Sora vs Nishinoya
The crisp morning air carried a hint of excitement as Keishin gathered Sora and Nishinoya outside the gymnasium, their footsteps echoing on the deserted school grounds.
"So, Coach, what's this all about?" Sora inquired, his voice laced with curiosity as Nishinoya nodded in agreement.
"Well, I've been struggling to decide which of you two would be the best fit for the libero position," Keishin confessed, his expression etched with concern. "That's why I asked you both here today, to discuss and make a final decision."
Sora exchanged glances with Nishinoya, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Hey, Nishinoya-Senpai, up for a little competition?" Sora challenged, his voice dripping with playful banter.
Nishinoya's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Competition? But aren't you still recovering from your injury?" he questioned, his tone laced with disbelief.
Sora anticipated Nishinoya's apprehension and couldn't resist a playful jab. "What's wrong, Senpai? Afraid that Kiyoko-Senpai will be smitten by my dazzling form as I receive those powerful serves?" he teased with a sly smirk.
Nishinoya's eyes widened in mock indignation. "Smitten? Dazzling? You're delusional, Sora-kun!" he retorted, his voice laced with feigned offense. "I'm the one who'll capture Kiyoko-Senpai's heart with my lightning-fast reflexes and impeccable receives!"
Sora chuckled, his grin widening. "Oh, really? Then let's put it to the test, shall we? A little friendly competition never hurt anyone."
Nishinoya's competitive spirit ignited. "You're on, Sora-kun! Let's show Keishin-san who deserves that libero spot!"
Keishin sweatdropped at their banter, a bead of perspiration trickling down his temple. "Well, this is certainly...entertaining," he mumbled to himself, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth.
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The volleyball court buzzed with anticipation as Sora and Nishinoya stood poised at opposite ends of the net, their eyes locked in a silent duel. The air was thick with unspoken tension, each player determined to prove their worth and claim the libero position.
Shoyo, Sora's ever-loyal twin brother, cheered from the sidelines, his voice echoing through the gym like a battle cry. "Let's go, Aniki!" he shouted, his enthusiasm infectious.
Tsukishima couldn't help but roll his eyes at the commotion. "Why are we doing this again?" he grumbled, his voice barely audible above the din.
Shoyo turned to Tsukishima, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "C'mon, Beanpole, show some support for Aniki!" he urged.
Tsukishima raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "And why would I?" he retorted, his tone laced with his trademark sarcasm.
Despite his nonchalant demeanor, Tsukishima couldn't deny a flicker of interest in the upcoming competition. He had witnessed Sora's impressive skills firsthand and was curious to see how he would fare against Nishinoya.
He also wanted Sora to win.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team watched with equal curiosity, their faces etched with anticipation. They had seen both Sora and Nishinoya excel in practice, and they were eager to see who would emerge victorious in this friendly face-off.
Though, they also couldn't help but be worried for Sora since he was injured. But Sora reassured them that it was fine and the pain had disappeared for no apparent reason.
As Keishin stepped onto the court, the crowd fell silent. "Okay, players, let's start!" he announced, his voice firm and commanding.
Sora and Nishinoya exchanged a nod, their eyes glinting with determination. The libero showdown was about to begin.
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Round 1: Passing Accuracy
The volleyball soared through the air, a blur of speed and power as it hurtled towards the waiting Sora. With a deft movement of his forearms, he cushioned the impact, sending the ball soaring back towards Kageyama, who was requested by Keishin to play as the setter. The pass was perfect, a pinpoint strike that landed squarely in the setter's waiting hands.
Across the net, Nishinoya mirrored Sora's precision. He met the incoming spike with a steady platform, guiding the ball back toward Sugawara, who was also requested by Keishin, with unwavering accuracy. The crowd watched in awe as both Sora and Nishinoya demonstrated their exceptional passing skills, their every movement exuding confidence and control.
Round 2: Digging Agility
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Asahi sent a thunderous spike. Sora, anticipating the trajectory, darted forward, his eyes fixed on the incoming missile. With a lightning-fast dive, he extended his forearms, deflecting the ball just inches above the ground.
Nishinoya, not to be outdone, displayed his brand of agility. He leaped into the air, his body contorting like a gymnast as he met the spike with a powerful dig. The ball rebounded off his forearms, sending it soaring back toward Sugawara.
Round 3: Consistency in Serve Reception
On the opposing side of the court, Kageyama unleashed a formidable jump serve, sending the ball hurtling towards Sora. With fluid grace, Sora effortlessly executed a flawless reception, showcasing his impeccable control and agility.
Simultaneously, Shoyo, positioned alongside Kageyama, retaliated with an equally powerful jump serve. The ball soared across the net, targeting Nishinoya. Displaying lightning-fast reflexes, Nishinoya flawlessly intercepted the serve, proving his exceptional prowess in serve reception.
"Both of them are too equally good," Keishin thought to himself, a frown creasing his forehead. "It's hard to choose who would be the libero as they are tied since the beginning of the competition."
It was finally Yamaguchi's turn to step up to the serving line. As he eyed the ball, a sense of determination washed over him, and he took a deep breath. Today, he was going to showcase the float serves that Sora had patiently taught him.
Yamaguchi tossed the ball into the air with precision, his focus unwavering. The ball left his hand. However, fate took an unexpected turn as the ball clipped the top of the net, altering its trajectory. It began a slow descent, introducing an element of suspense into the play.
Nishinoya, known for his lightning reflexes, found himself momentarily caught off guard. The seemingly languid descent of the ball fooled even his keen instincts. He sprang into action. With a dramatic dive, he managed to reach the ball just in the nick of time, executing a spectacular save that left the audience in awe.
Sora couldn't contain his pride as he witnessed Yamaguchi's progress in mastering the float serve. A wide grin spread across Sora's face, and he clapped enthusiastically, acknowledging Yamaguchi's determination and the growth he had achieved in incorporating the new technique.
Yamaguchi took another deep breath, shaking off the previous moment, and approached the serving line once more. Determination etched on his face, he tossed the ball into the air with focused intent. This time, the float serve sailed smoothly across the net.
On the receiving end, Sora moved effortlessly into position, tracking the trajectory of the ball with precision. With practiced ease, he executed a perfect reception, showcasing his agility and adept skills in handling Yamaguchi's serve.
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After the Libero Showdown, the score between Sora and Nishinoya remained deadlocked, prompting Coach Keishin to address the tiebreaker.
"Since it's tied, let's do a tiebreaker," Keishin proposed.
Sora, ever the unpredictable soul, raised his hand with an impish grin. "Coach, can we do rock, paper, and scissors?" he suggested, introducing an unexpected twist.
The unconventional suggestion left everyone surprised, their expressions ranging from confusion to amusement. Amid the reactions, Tsukishima couldn't hold back a scoff. "Rock, paper, scissors? Are we settling this like kids?" he remarked, skepticism lacing his tone.
Sora, undeterred by Tsukishima's skepticism, shot back with a quick-witted retort, "Well, Tsukki, sometimes the simplest games lead to the biggest surprises. Don't underestimate the power of classic choices."
Tsukishima, caught off guard by Sora's witty response, sighed in mild exasperation. The team shared a chuckle, appreciating the unexpected humor Sora brought to the situation.
Sora turned to Coach Ukai, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Please, Coach?" he pleaded. "I think it would be a fun way to decide the winner."
Coach Ukai, ever the one to embrace the unexpected, nodded his approval. "Very well, Sora," he said. "If you both agree, then rock, paper, scissors it is."
The other reason Ukai easily agreed it's because he knew Nishinoya and Sora would do well outside of the libero position if one of them loses.
Nishinoya, always up for a bit of lighthearted competition, grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "Yosh! I'm game."
A hush fell over the crowd as Nishinoya and Sora lined up, their hands clenched into fists, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.
"Rock, paper, scissors!" Coach Ukai counted down, his voice echoing through the gymnasium.
The two players flung their hands out, their gestures revealing their choices.
Nishinoya threw paper, and Sora... threw a rock.
"Yosha!" Nishonoya exclaimed while Sora's soul was leaving his body from defeat.
"Aniki! Stay alive!" Shoyo rushed up to Sora, gripping his shoulders and shaking him gently in an attempt to infuse life back into his spirits.
Sora, momentarily lost in thought, blinked and then focused on Shoyo's energetic presence. A small smile crept onto his face as he appreciated Shoyo's infectious enthusiasm. "Hey, Shoyo, I'm here! No worries, I'm alive and kicking," he reassured, patting Shoyo on the back.
Nishinoya approached Sora, extending his hand with a genuine smile. "Good game, Sora," he said, a clear sign of mutual respect between the two players.
Sora reciprocated the handshake, his own grin widening. "Thanks, Nishinoya-Senpai. You were great out there," he acknowledged, appreciating the spirited competition.
Nishinoya then turned his attention to Kiyoko, rushing towards her with enthusiasm. "Kiyoko-Chan, did you see my receives?" he asked, excitement evident in his voice.
Kiyoko, with her characteristic calm demeanor, gave Nishinoya a casual thumbs up. "It was great," she replied in a nonchalant tone, offering her approval. Without lingering, she continued on her way, leaving Nishinoya with a satisfied grin.
Tsukishima observed them from afar, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Why are they so motivated?" he wondered to himself.
To Tsukishima, volleyball was just a sport, a game to be played and won. But for some reason, his teammates, especially the twins, seemed to possess an almost obsessive level of dedication.
He couldn't quite understand it. What was it about volleyball that made them so passionate, so driven? Tsukishima himself had never felt that kind of intensity, that kind of burning desire to excel.
He shrugged, dismissing the thought as unimportant. It didn't matter why they were so motivated. All that mattered was that they were good, and they made him better.