Chapter 21: Aoba Johsai vs. Wakutani Minami 6
Kindaichi Yutaro's entry significantly boosted Aoba Johsai's blocking height. His spikes were simpler, direct, and packed with heavy power.
But for Nakashima Taku, not having to worry about Kaedehara Taiichi's quirky blocking ideas or his scurrying movements allowed him to perform better in the air.
"Taku!" Hanayama Kazuya tossed the ball, setting it above Nakashima Taku.
"Yeah!" Nakashima Taku leaped forcefully.
"Double block!" Kindaichi Yuutarou and Iwaizumi Hajime jumped simultaneously.
Smack!
Nakashima Taku's spike hit Kindaichi's arm, dropping diagonally into Aoba Johsai's court.
[Aoba Johsai 16 vs. Wakutani Minami 14]
Kaedehara Taiichi's eyes lit up from the sidelines. That's an option! Aiming for the arm, rather than the palm, prevents the ball from flying out directly, though it demands higher precision in hitting point and angle.
Kindaichi was stunned. He'd always prided himself on his height advantage, his physical gifts making his blocks a scoring barrier in many matches.
Yet, against a versatile, skilled wing spiker like Nakashima Taku, his proud height seemed to become the opponent's weapon.
Watching from the sidelines earlier, Kindaichi had wondered how a seemingly 1.7-meter short guy, without Hinata Shouyou's exaggerated speed and jump, could repeatedly breach Aoba Johsai's defense.
"Um, can I say something?"
Hearing the voice, Aoba Johsai's players turned. It was Kunimi Akira calling them.
"Let's abandon blocking his straight-line spikes. Leave a path open at the sideline. I'll try to receive from the back," Kunimi Akira said, carefully choosing his words.
"There's no need to give him a 'target.' I observed earlier—Nakashima-senpai isn't great at cross-court spikes, right? We use a double block to slightly restrict his path. I'll handle straight-line spikes. If it's a hit-out off the block, Hanamaki-senpai can cover."
Kunimi continued, "If our block leans toward the center, we'll have more time to judge deflected balls. Um, I can't guarantee it'll work perfectly…"
"Okay, Let's Give it a try!" Iwaizumi Hajime decided instantly.
"Oh, I just… Th-thanks, Iwaizumi-senpai," Kunimi said, surprised his suggestion was accepted without much explanation.
"What, I knew you were the smartest first-year all along," Oikawa Tooru said, patting him and urging action.
"Yes!" Kunimi replied loudly.
"Uh," Kindaichi turned, entering game mode. "I didn't quite get your strategy, but I'll do what you say, right?"
Three years in middle school had forged their unspoken trust.
Wakutani Minami's serve.
"Nice receive, Kunimi."
Oikawa Tooru set to Kindaichi, who spiked powerfully.
"Shunya, nice receive!" Hanayama Kazuya took Kawato Shunya's first touch, setting to Nakashima Taku.
Seeing Kindaichi's spike didn't score, Aoba Johsai's players quickly adjusted positions.
What's this? Nakashima Taku, mid-air for a spike, saw their formation. Damn, they left a path open—no reason not to hit straight.
Nakashima slammed the ball down. Kunimi Akira, prepared, received it easily.
"Chance ball!" Kunimi shouted to Oikawa.
Oikawa followed up, setting to the left. Matsukawa Issei spiked for a point.
[Aoba Johsai 17 vs. Wakutani Minami 14]
"Defended!"
"Nice job, wooo!"
"Clean receive," Matsukawa Issei said calmly to Kunimi.
"Mm," Kunimi mumbled, lips pursed, quietly pleased by Matsukawa-senpai's praise.
Nakashima Taku's face grew serious. Aoba Johsai, a Miyagi powerhouse, had half a set to figure out his attack patterns and devise a defensive strategy.
"Sorry, that set was a bit low," Hanayama Kazuya said sheepishly.
"Ugh, Taku-senpai got defended…" First-year Matsushima Go panicked.
"We're falling behind again! What do we do? What do we dooo?" Pineapple-headed Kawato Shunya wailed idiotically.
"Should I have challenged the block for a hit-out? They're not great at receiving, and leaving the path open was clearly a trap," Shiraishi Yuki analyzed coolly.
Nakashima Taku readied himself. "Hey, you guys! At least encourage me a bit!"
His teammates didn't speak, but their trusting gazes met his.
"Jeez, no time to mope, huh?" Nakashima crouched, ready to defend. "Bring it, Aoba Johsai!"
Aoba Johsai's serve.
"Too far! Sorry!" Akiho Kazumitsu's first touch was off, sending the ball back over Aoba Johsai's airspace.
"Spike it back!" Iwaizumi shouted.
Oikawa Tooru jumped quickly, spiking it back.
Damn, Nakashima jumped late, the ball slipping past him.
Kawato Shunya lunged, diving to dig the ball. "Don't give up! Got it!"
The ball hit the net, dropping slowly. Hanayama Kazuya stepped up, hooking it high with force.
"Go, Taku!"
Nakashima Taku backpedaled, sprinting for his approach.
"Don't underestimate!" Nakashima leaped, slamming the ball down. "The tenacious Wakutani Minami!"
Kunimi Akira reacted swiftly, accurately predicting the ball's landing spot and receiving decisively.
However, the spike's force and spin far exceeded his expectations. The moment it hit his hands, the immense impact and spinning trajectory made it hard to control.
Despite Kunimi's full effort, the ball rebounded off his hands, veering off the intended path and flying out of bounds uncontrollably.
Nakashima Taku's spike scored!
[Aoba Johsai 17 vs. Wakutani Minami 15]
"Tenacious Wakutani Minami, indeed," Coach Irihata mused, glancing at Coach Oninotsume across the court. "Old Oni didn't just raise a star player—he built a solid team."
Both teams shared strong all-around styles, with solid defensive foundations. Offensively, Aoba Johsai revolved around Oikawa Tooru, linking the team for attacks, while Wakutani Minami relied on Nakashima Taku's individual firepower to hold the line.
Coach Irihata looked at the still-focused Kaedehara Taiichi. For Aoba Johsai's offense to transform, it depended on how fast their new weapon grew.
[Aoba Johsai 17 vs. Wakutani Minami 16]
[Aoba Johsai 18 vs. Wakutani Minami 16]
[Aoba Johsai 18 vs. Wakutani Minami 17]
…
[Aoba Johsai 22 vs. Wakutani Minami 20]
Aoba Johsai substituted: Kaedehara Taiichi in, Kindaichi Yuutarou out.