44: Let the Show Begin

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THIS TIME, Ushijima Wakatoshi seemed to have exhausted his good luck in previous matches, losing in rock-paper-scissors to Iizuna Tsukasa, giving Itachiyama the first serve.

Standing behind the service line, Sakusa held the volleyball in both hands. In this moment of great anticipation from the audience, his mindset remained completely unaffected. Holding the volleyball, he looked expressionlessly at the opposing court.

...The presence of that navy-blue haired figure is too strong. Sakusa had this thought, his eyes involuntarily narrowing slightly.

He tossed the ball high, then served it fiercely at an almost bizarre angle. With a loud bang, the volleyball, with a cunning trajectory, headed straight towards Shiratorizawa's court —

"Snap!"

As the palms of the hands touched the volleyball, a crisp sound echoed, and the excited voice of the commentator rang out simultaneously: (It's here! That tricky angle serve! I wonder if the Shiratorizawa players can... Oh oh oh!!)

The reason for the commentator's immense surprise was because, on Shiratorizawa's court, a white and purple figure flashed by, moving even before the volleyball had finished spinning in the air—

Kobayashi Aotori stared intently at the tricky-angled volleyball. For some reason, he felt an inexplicable familiarity with this kind of serve!

Just like...

...Just like when he used to practice alone in the training room, serving those balls habitually hundreds or thousands of times!

It's almost as if he knew exactly where the ball would land with just one glance!

So, under everyone's astonished gaze, Kobayashi Aotori precisely moved to an empty spot. Just as the volleyball was about to hit the ground, it spun into an arc, landing perfectly in his arms—

"Boom!"

"Wha-what?"

Even Sakusa had a face full of shock at this moment.

If it were merely a serve being received, that would be fine, but this guy—this guy seemed to foresee the future, knowing exactly where the ball would land.

Komori Motoya also looked at the ball being lifted high, blinked quickly, and a thought instantly flashed in his mind—

It seems that Sakusa has been studied very thoroughly by "Mr. Dynamite".

On the other side, Shirabu tightened his nerves instantly. They clearly didn't have time to dwell on why the ball was received, because the ball had already flown in front of them—!

He unhesitatingly tossed the ball high. Ushijima, positioned on the right wing, jumped without any hesitation to spike, as if completely trusting that the ball would be there, and as if he didn't see the opposing blockers at all—

          

"Boom—!!"

The cannonball exploded on Itachiyama's court, followed by the commentator's excited shout.

"Ah... sorry, sorry, I was too focused on watching Aotori..." Komori apologized, scratching his head, facing Sakusa's disdainful gaze, immediately lowering his head in defeat.

But... how did he manage to do that?

Looking at Kobayashi Aotori, who was expressionless despite being loudly praised by Tendou Satori, it seemed he was unaffected by his own actions.

Really infuriating.


ACTUALLY, Kobayashi Aotori hadn't recovered yet.

He didn't know why he could predict Sakusa's volleyball trajectory, nor why he felt familiar with those tricky serves.

First speculation, Sakusa was actually at his level of weakness. But that's impossible.

Second speculation, maybe, I do have some skills?


—————


"BEEP—" The crisp whistle sounded. Now standing behind the service line was Kobayashi Aotori.

Even though he hadn't figured out the answer to his earlier confusion, this was the middle of a match. Any uncertainties should be considered after the game.

He lightly tapped the volleyball on the ground, holding it single-handedly, bringing it slowly to the front.

Holding his breath, his eyes slowly opened, meeting a pair of serious eyes with a hint of a smile.

Ah, this angle, no matter how careful I am, I always end up making eye contact with the opposing libero.


...HE'S LOOKING AT ME!

Komori Motoya felt goosebumps rise on his back instantly when he met those indifferent eyes.

...I have to admit, during Kobayashi Aotori's previous matches, it's no wonder the libero felt pressured. On one hand, it's the skill; on the other hand, it's because this guy's gaze is terrifying.

The advisor on the sidelines noticed Kobayashi Aotori's gaze, akin to "staring at pray" and couldn't help but tug at the corner of his mouth.

Hmm... is this what Coach Washijo meant by using eye contact as a weapon?

Haha, it seems to be quite effective...

Unaware that he had already "attacked" someone invisibly, Kobayashi Aotori held his breath, focusing entirely as he tossed the ball up, re-entering his peculiar "selflessness" state.

"Boom—!" Just the sound of the hand hitting the volleyball was deafening.

In everyone's pupils, the high-speed spinning volleyball was reflected. Undoubtedly, this ball was aimed straight at the opponent's libero—Komori Motoya!

It's coming!

Komori Motoya widened his eyes slightly, trying to see the trajectory of Kobayashi Aotori's jump serve. He had studied Kobayashi Aotori's serves, those unpredictable, sometimes powerful, sometimes floaty serves, which were indeed hard to grasp.

However... just like in the match between Shiratorizawa and Inarizaki—

As long as the serves are different, there will always be some clues!

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