Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty-Chapter 340: I Won’t Be Responsible

[Aoba Johsai 25 - 19 Itachiyama]

[Aoba Johsai 34 - 32 Itachiyama]

Aoba Johsai secured a 2-0 victory in their first practice match upon arriving in Tokyo.

After adjusting their strategy in the second set, Itachiyama managed to keep pace with Aoba Johsai, with Sakusa Kiyoomi leading the charge. At one point, they even took the lead.

However, it was during the final rally—when Sakusa jumped for a back-row attack—that he reached his limit.

Maybe that attack would have scored. Maybe if he had held on a little longer, Itachiyama could have taken the set.

But without Sakusa Kiyoomi, there was absolutely no way Itachiyama could defeat this Aoba Johsai.

So, such hypotheticals were meaningless.

For Itachiyama, this was their sixth set of the day—pushing their training load close to its limit, but not quite exceeding it. Their next match would be the real test of endurance.

For Sakusa Kiyoomi, however, this match had already pushed him beyond his limits. He hadn't left himself any room to breathe.

"Kiyoomi!" Komori Motoya crouched beside him, his face filled with concern. "Is it a cramp? Did you twist something?"

For most athletes who train and compete daily, small accidents like this were almost inevitable.

But Sakusa was different.

His pre-game preparations were always the most thorough, and his warm-ups were always the most meticulous.

He was so cautious about his physical condition that Komori had never once seen him get injured during a match or practice.

"I hate careless people the most. As a player, the first thing you should do is take care of your body."

"I'm fine. Just drained."

Sakusa tested his calf, stretching it slightly. The muscles felt normal. It seemed like it was just a momentary loss of power during his jump.

So his usual preparation and warm-ups had made a difference.

His eyes flicked to the scoreboard.

"—So the match really is over, huh?"

"In the end, winning and losing always come down to a single moment."

This was the second time he had lost to Aoba Johsai.

It was just a practice match.

And yet—it stung more than that final did.

"…I'm so tired."

Then, to Komori's surprise, Sakusa let himself fall back onto the court.

"The floor is dirty. Full of bacteria."

"It's cold. If you lie down like this after sweating, you'll catch a cold."

It seemed, for a brief moment, Sakusa Kiyoomi had forgotten the very words he always used to lecture Komori.

But it lasted only three seconds before he sat back up.

"Motoya, during those final points…I wasn't thinking about my body at all. I was just thinking that I couldn't let the ball drop. That I had to score another point."

"…Yeah, I know."

"No matter how careful you are, there will always be things in a match that are out of your control, right?"

"Yeah. I told you that before."

"As a player, the first thing you should do is take care of your body. But you take care of your body so you can win."

Sakusa grabbed Komori's hand and pulled himself up.

"We have to train harder. I can—no, I have to get stronger."

Komori finally smiled.

"You're not the only one who needs to get stronger."

Sakusa glanced around. Their teammates had all gathered around him.

"Next time, we're going to win!"

"Yes, Captain!"

-----

Aoba Johsai's match had just ended.

On another court, Hachioji Academy and Seidoku Academy were about to start their third set.

Meanwhile, the players from Ichibayashi High and Kashiwai Academy, who had no matches scheduled in the afternoon, started making their way toward Aoba Johsai.

This was last year's Spring High champion team.

Opportunities to meet them in person were rare enough—let alone seeing them sweep Itachiyama with a dominant 2-0 score.

They were incredible.

"Hello, Taichi. Congratulations on your victory," a voice called out.

"I'm Araki Kōsei, the captain of Ichibayashi High."

Kaedehara Taichi turned toward him.

"The super ace! Finally, I get to meet you in person." Another voice chimed in enthusiastically before Taichi could respond. "My sister wouldn't stop talking about how, if she ever got the chance to watch you guys at Nationals, she'd definitely ask for your autograph."

After the serious self-introduction came a self-invited one.

Taichi smiled politely.

"And you are…?"

He had heard of Ichibayashi High before.

They were a team that—despite being a group of so-called 'ordinary' players—had managed to win Spring High in the original timeline.

Unlike most teams, though, Ichibayashi didn't have any familiar faces that stood out to Taichi.

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Which…made him feel just a little bit awkward.

"Ah—forgot to introduce myself."

The pink-haired player laughed and tapped his own head.

"I'm Matsuo Satoshi, Ichibayashi's setter. Of course, a guy like me—who's never been featured in Volleyball Monthly—wouldn't be recognised by players from other schools."

"Oh?"

Taichi narrowed his eyes at him.

That tone was awfully provocative.

He wasn't the best at talking to strangers, but if they wanted to play this game—

—Taichi had an endless supply of responses.

[Matsuo Satoshi—Setter: Overall Rating: 88; Height: 185 cm, Strength: 88, Jump: 85, Stamina: 92, Speed: 85; Key Attributes: Receive: 88, Set: 88.]

He was a well-rounded setter.

But if he was a third-year, and his ability still hadn't reached top-tier, it made sense that the media hadn't paid much attention to him.

"Matsuo-senpai?" Taichi tested.

"Mhm." Matsuo's smile remained, but there was a sharp glint in his eyes.

This guy…

He was even more sinister than Oikawa Tooru.

Why were all setters like this?

"I noticed Ichibayashi's performance at last year's Spring High. You guys made it to the quarterfinals."

Taichi's gaze flickered to Araki Kōsei.

[Araki Kōsei—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 89; Height: 189 cm, Strength: 95, Jump: 80, Stamina: 90, Speed: 85; Key Attributes: Block: 90, Receive: 88, Spike: 95.]

"Araki-senpai's spiking and blocking are both impressive. I've always wanted to play against him."

Then—Taichi tilted his head, as if just remembering something.

"Oh, that's right."

He blinked innocently at Matsuo.

"Didn't Ichibayashi lose to Itachiyama last year? Quarterfinal finish, wasn't it?"

A vein bulged on Matsuo's forehead. His smile didn't waver, but it was dangerously thin now.

"This guy…! He keeps saying 'quarterfinals' over and over!"

Matsuo gritted his teeth.

"You're smiling so much, senpai. Are you here to thank me for helping you guys get revenge on Itachiyama? No need to be so grateful."

Then, as if puzzled, Taichi furrowed his brows.

"Oh—wait. Were you injured back then? I don't remember seeing you on the court."

Matsuo choked. His pink hair practically bristled.

"Taichi," Araki cut in smoothly, pulling Matsuo back before he could lunge.

"We'll defeat Itachiyama ourselves."

His dark eyes glinted.

"But for now—we just want to see how strong the reigning champions really are."

"Oh?"

Taichi smirked.

"Then you'd better be prepared."

Because if you lose—I won't be responsible for consoling you.

_________

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