Chapter 3: Oikawa Tooru Is Not a Genius
Aoba Johsai served. Miyagi University received but didn't pass to their ace, instead letting another middle blocker hit a short diagonal spike. Aoba Johsai responded methodically, and the rally went back and forth for several exchanges.
"Miyamura, give me the ball. I won't be reckless this time," Maeda Oki said, now calm.
Miyagi's setter passed to Maeda. Maeda glanced at Kaedehara Taiichi and prepared to spike. Without overthinking, Taiichi's body reacted instinctively, leaping quickly.
He misjudged—it was a tip! By the time Taiichi realized, it was too late to save the ball.
Score: Miyagi University 20 vs. Aoba Johsai 17
Damn, they adjusted too fast. Taiichi felt a pang of frustration, but Coach Irihata was already calling for a substitution from the sidelines.
"It's alright, Taiichi. You did great," Iwaizumi Hajime said steadily, encouraging the first-year. This year's first-years showed promise—Kindaichi Yutaro, Kunimi Akira, and this Kaedehara Taiichi.
Aoba Johsai was a strong team in Miyagi Prefecture, but that was it. They were still far from the top, overshadowed by the towering mountain that was Shiratorizawa. The volleyball club had many new members, but top talent was scarce compared to Shiratorizawa's. The second-years were performing decently, and Iwaizumi didn't think poorly of them, but to reach nationals—to stand on a bigger stage with his teammates—this wasn't enough.
Especially when Iwaizumi looked at Oikawa. He deserved to be seen on the national stage.
"Iwa-chan, why are you staring at me so sappy?" Oikawa teased with a cheeky grin.
Iwaizumi's response was an elbow jab. "Are you ready or not? As a senior, you can't just let the first-years steal the show."
"Of course! No matter the opponent, my goal is to win!" Oikawa's grin vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
…
The timeout ended, and Kaedehara Taiichi returned to the bench, his body still buzzing from the intense play. He didn't know what went wrong, but somehow he'd transmigrated into the Haikyuu!! world, and it felt surreal.
As he adjusted, Taiichi's memories grew clearer. He'd been lying in his dorm bed, playing a Haikyuu!! mobile game. Right—"Kaedehara Taiichi" was the name of his game character! No wonder it felt oddly familiar when he was called that earlier.
He'd been grinding an event, with Bokuto Koutarou as the featured character. He'd spent hours without pulling him. Taiichi's memory cut off there, and a chilling thought hit him—Did I stay up all night gaming and die, then transmigrate?
After some wild speculation with no answers, Taiichi turned his attention to the system that had appeared in his mind.
"It's the Genius All-Rounder System," a cold, mechanical voice responded.
"What a lazy name—'genius' and 'all-rounder'?" Taiichi muttered.
"Genius means turning every ounce of effort into real growth. All-rounder means mastering anything you learn."
Sounds like a game, huh? Well, considering his transmigration, it wasn't that strange.
Taiichi thought for a moment. "So, System-san, hypothetically, could I become a professional volleyball player?"
"Host's request received. Now activating career mission. Mission 1: Become a professional volleyball player."
Taiichi blinked. "What request? I was just asking a question!"
…The system didn't respond.
Fine, that goal worked. Since he was in this world, volleyball was the obvious choice! Hinata Shoyo, Kageyama Tobio, Ushijima Wakatoshi, Hoshiumi Korai… Taiichi recalled those familiar characters. Heh, facing them would be like a special kind of "pilgrimage," right?
"Reminder: Host's current ability score is 65. The chance of being crushed by top-tier players is 100%."
Taiichi's face flushed. "I know, I know! I didn't mean now. I'll get stronger later!"
"System, can you show others' ability scores?"
"Yes, but genius ability scores are not fixed, so it's limited to those in the host's immediate presence."
"Not fixed? You mean they're always improving? As expected of geniuses. But from now on, I'm one too," Taiichi thought smugly. "System, who's the strongest player on the court right now?"
"Oikawa Tooru, overall ability score 90. Height: 184 cm. Speed: 86. Strength: 95. Stamina: 90. Jump: 85. Specialties: Serve 95, Passing 94."
His serve is higher than his passing? Makes sense—Kageyama learned his serve from Oikawa. Though Oikawa's a slow starter, once he's in the zone, his serves rarely miss. And strength at top-tier levels? Is that normal for a setter? Well, top players end up all-rounders, so it checks out.
Taiichi's gaze returned to the court. The score was now Miyagi University 21 vs. Aoba Johsai 19.
Though behind, it was Oikawa's serve again.
This time, Oikawa's demeanor was noticeably different—focused and quiet.
Whistle! The serve signal sounded. Oikawa gently tossed the ball, starting slowly. As it descended, he leaped, body arched perfectly. His arm whipped forward, and the ball seemed to deform on contact, streaking across the court like lightning.
Bang!
Miyagi's players didn't react in time. The court fell silent.
Ace serve!
Score: Miyagi University 21 vs. Aoba Johsai 20
Oikawa Tooru isn't a genius, someone once said.
With his omniscient perspective, Kaedehara Taiichi knew that without any changes, Oikawa would never reach nationals in his three high school years. Before him stood Ushijima Wakatoshi, a top-five national spiker; behind him was Kageyama, a rapidly rising genius setter. Compared to them, Oikawa's high school career could only be called ordinary.
But because of that perspective, Taiichi also knew Oikawa's resolve when facing insurmountable walls: "Talent can bloom and bear fruit; skill can be honed to perfection." Oikawa understood better than anyone that he wasn't a genius.
"Oikawa-senpai, great serve!" Taiichi was the first to clap, and the court erupted.
I'll make up for Aoba Johsai's regrets, Taiichi vowed silently.
Ding! The system's voice cut in. "Due to the host's strong desire, additional stage missions have been added."
"Mission 1: Help Aoba Johsai reach nationals before Oikawa Tooru graduates."
"Mission 2: Help Aoba Johsai dominate nationals."
Taiichi took a deep breath. "Exactly what I wanted!"