"Inubishi Higashi is a team that truly embodies the term 'dark horse'."
"They don't carry the prestige or aura of traditional powerhouses, yet their gritty spirit and outstanding performance have made them stand out among the competition."
"Inubishi Higashi has reached nationals for three consecutive years—already a school record—and each year, they've surpassed themselves. Although they narrowly lost to Itachiyama in last year's Spring High, they still made it to the national Top Four."
"And the ones who have carried the team to such heights are three core players who have finally begun to shine—outside hitter Sanada Shunpei, middle blocker Akiha Kazuma, and libero Moriyama Makoto."
"This year, they've even been seeded fifth among the title contenders. Yet somehow, this steadily improving Inubishi Higashi is set to face Aoba Johsai on the morning of Day 3 of the tournament."
"Let's hope they can keep up with the reigning champions…"
"This damn commentator! Did they seriously call us the fifth seed!?" Inubishi Higashi's middle blocker Akiha Kazuma raged, swinging his arms furiously. "They really think there are four teams stronger than us?!"
"Well, Aoba Johsai is only seeded third," said Moriyama Makoto, now a second-year, murmuring softly.
"We made it to the Final Four last year, and they still ranked us fifth? Who the hell are those four teams ahead of us?" Akiha complained, scowling.
"Itachiyama, Kamomedai, Aoba Johsai, Inarizaki," Sanada Shunpei replied flatly.
Akiha fell silent. "..."
"Hmph. I still don't think we're any weaker than them. And that damn commentator saying we need to 'keep up with the champions'—what a joke!"
Sanada quietly rewound Aoba Johsai's second-round match, watching it again. "Aoba Johsai did win Spring High. We lost 0–2 to Itachiyama last year, and they beat them 3–1. However you look at it, they do seem stronger."
There weren't many recent videos of Aoba Johsai available to Inubishi Higashi. This was already the third time Sanada had watched this one.
"But didn't Volleyball Monthly only give them the third seed because their captain—the top setter in the country—graduated?" Moriyama asked, frowning. "They clearly took a big hit in terms of strength, right? Meanwhile, we've only grown stronger!"
Inubishi Higashi only had one graduating third-year: their former captain, Mukai Taiyō.
"Even so," Sanada said, pointing at the screen, "they still won the second set without even sending Kaedehara Taichi onto the court."
"...Have they really grown weaker?"
Akiha didn't argue, even though he was clearly annoyed. After all, the first step to defeating an opponent was to recognise their strength—Inubishi Higashi had made it this far precisely because of that mindset.
"Even so, we'll beat them."
"Of course," Sanada replied, calm as always. Yet beneath his composed exterior burned an undeniable fighting spirit. Last year, they'd missed the chance to face Kaedehara Taichi by a single match. That had left him with some regret—but this year, he was finally getting his wish.
A player ranked among the nation's Top Three Aces...naturally, he deserved a shot at the spotlight.
"Today is the third day of the Inter-High Nationals, and here on Court A, where the spectators are gathered, we're about to witness the most intense match of the morning bracket!"
"Two seeded champion teams meeting earlier than expected—only one will advance!"
"As the teams enter for warm-ups, let's turn our attention to them!"
"Representing Miyagi Prefecture, qualifying for Nationals for the 9th time, and second year in a row—Aoba Johsai High School!"
"Representing Kyoto Prefecture, qualifying for Nationals for the 9th time, and third year in a row—Inubishi Higashi High School!"
"Both teams are considered relatively new contenders on the national stage, but we're sure everyone here is more than familiar with them! Now, let's look forward to the match's kickoff!"
As the commentator's passionate hype filled the venue, the players from Aoba Johsai and Inubishi Higashi began their warm-up routines.
"Kindaichi, don't you feel like those guys have been staring at you this whole time?" Kaedehara Taichi asked in a suspicious whisper.
Kindaichi Yūtarō glanced across the net—and sure enough, several of the Inubishi Higashi players were looking directly in their direction.
"Why?" Kindaichi murmured, frowning. He didn't recognize any of them…
"Maybe they overheard you saying you'd shut them down at the net?" Taichi replied earnestly.
Kindaichi had actually suspected that too. Without showing any weakness, he glared back across the net—only to see the Inubishi Higashi players exchange puzzled looks.
"Kunimi," he muttered to Kunimi Akira, his tone a mix of nerves and excitement, "I think I'm being targeted."
Kunimi rolled his eyes and pulled Kindaichi away from Taichi, stepping into his place beside him.
Kindaichi looked back across the court.
"Kunimi, they're staring at you now!" he said, voice rising in disbelief.
Forget it. Explaining would be too exhausting.
Meanwhile, having had his fun messing with Kindaichi, Kaedehara Taichi turned his attention back to observing Inubishi Higashi's lineup with a cheerful glint in his eye. "I'm sizing you guys up, so what are you staring at?"
[Sanada Shunpei—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 91; Height: 188 cm, Strength: 88, Jump: 88, Stamina: 88, Speed: 88; Key Attributes: Serve: 96, Spike: 98.]
No wonder he was ranked among the top five wing spikers nationwide—those stats were downright insane.
[Akiha Kazuma—Middle Blocker: Overall Rating: 88.5; Height: 197 cm, Strength: 98, Jump: 80, Stamina: 88, Speed: 85; Key Attributes: Block: 92, Spike: 88.]
It was rare to see this kind of pure power build from other regions, but to Aoba Johsai, it was a familiar pattern. That height, though—definitely a major weapon.
[Moriyama Makoto—Libero: Overall Rating: 88; Height: 165 cm, Strength: 80, Jump: 88, Stamina: 90, Speed: 92; Key Attributes: Receive: 90.]
Seeing that, Taichi understood why Inubishi Higashi was being hyped so much. They really did have a strong, well-rounded setup—key players for both offence and defence, and someone solid to cover the back.
[Kumadō Sōichi—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 84; Height: 182 cm, Strength: 82, Jump: 80, Stamina: 88, Speed: 85; Key Attributes: Receive: 88, Spike: 82.]
[Naitō Tetsuto—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 84.5; Height: 184 cm, Strength: 88, Jump: 86, Stamina: 85, Speed: 80; Key Attributes: Receive: 80, Spike: 88.]
[Narita Heiji—Middle Blocker: Overall Rating: 83; Height: 188 cm, Strength: 85, Jump: 75, Stamina: 88, Speed: 78; Key Attributes: Block: 88, Spike: 85.]
[Shimura Ryo—Middle Blocker: Overall Rating: 81.6; Height: 174 cm, Strength: 75, Jump: 95, Stamina: 80, Speed: 85; Key Attributes: Receive: 80, Set: 85.]
Unfortunately, there was a clear gap in skill between those three standout players and the rest.
The setter, a first-year, was…okay. But for a team on the national level, his ability just didn't cut it. The rest, though in their second or third years, weren't particularly exceptional either. It was probably a sign that Inubishi Higashi hadn't been able to recruit many strong newcomers.
Then again, that was a fairly common problem. For a first-year to make a real impact in the Nationals, unless they were the main character, they'd pretty much have to be a genius.
"Well then—let's wrap this up fast and get off work early," Taichi muttered.
His sharp gaze finally withdrew, and the Inubishi Higashi players, who'd been feeling oddly tense, visibly relaxed.
Though…none of them could explain the sudden chill that ran down their backs.
[T/N] - If you guys want to read 50 Chapters in advance of the current story, you can support me on my . Trust me, it's awesome!
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