By noon, the first round of matches had concluded, determining the top eight teams for the Spring High Prefecture Qualifiers and the matchups for the afternoon.
Group A: Aoba Johsai vs. Shiroshikan
Group B: Date Tech vs. Suikawa
Group C: Karasuno vs. Wakunan
Group D: Shiratorizawa vs. Momijihara
News of Aoba Johsai's unprecedented victory, breaking the record for the largest set score margin in Miyagi's Spring High history, had quickly spread across the teams.
At Karasuno, Shōyō Hinata and Tobio Kageyama were nearly ready to dash off to investigate when their teammates held them back.
After all, their own first match hadn't been a breeze.
[Karasuno 25 – 21 Johzenji]
[Karasuno 25 – 20 Johzenji]
Although Karasuno secured a 2-0 victory, the playful and erratic playstyle of Johzenji had initially caused them some trouble.
Meanwhile, the sheer dominance displayed by Shiratorizawa, holding their opponents to just five and six points respectively, had already left Karasuno feeling pressured.
Learning about Aoba Johsai's record-breaking performance left Karasuno's coach, Keishin Ukai, nearly at a loss for words.
"Unbelievable," he muttered.
Shiratorizawa and Aoba Johsai—teams of such a calibre were their potential opponents down the line.
Still, Ukai was relieved to see that none of his players, aside from Asahi Azumane, who looked a bit tense as usual, seemed genuinely afraid. Daichi Sawamura and the others wore expressions of slight unease mixed with determination.
As for Hinata and Kageyama, their energy levels remained unshaken.
Clapping his hands to quiet the chatter, Ukai said, "Alright, go grab some food and rest up. Our next match won't be easy either!"
At Date Tech, first-year setter Koganegawa Kanji was shining bright.
Not only had his height and impressive blocking strengthened Date Tech's renowned defence but his vision and ability to connect with the most threatening hitters also made their offense more lethal.
The audience couldn't stop praising him, with some even dubbing this new wall "The Golden Iron Wall."
In their first match, Date Tech's ironclad defence completely shut down the powerful spikes of Kuroda High's ace.
[Date Tech 25 – 16 Kuroda]
[Date Tech 25 – 14 Kuroda]
The victory came easily, but...
"What's going on with Aoba Johsai? Or is Niiyama just that weak?" grumbled Kenji Futakuchi, his dissatisfaction apparent.
After all, Date Tech's next opponent in Group B would be Aoba Johsai, pending the conclusion of the afternoon matches.
Aone Takanobu remained silent but gave Futakuchi a side-eye, signalling his disapproval.
Despite knowing Futakuchi's comments were unintentional, belittling another team wasn't acceptable to him.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Futakuchi said, waving him off. His expression turned serious. "The problem clearly isn't with Niiyama. Keeping their opponents to just 2 or 3 points? Aoba Johsai isn't making any unnecessary errors...It's terrifying."
Clenching his fists, Futakuchi muttered, "So frustrating..."
Following their loss to Karasuno during the Interhigh preliminaries, Date Tech's third-years had retired, leaving half the current team composed of first-years.
If only they had a little more time to develop, Futakuchi was confident they'd stand a chance.
"They're amazing!" exclaimed Koganegawa with a mix of surprise and excitement.
"Futakuchi-senpai, let's block a few of Taichi's spikes this time!"
Futakuchi sighed. This fearless guy…
Still, Futakuchi knew better than anyone: Date Tech wasn't a team to be easily underestimated.
As the afternoon rolled around, teams from each group began taking the court. For players in Miyagi, the tightly packed tournament schedule was something they were well accustomed to.
Shiroshikan's players stepped onto the court with sombre expressions.
Though they believed they could defeat Niiyama, it was impossible for them to replicate Aoba Johsai's overwhelming performance.
Facing Aoba Johsai this early in the bracket was a daunting prospect, and they couldn't help wishing their match had been delayed a little longer.
"Let's go, let's go, let's go, Seijoh!"
"Victory, victory, victory, Aoba Johsai!"
Cheers erupted as Aoba Johsai's players emerged from the other side of the tunnel.
The New Kings of Miyagi had arrived, greeted by thunderous applause that seemed to shake the very air.
As the referee's whistle signalled the start of warm-ups, volleyballs soared through the air.
A figure leapt and smashed the ball downward with precision and force.
The sound echoed through the gym. Fast, accurate, and ruthless—this was the impression left on Shiroshikan's players.
Moments later, another ball soared to the right side of the net, where a figure darted into position.
The hit was just as powerful but even sharper in angle. An incredibly sharp crossshot.
The ball slammed into Shiroshikan's three-meter line, bouncing high into the air.
The player's face twisted into a fierce expression, seemingly dissatisfied with the shot.
A ball was set high, right into the centre of the court.
"Wow...that's really high."
If anyone but Oikawa Toru had set the ball, Shiroshikan's players would've assumed it was a mistake. But—
A figure soared into the air, the height of his jump leaving the defenders in stunned silence.
The ball struck the floor with such force it rattled the wooden boards, bouncing easily into the stands.
Shiroshikan's players were frozen in place. This was a first-year? The only other time they'd seen such overwhelming power was from Ushijima Wakatoshi on TV.
In the face of such dominance, all they could do was follow the ball's trajectory with their eyes.
The gym was filled with chants and cheers from Aoba Johsai's cheer squad, support team, and brass band.
Landing from his spike, Taichi glanced at the Shiroshikan players.
The atmosphere grew heavy, almost suffocating.
"Next, it's your turn."
The match concluded shortly thereafter, the result almost inevitable.
[Aoba Johsai 25 – 8 Shiroshikan]
[Aoba Johsai 25 – 6 Shiroshikan]
Aoba Johsai secured another swift 2-0 victory.
"Taichi scored 10, 12, 16, and 14 points across today's four sets," announced manager Chiba Kaho during their ride back to the hotel. "That's a total of 52 points, with just one service error and a spike success rate of 92%."
"Oikawa-senpai scored 0 points in the first set but got 7 in the second," she added.
"In any match, every point matters—whether it's earned or lost," she continued. "If our goal is that championship trophy, we have to master even the smallest details. Everyone did well today!"
Coach Irihata nodded, his tone softening. "Rest well tonight. Our next opponents, Date Tech, are no pushovers."
"We've grown familiar with each other during training camps, but don't let that make you overconfident. Rumour has it their iron wall is now 'golden.' Sounds like the perfect material for crowning our throne!"
His rare display of swagger drew laughter from the team, particularly from Taichi, whom he glanced at playfully.
"Get plenty of rest—no carrying today's fatigue into tomorrow."
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