The First Set: Nekoma vs. Inarazaki
The First Set: Nekoma vs. Inarazaki
The tension in the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was palpable as the final match began. The crowd was a sea of red and black, split evenly between supporters of Nekoma and Inarazaki. Every cheer, every clap, and every chant echoed through the massive arena, creating an electric atmosphere.
Opening Rally
Inarazaki took the first serve, with Atsumu Miya stepping up to the line. His confident smirk was unmistakable as he tossed the ball into the air. The jump serve came fast, powerful, and precisely aimed at Nekoma's libero, Yaku.
"Mine!" Yaku called, crouching low and absorbing the serve with a flawless receive that sent the ball straight to Kenma.
Kenma, with his usual composed expression, analyzed Inarazaki's defensive formation in a split second. Without hesitation, he sent a quick set to Wakasa.
"Give it here!" Wakasa shouted, his silver hair catching the gym lights as he soared into the air. His spike was devastating, cutting through Inarazaki's blockers like a blade. The ball slammed into the court, scoring Nekoma's first point.
"That's the way!" Kuroo cheered, clapping Wakasa on the back.
"Can't block that, huh?" Wakasa taunted lightly, smirking at Suna and Aran on the other side.
Suna shrugged. "It's early. Don't get cocky, rookie."
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Atsumu's Comeback
The next rally saw Atsumu determined to make up for the lost point. This time, he sent a floating serve that forced Yaku to dive.
"Got it!" Yaku yelled, saving the ball with a one-handed dig.
Kenma moved quickly, setting a high ball for Kuroo. "Kuroo, your turn."
Kuroo spiked fiercely, but Kita's sharp instincts kicked in, and he managed to dig the ball. Atsumu set up Aran for a powerful cross-court spike, but Lev was ready.
"Not today!" Lev roared, jumping high and executing a solid block that sent the ball back into Inarazaki's court.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Lev celebrated, his loud voice booming across the gym.
"Don't let it get to your head," Yaku scolded, smacking Lev on the back of the head lightly.
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Wakasa vs. Aran
Midway through the set, the score was tied at 13-13. Both teams were putting on an impressive display of skill, but the crowd's attention often shifted to the duel between Wakasa and Aran.
In one particularly intense rally, Wakasa faced a triple block set by Aran, Suna, and Kita.
"Think you can get past us?" Aran challenged, his eyes sharp.
Wakasa grinned, his confidence unwavering. "Watch me."
Kenma, reading Wakasa's intent, set the ball high. Wakasa launched himself into the air, his height and incredible vertical leap giving him a clear view of the court. Instead of spiking with brute force, he executed a sharp cut shot that landed just inside the line.
The Nekoma supporters erupted in cheers as Wakasa scored another point.
"You're insane," Kuroo muttered, shaking his head with a grin.
"Just doing my job," Wakasa replied nonchalantly.
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Kenma's Genius Play
As the set progressed, Kenma began to exploit Inarazaki's weaknesses with his calculated plays. In one rally, Atsumu set up Aran for a spike, but Kuroo and Inouka's synchronized block sent the ball back.
Kenma immediately seized the opportunity, faking a set to Wakasa before tipping the ball over the net.
"What the—" Atsumu exclaimed, unable to react in time as the ball dropped untouched.
"That's our Kenma!" Yaku cheered, patting the setter on the back.
Kenma, his face flushed, muttered, "It's nothing."
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Set Point
With the score at 24-23, Nekoma had the chance to seal the first set. The rally was intense, with both teams refusing to back down. Atsumu set up Aran for a spike, but Yaku made a miraculous save.
Kenma quickly set the ball to Wakasa, who shouted, "Give it to me!"
Wakasa soared above the net, facing a double block from Suna and Kita. With a powerful swing, he smashed the ball through their hands, the impact sending it straight to the floor.
The referee's whistle blew, signaling the end of the set. Nekoma had won 25-23.
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Aftermath
The Nekoma supporters erupted in cheers as their team huddled together, celebrating their hard-fought victory in the first set.
Kuroo clapped Wakasa on the back. "You're a monster out there."
"You're not too bad yourself," Wakasa replied with a grin.
On the other side, Atsumu smirked despite the loss. "Looks like we've got a real fight on our hands."
"Let's bring it in the second set," Kita said calmly, rallying his team.
The stage was set for an even more intense battle in the second set.