Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

Karasuno, now boasting its dual Aces, had Hinata, Azumane, and Kageyama up front, while Tsukishima, Daichi, and Hayato manned the back row.

Since Wakutani had served first in the opening set, it was Karasuno's turn to start the second.

Hayato gripped the volleyball, leapt into the air, and unleashed a jump serve without hesitation.

The Wakutani players reacted, but the ball ricocheted off their arms and flew out of bounds.

"Electromagnetic Cannon!"

Hinata shouted the name with unwavering enthusiasm, never once thinking it sounded chuunibyo.

By now, the audience had caught on to Karasuno's number 13. Whenever he jumped to serve, his teammates would yell that same phrase.

Some fans found the name ridiculous. Others found it ridiculously fun.

"Damn it… Even after a whole set, his power hasn't dropped at all."

A Wakutani player rubbed his sore arm, shocked. He had thought number 13's stamina would weaken his serves by now—but Hayato proved them wrong.

The crowd, fired up, began chanting for another "Electromagnetic Cannon." Hearing their voices, Hayato couldn't help but grin.

"Since the audience insists… here's another one."

This time, Wakutani's formation spread wide, trying to cover more ground. The receiver stumbled backward from the sheer force, but managed to keep the ball in play. Their libero sprinted, flung himself low, and barely saved it—only to send it sailing back to Karasuno's side.

The front row was ready. Not just Hinata, but Karasuno's other Ace had been waiting for this moment.

"Give it to me!"

Azumane soared high, Kageyama's set perfectly in place.

From the back, Daichi thought proudly: Trying to block Asahi? Two blockers won't cut it. You'll need another Iron Wall.

Azumane slammed the ball through their block, sending it flying off their hands.

Point, Karasuno. Block-out.

"Alright!"

Azumane's roar echoed through the gym. Fist clenched, he looked more imposing than ever. The crowd gasped at his power.

"Ohhh, impressive! That number 3 isn't just a benchwarmer."

"I heard he was Karasuno's Ace before number 13 joined."

The comments reached Hitoka, who puffed her cheeks indignantly. What do they mean? Hayato-senpai isn't the only Ace! Azumane-senpai is an Ace too!

Saeko didn't care about the chatter. Cupping her hands around her mouth, she roared her support for Asahi. The crowd loved it too—after all, nothing riles up the audience like a powerful spike.

With Hayato's devastating serves in the back row and Azumane's monster spikes in the front, Karasuno's pressure doubled—not additive, but multiplicative.

Even Nakashima, Wakutani's steady captain, began to feel his composure slipping. How are they this strong?

His family's cheers from the stands steadied him. He clapped his teammates' shoulders. "We'll take the next one. Don't give up."

The whistle blew.

Hayato served again.

This time, Nakashima gritted his teeth and absorbed the impact, finally managing a clean receive.

"Chance ball!"

Wakutani launched a time-lag quick attack and scored.

They celebrated with fierce determination, but Karasuno didn't falter.

Daichi clapped his hands. "Don't worry about it—we'll get it back."

Looking around, he realized there was no panic on his teammates' faces. Even Asahi, once prone to anxiety, stood tall with burning confidence. Daichi smiled to himself. "Heh… I guess I worried for nothing."

Wakutani played their hearts out, but compared to Jozenji's flashy offense, their attacks no longer threatened the current Karasuno. With Azumane sharing the offensive load, Hayato could focus more on defense, and balls that seemed sure to score were miraculously saved again and again.

If Wakutani wanted points, they had to gamble everything—and risk leaving themselves open to Karasuno's deadly counterattacks.

The score ticked up.

10–6.

Karasuno forced Wakutani to call a timeout.

Captain Nakashima gulped water, drenched in sweat. The dual pressure of Karasuno's attack and the mental strain of trailing were sapping their stamina. Still, the fire in their eyes hadn't dimmed. They huddled, determined to find a way.

Their coach said little. They hadn't given up—that was enough.

Meanwhile, Karasuno rested on their bench.

Coach Ukai warned, "Don't get careless. Watch their captain. When he spikes, focus on getting a touch rather than going for a perfect block—avoid giving them block-outs."

Timeout ended. Hayato handed his towel to Kiyoko, then glanced at Wakutani.

A pang of guilt hit him. Without me, this match would've been neck-and-neck. Wakutani is strong—they made it to quarterfinals for a reason. But with me here, the balance has shifted. The gap is too wide.

He silently apologized. I'm sorry. But only one team can represent Miyagi at Nationals—and that's Karasuno.

Hayato jogged back onto the court with his teammates.

The cheers for Wakutani were still loud, but the momentum had shifted. Everyone in the gym could feel it—the soaring crows were in full flight.

With Hayato and Azumane now both in the front row, their presence loomed like a stormcloud. Add Kageyama's pinpoint sets, and their trio's attack became unstoppable.

The score widened.

20–15.

Karasuno hit twenty first.

On the sideline, Yamaguchi, already summoned by Coach Ukai, gripped his number plate and prepared to check in.

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