At the entrance of Sendai City Gym, two figures were discussing the teams in Group A.
"Seems like they have a really lame nickname."
"The fallen powerhouse… can't even fly, the crows."
"Hey, we're being overheard!"
The two, dressed in Date Tech High uniforms, were originally speculating about the strength of Karasuno, a team with an unfamiliar name. But suddenly, a shadow passed behind them.
"Eh!"
They turned and realized with a shock that the very Karasuno team they were talking about was now standing right behind them.
Even with Nishinoya, Hinata, and Kageyama lowering their height a bit.
A Karasuno volleyball team, silently appearing behind them, had just overheard their comments. The two Date Tech players froze in place.
Without causing further trouble, the Karasuno group simply sent a fierce glare through Tanaka Ryunosuke, and then Daichi Sawamura herded them into the gym.
Even with Hyakuzawa drawing attention at 2 meters tall, Azumane's fierce appearance was recognized, and a bunch of imagined misdeeds were assigned to him.
Kageyama and Nishinoya were also called out by acquaintances.
But the one most talked about was, Ichinose Guren.
"Eh?! Look at that guy!"
"Why are you pulling my sleeve? Who is that?"
"That guy right there!"
"No way, isn't that the super high-reaching player from Yukigaoka? How'd he end up at Karasuno?"
"Yeah, I thought he was definitely going to Shiratorizawa."
"Or maybe Aoba Johsai… why a public school?"
"I don't know, but it seems all the seniors from Yukigaoka are here!"
"Really! Yukigaoka's tower, the textbook libero, springy orange-haired freak… all at Karasuno!"
"I don't want to face Karasuno this year! That tower's almost two meters tall!"
"Terrifying! So scary!"
Such chatter echoed throughout Sendai City Gym.
Like these two players, many who had watched last year's junior high tournament recognized several first-years from Karasuno.
Even without seeing Karasuno's actual combat ability, their sheer height was intimidating. Hyakuzawa at 202 cm led, followed by 190 cm Tsukishima and 188 cm Guren.
Then there were 186 cm Azumane and 181 cm Kageyama, plus 180 cm Narita and Jin.
Even ignoring coordination and skill, purely by height, Karasuno now had a lineup averaging 188 cm, all above 180. Those unaware of their true ability would be immediately impressed.
"Oh! That side's tall too!"
"They're coming!"
Karasuno's group noticed the sudden exclamations and footsteps.
Tap tap tap, synchronized footsteps approached.
When the group wearing gray-green jackets with "Date Tech" on the chest came closer, Azumane's expression grew serious.
The onlookers named the approaching team.
"It's Date Tech!"
Led by the stern 191 cm Takanobu Aone, and the smiling 184 cm Futakuchi Kenji, a battle-like tension spread between the two teams.
"Uh-oh… looks like these two teams are about to clash."
"Hope it doesn't escalate! Should we call security?!"
"If they fight, I can't handle it."
Spectators instinctively moved away, sensing the brewing conflict.
After a brief stare-down, Aone's deep voice rumbled. He raised his long hand, pointing directly at Azumane, who had been blocked by them last year.
"What do you want?"
Nishinoya, seeing the obviously provocative tall figure and his smiling companion, rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront them.
But Azumane stopped him.
Only Nishinoya, he did not stop Hyakuzawa, who had practiced spikes with him.
Having spent time together, Hyakuzawa knew that Azumane, though rough and imposing, was actually sensitive and gentle.
Guren says Azumane has a maiden heart.
Faced with the third-round opponent's provocation, Hyakuzawa stepped forward without hesitation. Unlike Azumane, who stood still, Hyakuzawa advanced with long strides directly at the Date Tech players.
He only stopped when Aone's finger touched his chest. Then came the eye-to-eye standoff: 191 cm Aone versus 202 cm Hyakuzawa.
Hyakuzawa didn't waste words. His gaze spoke volumes:
"What are you staring at?"
Aone, by habit, locks onto the opposing ace. Unaware of social cues, he wouldn't step back just because Hyakuzawa was taller. On the court, everyone plays, even if they're three meters tall. His eyes shifted focus from Azumane, following his usual approach.
Hyakuzawa wouldn't back down either.
With his teammates and his maiden-hearted senior behind him, as the tallest, he bore the responsibility of meeting the provocation head-on.
Two unyielding forces now engaged in a silent staring contest.
Behind Hyakuzawa, Tanaka Ryunosuke and Victory, expressionless but ready, followed. Though the rest of Karasuno didn't intend to stir trouble, seeing three teammates confront the opponents prompted everyone else to step forward two half-steps.
Now, the other Date Tech players hesitated.
Wasn't this just pre-game provocation? Why are they so rigid?
Are we going to fight? There are quite a few of them…
They're tougher than last year.
Where did these two, the 2-meter guy and the almost as tall one, come from?
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria