Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty-Chapter 406: What a Pity!

"BEEP—!"

A long whistle echoed through the arena.

On the afternoon of the fourth day of the Inter-High Nationals, another semifinal match came to a shocking conclusion.

[Itachiyama 27 - 29 Kamomedai High]

[Itachiyama 20 - 25 Kamomedai High]

The former powerhouse Itachiyama High fell to Kamomedai in straight sets, exiting the tournament in the Top 4.

It was the first time in nearly three years that Itachiyama failed to reach the Nationals final—and the first time in nearly a decade that they were eliminated with a 0-2 loss.

The arena rang with the cheers of Kamomedai High supporters, while silence enveloped Itachiyama's side.

Having watched Seijoh's match against Inarizaki, Kamomedai's students had gained some confidence about making the finals, but they were still unsure about whether they could defeat Aoba Johsai.

After all, Seijoh had bulldozed through their opponents with consecutive straight-set wins, whether they were rising powerhouses or traditional heavyweights.

Even against the third-year Miya twins in the semifinals—Kamomedai themselves had little faith, yet Aoba Johsai still won 2-0.

Kamomedai's cheering squad had been a little shaky after witnessing that...

But after pulling off a straight-set win over Itachiyama themselves, their spirits shot through the roof.

—We bulldozed our way here too!

—We have our own national top-three ace too!

As for the rumours circulating that "Kaedehara Taichi is the No.1 High School Player," they took it with a grain of salt.

Every year, the media hyped someone new.

Besides, soon there would probably be an article crowning "Hirugami Sachirō as the No.1 Middle Blocker in High School."

And besides—

The finals would be a full five-set match!

For Kamomedai, a school known for needing time to adapt their blocking to opponents, it was the perfect setup!

"Hirugami...I'll remember you," Sakusa Kiyoomi said grimly.

"How rare~" Hirugami Sachirō answered with a mischievous smile, totally at odds with his serious-looking face.

Komori Motoya and Hoshiumi Kōrai came up to shake hands.

"Congratulations. It's been an honour facing you in an official match," Komori said.

As a former wing spiker who had converted into a libero, Komori held deep respect for Hoshiumi, who—despite being shorter—persisted as a full-fledged ace.

"I'm gonna beat that 190-centimetre brat!" Hoshiumi declared confidently. "Air battles aren't just for the tall guys!"

Maybe what he himself lacked was that level of pure confidence, Komori thought, watching the radiant Hoshiumi.

"Good luck. We'll be there watching tomorrow," he said.

"Let's go, Motoya," Sakusa said, so gloomy it seemed like a storm cloud was following him.

"Those bastards...I'll crush them all with my own hands at Spring Nationals."

-----

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! Today marks the fifth and final day of the IH Nationals!"

"After fighting their way past every obstacle, two powerhouse teams now stand on the grand stage: Aoba Johsai High School and Kamomedai High School!"

"Let's first turn our attention to Aoba Johsai.

Under the leadership of their captain and setter, Yahaba Shigeru, they have stormed through the tournament with overwhelming force.

At the heart of their lineup stands their undisputed ace, Kaedehara Taichi, whose overwhelming strength has commanded attention nationwide.

Their offensive end is bolstered by the uniquely ferocious 'Mad Dog,' Kyōtani Kentarō.

In terms of organisation, 'The Tactician' Kunimi Akira plays a crucial role, adjusting seamlessly to any situation.

Their defence features the towering twin walls of Yūki Yōji and Kindaichi Yūtarō, both standing over 190 centimetres tall.

And at the back, first-year libero Nakamori Daiki—one of the best rookies of the year—adds a vital layer of defence."

"Now turning to Kamomedai—

They are no less formidable!

Leading the charge are their three titans: the 'Little Giant' Hoshiumi Kōrai, the 'Absolute Tower' Hakuba Gao, and the 'Immovable' Hirugami Sachirō, all of whom have grown even stronger in their third year.

Supporting them are the calm and collected middle blocker Bessho Kazuyoshi, the cerebral setter Tokura Liam, and the lightning-quick libero Wakabayashi Hikaru—new stars who have risen to prominence for Kamomedai."

"Both teams now stand at either end of the court, eyes locked, sparks flying between them.

Which team will rise above this fierce clash and claim the IH Nationals Championship trophy?

We'll soon find out!"

"What the heck are these nicknames? And how do the commentators even know Kyōtani-senpai's nickname?" Kunimi Akira, one of the "victims," shot Kaedehara Taichi a pointed look.

"Don't look at me! Daiki got interviewed yesterday too!" Taichi protested, feigning innocence.

Kyōtani's fierce glare shifted over to Nakamori Daiki.

"I admit it," Nakamori said bluntly. "It was Taichi who told them."

"YOU LITTLE—!"

"…I want a cool nickname too…" Kindaichi Yūtarō mumbled.

"See? Even Kindaichi wants one and doesn't have it!" Taichi puffed up proudly.

"Besides, Kunimi, isn't 'The Tactician' a pretty good title?"

Kunimi made a disgusted face.

Taichi sighed dramatically.

"I thought it up seriously, you know. Not a shred of gratitude."

Amidst Aoba Johsai's usual chaos, the referee blew the whistle to start warm-ups.

Instantly, the tension in the air thickened.

Kaedehara Taichi's eyes sharpened as he turned toward Kamomedai's lineup.

[Hoshiumi Kōrai—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 95.5; Height: 170 cm, Strength: 88, Jump: 99, Stamina: 99, Speed: 92; Key Attributes: Serve: 98, Set: 92, Receive: 98, Spike: 99.]

Aside from his height, he was nearly maxed out in every stat.

Kaedehara Taichi's excitement spiked immediately.

[Hirugami Sachirō—Middle Blocker: Overall Rating: 91.5; Height: 192 cm, Strength: 92, Jump: 88, Stamina: 92, Speed: 90; Key Attributes: Serve: 92, Block: 95, Spike: 92.]

Solid height, outstanding versatility.

Perhaps he really was the No.1 middle blocker in high school.

I wonder if today's match will change his dream of studying medicine, Taichi mused.

[Gao Hakuba—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 88; Height: 204 cm, Strength: 95, Jump: 82, Stamina: 88, Speed: 82; Key Attributes: Block: 95, Spike: 85.]

As a future member of the Japan national team, Hakuba's growth was undeniable.

The destructive power of "two meters" couldn't be captured by stats alone.

[Bessho Kazuyoshi—Middle Blocker: Overall Rating: 87; Height: 188 cm, Strength: 78, Jump: 85, Stamina: 88, Speed: 90; Key Attributes: Serve: 90, Block: 90, Spike: 90.]

[Tokura Liam—Setter: Overall Rating: 85; Height: 173 cm, Strength: 80, Jump: 88, Stamina: 86, Speed: 85; Key Attributes: Serve: 85, Receive: 88, Set: 88.]

[Ogawa Ryūhei—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 86; Height: 185 cm, Strength: 95, Jump: 88, Stamina: 85, Speed: 80; Key Attributes: Block: 88, Receive:85, Spike: 88.]

[Wakabayashi Hikaru—Libero: Overall Rating: 85.5; Height: 173.2 cm, Strength: 85, Jump: 82, Stamina: 85, Speed: 90; Key Attributes: Receive: 90.]

"Such a pity," Taichi muttered to himself. "The gap between players in high school is still too wide."

Even in the Nationals final, there were only a handful of players at his level—barely half the court.

-----

"Beeeeep—!"

With a long whistle, both teams took their starting positions.

Representing Miyagi Prefecture: Aoba Johsai High School—making their second consecutive appearance and ninth overall at Nationals.

Representing Nagano Prefecture: Kamomedai High School—making their fourth consecutive appearance and sixteenth overall.

On the centre court of Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium,

The IH Nationals Final—

Aoba Johsai vs. Kamomedai—

Began.

_________

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