Yukigaoka Junior High vs Kitagawa Daiichi (Part 3)

On Kitagawa Daiichi's side, they discussed a new strategy they would use in the third set.

"Kageyama, do you have any insights from their playstyle?" The coach of Kitagawa Daiichi asked.

"Uhm...well..." Kageyama started, "I think they realize that their Quick Attack is becoming less effective and decided to resort to other strategies.

"Kageyama is not particularly adept at analyzing other things, but when it comes to volleyball, he excels at analyzing the game and its dynamics."

The coach raised one of his brows, "What do you mean by "other strategies"?" he asked.

"I think they're going to decoy more since they used that before." Kageyama continued, "I also notice that aside from those carrot heads, the other members seem average with their volleyball skills."

"I see." The coach replied and continued, "In that case, we need to be prepared for their decoy plays. Make sure our blockers stay focused and don't get easily fooled. As for their average players, we shouldn't underestimate them either. They might step up their game anytime, so stay vigilant."

The team nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of adapting their defence and maintaining their concentration throughout the match.

The coach added, "Their quick attacks might be losing effectiveness, but that doesn't mean they won't try them. Keep an eye on the Orange-haired twins and be ready to adjust our block and defence accordingly."

The members of the Kitagawa Daiichi volleyball club nodded.

"Kageyama, I want you to be the setter again for the final set." The coach continued, "I hope you will not repeat the same mistake from the last set, or I will bench you for the entire tournament."

Kageyama nodded with a terrified face, "Y-Yes, coach!"

Kunimi snickered from what he was seeing. He couldn't believe the King of the Court was being bossed around.

Tweet!

The referee blew the whistle, indicating it was time to start the third set.

The members of Yukigaoka Junior High and Kitagawa Daiichi returned to the court to position themselves.

...

As the match continued, Kitagawa Daiichi had managed to establish a lead, with the score now standing at 6-11 in their favour.

Following their coach's instructions, they executed their plays precisely and started dominating the game. Their players moved with determination and coordination, putting Yukigaoka on the defensive.

Despite Kitagawa Daiichi's strong performance, Yukigaoka was not giving up easily. They had a secret weapon – a clever decoy strategy that sometimes caught their opponents off guard. This tactic earned them valuable points, making the match more competitive.

Kitagawa Daiichi managed a solid serve in one intense rally, and Koji received the ball smoothly.

Sora quickly moved into position, ready to set up the perfect quick attack for Shoyo. The crowd leaned forward in anticipation, knowing the dynamic duo's capabilities.

Sora precisely released the ball, and Shoyo jumped into action, aiming for a powerful spike.

But Kitagawa Daiichi's blockers sprang to life before the ball could reach its destination. With excellent timing and teamwork, they formed an impenetrable wall, effectively blocking Shoyo's attack.

The crowd gasped in awe at the incredible defensive move by Kitagawa Daiichi.

As the ball fell back to Yukigaoka's side of the court, Kitagawa Daiichi enthusiastically celebrated their successful block.

On the other hand, Shoyo and Sora exchanged worried glances. Their quick attacks are becoming less effective.

Sora then saw Kageyama staring right at him with a smirk plastered on his face.

Sora gritted his teeth, "That Bakayama, I'm starting to hate him."

Shoyo saw this and was worried and confused. He never saw his older twin brother angry and had no idea who this "Bakayama" was.

Tweet!

The referee blew the whistle, indicating that the match would continue.

...

The score stood at 8-13 in Kitagawa Daiichi's favour, but Yukigaoka was unwilling to back down easily.

On the Yukigaoka side, Shoyo stepped forward to take on the responsibility of serving. Nervously, he gulped and muttered, "C'mon, Shoyo, you can do this!"

Just like Sora, Shoyo's weakness is also serving. But unlike Shoyo, Sora has at least better control.

Shoyo's serves in the first and second sets had been quite unpredictable. About 95% of his serves landed on the net, 3% went out, and the remaining 2% miraculously made it to the other side of the court.

Tweet!

Shoyo took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves as he heard the whistle. He decided to take a chance and attempt a jump serve, hoping it might catch Kitagawa Daiichi off guard.

With determination in his eyes, he launched himself into the air, making contact with the ball at the highest point of his jump.

However, the service didn't go as planned. Instead of a robust trajectory towards the opponent's side, the ball shot up unexpectedly, hitting the gymnasium's ceiling with a loud thud.

The crowd gasped in surprise at the unexpected turn of events. Shoyo's jump serve had backfired, and the point went to Kitagawa Daiichi due to the service error.

Shoyo's face showed a hint of sadness and disappointment at his serving mistake. He felt the weight of letting his team down, even if momentarily.

However, before he could dwell on it further, Sora, the supportive older twin brother, noticed his feelings and quickly approached him.

"It's okay, Shoyo," Sora reassured, placing a gentle hand on Shoyo's head and giving it a comforting pat. "We all make mistakes. What matters is how we bounce back from them."

Shoyo's smile softened as he looked up at Sora's encouraging expression. The gesture warmed his heart, reminding him of their strong bond. "Thanks, Aniki," Shoyo replied gratefully.

Tweet!

...

The score now stood at 15-20 in Kitagawa Daiichi's favour, and the match reached a critical point. Kageyama and his teammates could sense victory within their grasp, and their confidence soared with each end won.

On the other side of the net, the Yukigaoka team was feeling the pressure of the situation. The point gap was widening, and they struggled to keep up with Kitagawa Daiichi's relentless assault.

Amid the intense game, Sora felt something stirring within him - a sensation he had not experienced in a very long time. As he glanced at his hands, he clenched them, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar emotion surging through him.

Koji, Izumi, and Shoyo noticed Sora's unusual behaviour and approached him with concern etched on their faces. "Sora-San, are you okay?" Koji asked worriedly, his teammates nodding in agreement.

Sora put one hand on his hip while the other rested on his mouth as he chuckled softly. His friends couldn't help but feel nervous by his sudden change in demeanour.

"Hahahaha... I see," Sora muttered as if rediscovering something deep within him. "That feeling I thought was gone... came back to me, huh?"

His teammates exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what he meant.

Sora's eyes sparkled with mixed emotions - surprise, joy, and nostalgia. "Is this what it feels like to be passionate about what I used to love?" he said with a sense of revelation.

His teammates exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what he meant.

"Aniki?" Shoyo questioned, his brow furrowing in confusion. He had never seen Sora express such strong emotions, and the mention of being passionate about something from the past intrigued and puzzled him.

"Aniki, are you okay?" Shoyo asked again, wanting to ensure that Sora was genuinely all right.

Sora met Shoyo's gaze, his eyes now reflecting a newfound sense of clarity and contentment. The smile that graced his lips radiated warmth and reassurance.

"I'm okay, Shoyo," Sora replied, his voice calm and resolute. "It's just that something within me has awakened after a long time."

As memories of his previous life flooded his mind, Sora couldn't help but smile. He recalled the countless hours he had spent training, the late-night practices, and the endless volleyball videos he had watched to improve his skills.

It had been a time of pure passion and dedication when volleyball had consumed his heart and soul.

With a newfound understanding of what had been missing in his current approach to the game, Sora realized that he needed to reconnect with that same passion that had driven him before the "incident." He knew that this was the key to unleashing his full potential and bringing out the best in his teammates.

Turning to face his teammates, a determined glint in his eyes, Sora spoke with conviction, "Okay, Team! Let's do this!"

His words carried a surge of energy and enthusiasm that resonated with each member of the Yukigaoka team. The atmosphere shifted as they embraced Sora's renewed spirit and love for volleyball.

Koji, Izumi, and Shoyo exchanged excited looks, feeling the positive change in their team's dynamics. They were now not just playing for victory; they were playing with their hearts, driven by a shared love for the game.

...

With the score now standing at 22-23 in Kitagawa Daiichi's favour, the tension in the gymnasium was palpable. Yukigaoka had managed to close the gap in the scores, driven by their newfound passion and improved gameplay.

During the intense rallies, Sora and Shoyo's quick attack had become faster, catching the blockers and liberos of Kitagawa Daiichi off guard. Their coordination could have been more impeccable, and the opposition struggled to keep up with the rapid pace of their attacks.

Additionally, Yukigaoka's Decoy strategy had evolved, becoming even more effective, confusing Kitagawa Daiichi's defence and creating openings for their plays.

As the match neared its climax, it was now Sora's turn to serve. The gymnasium fell into hushed anticipation, the crowd holding its breath as they watched Sora prepare for the critical serve.

Sora took a deep breath, his mind focused and his heart filled with determination. He knew that this moment could be a turning point for his team. With the weight of his passion and love for the game behind him, he was ready to give it his all.

Stepping back, he visualized the ball's trajectory, envisioning it sailing over the net with power and precision. With his eyes locked on the target, he started his approach, his body moving with the familiar rhythm he had honed through countless hours of practice.

And then, with a burst of energy, Sora launched himself into the air. With incredible force, the ball left his hand, spinning through the air like a guided missile. The crowd gasped as they saw the power behind the serve, realizing that this was no ordinary serve from Sora.

The ball flew over the net, its path like a laser-guided beam, heading straight for the back boundary line of Kitagawa Daiichi's court. The opponents' libero and back-row players scrambled to get into position, but they were too late. The ball landed just inches from the line, untouched and perfectly inbounds.

The gymnasium cheered as Yukigaoka tied the score, 23-23. Sora's powerful jump serve had levelled the playing field and reignited his team's fighting spirit.

His teammates rushed to him, patting his back and sharing heartfelt high-fives. Their eyes gleamed with admiration and gratitude, appreciating Sora's passion and dedication to the match.

As the cheers from the crowd filled the gymnasium, Kunimi Akira was still in shock. He couldn't believe the speed and power behind Sora's jump serve.

"I know that one of the Carrot twins can serve well, but that was too fast," Kunimi muttered to himself, his expression a mix of surprise and concern.

On the other hand, Kageyama was deeply absorbed in thought, his mind racing with possible scenarios.

If Sora continued to serve with that level of precision and power, the outcome of the final set could be in Yukigaoka's favour.

"Worrying won't help us," Kageyama reminded himself, trying to focus on the present moment. He understood that getting caught up in anxiety would only hinder their performance. Instead, he observed Sora's serves closely, looking for patterns or weaknesses they could exploit.

Sora served again with power and precision and got another ace.

The score is now 24-23 in Yukigaoka's favour. However, Kageyama noticed a pattern in Sora's serving technique. There was a slight variation in his toss just before he hit the ball, which affected the trajectory.

He then looked at his coach, asking for a timeout.

The coach noticed Kageyama's look and realized what Kageyama meant.

The coach then requested the referee, and the referee accepted.

Tweet!

The sudden stoppage of play puzzled the Yukigaoka team as they gathered near the sidelines, trying to comprehend the reason for the timeout.

On the other hand, the Kitagawa Daiichi team utilized the opportunity to regroup and discuss their strategy to counter Sora's powerful serve.

During the timeout, Kageyama approached his coach and explained what he had observed about Sora's serving technique. He pointed out the slight variation in the toss affecting the ball's trajectory, making it challenging for their defence to anticipate and receive.

The coach listened attentively to Kageyama's insights and nodded in approval. He understood the significance of this observation and realized that making the necessary adjustments could turn the tide in their favour.

With a clear plan, the coach turned to the rest of the team and shared Kageyama's analysis. He encouraged them to stay focused and be prepared for Sora's services, emphasizing the importance of their positioning and communication.

On the side, the members of the Yukigaoka team are conserving energy.

'I'm not surprised if they managed to find a weakness in my serve.' Sora thought worriedly.

Tweet!

As the timeout ended, the Kitagawa Daiichi team returned to the court, determined to implement their newly devised strategy.

Tweet!

The referee blew the whistle, signalling the resumption of play, and the game was back in action. The score was still 24-23 in Yukigaoka's favour, with Kitagawa Daiichi trailing closely behind.

Sora regained his position at the service line, his mind focused and his heart racing with anticipation. He was aware that the opposition had detected a pattern in his serves, but he remained confident in his abilities and adaptability.

Sora launched into his jump serve with a deep breath, attempting to adjust his toss to keep the Kitagawa Daiichi defence on their toes. However, this time, the opposing team was better prepared.

Kitagawa Daiichi's players moved swiftly, adjusting their positions and anticipating the ball's trajectory. As Sora's serve crossed the net, they received it precisely.

The following rally was intense, with both teams displaying their best skills. The crowd gasped and cheered with each powerful spike, incredible dig, and precise set.

But in the end, Kitagawa Daiichi emerged victorious from the rally, levelling the score to 24-24. The gymnasium erupted into applause as the tension reached its peak.

With every heartbeat, Sora's mind was clear and focused. He was in his element, and the passion for volleyball he had rediscovered earlier in the match burned even brighter.

The intensity of the game, the cheers of the crowd, and the camaraderie with his teammates all melded into a feeling of euphoria.

It was now Kageyama's turn to serve.

As Kageyama stepped back to serve, the gymnasium fell into a peaceful silence, the air thick with anticipation. He knew the pressure was on, especially after witnessing Sora's exceptional performance. But instead of being daunted, Kageyama felt a surge of determination and focus.

He took a deep breath, his mind clear and his instincts sharp. The image of his teammates and the crowd's cheers motivated him to give his best. Kageyama's jump serve was known for its precision and power, and he intended to showcase it now more than ever.

With a swift yet controlled motion, he sent the ball sailing over the net with incredible velocity. The serve was a blur as it zipped through the air, making it difficult for Yukigaoka's receivers to react quickly.

However, in that split second, Sora's instincts took over. Drawing from his experience as the best libero in America from his previous life, he read the trajectory of the spike with pinpoint accuracy. He shifted his body into position, perfectly angling his platform, and extended his arms with lightning reflexes.

However, the ball returned to the Kitagawa Daiichi side, frustrated Sora.

Undeterred by the setback, Sora quickly regained his composure and refocused his mind. He knew that frustration could cloud his judgment, and he couldn't afford to let it affect his performance. With the ball back on Kitagawa Daiichi's side, he steeled himself for whatever came next.

Sensing an opportunity to capitalize on Sora's momentary frustration, Kitagawa Daiichi intensified their attack. The setter orchestrated a quick combination play, engaging their middle blocker and ace spiker to execute a well-coordinated attack.

As the ball sailed toward the net, Sora's eyes locked onto its trajectory. He anticipated the play, making a split-second decision to dive toward the path of the attack. With unwavering determination, he extended his arms and made a miraculous dig, redirecting the ball back to his teammates.

The gymnasium erupted into cheers at the display of skill and tenacity by the opposing libero. Even Kageyama, on the Kitagawa Daiichi side, couldn't help but be impressed by Sora's resilience and abilities. The rally continued, with both teams fiercely battling for ball control.

The spectators were at the edge of their seats as the tension in the air peaked. Every player on the court gave their all, showing their love for the game through their relentless efforts. The crowd was witnessing a volleyball spectacle like no other.

Ultimately, it was a closely fought battle, but Kitagawa Daiichi managed to win the rally.

As the pressure mounted, the gymnasium was filled with an electric atmosphere. The score was delicately poised at 24-25 in Kitagawa Daiichi's favour, and both teams knew that every move could determine the match's outcome.

Shoyo, Koji, Izumi, and the rest of the Yukigaoka team felt the moment's weight. They had come so far, and the thought of losing now was nerve-wracking. However, they also knew that giving in to their nerves wouldn't help. Determined, they took a deep breath and focused on the task.

On the other hand, Sora felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement that fueled his every move. Even though his team was behind, he couldn't help but feel the rush of adrenaline that came with high-stakes matches. He thrived in such moments, cherishing the challenge of pushing his limits and leaving it all on the court.

Tweet!

The referee blew the whistle, signalling the start of the decisive rally. The ball was served, and the teams engaged in a fierce exchange of plays.

Yukigaoka's blockers and defenders worked tirelessly, nullifying Kitagawa Daiichi's attacks, while their attackers sought to find the gaps in the opposition's defence.

Sora's libero skills were fully displayed as he dove, slid, and made incredible saves. His anticipation and reflexes were unmatched, earning him admiration from both sides of the court. Despite the pressure, he remained calm, channelling his excitement into focused determination.

As the rally unfolded, Sora and Shoyo attempted their signature quick attack. Shoyo leapt into the air with a well-timed approach, and Sora precisely set the ball, aiming to catch Kitagawa Daiichi's blockers off guard.

However, to their dismay, Kitagawa Daiichi's blockers seemed to have anticipated their move. They rose in unison with lightning reflexes, forming an impenetrable wall at the net. The quick attack that had once been their secret weapon was now anticipated, leaving Sora and Shoyo momentarily stunned.

As the ball ricocheted off the blockers' hands, Sora's instincts as a libero kicked in. He immediately tracked the ball's trajectory and dove toward it, stretching his body to the limit. For a moment, it seemed like he might reach the ball in time, but it sailed just beyond his fingertips.

Time seemed to slow down as Sora hit the floor with a thud. His heart sank as he watched the ball drop to the ground on their side of the court. It was a frustrating moment for him, knowing he was just inches away from making the save.

Tweet!

As the final whistle blew, signalling the end of the match, a sense of disappointment washed over Sora and his teammates. The hard-fought battle had ended, and Kitagawa Daiichi emerged as the victors. The final score stood 24-26 in Kitagawa Daiichi's favour.