Volleyball, Not Tennis - Haikyuu x Prince of Tennis

Chapter 13 - Advancing Past the Second Round

The gymnasium was alive with energy, the unmistakable sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished wooden floor echoing through the air. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as they settled into their seats, ready for an intense volleyball showdown.

On one side of the court stood the Seigaku girls, clad in their white jerseys, their determination rising as they exchanged quick nods and encouraging words. Across the net, Yotsuya, dressed in a vibrant red, exuded confidence as they warmed up with receives and setting up spikes for their taller girls.

"We have to win this," Kobayasu said, looking intense. "If we win against Yotsuya, we play against Torinō and finally Dōshō to go to the finals. Yotsuya is known for their tall players and use of quick movements, we're going to try and even up the height in the front with Formation D. Let's do this!"

"OSU!"

Formation D :

Yasuko | Kobayasu | Dō

Seiyūro | Inuka | Neri

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of the match. Neri took a deep breath, as she spun the ball in her hands. This would be the first official match she'd play in, she had to prove to Coach Hirawasa that she could hold her own on the court.

'I got this!'

The ball flew into the air as the first serve soared across the net with a few seconds left after the whistle, sparking the beginning of an electrifying battle.

"Got it!" the libero of Yotsuya called out, lunging forward with her left leg and reaching her arms out to receive the shaky moving ball.

She bumped the ball up and it met the outstretched fingertips of the opposing team's setter, who expertly directed it into the path of their outside hitter. With lightning reflexes, the hitter launched into the air, their body a blur of motion as they prepared to unleash a thunderous spike.

Bang!

However, the ball did not hit the court like expected, instead, it was met with a wall of experienced (debatable) blockers. The ball hit against Yasuko and Kobayasu's palms, sending it down to Yotsuya's side, gaining them the first point of the match.

Or so they thought.

Yotsuya's defense was ready, their libero diving across the floor in a blur of red and white, their outstretched arm just managing to graze the ball, sending it hurtling upwards in a desperate attempt to keep the rally alive.

"Chance!"

Bang!

The libero's eyes widened as the ball flew past them as they laid on the floor. "Huh?"

She looked up to see Yasuko landing back on her feet and a whistle was heard, Kobayasu and Dō patting the girl's shoulder and back.

1-0.

"Don't mind, Nanami!" Yotsuya's captain said as she helped their libero, Nanami, stand back up.

Nanami's green eyes stared at Yasuko's back, gazing at the #2 sewed into her Seigaku jersey.

"...she's so cool."

"C'mon Neri! Get another one!" Hana shouted from the sidelines, jumping up and down as she cheered for her sister. "Send it flying!"

'Please be quiet, Hana.'

When the whistle blew, Neri took a moment before hitting the ball over towards the setter, making her click her tongue.