During lunch break, except for Ichinose Guren giving a slightly meaningful glance toward Oikawa Tooru chatting with Hinata, the rest of Karasuno's players barely paid attention.
Even Kageyama Tobio, who considered Oikawa his ultimate rival, didn't think much of it.
While the "Great King" and the "Little Giant" were talking, Karasuno's team had already finished organizing and packing their gear.
A few players quickly glanced at the two still chatting by the sidelines but then ignored them, heading out of the gym.
But to their surprise, the scene outside was even more chaotic than before the match.
The number of reporters and cameras had multiplied.
Even the usually low-profile manager, Shimizu Kiyoko, was surrounded by a small crowd of journalists. Two assistants tried valiantly to block them, but she was still completely surrounded, especially Nishinoya Yuu, who had shown outstanding performance during the match.
As for Ichinose Guren, he was swarmed to the point of immobility.
Though reporters were instructed not to reveal his status as the third-generation head of the Ichinose Group, his volleyball skills alone were enough to attract such attention.
After interviewing Karasuno, the journalists, like sharks sensing blood, immediately swarmed Oikawa Tooru as he stepped out of the court for a new round of questions.
Unlike the pre-match routine of heading to the team hotel for lunch, Ichinose opted for a simpler yet still comfortable method of rest.
It wasn't the luxury of a five-star suite, but it was certainly far better than sleeping on the gym floor or sitting on the hard plastic chairs in the stands.
Why? Because Karasuno had a luxury team bus.
Comparable to world-class luxury clubs, the bus had no restrictions on comfort or budget. The expense was freely burned for massaging seats, generous personal space, and memory foam cushions designed for players nearly two meters tall.
So, with envious glances from outside, Karasuno's players, noses slightly raised, expressing a mix of pride and smugness, climbed aboard the bus.
Once the seats, comfy enough to rival mansion sofas, were reclined for rest, the team began their midday break.
After intense activity, the semi-soundproof curtains and plush seats allowed anyone wishing to sleep to do so peacefully.
Eating, listening to music, napping, or quietly chatting, the bus accommodated all 18 members with space for personal freedom.
As long as they didn't disturb others.
But the screens in front of each player, initially displaying calming visuals, switched to the Miyagi prefecture midday news channel.
Ignoring those thrilled by seeing themselves on TV, the latter half of the broadcast made the team clench their jaws.
Oikawa Tooru: "I hope Karasuno's classmates give it their all… and then lose to us~ (^▽^)"
His trademark smile accompanying the taunt immediately irked the three "fools" among Karasuno, as well as other players who had been indifferent.
Even Tsukishima Kei, who still viewed volleyball as a club activity, was visibly annoyed.
A vein twitched on his temple.
What is this guy saying?
Isn't he a little too arrogant?
Unbeknownst to Oikawa, his casual provocation had fueled the entire team's determination for the afternoon's match.
Among Karasuno's four "fools," the three had murderous looks on their faces.
Kageyama, the fourth, was more accustomed to Oikawa's teasing, showing no real negative emotion.
Just as the team was simmering with frustration, the screen flashed again. This time, Ichinose Guren appeared for a television interview.
Reporter: "Ichinose, what do you think of your afternoon opponents, Aoba Johsai?"
Still in his back-combed hair style, Ichinose gave the most coolly arrogant trash-talk possible.
"Ah, Aoba Johsai?"
"Sorry, nothing much to say."
The reporter, sensing a potential scoop, pushed the microphone closer.
"Eh? Why not? Because you don't know them well?"
Ichinose remained unfazed.
"No, I'm just not interested in practice-match opponents I've already beaten."
"I have nothing to say about them; I'm already thinking about the next round."
"Compared to Aoba Johsai, Shiratorizawa is obviously more worth studying."
"Ah, I see… well then."
Inside the bus, Karasuno's players muttered in awe:
"Y-You really are Ichinose."
"He even says stuff like, 'I'm already thinking about the next round.'"
"Terrifying! Absolutely terrifying!"
Meanwhile…
CLICK!
Oikawa's water bottle creaked under his over-tightened grip.
If Ichinose had simply retaliated or provoked normally, Oikawa might not have reacted.
But Ichinose's words,
"Compared to Aoba Johsai, Shiratorizawa is obviously more worth studying",
pierced Oikawa like a dagger twisting in his chest.
Ha… ha… ha…
Enraged yet laughing, Oikawa released the bottle. His smile remained, but the grind of his teeth betrayed his fury.
"This… damn kid."
"Just wait."
"I want to see… what this so-called second volleyball prodigy is really made of."
Oikawa's reaction reflected Aoba Johsai's team as a whole. Though others, like Iwaizumi, may not have felt five years of suppression like Oikawa had under Ushijima, their irritation toward Shiratorizawa was equally intense.
Ichinose's words, like Oikawa's taunts at Karasuno, stoked righteous anger, clenching fists across both teams.
At the same time, across two teams, a single provocation had ignited parallel fury.
Karasuno. Aoba Johsai.
The stage was set for a grand showdown.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria