Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty-Chapter 368: Taichi Is Really Mad (Double-Length)

The Aoba Johsai team no longer had Oikawa-senpai. Even the figure of him in Kageyama's memory seemed to be drifting farther and farther away.

Kageyama reached out, as if trying to grab hold of something—but all he could see was Oikawa Tōru disappearing into the darkness.

"Hey, Kageyama."

A voice snapped him out of his daze. Kaedehara Taichi was holding his hand.

"Oikawa-senpai spent two whole years in high school struggling against Ushijima-senpai… Actually, if you count junior high, that makes five years," Taichi said with a smile on his face.

Kageyama stared at him in confusion, not understanding why Taichi suddenly brought this up.

"The frustration you're feeling right now—Oikawa-senpai felt all of that, and for even longer, even deeper."

Taichi's expression turned serious.

"But he never gave up."

"You'll get stronger too, won't you? Don't waste that astonishing talent that even Oikawa-senpai was jealous of."

Ennoshita Chikara and Yahaba Shigeru watched Taichi and Kageyama carefully as they shook hands. Even Daichi had specifically warned them before graduation to protect the promising talents on the team—make sure they didn't get crushed by Kaedehara Taichi.

"Don't worry, Taichi usually knows where the line is when it's not during a match," Yahaba said, sensing the tension in Ennoshita's grip and knowing exactly what he was worried about.

"Haha…"

Ennoshita let out a stiff yet polite laugh.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

He hadn't expected Taichi to actually encourage Kageyama after the match. People really were more complicated than they seemed.

Back in the rest area, Kageyama still couldn't get Taichi's words out of his head.

"Talent that even Oikawa-senpai was jealous of? Was he talking about me?"

Kageyama had played volleyball since he was a child. He knew he was strong—but to him, it was all because he had worked hard. For a long time after his grandfather passed away, volleyball had been his entire world.

So, when others couldn't do something, Kageyama's first instinct was always to think, they just didn't work hard enough.

He never once considered that the difference could lie in talent.

"I'm sorry. This loss was my fault!"

The coach's voice interrupted Kageyama's thoughts.

Ukai Keishin bowed deeply to the Karasuno players.

"As a coach, I still have a lot to learn."

"Coach!"

"Coach Ukai!"

A loss was a loss—it meant they simply weren't good enough. No amount of excuses would change that fact.

Ukai's apology only made the Karasuno players feel more regret and frustration.

If they had just done their jobs properly—this was on them.

"Still, we're definitely getting closer to Aoba Johsai step by step. That first set today was beautiful."

"Next time, we'll come back even stronger!"

"Yes, sir!!!"

———

On the way back to the bus, Kageyama Tobio walked with unusually heavy steps. A faint crease formed between his brows, his eyes filled with confusion and contemplation.

"Kageyama, what've you been thinking about this whole time?"

Hinata Shōyō had tried talking to him several times with no response. Finally, he couldn't hold it in anymore and shouted.

"Idiot. You wouldn't get it."

"How can anyone get it if you don't say anything?! Don't tell me you're scared of Taichi now? I'm warning you—when Spring High rolls around, I'm definitely getting that win back!"

"…Moron."

"Kageyama, I think I know what you're thinking," said Ennoshita Chikara from the side.

"Huh? That punk Taichi said something to you again?" Tanaka Ryūnosuke growled, looking ready to throw hands. "I'll go cuss him out for you!"

"No," Kageyama said, still puzzled. "Taichi said…I have the kind of talent that would make Oikawa-san jealous. I don't get it…"

Everyone from Karasuno exchanged looks.

"That's it? What's there to not get?"

"Do I really have that kind of talent?" Kageyama said uncertainly. "Or is it just Taichi exaggerating…?"

"HUH?!"

The whole team froze. Wait a second…did this guy seriously not know he was a genius?!!

"Our King really knows how to get on your nerves, huh," Tsukishima Kei muttered with an annoyed look.

"There's no need to doubt it," said Ukai Keishin, firmly. "The moment I saw your quick attack that first time, I knew—you're absolutely a genius."

"Fast sets that land perfectly in the spiker's hitting window, no matter where you are on the court… And the kind of speed that can toy with blockers—Taichi's right. If we're talking pure talent, you're the best setter I've seen in your age group."

"Then…why haven't I caught up to Oikawa-san? Or Miya Atsumu…?"

It almost sounded like Kageyama was blaming his teammates—but everyone knew that wasn't what he meant. He was simply being honest with himself.

"You lack experience and deeper understanding of the game," Ukai answered without hesitation. He'd paid close attention to this prodigy more than anyone else.

Kageyama's growth in technical skill at Karasuno had been subtle, but the real change was in how he learned to balance his own ideas with the needs of the team. That alone marked a massive transformation—and Ukai never felt the need to rush that progress.

The last time Kageyama had shown major technical growth was after the youth training camp. And in about a month and a half, he'd have another shot.

"No need to rush," Ukai said, patting Kageyama on the shoulder. "I got word from Coach Washijō. Around mid-July, there's going to be a Japan–USA High School Volleyball Exchange. Based on your performance with the U-19s last year, plus recommendations from Coaches Washijō and Irihata—you're very likely to be selected."

"Japan–USA Exchange Match?" Hinata repeated, clearly unfamiliar with the name. "Can I go too?"

"Hah?" Ukai blinked in surprise.

"Dumbass," Tsukishima cut in mercilessly. "This is a national-level event. The players picked are top-tier athletes from all over the country. Even our so-called King needs a recommendation. Do you even get how this works?"

"Ouch!!!"

"Well then, Kageyama," Ukai said seriously, "When that opportunity comes, make sure you grab it."

"Yes!!"

Kageyama nodded hard. Talent or not, hard work was something he couldn't go without.

Only now, he had one more thing—a sense of anticipation.

———

"We should get going too." Futakuchi Kenji led his teammates to their feet. "What a bore. Of course, it's Aoba Johsai again."

"Futakuchi-senpai! I think Taichi's calling you!" Koganegawa Kanji called out.

Futakuchi turned around and looked toward the rest area inside the gym.

"Prepare yourself for Aoba Johsai's revenge!"

—Even though no sound reached him, Futakuchi had no trouble reading those words from Taichi's lips.

Kaedehara Taichi slightly tilted his head with his chin raised, wearing a teasing smirk.

Suddenly, a blond-haired first-year burst out from behind Futakuchi and shouted loudly, "Taichi-senpai! Tomorrow, I'll lead Date Tech to crush Aoba Johsai and prove who the true strongest ace of Miyagi is!"

Aoba Johsai's players clearly saw Kaedehara Taichi's expression freeze. He hadn't expected a first-year to challenge him.

But the next moment, they saw Taichi raise a thumb in Ryōta Kimura's direction.

"Eh?" That reaction completely caught Date Tech off guard. "He's...surprisingly generous?"

Ryōta felt his chest warm up. It had taken all his courage to speak up—if he was going to model himself after Taichi-senpai, then he had to copy his personality too. But just as the smile was settling on his lips, it froze.

Taichi flipped his thumb upside down.

"Courage is commendable. But that was a foolish move."

"Trash talk needs to be backed by skill."

———

June 5th, Prefectural IH Qualifier Finals.

Aoba Johsai vs. Date Tech—the match begins!

Although both teams had already secured their spot in Nationals, the battle for the Miyagi title was still at stake.

"Tweet!—"

"Let's have a good match!"

Date Tech's starting lineup:

Front row—Outside Hitter Futakuchi Kenji, Middle Blocker Aone Takunobu, Setter Ōgane Kanji.

Back row—Outside Hitter Kimura Ryōta, Middle Blocker Fukiage Nigo (Libero: Sakunami Kōsuke) and Outside Hitter Obara Yutaka.

Aoba Johsai's starting lineup:

Front row—Outside Hitter Kyōtani Kentarō, Setter Yahaba Shigeru, Middle Blocker Yūki Yōji.

Back row—Middle blocker Kindaichi Yūtarō (Libero: Nakamori Daiki), Outside Hitter Kunimi Akira and Outside Hitter Kaedehara Taichi.

"What? Taichi's starting in the back row again?"

As the players took their positions, Date Tech quickly realised Aoba Johsai had placed Kaedehara Taichi in a strong server formation. It was the same lineup from their last encounter in the Prefectural Citizens' Tournament.

"You guys really never learn, do you?" Futakuchi laughed. This formation gave Date Tech an obvious advantage. Just like last time, when Taichi was in the back row, Date Tech could deploy its strongest blocking rotation. Scoring against them would be tough for Aoba Johsai.

"Oh? If you assumed Taichi would start in the front, why place your little ace in the back?" Yahaba smirked openly. "Don't tell me you were trying to avoid Taichi and accidentally sent him straight into the fire?"

Futakuchi had to admit—that was the headache. Kimura Ryōta had insisted on provoking Taichi before the match. Originally, they had planned to ease him into the pace of facing Aoba Johsai before he got targeted. But now...

"No worries, Futakuchi-senpai." Kimura Ryōta waved it off. "I saw Taichi-senpai's serve yesterday. I already know not to expect a perfect receive."

"I'll try to get the ball up at least. I'll leave the rest to you guys to cover for me!"

"You're a damn idiot," Futakuchi groaned, closing his eyes in frustration. "Sakunami, the back row's all yours!"

"Yes, sir!"

Aoba Johsai to serve first. Kaedehara Taichi stepped up to the service line.

"Go Go let's go let's go Date Tech!"

"Go Go let's go let's go Date Tech!"

"Victory! Victory! Seijoh, Push it! Push it! Seijoh!"

"Victory! Victory! Seijoh, Push it! Push it! Seijoh!"

"Tweet!—"

The whistle blew.

Taichi rotated the ball slowly in his hand, narrowing his eyes. Why do first-years keep trying to provoke me lately? It was really starting to get on his nerves.

"He's aiming at me." The moment their eyes met, Kimura Ryōta felt a chill race down his spine. This is different—completely different!!!

He hadn't felt anything like this from the bleachers.

Suddenly his mouth went dry. That arid sensation climbed up from deep within, lodging itself in his throat. He swallowed unconsciously. The suffocating pressure slammed into him like a crashing tide, drowning him in an instant.

Taichi tossed the ball up lightly and began his approach.

In the next instant—

The ball disappeared from Kimura's view.

BOOM!!!

The deafening sound erupted behind him.

Kaedehara Taichi had served a no-touch ace.

[Aoba Johsai 1 – 0 Date Tech]

"Don't worry about it! Next ball!" Sakunami Kōsuke rushed over to Kimura's side. "Try to adjust to his serve speed within the next three balls."

"Y-Yes!" Kimura stammered, still clearly shaken.

Taichi smiled at him from the service line, then casually took a few steps back.

Kimura stared in dazed confusion at the motion, suspicion flashing through his eyes.

"Tweet!—"

The whistle blew again. Taichi tossed the ball into the air, then started his run-up.

One step, two steps, three steps, four, five!

BAM!

He soared into the air.

So high! His form—perfect! It looked exactly like a spike!

Thump, thump, thump...

Kimura's breathing quickened. His heart pounded violently against his chest, as if trying to escape its cage.

Taichi swung his right arm in one fluid motion.

BOOMM!!!—

The sound rang out, thunderous.

The volleyball spun fiercely and crashed right by Kimura's feet, bouncing up violently.

Another no-touch ace by Kaedehara Taichi.

[Aoba Johsai 2 – 0 Date Tech]

Thud!

Kimura's knees buckled beneath him—he collapsed to the floor.

"Kimura! Are you okay?" Sakunami Kōsuke reached out a hand to him, only to realise Kimura was trembling slightly, his eyes filled with a trace of fear toward something he couldn't quite understand.

"Damn that bastard." Futakuchi Kenji cursed under his breath. Those two serves had been excessive—even he had only caught a blur. The second one was even faster than the first. There was no adapting to that. All it would do was crush Kimura under even more pressure.

Futakuchi had no choice. He signalled to the coach on the sideline.

"Tweet!—"

"Date Tech requests a substitution—Onagawa Tarō IN. Kimura Ryōta OUT."

_________

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