Haikyuu: Zero to Almighty

[A/N]-Starting from this chapter, the protagonist's name will be unified as Kaedehara Taichi for easier reading.

[Miyagi University 15 vs 10 Aoba Johsai]

After a brief moment of silence, the Aoba Johsai team erupted into cheers.

"Nice! Taichi, that was awesome!" Oikawa smacked Kaedehara Taichi on the back. While it was only one point, it broke the opponent's momentum and lifted the previously heavy atmosphere surrounding the team.

Taichi stared at his hand, replaying the split-second moment in his head. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. So exhilarating… No, wait… so painful!

"Let's show them what our serves can do next." Oikawa slowly walked to the service line, exhaling lightly.

"Better cover your head," Iwaizumi advised the still-dazed Kaedehara Taichi.

Taichi, sensing the serious vibe, turned to face the net alongside his teammates, crouching slightly and shielding the back of his head with his hands.

Bang! The ball slammed straight into the opposite wall.

Pfft. A home run—classic Oikawa.

[Miyagi University 16 vs 10 Aoba Johsai]

"Ah, sorry, my bad…"

"You idiot, don't try that kind of serve when you're not warmed up!" Iwaizumi smacked Oikawa on the head.

The opponent rotated servers, and with the change, libero Watari Shinji finally managed to cleanly receive a serve. After a quick glance from Oikawa, Taichi sprinted towards the net and leapt up for a spike.

However, the opposing blockers reacted just as quickly, jumping to form an impenetrable wall in front of him.

But the ball never came his way! Oikawa had only feinted a pass toward Taichi, deceiving the blockers, and sent the ball to Iwaizumi on the opposite side instead.

Bam!

Iwaizumi spiked the ball, earning a point.

[Miyagi University 16 vs 11 Aoba Johsai]

"Well done. Great bait!" Oikawa gave Taichi a thumbs-up.

Taichi forced a grin in return. If only he knew… I got tricked too!

Aoba Johsai rotated servers. On the court were Oikawa, Iwaizumi, Hanamaki, Watari, Kindaichi, and Taichi.

Kindaichi's onion-shaped hair was hard to miss. Taichi couldn't help but glance at it a few extra times. Maybe he styles it that way to look taller…?

"What are you staring at?" Kindaichi caught Taichi's lingering gaze.

"Ah, nothing!" Taichi quickly looked away. Was it that obvious?

"Kindaichi, Taichi is just eager to see your moment to shine!" With one sentence, Oikawa had Kindaichi fired up.

"Got it, Oikawa-senpai!"

In the following rallies, it was clear Oikawa intended to give Kindaichi more chances to spike, though his attempts were repeatedly blocked.

"Kindaichi, jump with more confidence," Oikawa encouraged, giving him a light push on the back.

"Yes, Oikawa-senpai!"

In the next offensive play, Taichi noticed a distinct improvement in Kindaichi's jump—it wasn't just higher; Oikawa's toss was deliberately aimed at a higher trajectory. The subtle adjustment was enough to catch the blockers off guard. Kindaichi's spike sailed past the defence for a clean point.

[Miyagi University 16 vs 12 Aoba Johsai]

Watching Oikawa's tosses up close was mesmerizing. A setter capable of drawing out his teammates' potential… I want to experience that too!

As the match progressed, Taichi began to adapt to the pace. He turned to Oikawa with a determined look. "Oikawa-senpai, I want to spike!"

Oikawa chuckled. This first-year… so fired up already.

But it wasn't going to be that easy. Their opponents were a university team, after all, and they quickly adjusted their strategy. Both sides exchanged points in a fierce rally, but Taichi's opportunity to spike didn't come.

The score reached [Miyagi University 19 vs 15 Aoba Johsai].

Damn it… I still haven't scored a single spike! If we lose another point, I'll probably get subbed out. I need to come up with something! Taichi's mind raced.

"Defense, defense!" Iwaizumi's voice cut through his thoughts as he received a spike with a clean dig, blending seamlessly into the attacking formation. Multiple attackers charged the net simultaneously, confusing the defenders.

"Here it comes!" Taichi felt a surge of excitement, gearing up for his chance. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the opponent's ace, Maeda, gearing up to block him. Taichi crouched slightly, preparing to jump.

But just as he was about to leap, an instinctive hesitation kicked in. Instead of jumping immediately, he delayed by a split second before taking off—a one-man time lag. By the time he left the ground, Maeda was already descending.

Oikawa's eyes glinted as he recognized the play, perfectly adjusting his toss to match Taichi's timing.

With no blockers in his way, Taichi spiked the ball effortlessly over Maeda's head, earning his first spike point.

[Miyagi University 19 vs 16 Aoba Johsai]

"That kid…" Maeda gritted his teeth. Being outplayed by a rookie twice? As the ace, it was a bitter pill to swallow. He turned to his setter. "Miyamura, set the next ball to me!"

Aoba Johsai rotated to serve.

In the ensuing exchanges, Miyagi University secured an excellent first touch, and Miyamura set the ball high for Maeda at the net. Spotting Taichi moving to block, Maeda smirked.

"Bring it on, rookie!" Maeda jumped high, ready to dominate.

Taichi and Hanamaki jumped to block as well, hands positioned high to limit Maeda's options. However, Maeda saw an opening in their defence and swung for it.

Once again, Taichi's peculiar intuition kicked in. He could almost sense Maeda's target, and in mid-air, he adjusted his hand placement, intercepting the spike.

Smack! The ball rebounded off Taichi's hand and dropped back into Miyagi University's court.

A successful block!

[Miyagi University 19 vs 17 Aoba Johsai]

"You little brat!" Maeda was visibly agitated.

"Maeda, why are you getting so worked up over a first-year?" his coach shouted from the sidelines. "Focus on observing your opponent!"

"Yes, sir." Maeda took a deep breath, calming himself.

One lucky block could be dismissed, but two? And both highly technical? Aoba Johsai's team manager, Mizoguchi Sadayuki, excitedly approached Coach Irihata with a tactical board. "Coach, this kid is a gem—a total defensive prodigy. Taichi could elevate our team's defence to a whole new level!"

Coach Irihata signalled for him to calm down, tapping on the roster in his hand. A few names were highlighted:

Kindaichi Yutaro: Middle blocker, decent strength and stamina.

Kunimi Akira: Outside hitter, high game IQ, balanced stats.

And,

Kaedehara Taichi: Middle blocker, fast, exceptional at blocking.

"This year might be our last chance," Coach Irihata murmured. "With the third-years still here, we have to make it to nationals."