Face-to-Face: Wakasa and Sakusa and Fukorodani vs Itachiyama
Face-to-Face: Wakasa and Sakusa
The tournament venue buzzed with energy as the semifinal matches neared their conclusion. The court was filled with the sound of sneakers sliding on polished wood floors, the hum of anticipation in the air. In the hallway leading to the locker rooms, Wakasa Kiyoshi of Nekoma and Sakusa Kiyoomi of Itachiyama High found themselves face-to-face for the first time in the tournament. The two players had heard of each other's reputations, but this was the first time they'd shared the same space.
Wakasa had just finished his post-match warm-down after a hard-fought victory over Nohebi, his mind still buzzing with the energy of the match. As he made his way back to the locker room, he spotted Sakusa a few paces ahead. Sakusa's presence was impossible to ignore—his sharp eyes and the air of calm menace around him made it clear that he was more than just another player.
Wakasa, still buzzing with adrenaline from his triumph in the semifinal, approached him, his expression neutral but his body language exuding quiet confidence. He had grown into a powerhouse in his own right, and he had little fear of this encounter. The two aces locked eyes for a brief moment, sizing each other up.
"You're the first-year ace, huh?" Sakusa's voice was low, calm, but with an undeniable edge. "You've been getting a lot of attention lately. Not bad for a first-year, but don't get too cocky. There's always someone better."
Wakasa smirked slightly, unfazed by Sakusa's words. His eyes never wavered as he met Sakusa's gaze. "Better? Maybe. But if you think I'll back down just because you've been around longer, you're wrong. I've seen what you can do. Let's see if you can handle my next level when we face off."
Sakusa's lips curled into a cold smile, his confidence unwavering. "We'll see," he replied with a flick of his hand, as if brushing off the challenge. "But don't get too comfortable. Itachiyama isn't a team that crumbles under pressure."
Wakasa's posture remained relaxed, but his eyes sparked with something more than mere rivalry—anticipation. "I'm not worried. Let's just see who's left standing after this tournament."
For a brief second, there was silence between them, the tension thick as both players readied themselves for what was to come. Neither spoke another word, but the respect was there, unspoken.
Before either could say anything more, they were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching from behind. It was their respective teammates, and the moment was broken.
"Don't take it too seriously, Wakasa," Kuroo's voice chimed from behind him, pulling him back into the present. "You know, Itachiyama's gonna be a real pain. Especially with Sakusa leading the charge."
Wakasa gave a small nod, not letting the conversation affect him. "I'm ready. We'll handle it when the time comes."
Sakusa, too, turned away without another word, his teammate Lizuna by his side.
With that, the two aces parted ways, each aware that the true test was yet to come.
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Semifinal 2: Itachiyama vs. Fukorodani
As the tension from the previous match settled, the eyes of the crowd turned to the other semifinal. The stakes couldn't be higher—Itachiyama vs. Fukorodani. It was the battle of two titanic forces, each with their own set of aces.
Itachiyama's Powerhouse: Sakusa and Lizuna
Itachiyama was a team of overwhelming power, led by their ace, Sakusa Kiyoomi. Known for his unmatched spiking ability, his ability to read plays and react quickly had made him one of the top players in the nation. But alongside him stood Lizuna, Itachiyama's setter and captain, whose calm demeanor and precise sets made him one of the most reliable facilitators in the tournament.
Sakusa and Lizuna had formed a near-perfect partnership. Lizuna's quick thinking and adaptability complemented Sakusa's precise timing and attacking prowess. Together, they had led Itachiyama to the top of their league, and now they stood on the verge of the finals.
Fukorodani's Strength: Bokuto and Akashi
Across the court, Fukorodani was equally formidable. Bokuto Koutarou, Fukorodani's wild and explosive ace, was a force of nature. His spikes were thunderous, capable of overwhelming even the most stalwart defenses. Paired with Akashi Shiro, Fukorodani's setter, the two formed an unpredictable and powerful combination. Akashi's ability to read the court and anticipate Bokuto's movements gave them a unique edge, while Bokuto's unstoppable spiking and intense drive could dismantle any defense in its path.
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The Match Begins
The whistle blew, and the tension was palpable. From the very first serve, it was clear this was going to be a clash of titans.
Sakusa stood tall at the net, his eyes focused as he positioned himself to spike. He wasn't a player who relied solely on physical strength—his instincts, combined with his impeccable reading of the game, made him one of the most formidable opposite hitter in the tournament.
Bokuto, on the other hand, was a whirlwind. His energy filled the court, and his spikes came fast and ferocious, leaving Itachiyama's defense scrambling to keep up. But Sakusa was always one step ahead. Every time Bokuto spiked, itachiyama blocker was there to meet it, blocking the ball with a precision that left no room for error.
At the net, Lizuna's sets were flawless, guiding Itachiyama's attackers into positions where they could strike with deadly force. But Akashi, with his sharp intuition, anticipated every play, redirecting the ball with ease and keeping Fukorodani's offense moving.
The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the match unfolded. Despite Bokuto's incredible attacks, Itachiyama's defense proved too strong. Sakusa's spike and Lizuna's strategic sets kept Fukorodani's offense at bay, while Bokuto's aggression and Akashi's brilliance pushed Itachiyama to their limits.
As the first set came to an end, Itachiyama took the lead 25-22, but Fukorodani wasn't about to back down.
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The Intensity Builds
The second set began with even more intensity. Bokuto seemed to be firing on all cylinders, launching powerful spikes that shook the court. Yet, every time he thought he had an opening, Sakusa was there to meet him, the ball bouncing off his hands and soaring back over the net.
On the opposite side, Lizuna's calm demeanor and quick decisions ensured that Sakusa had the best possible chances to attack. His sets were pinpoint accurate, leaving nothing to chance.
Fukorodani, for all their talent, struggled to break through the wall that was Itachiyama's defense. But Akashi, ever the mastermind, wasn't willing to give up. He called for quick plays, redirecting the ball just as Itachiyama's blockers prepared to position themselves. It was a battle of wits as much as it was a battle of power.
As the set progressed, it became clear: this match wasn't going to be decided by a single spike or block—it was going to come down to who could outlast the other in the face of unrelenting pressure. The back-and-forth continued, but Itachiyama's edge in blocking and their strategic gameplay with Sakusa and Lizuna proved just enough.
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Set Point: Sakusa's Final Spike
As the second set neared its end, the score stood at 24-23 in favor of Itachiyama. Itachiyama had one last chance, and the ball was set for Sakusa. He surged forward, preparing for a final, earth-shaking spike. The entire gym held its breath as the ball left his hands.
But there, standing tall at the net, was Fukorodani middle blocker, his eyes cold and focused. His hands shot up in perfect timing, and with a resounding thud, he tried to blocked Sakusa's attack but he hit cleanly.
Point. Itachiyama wins. The whistle blew, and Itachiyama had taken the second set 25-23, securing their victory in a thrilling semifinal.
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Aftermath: Respect Between Rivals
As the teams left the court, both Itachiyama and Fukorodani players exchanged nods of respect. Bokuto slapped Akashi's back, a grin on his face despite the loss. "Damn, Sakusa… you've really got it all."
Akashi, though disappointed, smiled with a hint of admiration. "Itachiyama is strong. You'll have to face them in the finals, Wakasa. Be ready."
Back in the hallway, as the teams exited their respective courts, Wakasa walked past Sakusa again. Their eyes met once more, and this time, there was no need for words. The challenge had been laid down, and the rivalry between the two aces had only just begun.
The finals awaited, and the true battle for supremacy would be fought soon enough.