rest of the team carried an almost adult composure.
Even their setter, Hanayama Kazumasa, sported a short beard, not much shorter than Asahi's.
"Asahi-senpai! You can't lose in the beard battle!"
Nishinoya's fiery declaration echoed through the gym.
"Why are we even comparing that!?"
Asahi groaned helplessly, trying to calm his overexcited libero.
"Nishinoya, that has nothing to do with who wins the match!"
"Still! We can't lose!!"
Nishinoya's voice boomed even louder.
Asahi hurriedly grabbed him by the shoulders, whispering frantically, "Okay, okay! We won't lose! Just… keep it down, please."
Nishinoya's booming energy was nothing compared to Wakutani's cheer section, though.
"TAKE, RUUUU!"
"LET'S, GOOO!!!"
The entire Nakashima family was out in full force, cheering wildly for their son, team captain Nakashima Takeru.
Even the baby in someone's arms was waving its hands, shouting happy little "ya-ya!" sounds, caught up in the energy of the crowd.
BEEP!
Warm-up ended. Both teams bowed in greeting. The match was about to begin.
Karasuno starting lineup:
Asahi, Hinata, Kageyama, Ichinose, Hyakuzawa (Libero: Nishinoya), and Daichi.
Wakutani to serve first.
Hanayama launched a powerful, aggressive serve, clearly at full strength. But to Karasuno, that level of serve was,
BOOM!
No threat at all.
Smiling, Nishinoya received it perfectly, the ball flying straight toward Kageyama's hands.
Kageyama, with the thought Let's give them a proper greeting, signaled to Hinata.
A blinding quick.
Hinata's spike cut through the air, blasting past Wakutani's blockers and striking Nakashima's forearms before flying out of bounds.
Point, Karasuno!
Hinata grinned wide and high-fived Kageyama.
But while Hinata celebrated, Kageyama's sharp eyes narrowed.
They touched the ball… on their first try defending our quick.
Across the net, Nakashima clenched his fist, eyes fierce.
As expected of Karasuno. Fast. Very fast.
But if that's all you've got… next time, I'll receive it.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria