Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

At nearly 3:00 PM, the moment Aoba Johsai's team stepped into
, an unmistakably energetic and distinct greeting echoed through the venue.
"Bokuto-senpai, you're bothering people," Akaashi Keiji stated flatly, holding the jacket Bokuto Kōtarō had just tossed aside.
Up on the second-floor stands, spectators murmured excitedly as they watched Bokuto Kōtarō's antics.
While he might not be the absolute strongest ace, Bokuto was easily the
among Japan's top five. On the court, he had the charisma of a superstar—someone who could energize not just his teammates, but also his opponents and the entire crowd.
"Bokuto-senpai, don't you think it's weird to add my name to your chant?" Kaedehara Taichi greeted him with a polite smile.
"Not at all! It's fun!" Bokuto beamed.
"I mean
find it weird…" Taichi sighed.
"We finally get to play each other! I've been waiting for this match forever!" Bokuto exclaimed, completely ignoring him as he bounced in circles around him, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Although, Inarizaki and Itachiyama aren't all that different!"
"I was hoping to play Kamomedai or Mujinazaka too, but as long as we win, we'll get to face one of them next, right?"
"Oi, that's a pretty
way to put it," Oikawa Tōru smirked as he walked over.
"Ah, Oikawa-chi! I couldn't play against Miya Atsumu, but playing you is just as exciting!"
Oikawa:
"Bokuto-senpai, even if you—"
"Ah! Yukippe!! My spare kneepads—!"
Before Taichi could finish, Bokuto was already dashing after Fukurōdani's manager, Shirafuku Yukie.
Taichi:
"Apologies. If there's anything important, you'll have to talk to him during the match. He'll focus then," Akaashi Keiji said with a polite nod before jogging after Bokuto.
"Hahahaha… It's rare to see both Oikawa and Taichi at a loss for words. This guy is
something," Coach Irihata chuckled, shaking his head.
The rest of Seijoh nodded in agreement. It was definitely a rare sight.
-----
At
, the Spring High National Quarterfinals—
—was about to begin.
"Aoba Johsai defeated Tokyo's regional representative, Nekoma, on Day 2, and now, on Day 3, they're up against Tokyo's second representative, Fukurōdani!"
"Both of these teams rank among the strongest in the nation…"
"And of course, there's Seijoh's ace, Kaedehara Taichi, who just took down one of the country's top five aces, Ojiro Aran. Now he's facing yet another member of that elite group—Bokuto Kōtarō. I wonder what kind of fireworks we'll see in this matchup!"
"Taichi has undoubtedly been the breakout star of the tournament so far. His balance between offence and defence is exceptional."
"But Bokuto is also in top form after his dominant performance in Round 3! His explosive attacks are bound to make this match a spectacle!"
—
Both teams stepped onto the court, beginning their warm-up routines—adjusting their serves, and spikes, getting used to the arena's atmosphere.
Suddenly, Bokuto Kōtarō, head lowered, strode toward the centre of the court.
"Akaashi, check what he's up to this time!" Konoha Akinori called out.
"Got it." Akaashi jogged after him.
"Heh…heh…heh…" Bokuto muttered under his breath, his shoulders trembling.
"
"
"UGH, ENOUGH ALREADY!!!"
Bokuto suddenly threw his head back and shouted, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
Akaashi, who had just reached him, nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Pfft, Konoha, that's just mean, making Akaashi deal with him every time," Komi Haruki stifled a laugh.
"I AM—" Bokuto dramatically extended his right arm, his index finger pointing skyward.
"
"





"…Is he trying to say he's
best?" Kindaichi Yūtarō asked, baffled.
"Ah, I think it's because he likes the phrase
," Taichi and Akaashi simultaneously explained to their respective teams.
"Only Bokuto could send an entire arena into chaos with just one sentence," Fukurōdani's other manager, Suzumeda Kaori, groaned, her face burning with embarrassment.
-----
With the brief commotion over, both teams resumed their warm-ups.
Kaedehara Taichi took the opportunity to openly observe Fukurōdani's players.
,
,
,
,
;
,
.
He wasn't quite on the level of those monster setters, but he was still an excellent one. A second-year and already the vice-captain—though that was probably because
,
,
,
,
;
.
Not surprising—another
player
. Aside from the
liberos, his stats were among the best.
,
,
,
,
;
,
.
A giant owl, just like Bokuto, down to the hairstyle.
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
,
.
A true all-rounder! Unfortunately, his height limited his potential.
,
,
,
,
;
,
.
His face always looked like he was smiling. Word was, he had an
talented younger brother.
,
,
,
,
;
.
A
at
. Thankfully, his technique hadn't caught up yet.
Bokuto Kōtarō suddenly planted himself in front of Kaedehara Taichi, staring him down with an intense, dead-serious expression.
Taichi:
"Are we competing to see who can keep their eyes open the longest? Or who can stare at their opponents the most intensely?" Bokuto declared, puffing his chest out in pride. "No matter which one—
!!"
"…Bokuto-senpai, we're supposed to be competing in volleyball," Akaashi Keiji reminded him.
"Akaashi! You need to learn to be flexible! Taichi's been watching our team this whole time—clearly, he's looking for a way to
us in a different competition first!" Bokuto's eyes gleamed with excitement as he turned to Taichi.
"I am not," Taichi deadpanned.
Since the match was starting soon, he might as well test Bokuto's form while they were at it.
Akaashi swiftly positioned himself between the two.
"Bokuto-senpai, Taichi means that he only wants to settle things in the match."
"Oh!"
Bokuto instantly lit up, bouncing on the spot.