Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty-Chapter 527: Long Time No See
April 20th, Estadio Monumental, Argentina.
The 2014–2015 Liga Argentina de Voleibol (A1 League) Finals.
Club Atlético San Juan vs. Boca Juniors.
"Facundo Conte (San Juan) scores again with a powerful spike—back-to-back points!"
"Mateo's blazing service rhythm is helping Boca Juniors claw their way back, but Conte doesn't seem keen on letting him get too cocky!"
San Juan to serve again.
"Whoa—this one rockets to the opposite corner from the last! What a cannon! Oikawa's precision is still unreal!"
"Speaking of Oikawa Tōru, he became the starting setter for CA San Juan in his very first year, and just last season, he helped them claim the runner-up title in the A1 League!"
"His serving and receiving are top-notch—but if we're talking about his strongest weapon, it's definitely his ability to elevate the entire team's offensive level with his sets!"
"Boca Juniors counterattack! Gabriel slams it down hard!"
"But—San Juan's libero, Santiago, digs it up!"
"Lucerra on the outside! The ball's up—too fast! Boca's blockers aren't in position yet!"
—BOOOM!!!
"An over-the-block spike!"
"San Juan's offence just tore right through Boca's defence!"
"Oikawa once again outsmarts the opponent with his set!"
-----
The night in Buenos Aires concealed the stars behind neon city lights, but inside this colossal stadium, every bulb burned bright.
The arena was packed. Waves of roars and cheers from the crowd crashed against the walls like an unstoppable tide.
Kaedehara Taichi stood silently on the sidelines, eyes locked on the court. Dressed in simple casual wear, his short black hair styled neatly, and his tall, upright figure had the stillness of a pine tree. Even on the periphery of such a roaring venue, he emanated a quiet, undeniable presence.
A few nearby spectators took notice of the striking stranger and cast him curious glances—but their attention quickly returned to the heart-pounding match.
"Ah~ Looks like Oikawa-senpai hasn't slacked off at all."
Watching the ball streak across the court like lightning, Taichi gave a subtle nod, the corner of his mouth lifting in a faint smile.
[Oikawa Tōru—Setter:Height: 188 cm
Serve: 96 | Receive: 92 | Dig: 90 | Set: 98 | Spike: 88| Block: 86
Spike Reach: 345 cm /Block Reach: 322 cm.]
-----
[San Juan 24 – 22 Boca Juniors]
"Even with the ball right in front of their libero, Boca Juniors still couldn't dig it out!"
"San Juan's offence is just too fast!!!"
"After that cannonball spike, San Juan has reached match point—just one more to win the championship!"
San Juan prepares to serve.
Oikawa Tōru stepped onto the service line, ready for his third serve.
"—!!!"
He glanced up—only to spot a figure near the court, one that felt achingly familiar.
"Taichi!"
Their eyes met.
Time seemed to freeze for a heartbeat. A flicker of joy flashed across Oikawa's face.
"You're here already?"
"I wonder just how much you've grown, little monster." Oikawa drew a deep breath and refocused all his energy on the court. "But this time…let me welcome you with a championship."
"Tweet!—"
The referee's whistle echoed through the air.
The ball was tossed high. Oikawa bent low and charged forward. His shoes squeaked sharply on the hardwood.
The Boca Juniors players tensed. This was one of the top three servers in the league. San Juan had been dominating all season precisely because they had two world-class service threats—Facundo Conte and Oikawa Tōru.
Thump!
Oikawa launched into the air, his back arching like a drawn bow.
Suspended midair, he pulled his right arm back—tight, corded muscles stretching from shoulder blade to wrist. The swing came with a howl of wind as his palm slammed into the ball.
BOOOM!!!
The ball compressed into an oval blur on impact, tearing through the air like a white comet, a terrifying meteor aimed with precision toward the far corner of Boca Juniors' side.
WHAM!!!
The explosive bang echoed through the stadium as the ball ricocheted high into the air, nearly grazing the ceiling of Estadio Monumental.
"Tch." Oikawa Tōru clicked his tongue, clearly displeased. For a serve in such flawless form not to result in a direct point—it irked him more than a little.
The ball dropped back down onto San Juan's side of the court.
"Chance ball!" Santiago Danani called out loudly.
As the ball descended, it was smoothly received, and Oikawa was already beneath it almost at the same time. His upper body leaned slightly back, both hands forming a bowl shape as he supported the incoming ball.
"Right side! Block him!" Boca Juniors' front line reacted swiftly.
San Juan's ace, Facundo Conte, had already jumped on the right wing. His terrifying reach and spiking height gave the impression of an unstoppable score—no one doubted his power.
Whoosh!—
Oikawa's lips curled into a knowing grin. At the very last second, he pushed the ball away with speed. In that instant, his wrist twisted, and his fingertips added a subtle spin to the ball.
The set soared toward the left wing!
Fast. Precise. Controlled.
Agustín Loser had just planted his final step when the ball arrived—perfectly timed. He leapt high.
No blockers in sight.
Agustín couldn't help but marvel—this kind of open net had practically become a familiar scene ever since Oikawa Tōru became San Juan's starting setter.
—BOOM!!!
The ball slammed down hard, bouncing up off the floor inside Boca Juniors' three-meter line.
Agustín Loser scores!
[San Juan 25 – 22 Boca Juniors] ƒrēenovelkiss.com
"The magician of San Juan pulls off another spellbinding trick on the court!"
"Oikawa is orchestrating the rhythm of this entire match with his unbelievable sets!!!"
"BEEEEP—!" A long whistle rang out.
"And with that, the victory in the deciding set goes to Club Atlético San Juan from the West!"
"The champions of the 2014–2015 A1 League season are none other than San Juan! This is their night!"
"After three years, San Juan has returned to the top!"
-----
In that moment, golden "rain" began to fall from above the dome, fluttering down like a dreamlike celebration prepared especially for the champions.
Oikawa Tōru looked around, his gaze cutting through the jubilant crowd until it landed on that familiar figure.
When he finally walked up to Kaedehara Taichi, he came to a stop.
That boy who had once stood eye to eye with him was now clearly several centimetres taller.
"Long time no see, Taichi."
Taichi dipped his head slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a soft smile.
"Oikawa-senpai. From now on—let's win the world together."
Just like back then, inside the sunlit gymnasium of Aoba Johsai, the two boys once again stood side by side—dreaming of conquering the nation…
…only now, their battlefield was the world.
_________
[END OF VOLUME IV]
[T/N]: Surprise! Tomorrow’s extra chapter is here early. Enjoy~
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