Night Before the Match: Sharpening Skills
Night Before the Match: Sharpening Skills
The hotel room was quiet, except for the faint hum of the television. Wakasa sat on the edge of his bed, his gaze fixed on the screen. A highlight reel of Nationals matches from previous years played, showcasing some of the best players in the country. The names Ushijima Wakatoshi and Miya Atsumu flashed across the screen, their iconic plays replayed in slow motion.
"Ushijima's left-handed serve," Wakasa murmured, watching the ace's signature jump serve slam into the opposing court with devastating force. The camera then shifted to Atsumu, executing his notorious float serve with pinpoint accuracy. The ball wobbled unpredictably, confusing the receiver and earning a service ace.
He leaned forward, his mind absorbing every detail.
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The Copy System: A Hidden Ace Up His Sleeve
Wakasa wasn't like other players. His unique ability to analyze and replicate skills—his copy system—was his greatest weapon. In his hands, he held a notebook filled with observations and details about the techniques he had witnessed throughout the tournament. These notes were his "copy cards," a term he used to refer to the skills he could unlock with intense focus and practice.
He flipped to a page labeled Ushijima Wakatoshi: Power Jump Serve. Below it was another entry: Miya Atsumu: Float Serve with High Precision.
"This will be useful," he thought, gripping the notebook tightly. "If I can master these serves tonight, I'll have another edge tomorrow."
Wakasa stood, his expression determined.
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Late-Night Practice
After dinner, Wakasa headed to the gym located in the hotel basement. It was almost empty, save for a few players from other teams practicing quietly. He carried a bag of volleyballs, his focus unwavering.
He started with Ushijima's serve, practicing the jump, swing, and left-handed spin. Each attempt brought him closer to replicating the raw power and precision of the Shiratorizawa ace.
Thwack!
The ball hit the wall with a resounding echo. Wakasa's lips curled into a small smirk. "Almost there."
Next, he turned his attention to Atsumu's float serve. This technique required finesse, and Wakasa spent an hour perfecting the toss and wrist movement. He watched the ball wobble midair, pleased with the unpredictable trajectory.
"This should give us an edge tomorrow," he muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead.
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Kenma's Observation
Unbeknownst to Wakasa, Kenma had followed him to the gym. He leaned against the wall, watching his ace with mild curiosity.
"You don't sleep either?" Wakasa asked, noticing Kenma's reflection in the mirror.
Kenma shrugged. "I knew you'd be here. You always push yourself before a match."
Wakasa chuckled. "Can't afford to slack off. Tomorrow's game won't be easy."
Kenma nodded. "True. But don't overdo it. You're already strong enough to carry the team."
Wakasa turned, his expression serious. "It's not about carrying the team. It's about making sure we win—together."
Kenma's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Just don't exhaust yourself before tomorrow. We need you at your best."
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Team Strategy Session
Back in the team's conference room, Coach Nekomata gathered the players for a final briefing.
"Our opponents, Hoshigaya High, rely heavily on their quick offense," he began. "Their setter is fast, and their spikers can hit sharp angles. We'll need to disrupt their rhythm."
Kenma raised his hand. "If we target their libero early, their defense will falter."
"Good observation," Nekomata said. "Wakasa, your serves will be crucial. Start with power to rattle their receivers, then switch to float serves to keep them guessing."
Wakasa nodded, already visualizing the plays in his mind.
"Inouka," the coach continued, "you'll need to read their setter and block their key spiker. Use your instincts."
"Got it," Inouka replied confidently.
"Kuroo, you'll anchor the defense with Lev. Communicate and stay sharp."
"Yes, Coach," Kuroo said.
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Final Moments Before Bed
As the team dispersed for the night, Wakasa lingered behind, staring at the empty court displayed on the projector.
"Tomorrow," he whispered to himself, "I'll show them the strength of Nekoma's ace."
His fists clenched, and a calm yet fierce determination filled his chest. He had copied the best, trained relentlessly, and prepared mentally. Now, it was time to deliver.