Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

Even though Yamaguchi had already mastered the Jump Float Serve in practice matches, sending him in now was still a gamble. Coach Ukai exhaled quietly as he watched the first-year step nervously onto the court.

Yesterday, against Jozenji's wild offense, Yamaguchi would've been overwhelmed. But Wakutani was a defensive team — this was the perfect chance. Ukai couldn't afford to wait until Seijoh or Date Tech to test him; the pressure would be far worse there. Yamaguchi needed to feel the court now.

"Don't overthink it," Ukai said, trying to ease his nerves. "Just serve like you've done in practice."

But the stiff expression on Yamaguchi's face betrayed his anxiety.

At that moment, Tsukishima — subbing out for him — pressed the number plate into Yamaguchi's hands.

"Relax. I know how much you've been practicing. Show them what you've got."

"…A-Ah! Mm!"

Coming from Tsukishima of all people, the encouragement hit like a spark. Yamaguchi's nerves loosened, then ignited into determination. He had trained relentlessly, even troubling powerhouse teams in practice. He had no reason to hide anymore.

Among the first-years, only he was still a substitute. Hinata, Kageyama, and even Tsukishima had long since become regulars. If not now, then when? It was time for Tadashi Yamaguchi to stand tall.

The moment his shoes touched the court, the air shifted. The tension was different here than on the bench. It prickled against his skin, heavy and electric. But instead of backing down, Yamaguchi leaned forward and welcomed it.

"Yamaguchi, relax — serve a good one!"

Daichi clapped him on the shoulder. Nishinoya followed, grinning wide.

"Don't sweat it, Yamaguchi! We've got your back."

"Yes, senpai! I'll give it everything!"

For the first time, Yamaguchi looked Nishinoya straight in the eye. No timidity. Just fire. Nishinoya's grin grew even wider. "Then show them! Show Wakutani what you've got!"

On the other side, Wakutani's players exchanged uneasy glances. Their data showed Yamaguchi had only appeared once, against Seijoh, where his Jump Float Serve had been shaky at best. Seeing him now, Captain Nakashima frowned. A pinch server? Could he be Karasuno's hidden weapon?

Yamaguchi picked up the ball. From the bench, Sugawara and Hinata cheered as loud as they could. Hitoka waved her arms wildly.

"Why's Yamaguchi going in now?" Saeko asked, puzzled.

Shimada, seated beside her, adjusted his glasses. "He's a pinch server. Brought in specifically to serve."

"Ohhh, so if he scores five straight, Karasuno wins, right?!" Saeko's eyes sparkled.

Shimada nearly toppled over. "N-no! Only top-tier servers can do that. But… if he can get two or three, it'd be huge." He watched Yamaguchi closely. The timid boy of before was gone. In his place stood someone steady, focused, ready.

The whistle blew.

Yamaguchi tossed the ball high.

As he leapt, his body felt weightless, his swing sharp and natural. His gaze locked on Wakutani's libero — a primal instinct told him there.

The libero braced, calling out, "I've got it!"

But at the last instant, the ball dropped like a stone, untouched.

Ace. A perfect Jump Float Serve.

"YES!!!"

Yamaguchi's roar tore from his chest as his teammates exploded in cheers. For the first time, he had scored on the court with his own weapon, his own will. No one could dismiss this as luck.

From now on, Yamaguchi Tadashi would proudly carry the title of pinch server.

"Well done, Yamaguchi!" Daichi shouted, pumping a fist.

This single point wouldn't decide the match, but its weight was immeasurable. Yamaguchi was no longer just a cheerleader from the bench — he had earned the right to stand among them.

"YAMAGUCHIIII!!"

On the bench, Hinata nearly launched himself onto the court in excitement, only for Ennoshita to yank him back by the collar.

"Tsukishima, did you see that?!" Hinata beamed. "His Jump Float Serve was amazing!"

"…Of course I saw it," Tsukishima muttered, but the faint curve of his lips betrayed his pride. "He's been practicing nonstop. It's about time."

On Wakutani's side, their libero grimaced, apologizing again and again, but no one blamed him. No one could've expected that Yamaguchi — the overlooked rookie — would strike here, now.

Even Nakashima's words of encouragement couldn't mask the heaviness in his chest. A perfectly tuned pinch server was one of the most dangerous weapons in volleyball — and Karasuno had just unleashed theirs.

Ukai and the Karasuno bench leapt to their feet, cheering. Truthfully, even Ukai hadn't expected this. If Yamaguchi faltered, he had been ready to pull him immediately. But with his teammates' support, the boy had steadied himself — and delivered perfection.

The referee's whistle cut through the noise. Yamaguchi held the ball again. His hands were steady. His heart, calm.

One more.

He tossed, jumped, and struck.

The ball floated straight, then danced in the air. Nakashima stepped forward, calling, "I'll take it!"

But at the last moment, the ball veered upward, slipping just over his arms — and dropped inside the line.

Consecutive points.

The pinch server had truly arrived.

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