"First, let's introduce Karasuno High School's starting lineup: Number 1, Sawamura Daichi."
Daichi stepped forward first, high-fiving Kiyoko, Coach Ukai, and Takeda before striding confidently onto the polished floor of the Central Gymnasium. The cheers from Karasuno's side swelled. Today's match had special procedures—the staff had explained earlier that every detail had to run smoothly, as the final was being broadcast live.
"Number 5, Tanaka Ryūnosuke."
Tanaka slapped Kiyoko's hand a bit more gently, then smacked Ukai's and Takeda's palms with his usual vigor before charging onto the court.
From the stands, Saeko's voice rang out above all others:
"Ryūnosukeee!"
Tanaka puffed out his chest and hollered back, feeding off the energy.
"Oh~ quite spirited," Hayato murmured with a small grin as he watched.
"Number 9, Kageyama Tobio."
Kageyama casually offered one-handed high-fives, his movements relaxed as he strode in with quiet focus.
"Number 10, Hinata Shōyō."
Hinata was unusually calm, exchanging steady high-fives before jogging onto the court. From the stands, his old middle school classmates shouted with all their might:
"Shoyo-chan, you can do it!"
"Number 11, Tsukishima Kei."
Like Kageyama, Tsukishima's entrance was unhurried. Saeko called out his name enthusiastically, while Akiteru, embarrassed, tried to quiet her down. Tsukishima had already noticed his brother's presence, but his face remained unreadable.
"Number 13, Hayato Kuroha."
Hayato stepped up, brushing his fingers ever so slightly against Kiyoko's hand during their high-five. Her sharp glare didn't faze him. He greeted Ukai and Takeda, waved confidently toward Karasuno's crowd, and walked onto the court with measured steps.
"Hayato!"
"Senpai!"
The girls' section erupted before Koyuki and her friends could even open their mouths.
"Wow, he's really that popular?" one whispered.
"You're just realizing? With that face and talent, of course he is. If he hadn't openly declared his feelings for Kiyoko-senpai at the festival, his locker would've been overflowing with love letters by now. Honestly, it's a miracle your little 'note incident' didn't blow up…"
Koyuki groaned, recalling that reckless act—slipping a letter into Hayato's locker that could easily have been mistaken for a confession. If it had been exposed, it might've triggered the cruel hierarchies of school life: the "normies," the "background characters," and the "targets." Thankfully, Karasuno didn't harbor those toxic dynamics. Instead, the team's unity had shielded her from such worries.
"I know, I know, I was wrong~" she admitted, puffing her cheeks playfully.
"Number 4, Libero, Nishinoya Yū."
Nishinoya's name was announced with special emphasis. After high-fiving the team, he raised both arms toward Karasuno's cheering section, drawing a wave of chants.
"Nishinoya!"
"Yū! Go for it!"
His popularity within his grade was obvious, and the crowd's response matched his flamboyant gesture.
"Coach, Takeda Ittetsu."
Takeda blinked in surprise but quickly bowed deeply, earning polite applause.
"Coach, Ukai Keishin."
Ukai waved once, then bowed as well. From the stands, his old volleyball club friends cheered loudly.
"Manager, Shimizu Kiyoko."
Kiyoko stood gracefully, bowing to the audience.
"Wow, Karasuno's manager is gorgeous."
"A beauty with glasses, huh? Nice."
The Shiratorizawa students muttered enviously. Their powerhouse school didn't have a female manager—logistics were handled by first-years who couldn't break into the lineup.
With Karasuno's introductions complete, the announcer shifted.
"Next, let's introduce Shiratorizawa Academy's starting lineup."
"Number 1, Ushijima Wakatoshi."
The volume in the gym instantly spiked. Not only Shiratorizawa's section but also countless neutral spectators cheered for the nationally renowned ace. The applause dwarfed the earlier reactions.
One by one, the rest of Shiratorizawa's lineup entered, composed and unflinching. When the libero was introduced, Hayato perked up at the name.
"Yamagata… Hayato?" he muttered with a smirk. "What a coincidence."
He nudged Koyuki beside him, who only sighed.
"You always care about the weirdest things."
Hizume, watching intently, spoke up.
"They're so calm… that's the presence of a team used to finals."
Her words drew nods. Shiratorizawa had reached Nationals three years in a row—they were the definition of experience.
"Exactly," Takinoue added, frowning. "Meanwhile, for Karasuno, it's our first time in this gym, our first time under such heavy attention. Whether they stay composed is a real concern."
Akiteru blinked. "So… this is their first best-of-five match?"
"Best-of-five?" Saeko asked, confused.
Shimada explained, arms folded.
"All earlier matches were best-of-three. But finals are best-of-five, just like top-level pro matches. That makes Shiratorizawa even scarier—they've been here before. Stamina management will be everything. Honestly, if not for Coach Ukai's rotation strategy against Seijō, we might not have lasted."
The weight of his words seemed to press on the group. But Saeko clapped her hands sharply.
"Oi! No moping. Cheer them on properly, or you'll jinx it!"
Her fiery encouragement snapped the mood back up.
On court, Karasuno's formation was already set. In the front row stood Kageyama, Tsukishima, and Hayato, forming a tall wall of blockers against Ushijima. The back row began with Daichi in serve, with Hinata and Tanaka beside him.
Coach Ukai's plan was clear: lead with defense, counter Ushijima from the very first rally, and trust Hinata's quick switch with Nishinoya to adapt instantly.
The stage was set. The clash between challengers and champions was about to begin.
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