Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

Although Karasuno had already begun discussing tactics for their upcoming match against Seijoh, the moment Date Tech's second set began, all conversation came to a halt. Every eye turned back to the court.

The focus now was simple: could Date Tech reveal more of Seijoh's hidden strategies?

Just as the whistle blew, a group of familiar faces arrived—the third-year seniors from Date Tech who had retired the year before.

"How's it going? Who's winning?!"

"The second set already started? Who took the first?"

Leaning against the railing with anxious energy, they scanned the court. Daichi, recognizing them, quickly struck up a conversation. After all, when he and the others were still first-years, Karasuno had already faced these players.

"Seijoh took the first set," Daichi explained briefly.

The former captain, Moniwa, nodded gratefully. Sasaya Takehito gave a polite bow, while the tall, rough-looking Kamasaki wore his usual challenging smirk—until Sasaya reached over and pinched his cheek to silence him.

Thanking Daichi, the three seniors joined the cheering squad behind them.

"Karasuno's third-years are still here?"

"Guess they're giving it everything while they still have a shot at Spring High."

"Forget that. Focus on our guys. That idiot Kogane—Karasuno's captain said he made tons of mistakes in the first set. Once this match is over, we'll have him practicing until he drops."

Hayato glanced at the group curiously. So these were the players whose "Iron Wall" had once crushed Asahi's spirit? They didn't look particularly intimidating at first glance, but knowing their history, Hayato couldn't help but feel intrigued.

Back on the court, Kogane was still a novice as a Setter, but his sheer height gave him a natural edge in blocking. Alongside Aone and their middle line, he formed a wall that seemed impossible to break. Date Tech scored immediately on a block.

"That's Date Tech's new Iron Wall! Not bad, huh?!" Kamasaki celebrated, fists clenched.

"No matter how many times I see it, it's always troublesome…" Hayato muttered, rubbing his forehead as he imagined what he would do if he had to spike against that wall.

Daichi, relaxed now that Karasuno had already secured a win over Wakutani, chuckled. "Careful, Hayato. After we graduate, that 'novice' Setter will only get stronger. He might be your biggest rival."

Hayato puffed out his chest and replied with mock confidence. "Relax, Captain. You've gotta have faith in us first- and second-years."

Daichi grinned. "You're right."

The lighthearted exchange left the whole group smiling, their spirits high after their victory earlier.

On court, however, Seijoh steadily widened their lead. Their teamwork was tight, their serves sharper. Oikawa and Iwaizumi were in top form, and even their supporting cast had grown stronger.

"Seijoh's serves have all improved," Daichi observed grimly.

Hanamaki's jump serve thundered across the court, rattling Date Tech's receivers. Though Futakuchi managed a stubborn spike to keep his team alive, Oikawa retaliated immediately with a clever second-touch dump, stabbing the ball into an empty corner like a knife.

The Date Tech seniors, who had been celebrating just seconds earlier, fell silent.

On Karasuno's bench, Sugawara jolted in surprise. "A second touch there? I wouldn't have dared to try that."

"As expected of Oikawa," Daichi said, arms crossed.

"He's calm today," Asahi added, sweat beading at his temple.

Still, Date Tech fought back. Libero Sakunami executed a clean receive, feeding Kogane at just the right height. Leaping higher than most could imagine, Kogane set a ball that soared perfectly into Aone's strike zone.

Aone crushed it through Seijoh's court.

"So high… so fast!" Hinata exclaimed.

"It's like the ball was placed right in the hitting pocket," Ennoshita marveled.

Sugawara nodded. "That kind of set can only work because Kogane jumps so high himself. It's almost unfair."

Excitement surged when Kogane, inspired by Oikawa's earlier dump, decided to unleash his own second-touch spike. The ball rocketed down with such force that even if Seijoh had read it, there was no way to stop it.

"That was insane!" Tanaka cheered.

"The power and speed… wow," Kageyama muttered, eyes gleaming as he absorbed every move from another Setter.

But experience and chemistry began to show. As fatigue crept in, Oikawa's sets slipped, forcing Iwaizumi into awkward positions. Yet with their years of partnership, Iwaizumi adapted instantly, salvaging the play with sheer determination.

During a timeout, he locked eyes with Oikawa. Sweat dripped from his brow, but his voice was calm, almost commanding.

"Play like you always do. Trust me."

Startled by his tone, Oikawa straightened and gave a sheepish salute. "Yes, sir."

Sure enough, when Oikawa returned to his usual style, Iwaizumi hammered the ball straight down the line. Seijoh reached match point.

One more point, and they would face Karasuno for a spot in the finals.

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