The IH Prefecture Preliminaries were set to begin on June 2nd, lasting for three intense days. With two matches per day, the tournament was bound to test the stamina of every participant.
With two weeks left until the competition, everyone was steadily following their training routines.
In the Aoba Johsai Volleyball Club's dedicated locker room, Kindaichi was in the middle of changi...
2024-12-20 14:26:08 +0000 UTC View PostMid-May was supposed to be an ordinary day, but for the players of Aoba Johsai High School's volleyball team, it carried extraordinary significance.
After practice, rather than dispersing as usual, the team stayed back in the gym. A mixture of nervousness and anticipation hung in the air.
Today, they would learn the news that could shape their journey ahead—the grouping for the In...
2024-12-20 14:25:10 +0000 UTC View PostShigeru Yahaba slumped back into his seat, sulking quietly.
What was there to even think about? This was fine as it was. Whether it was a wild dog or a puppy, dealing with it was too much of a hassle for him.
Anyone would think it was a hot potato.
Besides, Kyōtani Kentarō wasn't a child. Surely, he could handle something this trivial on his own. And even if he couldn't, it ...
2024-12-20 14:24:05 +0000 UTC View Post"—Woof."
The puppy's soft bark broke the tense silence between the two boys. Shigeru Yahaba's attention was immediately drawn to a cardboard box not far away.
"Is that dog….a stray?" he asked.
Kentarō Kyōtani scowled and gave a curt nod, using his foot to nudge the curious little pup away from him.
Shigeru's expression shifted unpredictably. He couldn't quite recon...
2024-12-20 14:23:09 +0000 UTC View PostThe Golden Week training camp had come to an end, and Aoba Johsai's new lineup was beginning to take shape.
After losing to Taichi Kaedehara in the match against Nekoma, Kentarō Kyōtani had no choice but to accept his punishment. Begrudgingly, he attended practice every day without causing trouble—at least in terms of his attendance.
However, Kyōtani's fiery temperament hadn't ...
2024-12-20 14:22:19 +0000 UTC View PostKozume Kenma slipped into the storage room, evading Kageyama Tobio's piercing gaze.
Meanwhile, Azumane Asahi's rugged, mature demeanour accidentally frightened the first-year Yūki Shibayama from Nekoma.
Not far away, Nishinoya Yū dashed off after loudly challenging Yaku Morisuke to a one-on-one duel, leaving chaos in his wake.
Sawamura Daichi sighed in resignation as he disc...
2024-12-20 14:21:19 +0000 UTC View Post[May 6th - The Final Day of Aoba Johsai's Training Camp]
The last day of Aoba Johsai's volleyball club training camp had arrived.
"I really wish we could watch the practice match between Nekoma and Karasuno," Taichi Kaedehara muttered, sprawled out on the gym floor.
"If you don't train properly, you'll end up getting eliminated by Karasuno and watching them co...
2024-12-20 14:20:26 +0000 UTC View PostThis practice match turned out to be an unexpected bonus for Nekoma. From Coach Nekomata's sharp perspective, Aoba Johsai had already grown into a team capable of competing at the national level.
Facing off against such a team broadened Nekoma's horizons even further.
Kuroo, of course, needed no extra motivation. But even Kenma showed a flicker of interest, a rare spark of competiti...
2024-12-20 14:19:11 +0000 UTC View Post[Nekoma's Rest Area]
"How is it possible that a team like Aoba Johsai hasn't made it to Nationals in the past two years?" Yūki Shibayama couldn't hide his astonishment as he turned to the upperclassmen for answers.
"It's more than that," Yaku Morisuke replied, sharing some intel he'd gathered from other schools. "I heard they lost to Shiratorizawa both times, 0-2, ...
2024-12-20 14:18:28 +0000 UTC View PostOikawa Tōru pressed his hands against the volleyball firmly, feeling the perfect state of the ball in his grasp.
Repeating the movements of his previous serve, he added a bit more power this time. The volleyball cut through the air in a graceful arc, heading straight toward Kozume Kenma.
"I got it!"
Yaku Morisuke swiftly intercepted, moving sideways to take the ball instead o...
2024-12-20 14:17:33 +0000 UTC View PostThe tension at the match venue continued to mount.
With Kuroo Tetsurō stepping up his offensive plays, Nekoma High's attack became smoother and more versatile.
This, in turn, provided Kenma Kozume with more opportunities and space to deploy his diverse array of strategies.
Their seamless teamwork resembled a sharp, deadly blade—precise and lethal—leaving their opponents s...
2024-12-20 14:16:33 +0000 UTC View Post"That's just insane!" Yaku Morisuke's mouth hung open, unable to close for a long while.
"That bizarre posture! Normally, players rely on the flexibility of their arms to spike down the line, but that guy….it looked like he folded his entire body to pull it off!"
"And that spike angle—hitting into the front court against a triple block! How is anyone supposed to defend that...
2024-12-20 14:14:42 +0000 UTC View PostNekoma had traveled all the way from Tokyo for one primary reason: to play a long-awaited practice match against Karasuno. However, this trip had an additional and equally important purpose—to train and evaluate their first-year rookies.
For any team, training new talent is crucial. Through match simulations, first-year players can adapt to the intensity of high-level competition under ...
2024-12-20 14:13:48 +0000 UTC View PostThe members of Nekoma were overcome with emotion!
Kenma! The reserved Kozume Kenma, who usually avoided interacting with people, had actually taken the initiative to speak with an opponent on the court!
Yaku Morisuke dramatically wiped away nonexistent tears as he exchanged a knowing glance with Kuroo Tetsurō.
Kuroo nodded firmly. I get it.
Unbekn...
2024-12-20 14:12:56 +0000 UTC View PostTap, tap, tap.
The ball bounced lightly on the court.
The setter's intention has been read?! Oikawa Tōru whipped his head around, only to see Kuroo Tetsurō grinning slyly at him.
"Hey, don't bully my setter!" Kuroo teased, his voice directed at Kaedehara Taichi.
Taichi: "…"
Wait a minute, Kuroo-senpai, the ball you blocked wasn't even...
2024-12-20 14:12:10 +0000 UTC View Post"Hmm..." Kenma Kozume averted his gaze, speaking softly. "Since their offence revolves around that Number 10, we just need to stop him..."
Lifting his head, Kenma continued, "If his strength is speed, then we'll use speed to neutralize him."
"Inuoka, you're the fastest among us. Keep chasing him down. When he goes for a spike, just slow the ball down."
"Got it, Kenma-senpai!"<...
2024-12-20 14:10:00 +0000 UTC View Post"Kuroo, that guy is totally staring at us, isn't he?"
Kozume Kenma had always been highly sensitive to the gazes of those around him. As soon as the warm-up began, he noticed a player on the opposing team sizing up Nekoma's members one by one.
"Oh? Isn't that just like you?" Kuroo Tetsurō smirked mischievously.
"I don't have that habit," Kenma retorted, shooting...
2024-12-20 14:08:49 +0000 UTC View Post[May 4th, Tsukimizawa High School]
The players of the Tsukimizawa High School volleyball team were busy practising while chatting amongst themselves.
"That's incredible... I heard they came all the way from Tokyo."
"Their setter looks so short, though."
"Yeah...and they seem so frail and weak-looking..."
"Could they be a backup setter for ...
2024-12-20 14:06:44 +0000 UTC View Post[May 2nd, 9:00 AM, Aoba Johsai High School Gymnasium]
After an hour of intense training, the players of the Aoba Johsai volleyball team were scattered along the edges of the gymnasium in small groups, catching their breath. Beads of sweat rolled down their faces, dripping onto the polished wooden floor.
Although today's practice had only just begun, the fat...
2024-12-20 14:05:38 +0000 UTC View PostThe Aoba Johsai Gymnasium echoed with the sounds of intense training, even as evening approached.
"It's time to pack up! The cafeteria's about to close!"
Kaname Wenda, a member of the support team, called out from the entrance.
His words were like a whistle signalling the end of a match—almost instantly, the sounds of setting and passing came to an abrupt halt.
"What? ...
2024-12-20 14:04:41 +0000 UTC View Post[May 1st, 6:00 a.m.]
The sky was just beginning to brighten.
Taichi Kaedehara sat in the entryway, carefully tying his shoelaces.
Although Coach Irihata had mentioned that the team could check in at 8:00 a.m., Taichi's internal clock had him up early anyway.
Today marked the first day of the training camp. Taichi was brimming with excitement, as...
2024-12-20 14:03:49 +0000 UTC View PostKyōtani Kentarō watched as Oikawa Tōru and Kaedehara Taichi left, a deep sense of defeat welling up within him.
That first-year couldn't have been at Aoba Johsai for long, yet their synergy already looked impeccable.
What frustrated Kyōtani even more was that he hadn't managed to score a single point against them.
Can I really keep going like this?
"Kyōtani...
2024-12-20 14:02:06 +0000 UTC View PostKyōtani Kentarō stood with his Commercial Street team, while Oikawa Tōru and Kaedehara Taichi played for the Amateur Enthusiasts.
The match resumed, with the Commercial Street team serving first.
The serve packed a decent punch—expected from adult players—but the placement was too direct. The Amateur Enthusiasts smoothly received it, sending the ball st...
2024-12-20 13:56:02 +0000 UTC View PostIn Japan, the period around May 1st is also referred to as 'Golden Week'. From April 29th's Showa Day to May 5th's Children's Day, people get a week-long break to rest and recharge. This is also a famous period in Rom-Com anime where the male-lead triggers various 'events' to get close to the female-lead.
Even though Taichi considers himself the main character of this world, sadly he didn...
2024-12-19 15:59:01 +0000 UTC View PostCoach Irihata turned to the team, his expression serious. "Our blocking today isn't sticky enough. You need to be more aggressive in disrupting Ushiwaka's spikes."
One of Wakatoshi Ushijima's defining characteristics as a spiker was his sheer power—a force capable of breaking through blocks.
Right now, Kaedehara Taichi and Kunimi Akira were completely unable to stop it.
Even...
2024-12-19 15:55:05 +0000 UTC View PostTaichi Kaedehara slumped in the farthest corner of the bus, his body swaying with the vehicle's bumps and jolts.
He was utterly exhausted both physically and mentally, zoning out as he rested while checking the system for updates on his task completion.
[Ding! Temporary mission 'Finals Rehearsal' has concluded.]
Aoba Johsai lost to Shiratorizawa with one w...
2024-12-18 15:57:24 +0000 UTC View Post"I'm fine..." Kaedehara Taichi forced himself to stand up, trying to appear nonchalant.
The teammates, for once, decided to spare his dignity and refrained from mentioning his earlier slip and slide.
"Pfft, don't worry. After our matches, Shiratorizawa has a dedicated cleaning staff to mop the floor. No need to rush to do it yourself," Tendō Satori teased from the ben...
2024-12-18 11:49:24 +0000 UTC View PostBurst Mode?
Taichi stared at Tōru Oikawa in disbelief.
He vaguely recalled the system mentioning this term before, but he hadn't expected the first person to activate it in front of him to be Oikawa.
No wonder Oikawa's condition not only didn't dip after the team boost expired but seemed to improve instead.
A serve at 99 and a set at 98—Taichi's heart raced w...
2024-12-18 10:19:45 +0000 UTC View PostShiratorizawa's serve.
Wakatoshi Ushijima's gaze was sharp as he tossed the volleyball high into the air. With a powerful run-up, he leapt and smashed the ball with all his strength.
The first serve after the timeout—it had to shatter Aoba Johsai's painstakingly built momentum.
Iwaizumi Hajime clenched his teeth and rushed to intercept but the ball ricocheted off hi...
2024-12-18 10:18:43 +0000 UTC View PostCoach Irihata weighed the situation in his mind. On one hand, he was worried that Kunimi Akira might not withstand the upcoming high-intensity matchups; leaving him on the court could lead to an injury.
On the other hand, even if Kunimi forced himself to stay, he might struggle to construct an effective defence against an opponent as formidable as Ushijima Wakatoshi.
After careful c...
2024-12-18 10:17:40 +0000 UTC View Post