Amid the jubilant celebrations of Rixe Volleyball Association's victory, a red-haired figure approached Izumi. It was Satori Tendo, the formidable middle blocker from Kasumi Academy. He greeted Izumi with a friendly smile.
"What a great game we had, didn't we?" Tendo remarked.
Izumi nodded, a wry grin forming. "Facing you was a challenge, to say the least."
Tendo chuckled. "Don't put it like that, man. Honestly, I enjoyed every moment playing against you."
"Likewise," replied Izumi. "I can't wait for another match against you."
"Agreed," Tendo said with a nod, then added, "Though, that might not happen in this tournament. Next year, I'll be 11, and I believe you're currently 9. We might not be in the same age group."
Riku, who had joined them, chimed in, "We can always arrange matches outside the tournament, right?"
The three of them continued their conversation, with Riku complimenting Tendo's exceptional blocking skills. Tendo couldn't help but smile at the recognition.
"So, I'm the first one to block the excellent Izumi Miyamura, huh?" Tendo teased with a grin. Izumi responded with a snort, saying, "Well, it was daunting at first, but once I adapted, it became manageable."
Tendo, always eager to improve, pondered, "Looks like I'll need to introduce some variations in my blocking."
Their conversation transitioned to the upcoming final match. Izumi expressed his excitement, mentioning that it was his first tournament.
Curious about what to expect, Riku asked Tendo for any tips. After a moment of reflection, Tendo shared, "The other semifinal match probably isn't finished yet, but I'm fairly certain Sakuraoka will win. If they do, you'll face a significant challenge, particularly with Ushijima's spikes."
Izumi and Riku exchanged knowing glances, acknowledging the threat Ushijima posed. After a few more minutes of friendly discussion, they bid each other farewell, with Tendo expressing his anticipation for their next meeting.
"Goodbye for now, Miyamura-kun, Riku!" Tendo called out. "Next time we play, I'll make sure to defeat you."
Riku replied confidently, "Keep dreaming about beating us."
Izumi added with a grin, "See you soon. I can't wait for facing you again"
After that Izumi and Riku rejoined their teammates and made their way to the stands of the neighboring court, they couldn't help but feel the excitement in the air.
The tension and anticipation were almost tangible as they prepared to watch the other semifinal match between Sakuraoka Academy and Akiokawa Academy.
The moment they arrived at the court, they were treated to a mesmerizing spectacle of volleyball. The play that greeted them was nothing short of spectacular. It was a rally between the two teams that showcased their skill, speed, and teamwork.
Kouhei, with his characteristic blonde hair, was in his element as he expertly set the ball for none other than Ushijima. What happened next left everyone in awe.
Ushijima, despite being just 10 years old, exhibited remarkable agility and leaping ability. His jump was reminiscent of a player one or two year older than him, reaching heights that defied his age.
With a powerful and controlled swing, Ushijima spiked the ball with a force that was unexpected from someone so young. The sheer power behind his attack sent the ball hurtling towards the opposing court.
The precision of his strike was evident as the ball landed square within the boundaries of the court, leaving the opponents helpless.
The crowd in the stands erupted into applause, acknowledging the incredible talent displayed by Ushijima.
Izumi and his teammates, captivated by the spectacle of the semifinal match between Sakuraoka Academy and Akiokawa Academy, couldn't help but marvel at the remarkable plays unfolding before them.
"That spike was powerful," Izumi muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on the court as he absorbed every detail of the game.
His teammates were equally astonished, their reactions a chorus of amazement. "What the heck! What was that power behind the spike!" one exclaimed, while another chimed in, "If he's gonna spike like that, how the heck are we gonna block him?"
The intensity of the match on the neighboring court was a stark reminder of the fierce competition they were about to face in the final.
Riku, standing beside Izumi, pointed towards the scoreboard, where the numbers told a clear story. "Looks like Sakurako won the first set, and they're leading the second one too!" he noted.
Izumi's eyes followed Riku's gesture to the scoreboard, confirming the situation. The scoreline read [19-11] in favor of Sakuraoka Academy in the second set. It was evident that they were on the path to securing their place in the final.
As the crowd continued to cheer and applaud Sakuraoka's impressive performance, Izumi couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
On one hand, he was inspired by the level of play he had witnessed, and on the other, he knew that they had a formidable opponent awaiting them in the final.
As the match between Sakuraoka Academy and Akiokawa Academy continued to unfold, it became increasingly evident just how exceptional a player Ushijima was.
His spikes were not just powerful; they were precise, well-timed, and executed with an uncanny level of skill. Each time he leaped into the air, it seemed as though he could effortlessly tear through the defense of Akiokawa Academy, leaving spectators in awe.
Kouhei's setting only added to the brilliance of Ushijima's plays. His ability to deliver impeccable sets, tailored to Ushijima's preferences, created a synergy that made them a formidable duo on the court.
The crowd watched in amazement as the two players orchestrated plays that seemed almost effortless.
During a rally, Riku turned to Izumi, his eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and amusement. "This Ushijima guy's spikes are scary, Izumi. Do you think you'll be able to stop him?"
Izumi, still engrossed in the match, pondered the question for a moment before responding, "I don't know, Riku. The power behind his spikes is unreal. But I won't know until I try."
Riku couldn't help but smile knowingly. "You're excited to play against him, aren't you?"
Izumi shot Riku an annoyed look, but Riku's laughter only grew. "Don't be annoyed because I told the truth. It's written all over your face!"
Izumi huffed, crossing his arms defensively. "You're reading too much into it, Riku. I just want to test my skills against strong opponents."
Riku's grin widened. "Sure, Izumi, whatever you say."
As they continued to watch Ushijima and Kouhei's impressive plays, the playful banter between the two friends added a touch of warmth to the atmosphere.
The score stood at [24-15], with Sakuraoka Academy on the verge of winning the match. Riku turned to Izumi and remarked, "Looks like Sakuraoka will be winning the match in a couple of rallies."
Izumi nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and then it will be our turn to face them."
Riku grinned at his friend's concealed excitement. "The thought of facing them both scares and excites me. By the way, did you notice anything while watching the match so intently?"
His mention of Izumi watching the match with intensity brought a hint of embarrassment to Izumi's expression— he simply enjoyed watching volleyball games, and Riku knew it. Trying to deflect, Izumi replied, "I wasn't watching intently."
Riku chuckled. "Sure, sure, you weren't. Now, tell me what you noticed."
Izumi sighed, realizing there was no escaping Riku's curiosity. "Well, they seem to rely too much on Ushijima. From the moment we started watching, Kouhei has been setting mostly for Ushijima. He rarely sets for his other teammates."
Riku thoughtfully considered Izumi's observation."If what you're saying is true—then we can use their overreliance on Ushijima against them."
Izumi nodded. "Exactly. If we somehow manage to force Kouhei to set for other players— from the couple of sets they got the other players doesn't seem threatening as Ushijima"
Riku agreed but noted the challenge. "The question is how to make Kouhei set for other players."
At that very moment, Ushijima unleashed another powerful spike, scoring the final point for Sakuraoka Academy, securing their victory with a score of [25-15] .
"Sakuraoka Academy wins the match," the announcer declared.
Izumi pondered the challenge ahead. "Looks like we have to figure that out soon."
Riku offered words of encouragement. "From what I know about you, I'm pretty confident you'll be able to find a way."
As the crowd cheered for Sakuraoka's victory, Izumi and Riku knew that their final match was fast approaching. They had witnessed the formidable force of Sakuraoka Academy, and now it was their turn to strategize and prepare for the showdown.
With a firm determination, Izumi gazed at the court where Sakuraoka Academy celebrated their triumph. "We'll be ready," he whispered, his eyes reflecting a burning resolve.
The finals awaited, and Rixe Volleyball Association was eager to face the challenge head-on.
[A/N— the tournament finale incoming— wonder how it will end~ will Izumi's team win or will they lose—]