Perhaps it was frustration at being overpowered by pure force, or maybe just the belief that with some more thinking, they could figure out a way to defeat him.
Both Kenma Kozume and Shoyo Hinata simultaneously expressed to Coach Nekoma that they wanted to play another set.
The coach didn't object, and over at Karasuno, Ukai also deployed his already-prepared second starting lineup.
This time, the battle had been Nekoma's all-out attempt to restrict the Karasuno team.
Yet, once again, they fell before the relentless, sleeves-rolled-up bandit: Guren.
Super-hits, straight lines, cross-court spikes, though not as varied as Tokyo's other ace, Guren's attacks were never limited to any single method.
As Kuroo had said, rock, paper, scissors.
Each style has its strength and counter. Nekoma's defensive approach could, in theory, counter Karasuno.
But theory doesn't hold up against a national-level ace who relies on sheer power to break through any defense.
When facing a spiker whose success rate remains above 85%, no matter what you do, resisting or strategizing, it's easy to lose motivation and give up.
Luckily, Nekoma's team was filled with fighting spirit.
Even Kenma, who usually didn't care about winning or losing, was hardwired not to give up.
Looking at the scoreboard, with the gap still manageable, he felt another set might reveal a way to break through.
But reality was harsher than he imagined.
In the third set, both teams already exhausted, Kenma tried to use his sets to manipulate teammates' positions, hoping to block Guren's approach and reduce his flying height.
Once again, he failed.
Guren's powerful ankles and core allowed him to execute serpentine approaches around teammates without losing speed.
Even in the third set, facing these tenacious defenders, Guren was forced to expend tremendous energy on his "fantasy footwork."
Tiny, meticulous steps, each a potential jump point, frustrated the defenders.
Jump too early, and against a spiker taller than you who jumps even higher, points are surrendered.
Jump at the right time, and Guren, moving faster than a normal human, could already finish his spike before you even reach your peak.
Fortunately, after three consecutive bursts of tiny steps, Guren needed a short breather, giving Nekoma a brief chance to recover.
Still, thanks to his junior high "killer move," Karasuno managed to secure three consecutive wins against Nekoma.
For Nekoma, Karasuno was indeed a formidable opponent.
Although their back-row defense depended on a few key players, their net defense was unmatched nationwide.
If their coordination and speed matured further, they could claim the title "Miyagi Iron Wall."
But Coach Nekoma cared less about Karasuno's defense.
It was their offense that fascinated him.
Two-meter giants, tall players with feints, straight-line and cross-court spikers, violent blockers, hyper-speed attacks, all spearheaded by Guren, who alone dismantled Nekoma's defense.
Such variety, and each player performing above average, made Karasuno an excellent training target for the coach.
He swept his gaze across Karasuno's #9, #10, and #15.
"These old crows have hatched some incredible players this time."
…
Eventually, Hinata was reluctantly pulled back by Ukai, fearing he'd miss, ending his bid for another set.
Kenma, too, now had a clearer understanding of Guren's true level.
Kotaro Bokuto? No, this first-year Guren had reached a rank in Kenma's mind equivalent to Fukurodani's ace.
When a player cannot be blocked, the only option is to expend every mental effort figuring out how to defend such an ace.
It's a path destined to fail.
But a high-level player like Kenma isn't one to give up easily.
Even Tokyo's Bokuto could be outmaneuvered by him with a lapse in caution.
Guren had already been marked in Kenma's mind with two words: [To Conquer]
After coaches swapped positions and gently guided each other's players, the teams began packing up.
"Hoshino!"
"Ah, Senior Yaku."
"No need for formalities. Your footwork on reception was so precise. Even at the end of the match, your steps never faltered, like a textbook on libero technique."
"Oh, it's nothing. Ladder drills and a few auxiliary tools help."
…
"Kuroo-senpai, teach me how to block better."
"Eh, with your height? Just cover the area below with your hands. Few can break through your block."
"Teach me how to block!"
Looking at Yudai Hyakuzawa's serious request, Kuroo could only shake his head with mild exasperation.
…
"Well, next time we meet on the tournament stage, be careful. We've already seen all your weapons today."
"Huh? Next time, we'll still win!"
Ukai and Coach Nekoma had another friendly, harmonious exchange, agreeing on future collaboration.
…
Hinata, frustrated by failing to counter Guren's ace over three sets, turned to his first out-of-school friend, Kenma, for discussion.
The Interhigh Tournament was just ahead.
Should he just watch Guren charge forward unchallenged?
Every prideful youth asked themselves this.
The only solution was: train harder, and then harder, and harder still.
…
"Our goal has always been one, right?"
Guren unfurled the scroll he had carried since junior high:
[Dominate the Nation]
He would arrange for Nakashima Takeru and Karasuno to meet at Nationals.
As for the unfortunate others? He had other plans.
=============
Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria