"Oikawa, Wakutani Minami wants to have a practice match with us. Remember to notify the team," during break time at Aoba Johsai, Oikawa Tooru and Iwaizumi Hajime were leaning against the corridor outside the classroom, chatting casually.
A few girls nearby whispered while watching the pair, "Look, look, they always hang out together right after class."
Oikawa Tooru was assigned to Class 3-6 in his senior year, while Iwaizumi was in the adjacent Class 3-5.
"That's because they're both on the volleyball club," one girl replied.
"Oh, you don't get it. Aren't there other players in third year too? They don't all come here right after class," the short-haired girl said seriously.
"Isn't it because their classrooms are close? Besides, I heard Oikawa Tooru has a girlfriend," another girl analyzed.
"They broke up already," the short-haired girl said calmly.
They knew all that? The two girls glanced at each other—this is starting to sound like stalking, so scary.
Oikawa Tooru noticed the commotion, smiled, and waved at the girls, causing the short-haired girl to gasp again.
"You're such a goof, focus!" Iwaizumi kicked Oikawa in the leg.
Oikawa looked helpless. "But that's Wakutani Minami's team. Do they even have a good-looking manager?"
"No."
"What about their setter?"
"Hanayama Kazumasa, a third-year."
"So, pretty ordinary. Not interesting," Oikawa said with a look that said "See, I told you."
"You idiot," Iwaizumi smacked the back of Oikawa's head again. "You should know that the scary one in Wakutani Minami isn't the setter, but Nakajima Takeshi."
"Ah, I know that, Koiwa," Oikawa rubbed his head. "They're probably the team most similar to us in Miyagi Prefecture. Their team cohesion is really strong."
Also last year's Miyagi top four, though Aoba Johsai never played Wakutani Minami directly, Wakutani Minami had always been one of their main rivals. Both teams are led by an ace with the rest of the players fairly balanced in ability.
There are many similarities: both have third-year key players, both are among Miyagi's top four, both have an ace, and both lost to Shiratorizawa and failed to make nationals.
"One by one. First we take down Nakajima Takeshi, then we go after Ushiwaka," Oikawa pumped his fist loudly.
"Two announcements today. First, next weekend we have a practice match with Wakutani Minami. They're a strong team in the prefecture and likely a powerful opponent at the IH preliminaries, so everyone must take this seriously. Second, today we will decide the starting lineup for the IH prelims. Leader Gouguchi will now announce the twelve-man roster, from which the starters will be chosen," Coach Iribata's words dropped like a stone in a still lake, causing murmurs among the Aoba Johsai players.
Leader Gouguchi sensed the gravity of the moment. Clearing his throat with two sharp coughs, he immediately drew every player's attention. The atmosphere in the gym tightened; the once lively chatter and whispers quickly faded to silence. All eyes focused on the leader about to make an important announcement.
"Everyone," Gouguchi began, "I am now going to announce the official twelve-man roster for the upcoming match. This list was carefully considered, based on recent training conditions and technical performance. I see all your hard work, but roster spots are limited. Whether you make it or not, please keep your spirits high and maintain team unity."
The next few seconds felt endlessly long as each player held their breath, filled with anticipation and anxiety. This roster was not just a chance to play—it was an acknowledgment of their effort.
"Third year: Setter Oikawa Tooru, Outside Hitter Iwaizumi Hajime, Outside Hitter Hanamaki Takahiro, Middle Blocker Matsukawa Issei, Middle Blocker Tamiya Hisashi."
"Second year: Setter Yaguchi Shu, Libero Wataru Shinji, Outside Hitter Hino Eiji, Opposite Attacker Ondo Heisuke."
"First year: Outside Hitter Kunimi Hide, Middle Blocker Kaneda Kazutaro, Middle Blocker Kaedehara Taichi."
"These are the twelve players selected. We will now have a 6v6 scrimmage to decide the starting lineup based on performance."
"Yes!" Those chosen didn't overly show joy, and those not chosen just lowered their heads, quietly clenching fists.
The IH starting lineup is seven players, usually consisting of two outside hitters (WS), two middle blockers (MB), one setter (S), one libero (L), and one opposite attacker (OP). Since Aoba Johsai currently lacks a strong fixed opposite, that position may be filled by an outside or middle blocker.
Though called a seven-man starting lineup, the currently certain starters are:
Captain Oikawa Tooru, the setter and team's soul, leading with exceptional organization and attacking ability.
Outside hitter and vice-captain Iwaizumi Hajime, a senior veteran, key scorer.
Libero Wataru Shinji, a second year, vital in defense and backcourt coverage.
Aside from second-year Yaguchi Shu as Oikawa's backup, the remaining three or four spots will be chosen from third-years Hanamaki Takahiro, Matsukawa Issei, Tamiya Hisashi; second-years Hino Eiji, Ondo Heisuke; and first-years Kunimi Hide, Kaneda Kazutaro, and Kaedehara Taichi.
"Logically, they should pick seniors Hanamaki and Matsukawa since they're stronger," some players murmured.
"Right, they made top four last year too."
"But Kaneda and Kunimi came from Kitagawa's first team. Their fundamentals are solid. Taichi's been improving a lot recently."
"But for third years, this is their last year," a first-year player suddenly spoke.
Everyone fell silent. Everyone wants to play, but for third years, this might be their last chance to make it to nationals. There's a special meaning this year.
"That's why we have to win this year," Hanamaki Takahiro's voice suddenly came from behind, startling everyone.
"If we lose, who starts won't matter," Tamiya Hisashi quietly added.
"But the seniors are really strong. If they play, we'll win," someone said.
"Yeah, no one said we'd just hand over starting spots. If you want to start, prove you're stronger," Matsukawa Issei joined in, suddenly nearby. "You guys talk like first years like Taichi are guaranteed starters."
"Heh, that's not true. We've always believed in senior Matsukawa."
"Then let's bet a Haagen-Dazs ice cream that we'll keep our spots."
The determination shone in the seniors' eyes. They've worked hard for three years. Now is the time. No one wants to give up. Everyone wants to win and finish their high school volleyball careers on a high note.
Our summer won't end here.