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It was just under half-way through the second set and although they’d already taken the first set, Karasuno were two points behind of Aoba Johsai’s 13 points.

The next play started with Karasuno’s serve, being made by Shoyo-kun, and Noya-senpai was stepping off of the court, Tsukishima-san taking his place with a cool composure despite the point disadvantage.

Shoyo-kun served successfully, and the ball was received by Seijoh’s Libero, who sent it towards Hanamaki-san.

The third-year spiked the ball back over the net, calling out a thanks to his team-mate.

Kageyama-kun got into position, ready to toss as Tsukishima-san, Tanaka-senpai and Asahi-senpai ran up to the net at the same time, and seconds later Kageyama-kun sent the ball to the back-row, surprising Hitoka-chan next to you.

“A back row set?!” she gasped out, eyes wide.

Unfortunately for Karasuno, Oikawa-san had anticipated this, and was there to send the ball back down on Karasuno’s side of the court.

“It’s a three-point gap now....!” you hissed, frustrated as you nibbled on your finger-nail.

Hatsumi-senpai patted your back, “They’ll get it back – you just need to believe in them.” She told you.

You nodded, “I know.” you said, and you really meant it. Your faith was not shaken. Even more, you desperately wanted Karasuno to turn the tables and win this thing.

‘I’m gonna—I mean we’re gonna beat the King! And after we do, I have something to tell you!’

You nodded decisively to reassure yourself. The guys would win this match, and Shoyo-kun would tell you what he wanted to say.

You felt figurative butterflies faintly fluttering around in your stomach at the thought. You couldn’t help but imagine it, but nobody could blame you, right??

It was something you wanted badly, after all.

“Argh, but I totally thought they’d get a break point off that!” Shimada-san sighed in disappointment as Hanamaki-san got in position for his turn to serve the ball.

“Faith is nice and all,” Takinoue-san nodded to Hatsumi-senpai, “But they’re going to have to do something to catch up here soon, or they’re in real trouble.” He added.

Hitoka-chan blinked, “Oh! Ukai-san called up Sugawara-senpai!” she said, catching everyone's attention.

You looked over towards where Coach Ukai and Takeda-sensei were seated, and indeed, Suga-senpai was walking towards the bleach-blond haired man.

“Is he going to switch setters again? It doesn’t look like Kageyama is doing all that bad though. That was just Oikawa being Oikawa.” Shimada-san said, puzzled.

“Hn? Hold it....” Takinoue-san said, squinting to get a better look, “I think I can see a sub card he’s holding. And it isn’t Kageyama’s number.” He said.

You raised your eyebrows in curiosity. Two Setters, on the court at the same time? Obviously, only one could play the role of Setter at a time.

“So they’re going to sub Suga-senpai in for somebody?” asked Hitoka-chan.

“Hrm... It’s probably a temporary, tactical substitution as part of a larger strategy.” Shimada-san said with a thoughtful hum.

Saeko-san squinted at him, “Don’t use so many big words,” she complained, not getting it.

“Hey.... Aren’t you in college?” Takinoue-san said, teasing her; he sighed, “Anyway, there are two major reasons to make a player substitution. One is when a player is hurt or just not doing well. The other is when you want to temporarily put in a specialist for certain one-off situations.... Like a pinch server or a one-point blocker, or stuff like that. The former are substitutions of necessity. The latter are what are called tactical substitutions.” He explained, as the crowd on Seijoh’s side started cheering.

Iwaizumi-san had scored his team another point, bringing up the score to 16 – 13 in their favour.

“Last time we played Seijoh, they had us on the ropes so badly our substitutions were basically desperation moves. But this time isn’t anything like that. This is a strategic maneuver meant to help us win....I think.” Shimada-san said.

Everyone just looked at him; his addition of ‘I think’ making you all pause.

“Oikawa, server up!” a voice called, drawing our attention back to the game. A bad feeling you had was soon proven right. Oikawa-san was a dangerous server to face off against!

He widened the point gap by another point, putting us at a 4-point disadvantage.

You bit your lip, and clutched the barricade pole in front of you. Come on, guys, you thought; You need to cut him off now or this set will end up being unsalvageable!

On Oikawa-san’s second serve, Noya-senpai leapt into action, or rather, he dove. He just barely managed to catch it, sending it up, and from there, Tsukishima-san touched the ball second, sending it Tanaka-senpai’s way.

Three Seijoh players, Kindaichi-san, Iwaizumi-san and Mad Dog-san lined up to block Tanaka-senpai’s spike, but despite their efforts, Tanaka-senpai made the point!

“YEAH!! BRING IT ON!!!” he yelled out, adrenaline pumping.

“Nice one, Tanaka-senpai!!” you called out, pleased, and Hitoka-chan echoed your ‘nice one’, and Saeko-san loudly cheered on her little brother as well, not holding back on any embarrassing nicknames.

“Aha! Here we go.” Takinoue-san said, “They’ve made the switch.” He said, pointing it out to everyone else.

And he was right. Suga-senpai stepped onto the court, switching places with Tsukishima-san.

Immediately, the others flocked around him, excited to see what plans the official Setter for Karasuno had in store.

They huddled, quietly going over the plans, and then Suga-senpai moved into position for serving. He took a deep breath, and threw the ball up and spiked it.

“Yes!! Nice one!” Takinoue-san gasped, as the ball fluttered over the net and fell to the floor in front of Mad Dog-san, who had to bump it back up quickly before it touched down.

“With that, that guy is in no position to attack!” Shimada-san added, impressed.

Oikawa-san took the ball, tossing it for Kindaichi-san instead, who spiked it past Shoyo-kun’s block.

But Suga-senpai was there to catch the ball, sending it back up.

“Nice save!!” Shoyo-kun called to his senpai, and then proceeded to spike the ball right back, scoring Karasuno a point

“Shoyo-kun!! Great Kill!!” you called out, alongside Hitoka-chan, and Ukai-san’s friends were just as much in the cheering mood as we were.

Shoyo-kun had narrowed down the point gap by one, leaving Karasuno only two points behind.

“Wow! I guess it’s no surprise that after three years he’s good at bump ups and stuff.” Saeko-san commented.

“Now I see... Players rotating positions is one of the biggest, most visible rules in volleyball. Since everybody is constantly moving, they play every area of the court and have different responsibilities depending on where they are. That means a team’s strengths and strategies will change depending on what point in the rotation they’re in. For example, when Kageyama is in the back row and Hinata is in the front, that’s when Karasuno is at its peak offensive power. Conversely, when the six-footers – Tsukishima, Azumane and Kageyama – are all in the front row, with receiving experts like Nishinoya and Sawamura in the back row, that’s when their defense is at its best.” Shimada-san folded his arms and paused,

After a moment, he continued, “But! When Tsukishima is back in to serve, we’re stuck in an awkward middle. Not primed for offense but not great at defense either. Tsukishima’s in the back row and can’t block, but he doesn’t have a particularly nasty serve to go on the attack, either,” he said, “The fact that we’re now able to take a rotation where we used to just hang on and hope for no disasters and turn it into one where we can actively score points – that’s big!” he added.

You nodded, smiling a little. Maybe this was where things finally turned around.

“Suga-san! Server up, again!” Tanaka-senpai called out, as Suga-senpai served the ball for the second time.

This time, Mad Dog-san, seemingly pissed that he’d missed the previous one, caught it and sent it back up. Oikawa-san promptly sent the ball to Iwaizumi-san, who spiked.

Daichi-senpai was there with a great dig, sending the ball back up into play again.

And a split second after, Suga-senpai and Kageyama-kun switched positions, with Suga-senpai stepping into the Setter’s position, and Kageyama-kun joining Daichi-senpai, Asahi-senpai and Tanaka-senpai in simultaneously running up to jump at the net.

And from there, Suga-senpai sent the ball to his fellow Setter, and Kageyama-kun smashed the ball down over the net, scoring the point.

“YEEEEEESSSS!!” Hitoka-chan and you both threw your hands up into the air and cheered together.

Hitoka-chan caught her breath, and fished out her notebook, “W-Was that perhaps the six-two formation thing?!” she asked and Saeko-san blinked in confusion.

“Wha? Gonna need to explain that one to me, kid.” She said, caught off guard by our loud cheers. Shimada-san quickly explained it to her and it seems she at least partially got it. Volleyball certainly wasn’t the bleach-blond woman’s forte.

“Just one more point!” Hatsumi-senpai chirped and you all nodded. One more point, and they could tie up the points evenly.

It was then that Aoba Johsai decided to call for a time-out, giving everyone a much-needed breather from all the action.

“Aw’right! Yachi-chan, [Last Name]-chan, up high!” Saeko-san cheered, turning to the two of you assistant managers with both hands raised expectantly.

“Yes!” Hitoka-chan hit her palms against Saeko-san’s, and stepped aside for you. You smiled and followed suit, while the guys did some celebrating of their own for Karasuno’s successful closing of the gap between points.

“They sure picked just the right time for a player substitution....because it’s worked like a charm!” Takinoue-san said, pleased.

You nodded in agreement, looking back down on the court as the time-out period came to an end.

“Suga-san, server up again!!” Noya-senpai cheered out from his spot in the reserves, jumping energetically into the air.

And so Suga-san continued to try and keep up his serving streak, spiking the ball over the net.

Hanamaki-san was there, and readily bumped it back up, determined not to let us get another easy point right out of the gates. From there, it went to Oikawa-san who sent it to Mad Dog-san.

“Yes!!” Hanamaki-san cheered, as Seijoh’s spectators started cheering.

“Yeah! Yeah! Kyotani! Get ‘em, get ‘em, Kyotani! Do that again!” they called out, as Suga-senpai switched back out for Tsukishima-san, his time on the court coming to the end for the moment.

So Mad Dog-san was called Kyotani... huh. You hoped that Suga-senpai leaving wouldn’t be a bad thing.

After another switch, between Tsukishima-san and Noya-senpai, the next rally began. It ended with Tanaka-senpai managing to score Karasuno another point, cancelling out the point difference Kyotani-san’s previous spike had made.

Kageyama-kun was up next to serve.

He spiked the ball over the net with force, but it was caught by Iwaizumi-san and then sent to Kyotani-san again through Oikawa-san.

Asahi-senpai caught it, partially, the ball ricocheting off of his shoulder and flying backwards.

Noya-senpai caught it and sent it Kageyama-kun’s way, and the dark-haired Setter sent it to Daichi-senpai.

Senpai got it to bounce off of Kyotani-san’s fingertips and it flew side-ways, making Oikawa-san dive to catch it. He wouldn’t be able to set the ball in this turn now!

So their Libero took on his role, setting the ball for Kyotani-san, who scored another point. You let out a breath of disappointment, furrowing your eyebrows.

“You know... Is it just me or are they sending their attacks to that guy really often? Like unnaturally so!” Shimada-san hummed, slouching over the barricades.

“It’s not just you.” Takinoue-san agreed, “I get the feeling they’re putting tones of attention on him just so they can blindside us with someone else.” He added, as Kindaichi-san spiked the ball over the net.

“Tanaka-san!!” Kageyama-kun called out turning back to senpai, who was there to bump up the ball towards him. Kageyama-kun took the ball and sent it Shoyo-kun’s way.

Kindaichi-san caught Shoyo-kun’s spike, sending it back up into play.

“Mad Dog!” Oikawa-san called out, once again sending the ball to Kyotani-san. Kyotani-san spiked the ball past Shoyo-kun and Tanaka-senpai’s double-block, leaving it up to Kageyama-kun as the only one in the vicinity able to bump it back up, which he did so.

Unfortunately, the ball didn’t reach any of Karasuno’s other players, and Seijoh took the point.

“Darn...!” you hissed under your breath, while Saeko-san shrugged.

“Oh well... I guess it’s no big deal if they lose this set. They can just win the next one, right?” she said cheerily.

You shook your head, “No, that’s not right,” you responded, keeping your eyes on the court. You felt Saeko-san look at you inquisitively.

Shimada-san nodded, agreeing, “Yeah, they really need to end it now with this set, in any way that I can. If they don’t win this set and they go to a third set, things could get bad. At least, that’s the feeling that I have.” He explained to Saeko-san.

“The longer a game goes, the more energy the boys’ll use up, making it more difficult to win.” you added, and Shimada-san nodded.

“Yeah that’s one reason,” he agreed with you.

“Kindaichi-san, server up again!” One of Seijoh’s reserves called up as Kindaichi-san got up to serve.

Karasuno got lucky, or rather Kindaichi-san got unlucky, as his serve didn’t quite make it, bouncing back off the net.

Kindaichi-san bowed to his team-mates in apology, “I-I’M SORRY!” he apologised loudly.

“Don’t mind, don’t mind!” Matsukawa-san called back to him. You let out a breath. You felt kinda bad for being relieved by Kindaichi-san’s bad luck.

“Tanaka, server up!” called out Daichi-senpai.

“Yessir! Here I come, ready or not!!” Tanaka-senpai said loudly, determined. He spiked the ball, and the ball went flying over the net.

Seijoh’s Ace quickly bumped it back up for Oikawa-san, who sent it once again to Kyotani-san. Matsukawa-san also seemed to be running towards the net, and Shoyo-kun seemed to have been momentarily distracted by that fact.

He jumped at the last second, diagonally, trying to tap the ball Kyotani-san spiked, but he missed it; Tanaka-senpai managed to catch it clumsily with his forearm but it was for naught. Kyotani-san won the point.

And with that, Seijoh had 21 points to Karasuno’s 18. This didn’t look good. If the guys didn’t do something it really would go to a tie-breaker third set.

“It’s alright, it’s alright! Just focus on the next rally and getting the lead back!” you heard Daichi-senpai encouraging his team, clapping his hands together.

The others agreed, and the next rally started with Kyotani-san’s serve. At least, we didn’t have to worry about him spiking again in this rally...

“Bring it on!!” Tanaka-senpai yelled as the Seijoh number 16 spiked the ball over the net.

That moxie meant nothing in this case when Karasuno wasn’t able to stop the force of Kyotani-san’s spike, and their score went up to 22.

Once again Karasuno was at a dangerous gap in points, and with the set possibly three points away from being finished, things weren’t looking good.

“During games, intangibles like mood and momentum play big roles. If a team is riding high or feeling low at the end of one set.... that can carry over into and influence the beginning of the next. Right now, Seijoh has the advantage. We can’t let them keep it. We need to find some way – any way –to come back and put them away for good!” Shimada-san said with a frown.

You nodded, furrowing your brows in worry.

“Uwah! [Name]-san, look!” Hitoka-chan gasped, tugging on your jersey’s sleeve. You turned to have a look at what she was pointing out and gasped.

Yamaguchi-kun was going to be switched in!!

“Kyotani, give us another Service Ace!!”

Kyotani-san was getting ready for his second serve, looking determined and focused.

“Daichi!!” Asahi-senpai called out as Kyotani-san served, and Daichi-senpai reliably bumped the ball back up.

“Sorry, it’s flying long...!” Daichi-senpai apologised as it went back over to Seijoh’s side. Unfortunately, that was it for that rally, as Matsukawa-san spiked it back over, scoring point number 23.

“Oh no!” Hitoka-chan cried, wide eyed.

The next rally started and Kyotani-san served again. He was seriously on a roll!

But Tanaka-senpai was determined to stop him, and managed to catch the ball, bringing it back up. He let out a roar, excited to have caught it, as the ball went to Kageyama-kun.

He tossed the ball for Shoyo-kun, and he scored the point. You let out a breath of relief.

They were nowhere near in the clear just yet, still 4 points behind, but any point in their favour right now was a good one!

The referee blew a whistle, and everyone turned their attentions to where he was signalling.

“Looks like it’s time!” you smiled, as Yamaguchi-kun held up his substitution card, set to switch in in Shoyo-kun’s place. It was time for the pinch server to turn things around.

“Yamaguchi-kun, go for it!” Hitoka-chan called out, cheeks pink.

“You can do it!!” you smiled and joined in, encouraging Yamaguchi-kun.

If he could turn things around, this would do wonders for both Karasuno’s situation, and for Yamaguchi-kun’s self confidence!!

“Server up!!!” the boys in the reserves all cheered out, deciding to join in with the cheerleading as Yamaguchi-kun stepped up to serve with rosy cheeks.

He smiled in thanks over to you and Hitoka-chan, before focusing on the task at hand. He took in a deep breath, held it for a moment, before slowly breathing out, and nodding to himself.

And with that, he proceeded with the float serve. Hopefully, this time it would work out as intended!

It wobbled through the air as if it were floating, ambling over the net. Kyotani-san was watching it anxiously, as it wobbled by him, and their Libero made the call to not go after it, thinking it out.

To their surprise and our pleasure, it wobbled down to the ground and landed inside the line, scoring us our twentieth point.

“YESSSSSSSSS!!!!” Yamaguchi-kun hissed out in pleasure at his success, as everyone else on your side cheered for him. Some people had to hold back the enthusiastic Noya-senpai and Shoyo-kun from running towards him from the reserves area, holding on for dear life.

You laughed lightly, and cupped your hands in front of your mouth, “Nice one!!” you called out to him.

“Give them another...!” Hitoka-chan chimed after you. He grinned, his smile wobbly but pleased, and nodded in agreement.

“Jeez, why are you guys overreacting so much...” you barely heard Tsukishima-san say and did a double-take.

“Wha--?! Hey, quit it with your crappy attitu—“ Tanaka-senpai began scolding the taller first year but was cut off.

“After all,” Tsukishima-san continued, looking back at Yamaguchi-kun, “Yamaguchi’s practiced serving the hardest out of all of us." he added.

Your mouth dropped open at his surprising, but vague compliment towards Yamaguchi-kun, but then you quickly closed it, your lips curling into a small smile.

That was actually kinda nice of Tsukishima-san to say, even if he could have worded it more nicely!

Tanaka-senpai apparently thought so too, wrapping an arm around the blonde’s shoulders, punching him lightly in the side, to which the boy twitched.

“Yamaguchi, server up again!” called out Daichi-senpai and Yamaguchi-kun nodded, invigorated by his best friend’s support.

His newfound confidence helped him, and Yamaguchi-kun’s next serve bounced off of Kyotani-san’s bicep, falling to the floor of the court and scoring us another point. Two more points and we would be tied with Seijoh...!

Kyotani-san cursed loudly, and glared at Yamaguchi-kun while Yamaguchi-kun was too distracted with celebrating his second Service Ace in a row. The others were pretty noisy too, so Seijoh’s ire went unnoticed.

“Huh? What’s going on?? Is what he’s doing that amazing?” Saeko-san asked, eyes wide.

“Tadashi-kun is doing what’s known as a Jump Floater Serve. It’s a ball that’s hit in a way that gives it no spin. Jumping to hit it is what gives it its velocity.” Shimada-san explained, as this was a serve he specialized in too, “But because the ball isn’t spinning in the air, it will swerve and dip unpredictably. It’s the same principle behind a knuckleball in baseball.” He compared it to the more popular sport in Japan, and it seemed to do the trick.

Saeko-san ‘oh’d in understanding.

“DO IT AGAIN, YAMAGUCHI!!” Karasuno cried out, and Seijoh responded with a determined, ‘Bring it on!!’

Yamaguchi-kun jumped and served again, but this time he was cut off by Hanamaki-san, who tapped it with an overhand pass, sending it Iwaizumi-san’s way.

The Ace spiked the ball with all his force, breaking by Karasuno’s first line of guard, but Yamaguchi-kun dived to receive it, and it smashed painfully off his chest.

You and Hitoka-chan winced at what no doubt was a really painful receive.

Thanks to Kageyama-kun’s quick movements afterwards, however, the ball went back up into play and Tsukishima-san was there to spike the ball; he scored Karasuno another point by hitting it off Seijoh’s guard at a great angle.

“Yes!! A block out!!” Shimada-san cheered.

“Man, that was a nice one there!” Takinoue-san grinned.

Tsukishima-san retrieved the ball and handed it to Yamaguchi-kun with a steady expression, “Server up again,” he told his friend, and Yamaguchi-kun grinned, nodding.

And it was then, that Seijoh called their second time-out.

“Ah man, looks like they decided to forcibly stop his roll,” Takinoue-san tsked, frowning.

Minutes later, the time-out was over, and it was time to see if it had affected Yamaguchi-kun’s roll, so to speak. He got into position with the ball to serve again, looking determined to continue his streak.

The referee blew the whistle, signaling for him to go ahead.

And he did. The ball fluttered over the top of the net, and stopped short, falling straight down.

Seijoh’s Libero dived to catch it, but just missed it, only able to watch as it hit the ground.

You gasped happily, your grin turning wide and unabashed, and you heard Hitoka-chan squeak happily beside you as well.

“Hitoka-chan,” you glanced to her, smiling, “Yamaguchi-kun did it! He evened the scores!” you told her, even though I didn't need to say anything - she already knew it.

Red-cheeked, Hitoka-chan smiled widely and nodded in agreement, “With that point...we might be able to win!” she agreed.

The score now stood at 23 – 23. An even tie. The next play would be very important.

Could Yamaguchi-kun perform an even bigger miracle today?!

Description
It was just under half-way through the second set and although they’d already taken the first set, Karasuno were two points behind of Aoba Johsai’s 13 points.

The next play started with Karasuno’s serve, being made by Shoyo-kun, and Noya-senpai was stepping off of the court, Tsukishima-san taking his place with a cool composure despite the point disadvantage.

Shoyo-kun served successfully, and the ball was received by Seijoh’s Libero, who sent it towards Hanamaki-san.

The third-year spiked the ball back over the net, calling out a thanks to his team-mate.

Kageyama-kun got into position, ready to toss as Tsukishima-san, Tanaka-senpai and Asahi-senpai ran up to the net at the same time, and seconds later Kageyama-kun sent the ball to the back-row, surprising Hitoka-chan next to you.

“A back row set?!” she gasped out, eyes wide.

Unfortunately for Karasuno, Oikawa-san had anticipated this, and was there to send the ball back down on Karasuno’s side of the court.

“It’s a three-point gap now....!” you hissed, frustrated as you nibbled on your finger-nail.

Hatsumi-senpai patted your back, “They’ll get it back – you just need to believe in them.” She told you.

You nodded, “I know.” you said, and you really meant it. Your faith was not shaken. Even more, you desperately wanted Karasuno to turn the tables and win this thing.

‘I’m gonna—I mean we’re gonna beat the King! And after we do, I have something to tell you!’

You nodded decisively to reassure yourself. The guys would win this match, and Shoyo-kun would tell you what he wanted to say.

You felt figurative butterflies faintly fluttering around in your stomach at the thought. You couldn’t help but imagine it, but nobody could blame you, right??

It was something you wanted badly, after all.

“Argh, but I totally thought they’d get a break point off that!” Shimada-san sighed in disappointment as Hanamaki-san got in position for his turn to serve the ball.

“Faith is nice and all,” Takinoue-san nodded to Hatsumi-senpai, “But they’re going to have to do something to catch up here soon, or they’re in real trouble.” He added.

Hitoka-chan blinked, “Oh! Ukai-san called up Sugawara-senpai!” she said, catching everyone's attention.

You looked over towards where Coach Ukai and Takeda-sensei were seated, and indeed, Suga-senpai was walking towards the bleach-blond haired man.

“Is he going to switch setters again? It doesn’t look like Kageyama is doing all that bad though. That was just Oikawa being Oikawa.” Shimada-san said, puzzled.

“Hn? Hold it....” Takinoue-san said, squinting to get a better look, “I think I can see a sub card he’s holding. And it isn’t Kageyama’s number.” He said.

You raised your eyebrows in curiosity. Two Setters, on the court at the same time? Obviously, only one could play the role of Setter at a time.

“So they’re going to sub Suga-senpai in for somebody?” asked Hitoka-chan.

“Hrm... It’s probably a temporary, tactical substitution as part of a larger strategy.” Shimada-san said with a thoughtful hum.

Saeko-san squinted at him, “Don’t use so many big words,” she complained, not getting it.

“Hey.... Aren’t you in college?” Takinoue-san said, teasing her; he sighed, “Anyway, there are two major reasons to make a player substitution. One is when a player is hurt or just not doing well. The other is when you want to temporarily put in a specialist for certain one-off situations.... Like a pinch server or a one-point blocker, or stuff like that. The former are substitutions of necessity. The latter are what are called tactical substitutions.” He explained, as the crowd on Seijoh’s side started cheering.

Iwaizumi-san had scored his team another point, bringing up the score to 16 – 13 in their favour.

“Last time we played Seijoh, they had us on the ropes so badly our substitutions were basically desperation moves. But this time isn’t anything like that. This is a strategic maneuver meant to help us win....I think.” Shimada-san said.

Everyone just looked at him; his addition of ‘I think’ making you all pause.

“Oikawa, server up!” a voice called, drawing our attention back to the game. A bad feeling you had was soon proven right. Oikawa-san was a dangerous server to face off against!

He widened the point gap by another point, putting us at a 4-point disadvantage.

You bit your lip, and clutched the barricade pole in front of you. Come on, guys, you thought; You need to cut him off now or this set will end up being unsalvageable!

On Oikawa-san’s second serve, Noya-senpai leapt into action, or rather, he dove. He just barely managed to catch it, sending it up, and from there, Tsukishima-san touched the ball second, sending it Tanaka-senpai’s way.

Three Seijoh players, Kindaichi-san, Iwaizumi-san and Mad Dog-san lined up to block Tanaka-senpai’s spike, but despite their efforts, Tanaka-senpai made the point!

“YEAH!! BRING IT ON!!!” he yelled out, adrenaline pumping.

“Nice one, Tanaka-senpai!!” you called out, pleased, and Hitoka-chan echoed your ‘nice one’, and Saeko-san loudly cheered on her little brother as well, not holding back on any embarrassing nicknames.

“Aha! Here we go.” Takinoue-san said, “They’ve made the switch.” He said, pointing it out to everyone else.

And he was right. Suga-senpai stepped onto the court, switching places with Tsukishima-san.

Immediately, the others flocked around him, excited to see what plans the official Setter for Karasuno had in store.

They huddled, quietly going over the plans, and then Suga-senpai moved into position for serving. He took a deep breath, and threw the ball up and spiked it.

“Yes!! Nice one!” Takinoue-san gasped, as the ball fluttered over the net and fell to the floor in front of Mad Dog-san, who had to bump it back up quickly before it touched down.

“With that, that guy is in no position to attack!” Shimada-san added, impressed.

Oikawa-san took the ball, tossing it for Kindaichi-san instead, who spiked it past Shoyo-kun’s block.

But Suga-senpai was there to catch the ball, sending it back up.

“Nice save!!” Shoyo-kun called to his senpai, and then proceeded to spike the ball right back, scoring Karasuno a point

“Shoyo-kun!! Great Kill!!” you called out, alongside Hitoka-chan, and Ukai-san’s friends were just as much in the cheering mood as we were.

Shoyo-kun had narrowed down the point gap by one, leaving Karasuno only two points behind.

“Wow! I guess it’s no surprise that after three years he’s good at bump ups and stuff.” Saeko-san commented.

“Now I see... Players rotating positions is one of the biggest, most visible rules in volleyball. Since everybody is constantly moving, they play every area of the court and have different responsibilities depending on where they are. That means a team’s strengths and strategies will change depending on what point in the rotation they’re in. For example, when Kageyama is in the back row and Hinata is in the front, that’s when Karasuno is at its peak offensive power. Conversely, when the six-footers – Tsukishima, Azumane and Kageyama – are all in the front row, with receiving experts like Nishinoya and Sawamura in the back row, that’s when their defense is at its best.” Shimada-san folded his arms and paused,

After a moment, he continued, “But! When Tsukishima is back in to serve, we’re stuck in an awkward middle. Not primed for offense but not great at defense either. Tsukishima’s in the back row and can’t block, but he doesn’t have a particularly nasty serve to go on the attack, either,” he said, “The fact that we’re now able to take a rotation where we used to just hang on and hope for no disasters and turn it into one where we can actively score points – that’s big!” he added.

You nodded, smiling a little. Maybe this was where things finally turned around.

“Suga-san! Server up, again!” Tanaka-senpai called out, as Suga-senpai served the ball for the second time.

This time, Mad Dog-san, seemingly pissed that he’d missed the previous one, caught it and sent it back up. Oikawa-san promptly sent the ball to Iwaizumi-san, who spiked.

Daichi-senpai was there with a great dig, sending the ball back up into play again.

And a split second after, Suga-senpai and Kageyama-kun switched positions, with Suga-senpai stepping into the Setter’s position, and Kageyama-kun joining Daichi-senpai, Asahi-senpai and Tanaka-senpai in simultaneously running up to jump at the net.

And from there, Suga-senpai sent the ball to his fellow Setter, and Kageyama-kun smashed the ball down over the net, scoring the point.

“YEEEEEESSSS!!” Hitoka-chan and you both threw your hands up into the air and cheered together.

Hitoka-chan caught her breath, and fished out her notebook, “W-Was that perhaps the six-two formation thing?!” she asked and Saeko-san blinked in confusion.

“Wha? Gonna need to explain that one to me, kid.” She said, caught off guard by our loud cheers. Shimada-san quickly explained it to her and it seems she at least partially got it. Volleyball certainly wasn’t the bleach-blond woman’s forte.

“Just one more point!” Hatsumi-senpai chirped and you all nodded. One more point, and they could tie up the points evenly.

It was then that Aoba Johsai decided to call for a time-out, giving everyone a much-needed breather from all the action.

“Aw’right! Yachi-chan, [Last Name]-chan, up high!” Saeko-san cheered, turning to the two of you assistant managers with both hands raised expectantly.

“Yes!” Hitoka-chan hit her palms against Saeko-san’s, and stepped aside for you. You smiled and followed suit, while the guys did some celebrating of their own for Karasuno’s successful closing of the gap between points.

“They sure picked just the right time for a player substitution....because it’s worked like a charm!” Takinoue-san said, pleased.

You nodded in agreement, looking back down on the court as the time-out period came to an end.

“Suga-san, server up again!!” Noya-senpai cheered out from his spot in the reserves, jumping energetically into the air.

And so Suga-san continued to try and keep up his serving streak, spiking the ball over the net.

Hanamaki-san was there, and readily bumped it back up, determined not to let us get another easy point right out of the gates. From there, it went to Oikawa-san who sent it to Mad Dog-san.

“Yes!!” Hanamaki-san cheered, as Seijoh’s spectators started cheering.

“Yeah! Yeah! Kyotani! Get ‘em, get ‘em, Kyotani! Do that again!” they called out, as Suga-senpai switched back out for Tsukishima-san, his time on the court coming to the end for the moment.

So Mad Dog-san was called Kyotani... huh. You hoped that Suga-senpai leaving wouldn’t be a bad thing.

After another switch, between Tsukishima-san and Noya-senpai, the next rally began. It ended with Tanaka-senpai managing to score Karasuno another point, cancelling out the point difference Kyotani-san’s previous spike had made.

Kageyama-kun was up next to serve.

He spiked the ball over the net with force, but it was caught by Iwaizumi-san and then sent to Kyotani-san again through Oikawa-san.

Asahi-senpai caught it, partially, the ball ricocheting off of his shoulder and flying backwards.

Noya-senpai caught it and sent it Kageyama-kun’s way, and the dark-haired Setter sent it to Daichi-senpai.

Senpai got it to bounce off of Kyotani-san’s fingertips and it flew side-ways, making Oikawa-san dive to catch it. He wouldn’t be able to set the ball in this turn now!

So their Libero took on his role, setting the ball for Kyotani-san, who scored another point. You let out a breath of disappointment, furrowing your eyebrows.

“You know... Is it just me or are they sending their attacks to that guy really often? Like unnaturally so!” Shimada-san hummed, slouching over the barricades.

“It’s not just you.” Takinoue-san agreed, “I get the feeling they’re putting tones of attention on him just so they can blindside us with someone else.” He added, as Kindaichi-san spiked the ball over the net.

“Tanaka-san!!” Kageyama-kun called out turning back to senpai, who was there to bump up the ball towards him. Kageyama-kun took the ball and sent it Shoyo-kun’s way.

Kindaichi-san caught Shoyo-kun’s spike, sending it back up into play.

“Mad Dog!” Oikawa-san called out, once again sending the ball to Kyotani-san. Kyotani-san spiked the ball past Shoyo-kun and Tanaka-senpai’s double-block, leaving it up to Kageyama-kun as the only one in the vicinity able to bump it back up, which he did so.

Unfortunately, the ball didn’t reach any of Karasuno’s other players, and Seijoh took the point.

“Darn...!” you hissed under your breath, while Saeko-san shrugged.

“Oh well... I guess it’s no big deal if they lose this set. They can just win the next one, right?” she said cheerily.

You shook your head, “No, that’s not right,” you responded, keeping your eyes on the court. You felt Saeko-san look at you inquisitively.

Shimada-san nodded, agreeing, “Yeah, they really need to end it now with this set, in any way that I can. If they don’t win this set and they go to a third set, things could get bad. At least, that’s the feeling that I have.” He explained to Saeko-san.

“The longer a game goes, the more energy the boys’ll use up, making it more difficult to win.” you added, and Shimada-san nodded.

“Yeah that’s one reason,” he agreed with you.

“Kindaichi-san, server up again!” One of Seijoh’s reserves called up as Kindaichi-san got up to serve.

Karasuno got lucky, or rather Kindaichi-san got unlucky, as his serve didn’t quite make it, bouncing back off the net.

Kindaichi-san bowed to his team-mates in apology, “I-I’M SORRY!” he apologised loudly.

“Don’t mind, don’t mind!” Matsukawa-san called back to him. You let out a breath. You felt kinda bad for being relieved by Kindaichi-san’s bad luck.

“Tanaka, server up!” called out Daichi-senpai.

“Yessir! Here I come, ready or not!!” Tanaka-senpai said loudly, determined. He spiked the ball, and the ball went flying over the net.

Seijoh’s Ace quickly bumped it back up for Oikawa-san, who sent it once again to Kyotani-san. Matsukawa-san also seemed to be running towards the net, and Shoyo-kun seemed to have been momentarily distracted by that fact.

He jumped at the last second, diagonally, trying to tap the ball Kyotani-san spiked, but he missed it; Tanaka-senpai managed to catch it clumsily with his forearm but it was for naught. Kyotani-san won the point.

And with that, Seijoh had 21 points to Karasuno’s 18. This didn’t look good. If the guys didn’t do something it really would go to a tie-breaker third set.

“It’s alright, it’s alright! Just focus on the next rally and getting the lead back!” you heard Daichi-senpai encouraging his team, clapping his hands together.

The others agreed, and the next rally started with Kyotani-san’s serve. At least, we didn’t have to worry about him spiking again in this rally...

“Bring it on!!” Tanaka-senpai yelled as the Seijoh number 16 spiked the ball over the net.

That moxie meant nothing in this case when Karasuno wasn’t able to stop the force of Kyotani-san’s spike, and their score went up to 22.

Once again Karasuno was at a dangerous gap in points, and with the set possibly three points away from being finished, things weren’t looking good.

“During games, intangibles like mood and momentum play big roles. If a team is riding high or feeling low at the end of one set.... that can carry over into and influence the beginning of the next. Right now, Seijoh has the advantage. We can’t let them keep it. We need to find some way – any way –to come back and put them away for good!” Shimada-san said with a frown.

You nodded, furrowing your brows in worry.

“Uwah! [Name]-san, look!” Hitoka-chan gasped, tugging on your jersey’s sleeve. You turned to have a look at what she was pointing out and gasped.

Yamaguchi-kun was going to be switched in!!

“Kyotani, give us another Service Ace!!”

Kyotani-san was getting ready for his second serve, looking determined and focused.

“Daichi!!” Asahi-senpai called out as Kyotani-san served, and Daichi-senpai reliably bumped the ball back up.

“Sorry, it’s flying long...!” Daichi-senpai apologised as it went back over to Seijoh’s side. Unfortunately, that was it for that rally, as Matsukawa-san spiked it back over, scoring point number 23.

“Oh no!” Hitoka-chan cried, wide eyed.

The next rally started and Kyotani-san served again. He was seriously on a roll!

But Tanaka-senpai was determined to stop him, and managed to catch the ball, bringing it back up. He let out a roar, excited to have caught it, as the ball went to Kageyama-kun.

He tossed the ball for Shoyo-kun, and he scored the point. You let out a breath of relief.

They were nowhere near in the clear just yet, still 4 points behind, but any point in their favour right now was a good one!

The referee blew a whistle, and everyone turned their attentions to where he was signalling.

“Looks like it’s time!” you smiled, as Yamaguchi-kun held up his substitution card, set to switch in in Shoyo-kun’s place. It was time for the pinch server to turn things around.

“Yamaguchi-kun, go for it!” Hitoka-chan called out, cheeks pink.

“You can do it!!” you smiled and joined in, encouraging Yamaguchi-kun.

If he could turn things around, this would do wonders for both Karasuno’s situation, and for Yamaguchi-kun’s self confidence!!

“Server up!!!” the boys in the reserves all cheered out, deciding to join in with the cheerleading as Yamaguchi-kun stepped up to serve with rosy cheeks.

He smiled in thanks over to you and Hitoka-chan, before focusing on the task at hand. He took in a deep breath, held it for a moment, before slowly breathing out, and nodding to himself.

And with that, he proceeded with the float serve. Hopefully, this time it would work out as intended!

It wobbled through the air as if it were floating, ambling over the net. Kyotani-san was watching it anxiously, as it wobbled by him, and their Libero made the call to not go after it, thinking it out.

To their surprise and our pleasure, it wobbled down to the ground and landed inside the line, scoring us our twentieth point.

“YESSSSSSSSS!!!!” Yamaguchi-kun hissed out in pleasure at his success, as everyone else on your side cheered for him. Some people had to hold back the enthusiastic Noya-senpai and Shoyo-kun from running towards him from the reserves area, holding on for dear life.

You laughed lightly, and cupped your hands in front of your mouth, “Nice one!!” you called out to him.

“Give them another...!” Hitoka-chan chimed after you. He grinned, his smile wobbly but pleased, and nodded in agreement.

“Jeez, why are you guys overreacting so much...” you barely heard Tsukishima-san say and did a double-take.

“Wha--?! Hey, quit it with your crappy attitu—“ Tanaka-senpai began scolding the taller first year but was cut off.

“After all,” Tsukishima-san continued, looking back at Yamaguchi-kun, “Yamaguchi’s practiced serving the hardest out of all of us." he added.

Your mouth dropped open at his surprising, but vague compliment towards Yamaguchi-kun, but then you quickly closed it, your lips curling into a small smile.

That was actually kinda nice of Tsukishima-san to say, even if he could have worded it more nicely!

Tanaka-senpai apparently thought so too, wrapping an arm around the blonde’s shoulders, punching him lightly in the side, to which the boy twitched.

“Yamaguchi, server up again!” called out Daichi-senpai and Yamaguchi-kun nodded, invigorated by his best friend’s support.

His newfound confidence helped him, and Yamaguchi-kun’s next serve bounced off of Kyotani-san’s bicep, falling to the floor of the court and scoring us another point. Two more points and we would be tied with Seijoh...!

Kyotani-san cursed loudly, and glared at Yamaguchi-kun while Yamaguchi-kun was too distracted with celebrating his second Service Ace in a row. The others were pretty noisy too, so Seijoh’s ire went unnoticed.

“Huh? What’s going on?? Is what he’s doing that amazing?” Saeko-san asked, eyes wide.

“Tadashi-kun is doing what’s known as a Jump Floater Serve. It’s a ball that’s hit in a way that gives it no spin. Jumping to hit it is what gives it its velocity.” Shimada-san explained, as this was a serve he specialized in too, “But because the ball isn’t spinning in the air, it will swerve and dip unpredictably. It’s the same principle behind a knuckleball in baseball.” He compared it to the more popular sport in Japan, and it seemed to do the trick.

Saeko-san ‘oh’d in understanding.

“DO IT AGAIN, YAMAGUCHI!!” Karasuno cried out, and Seijoh responded with a determined, ‘Bring it on!!’

Yamaguchi-kun jumped and served again, but this time he was cut off by Hanamaki-san, who tapped it with an overhand pass, sending it Iwaizumi-san’s way.

The Ace spiked the ball with all his force, breaking by Karasuno’s first line of guard, but Yamaguchi-kun dived to receive it, and it smashed painfully off his chest.

You and Hitoka-chan winced at what no doubt was a really painful receive.

Thanks to Kageyama-kun’s quick movements afterwards, however, the ball went back up into play and Tsukishima-san was there to spike the ball; he scored Karasuno another point by hitting it off Seijoh’s guard at a great angle.

“Yes!! A block out!!” Shimada-san cheered.

“Man, that was a nice one there!” Takinoue-san grinned.

Tsukishima-san retrieved the ball and handed it to Yamaguchi-kun with a steady expression, “Server up again,” he told his friend, and Yamaguchi-kun grinned, nodding.

And it was then, that Seijoh called their second time-out.

“Ah man, looks like they decided to forcibly stop his roll,” Takinoue-san tsked, frowning.

Minutes later, the time-out was over, and it was time to see if it had affected Yamaguchi-kun’s roll, so to speak. He got into position with the ball to serve again, looking determined to continue his streak.

The referee blew the whistle, signaling for him to go ahead.

And he did. The ball fluttered over the top of the net, and stopped short, falling straight down.

Seijoh’s Libero dived to catch it, but just missed it, only able to watch as it hit the ground.

You gasped happily, your grin turning wide and unabashed, and you heard Hitoka-chan squeak happily beside you as well.

“Hitoka-chan,” you glanced to her, smiling, “Yamaguchi-kun did it! He evened the scores!” you told her, even though I didn't need to say anything - she already knew it.

Red-cheeked, Hitoka-chan smiled widely and nodded in agreement, “With that point...we might be able to win!” she agreed.

The score now stood at 23 – 23. An even tie. The next play would be very important.

Could Yamaguchi-kun perform an even bigger miracle today?!