Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

On the morning of January 9th, the final day of Spring High—Sakanoshita Store.

The first and second-year members of the Karasuno volleyball team were gathered in front of an old television, watching the pre-match coverage of the Spring Interhigh National Volleyball Championship Finals.

"Even though I knew Aoba Johsai was strong this year…I didn't expect them to actually make it this far," Ukai Keishin murmured, his expression laced with complex emotions.

Back in high school, Ukai had only been a benchwarmer. But for any player who ever set their sights on Nationals, who hadn't dreamed of glory?

It had been years since a team from Miyagi Prefecture had reached the national finals.

For Karasuno, making it to the Nationals had already been a difficult feat. Reaching the finals? That was something they had never even dared to consider.

"Daichi-senpai and the others…they really aren't coming?" Hinata Shōyō asked hopefully, glancing at Tanaka Ryūnosuke.

Tanaka exchanged a look with Nishinoya Yū, both of them visibly disappointed.

"It can't be helped," Ennoshita Chikara sighed with a wry smile. "They've already retired from the club… and their college entrance exams are just around the corner. Right now, they're in the final stretch of studying."

"But—"

"Dumbass," Kageyama Tobio cut in bluntly. "You should be focusing on how to improve your own skills. The gap between you and Taichi is only getting bigger. You saw yesterday's match, didn't you? Even the so-called 'Little Giant'—Hoshiumi Kōrai—couldn't keep up with Taichi."

Hinata lowered his head.

Of course he knew.

Yesterday, Kamomedai's Hoshiumi Kōrai had been everything Hinata aspired to be— a small player who could shine on the national stage.

But even Hoshiumi wasn't enough.

That meant Hinata had to be even stronger than him.

For the first time, his goal became crystal clear.

Ukai clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention back.

"Aoba Johsai is strong," he said firmly. "But there's no such thing as an unbeatable team. Since we're all from Miyagi, we should be preparing with the mindset that we'll take them down."

"After watching these past few matches, you guys should have a clearer picture of what Nationals-level volleyball looks like. We're crows—anything we can use to improve, we'll take."

"Yesterday, Tsukishima asked me for all of Kamomedai's match footage…"

The entire Karasuno team: "!!!"

Every single player turned to stare at Tsukishima Kei.

They never expected him to be this proactive.

"What?" Tsukishima frowned impatiently. "I'm not the only one who wants to beat Aoba Johsai."

Ukai gestured for everyone to calm down before turning to Tsukishima with a serious expression.

"Tsukishima, remember—blocking isn't a one-man job. It's not just about coordinating with the front-row blockers, but also about working with the back-row receivers."

"Got it," Tsukishima replied, deep in thought.

"Hinata," Ukai continued, "after seeing Hoshiumi Kōrai, I'm sure you know exactly what you need to work on. Tanaka, I want you to study Bokuto Kōtarō's methods for adjusting his attacks against blockers. From now on, Karasuno's offence will be in your hands."

—"Yes!!"

The two answered in unison.

"Kageyama, Nishinoya—your performances have been great so far. But there's still a lot you can learn at Nationals. Pay attention to Miya Atsumu's setting and Yaku Morisuke's defensive techniques—study their finer details when you have the chance."

—"Understood!"

There was one thing Ukai didn't say aloud.

That once Aoba Johsai's third-years graduated, the team would never be the same.

At the very least—no one could replace Oikawa Tōru.

But Karasuno's foundation?

It would remain intact.

That would be their greatest advantage against Aoba Johsai.

Though, knowing this bunch—they'd probably rather face Aoba Johsai at their strongest.

"I hope that next year, we'll be the ones standing on this court."

Ukai Keishin's voice was calm, but the way he looked at his team carried an unmistakable weight—expectation, belief, and encouragement.

—"Absolutely!!"

The Karasuno players exchanged glances, their determination solidifying into an unspoken vow.

-----

Outside Sakanoshita Store, three figures stood silently in the cold wind.

Dressed in casual clothes, they had been standing there for quite some time.

They knew their upcoming college entrance exams were the priority, but none of them could focus at home. Aoba Johsai had made it to the Spring High finals.

This was a historic moment—one they couldn't ignore.

So, after a bit of discussion, they decided to meet up and watch together.

Then, as soon as they arrived…

They heard everything that had just happened inside the shop.

"Looks like we don't have to worry about them anymore, huh?" Sugawara Kōshi chuckled, glancing at the two people beside him.

"They were always far more talented than us," Sawamura Daichi admitted with a small smile. "And now…they're even stronger than we were."

"They're amazing," Azumane Asahi murmured in awe. "Hard to believe I was ever their senpai."

Sugawara and Daichi immediately shot him matching looks of disapproval.

"You should be proud of that, dumbass!"

A brief silence.

"…So, should we go inside?" Azumane eventually asked hesitantly.

Sugawara thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Nah, let's not bother them. Let's just watch at Daichi's place."

"Fine by me," Daichi agreed, though he added wryly, "but my younger siblings are pretty loud."

"Well, it is winter break…"

The three of them began walking towards Daichi's house, their voices growing softer as their conversation drifted into easy laughter.

-----

[Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium—Center Court]

[Spring Interhigh National Volleyball Championship—Finals]

Tokyo's No.1 Representative: Itachiyama Academy

—10 consecutive years at Spring High Nationals, 35th overall appearance.

Miyagi's Representative: Aoba Johsai High

—First appearance at the Spring High Nationals in 5 years, 8th overall appearance.

Aoba Johsai vs. Itachiyama—The Final Match Begins!

-----

Starting Lineups: Itachiyama Academy—

Front row—Middle Blocker Sakano Sawaji, Setter Iizuna Tsukasa, Outside Hitter Sakusa Kiyoomi.

Back row—Outside Hitter Takeshita Yūshin, Outside Hitter Nishimura Hiroyuki (Libero: Komori Motoya) and Middle Blocker Mizushima Yū.

Aoba Johsai High—

Front row—Outside Hitter Kaedehara Taichi, Middle Blocker Kindaichi Yūtarō, Outside Hitter Iwaizumi Hajime.

Back row—Outside Hitter Kunimi Akira, Middle Blocker Matsukawa Issei (Libero: Watari Shinji) and Setter Oikawa Tōru.

—

Aoba Johsai to serve.

Oikawa Tōru stepped onto the service line.

Win or lose—this was the final match of his high school career.

He had thought he wouldn't be nervous.

But now, with the entire stadium watching, he could feel his heart pounding violently against his ribs.

His lips pressed together in a thin line as he exhaled slowly, eyes locked on the court.

Flashes of memory flooded his mind—

Sweat-drenched practices.

Fierce battles alongside his teammates.

Five years of falling short against Ushijima Wakatoshi.

Each moment played out like a film reel in his head.

Oikawa took a deep breath.

He had to calm down.

But no matter how hard he tried, he could still feel the storm inside him raging.

"Oikawa-senpai, I believe in you."

From the front row, Kaedehara Taichi turned back, flashing him a confident grin.

"Captain, we've always believed in you."

As if on cue, the entire Aoba Johsai team spoke in unison.

Oikawa's breath caught.

His eyes widened—stunned, moved.

"…You guys—"

For a split second, his expression flickered with surprise.

Then, he smiled.

It was a smile as warm and radiant as spring sunshine—so bright, it was hard to believe this was his last match.

And just like that, all his nerves vanished.

His final stage.

The last time he'd shine as a high school player.

Oikawa Tōru would leave his mark—in the most spectacular way possible.

[Ding! Oikawa Tōru has entered Burst Mode]

[Oikawa Tōru (Burst Mode)—Outside Hitter: Overall Ability Rating: 95

Height: 186 cm | Power: 100 | Jump: 92 | Stamina: 95 | Speed: 90

Technique: Serve: 100 | Set: 100 ]

"Rule the Court!!"

_________

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