Chapter Twenty-Four: Oikawa Tooru is not a Genius

"WHOA! YOU REALLY ARE GOOD AT THIS!" A young Endo Joji marveled with his sparkly blue eyes wide with wonder. The cool spring wind flowed around him and his two new friends as they played around in the school courtyard. It had only been about a week after Joji had moved to Japan. He was settling pretty easily into his new environment and that included making some good friends, Iwaizumi and Oikawa.

He found out that they enjoyed playing volleyball with each other. The two taught him how to play since all he knew was that you hit the ball over the net. Apparently, it was a bit more of a complicated sport than Endo first thought. He learned about the positions, the terminology, different Japanese teams, and bonded with his new friends over it.

They were currently passing the ball around to each other. Now Endo wasn't the best at receiving yet, though that might just be because of who was spiking it at him. Oikawa may only be a kid, but his serves were pretty solid. Strong enough to where Endo couldn't receive it properly and the ball always ended up flying far away after hitting the ground. Endo was thoroughly impressed with Oikawa's skill. He could only wish that he could be like that!

Oikawa smiled widely, obviously smug with the compliments that he was getting. "I know, I've been working really hard on this."

Their other friend, Iwaizumi narrowed his eyes, "Don't boost his ego more than usual, Endo. His head is big enough as it is."

Oikawa pouted at his best friend, "Iwa-chan!" Endo just laughed as they continued to banter and pass the ball around. Getting interested in volleyball wasn't something that Endo ever planned on, but having friends who played it, and were good at it, he's more than willing to get into it too.

---

Junior high wasn't totally fun in Endo's opinion. While it wasn't as bad as grades school, because Endo had found a way to make "friends", it was still as stressful as his other school experience. The good thing about his time in junior high had to be practicing for volleyball. That was only because he practiced just about every day with Asahi at the park. Endo didn't necessarily like playing on his team since all of his teammates were snobbish brats, but he dealt with it. He had to learn how to play volleyball on a team so that way he'd be good enough to get on Karasuno's team once he got to high school.

As he was waiting at the park for Asahi to arrive, he spotted another boy coming towards him. The fluffy brown hair and brown eyes were far too familiar to Endo. "...Oikawa?"

His old friend stiffened before turning to him slowly, "Endo?" 

The two just stared at each other for a long moment. They were both sizing each other up with critical eyes. They haven't seen each other in quite some time, not since they ventured off to their own junior high schools. Joji saw how Oikawa had grown taller, almost as tall as him, and his hair had grown out a bit more. Oikawa was able to see how Joji had seemingly grown some sort of muscles on his arms since he last saw Joji with noodle arms. Not only that but his blond hair was back instead of it being completely black or two-toned. They certainly could see that the other had changed quite a bit.

Joji licked his lips as he slowly asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm waiting for Iwazumi," Oikawa said with a roll of his eyes, "he wanted to go looking for bugs in this park, gross!"

"Oh…"

Oikawa then narrowed his eyes, "Are you here to do gross things too? Last I heard, you were doing anything to make friends." He'd heard and seen all of the ways that Endo had accumulated his group of mindless friends. Oikawa knows that Endo just bribed them and showed off his wealth, which annoyed him. What gave Endo the right to show that he's better than them, just because he has wealthy parents? He had been doing it ever since elementary school and it pissed off Oikawa quite a bit. After all, why hadn't he done that when they were friends?

Endo furrowed his eyebrows, "No, I'm actually waiting for a friend."

He scoffed, "Are you sure they're your friend? Not just hanging around for your wealth."

"Yes, I know he's my friend! Asahi isn't that shallow!" Endo exclaimed. He's known Asahi long enough to know that he certainly isn't like his other "friends", he's not even like Oikawa. His old grade school friends left him at even the slightest amount of backlash they got being associated with him. Endo knows that Asahi wouldn't just stop being friends with him because some kids might say some mean things about him. Sure, Asahi could be a softy sometimes, but he's loyal, and an amazing friend. Endo eyed the volleyball that Oikawa held in his tight grasp, "You're still playing volleyball?"

"Of course!" Oikawa exclaimed like it was the most obvious thing in existence.

Endo pursed his lips, "Hm, I've been practicing too since Asahi plays some. I'm actually on my school's team as a wing spiker!" He boasted proudly about that, since he surprised just about everyone he knew, besides Asahi, by signing up and making the team. 

Oikawa scoffed, "At your fancy private school, huh?".

"I don't wanna be there, but I don't have a choice." It seemed like that even a modicum of a reminder that Endo was wealthier or more privileged than Oikawa set him off just a bit. Not that something like this is anything known. Just about everyone he knows either says something about his foreign appearance or wealth. Endo then smirked, "Besides my team is better than yours so-"

Oikawa bristled, "What?! Just because your dad bought your way on to a team, doesn't mean it's good."

"I beg to differ," Endo shrugged his shoulders, ignoring the insult about getting onto the team. He knows that he isn't that good, but he tried out just like his teammates, and he made the team. Endo got his way onto the team just like everyone else, the fair way. "If your team ever plays against mine, we'll defeat you!"

Oikawa seemingly growled, "my team will beat yours! Mark my words!" Endo just laughed at how fired up Oikawa became. Neither of them was totally sure how it happened, but the two practiced together while they waited for their own friends. Perhaps it was because Oikawa wanted to see just how much Endo had improved with his volleyball skills. After all, he just thought that Endo was on the team thanks to his money. Though Oikawa was surprised and ticked off that his former friend was decent enough. Endo was enjoying the way Oikawa's eyebrows furrowed in frustration over this. So that's when the rivalry between Endo Joji and Oikawa Toru was ignited.

Time passed on for the two after that. It wasn't often, but the two did end up practicing a bit during junior high. They only did it when Endo couldn't see Asahi and Oikawa couldn't hang with Iwaizumi. The two former friends forged a sort of relationship with each other. They may not have been the good friends they used to be but both of them were a bit giddy about doing it. Endo enjoyed it because this felt like a genuine relationship with someone, one that wasn't forced or unfulfilling. Oikawa used it as a way to gauge what kind of brat Endo had become after their time away. Though… he also used it as a way to… redeem his past actions in elementary school. Looking back he knew it was a bit stupid for him to just unfriend Endo because of little rumors. Though he was too prideful to admit that he was wrong or had to apologize to someone. Sure, he was still butthurt about Endo being a spoiled brat, and Endo sure did like to act snotty to him from time to time, but he still somewhat liked playing with him again. Either way, things had changed for the better at this point. Soon enough, they'll have high school to look forward to.

---

Endo gazed at Oikawa from the other end of the court. No matter what, Endo will always be impressed with him. He's talented, not like Kageyama or any other prodigy, but his determination to be the best he can be is admirable. Endo has seen how hard Oikawa works to get to this point, and how much stress he could put himself through. Even in junior high, Oikawa was stressing himself about playing volleyball, especially against Shiratorizawa. 

He bit his lip as his electric blue eyes turn to stare at the floor. Endo doesn't want Oikawa to be upset if he were to lose but at the same time, he most certainly doesn't want to see his friends heartbroken if they lost. So he would prioritize his actual teammates' feelings over Oikawa. While he and Oikawa have somewhat patched up their relationship, they are by no means good friends. His teammates were actual friends to him. They matter more.

From this point forward it seemed like it was a battle between setters for this match. Oikawa had set up a challenge for Karasuno, more specifically Kageyama, and the crows' setter had returned that challenge with his own. Up in the stands, Sakura could see the rigid glares that the two were giving each other from across the court. Though just about all of Karasuno was giving Oikawa quite the glares from time to time, Kageyama's was just a bit more personal.

Kageyama then stepped up to start his jump serve. Though he wasn't focusing too much on it since the ball went way out of bounds. All of their opponents chuckled at that as Kageyama glowered at his mistake. Even Sakura chuckled at the way Kageyama definitely lost himself in his feelings and ended up taking that out on his serve. Though let's hope he doesn't do that again, she thought to herself.

However, thanks to that it was now Aoba Johsai's turn to serve. Of course, Oikawa was the one to serve to them. The team all got themselves ready as the Great King jumped to serve the ball. With his pinpoint precision, the ball was heading straight for their team's libero.

"Eh?!" Suga exclaimed, "He was aiming for Nishinoya!" Though their reliable libero easily received the ball, which should of been expected. Nishinoya saved the ball with a smirk. The ball was expertly passed to where their setter was, which was perfect. Kageyama then sent the ball to Shōyō, who spiked it and got Karasuno a point.

In the stands, Shimada smirked as he and Takinoue leaned on the railing, thoroughly invested in the game. "You just saw the guy on the right, didn't you?"

"Yeah." Takinoue said as he thought back on the previous games they saw from the team, "Nekoma's setter tried to trick people using his eyes, didn't he?"

Sakura nodded her head lightly, appreciating how Kageyama deceived his opponent. It seemed like after each game he played he was picking up subtle tactics from his opponents to use in later games. That's interesting and impressive, she has to admit. At least impressive for someone she thought was quite the idiot.

The next point was then played with Tanaka serving which was received easily by Aoba Johsai. Oikawa set the ball for Kindaichi, AKA Onion-head, who got them a point. Though it seemed like Kindaichi had jumped over Shōyō's block completely. Sakura blinked, "looks like someone can jump higher now, huh?" She didn't like that all that much. She suspected that Aoba Johsai would have improved quite a bit, much like Karasuno. Though she still didn't have to enjoy this.

"Go, go Yutaro!" The Seijoh crowd cheered, "Push it, push it, Yutaro! One more!"

The next few points were played out. All the while, Oikawa's sharp eyes and ears were paying close attention to the troublesome duo. Even Sakura could tell from her spot in the stands that he was hyper-focused on them. She narrowed her eyes once she saw that it was Oikawa who motioned to his coach for a time-out. That wasn't a good thing in her eyes. If he figured out how Kageyama and Shōyō are able to signal each other for their quick freak, there's no telling how that will affect their game. Aoba Johsai may just have the upper hand now if that's the case.

On the court, Karasuno all gathered around each other. They took a small break as a few of the boys talked with Ukai about strategy for the game. Endo was handing Asahi a water bottle as he smiled widely, "you're doing amazing, Asahi!"

The ace chuckled in embarrassment, "thanks, Joji." Endo smirked at the adorable expression on his best friend's face but brushed off the fluttering in his chest. They had the game to focus on, not his stupid feelings. He can think about those after they win this game. Asahi took a long swig of his water before asking, "Why do you think they called a timeout?"

Endo glanced over at the heated talk that their opponents were having in their huddle. "I have a feeling it has to do with the quick freak." He shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe they figured out the signals."

"Oh no!"

"We shouldn't be surprised." Endo clicked his tongue, "Oikawa's sharp, he's probably the one who noticed it."

A few feet away, Suga approached his kohai. "Could it be that they've already figured it out?" He worried as they all glanced over at Aoba Johsai.

Kageyama bristled, "Damn it, that was fast." The last thing they needed was for Aoba Johsai to get their 

"Hey!" Nishinoya exclaimed as he and Tanaka came up to their setter, "What's with the serious face? That's not like you."

Tanaka smirked, "Nah, Noya-san. That's actually how he always looks. He has that face when he's trying to decide between milk or yogurt drink." 

"That– He–" Kageyama stuttered, "That has nothing to do with anything!"

Tanaka ignored the floundering boy and just looked down at their libero, "But Noya-san, I'm amazed that you were able to return that serve."

"I received that serve once when I was in junior high." Nishinoya explained, "It was always an amazing serve, if he could actually get it in, but he missed it a lot, and it didn't have as much control. I'm sure he practiced a lot. Just because they have one guy who can serve really well and their setter is an all-around player, I don't think those are the only reasons they've stayed in the top four for so long." He then gazed over to their resident drama queen who was hyping up his best friend a few feet away. "It also helped that Endo gave me a few things to look out for. He really knows how Oikawa ticks!" That wasn't especially surprising to the group. They're aware that Endo has a past with Oikawa, they may not know the extent of it, but it was something. Nishinoya's expression then became serious, "If we let our guard down, they'll take this game. Let's give it our all!"

The three boys in front of him nodded, "Right!"

They all then got back onto the court to continue the game. Kindaichi was the one up to serve, which proved to be a bit of an issue. While Kindaichi wasn't that intimidating when it came to his serves, he was getting his team a few points thanks to where he was serving. Every time Asahi tried to recieve the ball, he wasn't completely ready for it thanks to Kageyama running in front of him.

One of the girls pouted, "That wasn't like Oikawa-kun's serve, so why can't they get it?"

"Ahem." Takinoue coughed, earning the girls' attention. "Well, that's because… When the setter is in the back line, he can't move in the front of the players on the front line until after the serve is hit. So when they serve the ball, they have to rush toward the net at the same time." He explained, "If they happen to serve right where this mixing of people occurs, they tend to receive late and it's easy to miss. But as soon as they know where it's going…" As he was talking, Asahi was able to receive the ball properly, "… it's not an impossible serve to get."

The black-haired girl blinked, "So they're thinking about a lot of things while playing…"

The two girls then bowed to him, "Thank you, old guy."

"'Old'." Takinoue froze, "Sure." He didn't come here just to be called an old man, you know. He's not even that old!

Shimada chuckled lightly as Sakura raised an eyebrow, "don't be surprised, they're right you know."

Takinoue bristled at her, "You-!" That caused Shimada to snicker even more at his friend's plight. 

Though that stopped when Sakura turned her half-lidded gaze to him and said, "you're the same age as him, so don't feel high and mighty, Jiji-san." That left the two men to deflated lightly at the younger girl's words. 

A few more points were played with Oikawa having ended up on the front lines. At one point, Kageyama attempted to get a point by setter dump, though that wasn't going to work with the Great King there. However, Karasuno wasn't going to let Aoba Johsai just gain points laying down. They were going to keep on fighting, even if the score was 9-5 at the moment, of course, with Aoba Johsai leading. Though it became apparent that of the biggest worrying things was that Seijoh now knew the signals to the quick freak.

In the stands, Sakura sighed heavily as she put her camera down. Shoyo had tried to get a point, however, Aoba Johsai was there to block it. While he still got the point, it was obvious things weren't going to be that easy anymore. Sure it was only the first set, but only after a little over a dozen points being played, it didn't leave a good taste in her mouth. Since they had been able to figure it out now, any sort of optimism that Sakura tried to have for this game was completely squashed. No matter how much her brother may have tried to convince her to have a more positive outlook on this game, the realist in her was winning out. Though her keen eyes were assessing everything that was happening on the court. From how Kageyama's soft serve lead to Tanaka being blocked by Seijoh. To when Oikawa stepped up to serve and seemed to be targeting Tanaka. 

No matter what the second-year attempted to do, the point usually ended up going to Aoba Johsai thanks to that monster serve. Just about everyone could see how Tanaka was steadily growing frustrated after a while. Anyone would be frustrated if that were happening. If this continued, the team would start to break down, Sakura was sure of it. She could guarantee that Oikawa was thinking the same thing. Oikawa doesn't have the genius reflexes that Kageyama has, and it shows. However, he makes up with his experience and determination. The way that he could ready not only his own team but his opponents as well and adapt to just about every situation on the court was a skill every player wishes they had. She could almost admire him for it… If he wasn't such a prick.

Eventually, Karasuno called a time-out. Mostly to regroup and to slow down Seijoh's momentum. It was much needed now that the score was leaning muh further in Aoba Johsai's favor. Karasuno needed to slow them down if they ever wanted to get close to winning this set. Or else Aoba Johsai was going to bulldoze them and be the easy victors.

"Just lift it up!" Ukai exclaimed and focused on their bald wing-spiker, "Even if it doesn't go to the setter, as long as we can get the ball up, we can recover somehow!"

Tanaka nodded, "Right."

"By the way, Kageyama-kun…" Ukai started as he turned to the setter, "What was with that dump earlier?"

Kageyama jumped slightly, "I'm sorry! I panicked!"

"If you realize that, it's fine." Ukai said with a small sigh, "It's not that dumps are wrong. It's also in our favor if we have the enemy verify that we have a lot of ways to attack. However, if they read that we're doing a dump, then it's likely that they'll stop it. Think carefully about when you're going to use it."

"Yes!"

"Also, don't forget who we're fighting against. It's not Oikawa, but Aoba Johsai. Also, it's not just you that's fighting, it's Karasuno."

Kageyama's eyes hardened slightly, "Right."

Endo then popped in, "Ne, ne, you guys should try harder, I really wanna see Oikawa get even more frustrated, okay?" He pleasantly smiled with his hands pressed together in prayer. Though they just glared at him since they were trying their damned hardest in this game. Not only that but they weren't going to do what he wanted just so he could see what he felt like seeing. Though they all would like to see Oikawa's pretty face twist into an even more upset and frustrated expression. That was one thing they all wanted.

The time-out ended and as the game continued it seemed like Oikawa was going to continue to pick on Tanaka. Even if Tanaka was able to save the serve, it was still blocked by Aoba Johsai and they'd just get the point. Even after a short time-out, Aoba Johsai's momentum hadn't stopped in the slightest. Which prompted Takeda to call for yet another time-out. Perhaps this time it could slow Aoba Johsai down and stop them from dominating Karasuno.

Meanwhile, with the Karasuno fans, the alumni continued to converse with each other. "So they've already used both of their timeouts…" Takinoue groaned, "Right now, the top priority is to stop their momentum."

Shimada held his head in frustration, "In volleyball, where making the connection is everything, when you miss receiving this serves repeatedly, the guilt and loneliness you feel is like no other. And then the final blow that followed… Is baldy going to be okay?" They watched the second year as he followed the rest of his team to the sidelines. His head was down as it was obvious he was contemplating his playing so far.

Sakura shook her head while snapping a photo of the team all huddling up together, "He may be an idiot, but he's resilient." She shrugged her thin shoulders, "He might get upset about this for a moment, but he'll bounce back just as quick." Thanks to being around them so much, Sakura has a clear grasp of each of the boys and their personalities and mentalities. She was certain that she could read them all just with a single look and know what they were thinking. Really there were only two exceptions to that. Those two being Endo and Tsukishima, not surprising.

Tanaka, while he can be loud and obnoxious at times, she knows he's strong and adaptable. Granted he can be fueled by his emotions at times and get fired up just because someone may have said something to him, but he can keep his eye on the goal, most of the time. The goal right now being to stop Aoba Johsai.

Just as the boys were gathering around to talk with each other, Tanaka suddenly slapped himself on the side of his face. Effectively leaving red marks in the shapes of hands on his cheeks. "I'm sorry!" Tanaka screamed as he bowed at the waist deeply. Obviously, he was apologizing for his last few mistakes.

"Ryu! There are some things that can't be helped!" Nishinoya exclaimed, "That toss was hard, and there was a three-person block. I should have followed up-"

Tanka shook his head, "I didn't call the toss just now. I got scared for a second, damn it! I'll have all of my regrets after the match! There's no point in someone worthless like me bringing everyone down because I'm upset about my own mistake! I'll get it next time!" His loud exclamations caused the rest of his team to stare at him in admiration. His fiery passion for this game was completely inspiring!

Ukai laughed lightly, "The fact that you're saying that shows just how worthy you are."

"Oh, right." Tanaka scratched the back of his head as a little bit of embarrassment washed over him.

"If you try to receive by just using your arms, it'll just deflect, so move your legs too."

After Tanaka's passion-filled shouts, Nishinoya looked up to his right to stare at Asahi, "You should be just like Ryu, Asahi-san."

"If I could, I would!" The ace jumped.

Endo laughed from the libero's other side, "he's right, you should at least try!" Asahi just deflated at that declaration.

In the stands, Sakura narrowed her eyes as she spied Oikawa sitting on his team bench. "They have to stop Oikawa's serve. If this keeps going, Oikawa might just single-handedly pull his team to win this set."

Shimada looked down at her with a worried gaze, "Could he really do that?"

"I wouldn't be surprised." She muttered, a little bit of an unsettled tone in her voice. 

The last Karasuno timeout ended and everyone hurried back on the court. Those in the stands and on the sidelines watched with bated breath as Oikawa served yet again. It was so powerful that Tanaka could do nothing but receive it with his chest, nearly getting hit in the face. While it seemed like it was going to just end there, Shōyō came diving out of nowhere and saved the ball before it could hit the court. Then Kageyama was there to send it back over the net. While it gave Aoba Johsai a free ball, it still kept Karasuno alive.

Oikawa was the one to receive it and their libero set it for a spike. However, Nishinoya saved it, keeping Karasuno alive for a moment longer. Then out of what seemed to be a raw passion, Tanaka called for the ball, spiked it, and won Karasuno a point. Aoba Johsai's momentum was paused.

Everyone cheered for the wing spiker and his achievement. Takinoue leaned over the railing with a large smile, "Karasuno's baldy just managed… to stop Oikawa's momentum."

"Things are looking good," Sakura commented while snapping a photo of Tanaka screaming in triumph. She could help the way that she smiled lightly at this, 

The game continued on with Karasuno getting a few more points and the score having a bit more promise for Karasuno's favor. Sure, they weren't in the lead or even close to it, but they weren't just taking a loss lying down. It was nerve-wracking for just about everyone involved to watch it happen. While Aoba Johsai was favored to win and was expected to, it was surprising to those who don't know Karasuno to see them keep up even a little bit. Karasuno was faring well against their opponent. Though Sakura still knew that they didn't have that edge that they desperately needed. However, there was something that some people started to notice.

"Hey." Takinoue hummed, "Are Karasuno's attacks getting faster?"

That's not good, Sakura thought to herself. Being fast on the court is important. However, even she knows that if a player, especially a setter, sped up their plays they could lose themselves in the game. Kageyama, thanks to his past as the King of the Court, would certainly end up just being a hindrance to the team if it got to out of hand. Sakura had a feeling that things were just going to end up bad from here on out. Not only that, but she knows for a fact that not everyone trusted Kageyama as a setter. If he started to speed up even more going forward, no one would end up trusting his sets during this game. As much as she may not like him all that much, he was an asset the team needed. If he lost his head now, there's no telling where the team might end up.

During one of the points, the ball ended up a bit farther than normal and Kageyama could set it. So Kageyama and Oikawa ended up having to joust the ball with each other. Though it only ended with Kageyama on the floor while Oikawa stared down at him smugly. That just added fuel to Kageyama's emotions. His plays started to speed up even more as he started to lose himself further. Even the sets that he was making were completely missing their mark. So it didn't come as a surprise to see that Ukai decided to sub Suga in for Kageyama.