First Rallies

The two teams then shifted into their respective warm-ups. On the other side, Japan's players went through drills with similar determination, each movement fast and powerful. Their libero sped across the court and their main cannon showcased an impressive vertical leap that left the audience murmuring.

The warm-ups ended, and both teams huddled around their coaches for a final pre-game briefing. Coach Copley kept his instructions direct, his tone calm but intense.

"You know the drill team, plow through with determination, grit, and trust, and don't get bogged down by being blocked" Everyone shouted in agreement, their expressions serious, locking in on the gravity of the moment.

Then, the stadium fell silent for the national anthems, starting with Argentina's, followed by the U.S. anthem. As the notes faded, the anticipation returned in full force, each player now absorbed in their pregame mindset, ready to step onto the court and bring everything they had. Sean stood tall on the sidelines and took a deep breath.

As the lights dimmed again, the announcer's voice carried a new weight.

"Now let's get into starting Line-ups for both teams! First up is Japan" There was a silence as the lights focused on Japan's court.

"Up first is the young setter with precise control and sharp instincts, wearing Jersey number 11, Hiroto Tanaka!" Hiroto walked onto the court with short, neatly styled black hair and a composed expression, his dark eyes scanning the crowd with quiet determination.

"Next, we have the powerhouse outside hitter, wearing Jersey number 7, Riku Nakamura!" Riku strode confidently onto the court, his lean frame radiating energy. His spiky auburn hair and fierce grin fired up the crowd.

"In Jersey number 3, standing tall at 6 foot 5, a middle blocker known for his impeccable timing—Takeshi Mori!" The crowd cheered as Takeshi stepped onto the court with a stoic expression, his jet-black hair tied back in a small bun and his sharp gaze locked forward.

"Up next, in Jersey number 2, a libero with unmatched agility and court awareness, Kenji Matsuda!" Kenji jogged onto the court with a sly grin, his short, messy brown hair bouncing as he waved confidently to the crowd.

"And finally, in Jersey number 8, an explosive ace who has dominated highlight reels all season alongside players like Kaneko and Kurai Vlast, Sota Fujimoto!" Sota walked onto the court with a dazzling smile, flipping his tousled dark hair out of his face, his athletic build exuding power and charisma. The Japanese team waved to the crowd with a disciplined yet energetic demeanor, their every move showcasing the synergy and focus they'd need to face Team USA head-on.

"Next up is Team USA!" The crowd goes crazy as the spotlights spiral. Focusing on the court.

"Up first is Team Libero, who's coming to the court after some insane highlight reel plays in the USA's last game… Jersey number 3, Kyle hendricks!" The arena stomps as music booms. Kyle walked onto the court, smiling and saluting the crowd.

"Up next is Max Delany, having been seen doing everything from blocking, spiking, receiving, and decoying in this year's Olympics! Jersey number 10" Max runs onto the court, high fiving Kyle.

"Up next is the team captain and monster Outside Hitter! Jersey Number 1, Sean manners!" Sean walks onto the court. His brows furrowed as he looked at the court. Glancing across the net to Japan's main blocker; Takeshi Mori.

"Up next is the deceptive Opposite, Tyler Reed is Jersey number 12… Team USA is full of rookies this year, but the rookies have been going off, especially the next starting lineup player!" Tyler jogged onto the court with a smirk, taking his position.

"Team USA's star-studded setter, Emperor of the Court… standing at 7 foot tall, Jersey number 19… Kurai Vlast!" Kurai walks onto the court with a calculating glare. His signature calm intensity.

"Sota Fujimoto is up to serve! Let the game begin!"

Sean steps up to the net

as the arena shakes with drums as a silence follows. Sota tosses the ball and slams it across the net. Kyle jumped to the right.

"Mine!" Kyle leans down and brings the serve up effortlessly. Sean's eyes tracked the ball as Kurai jumped to set. 'Give it here, Kurai…!' Sean steps forward into a runup, jumping in front of the net as the crowd goes wild. Sean smirks as he swings his hand, slamming it into the ball as a boom echoes and the ball hits the court behind him. Sean's eyes widening as the block had seemingly appeared from nowhere.

"What…?" Sean lands as a whistle blows. USA 0-1 Japan. Tyler looking over.

"Sean, don't worry about it, we'll get it next time" Sean clenches his teeth and exhales.

"Yeah…"