Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

"It's a bit hard to break through from your side, but others can't jump as high as you!"

Seizing the opportunity, Hayato spiked the ball over the outstretched hands of another player, scoring directly again. The defending player dived for the ball but couldn't save it.

"Alright!"

2–0.

The Karasuno players, having scored again, celebrated loudly, their pressure from Kakugawa's two-meter player completely swept away.

"Karasuno scored again?"

"No way, Karasuno, are they really that strong?"

The sounds of discussion from the crowd reached Hitoka's ears, making her feel proud. So what if they have a two-meter player? We have Kuroha-kun, after all.

The game continued. This time, Hayato failed to block Hyakuzawa Yudai's spike. A powerful diagonal shot allowed Kakugawa to tie the score.

"Damn it, I'm sorry, I made a mistake on that one."

A regretful Hayato apologized proactively, but the others didn't mind. They encouraged each other and got ready for the next ball.

After Kakugawa scored, the serve changed hands. An easy ball came over, and Nishinoya — who had just rotated in — set the ball. Kageyama quickly passed to Shoyo, and the flying ginger spiked before Kakugawa could react.

Looking back at the volleyball that had already landed, Hyakuzawa Yudai was stunned. He had been watching the ball the entire time, but in the blink of an eye, it had flown into Shoyo's hands, and by the time he reacted, it was already on the floor.

"What was that?"

Hyakuzawa, who had never seen such an attack, was completely shocked.

"It's here — the Quick Attack."

"Oh, is that the one they used in the first match?"

"That number 10 is so fast."

Karasuno's display of speed made everyone look at them with new respect.

Kakugawa quickly called a timeout, gathering their players.

"Sorry, seniors…"

Hyakuzawa, who had dominated in the previous match, was struggling to score against Karasuno and felt frustrated. His teammates patted him on the back.

"Don't worry, it's just the beginning."

"Yeah, and it's your first time on the court. Don't pressure yourself too much."

Even with their words of comfort, a nervous edge lingered. They had studied Karasuno's past matches, but the current team was nothing like before — especially with the addition of the number 13, who was proving to be a massive threat.

On Karasuno's side, spirits were high.

"Let's keep attacking!"

"Oh! Go for it!"

The whistle blew. Kakugawa managed to get a point through Hyakuzawa, but Karasuno struck back immediately. Daichi had rotated to the front row, and Kageyama tossed to Shoyo again. This time, the normal quick was met with Hyakuzawa's towering block.

"Damn it, he's so tall."

Shoyo switched to a feint mid-air, tapping the ball lightly — but even that couldn't get past Hyakuzawa's massive hand. The ball dropped to the floor before anyone could react.

3–3, tied game.

"Ahhh, sorry, everyone!"

Shoyo buried his face in his hands, but Hayato patted his back.

"Don't worry about it."

"Damn it, I thought the feint would work."

"Shoyo, even if the feint doesn't work, there's still another way to attack."

Hayato gave him a wink, and Shoyo's eyes lit up in understanding.

On Kakugawa's next serve, Hayato passed the ball directly to Shoyo. The moment the blockers jumped, Shoyo aimed straight for Hyakuzawa's fingertips, sending the ball ricocheting out of bounds.

A service ace. He had taken back the point he'd lost.

4–3, Karasuno led again.

The set became a back-and-forth battle. Hyakuzawa's spikes remained their main weapon, but his lack of refined technique gave Karasuno an opening. Nishinoya was positioned to receive his diagonal shots, while Tsukishima's front-row presence shut down other attackers.

"Good job, Tsukii."

After another successful block, Hayato patted Tsukishima's back. Tsukishima stiffened.

"Um, Kuroha-kun, please don't call me that."

"Huh? Doesn't Yamaguchi call you that? And hey, we've had those late-night talks under the moonlight, haven't we, Tsukii?"

He was answered only with a flat look of disdain.

The score climbed to 18–12. Hyakuzawa found himself comparing to Hayato — similar height (not really), but Hayato was stronger. And Shoyo… despite being just 162 cm, was still outplaying him.

Chasing Shoyo to the net, Hyakuzawa jumped, but his chasing leap couldn't match Shoyo's standing jump height. The ball soared past him and hit the court.

Even with Hyakuzawa, Kakugawa's attack faltered against Karasuno's dual offense. Hayato and Shoyo's presence tore apart their block.

The first set ended 25–16 in Karasuno's favor, with most of Kakugawa's points coming from Hyakuzawa alone.

During the break, the Karasuno players relaxed and rehydrated. Hayato couldn't help smiling — the team had grown beyond his expectations, and Shoyo was now holding his own against a giant.

"Hayato-senpai? What's wrong?"

Shoyo tilted his head.

"Ah, I'm just proud. The little chick I met is now taking on a two-meter giant head-on."

Hayato ruffled Shoyo's hair, earning a laugh. The others joined in, surrounding him like excited kids.

"Um, seniors, that tickles, haha!"

Meanwhile, Kakugawa's huddle was tense. They decided to stop trying to block Shoyo's quicks entirely and instead focus on containing Hayato.

"Number 13's strong, but we can still receive his shots. And Hyakuzawa can still get through their block."

"So it's an offensive battle, then."

Hyakuzawa wiped the sweat from his brow, determination in his eyes.

"Karasuno's strong… but we didn't come here to lose. Let's go!"

"Oh!"

In the stands, Uki chatted with her friend.

"Uki, Karasuno's amazing — they just crushed that set."

"I saw."

"Hehe, maybe they really can make it to Nationals."

When Hitoka had told her about their Nationals dream, Uki had worried. But now, after seeing this set, her doubts were gone.

"Kuroha-kun! Nishinoya-kun! Go for it!"

Her cheers made Nishinoya puff out his chest in pride. Tanaka, however, was green with jealousy.

"Don't worry, I'll tell her your name after this match."

"Really?! Hayato, you're the best!"

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