Chapter 18: Épisode 17: Karasuno vs Nekoma --- 2nd Set
The gymnasium was still vibrating with the intensity of the first set, which Karasuno narrowly won. In the stands, the fans were going wild, the noise reaching its peak.
Oikawa (crossing his arms, visibly annoyed): "That was only the first set... Why is everyone acting like they've already won? Those crows won't be flying for long."
Iwaizumi (amused): "Don't be jealous, Oikawa. Admit it, you're impressed by Kageyama."
Ren (leaning towards Oikawa, a smirk): "Impressed? Impossible. He can't stand his little protégé shining brighter than him. Admit it, Oikawa, you get cold sweats just thinking about Kageyama approaching your level."
Oikawa (hitting Ren in the arm): "Don't talk nonsense, Ren! That kid still has a lot to learn before he can hope to match me."
Ren (laughing, dodging another slap): "Calm down, King. I'm joking. But honestly, this match... it's really entertaining."
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The teams repositioned themselves on the court. Nekoma, although defeated, displayed determined expressions. Karasuno, for its part, remained focused, well aware that nothing was won.
Kuroo (gathering his team before the start): "We let the first set slip away, but it's over. This time, we're taking control. Stay calm, play our game. Kenma, continue to analyze their flaws."
Kenma (slightly ruffling his hair, looking nonchalant): "Yes, yes... Just try not to waste my passes, okay?"
Kuroo (with a smirk): "Trust me, we'll show them what cats can do."
On Karasuno's side, Daichi encouraged his teammates.
Daichi: "The first set was ours, but it's not over yet. Stay on your guard, Nekoma won't give up."
Hinata (jumping up and down with excitement): "I'm ready, Daichi-san! I'm going to fly higher than before!"
Kageyama (glaring at him coldly): "Could you calm down for once?"
Tanaka (clapping his hands energetically): "We're on fire, guys! Let's keep this up and show them what we're capable of!"
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The 2nd set started with a serve from Kuroo, a precise floating serve that put Karasuno in trouble. Nishinoya managed to save the ball, but the reception was imperfect. Nekoma immediately took advantage with a quick attack from Fukunaga, scoring the first point.
[ Score: 1-0 for Nekoma. ]
Ren (in the stands, an amused smile): "Ah, those cats... They are incredibly strategic. Even a small mistake is exploited to the fullest."
Oikawa (with a serious look): "That's their strength. They don't depend on a star player, but on an impeccable collective."
Nekoma stepped up, Kenma orchestrating the game with precision. His unpredictable passes made each attack difficult to read. Yaku continued to shine in defense, saving almost impossible balls. Kageyama tried to restart the speed duo with Hinata, but this time, Kuroo and Kai anticipated, blocking the attack.
Kuroo (hitting Kai's hand): "We got 'em! Keep it up."
Hinata (landing, frustrated): "Tch! They're reading us too easily now!"
Kageyama (gritting his teeth): "They adjusted their timing. We need to change our approach."
Karasuno countered, despite Nekoma's control, Karasuno didn't give up. Tanaka, once again, galvanized by Saeko's encouragement, broke through the opponent's block with a powerful attack.
Tanaka (screaming): "YOU CAN'T STOP ME!"
In the stands, Saeko: "YEAH, RYUU! SHOW THEM WHO'S BOSS!"
Ren (amused): "That guy is a show all by himself. He could be a festival host."
Oikawa (sighing): "That kind of noisy player... Good thing he's not on my team."
Iwaizumi: "Stop it, you would have loved his determination."
Asahi also proved decisive, scoring crucial points with his powerful strikes, supported by an impeccable reception from Nishinoya. The score became tight, with both teams trading blows.
[ Score: 15-15.]
As Karasuno began to find their rhythm, Kenma made a bold play. During a tense rally, he pretended to pass to Fukunaga, but instead sent a ball deep into the backcourt. Hinata was caught off guard and couldn't react in time.
[ Score: 16-15 to Nekoma. ]
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The match continued intensely and Kageyama prepared to serve. He fixed his gaze on the opponent's court, looking for a gap. The whistle sounded. The ball flew with impressive speed, aiming for the back of Nekoma's court. Yaku, the libero, read the trajectory perfectly and made a low reception, almost at the floor.
"Well received!" he shouted.
Kenma, always calm and methodical, stepped forward. He quickly analyzed the position of the Karasuno players. Hinata and Tsukishima watched the wings, ready to pounce. Kenma feinted a pass to Kuroo, but at the last moment, he sent a perfectly measured bell-shaped ball to Lev, placed in the center. Lev jumped with dizzying height, ready to crush the ball. But Nishinoya, the unwavering goalkeeper, anticipated the attack and dove for a heroic save.
The ball remained in play. Kageyama rushed forward and, in a flash, sent a quick pass to Hinata. The iconic Karasuno duo executed their lightning-fast attack. But Kuroo was ready. With perfect coordination, he formed a massive block. The ball ricocheted off his arms and landed back in Karasuno's court. Tsukishima dove to pick it up, but Yamamoto anticipated his move and leapt for a dump. The ball grazed the net and fell softly in the center of Karasuno's court, where no one could reach it. Point for Nekoma.
[ Score changed to 23-22 for Nekoma ]
The two teams quickly reached the score of 23-23. Each rally was a fierce battle. Nekoma tried a synchronized attack, but Tsukishima blocked brilliantly, but before the ball hit the ground yaku saved the ball and Kenma got into position when suddenly Kuroo with a smile full of excitement shouted:
Kuroo: "To the center"
Kenma made a high pass and Kuroo sent a powerful smash that Tsukishima touched but the ball went out of the court.
[Score 24- 23]
The last point of the set was then scored by Nekoma thanks to a perfect smash by Shouhei, after a brilliant feint by Kenma.
[ Score Final : 25-23 for Nekoma. ]
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To be continued…