Across the net, Tendō leaned closer and muttered with a grin, "Up close, he looks even smaller. Can someone that short really play Middle Blocker?"
It was hard to believe Hinata could fill such a role—the position built on size and presence. But this was Hinata. Overlooking him, even for a moment, would be a mistake they couldn't afford.
Tsukishima, now rotated to the back row, sent the serve across. Ushijima, standing in the back, didn't so much as move a step; his teammates covered the reception instead.
"Huh? Ushijima isn't receiving?" Saeko frowned.
Shimada, ever the commentator, adjusted his glasses and explained, "His job is to attack. If he takes the first touch, it messes up his rhythm—especially in the back row. He needs to be ready for a back-row spike at any second."
"Wow, so he can focus entirely on offense?" Saeko muttered.
"That's why he's such a nightmare," Shimada replied.
The first pass was clean, landing in Shirabu's hands. Tendō sprinted forward—Quick Attack! Hinata immediately shadowed him, launching upward with a jump so explosive it made the front row gasp.
"Oh~ nice jump," Tendō smirked midair, deliberately waiting. Only after Hinata reached his peak did Tendō jump, spiking the ball over with a perfectly timed delay. The difference in tempo was decisive.
Hinata landed, teeth grinding in frustration, while Tendō blinked at him mischievously. "Still too green."
"Don't lose your head. Stick to our rhythm," Kageyama barked, pulling Hinata back before his emotions got the better of him.
"I–I know!" Hinata snapped, though the fire in his eyes burned brighter. Tendō raised an eyebrow, noting that his provocation hadn't fully worked.
Next came Reon—Hinata had once dubbed him "Benkei"—serving for Shiratorizawa. His jump serve screamed through the air toward Karasuno's back line. Hayato judged it instantly, stepping aside. The ball crashed out of bounds.
"Out!" Hayato called as the referee signaled the same.
"Sharp judgment!" Coach Ukai barked approvingly. His voice carried pride. For his first finals, Hayato's composure was a stabilizing force, and that steadiness spread through the team like fire catching kindling.
Koyuki clasped her hands at her chest, eyes shining. "So cool…"
Rotation placed Kageyama at the back line. No hesitation—he leapt for a jump serve. The ball rocketed over, grazing past Shiratorizawa's libero, Yamagata. He had tried to let it go out, but the whistle confirmed it had landed in.
5–5. Karasuno had tied the score for the first time.
"Yes!"
"Kageyama, nice serve!"
The stands thundered with Karasuno's chants, while across the court, Ushijima lifted his hand calmly. "Next one—give it to me." The simplicity of his tone was like a steel anchor, steadying Shiratorizawa.
This time, Yamagata dug the serve properly. Shirabu immediately tossed a perfect set high to the back row. Goshiki jumped as a feint, but Hinata held his ground, eyes locked on the ball.
"Ushijima-senpai."
And then it came—the ball descending like prey into a predator's strike zone. Ushijima soared from the back row, the sheer height of his hang-time terrifying. Tanaka, Hinata, and Daichi jumped together, arms stretched high. But by the time they began descending, Ushijima was still floating, swinging with full force.
The spike ripped through their block like paper and detonated against Hayato's arms in the back row. The impact jolted him backward, the ball ricocheting far out.
"Damn—my arm's numb!" Hayato shook his hand, grimacing. "You're a beast, Ushijima."
In the front row, Daichi cursed inwardly. That hang time… it's even longer than Hayato's. We're already coming down while he's still airborne.
His gaze flicked to Hayato, whose arm was still tingling from the impact. A bitter truth struck Daichi—if Hayato was an Ace, Ushijima was an Ace among Aces, a talent refined at the highest tier.
Noticing his captain's look, Hayato forced a small smile. "Captain, don't worry about it," he said, misunderstanding Daichi's thoughts entirely.
From the bench, Teacher Takeda sighed, "What a sight—Shiratorizawa's complete trust in their Ace."
"Yes," Ukai muttered, his jaw tight. "And he always delivers."
The next serve flew across, this time handled well by Tanaka. Karasuno's turn.
"It's my time!" Hinata's eyes lit up. Shouting for the ball, he darted forward, leaving Kawanishi and Goshiki in the dust.
"That speed?!" someone exclaimed.
Kageyama didn't hesitate, tossing a perfect quick set. Hinata was already airborne, spiking before Shiratorizawa's blockers could react. The ball hammered the floor untouched.
Point for Karasuno!
"Hinata!!"
"Yes!"
"Nice one, Kageyama!"
The crowd erupted. Even those who had seen Hinata's speed before were left gasping at how much sharper, how much faster he had become.
"Hehe—perfect toss, Kageyama!" Hinata beamed, slapping his partner's hand. Moving down the line, he even found Tsukishima offering a reluctant high-five. Hinata blinked, surprised, but quickly smacked his hand in return.
Tendō crossed his arms, studying him. "So that's why you're a Middle Blocker despite your size…" His smile turned twisted. "But I'll still block it. Oh yes, it'll taste delicious."
Hayato rotated back into the front row, clapping hands with Tanaka and Hinata. "You two—be ready to draw their eyes with feints. Leave the finishing blow to me if needed."
Tanaka grinned. "Not just feints—we can be the decoys too."
Hinata nodded sharply. "Leave it to me, Hayato-senpai!"
Karasuno's strongest attacking formation now stood at the net, three figures radiating determination. The battle was only heating up.
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