Chapter 21: Seijoh vs Wakunan (6)

After Kindaichi Yūtarō entered the match, Aoba Johsai's blocking height saw a noticeable improvement. His spikes were also simpler, more direct, and packed a punch.

For Takeru Nakashima, this was actually a relief. He no longer had to worry about the odd, unpredictable blocking ideas of Taichi Kaedehara or his constant darting around the court, allowing Nakashima to perform more freely in the air.

"Takeru!" Kazuyuki Hanayama set the ball perfectly above Nakashima.

"Got it!" Nakashima jumped with all his might.

"Double block!" Kindaichi and Iwaizumi Hajime leapt together to form a strong wall.

Smack!

Nakashima's spike slammed against Kindaichi's arm, deflecting sharply into Aoba Johsai's court.

[Aoba Johsai 16 vs. 14 Wakunan]

Watching from the sidelines, Taichi's eyes lit up. "So it's possible to do that! By aiming for the blocker's arms instead of their palms, the ball is less likely to be deflected out of play. But it demands precision in both timing and angle."

Kindaichi was momentarily stunned. All along, he had been proud of his height advantage. With his exceptional physical attributes, his blocking had been a significant obstacle for opponents in numerous matches.

Yet, against a main spiker like Nakashima, who was agile, adaptable, and technically skilled, his height advantage seemed to have turned into a weapon for the other side.

From the sidelines, Kindaichi had been puzzled. "How can someone who's barely 170 centimetres tall, without Shōyo Hinata's insane speed or jump height, repeatedly break through Aoba Johsai's defence?"

"Um, can I suggest something?"

Hearing the voice, the Aoba Johsai players turned around to see Akira Kunimi speaking up.

"Let's stop trying to block his straight spikes directly. Instead, leave a gap along the sideline. I'll try to receive the ball from the back," Kunimi suggested, carefully choosing his words.

"There's no need to give him a 'target' to aim for. From what I've observed, Nakashima-senpai doesn't seem as skilled at hitting cross-court spikes. If we use a double block to limit his options slightly and I focus on straight spikes, we can rely on Hanamaki-senpai to handle any deflections off blockers."

Kunimi continued, "By focusing our block more toward the centre, we'll have more time to react to deflected balls. It's not a perfect solution, but..."

"Alright, let's give it a shot!" Iwaizumi immediately made the call.

"Uh, thank you, Iwaizumi-senpai." Kunimi was taken aback that his suggestion was accepted so readily, without much debate.

"What's the big deal? I've known all along that you're the smartest among the first-years," Ōikawa Tōru said, clapping Kunimi on the shoulder and motioning for everyone to get into position.

"Yes, sir!" Kunimi responded loudly.

Kindaichi turned away, stepping back into his game face. "I don't really get the strategy, but if you say so, I'll just follow along."

Three years of playing together in junior high had already forged an unspoken bond between the two.

Wakunan served.

"Nice receive, Kunimi!"

Ōikawa quickly set the ball to Kindaichi, who spiked it forcefully.

"Nice one, Wataru!" Hanayama received Kawatabi Shunki's pass and set the ball back up for Nakashima.

When Kindaichi's spike didn't score, Aoba Johsai's players swiftly adjusted their formation.

"What's this?" Nakashima was already in midair, ready to spike when he suddenly noticed the opening in Aoba Johsai's formation. "An open straight line? No way I'm passing this up!"

Nakashima poured all his strength into the spike, aiming for the clear path. But Kunimi was already in position, effortlessly receiving the ball.

"Free ball!" Kunimi shouted to Ōikawa.

Ōikawa quickly followed up, sending the ball to the left side. Matsukawa Issei spiked it for a clean score.

[Aoba Johsai 17 vs. 14 Wakunan]

"We held it!"

"Great job, everyone!"

"Nice receive," Matsukawa Issei said calmly to Akira Kunimi.

"Thanks." Kunimi's lips tightened in a small smile—he hadn't expected praise from Matsukawa-senpai and felt a touch of happiness.

Takeru Nakashima's face grew serious. Aoba Johsai was a top-tier team in the prefecture, and after half a set, they had already started figuring out his attack patterns and prepared a defence strategy.

"Sorry, I set the ball a little too low earlier," Kazumasa Hanayama apologized sheepishly.

"Argh, Nakashima-senpai got blocked by the other team…" Freshman Tsuyoshi Matsushima began to panic slightly.

"They're pulling ahead again! What should we do? What should we do?!" Kawatabi Shunki, his pineapple-styled hair bouncing, shouted in a panic.

"Maybe he should've aimed for the block to force a deflection out of bounds. Since they've left the lane open, it's obviously a trap," Yūki Shiroishi analyzed calmly from the sidelines.

Gathering himself, Nakashima shouted, "Hey, you guys! At least try to encourage me!"

The team fell silent but looked at him with unwavering trust in their eyes.

"Man, there's no time to feel down, huh?" Nakashima exhaled deeply, crouched into a defensive stance, and muttered, "Bring it on, Aoba Johsai."

Aoba Johsai served.

"Too far! Sorry!" Kazeteru Akiu misjudged the reception, and the ball soared into Aoba Johsai's court.

"Spike it back!" Iwaizumi Hajime barked.

Ōikawa Tōru leapt into action, spiking the ball back with lightning speed.

"Damn it!" Nakashima jumped too late, and the ball slipped past him.

Kawatabi Shunki dove desperately, managing to bump the ball up with an incredible save. "Don't give up! I got it!"

The ball wobbled along the net before slowly descending. Kazumasa Hanayama dashed forward, scooping it high with a quick hook shot.

"Go for it, Takeru!"

Taking a few steps back, Nakashima charged forward with full force.

"Don't underestimate Wakunan's grit!" Nakashima roared as he launched into the air, spiking the ball down with power and precision.

Akira Kunimi read the play perfectly and positioned himself to receive the ball. However, the sheer force and spin on the spike exceeded his expectations. As the ball collided with his hands, the impact and trajectory overwhelmed him, and the ball ricocheted uncontrollably out of bounds.

Nakashima scored!

[Aoba Johsai 17 vs. 15 Wakunan]

"Wakunan really is a persistent opponent," Coach Irihata muttered, glancing at the opposing sideline. He locked eyes with Coach Onikobe and remarked, "That old devil didn't just raise a star player; he built an incredible team."

Both teams showcased well-rounded styles, with solid defence as their foundation. Aoba Johsai relied on Ōikawa Tōru as their axis, orchestrating the team's offence. Wakunan, on the other hand, leaned heavily on Nakashima's individual firepower to keep them afloat.

Coach Irihata shifted his gaze to Taichi Kaedehara, still seated but attentively watching the match. If Aoba Johsai wants to elevate their offence to the next level, it all depends on how quickly our new weapon develops.

The game continued after the referee's whistle.....

[Aoba Johsai 17 vs. 16 Wakunan]

[Aoba Johsai 18 vs. 16 Wakunan]

[Aoba Johsai 18 vs. 17 Wakunan]

...

[Aoba Johsai 22 vs. 20 Wakunan]

It was at this point that Aoba Johsai changed players: Kindachi Yūtarō out, Kaedehara Taichi in.

_________

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