IH, the National High School Comprehensive Sports Competition (commonly known as the High School Cup), was an annual national competition held in the summer.

High school teams from each division were eager to compete, striving to stand out from the qualifiers of the division and enter the country.

June 13th, the first Sunday of the High School Cup qualifiers in Tokyo.

Tokyo, Moda Sports Complex.

As the venue for the qualifiers for men's A, B, C, and D groups and the finals, the sports complex was very lively. In addition to the teams from each school, there were also a large number of spectators and media.

Cameras were set up on the first and second floors of the stadium. The fence on the second floor was already hung with support banners from the volleyball teams of each school. There were also many spectators gathered in the stands on the second floor. Among them, the most eye-catching was the Jingjiayama University cheerleaders, who almost filled the left side of the stands.

Accompanied by the rhythmic drumming, the cheers and chants of the cheerleaders grew louder and louder.

"Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji! "

"Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji! "

"Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji! "

"I have the illusion that the whole stadium is filled with cheerleaders from Mount Jingji," Shiroishi stood next to the volleyball box cart with the "Otokumo" label, hugging his arms and shivering.

Shibuya glanced at Shiroishi and said coldly, "Why is it that your attention is so easily distracted before every game?"

Tea House also gave Shiroishi a sharp look. "Focus, idiot!"

Shiroishi suddenly felt wronged. "During the game, I'm more focused than both of you, okay?!"

Shibuya & Tea House: "Haha."

Shiroishi: "…"

If it weren't for Hisense holding him back, Shiroishi would probably have pounced on Shibuya and the Tea House.

Tetsuo Kuroo sighed with emotion. "They can still be so energetic in the face of a tyrant. As expected of seniors who have experienced hundreds of battles."

Yasuke Yaku, who was facing Tetsuo Kuroo, said, "You're still thinking of provoking Senpai? Be careful, Kuroo, you might get beaten up by Matsutake."

Tetsuo Kuroo grinned. "Shōnen Sauce wouldn't be willing to part with it."

Yasuke Yaku: "…" Seriously, why was he being forced to eat dog food at a time like this?!

"It's great that everyone is so full of fighting spirit." Sato relaxed his wrist and sighed.

"… Isn't it a little early to talk about this?" Takahashi asked as he stretched.

"To be able to relax in the face of a tyrant, of course this is fighting spirit!"

Kobayashi clenched his fists, his expression and tone very serious. "Once again, Matsutake is really amazing!"

Takahashi and Sato looked at each other. Both of them remembered what Akihito Matsukaze had said on the day they found out about the groups for the preliminaries.

"We're very lucky that our opponent in the first round is Jingjiayama University."

"Of course it's lucky. Just like what Senpai said, Mount Jingji is a national tyrant, the best candidate for IH and Chungao.

Isn't it a kind of luck to be able to compete with such a tyrant? "

"… So Senpai, are you going to run away?

When people mention Otokumo in the future, in addition to 'declining tyrant' and 'clawless wildcat,' they will also add 'deserter.' Will Senpai be satisfied? "

"… No one can predict their own success, and no one can predict their own failure. Wouldn't it be a pity to give up without doing anything?"

"… If you think that 'winning the competition' is a fantasy, then what about 'winning the first round'?"

"Why?

Of course it's so that the third-year seniors can stay on the field! "

Takahashi and Sato couldn't help but rub their arms.

Matsutake said these words at a moderate pace, and there was nothing special about what she said. It was just like a normal conversation, but it made them feel inexplicably … hot blooded.

"I must perform well today and let the whole country see my handsome figure on the TV news!" Kobayashi declared confidently.

"You're overthinking it," Sato said mercilessly, "The media's focus is on Mount Jingji."

When they arrived at the stadium, they saw Mount Jingji's coach being surrounded by reporters for interviews. It was obvious how much attention the media paid to Jingjiayama University.

Kobayashi: "…"

"However," Sato continued slowly, "if we can win the first round, we might actually be on TV."

Kobayashi: "!!

I'll definitely perform well! "

Takahashi secretly gave Sato a thumbs up.

Sato smiled calmly.

Tetsuo Kuroo and Yasuke Yaku, who were watching the whole process, were speechless. Is this the strength of a senior?!

Amazing!

"By the way, where did Matsutake go?" Kobayashi looked around. "The official warm-up is about to start."

Takahashi stood up after he finished stretching. He adjusted his knee pads and answered, "Matsutake went to the bathroom."

Akihito Matsukaze came back.

She pulled the zipper of her red sportswear jacket to the highest and wore a black mask, which covered most of her face. Others could only see her delicate eyebrows.

Even so, it couldn't hide her beauty.

Almost as soon as she walked into the stadium, there was a faint commotion in the stands on the second floor.

"Matsutake, are you okay?"

Takahashi walked up to Akihito Matsukaze and asked in a low voice. The others had also finished their warm-up exercises and gathered around.

Akihito Matsukaze frowned. She seemed a little confused, but Takahashi didn't ask.

Tetsuo Kuroo coughed softly. "Shōnen Sauce, when you went to the bathroom …"

"Oh, you guys are overthinking it." Akihito Matsukaze suddenly understood. "I spent most of my time waiting in line."

Only then did the youths relax.

If it weren't for the volleyball in his hand, Tetsuo Kuroo really wanted to rub Akihito Matsukaze's head.

Akihito Matsukaze saw that they were in good condition. Her clear phoenix eyes were slightly curved, and her obsidian-like pupils were dyed with a faint smile.

The referee raised his right hand and waved it inwards. At the same time, he raised his left hand in front of his waist. The thumb and index finger of his left hand were parallel to the ground, and the other three fingers were clenched. He shouted with full energy, "Captain, come out!"

Takahashi immediately became serious. He turned around and ran to the referee's side. After standing still, he shook hands with the head coach of Jingjiayama University's volleyball department who had arrived earlier. "Nice to meet you."

Mount Jingji's head coach also responded calmly, "Nice to meet you."

Taking advantage of the time before the official warm-up, Akihito Matsukaze carefully checked the water bottles, ice packs, towels, and other emergency supplies. After confirming that there were no oversights, she took out a notebook and a pencil case from her school bag. She also took off her mask, folded it, and stuffed it into a hidden pocket of her school bag. Then, she zipped up her school bag.

"Matsutake." The head coach came back. "We'll receive the ball first. The field is over there."

"Okay."

Another whistle sounded. Ten minutes before the start of the game, the official warm-up began.

As the members of the Mount Jingji volleyball department warmed up one by one, the cheers of the Mount Jingji cheerleaders in the stadium became louder.

Akihito Matsukaze sat on a bench on the sidelines. She opened her notebook and recorded the warm-up of her team members.

Akihito Matsukaze's notebook was a blank, 16-page leather cover. Every few pages, there was a full-body sketch of a member. At the same time, she used different colored pens to record the members' various physical parameters, training, and competition situations, as well as precautions, and so on. Her handwriting was neat and organized.

In Yasuke Yaku's words, "The only flaw in this notebook is that Kuroo is too handsome."

Akihito Matsukaze raised her hand to look at her watch. Then, she closed the notebook and stood up.

"Beep —" Another whistle sounded. Four minutes before the start of the game, the official warm-up ended.

Mount Jingji's cheerleaders and the other spectators in the stands quieted down.

Mount Jingji's head coach and Takahashi both shouted, "Gather!"

"Line up —"

The referee whistled again. Then, he raised his hands in front of his chest, palms facing each other.

Facing inwards, he formed a triangle, indicating that both sides saluted.

"Please advise us!"

"Please advise us!"

Mount Jingji's cheerleaders cheered for their team members again, accompanied by the sound of drums and music.

"Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji! "

"Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji! "

"Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji!

Mount Jingji! "

The first preliminary round of the Tokyo High School Volleyball Cup officially began!

Akihito Matsukaze looked at the teenagers in front of her. Her expression was as calm as ever, as if they were going to play an ordinary practice match.

She pointed to the red Otokumo support banner hanging on the fence and asked, "Everyone should know the meaning of the word 'maintain,' right?"

"Yes!"

Akihito Matsukaze put her hands behind her back. Her expression was serious and her tone was firm. "Go and catch the ball to your heart's content!

Tell everyone here — "

"Otokumo is a tyrant!"

Akihito Matsukaze's voice was soft and sweet. It was gentle and seemed to have a hint of coquettishness.

But when she spoke in a firm tone —

Like the singing of a siren, it had the power to bewitch people.

"Yes!"

The teenagers formed a circle. They put one hand on the shoulder of the team member next to them, and the other hand into a fist to support their teammates' fists, cheering each other on.

“NEKOMA，FIGHT！”

"Oh, oh!"

Otokumo's starting lineup was third-year Takahashi (WS), Sato (S), and Kobayashi (WS). Second-year Shiroishi (WS), Shibuya (MB), and Tea House (MB). First-year Yasuke Yaku (Li).

Among these starters, Hisense and Tetsuo Kuroo were substitutes.

On Mount Jingji's side, Akihito Matsukaze recalled the information she had collected. She found that in Mount Jingji's starting lineup, except for the setter, who was a first-year player, the rest of the starters were second-year and third-year players.

Sure enough, there was going to be a tough battle.

Akihito Matsukaze clenched and unclenched her hands on her knees as the whistle for the start of the first round sounded.

This was the crucial first round …

"Didn't they say that Otokumo had declined … It doesn't look like it!"

As the game progressed, the spectators on the second floor couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

"This is the first time I've seen Mount Jingji request a timeout in the first round … Previously, it was usually the second round, right?"

"There were times when the first round of the national tournament requested a timeout, but in the end, the game ended in 20: 20. This time should be no exception …?"

"It's hard to say. I didn't expect to see such an exciting game."

"Otokumo is too good at catching the ball. I feel like the ball didn't even land on Otokumo's court …"

"Otokumo was originally a school that was very good at catching the ball, okay?"

"Yes, yes, yes. I remember that their nickname is' Cats'. Based on the current situation, the 'decline' is just a rumor, right?"

"It shouldn't be … After all, Otokumo's disadvantage is very obvious …"

"I don't know about the disadvantage. I only know that Otokumo's manager is really cute!"

"Otokumo actually has such a cute and beautiful manager. It's really unforgivable —"

"Look!

Otokumo got the match point for the second time! "

Sato looked at the volleyball that Takahashi passed over. He remembered that Akihito Matsukaze once told him:

"Satō Gakucho always grasps the timing of his second attack very well, but you're used to throwing the ball in the second attack. This obvious habit can be easily used by the opponent.

So, if you still want to use the second attack in a crucial situation, then it's best — "

"Go down!"

Sato licked his lips. The moment he touched the ball, he held his breath and the ball — — went over the net!

"Bang!" That was the sound of the volleyball heavily falling to the ground.

"Beep!" The referee whistled and waved his hand in Otokumo's direction, indicating that Otokumo had scored.

"Beep — —" The first round of the game, Jingjiayama University versus Otokumo High School. The first round ended. The score was 2830. Otokumo High School won!

The whole stadium was in an uproar.

"Great!"

Tetsuo Kuroo and Hisense, who were standing in the substitutes' area, smiled. They rushed to the field and put their arms around Yasuke Yaku's shoulders.

Yasuke Yaku's face was dripping with sweat, but his tea-brown eyes were unusually bright. He also had a big smile on his face.

"We actually won the first round …" Shiroishi looked at the scoreboard in a daze. He couldn't believe it.

Shibuya and Tea House didn't complain this time. They also looked at the scoreboard in a daze.

Takahashi put his arm around the three people's shoulders from behind. His sweaty face had a big smile. "That's right!

We won the first round! "

"Ahhhhh — —" The three second-year students and Takahashi hugged each other tightly.

It was Sato and Kobayashi who dragged the four of them back to the rest area so that they could drink as much water as possible.

"Seniors, are you satisfied with just winning the first round?" Akihito Matsukaze asked with a half-smile as he handed the teenagers a water bottle and towels.

"Of course not!" The three second-year students answered in unison.

"Then, let's do our best for the next round." Akihito Matsukaze's lips curled up slightly.

"Yes!"

Akihito Matsukaze talked about a few things that they needed to pay attention to in the second round and made some simple tactical adjustments.

Because Kobayashi and Shiroishi were the type of people who were highly focused and exhausted a lot of energy, they would rest outside the second round. Hisense and Tetsuo Kuroo would be the ones to play.

Seeing that the others were in good condition, Akihito Matsukaze looked at Yasuke Yaku who was drinking water.

The core of Otokumo's training had always been "team". His style of play was steady, and he focused on receiving the ball and defense.

This was the case in the past, and it was still the case now. In fact, Akihito Matsukaze would constantly strengthen the team's awareness of receiving the ball and defense during training.

"In a volleyball match, a strong spike doesn't guarantee victory, but the side that makes the ball fall to the ground is destined to lose." This was what Akihito Matsukaze had been told by an elder when she was learning volleyball. Akihito Matsukaze deeply believed in this.

And now, the core of Otokumo's defense was Yasuke Yaku.

"Can I squeeze your shoulders, Yaku?" Akihito Matsukaze asked.

"Oh, sure." Yasuke Yaku drank a few mouthfuls of cold water. Although he didn't understand why, he still nodded.

Tetsuo Kuroo raised his eyebrows, but didn't say anything.

He was a person who could see the big picture, so he couldn't be jealous at this time. Tsk.

Akihito Matsukaze gently squeezed Yasuke Yaku's shoulders and withdrew her hand in satisfaction. "Your shoulders are very relaxed. It seems that my worries were unnecessary."

Yasuke Yaku subconsciously puffed out his chest and said with a determined expression, "Don't worry, I will protect everyone from behind!

Everyone just needs to look forward! "

The team members were invigorated. Yaku was a real man!

Tetsuo Kuroo revealed an exaggerated expression of shock. "I didn't expect Yaku to be so handsome!"

Yasuke Yaku: "I've always been so handsome!"

The third-year and second-year students at the side were a little restless. They also wanted Matsutake to squeeze their shoulders … but they felt a little embarrassed to take the initiative to ask. What should they do?

The second round was about to begin. Akihito Matsukaze looked at the youths who had already gotten sufficient rest. She clenched her fist and made a gesture of encouragement. "I'll say the same thing again. Enjoy this feast. Do your best!"

"Yes!"

Tetsuo Kuroo walked at the back. He stretched his shoulders and was just about to walk onto the stage when his left hand was gently held by a familiar pair of cool and soft hands.

Tetsuo Kuroo turned his head and met Akihito Matsukaze's pair of beautiful eyes. He couldn't help but smile.

Tetsuo Kuroo turned around and used his left hand to tuck a few strands of Akihito Matsukaze's hair behind her ear. His dark golden eyes were filled with determination and determination. "I'm going on stage."

"En!

You have to do more practical things … "Akihito Matsukaze smiled sweetly. Her eyes were filled with trust." … Tetsuo. "

After saying this, she gently let go of Tetsuo Kuroo's hand.

Tetsuo Kuroo didn't say anything. He just pressed down on Akihito Matsukaze's head and turned to walk onto the stage.

She actually called out his name at this time. Shōnen Sauce was so naughty that … it was very cute.

Tetsuo Kuroo stood in his position, the corners of his mouth raised. He clenched his fists and then released them.