Brush!
Hinata's rapid approach to the net put pressure on Shiratorizawa's defense once again!
Even without Tendou in the front row, Karasuno's quick attacks continued to give Shiratorizawa trouble.
Bang!
It looked like the set was meant for Hinata, but instead, the ball soared past him untouched!
The two blockers from Shiratorizawa jumped to intercept Hinata, only to realize too late that the ball was already flying elsewhere!
The set was aimed at Tsukishima!
But Shiratorizawa wasn't so easily fooled!
The moment Kageyama made his set, Goshiki had already rushed to the net, anticipating the attack!
Boom!
Tsukishima's spike met resistance, but instead of being blocked straight down, the ball ricocheted off Goshiki's hands and flew out of bounds!
A touch-out point for Karasuno!
This single play was just a glimpse of the intensity of the match.
Both teams were constantly testing each other's skills, strategies, and determination.
It wasn't just a setter's duel, nor was it just a battle of the spikers.
Every player on the court—front and back row—was locked in a relentless war.
Brush!
Semi, after jumping for a set, chose a back-row attack.
Ushijima delivered a devastating spike, securing another point for Shiratorizawa!
In the following rally, Kageyama executed a sudden dump shot, catching Shiratorizawa off guard and bringing the score back in Karasuno's favor!
The point gap between the teams remained razor-thin. Karasuno led slightly, but they could never break too far ahead. Meanwhile, Shiratorizawa kept chasing, sometimes tying the score, but never managing to overtake them.
The players rotated positions, Akira moving from the back row to the front, then back again. The game was so fierce that even the spectators were holding their breath.
Among the crowd were two individuals who had come all the way from Miyagi Arena to support Akira and Ushijima. Their hands clenched tightly, veins visible from tension. It felt as if they were on the court themselves, experiencing every high and low of the match.
Every point won brought cheers; every lost rally, sighs of frustration.
The scoreboard climbed past the twenties—Karasuno and Shiratorizawa were neck and neck!
At this stage, the match wasn't just a physical test—it was a mental battle.
Fatigue weighed on the players. Reaction times slowed. Those with the most physically demanding roles—the libero and the setters—were especially affected.
Liberos had the advantage of rotating off the court for brief rests.
Setters, however, had no such luxury.
Especially Shiratorizawa's Semi.
Every time Ushijima attacked, Semi had to sprint into position to set up the next play.
His mind constantly worked to assess the situation, further draining his energy.
Just as exhaustion began to show on his face, a whistle blew from the sidelines!
Kenjirou Shirabu stood by the referee's table, number plate in hand, ready to substitute in.
Semi, breathing heavily, turned to Washijo with a confused expression.
"Why, Washijo-sensei?" he asked. "I can still—"
"Rest and recover," Washijo cut in without looking up. "You're going back in later."
"…Yes, sir."
—
With Shirabu now on the court, Shiratorizawa shifted their strategy.
The focus became singular—set everything to Ushijima!
It was a solid choice in the final stretch of the set. Shirabu's role was clear: give Ushijima the best possible sets and let him take control.
One point for Shiratorizawa. One for Karasuno.
Another for Shiratorizawa. Another for Karasuno.
Shiratorizawa was holding on desperately. They knew that if they lost this set, Karasuno would reach match point.
A 2-0 lead in a best-of-five match would be devastating.
Conversely, Karasuno knew that securing this set would give them a massive advantage.
Neither side was willing to give in.
The score climbed past 30 points—Karasuno 31, Shiratorizawa 30!
And now, it was Karasuno's serve.
Ukai made a bold call.
"Tadashi, you're up!"
The entire Karasuno bench turned in shock.
A serve specialist!
Ukai's reasoning was simple: "You've been working on that jump float, haven't you? Time to put it to the test!"
—
"Wait, who is this guy?" one of the spectators muttered.
"He's on Karasuno's team? I've never seen him play."
"A pinch server? Can he handle this pressure?"
"If he messes up, Karasuno loses their advantage!"
—
On the court, Yamaguchi felt his heartbeat pounding in his chest.
For the first time, he wasn't watching from the bench.
This was his first appearance in an official match.
And it was against Shiratorizawa, in the finals.
In a critical moment.
With all eyes on him.
The doubts from the crowd, the expectations from his team, the fierce glares from Shiratorizawa's blockers—
It all pressed down on him.
His legs felt weak. His hands trembled as he gripped the ball.
"Yamaguchi!"
A familiar voice called from the bench.
Sugawara, smiling, shouted, "Don't worry! Just serve a good ball!"
Yamaguchi turned stiffly, flashing a nervous, crooked smile.
This was his chance.
If he messed up now… would he ever get another opportunity?
The whistle blew.
Eight seconds to serve.
He forced himself to focus.
Where should he aim?
His thoughts were sluggish, but one thing was clear—
Target the ace. Ushijima!
Even if it didn't score, disrupting Shiratorizawa's attack was crucial.
His breathing was uneven.
All he needed to do was serve before the time ran out.
He took a step back and began his approach.
His legs felt like lead. Each movement felt heavier than normal.
Toss!
His heart dropped.
Too low!
There was no time to fix it. He had to commit.
Smack!
The ball flew, its trajectory straight and spinless.
Yamaguchi's training hadn't been in vain—
But the toss was so low that the ball was heading straight for the net!
Smack!
It hit the tape!
The entire gym gasped—
The ball hovered on the net for a second—
Then rolled over to Shiratorizawa's side!
Panic!
Three Shiratorizawa players dove forward!
Shirabu managed to reach it—
But the ball barely rebounded off his fingertips before dropping to the floor!
Whistle!
Point, Karasuno!
Karasuno 32 – Shiratorizawa 30!
The stadium erupted!
Tadashi Yamaguchi had just scored at match point!