The figure shot forward like a gust of wind, crossing three steps in an instant.
So fast!
That thought flashed through countless minds.
Because the one who had just seized everyone's attention was fast. Those three short steps, most people couldn't reach that speed even in twenty or thirty meters of a full sprint.
In the final two steps, he took one giant stride, storing all the momentum from his run-up inside his body like compressed energy. Then, a small closing step, syncing perfectly with that extended leg.
Both arms swung fiercely from behind, the afterimage trailing like a pair of wings sprouting from his back. His center of gravity rose sharply as his foot pushed off, an explosion.
He launched skyward like a rocket.
His right arm snapped forward. Those who blinked or weren't focused only saw a twitch of his shoulder before his arm vanished from sight.
The next moment it reappeared, his palm was already slamming against the helpless volleyball.
The strike was like a painting hung in midair; the ball disappeared like his hand had, only to reappear again, lonely, rolling softly across the floor.
A beat of silence. Then the court erupted, BOOM, voices exploding through the arena as every person, every team, started discussing that impossibly high contact point.
"Holy crap! Who is that guy!? He's insane!"
"Hey, hey, hey, was that like a three-point-five meters!?"
"He-he's flying!"
"No way, can a high schooler jump like that!?"
Even along the edge of the court, among Shiratorizawa's players, there were gasps like they were ordinary spectators.
"Wooooow!"
Tendo Satori, red hair bouncing, stared at that spike. The height alone clearly exceeded even his good friend Ushijima Wakatoshi's usual reach, though the strength might still fall short.
His expression, shaped like a living exclamation mark, matched his voice perfectly.
"No wonder the old man wanted us to come watch. That guy who might become a strong rival, must be this kid, right?"
"Not fully sure," Ushijima answered, voice as calm and precise as ever. "But if Coach Washijo meant a player around 190 cm, with smooth arm muscle lines, extremely powerful jump ability, and an attack point above 350 cm, then yes. It is likely him."
"Who knows. The old man didn't say who exactly we were supposed to watch."
Tendo shrugged with an I dunno either expression.
But soon, they knew.
Because the short, slightly hunched, gray-haired old coach entered the upper viewing seats above Karasuno, followed by a group of towering volleyball players.
And the one who had just delivered the highest spike of the match was, of course, Karasuno's second all-round ace, right behind Kageyama Tobio in versatility: Ichinose Guren.
===========
Meanwhile, Aoba Johsai had also fixed their attention on Karasuno's No. 15.
Before this, Oikawa Tooru had only shown mild interest in Karasuno's "weird quick." Everything else? He barely cared.
But now?
His brows furrowed, and he replayed the scene rapidly in his mind.
This is bad. That kid's hitting point… it's past the upper limit of our defense.
If we don't find a solution, we're in trouble.
Seeing his team sinking into shock, Oikawa shoved the unease back down.
"Oh~ now that's interesting."
"But hey, don't freak yourselves out."
"Volleyball isn't won just by jumping high."
"Yes, I saw that contact point."
"But I'm not worried at all. I'll trust you guys, as always."
His casual tone, his relaxed posture, Aoba Johsai believed him.
If Oikawa said he had a plan, then he had a plan.
But Iwaizumi Hajime, who had dealt with Oikawa nearly his whole life, noticed the slight unnatural strain in that relaxed expression.
He didn't call him out.
Not now.
Instead, he walked over and slapped Oikawa's shoulder.
"You call this relaxed? Oikawa, pull yourself together! It's a match! A match!"
Oikawa let himself get shaken dramatically, looking like he was about to pass out, which drew laughter and attempts from teammates to separate them.
"Cut it out, coach is watching!"
The lifelong duo exchanged a silent look, smooth, wordless understanding, and then slipped off to the restroom to discuss strategy.
===========
Meanwhile, the third team spectating in that area… was in despair.
Tokonami High.
It's over.
They were so done.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria