Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty-Chapter 401: Dissatisfaction (Double-Length)

Miya Atsumu stood at the service line, slowly closing his eyes. The cheer song unique to Inarizaki echoed in the vast space of the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, sounding especially pleasant to the ears.

In the next moment, Miya Atsumu opened his eyes with a blank expression. Though the sound of the venue hadn't stopped, he no longer heard a thing.

His focus was completely locked on the 18-by-9-meter court in front of him.

That state was terrifying.

Nakamori Daiki stared at Miya Atsumu with a grave expression. He could feel the chilling intensity emanating from the setter's entire being.

At that moment, the pressure Atsumu gave Aoba Johsai even surpassed Sakusa Kiyoomi.

This time, Atsumu hadn't signalled to stop the music. Though the cheering squad students were confused, they had no choice but to continue playing.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Atsumu slowly tossed the ball upward. Within his emotionless gaze remained only the reflection of the volleyball.

Nothing else existed.

BANG!

A blur zipped past—it was a powerful jump serve!

The ball tore through the air with incredible speed, but Nakamori Daiki had already anticipated it. With a quick shuffle step, he moved directly in front of the ball.

Smack!

"—!?"

The ball slammed into the floor. Miya Atsumu had scored directly off his serve!

[Aoba Johsai 2 - 3 Inarizaki]

Only then did the music abruptly cut off.

It felt as if the air had solidified. The spectators in Inarizaki's cheering section stared at Atsumu in total silence, not daring to make a sound—for fear of disrupting that one-of-a-kind focus.

[Ding! Miya Atsumu has entered Burst Mode.]

[Miya Atsumu (Burst Mode)—Setter: Overall Ability Rating: 97

Height: 184 cm | Power: 93 | Jump: 95 | Stamina: 99 | Speed: 95

Technique: Serve: 100 | Set: 100.]

[Ding! Miya Osamu has entered Burst Mode.]

[Miya Osamu (Burst Mode)—Outside Hitter: Overall Ability Rating: 93

Height: 184.5 cm | Power: 92 | Jump: 92 | Stamina: 95 | Speed: 92

Technique: Receive: 92 | Set:95 | Spike: 95.]

For Inarizaki, this match mattered even more than the final.

Whether it was Kamomedai or Itachiyama, they hadn't spared them a single thought. As long as they beat Aoba Johsai—everything else could come later!

And against a team like Seijoh, who progressed step-by-step while still possessing explosive power, the only way to win—was to seize the advantage from the very start.

Even though Kita Shinsuke came only to spectate today, the Miya twins would not allow themselves a moment of relaxation.

A jump float serve...?

Nakamori Daiki was certain that Miya Atsumu hadn't used that serve during the match against Date Tech the day before.

It flew across half the court in an instant with the speed of a power serve, but then sharply veered just before it reached him!

"Hah! I didn't think his serves would be even scarier than I imagined!" Nakamori couldn't help but feel his blood pumping.

"Bring it on!"

Miya Atsumu didn't respond. In fact, he didn't even register that someone was provoking him.

Second serve.

Atsumu unleashed it again amidst complete silence.

BOOM!!!

Yahaba Shigeru's eyes couldn't tear away from the volleyball hurtling directly toward him, spinning at high velocity.

Compared to the last serve that had dropped to his right, this one packed an even heavier impact.

A chill crawled up from his feet to his scalp—his entire body froze.

SMACK!

The ball crashed beside Yahaba's foot, striking the floor like a bullet from a barrel.

Another ace.

[Aoba Johsai 2 - 4 Inarizaki]

Everyone knew what Inarizaki was trying to do.

And yet…no one could stop it.

"Tweet!—"

"Aoba Johsai calls for a timeout."

"So soon? The game just started…"

Seijoh called their first timeout of the match.

Coach Irihata hadn't yet found a clear solution. Atsumu was a dual-style server, so simply increasing the number of receivers in the back row wouldn't help.

But with his absurd rhythm and feel for the ball right now, it was the perfect moment to call a timeout just to disrupt that flow.

"Oi, quit looking so grim." Though Kaedehara Taichi also felt their current situation was rather tricky, he added, "When it comes to serving, Seijoh isn't exactly lacking, either."

"Besides, someone over there looks like he's having the time of his life."

"Let's go already!" Nakamori Daiki's eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation.

This kind of rare pressure and tension—was exactly the opportunity he'd been waiting for to break through.

-----

The timeout ended. Players returned to the court.

Miya Atsumu, aware of how rare his current state was, spent the entire break standing alone at the sidelines. He hadn't spoken to anyone. His teammates, knowing better than to interfere, left him be.

This kind of hyper-focused Atsumu—was exactly what Inarizaki needed right now.

"Tweet!—"

The whistle for serve rang out.

Third serve.

BOOM!!!

The ball flew between Yahaba and Nakamori.

"I got it!"

Nakamori took a large step to his left.

He saw it—during its descent, the ball was drifting left!

He immediately switched to a one-handed receive.

Smack!

Thud!

The ball struck his forearm and bounced directly toward the ground.

Another ace for Miya Atsumu!

[Aoba Johsai 2 - 5 Inarizaki]

"Ōtomo-sensei! Did you see that!? That ball clearly curved mid-air!"

Commentator Aoi shouted excitedly, "Even among pros, players who can serve like that are extremely rare—this is insane!!"

"To be honest, I thought Nakamori would manage a proper receive," the other commentator, Ōtomo, responded seriously. "His reaction was quick—he even read the trajectory in the final moment."

"But in the end, Atsumu's serve is just too demanding for high school players…and Nakamori's just a first-year, isn't he?"

"Miya Atsumu's terrifying," Ōtomo continued. "If he keeps up this level for a few more serves, Aoba Johsai might be in real trouble for this first set."

"Keep it up?"

Holding the ball in one hand, Miya Atsumu walked up to the service line again.

"I'm just getting started!!"

He tossed the ball, then began his approach.

The toss felt perfect. As he ran, he could even sense the subtle flow of air around him.

Thump!

Atsumu planted his foot heavily and sprang into the air.

Come at me! Come at me! Come at me...

I'll receive it! I'll receive it! I'll receive—

Nakamori Daiki locked eyes on Atsumu, calling for the ball no one else dared approach.

BOOM!!!

Here it comes!

Nakamori's heart pounded. Blood surged through his body.

He felt the power rising in his limbs—that craving for growth, for breakthrough—every cell screamed for the incoming challenge.

Left? Right?

His brain raced. His gaze sharpened. He took in every detail.

A sharp drop!

The tail force of the ball drove it sharply downward.

Nakamori lightly sprang off both feet. The muscles in his legs exploded with power, propelling him forward across the hard court floor.

Smack!

He shot forward like a spring-loaded arrow, arms extended in a desperate dive—and he dug the ball up.

"Damn it, I didn't handle it cleanly!"

"Save it!"

Yahaba hadn't even reacted yet when a figure darted past him.

It was Kaedehara Taichi, who had been in the front row. He moved faster than the two remaining players in the back.

"Right wing!"

Without even looking back, Taichi shouted loudly.

Kunimi Akira instantly understood and began his attack without hesitation.

Whoosh!—

The ball soared cleanly toward the right wing.

It was a pass retrieved from beyond the baseline. The speed wasn't fast, but the precision was enough to put most high school setters to shame.

Kunimi leapt to spike.

"It's a delayed attack!"

Miya Osamu and Suna Rintarō both blocked Ginjima Hitoshi, who was just about to jump up, ready to intercept at the net.

Now—even now—Taichi still chose to play a decoy. Of course. That guy never changed!

Thud!

The true weapon—Kyōtani Kentarō—launched himself from the back row.

"Triple block!" Miya Osamu, Ginjima Hitoshi, and Suna Rintarō jumped in unison.

Kyōtani's peripheral vision caught sight of Miya Atsumu stationed in the line shot direction. But, now wasn't the time to show off against him—breaking through as soon as possible would benefit the team more!

BOOM!!!—

Kyōtani went for a powerful cross-court spike.

From the leftmost side of the block, Miya Osamu seized the final moment and pressed down hard with both hands.

—Smack!

The volleyball was mercilessly stuffed back into Aoba Johsai's court.

"Tweet!—"

Net touch violation.

Osamu's arm had failed to pull back in time after the successful block—his elbow grazed the net as he descended.

Point for Aoba Johsai.

[Aoba Johsai 3 – 5 Inarizaki]

"Phew, Aoba Johsai just barely dodged a bullet there!"

—"Tch."

As Miya Osamu clicked his tongue in frustration over his mistake, several other disgruntled sounds echoed throughout the court.

Miya Atsumu was annoyed for only scoring three points off his serve and failing to widen the gap.

Kyōtani Kentarō was irritated that his spike had been blocked.

Kaedehara Taichi was frustrated that his set had been seen through.

Nakamori Daiki was vexed over his less-than-perfect receive.

"Damn it!" Nakamori watched Miya Atsumu return to the court with a mixture of regret and burning determination.

"These guys…" Miya Atsumu scowled at the Aoba Johsai lineup. "Scoring a point, yet every single one of them looks pissed."

Rotation. Aoba Johsai to serve.

Kaedehara Taichi stepped up to the service line.

Inarizaki immediately tightened up, fully alert. They'd only just wrested the lead—there was no way they'd let it slip away so easily.

"So, you're the one bullying our libero, huh?" Taichi pointed at Inarizaki's back row.

"Tweet!—"

The whistle blew.

Taichi tossed, sprinted, leapt, and served—all in one seamless motion, sharp and ruthless.

Sakurai Shōta: "???"

"Why point at me?! I'm a libero too, y'know!"

BOOM!!!

The serve smacked into Sakurai's arms and flew out of bounds.

The target had been precise—no room for interference from anyone else.

Service ace by Kaedehara Taichi.

[Aoba Johsai 4 – 5 Inarizaki]

Miya Atsumu: "..."

Taichi's serve was smooth and clean—no showy intimidation like Atsumu's, but still just as lethal in outcome. Honestly, it was hard to tell who had the edge.

Atsumu silently shifted to widen his coverage to the left, while Osamu, standing at Position 4, inched closer to the midline.

Inarizaki couldn't afford to let Sakurai or Riseki ease into Kaedehara's serves. They had to cling to their fragile lead for dear life.

Second serve.

BOOM!!!—

The ball screamed toward the gap between Sakurai and Riseki Heisuke.

"I got it!" Riseki shouted.

He knew his goal wasn't a flawless receive—it was just to keep the ball off the floor. The rest? Leave it to Atsumu-senpai...

Thud!

"?!?"

Riseki's arms froze in midair. The ball had curved?!

That speed! That power! It still had room to bend?!

"Not easy to receive, huh?" Taichi smiled sweetly at Riseki, eyes gleaming.

Another service ace.

[Aoba Johsai 5 – 5 Inarizaki]

Even though Inarizaki didn't want to believe it, Aoba Johsai had effortlessly caught up.

"This guy's growth rate is insane…" Atsumu's gaze pierced toward Taichi like a blade, as if trying to see straight through him.

That serve just now—and even that earlier receive...

How many people in the crowd had actually noticed it?

That time, Taichi had run from the front court all the way outside the back line, then delivered a precise long pass without a hint of wobble.

Each time, it was like he'd shed his old skin—slowly patching over every former weakness. Even Atsumu, the setter most feared by others, couldn't help but feel awe.

"The scariest thing," he thought, "is how everyone's already used to him being so strong. That's when things stop making sense."

Taichi gave Atsumu a wink, his smile looking almost harmless.

-----

BOOM!!!

Third serve.

A direct shot aimed straight at Miya Atsumu.

"Yeah…this is way more fun!"

Smack!

No tricky movement this time—just raw force that shoved Atsumu back a half-step.

"Cover!"

Osamu immediately stepped in, pushing the ball to the right wing—Suna Rintarō soared up to spike.

"Triple block!" Yūki Yōji, Kunimi Akira, and Kyōtani Kentarō sprang up together.

After facing Date Tech's wall, Suna now found Aoba Johsai's triple block weirdly… comforting.

Bang!—

The ball slipped past the block and flew toward Aoba Johsai's back row.

Smack!

Nakamori dug it up cleanly, his eyes sharp and filled with resolve.

He had something he needed from this match.

Kunimi stepped in and calmly pushed the ball to the right side.

Kyōtani, still fuming, ran in from the far right sideline and jumped high.

"Triple block!" Osamu, Ginjima, and Suna jumped again.

They had blocked him once already—and now, they'd cut off his cross shot completely.

"Damn it!"

BOOM!!!

Forced, Kyōtani smashed the ball down the line.

Smack!

Atsumu picked it up with practised ease.

But once again—Inarizaki lost their chance to build a solid attack through him.

"Give it to Rintarō!"

Atsumu's shout came a beat too slow—Heisuke had already stepped in and sent it to the left.

Osamu jumped for the spike.

"Triple block!" Aoba Johsai's front line hounded him.

Now Osamu had no choice but to face down Yūki Yōji, standing at 195 cm. No line, no cross shot—it was a wall.

—Boom!!

At the last moment, Osamu twisted and used his left hand to slip the ball past Yūki's left side.

Smack!

Kaedehara Taichi caught it easily.

"Kunimi!"

Taichi shouted, stabilising himself and launching the counterattack.

"You trying to kill me?" Kunimi muttered as he landed from his previous jump. The pass dropped right above his head.

Whoosh—!

The ball flew smoothly to the left side.

Frustrated as he was, Kunimi knew exactly what Taichi was trying to do.

Thud!

Kaedehara soared from the back row. His massive shadow loomed over Inarizaki's front line.

"Triple block!" The entire Inarizaki front line leapt.

Left hand?!

Only as Taichi began his spike did Osamu realise something was wrong. In all the footage they'd studied—after losing Oikawa—Kaedehara Taichi had never voluntarily attacked with his left hand...except on serve.

BOOM!!!—

With an explosive sound, the ball tore through the air and slammed hard onto Inarizaki's left sideline.

A line shot. Just inside the boundary.

Point for Aoba Johsai.

[Aoba Johsai 6 – 5 Inarizaki]

"Osamu-senpai, that's what a left-handed spike looks like."

Taichi smiled gently, like he'd just demonstrated something helpful to a friend.

Aoba Johsai takes the lead.

And Kaedehara Taichi's serving run wasn't over yet.

_________

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