Chapter 15: Ace
This was "Gyu-Kaku," a yakiniku restaurant near Aoba Johsai.
"Gyu-Kaku" had branches across Japan, with over 620 known locations, making it the largest yakiniku chain in the country. Offering over a hundred types of ingredients at relatively affordable prices, it was a popular choice for Aoba Johsai students for gatherings.
Tonight, after Coach Irihata and Manager Mizoguchi finalized the starting lineup, the volleyball team members gathered here to bond and settle their emotions.
"The starting lineup is confirmed: Setter Oikawa Tooru, Wing Spikers Iwaizumi Hajime, Hanamaki Takahiro, Kunimi Akira, Middle Blockers Matsukawa Issei, Kaedehara Taiichi, Libero Watari Shinji. That's all."
With the starting lineup announced, Aoba Johsai's volleyball team selection process came to a close.
Two first-years were chosen, leaving Kindaichi Yutaro as the only one not selected. Only Watari Shinji from the second-years made it, with most others facing another unremarkable year. For the third-years nearing graduation, those not chosen were filled with various shades of resentment.
"Waiter, one more," third-year Tamiya Toshiki raised his hand to call the staff.
"Toshiki, it's just juice, not shochu. You can't get drunk on that," Oikawa Tooru teased, sidling up.
Iwaizumi Hajime kicked Oikawa's backside. "Idiot, no drinking under 20. Don't egg them on!"
Tamiya Toshiki shot Oikawa a look. "You jerk, we're pretty pissed at you, you know."
Oikawa grinned at Tamiya Toshiki, knowing some things could only be said in a setting like this.
Tamiya Toshiki and Oikawa Tooru were both in Class 5 of their third year, having joined Aoba Johsai's volleyball team as first-years. They got along well normally. But in three years, Tamiya had never played in an official match, and there were many like him on the team.
"You're such a jerk. You're great at volleyball, get good grades, and you're handsome. Girls always show up to watch you play. Damn it…" Tamiya Toshiki grew more heated, shouting, "Are you a genius or what?"
Oikawa had been nodding along, secretly hoping for more praise, but the word "genius" caught him off guard. So that's how others saw him?
"But Shiratorizawa…"
"So…" Tamiya Toshiki cut Oikawa off, his voice tinged with a sob, "in our final year, you *have* to beat Shiratorizawa, Oikawa! Make the whole country see Aoba Johsai!"
Oikawa froze. He suddenly recalled his first year, joining the volleyball team with Iwaizumi. When the coach asked their goal, they'd shouted in unison, "Go to nationals!"—their voices ringing loud.
Now, as third-years, Aoba Johsai had fallen to Shiratorizawa every time, and they rarely voiced that goal so boldly anymore.
Did he want to beat Shiratorizawa? Of course, Oikawa's answer was yes—his drive to reach nationals had never waned.
But at some point, Oikawa could no longer picture himself leading Aoba Johsai to victory over Shiratorizawa.
Ding. "Task triggered: The Ace's Resolve," the system's voice chimed suddenly.
"When Aoba Johsai's ace, Oikawa Tooru, wavers in his resolve, the host must declare their own ace proclamation to stabilize the situation. Reward: Unknown."
"Huh?"
Kaedehara Taiichi nearly spat out his soda. Him, someone who'd just secured a starting spot, making an ace proclamation in this setting? He was just a bystander, yet the system always pushed him into the spotlight!
"Three-second countdown to task failure: Three, two…" the system's voice was emotionless.
Damn, that's fast!
Kaedehara Taiichi shot to his feet, accidentally knocking over his soda. The quiet atmosphere stirred, and curious gazes turned toward him.
"I'll become Aoba Johsai's ace," Taiichi said, his voice a bit soft.
???
"What's Taiichi saying?"
"Didn't catch that…"
"I'll become Aoba Johsai's ace, leading everyone to defeat Shiratorizawa and go to nationals!" Taiichi, hearing no task success chime, shouted louder, his voice cracking slightly.
"Hahaha…" The second- and third-years burst into laughter.
"Taiichi, what are you doing?" His first-year teammates thought he was drunk, even checking the spilled soda.
Oikawa looked at Taiichi, noticing embarrassment in his eyes but… unwavering resolve!
Kindaichi Yutaro, seated beside Taiichi, tugged his shirt hard. "Sit down already…"
Kunimi Akira, on the other side, covered his face, regretting his seat choice.
After the commotion, Oikawa relaxed. Iwaizumi gave his back a light pat. Oikawa nodded, turning to Tamiya Toshiki. "Don't worry, this year I'll definitely take everyone to nationals."
"Yeah, I believe you."
***
After eating and drinking their fill, Aoba Johsai's players gradually left the restaurant. The 12-man starting roster stayed behind at Iwaizumi's signal.
Oikawa glanced at Hanamaki Takahiro beside him, teasing, "Takahiro, it's our last year at Aoba Johsai. Don't embarrass us, okay?"
Hanamaki Takahiro replied coolly, "Relax, I'm not graduating with regrets."
"Matsukawa…"
"I know," Matsukawa Issei cut Oikawa off before he could finish.
"Shinji, the backline's lifeline is in your hands," Oikawa called to the quiet Watari Shinji in the corner.
"Yes, Oikawa-senpai."
"And you, Kunimi, don't be nervous. You've got the skill—just show it."
"Yes."
Finally, Oikawa looked at the reserves—Tamiya Toshiki, Yahaba Shigeru, and others—bowing deeply.
"You guys on the bench are our strongest backup. When the starters falter, we need you to step up, even though you rarely get court time. Thank you for your trust. We'll bring back the win."
Kindaichi, flustered, shouted, "Yes, Oikawa-senpai, I'll work hard!"
The others exchanged glances, chuckling. "What's with you, acting all serious?"
Kaedehara Taiichi stood aside, silently observing. As a member of Aoba Johsai's volleyball team, he keenly felt his teammates' deep trust in Oikawa Tooru. That trust was even firmer than Oikawa's own expectations of himself.
As a setter, Oikawa not only dictated the team's offensive rhythm technically but also unified the team's strength with his resilience and belief on a mental level. This mutual trust was the driving force behind Aoba Johsai's relentless progress and breakthroughs.
But… didn't that conversation just skip over me?
Taiichi couldn't help but look at Oikawa. "Uh, Oikawa-senpai, don't you have something to say to me?"
"Hmph? You're aiming for Iwa-chan's ace spot, right? What could I say?" Oikawa turned his head aside.
…
I'm clearly gunning for your ace spot, you child.
Iwaizumi clapped his hands, refocusing everyone. "Tomorrow's match against Wakutani Minami is our new lineup's first battle. Let's win it cleanly!"
"Yes!"