HAIKYŪU: SHARPEST VISION [OC INSERT]

CHAPTER 021

THE KARASUNO TEAM was in a state of utter bewilderment. Walter’s strategy had left them speechless. 

"Why?  Isn’t that your weapon?" Daichi questioned, his brow furrowed in confusion. The rest of the players nodded in agreement. 

Wasn’t the goal to let Walter spike from a high position, bypassing the opponent’s blocks? That way, their defenses would be useless, and it could also demoralize them.

"No," Walter shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes.  "Just bypassing their blocks won't break their confidence.  Only a direct attack on their strongest block, the one they rely on most, will make them doubt themselves."

“Date Tech is known for their Iron Wall. But when their strongest block is turned into a flimsy piece of paper that can be broken, that creates a psychological gap that not everyone can handle.”

A hush fell over the lounge.  The team stared at Walter, their expressions a mixture of disbelief, awe, and even a touch of fear.

“Huh?” Walter glanced up at his teammates, his face a mask of confusion.  “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Tanaka, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke up.  "I thought I was the most clueless guy on the team," he mumbled,  “But compared to you, Walter, I feel like I'm still way behind!”

“What?  We’re just talking strategy here,” Walter responded, shaking his head.  “That’s my plan.  And it’s going to work.”

"Of course, we don't doubt your strategy," Sugawara interjected, walking over to pat Walter on the shoulder. 

"It’s just… you’re always so sunny and kind, you know?  But you can come up with such a… genius strategy?  It’s just… unbelievable,” he finished, shaking his head in amazement.

A wave of laughter swept through the lounge, replacing the tension with a sense of shared wonder.

Afternood in sendai city gymnasium, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the game time approached. The air buzzed with the energy of the crowd, a mixture of excitement and nervous energy.

“Alright, listen up,” Tokuro Oiwake, the coach of Date Tech, addressed his team, his voice booming through the gym.  "I admit, Karasuno’s quick attack is impressive.”

“But they only look good because of that guy’s height,” he continued, his voice laced with a hint of disdain. 

“He jumps high, but the quick attack itself is nothing special.  Don’t be mesmerized.  Shut him down completely, just like you did their ace last time. Show them the Iron Wall again.”

“Yeah!” The Date Tech players roared in response, their faces fierce, their eyes ablaze with determination.

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THE WHISTLE BLEW, signaling the end of the warm-up.  The players from both teams stood at their respective sides of the court, ready for battle.

"Please advise us."

“Go! Go!  Let’s go!  Let’s go, Dateko!” The Date Tech fans in the stands erupted in a thunderous roar, their voices echoing through the gym. 

Karasuno had a smaller but no less dedicated group of supporters, their cheers a counterpoint to the Date Tech fans.

Just as the players were gearing up for the match, Aoba Johsai coach Nobuteru Irahata and his assistant Sadayuki Mizoguchi arrived at the courtside.

“Karasuno’s ace is starting as rear guard,”  Coach Nobuteru observed, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “I think I understand their plan.  It’s a bit cruel, actually.”