The Conniving Crow

Chapter 114: Karasuno VS Shiratorizawa - The Fifth and Final Set

The transition from the fourth to the final set was charged with palpable tension and excitement. As the Karasuno players made their way to the bench, triumphant from their hard-fought victory in the previous set, their elation was evident. (Y/n) couldn't help but beam with pride as she offered her heartfelt congratulations to each member of the team. Their journey to this point had been nothing short of extraordinary, and this fifth set was the culmination of their relentless efforts.

With the weight of the nation's berth hanging in the balance, every word of encouragement from (y/n) felt like a lifeline, and her unwavering support bolstered their spirits. As they realized the magnitude of the upcoming set, her words of motivation became a beacon of hope, a reminder that victory was still within their reach.

Coach Ukai's decision to let Sugawara start the fifth set as the setter brought with it a wave of mixed emotions. Kageyama, the first-year prodigy, displayed a hint of reluctance. He was itching to be on the court, but the prospect of sitting next to (y/n) on the bench for a while seemed to soften his stance. Her reassuring presence had a way of calming even the most intense competitor.

Sugawara, on the other hand, was admittedly a bit nervous. This was a crucial set, a gateway to their dreams, and the weight of the situation was evident in his demeanor. It was then that (y/n) stepped in, offering a heartwarming pep talk that transformed his unease into steely determination. As his confidence was reignited, the other team members couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the special attention Sugawara was receiving from her.

In the background, Coach Keishin and Takeda couldn't help but share a chuckle about how high the boys' spirits were despite the pressure. That was until Keishin suddenly felt an ominous presence looming behind him. He turned to find his grandfather glaring down at him from the stands. It appeared that he had finally realized the deep bond his granddaughter shared with the team, and Keishin braced himself for a potentially intimidating confrontation.

With these emotions swirling, the final set commenced. Goshiki, representing Shiratorizawa, was tasked with serving. The ball streaked towards Karasuno's side with incredible speed, but Tanaka was quick to react. With a spectacular dive, he managed to keep the ball in play, a testament to his unwavering dedication. Sugawara skillfully set up the ball, and Asahi, standing tall as one of the team's powerhouses, seized the opportunity. With sheer force and precision, he sent the ball crashing down onto Shiratorizawa's side of the court, drawing first blood in this decisive set.

00-01 for Karasuno.

The next electrifying exchange featured the imposing figure of Ushijima, who had often been a formidable force to contend with. As he soared up to execute his powerful spike, Tsukishima, unwavering and resolute, leaped to meet him at the net. The clash between their strengths sent a thunderous shockwave through the court, but the ball, deflected by Tsukishima's well-timed block, was sent spiraling wildly out of bounds.

In that thrilling moment, Ushijima's onslaught had been thwarted, robbing Shiratorizawa of the chance to seize the lead. It was a testament to the precision and coordination that Karasuno had honed through countless hours of training and their relentless pursuit of excellence. Yet, the battlefield remained balanced, a reflection of the unparalleled intensity of this final set, where every point carried the weight of a nation's hopes and dreams.

01-01

The pressure was palpable, especially for Sugawara, who bore the responsibility of steering the ship in such turbulent waters. He keenly felt the weight of this final set, the culmination of years of effort, and the looming presence of the formidable Shiratorizawa team only added to the intensity of the moment.

Sugawara's first attempt to orchestrate an attack didn't go as planned. The set to Tsukishima, precise but just a tad too low, allowed Tendou, with his uncanny reading abilities, to rise like an impassable wall and block Tsukishima's strike. It was a testament to Tendou's unpredictability and Shiratorizawa's unyielding defense.