Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

The afternoon sun hung high overhead, casting its scorching heat as temperatures peaked for the day.
The true horror of the training camp was beginning to reveal itself. The fatigue from the morning matches had yet to wear off, and each team still had at least two more matches ahead of them.
But today, all eyes were on a much-anticipated showdown—
.
The two teams that had clashed in last year's Spring High finals were about to face off once again.
"Why is Sakusa so serious today? Doesn't he usually avoid going all out for fear of injuring himself?" Nishimura Hiroyuki asked, puzzled.
When Aoba Johsai arrived, they had only seen Sakusa Kiyoomi and Komori Motoya exchange a few words with Kaedehara Taichi. Whatever had transpired remained a mystery. But judging from Taichi's delighted expression afterwards, it seemed like an amicable conversation.
"Don't ask. Just think of it as a kids' quarrel," Komori said mysteriously. "Or if you prefer, call it Sakusa's
on Taichi."
"A kids' quarrel?" Nishimura was even more confused. Then again, Sakusa was always an odd one. It was probably best not to ask too many questions.
Shaking his head, Nishimura brushed aside his curiosity and focused on the match ahead.
"Revenge isn't entirely wrong—we've got a lot of unfinished business with Aoba Johsai."
Both teams quickly wrapped up their warm-ups.
"You guys already played two matches this morning. Are you sure you're okay?" Kaedehara Taichi asked sincerely. "That gives us a stamina advantage."
"No need for your concern," Sakusa replied coolly. "This level of fatigue is nothing for Itachiyama."
"That's good to hear. We, on the other hand, spent four hours on a bus just to get here. We're exhausted," Taichi said with a cheerful smile. "So please go
on us, Sakusa-senpai."
"
." Sakusa let out a cold scoff.
.
.
.
Among Itachiyama's remaining third-years were Sakusa Kiyoomi (captain), Komori Motoya (vice-captain), Nishimura Hiroyuki, and Mizushima Yū.
Their second-year players promoted to the starting lineup included middle blocker Shibata Yōsuke and outside hitter Takeuchi Eiji.
However, what truly caught Aoba Johsai by surprise was the presence of a
in Itachiyama's starting lineup.
The last time a first-year had earned a starting spot in Itachiyama was when Sakusa Kiyoomi and Komori Motoya joined the team.
Which meant this Shirakawa Kaito must have the skill to back it up…
Kaedehara Taichi paid extra attention to the unfamiliar faces.
;
,
,
A clear prodigy. Aside from his stamina, which hadn't quite caught up to the high school level yet, his physical attributes and technique were already refined. He wasn't on Kageyama Tobio's level, but he was undoubtedly a player with
potential.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
.
Itachiyama's depth was undeniable. Aside from a slight gap at the setter position compared to Inazuna Osamu, their overall strength had hardly declined.
The referee's whistle echoed sharply through the gym, signalling the start of the match.
Aoba Johsai to serve first.
stepped up to the service line.
This court had drawn the largest crowd of spectators. Everyone could tell that Itachiyama's approach to this match was vastly different from their morning games.
They were taking this seriously.
Likewise, Aoba Johsai could feel the pressure bearing down on them. This was an intensity they hadn't experienced when playing against other teams in Miyagi.
Kyōtani tossed the ball, took his approach, leapt, and smashed it—
The volleyball shot straight toward Itachiyama's back row.
"I got it!"
Komori Motoya reacted instantly, his steps light and precise as he moved into position with ease.
The ball soared high into the air.
A perfect receive!
"
—!" The spectators were amazed by Kyōtani Kentarō's powerful serve—it had incredible force right from the first play.
"To receive that on the first try…" Tōma Kaoru marvelled at Komori's skill. "So this is what it means to be the best libero in high school volleyball…"
Shirakawa Kaito leapt into the air for the set. Sakusa Kiyoomi sprinted along the right sideline before taking off, prompting Aoba Johsai's front row to shift toward the right.
The first-year setter faked a set and instead went for a dump attack—Shirakawa's first play was a surprise setter dump!
Kaedehara Taichi jumped diagonally, barely managing to get a hand under the ball and pop it up.
"One touch!" Taichi called out to his teammates as he landed.
"This kid…He looked so composed, but his first play and he's already pulling tricks?!"
"Ah—sorry!" Shirakawa called over to Sakusa. He hadn't expected Kaedehara to anticipate his attack and make that incredible last-second read.
"Focus on Taichi—get ready to block him," Sakusa ordered, frowning. This new setter had the technique, but his decision-making needed work.
Nakamori Daiki calmly received the ball, delivering a perfect pass.
Without hesitation, Yahaba Shigeru set it high toward the left.
Kaedehara Taichi jumped, his arm pulling back as his muscles tensed.
"Three-man block!" Shibata Yōsuke, Shirakawa Kaito, and Sakusa Kiyoomi all leapt to intercept him.
The entire gym seemed to shake from the impact.
—
,
,
,
,
;
,
,

,
.
—
Since the end of the prefectural tournament over a month and a half ago, Coach Irihata had strictly controlled Taichi's spiking practice.
Under the coach's meticulously planned regimen, Taichi shifted his focus toward strength and endurance training, refining his athletic foundation. In reality,
. Strength training increased his explosive power on the court, while stamina training ensured he could maintain peak performance throughout long matches.
Irihata could see that Taichi's potential was
from reaching its limit. Regardless of the type of player he aspired to become, he needed a strong foundation to support his future.
During this period, Taichi's obsession with spiking didn't fade—
.
Since he couldn't rely solely on spikes, he began seeking new breakthroughs. Gradually, his court vision expanded. He became more aware of defensive formations, his teammates' positions, and their condition—almost like when he first started learning volleyball.
Through this, he also grasped the deeper meaning behind Irihata's training:
.
This was originally Oikawa Tōru's role on the court,
, Taichi needed to take up that responsibility.
Because he had improved so quickly, he had unconsciously started trying to handle everything on his own. It wasn't until the prefectural tournament that he realised he had become disconnected from the team.
The practice matches in April finally helped Taichi recognise something once more—
. He didn't have to shoulder everything alone. His teammates were more than capable of carrying the offensive load.
Aoba Johsai thrives when every branch and leaf flourishes.
The ball slammed down onto Itachiyama's left sideline and bounced high into the air.
Kaedehara Taichi scores with a spike!
Before today's match, Coach Irihata had only given Taichi one instruction: