After Kindaichi Yuutarou was subbed in, Aoba Johsai's blocking height significantly improved. His spikes were also simpler and more straightforward—strong and forceful.
But for Nakashima Takeshi, not having to worry about Kaedehara Taichi's strange blocking ideas and erratic movements allowed him to fully utilize his strength in the air.
"Take!" Hanayama Kazuya set the ball right above Nakashima Takeshi.
"Yeah!" Nakashima Takeshi jumped with all his strength.
"Double block!" Kindaichi and Iwaizumi jumped at the same time.
Smack!
Nakashima Takeshi's spike hit Kindaichi's arm and angled down into Aoba Johsai's court.
[Aoba Johsai 16 – 14 Wakunan]
Off court, Kaedehara Taichi's eyes lit up—so it can be done like this! Aiming for the blocker's arm instead of the palm reduced the risk of sending the ball flying out, though it did require more precision in angle and timing.
Kindaichi looked a little stunned. He had always been proud of his height advantage. Thanks to his excellent physique, his blocks had repeatedly served as a wall that prevented opponents from scoring in many matches.
However, when facing an agile and highly skilled ace like Nakashima Takeshi, his height seemed to turn into a weapon for the opponent instead.
When watching from the sidelines earlier, Kindaichi had been puzzled—how could a seemingly short player, about 170 cm and lacking Hinata Shouyou's explosive speed or jump, repeatedly break through Aoba Johsai's defense?
"Um, may I say something?"
Hearing the voice, the Aoba Johsai team turned around—surprisingly, it was Kunimi Eikichi speaking.
"Let's stop trying to block his straight spikes directly. Give him a path down the sideline. I'll try to pick it up from the back," Kunimi carefully explained.
"No need to give him a 'target'. From what I observed earlier, Nakashima-senpai doesn't seem good at cross spikes. Let's use a double block to slightly limit his options. I'll take care of the straight spikes. If he aims for the blockers' hands and it goes out, Hanamaki-senpai can save it."
Kunimi continued explaining, "If our block is more centered, we'll have more time to judge where the ball is going after a deflection. Though… I can't guarantee it'll work…"
"Alright, let's give it a try!" Iwaizumi immediately made a decision.
"Ah—thank you, Iwaizumi-senpai." Kunimi hadn't expected his suggestion to be accepted so readily without much explanation.
"What? I've always known you're the smartest one among the first-years." Oikawa patted his shoulder and gestured for him to get moving.
"Yes!" Kunimi responded loudly.
"Uh…" Kindaichi turned his back to prepare for the next play. "I didn't understand what you said, but I'll just do what you told me to."
After three years in middle school together, the two had already developed a strong sense of teamwork.
Wakunan served.
"Nice receive, Kunimi."
Oikawa set the ball to Kindaichi, who spiked with power.
"Nice one, Wataru!" Hanayama received Kawawatari Shunki's pass and set the ball for Nakashima.
Realizing Kindaichi's spike didn't score, Aoba Johsai players quickly adjusted their positions.
This is…? While mid-air, Nakashima spotted the open path in front of him. Damn, they left the line open—there's no reason not to hit straight.
Nakashima spiked hard. Kunimi had already anticipated it and easily received the ball.
"Free ball!" Kunimi shouted to Oikawa.
Oikawa quickly moved and set the ball to the left. Matsukawa Issei scored with a spike.
[Aoba Johsai 17 – 14 Wakunan]
"They held it!""Nice one!!""Beautiful receive." Matsukawa calmly praised Kunimi.
"Mm." Surprised by the compliment, Kunimi pressed his lips together, slightly pleased.
Nakashima looked serious. Aoba Johsai was a strong team within the prefecture. Half a set in, they had already figured out his attacking pattern and adjusted their defense accordingly.
"Sorry, that last set was a bit low," Hanayama apologized awkwardly.
"Ahh… Takeshi-senpai got blocked…" First-year Matsushima seemed flustered.
"The gap's growing again! What do we do now?" Pineapple-head Kawawatari Shunki wailed like an idiot.
"Should he have tried to hit the block and cause a deflection out? They left the path open on purpose—it was a trap." Shiraishi Yuuki calmly analyzed from the side.
Nakashima gathered himself: "Hey! You guys! At least encourage me a little!"
The players didn't speak—they just looked at him, eyes filled with trust.
"You guys are really something… no time to get discouraged, huh." Nakashima crouched into a defensive stance. "Come on, Aoba Johsai!"
Aoba Johsai served.
"Too far! Sorry!" Akiba's first receive was off, and the ball flew high over to Aoba Johsai's side.
"Send it back!" Iwaizumi shouted.
Oikawa quickly jumped and spiked the ball back.
Damn, Nakashima jumped a beat too late—the ball slipped past him.
Kawawatari Shunki dashed forward and made a diving save. "Don't give up! Got it!"
The ball hit the net and slowly dropped. Hanayama stepped in and hooked the ball high into the air.
"Go for it, Takeshi!"
Nakashima stepped back and sprinted full-speed.
"Don't underestimate us!" He jumped and spiked the ball hard mid-air. "Sticky Wakunan!"
Kunimi quickly reacted and predicted the landing spot. He reached out to receive it.
However, the power and spin behind this spike far exceeded his expectations. The moment it hit his hands, the intense impact and spin made it hard to control direction and force.
Despite his best effort, the ball deflected out of bounds.
Nakashima scored!
[Aoba Johsai 17 – 15 Wakunan]
"Wakunan really is tenacious," Coach Irihata couldn't help but remark as he looked across the court at Coach Onikubi. "Old Oni didn't just develop one star player—he's built a solid team."
Both teams had a well-rounded style, with solid defensive fundamentals. On offense, Aoba Johsai was centered around Oikawa, linking the whole team and initiating attacks; Wakunan, on the other hand, relied on Nakashima Takeshi's personal firepower to hold the line.
Coach Irihata glanced at Kaedehara Taichi, who remained focused on the side. For Aoba Johsai's offense to truly evolve, it depended on how fast their new weapon could grow.
[Aoba Johsai 17 – 16 Wakunan][Aoba Johsai 18 – 16 Wakunan][Aoba Johsai 18 – 17 Wakunan]...[Aoba Johsai 22 – 20 Wakunan]
Aoba Johsai made a substitution:Kaedehara Taichi IN, Kindaichi Yuutarou OUT