Back in middle school, Akaashi Keiji played volleyball just like anyone else.
He didn't particularly love it, nor did he dislike it.
But on that day, Akaashi had the vague feeling that he had just witnessed a star.
At the time, Bokuto Kōtarō was already a starting player for the powerhouse Fukurōdani as a first-year in high school. For Akaashi, it ...
2025-02-20 16:00:15 +0000 UTC View PostCompared to Aoba Johsai's long-standing rival Shiratorizawa, Fukurōdani had a far more balanced roster.
Where Shiratorizawa prioritized the sheer strength of individual players, Fukurōdani had capable athletes in every position. Their outside hitters, middle blockers, setter, and libero all worked in sync, forming a cohesive tactical system.
With balanced skills, complementary tec...
2025-02-19 16:12:10 +0000 UTC View PostAoba Johsai's victory in the first set had been anything but easy. They had trailed early on, exchanged leads throughout the mid-game, and just when they were about to push through for the win, Bokuto Kōtarō's sudden surge had nearly led Fukurōdani to a dramatic comeback.
Based on this single set alone, Irihata Nobuteru didn't think Bokuto Kōtarō was merely one of the top five aces...
2025-02-19 16:10:28 +0000 UTC View Post[Aoba Johsai 24 – 24 Fukurōdani]
Aoba Johsai had been just one point away from taking the first set. Every player on the team carried an unmistakable urgency in their expressions—a hunger for victory and the tension of a decisive moment.
This single point was more than just about winning the first set; it could dictate the flow of the entire match.
... 2025-02-19 16:09:28 +0000 UTC View PostAs the match reached a deadlock, the prolonged stalemate gradually drained both teams' stamina, and the mounting psychological pressure weighed heavily on each player.
A single point won after such an intense tug-of-war often proved crucial. It was a point fought for with everything they had—a point that could potentially shift the momentum of the match.
"After two consecutive...
2025-02-18 16:01:01 +0000 UTC View PostThe score stood at [Aoba Johsai 15 – 17 Fukurōdani].
Fukurōdani was on serve.
Konoha Akinori executed a jump float serve.
Hanamaki Takahiro received it cleanly, and Oikawa Tōru stepped in for the set.
Aoba Johsai launched a synchronized three-point attack—
On the left: Iwaizumi Hajime.
In the back row: Kaedehara Taichi
2025-02-18 16:00:13 +0000 UTC
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Here it comes!
The brief timeout hadn't done much to dampen Bokuto Kōtarō's momentum. His serve was once again aimed at Iwaizumi Hajime.
"Step forward—just a little ahead of what your eyes see!"
Iwaizumi took another step forward, adjusting to the projected trajectory.
Smack!
He finally made contact!
The ball rebounded o...
2025-02-17 16:02:01 +0000 UTC View Post"Don't hesitate when blocking—just lock down the straight shot!" Iwaizumi Hajime called from the back row.
"Got it!"
The front-row blockers hadn't actually intended to shift their positioning. It was just that Bokuto Kōtarō's first sharp cross-shot had left an incredibly strong impression on them.
The serve rotated once again, and Akaashi Keiji stepped up to the service li...
2025-02-17 16:01:02 +0000 UTC View PostThe warm-ups concluded, and the match officially began.
Fukurōdani's starting lineup:
Front row—Middle Blocker Onaga Wataru, Setter Akaashi Keiji, Outside Hitter Bokuto Kōtarō.
Back row—Middle blocker Washio Tatsuki (Libero: Komi Haruki), Outside Hitter Konoha Akinori and Outside Hitter Sarukui Yamato.
2025-02-17 16:00:15 +0000 UTC
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"TAICHI! HEY! HEY!! HEY!!!"
At nearly 3:00 PM, the moment Aoba Johsai's team stepped into Arena C, an unmistakably energetic and distinct greeting echoed through the venue.
"Bokuto-senpai, you're bothering people," Akaashi Keiji stated flatly, holding the jacket Bokuto Kōtarō had just tossed aside.
"Whoa, it's Bokuto!"
"Bokuto from Fukur...
2025-02-16 16:01:01 +0000 UTC View Post[Aoba Johsai 26 - 24 Inarizaki]
[Aoba Johsai 25 - 22 Inarizaki]
"On the third day of the Spring Interhigh National Tournament, Inarizaki—armed with the Miya twins and Aran Ojiro—has been eliminated in the Round of 16!!"
"And their opponent? Aoba Johsai—the very team they personally knocked out six months ago at the Interhigh Na...
2025-02-16 16:00:13 +0000 UTC View PostAfter Kaedehara Taichi left the court, Inarizaki finally had a brief moment to catch their breath.
They had never anticipated the match unfolding in such a dramatic fashion. Last night, the Inarizaki players had carefully studied the footage of Aoba Johsai's final match against Shiratorizawa.
Both Ushijima Wakatoshi's 18-point performance and Kaedehara Taichi's equally astonishing 1...
2025-02-15 16:01:01 +0000 UTC View PostIrihata Nobuteru stood on the sidelines, his expression a mixture of excitement and concern.
Just moments ago, team manager Mizoguchi Sadayuki had brought news about their next opponent—the second representative from Tokyo, Fukurodani Academy. Without a doubt, this was another powerhouse team.
In fact, by the time teams reached the quarterfinals of the national tournament, every o...
2025-02-15 16:00:10 +0000 UTC View Post"A miracle shot! An absolutely incredible shot!!"
"Taichi pulls off an impossible move to score!!!"
"Just when it looked like he was completely trapped by the block, Kaedehara Taichi found that last sliver of opportunity as the blockers descended!"
Less than five minutes into the second set, the atmosphere in the arena was already heating up again!!
<... 2025-02-14 16:02:01 +0000 UTC View Post"This match…"
On the sidelines, Inarizaki's head coach, Kurosu Norimune, stood with a heavy expression. His sharp instincts told him that Aoba Johsai's playing style had shifted once again.
That last point—no, to be precise, since the end of the first set, Aoba Johsai's approach had started resembling how they played against Nekoma.
Kurosu furrowed his brows. At the beginn...
2025-02-14 16:01:03 +0000 UTC View PostAs Inarizaki steadily caught up, overcoming their initial deficit to equalize and then take the lead, their cheering squad erupted with renewed fervour. The deafening roar of their supporters reverberated through the arena, shaking the very air as they chanted in unison.
Even in the final moments, when Inarizaki trailed by a single point, their voices only wavered slightly. Beneath that f...
2025-02-14 16:00:14 +0000 UTC View Post"LET's GO!! LET's GO!! Inarizaki!!"
"LET's GO!! LET's GO!! Inarizaki!!"
Just by standing at the service line, Miya Atsumu filled the Inarizaki cheering squad with unshakable confidence.
They actually managed to push the game to a comeback situation…
Atsumu slowly raised his left hand and clenched his fist.
—!!!
The Inar...
2025-02-13 16:01:03 +0000 UTC View PostMiya Osamu had a gut feeling—the kid standing across from him, Kunimi Akira was gunning for him.
Just like how most teams facing Inarizaki focused their attention on Ojiro Aran and Miya Atsumu, it was only natural that Inarizaki, when up against Aoba Johsai, would see Kaedehara Taichi and Oikawa Tōru as their biggest threats.
However, in this set, beyond individual performances, ...
2025-02-13 16:00:11 +0000 UTC View Post"These guys are relentless!" Akagi Michinari received the ball.
Right now, Aoba Johsai was undoubtedly a powerhouse team, at least when it came to serving—they had no weak points!
Miya Osamu moved into position once more.
When he watched Aoba Johsai's match against Nekoma, at least half of Nekoma's first touches could be sent directly to the setter. So at the time, ...
2025-02-12 16:02:01 +0000 UTC View Post"Calm down, calm down..." Miya Atsumu muttered under his breath.
"You're way too arrogant, you first-year brat!!!" Instead, it was Miya Osamu who roared furiously.
Is this some kind of twin synchronization? Kaedehara Taichi mused to himself. But—
"Osamu-senpai, I'm not your opponent~"
Standing at the service line, Kaedehara Taichi's expression was calm an...
2025-02-12 16:01:01 +0000 UTC View PostThe serve changes hands as Oikawa Tōru steps up to the service line.
Aoba Johsai wasn't particularly surprised by Miya Atsumu's improvements.
It was only natural—when your teammate was Kaedehara Taichi, you'd start to believe that no amount of change was beyond expectation.
"Let's go, Seijoh!"
"Victory! Victory! Victory, Seijoh!"
Oikawa pointed di...
2025-02-12 16:00:14 +0000 UTC View Post[January 7th—The Third Day of the Spring High National Tournament]
Aoba Johsai was finally beginning to understand the advantage of getting a bye in the first round of the so-called "Demonic Third Day".
Having played only one match so far, the team was still brimming with energy—both mentally and physically. Even though they had two gruelling battles li...
2025-02-11 16:00:13 +0000 UTC View PostFinal Score:
[Aoba Johsai 25 – 20 Nekoma]
[Aoba Johsai 25 – 20 Nekoma]
With a 2–0 victory, Aoba Johsai defeated Nekoma and advanced to the next round.
"Man, both sets ended with the exact same score," Kuroo Tetsurō muttered wearily, staring at the scoreboard. "Even though we gave everything we had in th...
2025-02-11 16:00:12 +0000 UTC View PostThe entire Nekoma team heard that sentence.
Even though it was Aoba Johsai who had been trailing and just managed to tie the score, Nekoma found themselves unable to refute those words.
Everyone was exhausted…
Oikawa Tōru glanced at the opposing team with an amused look in his eyes. Nekoma's greatest strength lay in their ability to maintain stability.
While these fel...
2025-02-10 16:02:01 +0000 UTC View Post"The moment Nekoma reduced their blocking focus, their defence once again showcased its tenacity!"
"And on the offensive end, they're relentlessly attacking with their entire team, refusing to conserve stamina in an effort to break through Aoba Johsai's defence!"
"But the real question is—just how long can Nekoma keep this up?"
The commentator's voice echoed in...
2025-02-10 16:01:02 +0000 UTC View PostLosing the first set wasn't anything unusual for Nekoma.
Whenever they faced a strong opponent, their first set was always a struggle. This was because Nekoma's rhythm was naturally slow to warm up, and they also needed time for Kozume Kenma to analyze their opponent.
However, today was different.
Forget about gradually adapting—the so-called "defensive Nekoma"<...
2025-02-10 16:00:14 +0000 UTC View PostThat blistering quick attack seemed to signal the start of Aoba Johsai's full-scale offensive.
Oikawa Tōru's sets became even sharper and faster, elevating the team's attacking rhythm along with them.
"So their offence was just getting started, huh?" Kuroo Tetsurō wiped at the nonexistent sweat on his forehead.
"If this were a game, I'd say the debuff on their ...
2025-02-09 16:01:02 +0000 UTC View Post"I didn't expect you to fall for Taichi's provocation, Kuroo." Kozume Kenma glanced at Kuroo Tetsurō with a hint of disdain.
"That brat used to pester me to teach him techniques! And now he's acting all cocky—how could I let that slide?!" Kuroo retorted, clearly dissatisfied.
"But Nekoma only has one real serving threat—you," Kenma sighed. "And now that it's finally yo...
2025-02-09 16:00:13 +0000 UTC View Post"This fired-up version of Kenma is a rare sight," Kuroo Tetsurō remarked, a rare, genuine smile appearing on his face.
Under the command of its 'brain', Nekoma's 'blood' was beginning to boil!
"I'm really looking forward to his performance today—just as long as he doesn't suddenly fall apart halfway through the match."
Kuroo turned to look at Kenma. 2025-02-08 16:01:01 +0000 UTC View Post
"The first point of this match! A block from Aoba Johsai's ace, Kaedehara Taichi!!"
"Against Nekoma's middle blocker, Haiba Lev, who stands at an impressive 196 cm, first-year ace Taichi has completely shut him down with his height and timing!!!"
"Lev! Don't let it get to you, you just didn't notice him!" Kuroo Tetsurō called out encouragingly.
"Eh?! Eh?!!"
<... 2025-02-08 16:00:11 +0000 UTC View Post