"Impressive spirit."
Ichinose Guren's calm words landed alongside the volleyball at Hinata's feet.
"Blocked again, huh."
Sugawara frowned, watching Hinata struggle against multiple blocks. He had to admit, Hinata's jumping ability combined with his height created a strong visual impact.
But in this four-on-four practice match, facing a triple block that locked down his spikes, Hinata could only rely on tip shots to scrape by. Behind the iron wall stood Yamaguchi, ever vigilant.
After being blocked twice at the start, even though Tanaka could leverage his power against Tsukishima for some points, Kageyama, wary of quick attacks, hesitated to set the ball for Hinata.
His high balls couldn't convert Hinata's speed into offensive power capable of breaking through the temporary iron wall.
They could still send simple quick balls, but Kageyama's cautious sets, except when Tanaka faced Tsukishima one-on-one, were almost powerless to change the situation.
Luckily, Nishinoya stepped up a few paces, giving Hinata some breathing room to attack again after being blocked.
Team A 4:8 Team B.
Now, Hinata fully understood why Guren's presence at the front row had previously lowered the spike success rate of opponents.
First, Guren's movement speed was terrifying. Whether stepping left or right, his strong core allowed unparalleled balance and rapid weight transfer.
Combined with explosive power from his muscular build, he could cover the court against all incoming balls except the Team A-style quick attack.
Second, his terrifying arm span and lightning-quick reflexes meant that even three to four meters away from a spike, he could already intercept it midair.
With two other tall defenders beside him, Hinata now faced a super defensive "iron wall", still young and raw, but with limitless potential.
Even without a solid passer like Sawamura, the arm spans of Guren and Hyakuzawa were enough to resist Kageyama's still-maturing serves.
Sweat dripped from Hinata's forehead, wiped away unconsciously. His eyes were calm, focused, he had entered game mode, analyzing his options.
'The King is strong… but there must be a way to beat him. Didn't we already win at Yukigaoka?'
Glancing at Kageyama, Hinata's feet moved before his body, sidestepping beside him.
"Kageyama, why don't you set quick attacks?"
"Because your previous quick attacks weren't received by our teammates?"
Guren shook his bangs as he watched Tsukishima, Hinata, and Kageyama talking fiercely.
'Even if the plot has changed, Shoyo will force you to fire quick attacks.'
'As long as you want to win, come on, bring them out.'
'This time, there won't be any teammates too slow to receive your sets. Only someone faster than your set.'
'Come on, evolve your freakish quick attack!'
'I can't wait to face it!!!'
In that instant, Guren's expression shifted, his usually neat hair somehow evoking a ferocious, tyrannical presence.
Kageyama and Hinata, having declared themselves as setters to face Tsukishima, turned to Guren at the net, as if a new, dangerous opponent had appeared.
But all they saw was Guren smiling, tilting his head as if asking:
"What's the matter?"
The soil Guren had carefully cultivated finally bore the fruit he wanted to devour.
The first successful freakish quick attack startled everyone, except Guren. His face showed not surprise or awe, but hunger.
'Not enough, not enough…'
'The success rate isn't high enough yet.'
'Make it stronger, stronger!'
When Hinata finally spiked around Tsukishima's defense and the ball landed before Yamaguchi could reach it, Guren's momentum exploded. He wiped sweat from his brow, combing his hair back.
'Waited long enough, finally.'
Hinata, celebrating his successful spike and realizing Kageyama had learned this new skill, clenched his fists in triumph.
But the hair on his arms stood on end, the opposing court seemed bathed in blood, an endless crimson mist swirling, and a towering figure approached him step by step.
Each step raised countless blood-red vines underfoot.
Targeted by Guren's overwhelming aura, Hinata's imagination ran wild, a hallucination triggered only in him.
'Guren… he's going to block this one.'
'Good… let's go, Guren.'
'With the King's pass I've got, I can match your defense.'
But clever Hinata didn't intend to risk everything on the brand-new freakish quick attack. He pulled Kageyama aside, whispering strategy, calling Tanaka over next, and finally Nishinoya joined in.
"Alright, we're ready!"
"Let's go!"
The four A Team players' eyes burned with determination.
Even Nishinoya had a strange, excited grin.
"Guren, opportunities to challenge Miyagi junior MVPs aren't common. Plus, your teammates are severely lacking in ground defense."
"Ahahaha! Guren! I'm going to beat you!"
Hinata, separated from Guren by the net, began shouting arrogantly, declaring he would defeat the former captain.
Tanaka smirked, teasing: "You got quite a few balls blocked earlier, huh? Keep trying, I want to see how many you can stop, MVP."
Kageyama wore a "revenge" expression, ready to fight.
Guren, provoked, laughed:
"You've just formed a team and are already so united? You really think I'm the BOSS, huh?"
"Fine, fine, I'll give you a chance to challenge the King."
Taking thirty seconds seriously, Guren wiped off sweat, combed back his hair, and sprayed hair spray.
"I'm going all out. Don't cry when you lose."
"We'll win!"
Hinata shot back, refusing to be intimidated.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria