[October 25th, Sendai City Gymnasium]

The All-Japan Spring High School Volleyball Tournament, commonly known as Spring High, had officially begun its Miyagi Prefecture representative qualifiers.

A total of sixteen teams were competing: the top eight from the Inter-High Prefecture Qualifiers, along with the eight teams that had advanced through the first round of Spring High preliminaries. They would battle for the sole representative spot.

The tournament was divided into East and West zones, each with two groups: Group A and B in the East, and Group C and D in the West.

Day 1: Determination of the top team from each group, forming the semifinalists.

Day 2: Morning semifinals for Groups A and B; afternoon semifinals for Groups C and D.

Day 3: The winners of the East and West zones would face off in the finals. The victorious team would become the Miyagi champions and represent the prefecture at nationals.

Group Matchups:

Group A: Aoba Johsai vs. Niiyama Technical, Kaji vs. Shirokanan

Group B: Date Tech vs. Kuroda, Suigawa vs. Mine Commercial

Group C: Jōzenshi vs. Karasuno, Ōgi Commercial vs. Wakunan

Group D:

 Shirahō vs. Momijibara, Araikawa vs. Shiratorizawa

As dawn broke, the crisp morning air carried a sense of excitement.

The Aoba Johsai team bus pulled up directly in front of the Sendai City Gymnasium.

One by one, players clad in their distinctive teal and white uniforms stepped off the bus, their confident movements catching the light of the morning sun. The immaculate uniforms shone brightly, and their composed demeanour left a strong impression.

"Wow, they're so tall!"

Among the crowd of spectators gathered at the gym's entrance, many couldn't help but gasp in amazement. With five players over 185 cm tall, Aoba Johsai's roster was a sight to behold. The team's average height surpassed 180 cm, making them an imposing presence.

"They're so cool!"

Among the spectators were teenage girls whose eyes sparkled as they whispered in awe.

Their gazes wandered across Aoba Johsai's lineup, lingering particularly on Oikawa Tōru, who exuded his usual charm, and Kaedehara Taichi, whose recent growth spurt and the light tan made him even more striking.

"Look how beautiful she is!"

Some keen-eyed fans also noticed a new addition to Aoba Johsai's roster—a female team manager. Her mere presence added a touch of elegance to the team's already captivating appearance.

It had been nearly two months since the start of the school term, and the players had used this time to grow individually and refine their teamwork.

Coach Irihata, inspired by his team's potential, had thrown himself into training with a newfound fervour, meticulously polishing every detail of his players' skills.

During this period, even university players like Takahashi Isuke were called back by Coach Irihata to scrimmage with Aoba Johsai. These high-level practice matches helped maintain the team's competitive edge.

This time of preparation served as a period of consolidation for the players. Although there hadn't been dramatic breakthroughs in individual skills, their stability and overall versatility had improved significantly.

Kaedehara Taichi had gradually adapted to his new role as an outside hitter, and the team's two main formations were becoming increasingly seamless.

Their chemistry had reached an unprecedented level, allowing them to react swiftly and execute precise combinations in both offence and defence.

Aoba Johsai's tactical execution had become more flexible and their control over the pace of the game more refined.

Despite having defeated Shiratorizawa only once, the aura surrounding Aoba Johsai now felt like that of champions whom everyone eagerly anticipated.

The crowd outside the gym instinctively parted to make way for them. Among the bystanders, players from other teams couldn't help but cast curious and wary glances, their awe betraying a subtle sense of intimidation.

-----

"Hey, Taichi, are you sure they'll all come here?"

Oikawa Tōru and Kaedehara Taichi leaned casually against the wall in the entry hall of the gymnasium, strategically positioned along the route players had to take to reach the restroom.

"Of course! Bathrooms are the hotspots for drama in gymnasiums—just like inns in martial arts novels," Taichi replied confidently.

Another one of his strange analogies, Oikawa thought, frowning slightly.

Suddenly, a commotion arose nearby as two figures came running side by side.

"Who are these idiots, running around the venue like that—" Oikawa began, but Taichi cut him off, straightening abruptly. "They're here!" he exclaimed, stepping forward.

Oikawa followed immediately, just in time to clearly see the two approaching figures.

"Tobio-chan! And...chibi-chan!"

Called out by the familiar voice, Kageyama Tobio and Hinata Shōyō turned to look. Hinata, in particular, jumped in surprise.

"The-the-the...Great King! And Taichi!" Hinata stammered, his tone filled with delight when he addressed Taichi.

"Hello, Shōyō," Taichi greeted him with a warm smile.

"Am I really that scary?" Oikawa muttered, pouting on the side.

"Oikawa-senpai." Kageyama offered a polite nod. "Were you waiting here for us?"

"Not exactly," Oikawa began, then smirked mischievously. "Tobio-chan, if you want to meet us again, you'll have to make it to the finals."

"Yes! Oikawa-senpai, I will defeat you in the finals!" Kageyama declared with utmost seriousness.

"You're quite confident, aren't you, Karasuno brat—"

The taunting voice belonged to Tendō Satori, who was skipping his way toward them. Walking beside him was Shiratorizawa's ace, Ushijima Wakatoshi.

"Oikawa, Taichi," Ushijima greeted them coolly.

"Are you holding a meeting here? How amusing…" Tendō quipped with a grin.

"Taichi, long time no see!"

More players arrived, unbothered by the strange tension in the air. With each new face, Taichi's expression grew more satisfied. He nodded slightly, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. Everyone he had hoped to see was here.

In their distinct team uniforms stood:

Aoba Johsai's teal and white—Kaedehara Taichi and Oikawa Tōru.

Karasuno's black—Hinata Shōyō and Kageyama Tobio.

Shiratorizawa's purple and white—Ushijima Wakatoshi and Tendō Satori.

Date Tech's navy blue—Aone Takanobu and Futakuchi Kenji.

Wakunan's deep green—Nakajima Takeru, who greeted Taichi with a smile.

"Whoa! What's going on here? All the aces from the top teams are gathering in one spot!"

"Are they going to start fighting right here?!"

"No way...but look at Shiratorizawa and Aoba Johsai—they look like they're about to go at it any second!"

Spectators watched the scene from a distance, whispering in awe. The players now gathered practically represented the pinnacle of Miyagi Prefecture high school volleyball.

Hinata Shōyō stood frozen, trembling as he looked around at the intimidating group. But if Karasuno wanted to qualify for nationals—

"W-we'll win! Karasuno will win!" Hinata stammered, his voice trailing off as everyone's gaze snapped to him, sharp and unyielding.

"Idiot! If you're going to say something, say it loud and clear!" Kageyama stepped forward, declaring boldly, "Karasuno will definitely make it to nationals!"

"Why?" Ushijima's voice cut through the air, calm and matter-of-fact. "There's only one spot to qualify, isn't there?"

His words carried an undeniable weight, rendering the first-years' confidence pale in comparison.

To face Aoba Johsai in the finals, Karasuno would first have to overcome Shiratorizawa—their greatest obstacle.

Aone Takanobu slowly raised a hand, pointing toward both Kaedehara Taichi and Ushijima. Though Date Tech had yet to win a single match against these teams during their training camp two months ago, it didn't diminish Aone's resolve to block the opposing aces.

The tension in the air grew heavier, almost suffocating, as though even time itself had paused.@@novelbin@@

"Ha-ha…"

A soft chuckle suddenly broke the silence.

Kaedehara Taichi stepped into the centre of the group, surveying everyone with a calm but determined expression.

"Last I checked, the reigning champions of this prefecture are Aoba Johsai," he said lightly. His words, though spoken gently, drew immediate glares from everyone present.

"I waited here to see all of you—it'd be too much trouble to say this to each of you individually," Taichi continued, his voice steady and unwavering. "No matter who challenges us, Aoba Johsai will accept it."

"And we will crush you."

He paused before adding, his tone firm and resolute, "But this time, you can rest easy. Aoba Johsai will carry your dreams to nationals. We will dominate the entire country."

His declaration hung in the air, unchallenged, as if it had frozen the very atmosphere of the gymnasium.

The first to respond was Ushijima Wakatoshi, who met Taichi's gaze head-on. Neither ace flinched, their mutual determination palpable.

"See you in the finals."

No further words were needed. Everything would be decided on the third day.

After Ushijima left, the others gradually dispersed as well, until only Oikawa Tōru and Kaedehara Taichi remained.

"Weren't we supposed to share the lines equally?!" Oikawa grumbled, his face darkening. "You took all the good ones!"

"Well, you weren't saying anything, so I stepped up," Taichi replied innocently.

"..."

"I was busy locking gazes with Ushijima to hold him back! How else are we supposed to psych them out?" Oikawa retorted, trying to justify himself, only to realize that Taichi had already started walking away.

"Hurry up! If we're late again, Iwaizumi-senpai will scold us," Taichi called over his shoulder.

"Damn it! Wait for me!"

_________

[T/N] - If you guys want to read 50 Chapters in advance of the current story, you can support me on my Patreon. Trust me, it's awesome!

Link - /Iseeblack [Remove the brackets]