The two of them continued trying a variety of different passes.
Even when Kageyama tossed the ball extremely far with a ton of spin, Akira received and set it flawlessly every time.
Each perfect set left Kageyama—standing off to the side—completely speechless.
"Have you learned it now?"
At this point, Akira's smile looked no different from the devil's in Kageyama's eyes.
"I…"
"I've learned…"
He replied weakly.
Faced with the harsh, steel-hard reality, he had no choice but to lower his head…
Right now, Kageyama felt like his entire worldview had been shattered and rebuilt from scratch.
He'd already known Akira was a genius.
A talent that surpassed the vast majority of people in the volleyball world.
Whether it was receiving or spiking, Akira had an unparalleled gift.
But beyond that—he was also an unbelievably hard worker.
Among the entire Karasuno team, Akira probably put in the most daily practice.
Physical training multiple times more intense than others. Spiking and serving every single day—along with countless other drills.
There were even some exercises others thought were strange.
Like fingertip push-ups, or one-handed ball catches…
Even Kageyama, who prided himself on his love for volleyball and tireless training, had to admit he couldn't keep up in that aspect.
And that explained how Akira, still just a first-year, could match—or even surpass—third-years like Ushijima!
That level of raw talent, combined with work ethic that exceeded everyone else's…
How could he not become that strong?
But…
Even with all that, Kageyama had never truly felt threatened.
Because no matter how much Akira improved at receiving or spiking—setting was his domain.
As far as Kageyama was concerned, it was a whole different world.
No matter how good Akira was, he was still a layman when it came to setting!
But what Kageyama never expected…
Was for Akira to completely prove him wrong today.
He actually excelled at setting too.
And with the level of setting Akira had just shown…
Kageyama had to admit—he wasn't any better.
What's it like to have an ace on your team who can set just as well as you?
Right now, Kageyama was panicking.
Absolutely panicking.
Did this mean…
If he underperformed in a match, he'd be replaced by his own ace?
Kageyama couldn't help but imagine the horrifying scenario—
During a tense match, Karasuno's setter, Tobio Kageyama, wasn't playing well.
And then in the next game…
Karasuno suddenly subbed him out for another attacker.
The audience, confused, looked toward the bench to see who was coming in.
But instead of a backup setter…
It was the team's scoring ace.
Number 7—Akira—who stepped up to take the role of setter!
———
Just imagining it, Kageyama was stunned.
No way!
There's no way I'm letting that happen!!
I swear on my pride!!
"Ahem!"
"What are you daydreaming about now?"
While Kageyama was frozen, Akira suddenly appeared in front of him.
"Why are you crying and laughing at the same time?"
Akira was starting to worry—was Kageyama okay in the head?
"Huh??"
"It's nothing!"
"I'm fine!"
Kageyama snapped back to reality.
"I'm going back to start practicing!"
"I'll definitely get this down before Nationals!"
Right now, Kageyama felt fired up like never before.
Sure, being subbed out during a match was something he could accept.
After all, Sugawara-senpai had more experience, and he understood the team dynamics really well.
But if he were replaced by one of their own attackers…
What would people say?
That Tobio Kageyama's setting was so bad…
His own team's ace had to take over for him?
He'd never live that down!
If that day ever came…
He might as well be dead.
Which is why—right now—he needed to train even harder.
His goal: to master every type of pass his teammates needed.
And to never let that nightmare become reality.
"Haha!"
Akira patted him on the shoulder.
"You don't have to practice to my level."
"It's really not necessary. And let's be honest—you probably couldn't pull it off anytime soon."
"When we're playing, all you need to do is toss a steady, slow, non-spinning ball."
"Just let it drop gently from a good height."
"Even if it gets blocked by the other team, it's fine."
"As long as your passing is consistent, scoring…"
"Leave that part to me!"
"No way!"
Kageyama shook his hand off, head shaking like a bobblehead.
"I have to give you a pass that satisfies you!"
"Don't try to stop me!"
"I'm heading back to the dorm to keep practicing!"
He grabbed a volleyball and sprinted off toward the direction of the dorms.
Behind him, Akira watched his retreating figure in mild disbelief.
"…I'm seriously starting to think something's wrong with that guy's brain."
The next morning, just before the start of a training match.
Daichi and the others arrived at the gym and saw Kageyama already on court, practicing his sets.
"What's with him?"
"He was tossing and turning in the dorm all night."
"And now he's up this early again?"
"Did he take something?"
"Who knows what got into him?"
Akira, stretching on the side, shrugged with a puzzled look.
"Ugh!"
"I'm not gonna lose to you either, Kageyama!"
Seeing Kageyama so fired up, Hinata shouted and dashed over, fired up as well.
--------
1st Bonus Chapter - 500 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter -900 Power Stones
Check out other novels
Marvel : I'm in Westview Town
🚨🆕 Naruto: My Daddy Is Danzo?🆕🚨
Naruto: I'm Nine-tails And My host is Kushina
-------