Chapter 12: Starting Lineup
"Oikawa, Wakutani Minami wants to play a practice match with us. Make sure to notify the team," Iwaizumi Hajime said casually to Oikawa Tooru as they leaned against the corridor outside their classrooms during a break at Aoba Johsai.
Nearby, a few girls whispered among themselves, eyeing the duo. "Look, look, they're always together the moment class ends."
Oikawa Tooru was in Class 6 of the third year, while Iwaizumi Hajime was in the neighboring Class 5.
"That's probably because they're both in the volleyball club," one girl replied.
"Oh, you don't get it. There are other third-year players, but you don't see them rushing over right after class," the short-haired girl who spoke first explained earnestly.
"Isn't it just because their classes are next to each other? Plus, I heard Oikawa Tooru has a girlfriend," another girl analyzed.
"They broke up," the short-haired girl said calmly.
She knows that? The other two girls exchanged glances. Isn't this borderline stalker behavior? That's creepy.
Oikawa Tooru noticed the commotion and waved at the girls with a charming smile, prompting a squeal from the short-haired girl.
"Get serious, you idiot!" Iwaizumi Hajime kicked Oikawa.
Oikawa looked helpless. "But it's Wakutani Minami. Do they have a cute manager?"
"Nope."
"What about their setter?"
"It's Kazuya Hanayama, a third-year."
"So, pretty average, huh? Not really interested," Oikawa said, giving Iwaizumi a "see, I told you" look.
"You jerk," Iwaizumi smacked the back of Oikawa's head. "You know what's up, right? Wakutani Minami's strength isn't their setter—it's that Taku Nakashima."
"Oh, I know, Iwa-chan," Oikawa said, rubbing his head. "They're probably the team most similar to us in Miyagi Prefecture, with a well-rounded roster."
As fellow Miyagi Prefecture semifinalists last year, Aoba Johsai had never faced Wakutani Minami directly, but they'd always kept an eye on them. Wakutani Minami, led by Taku Nakashima, and Aoba Johsai, led by Oikawa Tooru, were both teams centered around a single ace, supported by players with balanced overall skills.
The two teams shared many similarities: third-year-heavy rosters, Miyagi semifinalists, a standout ace, and both had lost to Shiratorizawa, missing nationals.
"One step at a time. First, we take down Nakashima, then we go for Ushiwaka," Oikawa declared, waving his fist and shouting.
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"I have two announcements today. First, we have a practice match against Wakutani Minami next weekend. They're a strong prefectural team and a likely tough opponent in the Inter-High preliminaries, so take it seriously. Second, we'll decide the starting lineup for the Inter-High preliminaries today. Manager Mizoguchi will announce the 12-player roster first, and the starting lineup will be chosen from that roster," Coach Irihata's words landed like a stone in a still lake, stirring whispers among Aoba Johsai's players.
Manager Mizoguchi sensed the gravity of the moment. He cleared his throat—"Ahem, ahem"—instantly drawing all eyes. The gym's atmosphere grew tense, the earlier chatter and whispers fading into silence. Every gaze fixed on the manager about to reveal the crucial decision.
"Everyone," Mizoguchi began, "I'm now announcing the official 12-player roster for the upcoming match. This list was finalized after careful consideration of each player's recent training performance and technical skills. I've seen everyone's hard work, but roster spots are limited. Whether you're selected or not, I hope you'll maintain your fighting spirit and team unity."
The next few seconds stretched endlessly. Each player held their breath, hearts filled with anticipation and anxiety. This roster wasn't just a chance to compete—it was validation of their efforts.
"Third-years: Setter Oikawa Tooru, Wing Spiker Iwaizumi Hajime, Wing Spiker Hanamaki Takahiro, Middle Blocker Matsukawa Issei, Middle Blocker Tamiya Toshiki."
"Second-years: Setter Yahaba Shigeru, Libero Watari Shinji, Wing Spiker Hino Eiji, Opposite Hitter Onita Heisuke."
"First-years: Wing Spiker Kunimi Akira, Middle Blocker Kindaichi Yutaro, Middle Blocker Kaedehara Taiichi."
"That's the 12-man roster. Next, we'll hold a 6-on-6 practice match, and your performance will determine the starting lineup."
"Yes, sir!" The selected players restrained their joy, while those not chosen lowered their heads, silently clenching their fists.
The Inter-High starting lineup consists of seven players, typically two wing spikers (WS), two middle blockers (MB), one setter (S), one libero (L), and one opposite hitter (H). Since Aoba Johsai lacks a dedicated power opposite, the opposite position may be filled by a wing spiker or middle blocker.
While seven players start, the confirmed starters are:
- Captain Oikawa Tooru, the setter, the team's soul, leading with exceptional playmaking and strong offensive power.
- Wing Spiker and Vice-Captain Iwaizumi Hajime, a third-year veteran crucial to the offense, shouldering major scoring duties.
- Libero Watari Shinji, a second-year, vital to back-row defense and digs.
Aside from second-year Yahaba Shigeru as Oikawa's backup setter, the remaining three to four spots will be chosen from third-years Hanamaki Takahiro, Matsukawa Issei, Tamiya Toshiki; second-years Hino Eiji, Onita Heisuke; and first-years Kunimi Akira, Kindaichi Yutaro, and Kaedehara Taiichi.
"By logic, they'd pick third-years Hanamaki-senpai and Matsukawa-senpai, right? They're stronger overall," one player said.
"Yeah, they made the semifinals last year," another agreed.
"But Kindaichi and Kunimi came from Kitagawa Daiichi, so their fundamentals are solid. And Taiichi's been killing it lately," a teammate countered.
"But for the third-years, this is their last year," a first-year player suddenly said.
The group fell silent. Everyone wanted to play, but for the third-years, this could be their final shot at nationals, carrying a special weight.
"It's exactly because it's our last year that we have to win," Hanamaki Takahiro's voice came from behind, startling them.
"Losing makes it meaningless, no matter who plays," Tamiya Toshiki added quietly nearby.
"But the senpais are awesome too. You guys would win if you played," a younger player said.
"Sure, but we're not handing over the starting spots either. Want to start? Prove you're better than us," Matsukawa Issei said, joining the group unnoticed. "You guys talk like the starters are definitely Taiichi and the other first-years."
"Heh, no way, we've always believed in Matsukawa-senpai," a first-year replied.
"Then bet a Häagen-Dazs that we'll stay starters," Matsukawa challenged.
The third-years' eyes burned with determination. After three years of effort, at this critical moment, no one was truly willing to step aside. Everyone wanted to win the match themselves, to cap their high school volleyball careers perfectly.
Our summer won't end here.