Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

[Day Three of the Intensive Training Camp]

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm golden glow across the gymnasium floor. Inside, players were fully immersed in their warm-up routines, the air thick with a tense yet eager anticipation.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!!"

A loud, boisterous voice rang out as the doors to the training gym were flung open.

"Good morning, everyone!!"

With his arms raised high and a beaming, confident grin, Bokuto Kōtarō strode into the gym, radiating boundless energy.

"They're here?" Coach Kobayashi glanced toward the entrance.

Led by Japan's national team coach, Fuki Hibarida, the official Youth National Team starters filed in through the doors—

Outside Hitter—Ushijima Wakatoshi, Shiratorizawa Academy, Miyagi.

Setter—Oikawa Tōru, Aoba Johsai High, Miyagi.

Outside Hitter—Kiryū Wakatsu, Mujinazaka High, Ōita.

Middle Blocker—Keisuke Unnan, Mujinazaka High, Ōita.

Outside Hitter—Bokuto Kōtarō, Fukurōdani Academy, Tokyo.

Middle Blocker—Tatsuki Washio, Fukurōdani Academy, Tokyo.

Outside Hitter—Ojiro Aran, Inarizaki High, Hyōgo.

Setter—Iizuna Tsukasa, Itachiyama Academy, Tokyo.

"They actually came!!!"

"You've got to be kidding me…"

"Holy crap…"

The players of the reserve team stared in astonishment as the nationally renowned seniors—who frequently appeared in Volleyball Monthly—walked in.

Beyond the initial shock, an overwhelming pressure settled over them.

Among the top five high school outside hitters in the country, four were right in front of them.

Almost instinctively, their gazes shifted to the only second-year ranked among the top three—Sakusa Kiyoomi.

Sakusa gave a slight nod. "Good morning, senpai."

Iizuna Tsukasa responded with a small nod of acknowledgement.

Only then did the others snap out of their daze and hurriedly offer their greetings, the gym momentarily descending into chaotic murmurs.

"As some of the most talented high school players in Japan, I'm sure many of you are already familiar with each other," Fuki Hibarida said with a chuckle. "But don't get too caught up reminiscing—save it for the match."

While most of the reserve team was visibly shaken, there were a few exceptions.

Players like Hoshiumi Kōrai and Kaedehara Taichi remained unfazed—the former because he wasn't particularly close with anyone on the starting team, and the latter because, even when faced with teammates, he maintained an aloof demeanour.

"Taichi!" Oikawa Tōru greeted Kaedehara Taichi with his usual bright smile.

"Mm, Oikawa-senpai," Taichi replied calmly.

Oikawa: "???"

After thinking for a moment, Oikawa realized that Taichi always acted this way in large gatherings—cool and distant, as if he naturally slipped into a high-and-mighty mode.

Well, that's fine. Volleyball would get his blood pumping soon enough.

A knowing smirk appeared on Oikawa's face.

It wasn't that the reserve team lacked strong personalities, but facing the national youth team's starting members—especially with a match imminent—left little room for ease.

For the players who were actually going to compete against them, maintaining their fighting spirit was paramount. Even Sakusa Kiyoomi, upon spotting Ushijima Wakatoshi, merely concealed his excitement beneath a composed gaze.

In thirty minutes, they would be opponents on the court.

And not a single one of them entertained the thought of losing.

A subtle tension settled between the two teams, creating an almost tangible distance. The match hadn't even begun, but the pressure was already suffocating.

Coach Kobayashi exchanged a glance with Coach Hibarida.

Just like that, their goal was half-accomplished.

Just as these "geniuses" were getting comfortable with the rhythm of the training camp, a sudden surge of intensity was introduced to push their limits once more.

A sharp whistle pierced the air.

Hibari Tabuki's voice followed. "Seeing that you're all more than ready, there's no need for further delay. Warm up, and then we'll begin the match."

"Yes!"

Kaedehara Taichi took a moment to observe the three players he had yet to face in a match.

[Bokuto Kōtarō—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating: 93; Height: 185.3 cm, Strength: 95, Jump: 90, Stamina: 97, Speed: 90

[Iizuna Tsukasa—Setter: Overall Rating: 90; Height: 181.4 cm, Strength: 92, Jump: 82, Stamina: 90, Speed: 90; Key Attributes: Serve 88, Receive 90, Set 94.]

[Tatsuki Washio—Middle Blocker: Overall Rating: 89; Height: 188 cm, Strength: 90, Jump: 85, Stamina: 92, Speed: 88; Key Attributes: Serve 88, Spike 90.]

As expected, Bokuto was the most intriguing player. His stats were already impressive, but what made him truly unpredictable were his fluctuating in-game states.

Who knew what kind of chaos he would cause during the match?

Meanwhile, Iizuna Tsukasa had increased his strength slightly since the last time Taichi saw him in the audience. Itachiyama's training methods were as unconventional as ever.

A series of loud Booms rang through the gym—

Boom! Bokuto casually slammed a ball into the ground.

BOOM!! Ushijima, as composed as ever, sent a powerful spike across the court.

BOOM!!! Kiryū, with unwavering focus, struck his ball with all his might.

As he watched the ball rocket toward the ceiling, Chigaya Eikichi trembled where he stood.

These third-years were monsters. Their power was on a completely different level.

The first and second years barely had any power-focused players to begin with. If this match went on too long, would he even make it out in one piece?!

Chigaya's face paled. Yep, he was the poor guy who had stumbled into a match between Titans.

Starting Lineups

Japan Youth National Team:

Front row—Outside Hitter Ushijima Wakatoshi, Middle Blocker Keisuke Unnan, Outside Hitter Bokuto Kōtarō.

Back row—Outside Hitter Kiryū Wakatsu, Middle Blocker Tatsuki Washio (Libero: Iizuna Tsukasa) and Setter Oikawa Tōru.

Reserve Team:

Front row—Middle Blocker Chigaya Eikichi, Outside Hitter Kaedehara Taichi, Outside Hitter Hoshiumi Kōrai.

Back row—Outside Hitter Sakusa Kiyoomi, Setter Miya Atsumu and Middle Blocker Kageyama Tobio (Libero: Komori Motoya).

The match began with the reserve team serving.

Kageyama Tobio stood at the service line.

Despite the excitement of playing against Oikawa, a setter he deeply respected, there was an undeniable frustration in not being in his usual position.

"Tobio-chan~ Give us a good serve!"

The voice came from across the net.

It was Oikawa.

Kaedehara Taichi twitched his lips. This guy was such a menace.

Kageyama took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and cast aside all distractions.

This match was an opportunity—no matter the position.

Tossing the ball high, he sprinted forward and launched into his jump.

Bam

And in the next instant—

Smack!

BOOM!

Two distinct sounds echoed back-to-back.

Even before Chigaya processed the ball's trajectory, Iizuna Tsukasa had already moved and cleanly received it.

Sakusa Kiyoomi's sharp gaze flickered—he had already moved in advance to the landing point of the ball!

Pa!

He had experienced this kind of spin multiple times when receiving Kaedehara Taichi's spikes. However—

This sheer power!

A powerful impact surged forth like a raging flood, mercilessly knocking him off balance and slamming him onto the cold court floor.

The volleyball rebounded violently out of bounds.

Ushijima Wakatoshi scored with a spike.

[Reserve Team 0 - 1 Japan Youth Team]

Chigaya Eikichi turned his head just in time to witness the scene.

That was Sakusa Kiyoomi, one of the Big Three Aces! Even he couldn't receive it?!

More than that—he himself was a 1.93-meter-tall middle blocker, yet Ushijima Wakatoshi had effortlessly spiked over his hands...

Unbelievable!!!

So this was the kind of opponent Taichi had to defeat to reach the national level?@@novelbin@@

Seeing it with his own eyes made it feel even more unreal.

"Don't worry about it!" Kaedehara Taichi shouted loudly.

He mainly wanted to reassure Chigaya Eikichi. As for Sakusa Kiyoomi, Kaedehara Taichi could only silently acknowledge—as expected, he's incredible.

He had already tracked Ushijima Wakatoshi's spike trajectory on the very first ball.

Ushijima gave Sakusa a calm glance. This wasn't their first time facing each other, and in his eyes, Sakusa was a formidable opponent.

Sakusa quickly got back on his feet, his eyes gleaming.

So Wakatoshi has grown even stronger in his third year…just as expected.

The serve rotated, and Ushijima stepped up to the service line.

Chigaya Eikichi's palms had already begun to sweat. This pace is too fast. There was no need to guess—Ushijima's serve was bound to be just as terrifying.

If they couldn't find a way to receive it, the score gap would widen in an instant.

"No need to panic. The senpai behind us are just as reliable." Kaedehara Taichi flashed him a smile.

Chigaya, affected by Taichi's composure, relaxed slightly. He glanced behind him—everyone in the back row was fully focused, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Bring it on!"

No one flinched. They wanted to receive Ushijima's serve!

Ushijima tossed the ball, took his approach, jumped, and struck—

Boom!!

The ball hurtled toward the seam between Sakusa and Miya Atsumu, slightly closer to the right side where Atsumu was positioned.

"I got it!"

Sakusa called out first.

Receiving alone wasn't enough—they had to convert this into a strong offensive play!

Atsumu took a step back, clearing space for Sakusa.

Sakusa once again positioned himself directly in front of Ushijima's serve.

He lowered his centre of gravity to the minimum and slightly angled his arms to the right to counteract the spin.

"I need to absorb the force—"

Pa!

The lightning-fast ball slammed into his arms, bouncing high out of bounds once more.

Still couldn't control it!

However—

There was still a chance!

"Save it!" Sakusa shouted.

"On it!" Atsumu was already sprinting toward the ball. Wasn't this exactly why I covered the first pass?

With a final stride, Atsumu lunged low, sliding beneath the ball.

A perfect set, for the attacker!

"Enjoy~!"

With both hands, Atsumu pushed the ball upward—it soared toward the right wing.

Boom!

Hoshiumi Kōrai launched himself from the front row.

"Double block!" Reacting swiftly, Mujinazaka's Keisuke Unnan and Fukurodani's ace, Bokuto Kōtarō, leapt to block.

So high!

It wasn't just Hoshiumi's jump—Mujinazaka's towering Keisuke Unnan and Fukurodani's Bokuto weren't any lower!

Bang!

The volleyball slipped through the narrow gap between the Japan Youth Team's block and the net, slamming directly into the floor.

A cross-court spike that landed inside the three-meter line!

Despite being only 1.70 meters tall, Hoshiumi Kōrai's most memorable trait wasn't just his unbelievable jumping ability—

He was the second most technically refined wing spiker, just behind Sakusa Kiyoomi!

Hoshiumi scores!

[Reserve Team 1 - 1 Japan Youth Team]

"H-he's amazing…" Chigaya Eikichi muttered.

Everyone was amazing. No one simply "passed" the ball—every step was calculated and intentional.

Kaedehara Taichi hadn't expected it either. They actually managed to break Ushijima Wakatoshi's serve rotation in just one play.

Completely immersed in the match, he couldn't help but marvel:

"This is incredible…"

It felt like discovering a hidden treasure.

"That guy's getting fired up already," Oikawa Tōru muttered, unable to stop a wry smile from forming. He recognized that expression on Taichi's face all too well.

This match was definitely going to be tougher than they imagined.

The serve rotated again, and Hoshiumi Kōrai stepped up to the service line.

Holding the ball in one hand, he pointed straight ahead. Earlier, he had mentioned that "a 190cm rookie" wasn't worth his attention—not because of height, but because of technique!

Boom!

A jump serve aimed precisely at the back corner—targeting Ushijima Wakatoshi!

Ushijima quickly retreated and received—

Smack!

The ball rebounded high, and Ushijima lost his balance momentarily from the impact.

"Waka-chan!" Oikawa once again made a clear call, setting the ball high to the right.

"Such a perfect arc..."

Kiryū Wakatsu sprinted from the back row—one step, two steps, three steps—a textbook Kiryū Wakatsu approach.

"Triple block!" Sakusa Kiyoomi, Chigaya Eikichi, and Kaedehara Taichi leaped together in the front row.

BOOM!!

Taichi squeezed his eyes shut. Seeing Kiryū's flawless approach, all he could do was block with everything he had.

The force that crashed against his arms was immense. Even after all his training, it still stung.

Chigaya only registered a deafening crack in his ear—his heart jolted as he instinctively looked to his right.

Kiryū's spike hadn't broken through Taichi's block—

But the ball had deflected off their hands and soared high into the stands.

Off-the-block, out of bounds.

Kiryū Wakatsu scores.

[Reserve Team 1 - 2 Japan Youth Team]

"Taichi, you have been hitting sets this comfortable all along?," Kiryū commented, utterly sincere in his admiration.

However, Oikawa, familiar with Taichi, found this hilarious.

"Wow, someone else actually got to trash-talk him first," he snickered.

As expected, Kaedehara Taichi furrowed his brows and responded seriously—

"Kiryū-senpai, even if you can hit such perfect sets…you'll still lose to me."

_________

[T/N] - If you guys want to read 50 Chapters in advance of the current story, you can support me on my Patreon. Trust me, it's awesome!

Link - /Iseeblack [Remove the brackets]

P.S. - Can you believe it? We are already at 200 chapters! It feels like only yesterday that I published the very first chapter!