After the second round, the third round began!
Fukurōdani's opponent today was Osawa High School from Iwate Prefecture!
A particularly strong school.
Even so, under the fierce assault from everyone on Fukurōdani's side, Osawa gradually began to falter.
And Bokuto was in exceptional form today, single-handedly scoring nearly half of the team's total points!
All kinds of dazzling techniques appeared one after another, causing Hinata to keep shouting excitedly.
"Bokuto-senpai!!"
"So cool!"
"Whoa! That straight shot! So strong!"
...
Not only Nekoma and Karasuno's spectators, but even the Fukurōdani cheer squad was working overtime with their chants.
"Bokuto! Bokuto!"
...
"Ahaha!"
"How was I today??"
"Pretty strong, right??"
As soon as their match ended, everyone heard Bokuto's unmistakable voice behind them.
"You were amazing!!"
Hinata practically jumped in excitement.
"Bokuto-senpai! That straight shot just now was seriously cool!"
"Hahaha!"
Bokuto gave Hinata a hearty slap on the shoulder, laughing loudly:
"Of course! I knew I was the coolest out there!"
Akaashi looked at the scene with a slightly exasperated expression.
"By the way, do you guys want to check out the vendor stalls outside?"
"There are tons of booths today."
"We might run into players from other teams too."
"Yeah!"
"That's right!"
At that, Bokuto suddenly slapped his forehead.
"I need to buy this year's 'Ace' T-shirt!"
"If you hadn't reminded me, I would've totally forgotten!"
"Okay!"
"I want the same one as Bokuto-senpai!"
"Let's go!"
Kuroo chimed in as he followed:
"This is one of the highlights of the Nationals!"
"These limited-edition shirts are only available here!"
"And the earlier you go, the more options you have."
"Every year, tons of players miss out because they don't go early enough."
"Yeah!"
Yaku turned to Daichi and the others.
"It's still a while before the match against Itachiyama! No need to worry about missing anything."
"Hmm…"
"All right then!"
Following Bokuto and the others, the group exited the venue.
"Huh? Isn't that Bokuto from Fukurōdani? Did he come to buy shirts too?"
"Who's that short guy next to him? Is he a player too?"
"He… might be a libero?"
"Not sure! But he looks familiar!"
...
As soon as they reached the booths, the area buzzed with conversation.
As one of the country's top five aces, Bokuto was constantly in the spotlight.
With that kind of fame, every team at Nationals instinctively paid close attention to him.
If your team landed in the same bracket as Fukurōdani…
Then studying them became a necessity!
Because if you kept advancing, you'd have to face Fukurōdani eventually!
"Huh? With them… is that Karasuno? Is that Karasuno?!"
"Whoa! It really is!!"
"I didn't expect to see them here—especially with Fukurōdani!"
"That's the team with those two powerhouse aces, right?"
"I heard they eliminated Shiratorizawa in the Miyagi Prefecture qualifiers this year!"
"Shiratorizawa?"
"Wait—wasn't that Ushijima's team?"
"Yeah! The quarterfinals of last year's Spring High!"
"Ohhh, now that you mention it, the guy next to Bokuto… that's Karasuno's No. 10!"
"Yeah! I remember him too!"
"His quick attacks are seriously impressive!"
By the way, since Karasuno's here… where's their other ace? Where's number 7?"
"There! Over there!"
A hushed gasp rippled through the crowd.
Sharp-eyed onlookers spotted Akira walking in the middle of the Karasuno group!
"Whoa!"
"I just watched their game!"
"Same! I was honestly scared by his spikes at first!"
"Hey, do you think Karasuno can go all the way this year? Will they make it to the finals?"
Isn't their bracket the same one with Itachiyama, Niiyajima High, and Nagiya High…? That half's a total death zone!"
"Don't forget Inarizaki!"
"With them there, I think Karasuno's chances of reaching the final are pretty slim."
"True, this is their first time at Nationals. They might not have enough experience."
"Maybe by next Spring High, with a good draw, they'll have a shot at the finals."
...
"Ohh, Akira, looks like you're famous now!"
"I just heard a bunch of people saying your name."
"Maybe it's the star effect. I mean, your performance in the last match was insane."
"Kinda like what's happening with Bokuto over there."
"Yeah!"
Hearing this, Bokuto turned his head with a big grin and laughed loudly:
"That's what being an ace gets you!"
"No matter where you go, people are gonna notice!"
While chatting, they arrived at a merchandise stall.
"Can I get that one?"
"The one for the aces!"
"I'll take one too!"
...
"I want this one! 'Rooted Power'—that sounds awesome!"
"Me too!"
Just as everyone was enthusiastically making their purchases, an unfamiliar voice suddenly called out from the side.
"Huh?"
Everyone instinctively turned their heads.
"It's… you!!"
Hinata exclaimed.
"Oh?"
"What a coincidence!"
"Didn't expect to run into you here!"
The person wasn't tall—about the same height as Hinata.
He wore a blue-and-white jersey with the word Kamomedai printed on it. His hair and eyebrows were pale, giving him a sharp, striking presence.
It was Number 5 from Kamomedai—
Korai Hoshiumi!!