Chapter Twenty-One: Guarding Your Back

THE GAME WAS NECK AND NECK AS usual. However, Karasuno was able to keep the lead for quite a while. They made it to 20 before Date Tech and currently, the score was 23-19. The emotion surrounding the court and those that were watching their game were palpable. People were surprised that Karasuno had held on to a lead for this long. Not only that but that they seemed to be on the trajectory to win this set. 

"If the take-and-take back momentum keeps up, Karasuno will probably take the first set. But in order to get that vital lead…" Shimada trailed off as they watched Shōyō jump up in front of a spike and get a one-touch. The glasses-wearing alumni exclaimed, "You need this!"

Takinoue shouted, "Nice one-touch!"

Then Karasuno used it to their advantage and allowed Kageyama to set the ball. He set it to their little number 10 who got the team yet another point making the score now 24-19. "Wow…" Michimiya breathed out, "set point for us against the famous Date Tech?"

Just about everyone was in shock at that. Sakura was in such surprise that she had to put her camera down for just a moment. No one would really notice that she was anything but bored, though if they looked at the way her eyes widened then they'd see her emotions. Her large, dark brown eyes were the windows into her soul, showing just what she was really feeling. At that moment, they were filled with nothing but shock and excitement.

Endo was shaking Yamaguchi's shoulders in his joy. "Look at that! Look at that! They're about to win this thing!"

While he too was quite happy, Yamaguchi wasn't exactly comfortable with the fact that he was being squeezed quite tightly by Endo. He at him with a bit of an awkward expression, "Can you let go of me?"

The blond paused and looked down at his underclassmen. Yeah, he could see now that Yamaguchi wasn't all that good with his personal space being invaded. Endo just couldn't help it sometimes, he's quite a touch-starved person, so he just unintentionally gets into people's space. This includes people who may not exactly want their space taken over. Endo really needs to work on that. Though he couldn't help but smirk while he purred, "Call me Senpai and I just might."

"Don't harass him, Endo!" Sugawara shouted at him, watching the interaction and ready to intervene and save the first-year, "Leave Yamaguchi alone!"

Endo smirked with a raised eyebrow. With a familiar mischievous spark coming to life in his electric eyes, the blond third-year just hugged Yamaguchi tighter and swayed them back and forth. He pouted at his friend. "Aw, but he's so cute, Suga~! Can't I just hang on to him for a little while longer!"

"No!"

Endo blew a raspberry, like a spoiled child, "You're so mean." In the end, Endo was left pouting and rubbing his now bruised side as Ennoshita apologized to Yamaguchi for their upperclassmen's behavior. Suga was also giving him quite the earful about being annoying and too overbearing with their underclassmen.

Despite now being in a bit of pain thanks to Sugawara, Endo focused back on the game. Of course, he had to pay attention so that way he could cheer his loudest for his teddy bear. Which was a good decision. Since Asahi was the one who ended up scoring the winning point. Endo's blue eyes widened as he watched his best friend closely. Seeing just how Asahi had thrived during this game, Endo's heart was beating extremely fast. Not only was Asahi showing just how much of a strong force he was, but he was also showing how he could overcome the mental block he had for quite some time. Endo admired him. So much. In Endo's mind, Asahi was truly one of the most amazing people he knew. Endo is the first on that list, obviously.

Watching the game was actually quite amazing for him. Sure, if he were playing he'd probably have some fun, but while on the sidelines, Endo doesn't have the pressure bearing down on him. The eyes of spectators who either wished for Karasuno's success or downfall were not pointed in his direction. While Endo loves getting attention, negative or positive, it was different when there was the team involved. He wasn't the center of the team and the only one getting judged. Instead, it was his entire team that was in the limelight, his friends under the microscope. The last thing he'd want is for them to be judged. He's been judged his entire life, so he'd rather have it just be him that gets any from people. That way he could make sure that none of his teammates were negatively hurt by judgment. His skin has hardened to the distasteful stares or unnecessary and hurtful comments. 

In his mind, you can never be sure who is judging you for every little thing you do. The last thing he'd want is for his friends to face that sort of thing. It probably would even be worse if he were actually playing. Not only is he a mediocre player, but he garnered quite a bit of gossip about himself because of his name and origin. If he were to play, he'd be a hindrance. So while the others were a bit put out that they weren't playing in this game, Endo couldn't care that much. He's not passionate about volleyball, this is just a hobby that he wouldn't keep once he graduated. This is just something he could do to pass the time of his third year and hang out with his friends. After all, how can he do anything right since he seems to never be able to do that no matter what. Especially with something that he wasn't truly into.

So that was that. Karasuno had won the first set. To say that the boys were ecstatic with that outcome was an understatement. Though everyone in the stands and on the other teams was quite surprised themselves. After all, Karasuno wasn't exactly favored to win this match. Since they lost before, it was thought that this game may just end up being a repeat of a few months ago.

All of them huddled up with their teams, ready to discuss the set and what to focus on for this next one. As soon as Asahi approached Karasuno's bench, Endo just about attacked him. His hug was tight as he smiled widely at the ace. The breath was knocked out of Asahi as he steadied himself to keep himself and Endo from falling on the ground. Though he wasn't surprised nor unwelcoming of the sudden hug. The adrenaline that came with the win of the first set and the accomplishment of seeing that glorious view from the summit was running through his veins. Having Endo there to cheer him on and congratulate him on it just added even more serotonin to his system.

"You did awesome!" Endo just about screamed, "This has got to be the best game I've seen you play, teddy bear~!" 

Asahi rubbed the back of his neck while he blushed ever so slightly, "Thanks, Joji. Though I think everyone is really putting in a lot of effort for this game."

"I mean, everyone did really well, but you! Well, I can't even describe what it was like watching you." Though his next statement caused Asahi to choke on his water, "God, that strong, determined look on your face just made you look so hot." Asahi's blush darkened as Endo continued on, "I was swooning so hard!"

The ace coughed, "Don't say stuff like that!" Daichi and Suga just watched their friends' interaction with light chuckles. It's not that strange of a sight to see Asahi completely flustered by Endo and his remarks.

The teams huddled up around their benches once they calmed down. Date Tech was no doubt discussing a game plan to try and counter that freak quick Karasuno had, while Ukai addressed his team about their rotations, "In our current state, our attack axis is the deviant toss. We can't have it contained like it was when we played Nekoma." Ukai explained to the team while showing them the plan that he had come up with. "Which is why we will start our rotation two places ahead for the second set. The first set rotation match up Number 7, A.K.A. "No Brows", head-on with Hinata. So, we're starting the set two positions ahead."

"I get it." Takeda said, "Then Hinata can avoid being marked by Number 7 as closely as he was in the first set."

Ukai nodded his head, "But he won't go completely unmarked. The idea is to keep them as separate as possible. Besides… the less Hinata is marked, and this is obvious, the more the others will be marked. We can't keep depending on Hinata either."

"Keeping Hinata in play keeps the rest of us in play." Asahi said firmly, "I'll prove to you that I am up to the task of being ace."

The team all stared at his determined expression in awe. "Asahi, you're so cool!" Tanaka and Nishinoya marveled in unison as they stared at their friend, completely awestruck.

Daichi nodded his head like a proud father, "How you've grown, Asahi!" Suga just stared at him with slightly pink cheeks and wonder in his eyes.

Endo though was smiling so widely, it seemed like his face was going to split. "I'm so proud!"

Asahi sweatdropped, "Are you guys my ancient relatives now?"

"Same here!" Shōyō then jumped up. "I can't do back attacks like you, Asahi, so I'll make lots of points while I'm up front! And I'll be the greatest decoy!"

The older boy smiled at the boy's determination, "Great, I'm counting on it. And you can count on me!"

"Yes, Sir!"

After a quick break and a bit more discussion about their game plan, the boys from both teams got back on the court. "Go, go, let's go! Let's go, Date Tech!" The crowd chanted once they all lined up again.

"Seriously," Endo groaned, "they need to quiet down before I go deaf!" He really could go without their incessant chanting. Why didn't they have such a cheer squad, huh?! Though when he glanced up to see who was standing behind their own banner, he saw only a few people. The girl's team was there, which was a bit nice, then those two alumni guys from their practice match with the neighborhood association and paparazzi-chan. Yeah, they certainly didn't have a cheer squad like Date Tech. What a shame.

That crowd of Karasuno supporters was anxiously watching the second set start. Michimiya was about a hair length away from biting her nails, "Set Two is starting."

Sakura was reserved in her anxiety. Many years of practice at keeping her feelings to herself had prepared her for moments like these. She's pretty good at reading people's hidden emotions because she's a master when it comes to hiding her own. She was calm and collected on the outside, but she was starting to become slightly worried on the inside. A part of her was worried about her brother losing this game, but another part of her reminded her that the odds were against them from the beginning. There never really is any definite answer to who will win and who will lose before a game starts. You can never predict 100% of the time who is going to be the victor before the teams even step on the court. Players can be unpredictable, they could be terrible one day, amazing the next, and mediocre the day after. An underdog could come out of nowhere and win the game in a landslide. Though that didn't mean there were any possible facts that could sway a game. A more experienced team will have an advantage against a team that was barely put together. With Date Tech having been a pretty powerful school for some time, it was hard to really believe that Karasuno was going to pull through. Sakura isn't saying that Karasuno is a bad team. Just when paired with Date Tech, things didn't look so promising. To her at least. She's thinking logically here. As long as Karasuno

Shimada gasped in horror at the harsh shutout. "It's only because they were targeting Long-haired guy." Takinoue said, "Only short-stuff can do fast attacks when the receives are all over the place."

The young girl nodded her head along with him, "This set will be as much of a back and forth as before." She stated, drawing their attention, "Date Tech hasn't come up with a counter to the fast attack just yet, and Karasuno hasn't exactly found a way to perfectly avoid the iron wall." She clicked her tongue, her analytical gaze piercing every move that the players made with scary concentration. "It's all about who can pull ahead by a point or two at this point." It was going to be just like the first set. Whoever was able to get that small edge, maybe by one point or two, would end up winning. Just like how Karasuno ended having really a one-point lead over Date Tech for most of the set only to pull away for the last few points.

So the next few points were played. As expected it was a push and pull between the two teams. When Karasuno would get a point, Date Tech would get a point and repeat. Shōyō still surprised most of Date Tech with his speed and proved to be an amazing decoy for the team. The iron wall seemed to be so ready to jump at Shōyō and stop his freak quick that that forgot there were other spikers on the team at times. After a while, Date Tech called for a time-out. With the score at 12-10 in Karasuno's favor, it was obvious why their coach would do that.

While huddled up, the iron wall did their best to come up with some sort of plan to counter not only the freak quick but their ace. Karasuno also huddled up to discuss how well they were doing. Even if they were fairing quite well, there was still plenty that needed to be done. They were by no means out of the woods yet. There was no time to breathe, at least until the end of the game. Though the time-out ended and the teams all rushed back onto the court.

Karasuno wanted to do their best to keep the lead. It may have only been by one point, but it still meant that they had the edge in this game. The next point was played and Asahi was the one to try and make a spike but was shut out by Aone himself. Even if they had just lost a point to Date Tech, Asahi didn't look too upset. If anything his eyes started to spark in determination.

"Can you see that look in his eyes…" Endo said wistfully, to know one in particular.

Ennoshita tilted his head at the blond as he heard his murmur, "what look in who's eyes?"

"Asahi," He clarified, "even after that block… he looks so determined." For a moment, he was lost in his own mind as he watched Asahi on the court. He truly admires his friend. Endo has since they were young. The dedication that Asahi had for volleyball always amazed him to no end.

The second-year eyed the near star-struck expression on his senpai's face. Though he just shrugged his shoulders. It's not totally common to see Endo get like this. However, whenever he did, it always has to do with Asahi. No surprise there, in Ennoshita's eyes. Instead of focusing on his dramatic senpai's infatuation, he has a game to watch.

With the score now tied at 17-17, there really was a chance for Karasuno to lose it here. If Date Tech was able to pull ahead, then it might just seal their fates. However, the tides changed when Karasuno used their own blocks to gain back a point and give them the lead again.

Up in the stands, the Karasuno supporters were more than excited. Sakura sighed in relief, her anxiety starting to get to her now. It was too tight of a game for her to just sit idly by. Date Tech was intense, and the fact that Karasuno was able to keep the lead and even win the first set was amazing. Odds were starting to turn in the crows' favor. Sakura was starting to be a bit more optimistic about this game.

"Yes! Block point!" Shimada shouted happily.

Takinoue smiled widely, "Good! Now if Date Tech gets the next point, their huge Number 7 will fall back to the back row!"

"Okay!" Michimiya gasped.

Sasaki cheered, "Now widen the gap!" 

Shōyō then stepped up now that he was in the front row again. That served to be trouble for Date Tech as he scored another point for his team. Though Date Tech returned that with a point of their own. Eventually, the score became 

"Six more points… Nail those suckers while you're in the front row, short-stuff!" Takinoue said as they watched the game continue on. Shōyō was able to score yet another point, though it was returned by Date Tech. The score became 22-20 in Karasuno's favor. Even more so when Asahi was able to score yet another point.

Endo had to be one of the loudest to cheer for that, "Amazing!"

"All right!" Ennoshita yelled in support.

"Nice kill!" Suga shouted, "One more!"

The girl's captain in the stands gasped, "One more point to match point! Go! One more point!" Sakura snapped yet another photo of the game and hummed to herself. This game was interesting, and she enjoyed watching it quite a lot. Now, all that needs to happen to make it perfect was for Karasuno to win.

Shimada sighed, "Now Date Tech's huge Number 7 is in the back row, and short-stuff is still in the front. This is their chance to widen the lead!"

Date Tech was able to get yet another point, one that Nishinoya wasn't able to save. Though they got one back when Shōyō spiked the ball straight down in between Aone's hands and the net.

Shimada was jumping in his spot, "That was too close for comfort! It barely got sucked in."

Takinoue nodded in agreement, "At least it's match point now."

Shōyō was then subbed out as Nishinoya stepped onto the court. "Go for the next one! Shake it off!" Kinoshita shouted.

Besides their little number ten, Yamaguchi sweatdropped, "Date Tech's Number 7 is amazing." 

"Yeah, I thought he stopped that last one. But… Asahi is in the front row now." Shōyō said firmly, "The ace is there, so it will be fine!" 

"The placement is good," Shimada observed while talking with Takinoue, "but they're being watched now."

The next point was played and there were quite a few tense moments. Though the great Karasuno Guardian Deity saved the ball from the back of the court. Then there was a tough joust between Aone and Asahi. After that, there was this tense moment. A split second where it seemed like Karasuno was able to lose a point. However, once again, Nishinoya was right there to save the ball. This time he used his foot for an instinctual save that ultimately saved Karasuno's game. As everyone shouted in amazement, Sakura was silent as she looked at the photo she had just gotten. Though her attention was drawn away from it as she turned to hear the boys shouting. With encouragement from Sugawara from the sidelines and Asahi's determination, Kageyama then made his decision to set the ball to their ace.

"Go!" Everyone shouted as Asahi jumped up to hit the spike. Sakura didn't join in on the yelling as she steadied her camera ready for yet another perfect photo. In that moment, Endo watched with wide eyes, and a large smile as Asahi made a spike that broke the iron wall. It may have not gotten through them, but it hit off their hands and landed on Date Tech's side on the other end of the court. At that moment, he saw the awesome power of the ace. His best friend truly is amazing. It nearly brought tears to his eyes.

Then the ball hit the ground, ending Date Tech's journey and empowering Karasuno's spirit. Everyone was in amazement as the referee called the game. It took a moment for some to process it but they soon started cheering.

"All right!" Takinoue and Shimada cheered together as they fist-bumped.

"They did it!" Michimiya cheered as the girls all jumped around in celebration, "They did it!"

Sakura smiled at their win and clapped, "good job!"

Endo just about tackled his best friend once they finished shaking hands, "You did so amazing!" The ace was a nice pink color now that he had Endo hanging onto him in a tight hug. Endo didn't seem to want to let go of Asahi as he tried his best to keep hanging on while singing his praise for his friend. Though Sugawara made him let go eventually. Even if he was told off by Sugawara a bit for being too excessive in his celebration, which he believes he isn't, nothing could wipe the smile off his face.

Nishinoya flashed their ace a close-eyed smile, "You did it, Asahi!"

"Asahi, Date Techs block went "boom!" And then they went "wobble-wobble…" If it was me, I would've "schwoomed!" Shōyō exclaimed like a hyper toddler. His terminology really was a bit confusing, but Asahi could get the gist of it.

Tsukishima stared at the over-excited teen with narrowed eyes, "Speak Japanese."

"If I'm the ace," Asahi looked to his teammates, "you guys are the heroes."

Shōyō's eyes were now sparkling, "Ooh, heroes!"

Nishinoya's smile seemed to widen even further, "I like the sound of that!"

"What's with you being so badass all of a sudden, huh?" Endo purred, "Where was this Asahi hiding?"

Asahi just shook his head at Endo and tried to move away from his friend's teasing. They all then lined up to thank their supporters and saw just who was watching them. Sakura wasn't much of a surprise, nor was the smirk she flashed them and thumbs up. Though seeing it just caused the two second-year simps to start swooning and Shōyō to proudly puff his chest. There were also two of the NA team members there to support them and most of the girl's volleyball team as well.

"Sawamura, Sugawara, Azumane! Congratulations on clearing round two!" Michimiya called down to them with a wave.

Daichi smiled up at her, "Michimiya! I thought I heard a lot of girls' voices."

"Didn't you notice them?" Sugawara leaned over with a raised eyebrow

"Aya-senpai!" Tanaka and Nishinoya called out to one of the other second-years on the girl's team.

Mischimiyta smirked, "You got your revenge."

The four third-years all shared a glance with each other before raising their fists, "Yeah!" Even if half of them didn't get to play, Karasuno had redeemed themselves against Date Tech. While Endo and Sugawara were on the bench, they still get to say that they won against the iron wall. Thanks to their teamwork and supporting each other, they had truly gotten their revenge.

"And we'll keep on winning!" Daichi exclaimed.

The boys then all lined up and bowed to their crowd, "Thank you very much!" So that was that. The game had ended and it was time to head home.

"Date Tech's block was seriously terrifying." Shimada sweatdropped.

"Yeah…" Takinoue trailed off, "Still, did you figure out how the Karasuno first-year duo differentiated their redonk fast attack? I didn't see any tell-tale signals during the rally."

Sakura raised an eyebrow in their direction, "you guys couldn't?"

"Well no," the older man shook his head before bristling at the young girl, "didn't I just say that!" The way that this girl was quite unnerved Takinoue just a bit. She really is different from her brother on the team. Ukai had mentioned a bit about the pair being different, but he didn't think too much of it.

"It's a bit obvious," she shrugged her shoulders like it was nothing.

Takinoue grumbled, "You're the shorty's sister, of course, you'd know!"

"I don't." Sakura rolled her eyes, "Despite the fact that Shōyō usually tells me everything, he was very tight-lipped about this. Though doesn't mean I couldn't actually figure it out eventually. Only took me one game." Anyone with ears and keen observational skills would probably be able to see it. She has to admit that it's quite smart. She shook her head, "Still, I'm sure that they didn't come up with them on their own. They're both too idiotic to come up with something so subtle."

Shimada leaned over to her, curiously, "Can you tell us what it is?"

Sakura grabbed her things and replied with a polite smile, "no." That just caused the two guys to grumble at her in frustration.

On the court, while gathering his own gym bag, Endo was talking excitedly with Asahi. "I mean, really, you all were pretty good out there. Would have done better with me on the court, but you were the best, I have to say."

Asahi chuckled nervously, "Joji, it was a team effort. You don't have to keep complimenting just me."

"Says who?" Endo sassed while bumping their shoulders together. "I just want to hype up my best friend and let him know how awesome he is. Is there something wrong with that?"

Asahi just sighed. There was no arguing with Endo about this. When it comes to talking big about him, Endo always liked to talk nonstop. Sure, Endo also likes to talk big about the other, but when it comes to Asahi, Endo loves complimenting him as much as possible. Asahi, of course, is flustered by this. Though he understands it quite a bit. They've been friends the longest when compared to the other third-years. The both of them are extremely close, so Endo will take any opportunity he can to boost his spirits. Asahi smiled softly as he listened to Endo ramble. The way his blue eyes were alight with joy and excitement always gave Asahi a funny feeling. It's an expression that he always wants to see on his face. Asahi has seen Endo upset, depressed, angry, devastated. So to see him like this, it's always refreshing.

With high spirits and large smiles, the team was more than ready to watch a few more games today before heading back home. Nothing could bring them off their pedestals. 

"Oikawa!" A crowd of girls all cheered which caused Karasuno to pause. Well, looks like they were knocked off quite quickly.

They all turned to see that Aoba Johsai was currently in the middle of their first set. It honestly shouldn't have been much of a surprise to see that they were winning with a score of 23-14. They truly were a powerhouse school. 

"Aoba Johsai's…" Daichi trailed off.

Sugawara finished for him, "...first win."

Endo watched his old friend with a tilted head. He didn't necessarily know what he was feeling about their game against Aoba Johsai. While he's kind of excited about getting to play against his old friend, he's… nervous. Losing would be heartbreaking to his team, and while playing against Date Tech was already intense, Aoba Johsai will no doubt be even tougher. Oikawa especially will be a problem for them to deal with. 

He bit the inside of his cheek. Knowing Oikawa, he'll be obsessing over the game against them as well. No doubt running himself ragged with practice and watching their games. There's no doubt in his mind that he's doing that. If Oikawa is the same as he usually is, which Endo is pretty certain he is, he'll be a perfectionist as usual. While not having played on an official team with him, Endo knows what type of player he is. Endo just really hopes that Oikawa doesn't hurt himself over this. He is well aware of how Oikawa can overwork himself from time to time. His obsession with trying to be the best can cause him to get hurt and be tired most of the time. What their game will be like, Endo isn't sure. Though he sure is intrigued on what it'll be like. Nothing like a good old-school rivalry to spice up the year.