Even though the entire stadium seemed to feel that Wakutani had no hope left, the team, led by Nakashima Takeru, kept resisting Karasuno's relentless assault.
Once again, alternating coverage had Ichinose Guren slanting past Daichi Sawamura from behind, moving like a shadow in the chaos.
His sharp, delicate features betrayed no emotion, only a glint of icy focus in his eyes.
At this moment, Ichinose was completely immersed in his duel with Nakashima, unable to spare even a fraction of attention to the scoreboard.
He just wanted to catch every spike, block every shot, and fight for every point.
His rapid, ever-changing steps had reached the final two strides, his bones completing the sequence of a jump that channeled force from the floor through his entire body.
His long arms swung upward, propelling his sturdy frame, nearing two meters, into the air.
BOOM!
Second-year Kazuteru Akiu only caught a blur with his eyes. A muffled thud came from beside him, and when he looked back, he was astonished to see the volleyball that had hovered above Ichinose's hand now gently rebounding.
I've seen this many times already…
Gritting his teeth, Akiu watched Ichinose in full combat mode. Despite his unwillingness to admit it, his gaze couldn't even make Ichinose pause for a second at the net.
A tiny bead of sweat slid from Akiu's temple down his cheekbone, past his mouth, and along his jaw.
But even now, I still can't fully read this guy's spike path…
Having been lightly patted on the shoulder by Nakashima, Akiu nodded at his captain, signaling he was fine. Though aware of the disparity between the teams, he refused to give up.
The rest of Wakutani's players followed suit, mirroring their captain's unwavering spirit. Even far behind on points, their fighting spirit remained fierce and unyielding.
Yet when everyone glanced at the scoreboard, even the strongest morale faltered.
Karasuno 12 : 6 Wakutani.
"Even with their momentum and spirit intact," Nakashima thought, "the psychological pressure of double the score isn't something mere fighting spirit can overcome."
At this time, Alexander "The Great King" Oikawa, along with his close friend Iwaizumi Hajime, whose birthday coincided with Alexander's, had changed and taken seats to watch Karasuno's court.
No sooner had Oikawa sat than he began analyzing the match with sharp insight, observing the players' stances and expressions. One hand supporting his handsome chin, he offered commentary with interest.
Beside him, Iwaizumi squinted, giving the classic "You just finished playing and now you're talking about this?" look.
As Oikawa expected, Wakutani's resilient team, despite a huge points gap and seemingly unstoppable offense, showed no intention of surrendering. Instead, they fought desperately for every single point.
Watching the players repeatedly throw their bodies to the floor to save balls that might not even score, even the normally aloof Oikawa felt moved.
These guys…
Though resting his chin on his hand with a casual air, his eyes betrayed a resonance with Wakutani and Nakashima's struggle, something Iwaizumi noticed immediately.
Hmph, this guy…
Iwaizumi knew exactly what Oikawa was feeling. Both of them, despite appearances, had faced the same relentless, overpowering opponents for five straight years in middle and high school, never once winning.
Even without Oikawa's emotional resonance, Iwaizumi could empathize.
Oikawa saw himself reflected in Nakashima.
Although their appearance, height, position, and skills differed, their desire for victory and refusal to yield under pressure were identical.
===========
Wakutani ultimately lost to Karasuno.
During the handshake, Nakashima and Ichinose instinctively spoke together, silently agreeing to meet again at Spring High.
Nakashima also confirmed he would not retire.
Even though Wakutani's next Spring High performance might not seed them favorably, possibly landing them again with teams like Karasuno, Aoba Johsai, or Shiratorizawa, he would never relinquish a chance to fight.
Yet as all handshakes were completed and bows made to the audience, every Wakutani player harbored a fleeting doubt.
Next time… if we face Karasuno again… can we really win?
But their thoughts quickly shifted.
Two figures in blue jackets drew everyone's attention.
"Amou, two guys from Aoba Johsai are here."
"Aoba Johsai? Never interacted with them…"
The newcomers were Oikawa and his childhood friend Iwaizumi, who had been enjoying the match from the stands. Iwaizumi, wary of Oikawa's sharp tongue, followed closely to prevent him from provoking anyone before Karasuno's match.
"Hello there~"
Facing the two Aoba Johsai members, Wakutani captain Nakashima stepped forward without hesitation.
"Volleyball players from Aoba Johsai? What's the business?"
Even confronting the elite Oikawa, Nakashima, hardened by the slums, responded without losing his poise.
"Nothing, nothing~" Oikawa waved his hand, smiling brightly. "Just wanted to say it was an amazing match. Your aerial technique is already number one in Miyagi."
Oikawa's deliberate compliment reflected both his leadership and social skills maxed out, he was consciously befriending Nakashima.
Even the composed Nakashima, a third-year, couldn't help but feel slightly flattered. He sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
"Not that level yet," he replied modestly.
Still, being called Miyagi's aerial technique #1 by someone who had fought top-three teams repeatedly filled Nakashima with a sense of recognition and respect.
This guy actually knows volleyball!
Oikawa extended his right hand for a proper introduction.
"Let's meet properly. I'm Oikawa Tooru, captain of Aoba Johsai High School's boys' volleyball team."
Nakashima felt the acknowledgement from a true volleyball stronghold and naturally extended his hand.
"I'm Nakashima Takeru, captain of Wakutani Minami High's boys' volleyball team."
They shook hands for a moment, then quickly released.
"Thanks for the recognition, but I still lost this match. Losing is losing, but I'll get stronger for Spring High!"
Hearing Nakashima's sincerity, Oikawa's smile widened.
"Looking forward to it~"
"I'll give my all on the court!"
"Of course~"
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria