HAIKYŪU: SHARPEST VISION [OC INSERT]

CHAPTER 018

KARASUNO CONTINUED their preparations for the preliminary round of the Interhigh, focusing on training sessions and workouts.  Walter, in particular, has been dedicating time to improving his spiking skills by regularly visiting the gym.

Eventually, the day for the Interhigh arrived. The tournament was being held at the Sendai City Gymnasium in Miyagi Prefecture, where the teams were eagerly awaiting to compete with one another.

"Quickly, quickly! The contest begins today, so do not be tardy!"  Daichi leads the way and barks out orders to his teammates, urging them to get ready for the incoming match.

"We still have around three hours until our match Daichi-san,"  Tanaka is still groggy and slow in his response, which only makes Daichi grow more impatient. Walter reminds him that the match is still three hours away and urges him to properly prepare.

"Then proceed to warm up and prepare for the game ahead, but do not waste time, either," Daichi says, his voice firm.

The long line of players from Karasuno stretches out in front of the Sendai City gymnasium, moving back and forth as they warm up and prepare to take on the challenge of the Interhigh.

As the players make their way to the gymnasium, they engage in various conversations.

"I believe that Shiratorizawa is destined to come out on top in this year's championship," one player suggests, his voice laced with confidence.

"Ah, that is not the case. Aoba Johsai has been performing exceptionally well this year. In addition, I have also been hearing that Oikawa has surpassed everyone since becoming a third-year student."

Some speculate that Shiratorizawa will emerge victorious this year, while others contend that Aoba Johsai is on a roll and that their star setter, Oikawa Toru, has surpassed everyone since becoming a third year.

"Additionally, Seijoh has acquired some truly formidable first-year jumpers," another player adds, expressing amazement at their athletic capabilities, particularly the jumping skills of their first-year players.

"True, but nonetheless, those Dateko blocks may quite literally prove to be unstoppable," one player warns, his voice tinged with a hint of fear.

"However, fortunately for us, we are not in Group A!"

The discussion among the players reveals their concerns regarding Dateko's powerful defense and blockers.  A few teams even suggest that no one from Group A would be able to get past them.

"Let's see and examine this lineup, Tori...Torino?"

"I think that's Karasuno," another player replies.

As the players look about the crowded square, they notice several teams discussing the match-ups for this year's qualifiers.

While some teams are unsure which teams are included in which groups, they're able to determine that Karasuno is within Group B.

"Ah, truly, they once held a strong and commanding presence," one person comments, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

"Oh, I see. Sadly, though, that is no longer the case," another person adds, his tone laced with a hint of pity.

There seems to be a conversation about a fallen power, with one person claiming that they were once strong but have since fallen from grace.

"I'm aware of a particular piece of terminology that has been assigned to their team," one player says, his voice piqued with curiosity.

"Oh, really? What would that be?" another player asks, intrigued.

The topic of discussion draws Tanaka's attention, who immediately wakes up from his sluggish state.

"Hmm, yes, it is something along the lines of a "fallen powerhouse, the Flightless crows," he mutters, his voice laced with annoyance.

When he hears the expression "Fallen Powerhouse" and the mocking nickname "Flightless Ravens," his face goes blank in annoyance.

He immediately wishes to search out and confront the two individuals responsible for such derogatory remarks.

As the conversation between the two friends continued, a random person shouted out a warning in the crowd.

"Hey, shut up," the voice demands, a hint of anger in their tone. "Flightless, you say? Is that what you said?"

Soon, the group was interrupted by a voice, angrily asking whether they had just used the term "flightless" to describe a team.

As Karasuno moved away from the group, the two individuals from the crowd turned to one another, discussing the incident.

"Is that who I believe it is?" one of them asks, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and disbelief.

"When did you get so excited?" the other person asks, slightly amused.

"It was previously during my days in junior high school. They were the crew that had unfortunately ousted us from the contest."

One of them expressed their surprise at finding out the identity of the player who interfered with their conversation.

They recognized him as the main attacker of Gakuen Junior High School, the team that knocked them out during last year's Jr. High League.

"I have also heard that him, who is the main attacker, is still a foreigner, known as Walter."

When informed that the player was still an international student, they questioned which school he was competing for this year.

"What a coincidence! He is present as well. May I inquire as to which academy was fortunate enough to obtain him? Was it Shiratorizawa?"

"Certainly not! He transferred to Karasuno?"  The discussion suddenly shifts after one of the spectators reveals that Walter joined Karasuno. This revelation quickly captures the attention of the crowd surrounding them.

"What?!...I was under the impression that he would attend in Shiratorizawa." A few among them were surprised that Walter didn't choose to join Shiratorizawa instead, given his skills.

They continue to speculate about the current situation in Group A, pointing out that if Karasuno was included, it would certainly add to the chaos.

"I have also heard that Karasuno was located in Group A as well, which is sure to add a considerable degree of uncertainty to that section."

A few spectators doubt Walter's impact on Group A, citing his opponents and their superiority when it came to blocking.

"No way! Even with his prowess, he cannot alter the present situation of the blocker section. Aoba Johsai and Dateko are still present."

However, one voice comes out to challenge this notion, claiming that one should not forget how they were personally defeated by Walter.

"I will certainly exact vengeance upon him whenever a viable opportunity presents itself."

"Your perspective isn't absolutely conclusive. Do you not remember how we managed to suffer the defeat previously?"

They insist that their eventual victory is only a matter of time and vows to take revenge on the young player for their previous loss.

The crowd's discussion about the possibility of Karasuno making an impact on Group A continued, with one individual even taunting one of the people who showed a desire to defeat Walter in revenge.

"I also recall clearly when you shed tears and broke down following the contest, unable to cease crying. It was quite the sorrowful scene."

"I... you all, please quit talking about this."

As this back-and-forth went on, most of the Karasuno players showed little concern, with some even gazing at the players with awe/defiance.

Ultimately, the team passed through the gate and entered the Sendai City Gymnasium, leaving the crowd behind them for the moment.

TO BE CONTINUED...