After Mori's standing float serve targeted Nagamatsu Yumeto with pinpoint precision, the score between the two teams reached 3:1.
Yukigaoka, scoring consecutively, had pulled ahead by two points. Luckily, the match had just begun. In a best-of-five format, there was far more room for error than in previous best-of-three matches.
The morale of the Kousen Academy players, after a brief dip at the start, had not faltered again.
Even though the current situation on the court wasn't in their favor, every Kousen player remained brimming with fighting spirit and a strong desire to win.
And Mori, standing in the serving zone, took in everything with calm eyes.
He didn't complain, nor did he twitch in irritation. He simply wiped the sweat from his chin with the back of his hand, preventing it from dripping onto the court or wetting his palms before contact.
No one's shaken their resolve over my serves. As expected.
This is just the beginning. In chess terms, it's too early for decisive moves. Based on my assessment of both teams' abilities, the real turning points won't come until mid-game, probably the third set.
Whether it will be a 2:0 lead for the Flying Dragons or a tight 1:1 split? Too early to tell.
But for now, I don't need to think that far ahead. Keeping a broad perspective while winning every single point in the moment, that's what matters.
Mori's thoughts moved quickly. He stopped planning multiple steps ahead and squared his expression, focusing entirely on the upcoming second serve.
I must consistently punish the second-year blockers. That's my current priority.
His eyes flicked to the corner, locking onto Nagamatsu Yumeto. The glare clearly said: I'm targeting you, and I dare you to stop me.
For Mori, scoring directly off a serve would be ideal. But even if he couldn't, disrupting the first pass or pressuring the opposing setter were still positive outcomes. The worst-case scenario would be the ball being returned easily.
So targeting Nagamatsu Yumeto with this serve was the only way to maximize all the good possibilities.
"Everyone, step forward! Ready for the set!"
Number seven middle blocker commanded the team in one sentence, simultaneously exploiting Mori's slight opening in focus.
Kousen Academy's lightning-fast response was the key. Like a well-drilled ceremonial squad, the team stepped forward in perfect unison, hands already raised an inch higher than usual.
That one inch could save a point when receiving a floating serve.
Too fast…
The combination of number seven's timely command and Kousen's rapid reaction shattered Mori's dream of scoring another quick point. Luckily, Mori's reflexes weren't slow. As soon as the opponents moved in response, he made his decision and released the floating serve.
Unfortunately, although the serve was launched as they stepped forward, Mori's power was still lacking. The ball's speed wasn't high enough, and by the time it crossed the net, Kousen's players had already stabilized their positions, ready to adjust.
Nagamatsu braced himself. The step forward had bought him just enough time. With a gentle lift of his hands, the ball stopped drifting and spun directly over Kousen's setter.
Number seven's quick attack faced Kawashima's defense. Against any other formation, even a first-year player, that attack could easily penetrate the defense.
But standing in Yukigaoka's middle block was Ichinose Guren. His reflexes, height, and wingspan made his defensive coverage astonishing.
Even starting late, tracking the ball across the net, Ichinose arrived first. His long arms and incredible jump allowed him to block the ball aimed squarely for Kousen's guaranteed point.
Score: 4:1.
Number seven's gaze shifted from the ball on their side to the impassive Ichinose across the net.
Damn it… his coverage is insane. He jumps high and moves fast, he's a real-life Hanamichi Sakuragi. A physical monster.
The next serve from Mori, however, hit the net, gifting Kousen Academy a point and easing the tension slightly.
The score was now 4:2, the gap back to two points.
The serve rotated to Kousen again. Number seven stepped up, a towering presence in the serving zone.
Calmly scanning Yukigaoka's defensive formation, number seven didn't target the obvious options: Hinata Shoyo or Suzuki on the left as breakthroughs.
Instead, he aimed at the backcourt near the sideline, Mori, the setter.
This wasn't personal, nor a morale-boosting choice. It was purely strategic.
From past experience, Mori's passing wasn't bad, but as a first-year, his timing required some adaptation. With only a couple of hours of training daily, he had sacrificed some reception practice.
That meant Mori's receiving skill might be the weakest, or among the weakest, on Yukigaoka.
Even a misjudgment wouldn't produce a pass more comfortable than Mori's.
Number seven lofted the ball high, added precise footwork, and struck with full force toward Mori's zone.
As expected, Mori received it safely, but the height came at a cost, accuracy suffered. The ball was far from the net, eliminating any chance for a spike.
Ichinose silently mocked number seven's "malicious" serve.
Learn from me… just go all out.
He leapt, hands high, delivering a set to Yudai Hyakuzawa.
Aside from Mori, only Ichinose could pass effectively, and he had strong synergy with his cousin Hyakuzawa.
"Take this point!" Ichinose shouted as he set.
Hyakuzawa anticipated the fast attack, leapt, and swung his massive frame in a powerful strike.
A slight clack rang out. Kousen's number one's fingers swelled slightly from the block but still yelled before hitting the ground:
"Touched it!!!"
Hyakuzawa's shocked eyes swept the blockers. How could they be so in sync? They jumped almost simultaneously, just grazing his spike.
Meanwhile, number seven and number one's smiles silently said: We knew this would happen.
The coaches, after reviewing Yukigaoka's previous games, had confirmed that if Mori set under pressure, Ichinose and Hyakuzawa would execute a high, fast attack.
The directive was clear: If the opposing setter is forced to receive immediately, watch the two tall attackers carefully.
Smart, aren't they, the opponent's coaching staff?
Ichinose's neutral expression showed a hint of displeasure.
Thanks to the blocked spike, Kousen's libero received easily and began organizing their next attack.
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