As the match progressed, Nishinoya Yū gradually adapted to Kaedehara Taichi's serving rhythm. However, Aoba Johsai had already widened the score gap, relying solely on the serving power of Kaedehara Taichi and Oikawa Tōru.
The disparity in skill between the two teams became increasingly apparent. It wasn't just Kaedehara and Oikawa—the other Aoba Johsai players also had remarkably aggressive serves.
Karasuno, too, had made changes. Both Ryūnosuke Tanaka and Asahi Azumane had noticeably improved their serves, a testament to their dedication in training.
Yet, their progress lagged behind the transformations Aoba Johsai had undergone after experiencing the intensity of the national tournament firsthand.
On another front, Kindaichi Yūtarō's exceptional blocking and Iwaizumi Hajime's stalwart defence loomed like towering walls, creating immense difficulties for Karasuno's attackers.
Every offensive attempt required tremendous effort to overcome these barriers.
Under such pressure, Karasuno could only seize opportunities during the brief window when Kaedehara Taichi rotated to the back row. With Taichi in the back, the defensive pressure on Karasuno eased, allowing the team to shift their focus more toward offence.
Hinata Shōyō showcased the progress he had made during this time.
His tooling shots and tips were executed with notable finesse, but having grown accustomed to Taichi's versatility, Aoba Johsai's defence was hardly caught off guard.
Karasuno's respite—and their chance to close the scoring gap—didn't last long.
The moment Taichi returned to the front row, Aoba Johsai's offensive firepower surged, pushing the game back into a fierce scoring battle.
For half a set, Karasuno's trio of attackers managed to sustain an explosive state, barely keeping pace with Aoba Johsai. The offensive duel between the two teams became increasingly intense, with every point fiercely contested.
Despite the gruelling effort, both teams seemed to revel in the thrill of this extreme back-and-forth.
Asahi Azumane's powerful jump serve cut through the air with full force.
Watari Shinji struggled to receive the ball. Kindaichi managed to keep it in play, and Iwaizumi sent the ball over with a strong attack.
Nishinoya's perfect pass set up Karasuno's counterattack.
Hinata Shōyō leapt from the far left, while Kageyama's set arrived precisely at his front.
"Double block!" Oikawa Tōru and Kaedehara Taichi jumped to intercept him.
The blockers were clearly visible to Hinata. He adjusted midair and spiked past their hands.
Iwaizumi dug the ball effortlessly.
Hinata's cross-shot was predictable; as long as his straight angles were sealed, his options became limited.
Oikawa moved into position and sent the ball to the right wing. Taichi soared.
"Double block!" Hinata and Daichi formed a wall in front of him.
In midair, Taichi glanced at Hinata, a playful thought crossing his mind.
"I've got it!" Asahi called out as the ball travelled toward his zone.
Kaedehara had delivered a waist-height spike with his left hand. The angle wasn't tricky, but...
The ball flew toward the sideline.
Before it could touch the ground, a figure dove after it and managed an incredible save.
"Nishinoya-senpai!!!" Hinata exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.
The ball soared high into the air.
Asahi held his breath, leapt from the back row, and smashed the ball downward.
Slap! Kunimi received the ball with great effort, his brows furrowed slightly. This samurai-headed uncle's spikes are getting more and more powerful.
"Keep it up! One more!" Taichi called from the right side, raising his hand to signal for the ball.
Oikawa, without hesitation, sent a high set his way.
Kaedehara Taichi inhaled deeply, sprinted from the back row, and jumped forcefully.
"Triple block!" Tanaka, Hinata, and Daichi leapt to form a unified wall.
Nishinoya's perfect pass kept the play alive. Noticing how Hinata had drawn Taichi's attention, Kageyama set the ball to the far left.
Tanaka came from a diagonal angle and unleashed a razor-sharp line shot.
Kunimi, with sheer determination, defended once again.
Oikawa rushed to cover the ball and glanced toward Taichi, who was signalling for another set on the right.
At this distance, if I set to him, the blockers will catch up…
Even with lingering doubts, Oikawa sent a high ball to the right.
Taichi sprinted to the net, leapt high, and once again faced Karasuno's front line.
Kaedehara Taichi's sharp line shot once again squeezed through the narrowest of spaces.
This time, Kageyama Tobio was ready, receiving the ball cleanly as it soared high into the air.
The Karasuno players felt a surge of energy. Taichi had failed to score from several spikes in a row—proof that their defence was working!
When it came to spikes, it was one attacker against six defenders. If three blockers couldn't stop the ball, then four or five defenders surely could keep it off the ground!
Nishinoya Yū moved into position and delivered a perfect pass to the front row.
Sawamura Daichi, facing Aoba Johsai's blockers, opted for a soft tip to their back row.
Iwaizumi Hajime stepped forward quickly and returned the ball with a flawless pass.
Kaedehara Taichi called for the ball again.
"Could it be…?" Oikawa Tōru suddenly had a suspicion. This guy really is insufferable...
Oikawa set the ball to the right. Taichi leapt into the air.
"Triple block!" Karasuno's defenders were resolute, forming a wall in front of him.
And then, they saw a grin spread across Kaedehara's face, one he could no longer suppress.
The ball was lightly tipped toward Karasuno's backline.
He's been mimicking our offensive moves all along!
"Damn it!" Kageyama glared at Taichi. Is he really this composed?
Nishinoya retreated to the back row, managing a clean receive with his hands. The ball soared into the air.
"Hinata!" Kageyama quickly set the ball to the front row.
Hinata Shōyō jumped again, with Taichi closely shadowing him for the block.
This has to go through!
Aiming for Taichi's fingertips, Hinata smashed the ball with all his strength.
In midair, Kaedehara suddenly pulled his hands back from the block. The ball flew high and landed out of bounds.
"Once you're found out, it's no fun anymore~" Taichi winked at Kageyama with a teasing smirk.
[Aoba Johsai 25 – 16 Karasuno]
The whistle marked the end of the first set, with Aoba Johsai taking the win.
Hinata stared at Taichi's retreating figure, frustration filling his chest. Just when he thought he was catching up, reality delivered a harsh blow at the most critical moments, reminding him of the vast gap between them.
Standing on the sidelines, Udai Tenma felt a deep sense of awe.
This was his first time witnessing Taichi's performance in a match. The easygoing, cheerful persona he showed off-court was nowhere to be found.
Instead, Taichi's focus, determination, and palpable confidence shone through, radiating from every movement.
What surprised Udai the most was the sheer pressure Kaedehara Taichi exuded on the court—paired with his borderline mischievous demeanour.
His last few offensive plays seemed to send a clear message to Karasuno: even alone, he could match their much-vaunted attack.
"Udai-senpai, is this the disciple you said would defeat me?" Taichi asked, his grin full of mischief as he glanced at Udai Tenma.
Tenma desperately wanted to disappear. The match is over! Can't you just revert to your normal personality?!
"How about you sub in for the second set and teach me a trick or two?" Taichi suddenly asked with a surprisingly sincere tone.
"No, no, no! I'm already drained from this ongoing saga of life!" Udai shook his head so vigorously that it resembled a bobblehead doll.
"Is that so?" Taichi sounded genuinely disappointed.
"Your best record was making it to the national top 16, right?" Taichi asked suddenly.
"Uh? I think so." Udai replied, still trying to keep up with his thought process.
"Then, come watch me at Spring Nationals!" Kaedehara's smile lit up his face.
"We're going to conquer the nation!"
[T/N] - If you guys want to read 50 Chapters in advance of the current story, you can support me on my . Trust me, it's awesome!
Link - (P)atreon.com/Iseeblack [Remove the brackets]