The Entrance: Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium

The Entrance: Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium

The Nekoma High volleyball team stepped out of their bus and into the grand Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, where the National High School Volleyball Championship was being held. The sheer size of the arena, bustling with spectators and players, left some of the first-years in awe.

"Wow…" Lev said, his eyes wide as he looked at the towering ceiling and rows of seats packed with fans.

"Focus, Lev," Yaku scolded, his tone sharp but laced with excitement. "We've got a game to win."

Wakasa adjusted his jacket, his eyes scanning the venue. The roar of the crowd and the buzz of anticipation fueled his resolve. He could feel the eyes of other teams on them, assessing the competition.

"First match. Let's set the tone," Kuroo said, his voice calm but commanding.

Kenma, standing beside him, nodded. "We'll show them why we're Tokyo's top representatives."

The First Match: Nekoma vs. Hoshigaya High

The gym buzzed with energy as Nekoma took the court for their first match against Hoshigaya High. The opponents were solid, known for their quick attacks and disciplined defense, but they were no match for Nekoma's cohesion and Wakasa's dominance.

Commentary

The commentators set the stage for the match as the whistle blew.

"Here we have Nekoma High, one of Tokyo's three representatives, facing Hoshigaya High in their first match of the Nationals. All eyes are on their ace, Wakasa Kiyoshi, who has been making waves with his incredible skill set."

"And let's not forget their setter, Kenma Kozume, a strategic genius who knows how to maximize his team's strengths."

The Game Begins

Nekoma served first, and from the outset, it was clear they were in control. Kenma's precise sets found Wakasa at the perfect angles, and the ace didn't disappoint.

Boom!

Wakasa's spike cut through Hoshigaya's blockers like a knife, slamming into the court with a thunderous echo.

"Point, Nekoma!" the referee called.

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Wakasa's name began to circulate among the spectators.

Wakasa's Dominance

Hoshigaya's attempts to counter were futile. Wakasa's spikes were too powerful, his serves too unpredictable. He alternated between a devastating jump serve, modeled after Ushijima Wakatoshi, and a deadly float serve, perfected after Miya Atsumu.

"Is that… Ushijima's jump serve?" a spectator whispered.

"And Atsumu's float serve! This guy is unreal!"

Even among the crowd, prominent teams like Inarizaki, Shiratorizawa, and Kamomedai had taken notice.

"That kid," Miya Osamu said, leaning forward from his seat with interest. "He's using your serve, 'Tsumu."

Miya Atsumu smirked. "Looks like someone's been studying me. Not bad."

From another section, Shiratorizawa's head coach watched intently, his arms crossed. "He has power and versatility. That's a dangerous combination."

Kamomedai's ace, Hoshiumi Kourai, squinted at Wakasa. "He's got hops, too. Reminds me of someone…"

Nekoma's Defense Shines

While Wakasa racked up points, Nekoma's defensive core made sure Hoshigaya couldn't gain any traction. Kuroo and Inouka formed an impenetrable wall at the net, shutting down spike after spike.

Thud!

Inouka blocked Hoshigaya's ace, sending the ball straight back into their court.

"Point, Nekoma!"

Kuroo clapped Inouka on the back. "Nice timing!"

Kenma's precise reading of the game kept Hoshigaya constantly on the back foot. He manipulated the pace, setting up deceptive plays that left their blockers scrambling.

Set and Match Point

By the middle of the second set, Nekoma was leading comfortably. Wakasa stepped up to serve, his stance exuding confidence.

He launched a jump serve, and the ball rocketed over the net, clipping the baseline.

"Service ace, Nekoma!"

The scoreboard flashed: 25-15. The first set was already theirs, and now they were closing in on the second.

Wakasa ended the match in style with a devastating cross-court spike, sending the ball just out of reach of Hoshigaya's libero.

"Match over! Nekoma wins!"

Inarizaki's players exchanged glances.

"That Wakasa guy… he's something else," Suna Rintarou said, his voice low.

"Reminds me of Ushiwaka," Miya Atsumu muttered.

Shiratorizawa's ace, Ushijima Wakatoshi, watched silently, his stoic expression giving nothing away. But internally, he acknowledged the young player's potential.

Kamomedai's Hoshiumi crossed his arms. "If we face them, I want a shot at that guy. Let's see how high he can really jump."

Back in Nekoma's Corner

The team gathered in a huddle after their victory, their spirits high.

"Great work, everyone," Kuroo said, his grin wide.

"Wakasa, you were insane out there!" Lev said, practically bouncing with excitement.

Wakasa, usually reserved, allowed himself a small smile. "It's just the first match. We've got a long way to go."

Kenma nodded. "But it's a good start. Let's keep this momentum going."

As they left the court, the crowd's cheers followed them, a testament to their dominance and a warning to the competition: Nekoma was here to win.