The score was tied 1:1, and in the third set, Team A trailed by a single point: 22–23.
In the first set, Team A had fallen behind early, losing points due to blocked attacks and mistakes. Team B maintained their lead all the way to the set's conclusion.
But in the second set, Team A had unleashed a brand-new weapon: the super quick attack. Using Hinata Shoyo and Kageyama Tobio as the core, they launched a relentless bombardment.
With Hyakuzawa's limited mobility and Tsukishima's slightly immature blocking skills, the two blockers couldn't handle it. Only Ichinose Guren, the "firefighter" of Team B, was left running frantically to cover the gaps.
Even Yamaguchi's receptions weren't reliable, repeatedly requiring Guren to sprint across the court to save the ball.
There were even a few times when Guren couldn't reach the ball across the net, forcing the other two blockers to dig it over.
Without solid passes, there is no offense.
Panting, Guren rested his hands on his knees, his chest rising and falling with each breath. He reached for a bottle of electrolyte water, took a small sip, and set it down, letting it moisten his mouth before swallowing slowly.
'See… volleyball is ultimately Team A game.'
'When you can't trust the setter, you can't attack with confidence.'
Team B truly lacked a central playmaker. While their triple-block looked impressive, it had clear weaknesses.
Hyakuzawa's movement speed was insufficient; if he tried to cover a quick attack, he would leave larger gaps than Guren could patch.
Tsukishima, still inexperienced, wanted to defeat Hinata out of stubborn pride, but as he knew, effort and determination couldn't solve every problem.
Meanwhile, Guren, with his height, strength, mobility, and technique, had to defend against the duo of Kageyama and Hinata while also managing digs, coverage, rotation, and even setting duties.
He was a one-man wall, a cornerstone of the team.
Even so, Guren felt a faint ache in his lower back. No matter how scientifically trained a young athlete was, such relentless exertion was punishing.
But on the other side of the net, the "freak duo" of Kageyama and Hinata were also nearing exhaustion. Their stamina bars were low, and the fast-paced set offered no time for rest.
Yet their eyes still burned with a fierce desire to win.
Beneath Guren's messy bangs, his eyes also reflected the same unwavering determination.
The final moments of the third set were a battle of wills. Whoever faltered first, whoever silently wished the ball would drop, would fall behind.
Sugawara, unable to hold back a gasp, patted Sawamura's shoulder.
"Phew… this might be the highest-level first-year practice match I've ever seen. Although, to be fair, I haven't seen many others either."
"But at this level, it must be one of the best in Miyagi Prefecture, right?"
Sawamura nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, probably."
"Even though I knew Guren's volleyball skill level was high, I didn't expect this. Even without attacking directly, the Junior High spike king alone could hold off Team A's defense."
"He's in no way inferior to the fearsome Team A offense we saw in the first set."
"Honestly, if Team B didn't have Guren, even taking down Nishinoya and playing three-on-three, Team A's offense alone would be enough to win."
Enoshita rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"You're all right. We should feel grateful for having such amazing players on our team. But… I have mixed feelings right now."
Looking at the two third-years, Sugawara and Sawamura, Enoshita scratched the back of his head.
"Haha, it's nothing. These past few weeks, I've been a regular starter~"
"Even though I didn't earn the spot by skill, suddenly having younger teammates stronger than me… I feel like my position is in danger."
"There's some pride, some frustration… but it's also motivating. A good coach, a chance to train hard, I shouldn't quit just because it's tough."
Kinoshita Hisashi and Narita Kazuhito, listening to their friend's embarrassed self-reflection, lowered their heads as well. They had been his "partners in crime" when avoiding training out of fear.
Enoshita's self-deprecating words didn't draw impatience, but the comforting pats from Sawamura and Sugawara.
Sugawara closed his eyes and waved a finger teasingly.
"Well, it's all in the past. And you didn't know Coach Ukai had gone home to recover either, right?"
Sawamura nodded seriously in agreement.
"Yeah. Back then, you returned to the team expecting a scolding or humiliation."
On the sidelines, the 'older brothers' and 'parents' didn't hide their apologies and shame, eventually earning recognition and forgiveness.
Meanwhile, the battle on the court continued. Even with the "second brother" in play, it was, at its core, a brotherly rivalry within the family.
=============
Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria