Hinata serves again!
This time, Shirabu Kenjirou once again sets the ball to Ushijima Wakatoshi for the spike!
He is the kind of setter who remains steadfast in his decisions and does not waver just because Ushijima's previous attack was blocked.
Besides, compared to the rare instance of being stopped, Ushijima has scored far too many times. The trust in their ace is deeply ingrained—it cannot be broken so easily!
After carefully observing his movements, Akira and the two blockers in the front row jump simultaneously!
"Block!"
"Cross shot!"
Roughly predicting Ushijima's attacking angle, Akira shouts out a warning.
At the same time, Nishinoya Yu, in the back row, quickly slides into position to defend against the straight shot.
Bang!
At this moment, Ushijima is like a relentless tank, charging forward!
The ball he spikes leaves his hand like a cannonball, cutting through the air with intense velocity!
However, in the last moment of his swing, Ushijima subtly twists his wrist and redirects the attack, avoiding the triple block!
Straight shot!
Bang!
Nishinoya's eyes widen. This ball is too fast!!
Even with Akira's prior warning and practice, receiving it is nearly impossible!
The ball slams against Nishinoya's outstretched arms, but the sheer force sends it flying out of bounds!
Whistle!
Shiratorizawascores!
This is exactly what makes Ushijima Wakatoshi so formidable.
In crucial moments, he can alter his spike direction at will.
However, Akira had anticipated this possibility.
If Ushijima were the type to mindlessly charge at a barrier he couldn't break through, he wouldn't be considered one of the nation's top aces.
Adjusting and attacking through gaps in the defense is a skill only the best possess—and Ushijima undoubtedly has it!
"Wow! Ushiwaka is still as strong as ever!"
In the audience, Kuniimura Naoto watches the match with bright eyes.
"The last time I saw him play, I thought he was already a beast."
"But now, he's even better than before!"
Then, he turns to Mitsuda, sitting beside him.
"Hey! That kid you were talking about—Akira—is he really that strong?"
"He did block Ushiwaka earlier, but that just means he's physically gifted."
Mitsuda Takeshi simply shakes his head.
"Kunimura, you're too impatient! Just watch."
"He hasn't even attacked yet."
"Oh? Alright, I'll wait and see then."
...
"That's alright!"
From the back row, Nishinoya clenches his fists, raising his voice with determination.
"Next time!"
"The next one, I'll definitely receive it!"
"It seems like… last night's training really paid off!"
A small grin tugs at the corner of Akira's lips.
If they had come into this match without preparation, Nishinoya would have needed at least ten attempts to adjust to Ushijima's spikes.
But thanks to their training session the night before, Nishinoya is adapting much faster!
Whistle!
The match continues.
After regaining a point through Ushijima's spike, Shiratorizawa's momentum is steadily returning.
The crowd outside the court is growing more energetic by the second.
"See? I told you! Ushiwaka-senpai is unbeatable!"
"That block earlier must have been pure luck!"
"There are probably only a handful of high school players in Miyagi Prefecture who can stop Ushijima's spikes! Maybe less than five!"
...
The whistle blows again.
Shiratorizawa's middle blocker, Kawanishi Taichi, steps up to serve.
His unpredictable float serve is aimed toward the Karasuno back row.
But Nishinoya is already in position.
Smack!
He receives it cleanly and passes the ball straight to Kageyama!
With quick precision, Kageyama leaps into action, setting the ball high into the air.
The trajectory is clear—it's heading toward Akira!
"Here it comes!"
In the audience, Mitsuda and others lean forward in their seats.
How will Akira attack?
Will he avoid the block?
Everyone who has seen him play knows that he's fully capable of maneuvering around blockers with ease.
Or will he follow Ushijima's example and challenge them head-on?
Moments ago, Ushijima's spike had been stopped by a triple block.
Will that affect Akira's decision?
Will he prioritize scoring by avoiding the block, or will he choose to smash through it?
Whoosh!
He takes a running start and leaps!
"He's coming?"
"Straight shot!"
"He's taking the risky route!"
Shiratorizawa's three blockers jump at the same time!
Will he change direction?
This is the question on everyone's minds!
But in the midst of all the anticipation, Akira provides his answer.
With his actions!
"Ah… this kid is too reckless."
In the stands, Kunimura Naoto shakes his head.
"Didn't he see what just happened to Ushiwaka? The triple block is too strong!"
"If I were him—"
BOOM!
The impact is like an explosion!
For a split second, everything seems to freeze.
Every nerve in the stadium is on edge—hearts pounding, blood rushing!
Akira did not dodge!
Just like Ushijima, he chooses to attack head-on!
But unlike before…
Shiratorizawa's blockers look utterly powerless against him!
His spike bulldozes through their hands and slams against the court floor behind them!
The ball ricochets high into the air, like a missile rebounding from impact!
Whoosh!
On the Karasuno bench, Coach Ukai abruptly rises to his feet, fists clenched, his lips trembling in disbelief.
Even the composed Arai and Takano exchange glances, the shock evident on their faces.
Neither says a word, but the intensity in their eyes speaks volumes.
"If it were you, what would you do?"
In the audience, Mitsuda turns to Kunimura Naoto with a knowing smile.
Because after witnessing that spike—
There's only one possible answer.