No miracles, no comebacks. Yukigaoka's top-tier power completely suppressed Sengoku Junior High. Even though Ichinose Guren was "slacking off" outside of serving to give his teammates training opportunities, his overpowering serves had already given Yukigaoka the upper hand, reflected in the morale boost and a 9–0 score lead.
Under Akashi Asuka's leadership, Sengoku poured everything into their play, yet their attacks were still blocked by Guren's formidable net presence and directly shut down by Yudai Hyakuzawa's spikes. Even when the three small players executed sudden, lightning-fast attacks, Hoshino Katsuri, Yukigaoka's libero, could save most of them.
Hoshino's skill in reading the spiker's posture improved with the match, allowing him to anticipate tips and soft shots. Sengoku's defense was completely dismantled by the combination of Yudai's spikes, Hinata Shoyo's growing blocking skill, and Guren's "slacking" yet precise plays.
During this, Yukigaoka's setter Mori executed a second attack for the first time in a real match, scoring a point and drawing the attention of some blockers.
Through months of 3v3 and 2v2 training, plus two official matches, Yukigaoka's system, rooted in a strong defensive structure but flexible enough for individual offensive play, was now established.
The match ended decisively: Yukigaoka defeated Sengoku 2–0.
After the morning game, Yukigaoka's players were exhausted. They unpacked their bento lunches and supplements, and fully prepared Hoshino even pulled out a sleeping bag to rest after eating.
Guren, however, waved everyone to stop, took out his phone, and made a call.
"Hyakuzawa-senpai, sorry to bother you. Everything's fine with the arrangements, right?"
"Hi, you can come in now. Thanks for your hard work."
The team was puzzled, unaware of Guren's plan, but Yudai Hyakuzawa, familiar with Guren's behavior, had a rough idea.
Soon, Guren's personal butler, Ayasaki Hayato, arrived, well-dressed and accompanied by three muscular bodyguards. After a courteous bow to Guren, he nodded slightly to Yukigaoka's team. The players politely returned the greeting, curious about the composed middle-aged man.
Hayato ignored them and had the bodyguards carry Yukigaoka's luggage from the resting area.
"Wait! Guren! Are we skipping the afternoon match?"
Hinata Shoyo rushed forward, bewildered.
Guren explained plainly:
"There's a hotel next to the gym owned by my family. We'll have lunch there. Afterwards, I've arranged rooms for everyone to rest, baths or massages, all charged to the room."
He looked at Yudai:
"Yudai, I've booked the extra-large bed room for guests over two meters tall."
Then he added, addressing the team with a look at their mixed awe and jealousy:
"Lunch is a buffet with seafood, but I'll be watching. If you overeat, I'll make sure you relieve yourself without affecting the afternoon match."
Hinata, excited a moment ago, wilted immediately.
He added one more detail:
"There will be staff at the hotel broadcasting the next-round matches live. Interested? You can watch in your rooms. They'll knock when it's time, so don't worry, you can rest freely."
The younger players felt the trust in Guren's simple words.
Afterward, Hayato guided the team to the hotel three minutes away. Their luggage was carried straight to their rooms.
Yukigaoka's seven players then began lunch. Despite limited portions, the six non-Guren members ate heartily, high-end food normally out of reach: grilled meats, steaks, king crab, lobster.
Afterward, they returned to their rooms for hot showers, naps, massages, or rest.
Guren, however, watched the live broadcast of the ongoing matches, adjusting camera angles, zooms, and slow-motion replays.
One player in purple performed an S-shaped approach, appearing to spike diagonally, but shifted mid-air to hit a straight line, slicing through the blockers' net and landing precisely in-bounds.
"Such a clever straight-line spike, excellent feint."
"This spiker's technique is sharp and intelligent."
Guren already knew who would advance to the next round before the match ended:
Shiratorizawa Junior High!
Thanks to the third-year ace Tsutomu Goshikii's precise and instinctive spikes, and second-year setter Masata Yori's solid fundamentals and game management, Shiratorizawa Junior High took a clean 2–0 victory and officially became Yukigaoka's next opponent.
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