Chapter 20: Aoba Johsai vs. Wakutani Minami 5
"Ding, the 'Ace's Resolve' task reward has been updated: Oikawa Tooru breaks through his ability ceiling, Setting +1."
"Ding, the host has successfully altered Oikawa Tooru's career trajectory, rewarding one Oikawa Tooru (current state) player card."
The system popped up two notifications, leaving Kaedehara Taiichi momentarily unsure where to begin his complaints.
The "Ace's Resolve" task, which caused him public embarrassment last night, rewarded Oikawa Tooru instead. That thick-browed, big-eyed guy never missed out on benefits.
What intrigued Taiichi more was that Oikawa Tooru's career trajectory had changed.
Taiichi wasn't surprised by Oikawa's growth. As a future member of Argentina's men's national volleyball team, Oikawa was bound to break through eventually—just not this soon.
Thinking it over, the original Oikawa Tooru lost for three years in high school, remaining obscure and even questioning whether to continue volleyball.
But after guidance from José Blanco, former setter of Argentina's national team and coach of Japan's V.League team Tachibana Red Falcons, Oikawa resolved to pursue his volleyball dream.
Staying in Japan meant facing an insurmountable mountain—first Ushijima Wakatoshi, then Kageyama Tobio. So Oikawa took a different path, heading to Argentina—a temporary departure for a stronger return.
Now, however, Oikawa's high school career hadn't ended in gloom. Someone stood before him, matter-of-factly stating that if Kageyama could do it, so could he—not encouragement or consolation, but a declaration.
Facing such a junior, Oikawa couldn't even explain, "Talent has its limits."
Against this near-unreasonable pressure, a thrill rose in Oikawa's heart: "If you think so, I'll show you!"
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Aoba Johsai's serve. Oikawa Tooru stepped to the service line again, taking a deep breath and adjusting his wrist's strength and angle, feeling his state had peaked.
"Oikawa, nice serve!"
His teammates' cheers rang out. Oikawa tossed the ball, took two running steps, and leaped. His arm carved a powerful arc, fingers and wrist tensing as he struck the ball sharply.
The ball spun little, wobbling through the air. This sudden change caught Wakutani Minami's receivers off guard.
The ball seemed to float slowly but reached Akiho Kazumitsu instantly. As Akiho raised his hands to receive, the ball abruptly dropped.
Oikawa Tooru scored a service ace!
[Aoba Johsai 13 vs. Wakutani Minami 8]
"What was that? Amazing!"
"The ball just dropped, right?" First-years in the crowd gasped.
"A jump float serve? He can do that too?" Wakutani Minami's players were clearly blindsided by Oikawa's unpredictable jump float.
His earlier power jump serves were headache enough, but switching to another serve type was unexpected!
The score gap widened, and Wakutani Minami's players grew restless under the oppressive atmosphere.
"Stay sharp, receive the next one!" Though simple encouragement might be futile now, Nakashima Taku shouted anyway.
"Yes!" Wakutani Minami's players responded, their voices strained.
Nakashima's heart sank. They had to defend the next ball.
"One more, Oikawa-senpai!" Unlike Wakutani Minami's silence, Aoba Johsai's side buzzed with energy.
Oikawa flashed a victory sign to the sidelines, sparking cheers from the crowd.
Aoba Johsai continued serving. Oikawa sent his third serve.
Smack!
Hearing the distinct sound, Taiichi knew something had gone wrong, as expected.
The ball struck Iwaizumi Hajime's head, hands clasped behind it, soaring upward and landing at his feet.
Oikawa Tooru's serve error gave Wakutani Minami a point.
[Aoba Johsai 13 vs. Wakutani Minami 9]
Tap, tap, tap… The court fell silent, save for the ball bouncing.
"Pfft…" Taiichi couldn't hold it in, and laughter erupted around him. "Sorry, Iwaizumi-senpai, I didn't mean it."
Iwaizumi said nothing, quietly picking up the ball.
"Iwa-chan, don't get mad, we're still playing—ow!" Oikawa took a precise hit from Iwaizumi. "Hanamaki, why didn't you stop him?"
After disciplining Oikawa, Iwaizumi calmly bowed slightly to Wakutani Minami's players and the referee to apologize.
Nakashima Taku exhaled deeply. Oikawa's mistake gave them a breather.
Wakutani Minami's serve.
With their mood slightly lifted, Wakutani Minami's offense and defense returned to normal. Nakashima Taku maintained his aggressive attack, forcing a point through a triple block.
The score reached [Aoba Johsai 13 vs. Wakutani Minami 10]. Taiichi rotated to the back row, swapping with Watariho Shinichi, and Oikawa felt a chill down his spine.
As Miyagi's top wing spiker after Ushijima Wakatoshi, Nakashima's versatile offense—straight-line spikes, hit-outs, or feints—forced Aoba Johsai to reduce blockers to cope, making the match tense again.
From the bench, Taiichi's gaze locked onto Nakashima, analyzing every movement, as if imprinting each attack in his mind. For Taiichi, this was the best lesson.
"Taiichi, Taiichi!" Kindaichi Yuutarou called twice, but Taiichi didn't respond.
Turning, Kindaichi saw Taiichi fixated on Nakashima, his focused eyes blocking out all noise, immersed in every detail of Nakashima's play.
Coach Irihata noticed, observing Taiichi with interest and silently praising his focus.
Irihata chuckled, turning to Kindaichi. "Looks like Taiichi's captivated by their ace. That focus is rare. For the next play, you're in. Let Taiichi observe and learn."
"Me?" Kindaichi was caught off guard by the sudden opportunity.
"Did you warm up properly?" Irihata asked directly.
"Yes! I'm ready!" Kindaichi replied eagerly.
"Go for it!" Irihata nodded.
Kindaichi Yuutarou joined the match brimming with confidence.
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🤦 : Oops! You've reached the limit for today. But just for your power stone and recommendation I might— no I would add additional Chapter.
20PS — 1 additional Chapter
40PS — 2 additional Chapter and special mention if you've contributed 3 or more PS.
That's all. Enjoy Reading!