Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty-Chapter 342: Professional (D-L)

Aoba Johsai's second stop was Nekoma. Compared to rivals, the two teams felt more like friends.

Although during last year's Spring Nationals, an emotionally charged Kozume Kenma had once lashed out at Kaedehara Taichi (a moment Haiba Lev frequently mimicked afterwards—earning himself quite a few beatings), Nekoma's overall strength had taken a significant hit following the third-years' graduation.

After all, expecting a newly joined first-year to immediately fill the roles of Yaku Morisuke or Kuroo Tetsurō was practically impossible.

Current Nekoma Lineup:

Third-years: Setter Kozume Kenma (Captain), Outside Hitter Fukunaga Shōhei, Outside Hitter Yamamoto Taketora (Vice Captain).

Second-years: Setter Tebashira Tamahiko (Substitute), Middle Blocker Haiba Lev, Middle Blocker Inuoka Sō, Libero Shibayama Yūki.

First-years: Setter Fukuda Kanpei (Substitute), Outside Hitter Ishii Yoshito, Middle Blocker Tachibana Shinnosuke (Substitute).

-----

About an hour later…

[Aoba Johsai 25 - 15 Nekoma]

The gap in strength was evident, so after the first set, Kaedehara Taichi was subbed out.

At the start of the second set, Coach Irihata sent in first-year Yamabuki Yūjin, and later, towards the latter half of the game, he also subbed in setter Tōma Kaoru. Although the pace of the second set slowed considerably, the first-year players gradually became more comfortable on the court.

"Kenma, it makes sense for me to be resting, but why are you also on the bench?" Kaedehara Taichi asked, a bit baffled.

"Tamahiko needs experience playing against strong teams," Kozume Kenma replied softly.

"The real reason?"

"I'm tired."

"...I see."

Taichi sighed. That was too honest.

Kenma had originally joined the volleyball club because Kuroo Tetsurō had dragged him along. Now that Kuroo was gone, it felt like Kenma's enthusiasm had been cut in half. Honestly, the fact that he hadn't quit the team was already surprising, and the fact that he was serving as Nekoma's captain was downright moving.

"It's not what you're thinking," Kenma said, frowning when he saw Taichi's expression. "I do have a sense of responsibility, you know."

"Huh? You actually care about something outside of video games?" Taichi raised an eyebrow, pretending to listen intently.

"Volleyball is a game too, isn't it…?"

"Fine, fine, just get to the point," Taichi urged.

Kenma turned his gaze toward Nekoma's current setter on the court.

"Tebashira Tamahiko is more in line with Coach Nekomata's style than I am."

"He's calm, intelligent, and improving at a rapid pace. More importantly, he genuinely loves volleyball more than I do."

Kaedehara Taichi frowned. "You're not thinking of giving up your starting position because of that, are you?"

"Of course not," Kenma muttered, pursing his lips. "Why would I be that selfless?"

"If I didn't have to worry about stamina, volleyball would probably be one of my favourite games."

"Only if stamina isn't a factor, huh…?" Taichi chuckled.

"I won't give up my spot, but I have been thinking—" Kenma paused for a moment. "About going all out for a full match against you."

"It's impossible for me to match up with you monsters in terms of endurance. My 'stamina bar' has a fixed limit."

"But if it's just one match, I think I can push myself to the max."

"Going all out?" Taichi grinned. "Hearing you say that feels so out of character, haha—"

"Well, volleyball as a game is pretty much reaching its ending for me."

"Yeah, it's hard to imagine you continuing to play in college," Taichi agreed with a nod. Given that Kenma would go on to become a professional gamer, YouTuber, and the CEO of Bouncing Ball Inc., there was absolutely no need for anyone to feel sorry for him.

"When that time comes, let's face each other one last time on the national stage."

"Tweet!—"

The second set ended.

[Aoba Johsai 25 - 21 Nekoma]

Aoba Johsai secured the practice match victory in straight sets.

-----

"What?! Oikawa-senpai went to Argentina?!"

"What?! Yaku-senpai went to Russia?!"

Both teams learned some shocking news from each other.

"I thought only Oikawa-senpai would do something like that," said Kunimi Akira, shaking his head in disbelief. After all, they were still just high school students—many of them had never even been to Tokyo before, let alone abroad.

"Oikawa-senpai followed his idol to Argentina for training, right? Yaku-senpai's situation is completely different," Inuoka Sō added.

"Huh? He didn't go for volleyball?" Taichi raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"He went because he saw Lev's sister and decided that Russia must be full of beautiful women," Yamamoto Taketora stated bluntly. "He said he'd become an international superstar there before coming back."

Taichi: "…?"

Was international superstar even referring to volleyball anymore?

"But honestly, I just can't picture Kuroo-senpai obediently going to college," Taichi mused.

"Yeah, Kuroo thought about it for a long time," Kenma replied. "But since he didn't get an offer from his dream team, he decided to go to university instead."

"He's different from me—he would never give up volleyball, no matter what."

"I agree with that," Taichi nodded.

The rest of the morning was spent training together.

Aoba Johsai's players focused on refining their setting and spiking techniques, while Nekoma's players worked on their defence and counterattacks, honing their teamwork. Practising against Nekoma's receivers allowed Aoba Johsai's spikers to fine-tune their attacks, while Nekoma, in turn, tested their defensive skills against a national-level offensive lineup.

In the afternoon, the teams played another set of training matches.

Both sides quickly entered the zone, trading blows back and forth. Aoba Johsai launched relentless attacks, while Nekoma countered with solid defence and quick adaptability.

The ball flew across the court in rapid exchanges, accompanied by the sharp calls of players and the sound of sneakers skidding against the floor.

[Aoba Johsai 25 - 18 Nekoma]

[Aoba Johsai 28 - 26 Nekoma]

[Aoba Johsai 25 - 20 Nekoma]

[Aoba Johsai 25 - 16 Nekoma]

By the end of the sixth set, Nekoma had yet to claim a single victory.

"Coach Irihata, Aoba Johsai looks like they're headed straight for the championship title."

"Coach Nekomata, Nekoma's newcomers have great potential."

—"Hahaha…"

Two old foxes chuckled as they exchanged insights.

-----

The sky gradually darkened as a lone figure pushed open the gymnasium doors.

"Akaashi-senpai?" Kaedehara Taichi looked a little surprised.

"Mm, Taichi." Akaashi Keiji's expression was calm, though a trace of wariness flickered in his eyes.

"Akaashi, you're here." Kozume Kenma greeted him in a neutral tone. Ever since Kuroo and Bokuto Kōtarō had graduated, the interactions between their teams had become less frequent.

"Huh? You knew Akaashi-senpai was coming?" Taichi turned to Kozume Kenma in confusion. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Akaashi also looked at Kenma—his visit to Nekoma today was largely because Aoba Johsai was here as well.

"But you never asked, did you?" Kenma replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"…" Taichi had no words for that.

"So, Akaashi-senpai, are you here for us?" Taichi asked, still a bit puzzled. "I didn't think our teams were that close."

"Bokuto-senpai and Kuroo-senpai heard that you guys would be coming during Golden Week, so they decided to return to campus," Akaashi explained. Then, turning back to Kenma, he asked, "So, they're not here yet?"

"Oh, so it's because of Bokuto-senpai," Taichi thought to himself.

"They just sent a message saying they're on their way." Kenma scrolled through his phone. "Kuroo went straight to Bokuto-senpai's training facility after his tutoring session."

"Since it's a pro player's training ground, Kuroo has always wanted to check it out."

"Wait—he's already a pro?" Taichi was taken aback. But after thinking it through, it made sense. Both Bokuto's age and skill level were more than enough for the professional scene. It was just that he had never seriously considered it before—somehow, the idea of going pro still felt distant from a high schooler's reality.

"Right? I was surprised at first, too!" Haiba Lev chimed in. "I never expected Bokuto-senpai to become a pro player for the Black Jackals."

"Huh? But isn't that normal?" Akaashi responded, unfazed. "Bokuto-senpai may seem like that, but he's always been meticulous about planning his career."

"The Black Jackals…You mean MSBY Black Jackals from V. League Division 1?"

With the mention of pro volleyball, more people started gathering around.

Kindaichi Yūtarō let out a whistle. "Even I've heard of them. They're that insanely strong team, right?"

"Have you guys watched his matches?"

"He's still a substitute for now, so his court time is limited," Akaashi said. "But he said he's determined to make the starting lineup this year, and when he does, he'll invite everyone to come watch."

"That sounds awesome—"

"Speaking of which, Oikawa-senpai went to Argentina, right?" Akaashi asked. He still had vivid memories of the setter who had nearly given him a psychological trauma.

"Ahaha, yeah, something like that."

-----

It was right around dinnertime, and with today's training wrapped up, the long-separated teammates took the opportunity to catch up on each other's team news.

"HEY! HEY!! HEY!!!"

A loud, unmistakable voice echoed through the gym.

"I'm back!!"

Fukurodani's former captain—no, now officially a professional player—Bokuto Kōtarō burst through the doors, his booming voice filling the entire gymnasium.

"You idiot, saying you're 'back'—this is my home court!" Kuroo Tetsurō followed closely behind, rolling his eyes.

"Bokuto-senpai!"

"Kuroo-senpai!"

The players inside the gym crowded around them.

In the corner, Kenma remained glued to his game, completely motionless.

"Aren't you going over?" Taichi asked.

"I need to finish my daily quests before my free time runs out," Kenma replied without looking up. "With those two around, there's no way it'll stay quiet for long."

"Kenma!" Kuroo's voice rang out from the crowd. "What the hell happened? You led the team to six straight losses?!!"

Lev tugged at his sleeve. "Kuroo-senpai, don't yell so loud. It's embarrassing!"

Kenma showed no signs of responding.

"Kuroo, you never beat Seijoh either when you were captain, did you?" Bokuto cut in, hitting Kuroo right where it hurt.

"Ha?! Like Fukurodani ever won against them!"

"We took one set off them!"

"Pfft, that's nothing! Win a whole match and then talk!"

"Akaashi, you guys have to win against Seijoh in tomorrow's practice match!" Bokuto commanded.

"No, that's obviously impossible," Akaashi replied flatly.

"Akaashi—!"

"You're too loud, Bokuto-senpai." Akaashi remained utterly unfazed.

After what could only be described as a childish argument, Bokuto suddenly leapt up and strode toward the equipment room. He returned moments later, a volleyball in hand, and with all the solemnity in the world, made a grand declaration to the dumbfounded players from both teams.

"Alright! I've decided!!"

"…Decided what?" The crowd stared at him, bewildered.

"Listen up! Starting now, we're playing Battle Ball!"

Kenma closed his game console and turned to Taichi. "I'm heading back. I'll find you tomorrow."

"Kenma! Don't think you can run away!" Kuroo had been keeping an eye on him the whole time.

Meanwhile, the others were still struggling to comprehend Bokuto's sudden outburst.

"…Battle Ball?"

"That's right! Battle Ball!" Bokuto raised the volleyball high above his head, brimming with confidence.

Akaashi, watching him, was suddenly reminded of a scene from the past.

"What Bokuto-senpai actually means is dodgeball," he clarified.

"Exactly!" Bokuto grinned. "But Battle Ball sounds way cooler!"

"We're not elementary schoolers—why would we play dodgeball?"

"Besides, we're exhausted from training."

"You can't just use a volleyball for this…"

Nekoma's players were long accustomed to Bokuto's nonsense and refused to engage.

Undeterred, Bokuto turned his hopeful gaze toward the Seijoh players. However, one by one, they avoided his eyes.

"You guys have no fighting spirit! Listen up! Dodgeball and volleyball may be different sports, but their essence is the same!"

"Huh?"

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"Dodgeball and volleyball?"

"That makes zero sense."

"Just ignore him," Akaashi said with a sigh, lowering his head slightly in apology. "If you engage with him, he'll only get more carried away."

"Akaashi!"

Akaashi was about to disperse the crowd when Bokuto suddenly grabbed his shoulder, looking unusually serious.

"Listen to me. My intuition—cough, I mean, our professional team's trainer—told me that dodgeball teaches valuable skills that apply to volleyball, too!"

Akaashi remained entirely unmoved.

But—

"…If Bokuto-senpai says so, maybe there's some truth to it?" Lev became the first to fall for it.

"See?! I'm one of the top aces in the nation!" Bokuto grinned triumphantly.

His words, though bizarre, were backed by genuine talent and confidence. Slowly, more players started wavering.

"What kind of important skills, though?" Inuoka Sō asked curiously.

"Pros do think differently…" Kindaichi muttered in agreement.

Basking in their reaction, Bokuto let out a satisfied laugh. Akaashi, however, merely stared at the ceiling in resignation.

"You don't actually believe this, do you, Kuroo?" Kenma asked, clinging to a final sliver of hope.

"It sounds fun, doesn't it?" Kuroo smirked. "Let's play a round!"

"Taichi! Let's settle this one-on-one!" Bokuto challenged.

Taichi had barely played dodgeball before, but—

"Whatever the game, I won't lose!"

"That's the spirit!"

Their enthusiasm spread like wildfire, igniting the entire gym.

"We have to win!"

"It's been ages since I played dodgeball!"

"This is dumb." Kyōtani Kentarō had initially expected something actually volleyball-related. "This is just a bunch of kids messing around."

"Aw, is someone chickening out?" Kuroo's voice was just loud enough for Kyōtani to hear.

"Tch. You losers couldn't beat Seijoh even if you combined forces."

Kyōtani joined the battle.

[AOBA JOHSAI VS. NEKOMA + FUKURODANI]

The dodgeball showdown was about to begin.

_________

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