The second round of the Spring Tournament preliminaries kicked off with Shiratorizawa going up against Dewaichi High.
Though Dewaichi was considered a formidable team within the prefecture, they stood no chance against Shiratorizawa. Ushijima Wakatoshi led his team to a decisive and effortless victory with overwhelming dominance.
The second match of the day featured Karasuno versus Jozenji.
Aoba Johsai had come specifically to observe this game. Initially, their focus was on the first-year duo from Karasuno, but by the time the match against Jozenji ended, everyone from Aoba Johsai wore a distinctly serious expression.
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Karasuno vs. Jozenji, First Set
Jozenji High played an unconventional style of volleyball. Despite the bold characters "Dignity and Strength" emblazoned on their school banner, every player on their team embodied a joyful and daring style of play.
Phrases like "Have fun" and "Play the most exciting volleyball" were more reflective of their team motto.
From the very first serve, Jozenji made their intentions clear with a bold opener.
A misreceive from their back row sent the ball veering far off toward the right sideline. Everyone assumed they would try to stabilize the pass before launching a proper attack.
But to everyone's surprise, Jozenji's wing spiker charged from out of bounds and spiked the ball straight away, turning what looked like a broken play into a point attempt.
And that was just the beginning.
In the second rally, they attacked again. Karasuno had already formed a solid front-line defense, yet Jozenji once more took an unorthodox approach.
Rather than a conventional attack, they set the ball all the way back to the end line, and launched a spike from there.
To everyone's disbelief, it worked. The ball soared in a high arc, like a rainbow cutting through the air, and landed deep in Karasuno's court.
By the third rally, their antics escalated.
No, this was no longer just playful. It was reckless.
After witnessing Kageyama and Hinata pull off their signature "Freak Quick–" Jozenji's captain, Yuuji Terushima, boldly suggested they imitate it right then and there. Even more shocking, his setter agreed without hesitation.
Though they didn't manage to replicate the "Freak Quick" successfully, their fast attack that followed was impressive in its own right.
However…
This match was never going to belong to Jozenji.
Despite their bold, lucky plays in three straight rallies, the score was a decisive 3–0.
Zero… for Jozenji.
Not a single point.
The same players who were bouncing around like hyperactive monkeys just a minute ago now stood frozen on the court.
"W-What... what the hell is going on?"
Yuuji Terushima's face stiffened, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Every attack, chaotic and unpredictable even to Jozenji themselves, was somehow anticipated and blocked by Karasuno. It was as if they were reading their every move.
BEEEEP!
The Jozenji coach quickly called a timeout.
The crowd erupted in murmurs.
In the far back row of the stands, Aoba Johsai's players looked equally shaken.
"Hey, this isn't funny–" Iwaizumi muttered under his breath.
"What the hell happened to these guys? Compared to last season, they've totally transformed."
"Kageyama and the upperclassmen were already solid, but what's up with that shrimp? Last season, he was basically a complete rookie aside from some athleticism. But now? His receiving might still be rough, but his speed and positioning are terrifyingly accurate."
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For most spectators, Karasuno's strength was apparent simply through contrast with Jozenji.
But for Aoba Johsai, who had played Karasuno firsthand just last season, this wasn't just strength. This was a complete evolution. A different team entirely.
"They must've gone through some serious training this summer–" said Akashi Asuka, resting his chin in his palm. While surprised by Karasuno's progress, he figured it wasn't too odd considering they were the story's protagonists.
"Summer training camp?" someone asked, raising a brow.
"Does that dump of a school even have the funds to host a camp?"
In all honesty, Karasuno ranked near the bottom among public schools in the prefecture. Like many Japanese public high schools, they lacked the budget for high-level training unless teachers or players made personal sacrifices.
"That part was thanks to the old coach from Nekoma–" said Sanashita Sanjo, raising his hand. "He helped them get in through the backdoor."
"Nekoma High?"
Most of Aoba Johsai looked confused, except for a few who clearly recalled something.
"Nekoma… Weren't they the ones Karasuno had that 'Battle at the Garbage Dump' match with?" asked Nobuteru Irihata.
"That's right."
"In that case, Karasuno's transformation makes sense."
As a veteran coach, Irihata knew his history. Nekoma was famous for its strong fundamentals and unbreakable defense. If Karasuno had spent their summer training with them, it would explain their newfound defensive prowess.
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After a short timeout, Jozenji returned to the court.
Their attitude shifted, still playful, but now laced with discipline. Their wild style was tempered with a bit more of the "dignity and strength" from their banner.
Even so, it wasn't enough.
Against the new and improved Karasuno, Jozenji couldn't hold out for long.
Fifty-three minutes.
Two sets to zero.
Karasuno defeated Jozenji and advanced to the third round.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria