Speaking of this, Akiteru Tsukishima also frowned.
"The twins on their team are really strong!"
"Well, that's to be expected!"
Udai Tenma said with a solemn expression:
"Inarizaki has always been a strong school in Hyogo Prefecture!"
"It's just that during our time, they had a bit of a slump!"
"Looking at their current momentum, though, they must've risen back up a long time ago!"
"In other words, Itachiyama and Fukurōdani are truly evergreen in the high school volleyball world!"
Hearing this, Akiteru Tsukishima sighed slightly and said:
"I've hardly ever seen them absent from Nationals."
"Itachiyama is constantly winning championships."
"Except for a few surprises, most of the titles go to them."
"Hopefully..."
"I hope Karasuno can win the championship just once this year."
"Even if it's only once, I'd be satisfied."
This sentiment lingered between the two of them.
"Yeah!"
Udai Tenma added, eyes filled with expectation:
"I wonder if the two of us will live to see that day?"
...
Smack!
"Left wing!"
At Akira's crisp call, Karasuno's three front-row players moved in unison!
They directly blocked Inubushi Higashi's off-the-net attack!
Inubushi Higashi's signature tactic was broken once again!!
When facing Akira, the haze that normally veiled their plays seemed to be completely seen through.
Not a trace of concealment remained!
The once-dazzling attacks now felt flashy but hollow.
If an attack doesn't score, even the trickiest moves are meaningless!
Wham!
Karasuno scores!
Their score is now approaching 20!
After Inubushi Higashi switched to this new tactic, Karasuno's scoring rate had only increased!
Because before, when Kageyama set to others, the opponents could often still manage to receive it.
But after Inubushi Higashi altered their strategy, Kageyama began setting to Akira even more.
And trying to stop Akira's spikes with only the three back-row defenders?
That was nearly impossible!
Not to mention, the three blockers in front were constantly interfering with their line of sight and reception!
So not only did Karasuno's scoring not slow down—it actually accelerated!
"Ugh..."
"This is self-sabotage by Inubushi Higashi," said Ren Ōmimi from the stands, shaking his head helplessly.
"If they'd already decided not to stop No. 7, they should've just committed to that—ignore him and focus their block on the rest of Karasuno."
"But now, they're spreading their defense thin, putting one blocker on No. 7 and two on the others."
"They can't stop No. 7, and now they're letting balls from the others get through too."
"It's really just..."
He trailed off, unable to finish his thought.
"It's fine either way," Atsumu Miya said, brushing his hand over his face.
"No matter how they play, they're going to lose."
"I actually remember this team."
"This is exactly how they lost to Shiratorizawa during Spring High last time!"
"Huh?"
Everyone around turned to look at him.
"So they lost to Shiratorizawa back then?" Aran Ojiro said, realization dawning.
"Yeah," Atsumu shrugged.
"They couldn't handle Ushijima's spikes and tried all sorts of tactical changes, but in the end, none of them worked."
"No matter how refined your system is, if you don't have the individual power to back it up, it all falls apart."
"And now, facing Karasuno from Miyagi again, they've ended up like this."
"It's... a bit ironic. I don't even know what to say."
...
Smack!
A ferocious spike slammed into Tsukishima's blocking hand, but the ball didn't drop to the floor.
Instead, it soared high behind him!
"Got a touch!" Hinata shouted.
"Leave it to me!"
Nishinoya grinned and dove, cleanly digging the ball!
Kageyama leapt and set the ball. The front-row trio immediately moved!
One of Inubushi Higashi's blockers focused tightly on Hinata, while the other two zeroed in on Daichi and Asahi!
But Kageyama's set didn't go to any of them!
Instead, he sent the ball soaring to Akira, who was leaping in the back row!
Boom!
A furious back-row attack exploded straight into Inubushi Higashi's court!
Wham!
Karasuno scores again!
And now, they're at set point!
Karasuno 24:15 Inubushi Higashi!
In the rotation, Tsukishima returned to the front row.
Tweet!
The referee's whistle blew.
Karasuno to serve!
Across the net, Yōsuke Fumizuki and the others stared nervously at Daichi, who was preparing to serve.
If they fumbled this point, they'd lose the set!!
Smack!
Daichi's serve sailed steadily toward Inubushi Higashi's back row.
But as it passed over the front line, it suddenly dipped—on the verge of falling short!
Yokoyama lunged forward and saved it!
"Coming!" Fumizuki quickly moved under the ball and jumped to set it!
"Left wing!"
Seeing the direction of the set, Tsukishima's brows furrowed.
At his sharp call, the three Karasuno blockers shifted rapidly toward the left wing!
But as they leapt, they realized too late—they'd been duped!
"Damn!"
A one-man time difference attack!
Perfectly disguised by Inubushi Higashi!
Just as Karasuno's block began to fall, they could only watch the ball fly past them!
Smack!
But behind them, Akira was already in position as if he'd known it would come!
He dug the ball cleanly!
However—it wasn't very high!
And it was close!
No chance to send it up front!