The Birth of A Volleyball Legend

Forming a two-man wall in a 2v2 game was a risky – borderline idiotic – move. Not only was it difficult for the man in the back row to recover from his position and move in sync with his teammate to form a solid wall, but if it failed, there would be no one guarding their area, allowing the opponent to score easily. This was all theoretical knowledge that anyone new to the game of volleyball should have known from the beginning.

However, it was precisely because this was a stupid move that Riku dared to pull it off. He knew from the cross spike that Kenzo had executed a moment ago that the professional player was incredible on the front line, making it difficult for them to stop his attack. The only thing they could do at that moment was to surprise him, and they would fail to do so if they didn't take drastic measures like this.

Fortunately, Riku's gamble worked perfectly, as Kenzo himself didn't expect him to join Yuki on the front line. With the two of them forming a tight wall, it was easy for them to block the incoming spike.

BAM!

No one could tell whether it was Yuki or Riku who blocked the spike. All anyone knew was that the ball fell behind Kenzo, resulting in a point for Yuki and Riku. Everyone's jaws dropped when they saw this, with some rubbing their eyes in disbelief at what had just happened. Riku himself panted slightly; he could even hear his own heartbeat. Excitement surged within him as his plan succeeded, and when he turned around, he noticed that Yuki had a similarly ecstatic expression.

"Good job, Yuki!" he grinned widely, high-fiving his friend.

"Yeah, good job!" Yuki praised the blonde boy. "Your reaction speed never ceases to amaze me."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Ha! Don't praise me like that! I know yours is better than mine!"

While they celebrated, the reality finally dawned upon the people on the sidelines, who could only shake their heads in disbelief.

"Unbelievable! Even though Kenzo is holding back his strength, to think a high school player would be able to block his shot is unheard of!"

"Their potential is crazy! If it is nurtured for another year or two, they could grow into monsters like Kenzo or even better!"

"Damn! We're lucky they decided to join us!"

As everyone buzzed with excitement over the addition of two new players to their team, Sekine wore a slight smirk. Initially, everyone regarded the point that Yuki and Riku had scored as luck since their opponents were holding back, but now their impression of the two elevated into that of talented players. Even Kawaki's eyes shone brightly as he observed how well they played, his mind racing with all the possible scenarios he could employ in the future. He was salivating at the thought of having them on his team.

'Well, it's clear we have successfully reached our objective today. Let's step it up a little and impress everyone,' the old man thought. Then, he turned his gaze to Kenzo, who was still dazed after having his last spike blocked by two amateurs, and shouted at him, "Oi, Kenzo! Go all out! Don't hold back anymore, understand?!"

All heads snapped toward the old man when they heard what he said. Even Yuki and Riku looked at Sekine as if he had grown a second head. "Are you sure about this, Jiisan?" Kenzo asked hesitantly.

"Don't worry about it. The conditions have changed. If they can score even one point against you, they can be considered to have passed the test. So, what do you think?"

Oh, yeah, it was official. The old man had gone insane. At least, that was what the people around thought.

However, Kawaki merely hummed lightly, then nodded his head in approval. "Good idea. Let's do this, Adachihara-kun. Don't hold back, and show them why you are a professional player, okay?"

Even though Kenzo was still confused by this sudden development, he accepted the order calmly. "Sure, Sensei."

Kenzo nodded, satisfied with the man's reaction. He understood why Sekine had proposed this sudden change. Since Yuki and Riku had already made a strong impression, there was no need to continue the test. The old man wanted to seize this opportunity to demonstrate the difference between them and professional players. If not to motivate the two high school boys, it would also keep them humble.

Yuki and Riku were excited by the unexpected development. Initially, they had thought it would be impossible to force Kenzo to go all out. However, now that Sekine had issued the order, they would be able to see how they fared against someone capable of making a living from this sport.

"Come on, this is what we've been waiting for!" Riku grinned widely.

-0-

The game continued with the serve still in Riku's hands. When Kawaki blew the whistle, he tossed the ball again, sending it straight to the back near the baseline. Kenzo, responsible for that area, reacted quickly, receiving the ball with ease.

BAM!

"Oh! As expected from Adachihara-senpai!" Tondo exclaimed in admiration.

"Concentrate, Tondo! Give me a high pass!" Kenzo shouted.

"Yes, Senpai!"

Yuki tensed for a moment, waiting for the right timing to jump as well. This time, Riku didn't join him on the front line since the element of surprise had already been used. As Kenzo soared into the air, he too leaped from the ground, extending his arms high. However, in a split second, he suddenly saw a smirk crack on Kenzo's face, and Yuki knew it only meant trouble for him.

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'SHIT!'

BAM!

To Yuki's surprise, Kenzo added topspin expertly before spiking the ball, transforming its trajectory into an unpredictable arc that rendered his block ineffective. Despite making contact, Yuki could only watch in dismay as the ball ricocheted off his fingertips and veered far beyond the sideline, while his friend could only stare helplessly, unable to save it.

As he landed on the ground and watched the ball sail far outside the court, Yuki's expression turned solemn, his mind replaying every detail of his actions moments ago. It had been a standard textbook block, and he had read the game perfectly. In a normal competition against other high school players, he was sure the ball would have landed in his hands.

However, he hadn't expected Kenzo to showcase such a technique to counter his block. Even though he knew what a spin serve was and had even mastered one, Yuki had never seen anyone add spin while spiking the ball, and somehow, it sparked a flash of inspiration within him.

'I wonder if I could steal that and make it my move?'