Long-Awaited Showdown

Yamarashi's timeout wasn't about changing tactics, it was purely to regroup and regain composure.

After giving up three consecutive points right at the start, the team was clearly rattled.

And at this stage...

Most of their strategies had already lost effectiveness. The only viable plan their coach could still rely on was targeting Nishimori Tomohiko.

Although they couldn't understand how this substitute setter had such strong chemistry with the opposing "ace" it was likely that his synchronization only extended to that one player. So the plan now was simple: if the substitute setter initiated the offense, all focus should be placed on the ace.

With that in mind, the match resumed.

Yamarashi bolstered their defense, and in the next rally, they successfully blocked Akashi Asuka's spike using a well-timed three-man block.

Score: 4–1.

Nishimori had enhanced Akashi Asuka's offensive power, but at the cost of weakening their own backline. So if Sengoku couldn't land an effective block, Yamarashi would likely score with each attack.

5–1.

5–2.

6–2.

6–3.

…

As the match reached its climax, both sides entered a fierce point-for-point battle.

Thanks to their early three-point lead, Sengoku stayed ahead. Before long, they reached match point with the scoreboard showing 24–19.

Nishimori stepped up for the final serve. The ball cleared the net and was received cleanly by Yamarashi's libero, who immediately set up a counterattack. But Jujiro Kazama leapt up and blocked it at the net.

The ball arced high into Sengoku's side of the court, a perfect setup for another attack.

"Block him!"

At this point, Yamarashi's three front-row blockers abandoned all pretense and converged on Akashi Asuka. And as expected, the ball was set to him for the final strike.

Boom!

Facing a triple block, Akashi didn't hesitate. He drove a diagonal spike that soared just over the wall of hands and slammed down within the three-meter line.

The moment the ball hit the floor, the referee's whistle pierced the air.

25–19.

Match over.

Sengoku Junior High advances to the next round of the National Tournament Qualifiers – Round 5.

..

Meanwhile, at another venue…

The match between Kitagawa and Izumitate Junior High had just concluded shortly after Sengoku's victory.

The winner? Kitagawa.

..

"The battle I've been waiting for… it's finally here."

That evening, Akashi Asuka lay on his bed, whispering to himself.

In front of his eyes appeared a screen, one only he could see, displaying his current stats

Host: Akashi Asuka

Strength: 80.2 [Core Strength 80.0 / Arm Strength 80.4]

Speed: 75.9 [Explosive Speed 76.0 / Reaction Time 75.9]

Stamina: 76.7 [Endurance 76.4 / Cardiopulmonary Capacity 77.0]

Vertical Jump: 77.8 [Jump Height 79.5 / Hang Time 76.1]

Basic Skills: 73.3 [Serving 74.3 / Passing 72.1 / Setting 65.8 / Spiking 79.8 / Blocking 76.0 / Defense 72.1]

Advanced Skills:

・Diagonal Spike – 74.6

・Straight Spike – 74.8

・Power Jump Serve – 75.4

…

After an extra training session that afternoon, both his core strength and arm strength had finally surpassed 80.

Reaching a breakthrough right before a major match, it couldn't have come at a better time.

Although it may seem like just numbers, crossing the 80 threshold in core strength, combined with improved arm strength, meant his spiking power had risen to a whole new level.

Right now, his spikes were on par with the peak performance of Asahi Azumane. Even among high school players, he would be considered a frontline heavy hitter.

And among Junior Highers? Just two words summed it up:

Total domination.

On top of that, his power jump serve had finally crossed the 75 mark, largely thanks to the mysterious state he entered during today's match against Yamarashi Tech.

…

The next day.

The Sengoku team arrived early at the venue.

They were fired up, every member had been holding in their fighting spirit for this moment.

The stadium itself was a bit empty, as only two matches were scheduled for the entire day:

・Sengoku Junior High vs. Kitagawa

・Kousen Academy vs. Yurisei Junior High

But despite the open arena, the spectator stands were noticeably fuller than usual.

After all, it was the semifinals. Even if Junior High matches didn't draw as much attention as high school games, some fans and reporters were now starting to take notice.

First up was the showdown between Sengoku and Kitagawa.

As both teams entered from opposite tunnels, the atmosphere turned electric. The match hadn't even started yet, but the tension in the air was unmistakable.

"Let's have a good match."

"Likewise."

Both teams warmed up, bowed respectfully, and then, the match officially began.

Not many in the audience knew the backstory between these two teams. Their last encounter had been during the county sports meet, when they clashed in the round of 16. At the time, neither Sengoku's name nor the match itself had drawn much attention.

But just because others didn't know, didn't mean the teams had forgotten.

Sengoku certainly hadn't.

And as for Kitagawa, they'd done their homework. The more they analyzed Sengoku, the more they realized how dangerous this team had become.

..

First set, opening serve.

Sengoku took the serve.

Against Kitagawa, Coach Shimokawa didn't use the same strategy from the match against Yamarashi Technical.

Kitagawa 's defense was far more solid, so if Akashi served first and failed to score, he'd be stuck in the back row, putting Sengoku at an early disadvantage.

So for the opening serve, Oda Miki was chosen.

Kitagawa 's libero received the ball cleanly. Then, in the blink of an eye, their front-line players, Kindaichi, Kunimi, and the ace in the back, all jumped at once.

A synchronized triple decoy attack.

Sengoku's blockers couldn't help but get distracted. Even Akashi couldn't predict where Tobio Kageyama's set was going.

By the time they reacted, the ball had already landed inside their court.

Tweet!

0–1.

The whistle blew, Kitagawa scored the first point.

"Damn it!"

Oomae Masato clenched his fists in frustration.

Serve rotated.

Kitagawa 's Kunimi served next. The ball landed on Sengoku's side and was picked up by Oda. Their setter quickly sent it to the front, right to Akashi Asuka.

Compared to Kitagawa 's flashy opening, Sengoku's offense was straightforward. It was obvious the ball was going to Akashi, so obvious that the opposing blockers were already in place before he even jumped.

But the next moment, 

Akashi launched himself upward, showing no hesitation as he swung directly into the awaiting blocker, Kindaichi.

Boom!

A thunderous crack split the air, louder than any previous spike. The ball slammed into Kindaichi's arm and shattered through the block like a cannonball…

------------

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