"TAICHI! HEY! HEY!! HEY!!!"

At nearly 3:00 PM, the moment Aoba Johsai's team stepped intoArena C, an unmistakably energetic and distinct greeting echoed through the venue.

"Bokuto-senpai, you're bothering people," Akaashi Keiji stated flatly, holding the jacket Bokuto Kōtarō had just tossed aside.

"Whoa, it's Bokuto!"

"Bokuto from Fukurōdani?!!"

"Who's that guy he's yelling at?"

"You don't know? That's Kaedehara Taichi, the guy who single-handedly crushed Inarizaki this morning, scoring 16 points all by himself! People are already calling him the strongest ace in the country."

"So that's him…I didn't expect Seijoh to actually beat Inarizaki, but calling him the strongest after just one match seems like a stretch."

"Ah, you'd understand if you saw it! He was incredible—"

"Please wipe the drool off your face…"

Up on the second-floor stands, spectators murmured excitedly as they watched Bokuto Kōtarō's antics.

While he might not be the absolute strongest ace, Bokuto was easily themost belovedamong Japan's top five. On the court, he had the charisma of a superstar—someone who could energize not just his teammates, but also his opponents and the entire crowd.

"Bokuto-senpai, don't you think it's weird to add my name to your chant?" Kaedehara Taichi greeted him with a polite smile.

"Not at all! It's fun!" Bokuto beamed.

"I meanIfind it weird…" Taichi sighed.

"We finally get to play each other! I've been waiting for this match forever!" Bokuto exclaimed, completely ignoring him as he bounced in circles around him, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Although, Inarizaki and Itachiyama aren't all that different!"

"I was hoping to play Kamomedai or Mujinazaka too, but as long as we win, we'll get to face one of them next, right?"

"Oi, that's a prettyboldway to put it," Oikawa Tōru smirked as he walked over.

"Ah, Oikawa-chi! I couldn't play against Miya Atsumu, but playing you is just as exciting!"

Oikawa:"…"

"Bokuto-senpai, even if you—"

"Ah! Yukippe!! My spare kneepads—!"

Before Taichi could finish, Bokuto was already dashing after Fukurōdani's manager, Shirafuku Yukie.

Taichi:"..."

"Apologies. If there's anything important, you'll have to talk to him during the match. He'll focus then," Akaashi Keiji said with a polite nod before jogging after Bokuto.

"Hahahaha… It's rare to see both Oikawa and Taichi at a loss for words. This guy isreallysomething," Coach Irihata chuckled, shaking his head.

The rest of Seijoh nodded in agreement. It was definitely a rare sight.

-----

Tokyo Second Representative:Fukurōdani Academy.

Seven consecutive years at Spring High Nationals,28appearances in total.

Miyagi Representative:Aoba Johsai High.

Returning to Spring High Nationals after five years,8appearances in total.

AtTokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Arena C, the Spring High National Quarterfinals—Aoba Johsai vs. Fukurōdani—was about to begin.

"Aoba Johsai defeated Tokyo's regional representative, Nekoma, on Day 2, and now, on Day 3, they're up against Tokyo's second representative, Fukurōdani!"

"Both of these teams rank among the strongest in the nation…"

"And of course, there's Seijoh's ace, Kaedehara Taichi, who just took down one of the country's top five aces, Ojiro Aran. Now he's facing yet another member of that elite group—Bokuto Kōtarō. I wonder what kind of fireworks we'll see in this matchup!"

"Taichi has undoubtedly been the breakout star of the tournament so far. His balance between offence and defence is exceptional."

"But Bokuto is also in top form after his dominant performance in Round 3! His explosive attacks are bound to make this match a spectacle!"

BEEP! Players, enter for warm-ups.

—"Yes!"

Both teams stepped onto the court, beginning their warm-up routines—adjusting their serves, and spikes, getting used to the arena's atmosphere.

Suddenly, Bokuto Kōtarō, head lowered, strode toward the centre of the court.

"Akaashi, check what he's up to this time!" Konoha Akinori called out.

"Got it." Akaashi jogged after him.

"Heh…heh…heh…" Bokuto muttered under his breath, his shoulders trembling.

"Top five, top five, top five..."

"UGH, ENOUGH ALREADY!!!"

Bokuto suddenly threw his head back and shouted, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Akaashi, who had just reached him, nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Pfft, Konoha, that's just mean, making Akaashi deal with him every time," Komi Haruki stifled a laugh.

"I AM—" Bokuto dramatically extended his right arm, his index finger pointing skyward.

"THE ONE TRUE ACE!!!"

Aoba Johsai players:"???"

Fukurōdani players:"???"

Aoba Johsai's cheering section:"???"

Fukurōdani's fans:"???"

The courtside reporters and camera crew:"???"

"…Is he trying to say he'sthebest?" Kindaichi Yūtarō asked, baffled.

"Ah, I think it's because he likes the phrase'unrivalled, second to none'," Taichi and Akaashi simultaneously explained to their respective teams.

"Only Bokuto could send an entire arena into chaos with just one sentence," Fukurōdani's other manager, Suzumeda Kaori, groaned, her face burning with embarrassment.

-----

With the brief commotion over, both teams resumed their warm-ups.

Kaedehara Taichi took the opportunity to openly observe Fukurōdani's players.

[Akaashi Keiji—Setter: Overall Rating:87.6;Height:183 cm,Strength:82,Jump:88,Stamina:90,Speed:88;Key Attributes: Set90,Receive88.]

He wasn't quite on the level of those monster setters, but he was still an excellent one. A second-year and already the vice-captain—though that was probably becauseno one else wanted to be vice-captain under Bokuto Kōtarō.

[Komi Haruki—Libero: Overall Rating:89.2;Height:166 cm,Strength:80,Jump:88,Stamina:95,Speed:90;Key Attributes: Receive93.]

Not surprising—anothertop-fiveplayer(how many of these guys were in the top five?). Aside from theBig Threeliberos, his stats were among the best.

[Washio Tatsuki—Middle blocker: Overall Rating:89;Height:188 cm,Strength:90,Jump:85,Stamina:92,Speed:88;Key Attributes: Serve88,Spike90.]

A giant owl, just like Bokuto, down to the hairstyle.

[Konoha Akinori—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating:86;Height:178.8 cm,Strength:75,Jump:90,Stamina:82,Speed:88;Key Attributes: Serve88,Set88,Receive88,Spike88.]

A true all-rounder! Unfortunately, his height limited his potential.

[Sarukui Yamato—Outside Hitter: Overall Rating:85;Height:181.5 cm,Strength:90,Jump:88,Stamina:85,Speed:75;Key Attributes: Receive86,Spike90.]

His face always looked like he was smiling. Word was, he had anextremelytalented younger brother.

[Onaga Wataru—Middle blocker: Overall Rating:80.8;Height:193 cm,Strength:82,Jump:72,Stamina:88,Speed:82;Key Attributes: Spike80.]

Afirst-yearat193 cm. Thankfully, his technique hadn't caught up yet.

"I ACCEPT YOUR CHALLENGE!!!"

Bokuto Kōtarō suddenly planted himself in front of Kaedehara Taichi, staring him down with an intense, dead-serious expression.

Taichi:"..."

"Are we competing to see who can keep their eyes open the longest? Or who can stare at their opponents the most intensely?" Bokuto declared, puffing his chest out in pride. "No matter which one—it's impossible for me to lose!!"

"…Bokuto-senpai, we're supposed to be competing in volleyball," Akaashi Keiji reminded him.

"Akaashi! You need to learn to be flexible! Taichi's been watching our team this whole time—clearly, he's looking for a way totestus in a different competition first!" Bokuto's eyes gleamed with excitement as he turned to Taichi.

"I am not," Taichi deadpanned.

Since the match was starting soon, he might as well test Bokuto's form while they were at it.

Akaashi swiftly positioned himself between the two.

"Bokuto-senpai, Taichi means that he only wants to settle things in the match."

"Oh!"

Bokuto instantly lit up, bouncing on the spot.

"I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR SO LONG!!!"

_________

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