The score was now 2:1.
In the stands:
"Wow! No wonder it's Shiratorizawa!"
"Yeah, Yukigaoka's super-jumping captain didn't even score on the first three serves."
"But it still feels like Shiratorizawa got a bit lucky on that last point."
"That's normal. Luck is part of the game."
Goshiki wasn't paying attention to the spectators' chatter, or perhaps he didn't even hear them. His focus and state were just… excellent.
Alright. That last spike, starting from the approach, the power felt light but explosive.
And that divine rebound ball… Looks like I'm in top form today.
Yes! Let's have a thrilling fight against the opponent!
It was Shiratorizawa's serving turn again. On the opposite side, their number three player bounced and adjusted the volleyball in his hands, sharpening his feel and control of the ball.
Goshiki turned slowly, sending a look of trust to his teammate about to serve, and gave a thumbs-up.
"Serve boldly!"
"The victory belongs to Shiratorizawa!"
Their coach and setter both watched Goshiki's composure with satisfaction, nodding in agreement.
"Not bad… starting to look like a proper captain."
Little did they know, Goshiki's thoughts were:
Perfect! That last line was absolutely stylish! I read about some captain in an elementary school "Monthly Volleyball" magazine saying something like this to his teammates, and he was voted the coolest captain that year!
I've thought about this for years! Finally, I get to say it to my teammates!
On the other side, Hinata Shoyo also heard the words.
He pressed his lips together.
Damn it! That bobbed haircut said that so stylishly! I want to do that too!
Behind him, Ichinose Guren remained completely detached from these two 'coolness'-obsessed players.
He quietly glanced at his hands. A subtle, almost imperceptible curve of a smile played at the corner of his mouth, and a flicker of ruthlessness passed through his calm eyes.
Their mental toughness isn't bad… A worthy opponent makes the destruction meaningful!
The referee blew the eight-second serve whistle.
The opposing number three, familiar with some techniques, immediately executed a floating jump serve.
All of Yukigaoka went on high alert, they didn't have a single player who could serve a floating jump in their team. They had never faced this type of serve in past matches.
They knew how to handle regular jump serves, at least, but floating jumps were completely foreign to them.
"I'll take it!"
Hoshino Katsuri, the team's libero, stepped forward without hesitation.
As Yukigaoka's most reliable defensive player, his teammates always felt reassured when he went for a reception.
But…
I've never faced a floating jump before! How could a junior high school students serve like this? I think I'm supposed to scoop it from below to handle it better.
Facing a not-so-fast floating serve, Hoshino relied on his countless hours of reception training. He was confident he could at least make contact, even if he couldn't deliver a perfect pass, he wouldn't let it drop.
Swipe!
Beep-beep!
The floating ball changed trajectory at the exact moment Hoshino was about to make contact. Having no prior experience with this type of serve, he couldn't adjust his hands in time, resulting in a double contact violation called by the referee.
"Good ball!!"
Goshiki was the first to dash over to the number three player, slapping hands in celebration.
The rest of the team followed, smiling and joining the small celebration.
While Shiratorizawa celebrated their point, on the other side of the net…
Yukigaoka's libero stared silently, having just conceded a point due to his own mistake, bringing the score to 2:2.
Hoshino Katsuri felt a moment of hesitation, thinking he might have misjudged the situation.
It's just one point. It should be fine.
But maybe if I had let Hinata or the captain go for it, we could've handled it.
Better apologize first.
"Sorry!"
Hoshino apologized sincerely for conceding the point due to his foul.
"My bad! I mean…"
"No worries~ Hoshino, if you can't receive it, nobody else on our team could, right?"
Hinata, always frank and honest, said it as if it were obvious.
"This ball was yours to take. If you couldn't, then of course the rest of us couldn't either. You're the best receiver among us, after all."
Seeing Hoshino still a little stunned, Hinata repeated himself, this time more clearly.
At that moment, a hand rested on Hoshino's shoulder.
Looking back, Ichinose Guren frowned slightly.
"What's wrong? Hinata's right. Don't you agree?"
"Captain, I just, "
Hoshino tried to explain his decision might have been wrong, but Guren cut him off immediately.
"Relax! Whatever you were going to say, the next ball, you must receive it. If you miss the one after that too, don't fail me."
"Just focus on receiving it! No matter how good your pass is, Mori and I will turn it into points!"
"Go do what you do best!"
"Be Yukigaoka's strongest shield!"
Hoshino clenched his fist, his gaze shining through his blue bangs, full of determination.
"I'll catch it, no matter what!"
=============
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