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Akira was not the only one who shone on the court. During his ti away from the Karasuno volleyball club training at the Miyagi Arena, the rest of the Karasuno team didn't waste their ti either.
In fact, compared to Akira's hellish, non-stop gas, the training led by Kageyama and Hinata wasn't any easier.
They worked relentlessly on uphill sprints, precise ball control, spikes, and recieve drills.
The previously reckless quick attack by Kageyama and Hinata, which relied solely on Kageyama's control and Hinata closing his eyes, had now evolved.
Hinata had started keeping his eyes open, giving him greater control over his smashes, although it slightly reduced the speed. However, this enriched the variety of their attacks.
What once was pure instinct now involved calculated thinking—a leap forward in their play style.
Additionally, Tsukishima's blocking improved, Tanaka's spikes beca sharper, and Nishinoya defensive skills showed marked progress.
Hard work never betrays, and their sweat was paying off. Hinata's dedication, in particular, stood out, and his efforts bore fruit.
---
The fierce competition continued. Despite Tokonami (an obscure opponent school) putting up a fight, Karasuno's dominance left no room for resistance. They easily defeated Tokonami 2-0, moving forward with ease.
Even though they lost, Tokonami didn't falter in spirit. They played with grit and showed their tenacity, traits that would undoubtedly lead to progress in the future.
"That was a waste of ti," kindaichi grumbled in the stands.
"Akira didn't even need to exert half his strength, and they won so easily. We didn't learn anything from watching that match!"
"Who's their next opponent?" Kunimi asked, still observing the field.
"It's Date Tech," he replied with newfound interest.
Hearing this, kindaichi eyes lit up. "Perfect! Since we're playing after them, we can watch how they handle Date Tech's famous blocking!"
Coach Irihata chid in, "You can watch for a while, but don't forget our ga is right after theirs. Prepare yourselves and stay focused. Only by winning can we move forward."
"Yes, Coach!"
---
So teams celebrated, while others lanted. By the afternoon, several matches were underway, with only one team from Miyagi advancing to nationals.
For Karasuno and Date Tech, preparations for their upcoming match were intense.
Karasuno's locker room was tense. mories of their loss to Date Tech three months ago still lingered, especially for second- and third-year players.
Asahi, who had been particularly shaken by that defeat, still bore the weight of the past.
"Cheer up!" Nishinoya stood up, his bold voice breaking the silence.
"We've got nothing to worry about. Everyone just needs to focus on their roles. I'll cover the back!"
The room stayed silent, prompting Nishinoya to mutter, "Not working, huh?"
"No, Nishinoya, it's just—" Sugawara started, but Nishinoya's attention had already shifted.
"Akira!" Nishinoya called out suddenly. "You've played against a team like Date Tech before, haven't you? What's your advice?"
All eyes turned to Akira, who had been sitting quietly, focused on his phone. Slightly startled, he looked up to see his teammates waiting for an answer.
"Date Tech?" Akira said, a calm smile forming. "They're nothing to worry about."
Everyone leaned in closer as he continued, "Teams that rely heavily on blocking tend to see it as their greatest weapon. But that also makes it their greatest weakness. Break through their blocks, and their confidence crumbles."
He paused, letting his words sink in before adding, "When their strongest asset fails, they start doubting themselves. If that doubt isn't corrected quickly, it turns into a complete ntal breakdown."
A mysterious smile played on Akira's lips. "Kageyama, for this match, give a normal height set."
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---
Directly awakened by Akira's words, everyone suddenly realized! However, when they heard Akira's last words, they were taken aback.
"Why?"
"Super high spike, isn't it your weapon? Why tie your hands and feet?" Daichi asked, puzzled.
The others agreed. Isn't the point of Akira's high spikes to bypass the opponent's block? That would render their blocking ineffective and also damage their confidence—perfectly matching Daichi's earlier tactics.
"Nope!" Akira shook his head at their questioning expressions and continued, "Just bypassing the block won't destroy their confidence at all!"
"Only by defeating their strongest block head-on can we make them doubt themselves!"
"When the strongest Iron Wall they are proud of crumbles like a piece of paper that breaks at a touch..."
"The psychological gap is sothing they won't be able to handle!"
"Shhh!"
A collective gasp filled the small lounge. Everyone's gaze on Akira gradually turned strange.
"Huh?" Akira, noticing sothing wrong, looked up and asked, confused, "Why are you all looking at like that?"
Tanaka, from the back, replied with a faint expression, "I thought I was the worst guy in all of Karasuno..."
"But compared to you, Akira, I feel like I'm still a lot better!"
"What?" Akira exclaid helplessly.
"We're just talking about tactics here!"
"This is my tactic, and it's absolutely effective!"
"Of course, we don't doubt your tactics," Sugawara said, walking over and patting Akira on the shoulder with a strange look.
"But sunny and kind Akira, coming up with such… black-hearted tactics..."
Sugawara hesitated before finally saying, "It's really inhuman!"
The entire lounge erupted in laughter, and the earlier tension vanished.
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Afternoon
As the ga approached, the atmosphere in the vast stadium grew tense.
"Listen up!" yelled Date Tech's supervisor, currently cheering on his team.
"Karasuno's quick attacks are amazing, but that's only because of that guy's height advantage!"
"Sure, his jumps are insane, but their quick attacks are ordinary!"
"Don't be deceived by appearances!"
"As long as we shut down their quick attack, the rest of the team poses no threat!"
"Like always—hold that Iron Wall strong!"
"Show them the strength of Date Tech!"
"Yes!" the team roared.
The stage was set for Karasuno vs. Date Tech, with everyone ready to face the Iron Wall once again.
---
The Ga Begins
The whistle blew, signaling the end of warmups. Both teams gathered on their respective sides.
"Let's play a good ga!"
"Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! Date Tech!" the Date Tech supporters chanted loudly. In contrast, Karasuno's supporters were sparse, with only a few fans cheering them on.
At that mont, a group of uncles arrived in the audience, chatting animatedly.
"Just made it! I almost missed the ga!"
"Late again! We already missed a match earlier!"
"Well, the morning ga was against a weak team, right? Karasuno crushed them without breaking a sweat!"
"True! Those gas are boring anyway."
"Hmph! Honestly, I shouldn't have co this afternoon either. Fighting Date Tech? This will probably be just like the morning match," one uncle said dismissively.
"You're wrong," another countered. "Date Tech is still a strong team, even though the groupings this year weren't favorable for them."
"And don't forget, Karasuno's spiker might be sothing special!"
"Well, I guess we'll see," the bald uncle muttered, settling into his seat.
This group of belated spectators wasn't just anyone—they were fans Akira had won over during his earlier matches in Miyagi.
While they debated in the stands, Aoba Johsai's coach Nobuteru Irihata and instructor Sadayuki Mizoguchi quietly entered the arena.
"Just in ti—it seems the ga is about to begin!"
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