The Karasuno players were stretching before the game started.
"We're finally playing on the central court!" Kageyama said, clenching his fists.
"Yeah... this is making me nervous..." Asahi said, placing his hands on his stomach, looking like he was about to feel sick.
"LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THEIR CROWD!" Tanaka shouted.
"SO JEALOUS!" Nishinoya yelled.
"HEY, YOU TWO, STOP SHOUTING!" Daichi complained.
"Oh, but it looks like we have our own crowd this time. Look over there!" Hinata said, pointing at Karasuno's supporters arriving.
"Go, Go, Karasuno! Push it, push it, Karasuno!" the crowd chanted in a visibly organized manner.
"Well, at least we have some supporters!" Hinata said with a smile, but his expression changed as he heard a loud drumbeat coming from Shiratorizawa's side.
"SHIRATORIZAWA!"
"SHIRATORIZAWA!"
"All right, here we go!!"
"All right, here we go!!"
"Our opponent today... is Karasuno High School!"
"Nice to meet you!"
Shiratorizawa's crowd chanted, dominating the atmosphere and initially silencing Karasuno's supporters.
"They really have the aura of a powerhouse school!" Asahi commented.
"They even have cheerleaders, this is crazy!" Hinata added.
"Where are those guys? They're late!" Tanaka complained.
"Are they taking their time on purpose? Are they underestimating us?" Nishinoya asked.
"Nah, they must be scared to face us!" Hinata laughed.
"Kreeeek!" The sound of the door opening echoed as Shiratorizawa's players entered, making their crowd cheer even louder.
"HEY, YOU!" Goshiki shouted, walking towards Hinata and pointing a finger accusingly.
"Huh!? You know me!?" Hinata asked, surprised.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN!? Are you kidding me!? I'm your sworn rival!" Goshiki yelled.
"Hmm..." Hinata said, putting a hand on his chin with a thoughtful expression.
"HOW CAN YOU NOT REMEMBER!?" Goshiki shouted, outraged.
"I'm just messing with you. You're the guy who got beaten by my team last year in middle school. Long time no see!" Hinata said, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Hmpf! I've been hearing your name all year and all about your achievements, but today I'll crush you and prove that I AM THE BEST FIRST-YEAR!" Goshiki declared before turning away.
"You played against that guy last year?" Sugawara asked with an awkward smile.
"Yeah, and since then, he's been calling me his rival..." Hinata said, shrugging.
After that, both teams started warming up.
"BOOM!" The sound of Ushijima's powerful spike echoed through the stadium, leaving everyone impressed.
"Look at that spike! Karasuno doesn't stand a chance!" one of Shiratorizawa's supporters said.
"It's a shame. I was hoping for a close match," another Shiratorizawa fan added, sounding disappointed.
"They're already underestimating us! You two, go do something!" Tanaka said, pointing at Hinata and Kageyama.
"Quick attack?" Kageyama asked.
"Nah, let's do it like him... a high one, far from the net!" Hinata suggested.
"Alright, here goes!" Kageyama said, setting the ball for Hinata.
"Let's go!" Hinata shouted.
"Boom!" Hinata's spike echoed after an impressive jump, shocking everyone.
"WE HAVE OUR OWN ACE TOO!" a Karasuno supporter shouted.
"Ah, there's the first-year duo! That orange-haired guy jumps even higher than Wakatoshi-kun... though he doesn't seem as powerful," Tendou said with a grin.
"Tsk!" Goshiki clicked his tongue as he watched Hinata steal the spotlight.
"Looks like you've got a troublesome rival, Tsutomu... but don't worry, you're doing fine!" Tendou said.
"You're too soft on him!" Taichi said.
"Nah, you're too harsh. He's already a starter and will be the next ace!" Tendou said, making Goshiki extremely excited.
"Alright! In this match, I'll surpass my rival! And I'll prove my worth as an ace to you!" Goshiki declared to Ushijima.
"Yes, Fight" Ushijima said seriously, making Tendou burst out laughing.
"Alright, you guys know what to do! They're a strong team, but they're not invincible. Go out there and win!" Ukai said.
"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.
After the coaches' speeches, each player from both teams was introduced one by one until they were all lined up and ready for the match.
"Ah, I made it just in time!" a masked man said.
"Whoa! What is this? An intruder!?" Saeko said, grabbing the mysterious man.
"Let go of me! I'm Tsukishima's brother... he didn't want me to come!" Akiteru whispered so no one would hear him.
"WHAT? TSUKISHIMA'S BROTHER!?" Takinoue and Shimada exclaimed.
"Tsk!" Tsukishima grumbled upon noticing his brother's presence.
As the players took their positions, Hinata called for a team huddle.
"Remember, we've already discussed that Ushijima uses his left hand, and we know how to position the block, but the strength I put in my left hand is nothing compared to what he does. Plus, the ball's spin will be different too," Hinata said.
"It's fine! I know it won't be easy for me, but I don't plan on losing!" Nishinoya said, pointing to his chest.
"Oh, looks like they sacrificed Asahi's attack to start with Tsukishima..." Takinoue observed.
"Yeah, it's not guaranteed they'll stop Ushijima, but if there's a way, it's with those guys at the net!" Shimada added.
The match began with Daichi serving.
"Power serve, Daichi!" Karasuno's players shouted as they watched Daichi's serve get received by Goshiki.
"Ushijima-san!" Shirabu called, setting the ball for Ushijima, who jumped powerfully and immediately noticed a triple block from Hinata, Tsukishima, and Kageyama. However, he managed a cross attack right past Kageyama's hands, sending the ball straight toward Nishinoya.
"BOOM!" The ball exploded against Nishinoya's wrists and flew away.
1-0 Shiratorizawa.
"Ushijima!"
"Ushijima!" Shiratorizawa's crowd chanted after the point.
"Hehe, the spin really is different," Nishinoya observed with a grin.
"No worries, you'll get it next time!" Tanaka reassured him.
"Yeah!" Nishinoya responded, determined, giving Tanaka a fist bump.
"They almost blocked it... Looks like they knew what was coming," Tendou noted.
"It does seem that way," Reon added.
Next, Taichi served the ball toward Daichi, who hesitated, unsure if it was in or out, and ended up letting it land inside Karasuno's court.
"Sorry, guys!" Daichi apologized.
Taichi served again, but this time, the ball clipped the net and started to fall toward Karasuno's side.
"IT'S MINE!" Hinata shouted, stopping Tanaka from moving and diving alone to prevent the ball from hitting the ground.
"Who should I set it to first?" Kageyama thought as the ball came toward him. But then he noticed Hinata quickly getting back up and preparing to jump.
"Hinata!" Kageyama called, setting a third-tempo ball, a high one far from the net.
"Alright!" Hinata shouted, jumping and hitting the ball with all his strength in a cross attack past Ushijima's triple block.
"BOOM!" The ball exploded off Tendou's arms and flew away.
"Damn it!" Tendou thought, impressed by the power of the attack.