Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty
Author: IseeBlack
Chapter 406: What a Pity!
A long whistle echoed through the arena.
On the afternoon of the fourth day of the Inter-High Nationals, another semifinal match came to a shocking conclusion.
The former powerhouse Itachiyama High fell to Kamomedai in straight sets, exiting the tournament in the Top 4.
The arena rang with the cheers of Kamomedai High supporters, while silence enveloped Itachiyama's side.
Having watched Seijoh's match against Inarizaki, Kamomedai's students had gained some confidence about making the finals, but they were still unsure about whether they could defeat Aoba Johsai.
After all, Seijoh had bulldozed through their opponents with consecutive straight-set wins, whether they were rising powerhouses or traditional heavyweights.
Even against the third-year Miya twins in the semifinals
yet Aoba Johsai still won 2-0.
Kamomedai's cheering squad had been a little shaky after witnessing that...
But after pulling off a straight-set win over Itachiyama themselves, their spirits shot through the roof.
As for the rumours circulating that
they took it with a grain of salt.
Every year, the media hyped someone new.
Besides, soon there would probably be an article crowning
And besides—
For Kamomedai, a school known for needing time to adapt their blocking to opponents, it was the perfect setup!
"Hirugami...I'll remember you," Sakusa Kiyoomi said grimly.
"How rare~" Hirugami Sachirō answered with a mischievous smile, totally at odds with his serious-looking face.
Komori Motoya and Hoshiumi Kōrai came up to shake hands.
"Congratulations. It's been an honour facing you in an official match," Komori said.
As a former wing spiker who had converted into a libero, Komori held deep respect for Hoshiumi, who
persisted as a full-fledged ace.
"I'm gonna beat that 190-centimetre brat!" Hoshiumi declared confidently. "Air battles aren't just for the tall guys!"
Maybe what he himself lacked was that level of pure confidence, Komori thought, watching the radiant Hoshiumi.
"Good luck. We'll be there watching tomorrow," he said.
"Let's go, Motoya," Sakusa said, so gloomy it seemed like a storm cloud was following him.
"Those bastards...I'll crush them all with my own hands at Spring Nationals."
-----
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! Today marks the
and
day of the IH Nationals!"
"After fighting their way past every obstacle, two powerhouse teams now stand on the grand stage: Aoba Johsai High School and Kamomedai High School!"
"Let's first turn our attention to Aoba Johsai.
Under the leadership of their captain and setter, Yahaba Shigeru, they have stormed through the tournament with overwhelming force.
At the heart of their lineup stands their undisputed ace, Kaedehara Taichi, whose overwhelming strength has commanded attention nationwide.
Their offensive end is bolstered by the uniquely ferocious
Kyōtani Kentarō.
In terms of organisation,
Kunimi Akira plays a crucial role, adjusting seamlessly to any situation.
Their defence features the towering twin walls of Yūki Yōji and Kindaichi Yūtarō, both standing over 190 centimetres tall.
And at the back, first-year libero Nakamori Daiki
adds a vital layer of defence."
"Now turning to Kamomedai—
They are no less formidable!
Leading the charge are their three titans: the
Hoshiumi Kōrai, the
Hakuba Gao, and the
Hirugami Sachirō, all of whom have grown even stronger in their third year.
Supporting them are the calm and collected middle blocker Bessho Kazuyoshi, the cerebral setter Tokura Liam, and the lightning-quick libero Wakabayashi Hikaru—new stars who have risen to prominence for Kamomedai."
"Both teams now stand at either end of the court, eyes locked, sparks flying between them.
Which team will rise above this fierce clash and claim the IH Nationals Championship trophy?
We'll soon find out!"
"What the heck are these nicknames? And how do the commentators even know Kyōtani-senpai's nickname?" Kunimi Akira, one of the
shot Kaedehara Taichi a pointed look.
"Don't look at me! Daiki got interviewed yesterday too!" Taichi protested, feigning innocence.
Kyōtani's fierce glare shifted over to Nakamori Daiki.
"I admit it," Nakamori said bluntly. "It was Taichi who told them."
"YOU LITTLE—!"
"…I want a cool nickname too…" Kindaichi Yūtarō mumbled.
"See? Even Kindaichi wants one and doesn't have it!" Taichi puffed up proudly.
"Besides, Kunimi, isn't
a pretty good title?"
Kunimi made a disgusted face.
Taichi sighed dramatically.
"I thought it up seriously, you know. Not a shred of gratitude."
Amidst Aoba Johsai's usual chaos, the referee blew the whistle to start warm-ups.
Instantly, the tension in the air thickened.
Kaedehara Taichi's eyes sharpened as he turned toward Kamomedai's lineup.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
,
.
Aside from his height, he was nearly maxed out in every stat.
Kaedehara Taichi's excitement spiked immediately.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
.
Solid height, outstanding versatility.
Perhaps he really was the No.1 middle blocker in high school.
Taichi mused.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
.
As a future member of the Japan national team, Hakuba's growth was undeniable.
The destructive power of
couldn't be captured by stats alone.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
.
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
.
;
,
,
,
,
;
.
"Such a pity," Taichi muttered to himself. "The gap between players in high school is still too wide."
Even in the Nationals final, there were only a handful of players at his level
-----
With a long whistle, both teams took their starting positions.
Aoba Johsai High School
Kamomedai High School
On the centre court of Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium,
On the afternoon of the fourth day of the Inter-High Nationals, another semifinal match came to a shocking conclusion.
The former powerhouse Itachiyama High fell to Kamomedai in straight sets, exiting the tournament in the Top 4.
The arena rang with the cheers of Kamomedai High supporters, while silence enveloped Itachiyama's side.
Having watched Seijoh's match against Inarizaki, Kamomedai's students had gained some confidence about making the finals, but they were still unsure about whether they could defeat Aoba Johsai.
After all, Seijoh had bulldozed through their opponents with consecutive straight-set wins, whether they were rising powerhouses or traditional heavyweights.
Even against the third-year Miya twins in the semifinals
yet Aoba Johsai still won 2-0.
Kamomedai's cheering squad had been a little shaky after witnessing that...
But after pulling off a straight-set win over Itachiyama themselves, their spirits shot through the roof.
As for the rumours circulating that
they took it with a grain of salt.
Every year, the media hyped someone new.
Besides, soon there would probably be an article crowning
And besides—
For Kamomedai, a school known for needing time to adapt their blocking to opponents, it was the perfect setup!
"Hirugami...I'll remember you," Sakusa Kiyoomi said grimly.
"How rare~" Hirugami Sachirō answered with a mischievous smile, totally at odds with his serious-looking face.
Komori Motoya and Hoshiumi Kōrai came up to shake hands.
"Congratulations. It's been an honour facing you in an official match," Komori said.
As a former wing spiker who had converted into a libero, Komori held deep respect for Hoshiumi, who
persisted as a full-fledged ace.
"I'm gonna beat that 190-centimetre brat!" Hoshiumi declared confidently. "Air battles aren't just for the tall guys!"
Maybe what he himself lacked was that level of pure confidence, Komori thought, watching the radiant Hoshiumi.
"Good luck. We'll be there watching tomorrow," he said.
"Let's go, Motoya," Sakusa said, so gloomy it seemed like a storm cloud was following him.
"Those bastards...I'll crush them all with my own hands at Spring Nationals."
-----
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! Today marks the
and
day of the IH Nationals!"
"After fighting their way past every obstacle, two powerhouse teams now stand on the grand stage: Aoba Johsai High School and Kamomedai High School!"
"Let's first turn our attention to Aoba Johsai.
Under the leadership of their captain and setter, Yahaba Shigeru, they have stormed through the tournament with overwhelming force.
At the heart of their lineup stands their undisputed ace, Kaedehara Taichi, whose overwhelming strength has commanded attention nationwide.
Their offensive end is bolstered by the uniquely ferocious
Kyōtani Kentarō.
In terms of organisation,
Kunimi Akira plays a crucial role, adjusting seamlessly to any situation.
Their defence features the towering twin walls of Yūki Yōji and Kindaichi Yūtarō, both standing over 190 centimetres tall.
And at the back, first-year libero Nakamori Daiki
adds a vital layer of defence."
"Now turning to Kamomedai—
They are no less formidable!
Leading the charge are their three titans: the
Hoshiumi Kōrai, the
Hakuba Gao, and the
Hirugami Sachirō, all of whom have grown even stronger in their third year.
Supporting them are the calm and collected middle blocker Bessho Kazuyoshi, the cerebral setter Tokura Liam, and the lightning-quick libero Wakabayashi Hikaru—new stars who have risen to prominence for Kamomedai."
"Both teams now stand at either end of the court, eyes locked, sparks flying between them.
Which team will rise above this fierce clash and claim the IH Nationals Championship trophy?
We'll soon find out!"
"What the heck are these nicknames? And how do the commentators even know Kyōtani-senpai's nickname?" Kunimi Akira, one of the
shot Kaedehara Taichi a pointed look.
"Don't look at me! Daiki got interviewed yesterday too!" Taichi protested, feigning innocence.
Kyōtani's fierce glare shifted over to Nakamori Daiki.
"I admit it," Nakamori said bluntly. "It was Taichi who told them."
"YOU LITTLE—!"
"…I want a cool nickname too…" Kindaichi Yūtarō mumbled.
"See? Even Kindaichi wants one and doesn't have it!" Taichi puffed up proudly.
"Besides, Kunimi, isn't
a pretty good title?"
Kunimi made a disgusted face.
Taichi sighed dramatically.
"I thought it up seriously, you know. Not a shred of gratitude."
Amidst Aoba Johsai's usual chaos, the referee blew the whistle to start warm-ups.
Instantly, the tension in the air thickened.
Kaedehara Taichi's eyes sharpened as he turned toward Kamomedai's lineup.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
,
.
Aside from his height, he was nearly maxed out in every stat.
Kaedehara Taichi's excitement spiked immediately.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
.
Solid height, outstanding versatility.
Perhaps he really was the No.1 middle blocker in high school.
Taichi mused.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
.
As a future member of the Japan national team, Hakuba's growth was undeniable.
The destructive power of
couldn't be captured by stats alone.
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
.
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
;
,
,
,
,
;
,
,
.
;
,
,
,
,
;
.
"Such a pity," Taichi muttered to himself. "The gap between players in high school is still too wide."
Even in the Nationals final, there were only a handful of players at his level
-----
With a long whistle, both teams took their starting positions.
Aoba Johsai High School
Kamomedai High School
On the centre court of Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium,