Akashi Asuka's serve went out of bounds, bringing the score to 5–6.
The gap hadn't widened.
This round became a showcase for both teams' serving techniques.
Once Akashi Asuka lost his serving turn, the match between Sengoku and Kitagawa once again fell into a tug-of-war…
6–6.
6–7.
7–7.
7–8.
…
Both teams had offensive firepower that clearly outmatched their opponents' defense. So unless a breakthrough was made through serving, every serve essentially turned into a scoring opportunity for the receiving side.
And yet, when Tobio Kageyama and Akashi Asuka each returned to the service position for the second time, it was as if they had made a pact, both made errors.
Kageyama's jump serve hit the net.
Akashi Asuka's was even more outrageous. He put so much power into it that the ball soared up through the gym, a full-powered jump serve that launched the volleyball from the first floor to the second.
By sheer coincidence, it landed right next to a couple who were… let's say, being quite affectionate.
Bang!
The sound startled the pair out of their romantic moment.
This back-and-forth rally continued until the score reached 22–22.
By this point, the difference between the traditional powerhouse Kitagawa and the rising team Sengoku started to show.
That difference was fundamentals.
Ever since losing to Kitagawa in the spring prefectural tournament, the Sengoku team had trained relentlessly to close the gap. They had indeed caught up, in stride.
But not in substance.
Kitagawa's players had been training rigorously since their first year. Over two years of consistent training couldn't be made up by hard work alone, no matter how intense.
This was especially evident in basic technique and physical conditioning. While it wasn't obvious at the start of the match, as the game entered its latter half, fatigue among the Sengoku players (with the exception of Akashi Asuka) became increasingly apparent. Their heavy breathing outpaced that of their opponents.
And when the body tires, technique falters. Mistakes from the Sengoku side began piling up, plainly visible to the eye.
If not for Akashi Asuka's repeated solo efforts and sheer force of will in scoring points, the gap might have widened to three or four points by now.
Even so, if things continued like this, Sengoku would eventually fall into a disadvantageous position.
As long as Kitagawa maintained their rhythm, their chances of winning the first set were over 70%. That's why, compared to the anxious coach of Sengoku, Kitagawa's coach remained calm and composed.
But then, an unexpected turn of events.
At 22–22, Sengoku was serving. Kitagawa received the ball and set up for another attack. Following their usual tempo, this point should have been theirs.
But the mistake happened when Kageyama made the toss.
Standing at the front-center position, Kageyama caught the pass and appeared to be setting up a quick attack, a Type-A set, for Kindaichi on the right.
However, the moment the ball left his hands, Kindaichi failed to meet it.
Thud.
The ball hit the floor with a dull sound.
23–22.
The court fell silent.
Kindaichi stood with hands on his hips, gasping for air as sweat dripped from his face.
He was exhausted.
As the main attacker, the constant jumping and spiking had taken a toll. He wasn't like Akashi Asuka, who could still perform at peak condition after a full set of aggressive plays.
Kindaichi could still jump, but he could no longer reach his optimal hitting height.
This was something the setter should have taken into account.
Unfortunately, no one had taught Tobio Kageyama that.
So after the play failed, Kageyama's heart filled with doubt, and anger.
"Why didn't you jump for it?!"
Kageyama stormed over and grabbed Kindaichi by the collar, shouting, "You could've easily hit that set! Why didn't you even try? If you want to win, then work with my sets! Give it everything!"
"That's enough, Kageyama. Kindaichi is exhausted."
Kitagawa's team captain stepped in, prying Kageyama's hand off and speaking calmly.
"What? Exhausted? We're all tired! But even when we're tired, we have to keep scoring! That's the only way to win! If we can't beat the opponent in front of us, we'll never make it to nationals !"
…
…
"Uh… are they arguing again?" Oomae Masato scratched his head, watching the commotion on the other side. "Are we sure that's not going to be a problem?"
"Probably… not?" Jujiro Kazama replied uncertainly. "They've argued before mid-game and nothing really came of it, right?"
It was strange, really. Sengoku had only played Kitagawa twice, yet they were already getting used to their opponents' in-fighting.
The fact was, Kitagawa argued a lot.
Though admittedly, this time the argument did seem more heated than before.
"Maybe this is just their weird way of bonding? In any case, if they're really about to fall apart, that's not a bad thing for us."
"Huh. True!" Oomae's eyes lit up. "Good point."
"But you know…" Oomae added, "Do all 'geniuses' have weird quirks? Kageyama's tosses are on point, but no one seems to be able to hit them. And Asuka's serves are powerful, but also…"
Akashi Asuka cut in: "Hmm? Do you have a problem with my service?"
Oomae Masato: "...Not at all."
"Alright, let's ignore the other side for now. That mistake is our chance to turn this around. Let's finish this match first." said Jujiro Kazama, refocusing the team.
Just as it looked like the Kitagawa argument was about to escalate, the referee blew a warning whistle.
That finally quieted things down.
The match resumed.
Kageyama's failed toss had shifted momentum, not just in score, but in spirit.
Sengoku's morale visibly surged.
Oomae Masato served.
Kitagawa 's libero received the ball and smoothly passed it to Kageyama. With a quick glance at Sengoku's formation, Kageyama made a fast set to another middle blocker up front.
Bang!
The middle blocker spiked it powerfully. Before Sengoku's blockers could react, the ball was already flying toward the court.
But just as the ball was about to hit the floor,
A figure leaped into the air and smack!, knocked it right back up into the sky…
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