Haikyuu : The Unstoppable Force Chapter 1 - 1 : Junior High
A voice calling out to him, "Akira-Senpai, the game is about to start. I'll take you to the stadium to warm up," pulled Akira from his thoughts.
Six months prior, he had arrived in this parallel world following a fatal accident. He wasn't originally from this place.
The original Akira was a transfer student who had moved to Miyagi Prefecture due to his family's business.
Upon awakening in this new reality, Akira discovered a unique volleyball system within his mind.
[Daily Tasks Completed:]
- Tiptoe jumps (100/100 completed), increasing starting height by 0.1
- Push-ups (100/100 completed), boosting smash force by 0.1
- Mat ball practice (100/100 completed), improving ball sense by 0.1
[Daily Tasks Remaining: None]
He learned from his classmates that volleyball was a highly popular sport in this world. The system he possessed offered the potential to continually enhance his volleyball prowess!
By diligently completing the systematic, scientifically proportioned daily exercise tasks, his abilities would steadily grow.
Akira had been known for his unwavering persistence in his previous life, a trait he carried over to this world, maintaining his disciplined routine.
Over the past six months, regardless of how demanding his schedule became, he never once skipped a daily task!
As he walked, lost in contemplation, the junior beside him suddenly spoke, "By the way, Senpai, our opponents today are the county powerhouses: Kitagawa Daichi!"
"Our Yugama Middle School is counting on you, senior!"
"Huh? Kitagawa Daichi?" Akira questioned, a flicker of suspicion in his voice. The name resonated with an uncanny familiarity.
Entering the buzzing arena, the sharp squeak of sneakers on the polished wooden floor and the rhythmic thud of volleyballs filled the air. The court was alive with middle school students engaged in their warm-ups.
"Kitagawa Daichi! Kitagawa Daichi!" A sudden, thunderous roar of cheers erupted, making Akira's junior guide jump in surprise.
Scanning his surroundings, Akira's gaze fell upon a massive blue banner emblazoned with the word "Victory" in bold characters!
As the members of the Kitagawa Daichi team made their entrance, one by one, their intimidating aura instantly captivated the attention of most players within the stadium.
Recognizing familiar faces – Kindaichi's distinctive onion-shaped haircut and Kageyama Tobio's cold, imposing presence – Akira had a sudden, profound realization: this world was the setting of that famous volleyball manga! Haikyuu!
In the spectator stands, conversations buzzed amongst the onlookers:
"Didn't Yugama Middle School get eliminated in the first round last year?"
"Yes, I'm surprised they even reached the second round this year, but unfortunately for them, they're up against Kitagawa Daichi!"
"Facing a championship contender so early is incredibly unlucky for them. They're bound to be crushed!"
"The King of the Court is here!"
"That's right – this year's Kitagawa Daichi boasts Kageyama Tobio, the prodigious setter!"
"A setter is absolutely vital – they orchestrate the team's offense by delivering perfectly placed balls to the strikers!"
"With such a dominant setter, their victory should be a foregone conclusion!"
"Has anyone even bothered to watch Yugama's previous matches?"
"Nope. Who would pay attention to a team like that?"
The spectators exchanged knowing glances, their comments clearly reflecting their opinions.
Several observers couldn't help but notice Akira as he entered:
"Who is that? Is he part of the Yugama team as well?"
"Just looking at him, you can sense an undeniable aura of power!"
"And he's incredibly handsome!"
Some students from Kitagawa Daichi scoffed at these remarks:
"Looks aren't everything. He's just a pretty face!"
"Can he actually compete against Kitagawa Daichi on the court?"
"You shouldn't judge a book by its cover – they're unbelievably strong!"
"Akira!"
"Akira-senpai, you've arrived!"
Acknowledging his teammates' enthusiastic greetings with a slight smile, Akira responded.
"Remember our plan, everyone. Let's begin our warm-up!"
"Yes, sir!"
As the tension in the arena escalated, a piercing whistle cut through the air.
"Teams, assemble!"
"Let's have a fair and spirited match!"
The two opposing teams lined up across the court and exchanged solemn bows.
Yugama Middle School versus Kitagawa Daichi!
This match, which appeared to be a foregone conclusion to the outside world, officially commenced with the referee's signal!
"Hinata, don't we need to go? After all... our game concluded this morning," Koji said with a helpless look toward his companion.
The dejected Hinata Shoyo remained silent in a corner. Earlier that day, Yukigaoka Junior High School had suffered a devastating defeat against Kitagawa Daichi.
It had been an utterly crushing loss, with no opportunity to even fight back!
"Let's go watch the afternoon match instead!" Koji suggested, his voice hesitant. "There seems to be a Kitagawa Daichi game scheduled for this afternoon."
"At that moment, you will understand that our loss was natural, Hinata. Kitagawa Daichi is an incredibly strong school; any team could fall!" He approached, placing a hand on Hinata's shoulder.
After all, no one had anticipated that Hinata, typically brimming with enthusiasm and energy, would be so profoundly dejected after a defeat.
Without turning down the earnest requests of his two companions, Hinata Shoyo accompanied them to the spectator stands.
Just then, Kitagawa Daichi initiated their very first serve.
Snap!
It was effortlessly retrieved by the libero from Yugama Middle School.
The spectators were not taken aback; it would have been the true absurdity if a team that advanced to the second round couldn't even handle a simple serve.
Following this, the setter from Yugama Middle School fixed their gaze directly upon the primary attacker's anticipated position.
Observing this, Kindaichi and Kunimi of Kitagawa Daichi felt a surge of confidence. The setter was telegraphing the tactical target so blatantly! Blocking would be a simple matter!
With the second pass lofted high into the air, both the audience and the Kitagawa Daichi team members instantly sensed that something was amiss!
The setter had misjudged the pass! It was tossed far too high—making it exceedingly difficult for the main attacker to execute a spike!
The three front-row players from Kitagawa Daichi let out sighs of relief. It appeared the opposing setter's skill level was quite mediocre, making such an error on the initial play! The primary attacker on the other side would surely struggle!
However, as they observed the expression on Yugama Middle School's setter's face, they found no trace of remorse. Instead, a look of expectant anticipation was directed towards the empty air!
Positioned in the front row was the main attacker, Akira!
Upon seeing the elevated pass, a slight smile touched his lips. The height was perfectly acceptable! Just a tad low perhaps! In this moment, drawing all eyes—he surged forward, ascending!
In a single, fluid motion! With his impressive 185cm stature augmented by a rigorous training regimen, his vertical reach attained a height that ordinary players could scarcely fathom reaching!! This was an insurmountable altitude for the Kitagawa Daichi blockers! What appeared to be a flawed pass had been masterfully transformed into an impeccable set!
Akira, suspended mid-air, met the incredulous gazes of the Kitagawa Daichi players below with a subtle, knowing smile.
Smack'!
A formidable spike descended! Landing precisely on target!! Securing the first point!!
Akira landed with grace and stability. Yet, a profound silence enveloped the once-vibrant arena!! This stillness persisted for nearly five seconds. Only with the referee's sharp whistle did the hushed sports hall seem to reawaken.
"Good heavens! That main attacker just now! Did you witness that?"
"How high do you reckon he leaped? It must have been over three and a half meters!!"
"This caliber of spiking height is utterly intimidating for middle schoolers!"
"Does anyone happen to know the name of Yugama Middle School's star attacker?"
Dismissing the clamor from the spectators, the mood among the Kitagawa Daichi team on the court shifted as if caught in a chilling gale! Such an exceptional spike height signaled a critical realization—their blocking efforts were rendered futile against the opposing ace attacker!
A bead of cold sweat traced a path down Kageyama's forehead.
This was the absolute first time he had witnessed such a phenomenal vertical leap! Who exactly was this primary attacker?
Yugama Middle School.... How had he never encountered this name before?
He could already foresee the immense challenge that lay ahead in the subsequent plays! There was simply no room for error in a match of this magnitude!
Snap!
The game resumed! The ball served by Yugama Middle School was successfully received by Kitagawa Daichi.
As a school renowned for its consistent strength, handling this standard serve proved relatively straightforward.
However, as they began to orchestrate their offensive play, Kindaichi's attempted spike was decisively thwarted by Akira!! The score escalated to 2:0!
With the score differential widening, Izumi and Koji, observing the match unfold, started to feel a growing sense of unease. Initially, they had brought Hinata to witness Kitagawa Daichi's performance as a means to alleviate his prior disappointment.
Their assumption was that Hinata would find solace in seeing other teams, perhaps those defeated by Kitagawa Daichi, in action.
However, to their utter astonishment, their opponents, Yugama Middle School... possessed such formidable strength!!
The seemingly indomitable Kitagawa Daichi appeared as helpless as a young child when pitted against this team!
Was this truly the same formidable Kitagawa Daichi from earlier that morning? Was their perceived strength merely an illusion? Or was Yugama Middle School simply on an entirely different level?
Would this turn of events plunge Hinata into even deeper despair? Yet, upon glancing at Hinata, they discovered that the disappointment etched on his face had vanished entirely! In its stead, a fervent gleam of aspiration now shone in his eyes!
"No matter how insurmountable the wall may seem, it cannot impede my path..." At this precise moment, an unyielding desire for victory surged powerfully within Hinata's heart!
"What should we do..."
"Once he's positioned there... there's absolutely no possibility of penetrating his block!"
"A rapid offense! Only swift attacks will suffice!"
An increasingly anxious Kageyama desperately sought an opening to alter the game's momentum.
The immense pressure exerted by Akira was overwhelming!! He stood like an unyielding divine barrier! With just one more point, this exceptionally skilled player would rotate to the back court!
However, this burgeoning anxiety only seemed to precipitate further breakdowns in their team's coordination!“You damn brat, are you even paying attention to me?” “I hear you, but how is anyone supposed to keep up with a set like that?!” Note: Folks, I'm in need of a cover image for this fanfiction! Please share your best picture in the comments. The app's restrictions are 800*600 pixels, under 5MB. Image goes here -> Thank you for your support. Have a great day. I'm editing everything on my mobile. If there are any errors, please point them out so I can make corrections. Could you all let me know if the chapter length is too short, too long, or just right? A Bonus Chapter - 700 Power Stones? 🤔😝