Fourth Set: Inarazaki Strikes Back
The fourth set started with both teams fiercely determined to take control. Nekoma was ahead 2-1 in sets, and Inarazaki knew they couldn't afford to lose this one. The crowd roared as the players took their positions, with supporters from both sides cheering at the top of their lungs.
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Opening Exchange: Suna's Diagonal Spike
Inarazaki had made adjustments. Atsumu started utilizing Suna more frequently, taking advantage of his unique spiking angles.
With the score tied at 5-5, Atsumu sent a quick set to Suna, who hit a sharp diagonal spike. The ball sliced past Kuroo and Inouka's outstretched hands, landing just inside the court.
"Point, Inarazaki!"
Kuroo frowned, glancing at Inouka. "We need to adjust our block timing. Suna's aiming for those tight angles."
Inouka nodded. "Got it. Let's shut him down."
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Kuroo's Response
Kuroo, ever the strategist, responded with a clever serve targeting Aran's weak side. The ball curved unpredictably, forcing Aran into an awkward receive.
Kenma took advantage of the shaky play, setting up Wakasa for a devastating cross-court spike.
"Point, Nekoma!"
Wakasa smirked, pointing at Kuroo. "Nice serve, Captain."
"Don't let up," Kuroo replied, his eyes sharp with focus.
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Suna's Tactical Play
Suna continued to be a menace, scoring crucial points for Inarazaki. His ability to manipulate his spikes with precise angles and timing kept Nekoma's defense on edge.
At 12-10 in Inarazaki's favor, Atsumu sent a deceptive back set to Suna, who tipped the ball lightly over Kuroo's block.
Yaku dove for the save but just missed.
"Point, Inarazaki!"
"Keep it up, Suna!" Atsumu encouraged, clapping his hands.
Suna gave a small smile. "Let's see how long they can keep up."
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Nekoma Rallies Back
Nekoma wasn't giving up. Kuroo stepped up to the service line, his sharp eyes scanning Inarazaki's formation.
His jump serve was deadly, curving just enough to land in front of Suna, who struggled to control it. Nekoma capitalized on the poor receive, with Inouka blocking Aran's spike for a point.
"Nice block, Inouka!" Kenma called, adjusting his position.
The score was now 18-17, with Nekoma trailing by only one point.
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Aran's Raw Power
Aran, however, proved why he was one of Inarazaki's key players. Atsumu delivered a high ball to the left wing, and Aran powered through Kuroo and Inouka's double block, the ball ricocheting off their hands and out of bounds.
"Point, Inarazaki!"
Kuroo gritted his teeth. "His power's no joke."
Kenma adjusted his hair. "We need to wear them out. Keep forcing longer rallies."
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Climactic Moments
The set reached a nail-biting 23-23. Both teams were locked in an intense rally, neither willing to give an inch.
Wakasa smashed a powerful spike, only for Suna to make a miraculous one-touch save. Atsumu set the ball to Aran, who aimed for the back corner. Yaku dove, barely keeping the ball in play.
Kenma sent a quick set to Inouka, but his spike was blocked by Kita, giving Inarazaki the lead.
"Set point, Inarazaki!"
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Inarazaki Takes the Set
On the final rally, Atsumu's serve clipped the net and fell into Nekoma's court. Despite Yaku's desperate dive, the ball hit the ground.
"Set won by Inarazaki, 25-23!"
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Aftermath
The Inarazaki players huddled together, their faces a mix of relief and determination.
"We've evened it up," Atsumu said, smirking. "Now, let's finish it in the fifth."
On the other side, Kuroo rallied his team.
"Shake it off, everyone. We're still in this," he said firmly. "One more set to decide it all."
Wakasa nodded, his eyes gleaming with resolve. "Let's make sure they don't get another chance."
The stage was set for an epic final set, with both teams ready to give everything they had.