The Second Day: Another Match, Another Win
The Nekoma High volleyball team entered the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium with an air of confidence. Their next opponent was a lesser-known team from a small prefecture. While the team was determined to give their best, it was clear from the outset that Nekoma was on a different level.
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The Match: Nekoma vs. Takeyama High
As the match began, Nekoma wasted no time asserting their dominance.
Commentary:
"The synergy between Nekoma's setter and ace is phenomenal," the commentator said. "Kenma Kozume's precise sets perfectly complement Wakasa Kiyoshi's power and versatility. And let's not forget their defensive core—Kuroo, Yaku, and Inouka are practically unshakable."
From the first serve, Wakasa set the tone. His devastating jump serves, modeled after Ushijima's, left Takeyama's defenders scrambling.
Boom!
"Service ace, Nekoma!"
Wakasa's spikes continued to rain down relentlessly. Kenma's clever tosses kept Takeyama's blockers guessing, while Lev added an unpredictable edge with his quicks and blocks.
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Defensive Masterclass
Takeyama tried to mount an offense, but Nekoma's defense was a brick wall.
Inouka and Kuroo teamed up to shut down Takeyama's ace, timing their blocks perfectly.
"Another block by Nekoma!"
Yaku, ever the reliable libero, dived to save a powerful spike, passing the ball perfectly to Kenma.
"Great save, Yaku!"
The team's cohesion was evident, and it wasn't long before they closed out the match in straight sets.
Final Score:
25-10, 25-12
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In the Hallway: Wakasa Meets Atsumu
After their match, Wakasa decided to grab a drink from a vending machine in one of the gymnasium hallways. As he sipped, he noticed a familiar figure leaning casually against the wall: Miya Atsumu, Inarizaki's setter.
"Oi, Wakasa, right?" Atsumu called out, smirking.
Wakasa raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. And you're Miya Atsumu."
"Yer famous now, y'know?" Atsumu said, pushing off the wall and walking over. "Everyone's talkin' 'bout ya. That serve of yours… Ushiwaka would be impressed."
Wakasa shrugged. "I just do what's needed to win."
Atsumu grinned, leaning closer. "And ya copied my float serve, didn't ya?"
Wakasa smirked slightly. "It's effective."
"Yer a cheeky one," Atsumu laughed. "I like it. But don't think I'll go easy on ya if we face off."
"Wouldn't expect you to," Wakasa replied, his tone calm but confident.
The two stood in silence for a moment before Atsumu pulled out his phone.
"Let's exchange numbers," Atsumu said. "If ya ever wanna talk strategy—or just need someone to tell ya how great I am—I'm yer guy."
Wakasa chuckled lightly and obliged.
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A Budding Friendship
As they parted ways, Atsumu called out, "Hey, Wakasa!"
Wakasa turned.
"Keep bein' awesome out there. But don't forget—I'm still the best setter around!"
Wakasa gave a small wave. "We'll see about that."
Walking back to his team, Wakasa found himself smirking. Atsumu's energy was infectious, and though they were rivals, he couldn't deny that he respected the setter's skill.
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Back with Nekoma
When Wakasa rejoined his team, Lev immediately noticed his expression.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Lev asked. "Did something funny happen?"
"Nothing," Wakasa replied, taking a seat beside Kenma.
Kuroo leaned over. "You ran into someone, didn't you? Spill it."
Wakasa sighed. "Miya Atsumu."
Lev's eyes widened. "The flashy setter from Inarizaki? What did he say?"
"He was… interesting," Wakasa said, a small smirk tugging at his lips.
Kuroo chuckled. "Looks like you've made a new friend. Just don't let him get in your head."
Kenma, as usual, remained quiet but observed Wakasa's rare show of amusement.
As the team relaxed, the gymnasium buzzed with activity, but Nekoma's focus remained sharp. They were ready for whatever came next.