Chapter 17: Stage Two: Final Boss part two (Itachiyama versus Nekoma - part two)

With Hinata's special move done, Nekoma had the momentum swinging in their favour, with some pushes from the team they won the second set 21:25.

"Okay, they're no.10 probably will be tired this set," Iizuna said, "He might be subbed off, we don't know. Although be prepared in case he has any other tricks up his sleeve,"

"Is it just me, or is it kind of weird, that we're focusing on him so much," Sakusa shrugged, "Surely the rest of the team has to be good for them to beat Fukurodani?"

"Yeah, that's a fair point," Komori agreed, "So let's just watch out for the rest of them as well,"

Nekoma went into the third set with a strong start but Itachiyama thwarted their attempts fairly quickly. At 15:10 (to Itachiyama) Nekoma called a time out, "What should we do? We have to do something," Yaku started the conversation.

"They've grown used to Hinata's speed and side attacks, sure they were surprised that he can keep his speed up, but they know what to do," Kuroo added, "But he's still working as a decoy,"

"Maybe Hisagawa's right," Kozume said, "Maybe it isn't possible for us to win with our abilities as they are,"

"But we did everything we could to get better," Hinata moaned, "We should be able to do this,"

"We did everything we could, sure. But is our everything enough to compete with Itachiyama's?" Kai asked.

"Fuck yeah it is!" Yamamoto shouted, "We already took a set from them. Let's go out there and show them who's the real top team,"

"Yeah!" some of the team cheered.

"A motivation boost," Iizuna speculated as both teams returned to the court, "I know what we'll do next," the next attack from Itachiyama was a powerful spike from Sakusa. Yamomto's block deflected the spike into the stands and Yaku ran to get it. He received the ball before falling into the stands. Kozume tried his best to set the ball as Fukunaga went in for a spike that was blocked.

"Are you okay Yaku?" Kai asked.

"Yeah," Yaku lied as he limped back onto the court.

"No you're not," Yamamoto pointed out.

"I didn't mean for him to get injured," Sakusa said, "Only to get him to do his best and still fail,"

Shibayama was re-designated as the team's libero and they made the agreement that Kuroo would stay on due to Shibayama being inexperienced with the team. However the damage was dealt and Itachiyama took the lead, 19:12. Although Nekoma kept fighting, it became clear that they were fighting a loosing battle.

Itachiyama were only getting closer to winning the game whilst Nekoma were trying to get any points that they could, soon the score reached 18:23. A spike was received by Kozume and Kuroo was preparing to pass the ball. Hinata ran in front of him and tossed the ball. It wasn't a very good toss, and it didn't go to the best place, but it had allowed Yamamoto to have a chance to attack, and it stopped Itachiyama from getting the set point. However they scored the next point, putting them on the set point and game point. Another short rally later and Itachiyama had won. [I:N / 2:1 - 25:16 , 21:25, 25:19]

"At least we got one set," Yaku said, "Look at how impressive that is,"

"Yeah," Kuroo nodded, "But if we want to win nationals, then we're going to have to get even better," the team nodded in response, most of the awards went to Itachiyama's players and the day ended. The coaches congratulated the team and told them not to get too hung up on the loss. They were told to meet by the coach in twenty minutes, allowing for toilet breaks and any other needs.

"Hello," Hinata squealed as he approached Sakusa after the match.

"What?" Sakusa asked harshly.

"Are you a demon?"

"No,"

"Oh,"

"Is that all?"

"Can you teach me,"

"Teach you what?"

"How to be better,"

"Get better a what?"

"Like hitting angles and stuff. All the technique based stuff I don't understand, please!"

"Why should I?"

"Bokuto-senpai did,"

"That was his decision,"

"Aw,"

"Fine,"

"You'll really help me?"

"I'm this close to changing my mind," Sakusa put his finger and thumb millimetres apart.

"Please don't! Thank you so much,"

"If I'm a demon then you're an angel," Sakusa muttered under his breath, Hinata didn't hear what he said.

"You're the best Sakusa-senpai!"

"Do you go around collecting aces like they're Pokemon?"

"No,"

"How's my favourite pupil doing?" Bokuto said loudly as he approached the two of them.

"Bokuto-senpai, did Fukurodani make it to nationals?" Hinata asked, unaware of Sakusa leaving.

"Of course we did,"

"That's great! Now I don't feel as bad for beating you,"

"Sakusa-senpai is so cool, he's even agreed to teach me!" Hinata announced as he returned to his team.

"And who was right about that," Inuoka boasted to Yamamoto and Yaku.

"Am I going to have to stop Hinata from transferring to Itachiyama now?" Kuroo sighed.