Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

Hayato's jump serve was as sharp as ever. Against most teams, it could rack up points one after another. But Wakutani wasn't "most teams." He only managed to score twice before they adapted, showing just how sturdy their defense really was.

"It really is Perseverance, huh?" Hayato chuckled to himself as he slid into position. "Feels like I'm playing Nekoma."

Wakutani's return came fast. Their front line leapt in a feint attack, but the real strike came from the back row—Kawawatari, the pineapple-haired wing spiker. The bearded setter flicked the ball up, and Kawawatari came flying in, hammering it before Karasuno could fully adjust.

"Good teamwork. Just like Nekoma…" Hayato muttered, then smirked. "But you're still a step behind."

Diving across the back row, Hayato dug the ball up.

"Shoyo—last strike!"

"Got it!"

Hinata burst forward, Kageyama already feeding him a perfect toss. While Wakutani's blockers were still regaining their balance from the earlier feint, Hinata was already soaring. He smashed the ball down, untouched.

4–0, Karasuno.

"Nice receive, Hayato!"

"Good cover!"

Nishinoya's voice rang out, though Hayato could only shake his head, smiling faintly at his libero's eternal enthusiasm.

"I thought Wakutani had that point," someone in the stands whispered. "That save was ridiculous."

"And the follow-up was perfect. Their teamwork is scary."

Up in the audience, the girls of Karasuno's fan squad clapped and chattered excitedly. Each coordinated play seemed to spark more energy from the crowd.

On the bench, Ukai leaned toward Takeda.

"Wakutani's no pushover. They're nothing like Jozenji—steady defense, patient counters. If Karasuno gets dragged into their rhythm, it could get dangerous."

But before his words could settle, Hayato and Hinata each landed another quick point. Ukai's brows rose as he exhaled through his nose.

Kiyoko, standing nearby, clenched her fists. "Coach, you're right—but we have Hayato and Daichi in the back row right now. In defense, Karasuno won't lose either."

Her conviction made Ukai and Takeda exchange a brief smile.

"She's right," Takeda murmured. "Our back row is strong. Let's see whose defense holds out."

Wakutani didn't panic, even down 4–0. Their captain, Nakashima Takeshi, steadied his team with calm instructions. When the ball came again, he leapt and deliberately angled his spike at Hinata's fingertips. The ball deflected straight out of bounds, landing in the hands of a startled spectator.

"Out-of-bounds touch… he aimed for my fingers?" Hinata hissed, frustrated. "That technique—damn, it's sharp."

Hinata's arsenal was still limited—his quick attack with Kageyama was his main weapon. Nakashima, however, was different. His aerial control and angles were polished, enough to turn a block into a guaranteed point.

Ukai's eyes narrowed as he watched. "Nakashima's only 173 cm, but he plays free in the air. He might be the closest we've got to a new Little Giant here in Miyagi… Hinata still has a long way to go."

Karasuno quickly adjusted.

"Don't force kill blocks," Daichi instructed firmly after they regained serve. "Soft block instead—just touch it and let the back row handle the rest."

"Yes!"

With the new plan, Wakutani's attacks were repeatedly slowed or redirected. Hayato, Daichi, and Nishinoya scooped up ball after ball, grinding down their rhythm. Bit by bit, Karasuno established control.

The truth became clearer as the rallies wore on: Wakutani's defense was good, but their offense wasn't as threatening as Jozenji's relentless attack yesterday. Against Karasuno's back row, their firepower simply wasn't enough.

Hayato noticed the difference too. A team that can't pressure the blockers or crack the back row won't break through. At best, they'll just wear themselves out.

Spectators began to murmur.

"Is it just me, or is Wakutani struggling?"

"Yeah… the score's close, but they're not pushing Karasuno back at all. Yesterday's match with Jozenji felt way more tense."

At 14–10, Wakutani finally called a timeout.

In Karasuno's bench area, Kiyoko handed out water and towels.

"You're all doing great—better than expected. The opponent's trying to keep up, but as long as we hold our rhythm, this set is ours."

"Yes, Coach!"

With Hayato helping Daichi lead, the captain could focus more on defensive stability. Together with Nishinoya, the back row felt untouchable. Every solid dig boosted their confidence further.

Meanwhile, on Wakunan's side—

"Damn it," Kawawatari groaned, squeezing his water bottle. "Karasuno's #10 is already hard to deal with, but #13… his defense is insane too. We should've scored so many times, but he's always there."

"Relax, relax," Nakashima said with a grin. "You're doing fine. Besides—didn't you notice? Those Karasuno girls were watching you just now."

Kawawatari froze, then whipped his head toward the stands. Sure enough, Karasuno's cheering squad—Kiyoko, Hitoka, Koyuki, and the others—were all there, eyes on the court. Three of them were even in cheerleading uniforms.

"They're all beauties!" Kawawatari howled. "No way—I've gotta impress them! Pass me the ball more! Oh oh oh oh!!"

His teammates blinked at the sudden surge of energy. The mustached setter chuckled, clapping Nakashima on the shoulder.

"You've got a real talent for motivation."

Nakashima only smirked, rallying his team. "We're down by four, but there's still a chance. Steady and patient, like always. Don't give up!"

"Oh!"

With spirits lifted, Wakutani strode back onto the court.

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