Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty-Chapter 590: I Always Believe in My Teammates (Double-Length)

"Oikawa's decision basically means he doesn't think it's time for Taichi to step in yet," Kuroo Tetsurō commented. "Even though they're trailing, he can still calmly leave the ball to his teammates."

"Yeah, yeah!" Iwaizumi Hajime laughed happily.

"..." Kuroo couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Don't forget you're Ryujin's trainer now! Seriously!"

Service change, San Juan to serve. Kaedehara Taichi returned to the front row.

"The first half went pretty well. At least they managed to maintain a lead," Yaku Morisuke remarked. "Now it depends on whether they can withstand Taichi's attacks."

But first, they had to force Taichi to actually attack.

-----

"Tweet!—" The whistle blew.

Conte launched a powerful jump serve!

BOOM!!!

The ball turned into a blur, speeding straight to Sakusa Kiyoomi's position.

Smack!!

The first pass flew off course, the ball sailing toward the sideline.

"Get it!"

Kunimi chased after it, pushing the ball back toward the net with an overhead save.

Hondō leapt in the middle for a spike!

"Double block!" Taichi and Loser jumped together.

"Damn it—"

Hondō Sakuma's expression tightened. After just over a year, he actually couldn't find any opening in front of Kaedehara Taichi!

BOOM!!!—

Unshakable!

The ball slammed off Taichi's arms and bounced right back into Ryujin's court.

Komori dove forward to keep it alive, Iizuna adjusted to set it up, and Ojiro Aran soared from the right for a spike!

"Double block!" Taichi and Loser crossed steps and moved to the right together, perfectly sealing off the path.

BOOM!!!

Aran smashed it hard.

"One touch!"

The ball deflected off Loser's arms and popped high into the air.

"Free ball!"

Oikawa quickly moved in, pushing a direct pass to the net. Conte jumped from the back row for a spike!

Hondō went up alone to block.

—BOOM!!!

The ball thundered down into the centre of Ryujin's side.

Conte's back-row attack scored directly!

[San Juan 14 - 14 Ryujin]

"Oh! That timing was perfect!"

"Conte and Oikawa's coordination is flawless. They were already prepared for this exact counterattack the moment they saw an opportunity!"

"Before Taichi joined San Juan, Conte was the team's ace. This was one of their most common tactics back then!"

San Juan continued serving.

Conte served a second ball!

BOOM!!!

Smack!!

Komori received it directly in front, though it was slightly off.

Iizuna stepped in to set it, and all three front-row attackers from Ryujin charged toward the net!

"Who's it going to be?!"

Swoosh!—

The ball flew left. Kunimi Akira leapt to spike!

"That's unexpected."

Kaedehara Taichi jumped up alone to block.

Two generations of Aoba Johsai's aces, now facing each other one-on-one at the World Championship net!

BOOM!!!—

Kunimi twisted his wrist at the last moment, sending a sharp cross shot toward San Juan's right-side three-meter line.

"You're way too cautious," Taichi laughed.

"Then stop blocking so seriously!" Kunimi retorted with a scowl. He had no doubt that if his spike fell anywhere within Taichi's defensive range, it would be absolutely stuffed!

Smack!

Bruno received it steadily, pushing a pass to the middle of the net.

"I got it!"

Conte leapt from the back row and smashed it down directly!

BOOM!!!

"Ohhh~ Such a bold second-touch attack! Conte's rhythm just keeps getting better!"

Smack!!

A figure zipped across—the ball narrowly flew back into play.

"Cover—!" Komori yelled loudly, hitting the floor hard.

Iizuna sprinted into position, instantly stabilising as he set.

All three front-row attackers from Ryujin charged forward again!

"Even under these conditions, they're still able to launch a multi-point attack!"

Loser watched Iizuna closely but couldn't detect a single clue in his movement.

Swoosh!—

The ball flew high to the right. Aran jumped to spike!

Loser instantly shifted right when he saw the ball leave Iizuna's hands, jumping alongside Bruno.

"Double block!"

BOOM!!!

The ball slammed off Bruno's arms and flew out of bounds.

Conte couldn't make the save.

Aran scored!

[San Juan 14 - 15 Ryujin]

"Beautiful spike!"

"But what truly supported that attack was Ryujin's flawless defence beforehand!"

"Not only did they dig Conte's unexpected spike, they were also able to organise a near-perfect counterattack!"

Service change, Ryujin to serve.

"What a pity." Taichi let out a small sigh.

Kunimi had just rotated to the back row, so there likely wouldn't be a chance to block him directly for now.

"Tweet!—" The whistle blew.

Kunimi delivered a jump float serve, dropping between Loser and Bruno in the front row.

"I got it!"

Bruno stepped in to cover, though the first pass was slightly off.

Oikawa adjusted and set it high to the right. Taichi soared!

"Double block!" Hondō and Aran jumped up together.

"Can't stop me!"

Taichi's arm tensed, and a faint smirk curled at his lips.

BOOM!!!

The ball sailed past the block, headed straight for Ryujin's back row.

Smack!!!

The ball struck Kunimi's arm and flew out of bounds.

Kaedehara Taichi scored!

[San Juan 15 - 15 Ryujin]

"Don't think you can run away, Kunimi." Taichi laughed.

"Tch." Kunimi clicked his tongue heavily, looking thoroughly annoyed.

Service change, San Juan to serve.

Bruno unleashed a powerful jump serve!

Smack!

Sakusa received it solidly, perfect pass.

Iizuna jumped to set at the front row, with Hondō and Aran launching simultaneous attacks on the left!

BAM!!!

Iizuna suddenly swung for a second-touch attack, spiking it single-handedly!

"—?!"

Loser was just about to move left when the ball shot straight over the net.

Smack!

Loser stopped abruptly, awkwardly stretching a hand back to barely tip it up!

"Nice save!"

Bruno rushed in to help set.

"Too low!"

"Tight to the net!"

Ryujin's front-row players' eyes lit up at the chance!

Taichi jumped to spike.

"Triple block!" Hondō, Aran, and Iizuna all jumped together.

"He's insane! He actually chose a power attack on that kind of ball—"

BOOOM!!!

The ball shot through the block before David could even finish shouting.

SMACK!

Komori received it!

"Komori Motoya is unbelievable!" Lim exclaimed. "He caught that ball almost completely blind!"

The ball popped high and dropped near the baseline.

Sakusa stepped in to set. The ball flew perfectly to the front.

"That was textbook-level defence-to-offence transition again!"

Aran pulled wide, jumping to spike!

BOOM!!!—

—SMACK!!!

The ball struck Taichi's arm and slammed right back into Ryujin's court.

A direct block kill!

"OHHHH! I love this block so much!"

Kaedehara Taichi scored off the block!

[San Juan 16 - 15 Ryujin]

"Ever since Taichi returned to the front row, Ryujin's offence has clearly become more strained. They keep trying different ways to escape his block, but so far, they just can't do it!"

"Beep!—"

The technical timeout whistle sounded.

"We can see San Juan's rich big-match experience. In this game, they're clearly playing much more relaxed," the commentator said.

"For Ryujin's players, though, this is the best possible match for them—a perfect chance to grow and improve."

"In fact, their defence has already shown surprising results. From the ineffective receives in the first set to now, when they're able to consistently build brilliant counterattacks."

"I believe that if they keep adjusting, they'll definitely find a way to take on San Juan."

-----

Timeout over. The match resumed.

Bruno served again!

"A beautiful jump float, landing between Hondō and Ojiro Aran."

"This is clearly targeting Hondō, who is viewed as Ryujin's weak point in reception."

"San Juan's serving strategy is absolutely on point."

"I got it!"

Smack!

Aran stepped up and received it, though the pass was slightly off.

Sakusa Kiyoomi charged from the back row for a spike!

"Such a risky attack—but his real intention was…a set!"

Sakusa's fake spike drew Taichi's attention, and the ball flew toward the left wing. Hondō leapt to spike!

Loser jumped up alone to block.

BOOM!!!

The ball evaded the block, slicing past Loser's right side.

"—?!"

"What kind of monster move was that?!"

SMACK!

Taichi swooped over from the right for coverage, and the ball bounced high off his palm.

"One touch!" Taichi called loudly.

Conte calmly received it, the pass going perfectly to the net.

Oikawa slowed the tempo, jumping in the front row to set. Aran was waiting directly in front of him.

Whoosh—!

The ball flew toward the right side. Taichi dashed laterally and leapt!

"Double block!" Hondō and Iizuna jumped up together.

BOOM!!!

The ball hit Iizuna's arm and flew out of bounds.

Komori gave chase but couldn't save it.

Kaedehara Taichi scored!

[San Juan 17 - 15 Ryujin]

"How can he move that much?!"

"And he's played back-to-back sets, yet his breathing is completely steady. He doesn't even look tired at all!"

"Now that you mention it, most of Ryujin's current players only started in the second set, didn't they?"

Spectators nearby suddenly seemed to realise something. "Look at that big guy—his steps are messy and heavy."

"..."

"The guy you're talking about is the only Ryujin player who's played both sets in a row."

"Oh…then never mind."

-----

San Juan continued serving. Bruno's third serve!

BOOM!!!

Sakusa received it steadily, perfect pass.

Iizuna jumped to set in the front row, with Oikawa blocking him in front.

Aran moved from the far right to draw Loser's attention.

The ball flew high toward the left wing. Hondō leapt to spike!

Taichi jumped alone to block.

If last time Taichi hadn't needed to fully commit to blocking Sakusa's fake attack, which allowed him to land quickly and do a second jump for coverage—this time, facing the two-meter-tall Hondō, he had no choice but to go all-out.

WHIFF!

Hondō swung but missed.

"As expected—a feint!"

Even against Taichi's solo block, Ryujin's offence stayed cautious.

Kunimi soared from the back row for a spike!

"Too naive! If I've already guessed it, I won't let you get away with it!"

Thud!

Taichi sprang up for a second jump block, moving even faster and higher than before.

"I know that too." Kunimi wasn't surprised at all. He twisted his wrist slightly.

BANG!!

The ball hit Taichi's arm and flew out of bounds!

Smack!

Santiago swooped in and saved it!

Taichi landed and immediately stepped in as the second setter, pushing the ball high to midcourt. Conte leapt from the back row!

"Triple block!" Hondō, Aran, and Iizuna all jumped together.

—BOOM!!!

The ball soared past the block, smashing into Ryujin's deep left corner.

Kunimi couldn't get back in time.

The ball landed.

Conte scored with a back-row super spike!

[San Juan 18 - 15 Ryujin]

"You knew all along?" Kunimi asked in a low voice.

"A little bit." Taichi smiled.

"I didn't think you'd trust your teammates that much." Kunimi sounded frustrated; he'd originally thought Taichi would definitely take him on head-to-head.

"I've always trusted my teammates," Taichi said seriously. "Just like I trusted you when we were at Aoba Johsai."

Kunimi froze for a moment.

"Hmph, only Kindaichi would be happy hearing something like that." Kunimi turned back to his position, his expression stiff.

Taichi simply smiled casually.

Kunimi really was strong. If Taichi hadn't been sure he couldn't kill the ball directly, he wouldn't have signalled Santiago to cover behind him.

"Tweet!—" The whistle blew.

Bruno's fourth serve!

---

"Hold on, everyone!" Hinata Shōyō silently prayed on the sidelines for Ryujin.

Even if, in Wallace's eyes, Ryujin's chance of winning wasn't even 10%, maybe…just maybe, they could still steal a set.

---

Smack!

Komori received it cleanly, perfect pass.

Iizuna jumped to set in the front row. Ryujin's four attackers all moved in unison!

If they didn't consider stamina consumption, this was by far the most effective offensive tactic.

They absolutely couldn't let the score gap widen further!

BAM!!!

Iizuna went for a second-touch attack and scored directly!

[San Juan 18 - 16 Ryujin]

"Another one?!"

"All the simultaneous multi-point attacks forced San Juan's blockers to focus their attention everywhere. Even after Iizuna's previous second-touch attempt had failed, he dared to go for it again—so bold, and so different from his usually cautious setting style!"

"Counting the setter dump, San Juan's three front-row players had to deal with five attack options. Even splitting them into two each would barely be enough!"

"Ryujin finally breaks serve and keeps the gap at two points. They're really doing great!"

Service change, Ryujin to serve.

Hondō launched a powerful jump serve!

BOOM!!!

Conte received it steadily, perfect pass.

Thud!

Taichi had already leapt in the front row.

Whoosh!—

Aran, Iizuna, and Akari all moved at once—they knew this feeling too well.

"Triple block!"

But—

—BOOM!!!

The ball thundered down past all three, slamming behind them.

Taichi scored!

[San Juan 19 - 16 Ryujin]

It only took five seconds for San Juan to snatch the serve right back.

"Oikawa's decision basically means he doesn't think it's time for Taichi to step in yet," Kuroo Tetsurō commented. "Even though they're trailing, he can still calmly leave the ball to his teammates."

"Yeah, yeah!" Iwaizumi Hajime laughed happily.

"..." Kuroo couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Don't forget you're Ryujin's trainer now! Seriously!"

Service change, San Juan to serve. Kaedehara Taichi returned to the front row.

"The first half went pretty well. At least they managed to maintain a lead," Yaku Morisuke remarked. "Now it depends on whether they can withstand Taichi's attacks."

But first, they had to force Taichi to actually attack.

-----

"Tweet!—" The whistle blew.

Conte launched a powerful jump serve!

BOOM!!!

The ball turned into a blur, speeding straight to Sakusa Kiyoomi's position.

Smack!!

The first pass flew off course, the ball sailing toward the sideline.

"Get it!"

Kunimi chased after it, pushing the ball back toward the net with an overhead save.

Hondō leapt in the middle for a spike!

"Double block!" Taichi and Loser jumped together.

"Damn it—"

Hondō Sakuma's expression tightened. After just over a year, he actually couldn't find any opening in front of Kaedehara Taichi!

BOOM!!!—

Unshakable!

The ball slammed off Taichi's arms and bounced right back into Ryujin's court.

Komori dove forward to keep it alive, Iizuna adjusted to set it up, and Ojiro Aran soared from the right for a spike!

"Double block!" Taichi and Loser crossed steps and moved to the right together, perfectly sealing off the path.

BOOM!!!

Aran smashed it hard.

"One touch!"

The ball deflected off Loser's arms and popped high into the air.

"Free ball!"

Oikawa quickly moved in, pushing a direct pass to the net. Conte jumped from the back row for a spike!

Hondō went up alone to block.

—BOOM!!!

The ball thundered down into the centre of Ryujin's side.

Conte's back-row attack scored directly!

[San Juan 14 - 14 Ryujin]

"Oh! That timing was perfect!"

"Conte and Oikawa's coordination is flawless. They were already prepared for this exact counterattack the moment they saw an opportunity!"

"Before Taichi joined San Juan, Conte was the team's ace. This was one of their most common tactics back then!"

San Juan continued serving.

Conte served a second ball!

BOOM!!!

Smack!!

Komori received it directly in front, though it was slightly off.

Iizuna stepped in to set it, and all three front-row attackers from Ryujin charged toward the net!

"Who's it going to be?!"

Swoosh!—

The ball flew left. Kunimi Akira leapt to spike!

"That's unexpected."

Kaedehara Taichi jumped up alone to block.

Two generations of Aoba Johsai's aces, now facing each other one-on-one at the World Championship net!

BOOM!!!—

Kunimi twisted his wrist at the last moment, sending a sharp cross shot toward San Juan's right-side three-meter line.

"You're way too cautious," Taichi laughed.

"Then stop blocking so seriously!" Kunimi retorted with a scowl. He had no doubt that if his spike fell anywhere within Taichi's defensive range, it would be absolutely stuffed!

Smack!

Bruno received it steadily, pushing a pass to the middle of the net.

"I got it!"

Conte leapt from the back row and smashed it down directly!

BOOM!!!

"Ohhh~ Such a bold second-touch attack! Conte's rhythm just keeps getting better!"

Smack!!

A figure zipped across—the ball narrowly flew back into play.

"Cover—!" Komori yelled loudly, hitting the floor hard.

Iizuna sprinted into position, instantly stabilising as he set.

All three front-row attackers from Ryujin charged forward again!

"Even under these conditions, they're still able to launch a multi-point attack!"

Loser watched Iizuna closely but couldn't detect a single clue in his movement.

Swoosh!—

The ball flew high to the right. Aran jumped to spike!

Loser instantly shifted right when he saw the ball leave Iizuna's hands, jumping alongside Bruno.

"Double block!"

BOOM!!!

The ball slammed off Bruno's arms and flew out of bounds.

Conte couldn't make the save.

Aran scored!

[San Juan 14 - 15 Ryujin]

"Beautiful spike!"

"But what truly supported that attack was Ryujin's flawless defence beforehand!"

"Not only did they dig Conte's unexpected spike, they were also able to organise a near-perfect counterattack!"

Service change, Ryujin to serve.

"What a pity." Taichi let out a small sigh.

Kunimi had just rotated to the back row, so there likely wouldn't be a chance to block him directly for now.

"Tweet!—" The whistle blew.

Kunimi delivered a jump float serve, dropping between Loser and Bruno in the front row.

"I got it!"

Bruno stepped in to cover, though the first pass was slightly off.

Oikawa adjusted and set it high to the right. Taichi soared!

"Double block!" Hondō and Aran jumped up together.

"Can't stop me!"

Taichi's arm tensed, and a faint smirk curled at his lips.

BOOM!!!

The ball sailed past the block, headed straight for Ryujin's back row.

Smack!!!

The ball struck Kunimi's arm and flew out of bounds.

Kaedehara Taichi scored!

[San Juan 15 - 15 Ryujin]

"Don't think you can run away, Kunimi." Taichi laughed.

"Tch." Kunimi clicked his tongue heavily, looking thoroughly annoyed.

Service change, San Juan to serve.

Bruno unleashed a powerful jump serve!

Smack!

Sakusa received it solidly, perfect pass.

Iizuna jumped to set at the front row, with Hondō and Aran launching simultaneous attacks on the left!

BAM!!!

Iizuna suddenly swung for a second-touch attack, spiking it single-handedly!

"—?!"

Loser was just about to move left when the ball shot straight over the net.

Smack!

Loser stopped abruptly, awkwardly stretching a hand back to barely tip it up!

"Nice save!"

Bruno rushed in to help set.

"Too low!"

"Tight to the net!"

Ryujin's front-row players' eyes lit up at the chance!

Taichi jumped to spike.

"Triple block!" Hondō, Aran, and Iizuna all jumped together.

"He's insane! He actually chose a power attack on that kind of ball—"

BOOOM!!!

The ball shot through the block before David could even finish shouting.

SMACK!

Komori received it!

"Komori Motoya is unbelievable!" Lim exclaimed. "He caught that ball almost completely blind!"

The ball popped high and dropped near the baseline.

Sakusa stepped in to set. The ball flew perfectly to the front.

"That was textbook-level defence-to-offence transition again!"

Aran pulled wide, jumping to spike!

BOOM!!!—

—SMACK!!!

The ball struck Taichi's arm and slammed right back into Ryujin's court.

A direct block kill!

"OHHHH! I love this block so much!"

Kaedehara Taichi scored off the block!

[San Juan 16 - 15 Ryujin]

"Ever since Taichi returned to the front row, Ryujin's offence has clearly become more strained. They keep trying different ways to escape his block, but so far, they just can't do it!"

"Beep!—"

The technical timeout whistle sounded.

"We can see San Juan's rich big-match experience. In this game, they're clearly playing much more relaxed," the commentator said.

"For Ryujin's players, though, this is the best possible match for them—a perfect chance to grow and improve."

"In fact, their defence has already shown surprising results. From the ineffective receives in the first set to now, when they're able to consistently build brilliant counterattacks."

"I believe that if they keep adjusting, they'll definitely find a way to take on San Juan."

-----

Timeout over. The match resumed.

Bruno served again!

"A beautiful jump float, landing between Hondō and Ojiro Aran."

"This is clearly targeting Hondō, who is viewed as Ryujin's weak point in reception."

"San Juan's serving strategy is absolutely on point."

"I got it!"

Smack!

Aran stepped up and received it, though the pass was slightly off.

Sakusa Kiyoomi charged from the back row for a spike!

"Such a risky attack—but his real intention was…a set!"

Sakusa's fake spike drew Taichi's attention, and the ball flew toward the left wing. Hondō leapt to spike!

Loser jumped up alone to block.

BOOM!!!

The ball evaded the block, slicing past Loser's right side.

"—?!"

"What kind of monster move was that?!"

SMACK!

Taichi swooped over from the right for coverage, and the ball bounced high off his palm.

"One touch!" Taichi called loudly.

Conte calmly received it, the pass going perfectly to the net.

Oikawa slowed the tempo, jumping in the front row to set. Aran was waiting directly in front of him.

Whoosh—!

The ball flew toward the right side. Taichi dashed laterally and leapt!

"Double block!" Hondō and Iizuna jumped up together.

BOOM!!!

The ball hit Iizuna's arm and flew out of bounds.

Komori gave chase but couldn't save it.

Kaedehara Taichi scored!

[San Juan 17 - 15 Ryujin]

"How can he move that much?!"

"And he's played back-to-back sets, yet his breathing is completely steady. He doesn't even look tired at all!"

"Now that you mention it, most of Ryujin's current players only started in the second set, didn't they?"

Spectators nearby suddenly seemed to realise something. "Look at that big guy—his steps are messy and heavy."

"..."

"The guy you're talking about is the only Ryujin player who's played both sets in a row."

"Oh…then never mind."

-----

San Juan continued serving. Bruno's third serve!

BOOM!!!

Sakusa received it steadily, perfect pass.

Iizuna jumped to set in the front row, with Oikawa blocking him in front.

Aran moved from the far right to draw Loser's attention.

The ball flew high toward the left wing. Hondō leapt to spike!

Taichi jumped alone to block.

If last time Taichi hadn't needed to fully commit to blocking Sakusa's fake attack, which allowed him to land quickly and do a second jump for coverage—this time, facing the two-meter-tall Hondō, he had no choice but to go all-out.

WHIFF!

Hondō swung but missed.

"As expected—a feint!"

Even against Taichi's solo block, Ryujin's offence stayed cautious.

Kunimi soared from the back row for a spike!

"Too naive! If I've already guessed it, I won't let you get away with it!"

Thud!

Taichi sprang up for a second jump block, moving even faster and higher than before.

"I know that too." Kunimi wasn't surprised at all. He twisted his wrist slightly.

BANG!!

The ball hit Taichi's arm and flew out of bounds!

Smack!

Santiago swooped in and saved it!

Taichi landed and immediately stepped in as the second setter, pushing the ball high to midcourt. Conte leapt from the back row!

"Triple block!" Hondō, Aran, and Iizuna all jumped together.

—BOOM!!!

The ball soared past the block, smashing into Ryujin's deep left corner.

Kunimi couldn't get back in time.

The ball landed.

Conte scored with a back-row super spike!

[San Juan 18 - 15 Ryujin]

"You knew all along?" Kunimi asked in a low voice.

"A little bit." Taichi smiled.

"I didn't think you'd trust your teammates that much." Kunimi sounded frustrated; he'd originally thought Taichi would definitely take him on head-to-head.

"I've always trusted my teammates," Taichi said seriously. "Just like I trusted you when we were at Aoba Johsai."

Kunimi froze for a moment.

"Hmph, only Kindaichi would be happy hearing something like that." Kunimi turned back to his position, his expression stiff.

Taichi simply smiled casually.

Kunimi really was strong. If Taichi hadn't been sure he couldn't kill the ball directly, he wouldn't have signalled Santiago to cover behind him.

"Tweet!—" The whistle blew.

Bruno's fourth serve!

---

"Hold on, everyone!" Hinata Shōyō silently prayed on the sidelines for Ryujin.

Even if, in Wallace's eyes, Ryujin's chance of winning wasn't even 10%, maybe…just maybe, they could still steal a set.

---

Smack!

Komori received it cleanly, perfect pass.

Iizuna jumped to set in the front row. Ryujin's four attackers all moved in unison!

If they didn't consider stamina consumption, this was by far the most effective offensive tactic.

They absolutely couldn't let the score gap widen further!

BAM!!!

Iizuna went for a second-touch attack and scored directly!

[San Juan 18 - 16 Ryujin]

"Another one?!"

"All the simultaneous multi-point attacks forced San Juan's blockers to focus their attention everywhere. Even after Iizuna's previous second-touch attempt had failed, he dared to go for it again—so bold, and so different from his usually cautious setting style!"

"Counting the setter dump, San Juan's three front-row players had to deal with five attack options. Even splitting them into two each would barely be enough!"

"Ryujin finally breaks serve and keeps the gap at two points. They're really doing great!"

Service change, Ryujin to serve.

Hondō launched a powerful jump serve!

BOOM!!!

Conte received it steadily, perfect pass.

Thud!

Taichi had already leapt in the front row.

Whoosh!—

Aran, Iizuna, and Meian all moved at once—they knew this feeling too well.

"Triple block!"

But—

—BOOM!!!

The ball thundered down past all three, slamming behind them.

Taichi scored!

[San Juan 19 - 16 Ryujin]

It only took five seconds for San Juan to snatch the serve right back.

-----