[Score!]
[Once again, it's Aoba Johsai's first-year ace, Akashi Asuka! At this critical moment, he unleashes another terrifying serve like a cannonball, tying the score for Aoba Johsai!]
[Three straight powerhouse serves from Aoba Johsai, this is unbelievable!]
The commentator's voice grew increasingly intense and passionate, resonating with many in the audience. Those cheering for Aoba Johsai in particular erupted into loud cheers.
Meanwhile, on the court, Fukurodani's libero looked visibly troubled. A teammate noticed and asked, "Komi, what's wrong?"
"Nothing–" he replied calmly. "Their serve changed again."
"Changed?"
"Yeah. Looks like that guy added some spin to it. But it's not a big deal. I'll adjust soon."
Komi didn't elaborate further. He didn't want to praise the opponent too much and risk demoralizing his own team. Plus, deep down, he was confident he could figure out the trajectory of the spin-enhanced jump serve soon enough.
After all, Akashi Asuka's serve was still fundamentally the same power jump serve, just with some added spin. But because the original serve was already so powerful, even the smallest variation made it feel overwhelmingly effective.
Komi believed he could adapt, but the real question was: would he need two receives to adjust, or three? That was less certain.
As his thoughts raced, Akashi Asuka stepped into the service area again, ready for his second serve.
Komi focused completely, locking his eyes on Akashi.
The next moment,
BOOM!
With a sound like thunder, the volleyball came crashing down toward Fukurodani's side.
This time, Komi tracked the ball successfully thanks to his concentration. But the instant his hands met the ball, his expression twisted in shock.
"Damn it! It was a regular power serve!"
Smack!
The ball bounced high into the air, so high it sailed over ten meters and landed gently in the hands of a spectator on the second floor. For a moment, the entire Fukurodani fan section fell silent.
Tweet!
The whistle blew. Score: 17–16.
[Ohhh! Back-to-back points!]
[Aoba Johsai's ace, Akashi Asuka, strikes again with another explosive serve! The momentum has completely shifted, Aoba Johsai is now in the lead!]
"That was insane!"
"What's going on with Aoba Johsai? Do all their players have these monster serves?"
"That bounce was crazy… I can't believe it flew that high!"
"AAAAAH! Akashi-kun!!"
The crowd buzzed with chatter. Aoba Johsai's cheering squad was shouting Akashi's name in unison, and the pep band blasted the school anthem with renewed energy.
In that moment,
Aoba Johsai's momentum soared.
In contrast, Fukurodani's libero Komi Haruki was drenched in sweat. Droplets fell from his chin to the floor as the weight of pressure bore down on him like a physical force.
Receiving a power jump serve and a spinning serve required two completely different techniques.
He had focused too much on the spin just now, almost forgetting that the real threat was still the raw power behind the jump serve.
If he were only dealing with the spin, Komi might need just two or three tries to adjust.
But if Akashi was mixing both types at random, then the time he'd need to adapt would easily double.
And if that happened… even if he finally managed to receive it, would it still matter?
Komi's mind spiraled into doubt.
At that moment, Akashi launched his third serve.
Because of his shaken mental state, Komi didn't react in time. By the time he realized it, the ball was already screaming toward him.
It was too late to fix it.
He could only watch in despair as the ball shot past his right side, until suddenly, a figure dove out of nowhere like a swordfish, intercepting the ball at the last moment.
Whap!
The ball wobbled back into the air, though wildly off-course.
Snapping out of his daze, Komi dove with all his might to follow it up. He barely got it up, and Akaashi Keiji managed to tap it back over to Aoba Johsai's side.
But the return was weak, practically handing them a free attack.
Seizing the opportunity, Oikawa Tooru launched a quick set. Kindaichi followed through with a perfect spike.
Point!
18–16.
[Another point for Aoba Johsai!]
[Ace Akashi Asuka's powerful serve disrupted Fukurodani's formation, setting up a seamless quick attack between setter Oikawa and spiker Kindaichi!]
[Aoba Johsai pulls off a massive comeback, Fukurodani is in serious trouble now!]
"Don't be scared, Komi!"
Back on the court, the player who had made the last-second save stepped forward. It was none other than Kotaro Bokuto. Despite the unfavorable situation, he still brimmed with contagious energy and determination.
"Hehehe! Komi, I've got your back! Don't hesitate, go for that receive! As long as you can get it in the air, I'll turn any ball into a point!"
"Leading the team to victory, that's the ace's job!"
With his hands on his hips and a bright, confident grin on his face, Bokuto spoke with conviction.
And in that brief moment, his energy sparked something in the rest of the team. Even the players on Aoba Johsai's bench could sense the shift, and Fukurodani's atmosphere had changed.
It was like the weight had lifted. Everyone suddenly seemed lighter.
On the sidelines, Fukurodani's coach smiled as he watched.
"Bokuto might be full of quirks off the court… but he has something that sets him apart from everyone else."
"The most important thing is, no matter how strong the opponent, Bokuto never loses spirit."
"And that kind of mindset… has the power to rally the whole team and ignite new strength when they're cornered."
"And that alone…"
"Is that why Kotaro Bokuto was born to be an ace."
"No matter how many weaknesses he might have, as long as he has that one strength, he'll always be powerful."
==========
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