A Sudden Halt

A Sudden Halt

As Nekoma made their way out of the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the team chatted casually about their match and plans for dinner at the hotel. But Wakasa suddenly stopped in his tracks, his attention pulled toward a match still ongoing on one of the side courts.

Kenma, walking just behind him, paused as well. "What is it?" he asked, his voice soft.

Wakasa didn't respond immediately. His sharp eyes were locked onto the court, where a player from the team Inubushi Higashi was commanding the net.

It's the team that shown, in manga the team that defeated a number 1 seed team itachiyama institute on spring national.

---

The Player Who Caught His Eye

The towering middle blocker from Inubushi Higashi, a first-year like Wakasa, was impossible to ignore. At 190 cm tall, his presence alone was intimidating, but it was his sharp instincts and explosive movements that truly stood out.

Jump. Block. Land.

With impeccable timing, the player stuffed an opposing spiker's attempt, the ball slamming back onto their side of the court. His expression remained calm, focused, almost cold, as if it was just another day at the office.

Wakasa narrowed his eyes, taking in every detail—the way the player read the setter's movements, his positioning, and how his height was complemented by his surprising agility.

Kenma followed his gaze but said nothing, merely observing the subtle furrow of Wakasa's brow.

---

A Quick Exchange

"Wakasa, come on!" Lev's voice broke through the moment as he turned around, waving impatiently.

Wakasa blinked, breaking his focus, but gave the court one last look before turning away.

"Let's go," he said simply, walking past Kenma and rejoining the group.

Kenma gave a small glance back at the court, then followed.

---

Lingering Thoughts

As Nekoma headed out of the stadium, the image of the player from Inubushi Higashi lingered in Wakasa's mind. He didn't say a word to his teammates about what he'd seen, but his sharp instincts told him that player was someone he'd cross paths with soon enough.

The quiet determination in his eyes didn't go unnoticed by Kenma, who gave him a sidelong glance but decided not to press the matter.

For now, Wakasa kept his thoughts to himself, filing the encounter away as yet another challenge he'd need to prepare for.