Second Set: Nekoma vs. Inarazaki
Second Set: Nekoma vs. Inarazaki
The crowd settled back into their seats, the energy in the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium still buzzing from the intense first set. Both teams returned to the court, ready for another round of high-level volleyball. This time, Inarazaki looked sharper, their expressions calm but determined.
"Let's even the score," Kita said firmly, addressing his team in a low, steady tone.
"You got it, captain," Atsumu responded, his smirk sharp.
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Opening Rally: Atsumu's Serve
Atsumu started the second set with his signature jump serve, the ball spinning violently as it sailed over the net.
"Yaku!" Kenma called out, watching the trajectory.
Yaku moved quickly, managing to dig the serve, but the ball wavered, forcing Kenma to chase it down. The quick adjustment threw Nekoma's rhythm off, and Kenma had to send a high ball to Lev.
Lev went for a spike, but Inarazaki's middle blocker, Suna, read his move perfectly.
"Not happening," Suna muttered as he and Kita formed a solid block, sending the ball back to Nekoma's side.
"Cover!" Yaku shouted, diving for the save.
Kenma, ever composed, set the ball to Wakasa. But Atsumu was already in position.
"Nice try, big guy," Atsumu quipped, digging Wakasa's powerful spike.
Atsumu quickly transitioned, setting up Aran for a cross-court spike.
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Aran's Spike
Aran launched himself into the air, his presence commanding.
"Block it!" Kuroo shouted as he and Inouka moved to cover the angle.
But Aran, with his experience and raw power, changed his trajectory mid-air, smashing the ball down the line.
The ball hit the court with a deafening thud.
"Point to Inarazaki!" the referee announced.
The crowd erupted as Inarazaki took the lead, 1-0.
Aran landed with a satisfied smile, high-fiving Atsumu. "Let's keep this up."
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Inarazaki's Momentum
Inarazaki began to dominate the second set, showcasing their dynamic playstyle. Atsumu's pinpoint sets and quick plays kept Nekoma's blockers on their toes.
At one point, Atsumu faked a set to Aran, instead tipping the ball over the net.
"Clever," Kenma muttered, but he couldn't react in time.
"Gotcha!" Atsumu called out as the ball dropped untouched, adding another point to Inarazaki's tally.
The Nekoma supporters began to grow anxious as the score widened to 10-6.
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Nekoma's Counter
Kuroo rallied his team during a timeout. "We're not letting them run away with this. Stick to our defense. Inouka, stay sharp on those blocks."
"Yes, Captain!" Inouka responded with determination.
The timeout helped Nekoma regain their focus. Wakasa started to find gaps in Inarazaki's defense, scoring with powerful spikes.
"Give it to me," Wakasa called, his voice resolute.
Kenma sent a perfect set, and Wakasa unleashed a devastating spike that deflected off Aran's arm and into the stands.
"Point, Nekoma!"
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Atsumu's Magic
Despite Nekoma's resurgence, Atsumu continued to dazzle with his setting. His deceptive plays and perfect connection with Aran kept Inarazaki in the lead.
One rally saw Atsumu perform a no-look back set to Suna, who executed a sharp quick attack.
"That's how you do it!" Atsumu shouted as Suna's spike hit the floor, bringing the score to 18-14 in Inarazaki's favor.
Yaku sighed, wiping sweat from his brow. "They're relentless."
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Tension Rises
As the set neared its conclusion, the score tightened to 23-22. Nekoma refused to back down, with Kuroo and Inouka stepping up their blocking.
In one crucial rally, Inouka managed to solo block Aran, earning Nekoma a crucial point.
"Nice block, Inouka!" Kuroo shouted, clapping his teammate on the back.
"Don't let up!" Kenma urged.
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Set Point: Inarazaki Wins
With the score at 24-23, Inarazaki reached set point. Atsumu, ever the showman, decided to end it with a bang.
He set the ball to Aran, who powered through Nekoma's block with a devastating spike.
The ball hit the court before anyone could react.
"Set, Inarazaki! 25-23!"
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Aftermath
The Inarazaki supporters erupted in cheers as their team evened the match at one set apiece.
Wakasa clenched his fists, a determined look on his face. "We're not letting them take the next one."
Kuroo nodded. "We'll regroup. Third set is ours."
The stage was set for an even more intense battle as both teams prepared for the next set.