Third Set: Nekoma’s Strategy of Mind and Might
Third Set: Nekoma's Strategy of Mind and Might
The arena buzzed with anticipation as the decisive third set began. Nekoma and Itachiyama stood on opposite sides of the net, their players exuding determination and tension. Both teams had pushed each other to their limits, but this was where champions were made.
For Nekoma, the strategy was clear: disrupt Itachiyama's focus and capitalize on their cracks. At the heart of this approach was Inouka So, the Nekoma middle blocker who had been playing a game of his own—a mental game—against Itachiyama's captain and setter, Tsukasa Lizuna.
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Mind Games in Action
From the very first rally, Inouka's psychological warfare was in full swing. Standing at the net, he locked eyes with Lizuna and smirked. "Back to Sakusa again, huh? Or are you thinking of switching it up? Don't hesitate too long, Captain—you might make the wrong choice."
Lizuna stiffened at the comment but quickly shook it off. He set a quick ball to Sakusa, who smashed it past Nekoma's blockers. However, Inouka wasn't fazed. During the next play, as Lizuna prepared to set, Inouka leaned forward slightly, his voice carrying across the court.
"You're hesitating again. That ball looked a little low last time. Sure Sakusa can handle it every time?"
Lizuna hesitated for just a split second—long enough for Kuroo to block Sakusa's spike. The ball ricocheted back onto Itachiyama's side, and Nekoma took the point.
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Coach Nekomata's Trust
During the first timeout, Coach Nekomata gathered his team. He gave a brief, focused rundown of strategies, then turned to Inouka and gave him a subtle nod. Inouka nodded back, his confidence unwavering.
"You know what to do," Nekomata said simply.
Returning to the court, Inouka continued his mind games, this time targeting other players. He whispered comments during rotations, aimed at throwing them off balance.
To one of the middle blockers: "That block timing was a little off. You're letting Wakasa read you like a book."
To Komori, the libero: "You're struggling with Wakasa's serves, aren't you? Don't worry—it happens to everyone."
The subtle barbs worked. Itachiyama's players started to falter, their timing and communication slipping as doubts crept in.
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The Floater Serve That Crushed Spirits
At 10-9, Nekoma narrowly held the lead. Inouka stepped up to serve, his demeanor calm but focused. He tossed the ball lightly and executed a perfect jump floater serve, the ball spinning deceptively as it sailed over the net.
The serve dipped sharply just in front of Komori, who dove for it but misjudged the trajectory. The ball hit the floor before he could make contact.
"Service ace! Inouka's floater serve is tearing through Itachiyama's reception!" the commentator exclaimed.
Inouka's next serve was just as devastating, targeting another gap in Itachiyama's formation. By the time his service run ended, Nekoma had surged ahead 15-10. The Itachiyama players looked visibly shaken, their fighting spirit dampened by Nekoma's unrelenting pressure.
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Wakasa's Finishing Touch
With Itachiyama on the back foot, Wakasa Kiyoshi took full advantage. Kenma fed him perfect sets, and Wakasa unleashed spike after spike, each one more powerful than the last. He targeted every corner of the court, bypassing blocks and forcing Komori into desperate digs.
On one particularly memorable play, Wakasa soared above the net with his boom jump, smashing the ball down the line past Sakusa's attempted block. The impact echoed through the gym, earning thunderous applause from the crowd.
"Wakasa Kiyoshi is unstoppable! He's the driving force behind Nekoma's dominance in this set!"
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Match Point: Nekoma's Victory
At 24-18, Nekoma had match point. The tension in the arena was palpable as Kenma set the ball to Wakasa for the final play. Wakasa leaped high, his eyes scanning the court. He spotted a gap in Itachiyama's defense and executed a sharp cross-court spike.
The ball slammed into the floor, untouched.
"The match is over! Nekoma wins the third set 25-18 and defeats Itachiyama to become the champions!"
The Nekoma players rushed onto the court, celebrating their hard-fought victory. Wakasa stood tall in the center of the chaos, his teammates surrounding him.
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Aftermath: Nekoma's Triumph
Inouka approached Wakasa, grinning. "Not bad, Wakasa. I guess you're more than just muscles."
Wakasa smirked. "And you're more than just a trash-talker."
Kuroo clapped them both on the back. "Great work, both of you. This was a team effort through and through."
As the Nekoma players celebrated, Coach Nekomata watched from the sidelines, a rare smile on his face. His team had proven their strength—not just in skill but in strategy, determination, and teamwork.
For Nekoma, this was more than a victory. It was the start of a new era, led by their first-year ace, Wakasa Kiyoshi, and a team united by their unwavering spirit.