Haikyuu : The Unstoppable Force

Under Contemplation, Coach Yasufumi Nekomata Made the Same Decision as the Former Aoba Johsai Coach!

"Kuroo! As long as Karasuno's No. 7 is in the front row, don't block him!"

"Don't block...?"

Hearing Coach Nekomata's words, everyone in Nekoma was stunned.

In a normal game, leaving the net unguarded was unthinkable! Why would the coach deliberately choose not to block such a powerful attacker?

The entire team looked confused—except for Kenma Kozume, who seemed to have an idea.

Chirp! The 30-second timeout was over!

"I don't have time to explain everything again!" Coach Nekomata's expression was stern.

"Just remember—do not try to block No. 7's attacks!"

"All three front-row players, retreat to the back row to defend his spikes!"

"Yes, sir!"

The teams returned to the court, regrouping once more.

This time, when Akira went up for a spike, Nekoma followed their coach's orders—no one jumped to block. Instead, all six players focused entirely on their back-row defense, bracing for impact.

"So they figured it out already?"

On the Karasuno bench, Coach Keishin Ukai felt his chest tighten. He glanced toward Coach Nekomata and noticed that, for once, even he wasn't as calm as usual.

"Even if they understand, they still can't stop Akira's attack!"

"This strategy of prioritizing defense might work against other power hitters…"

"But against Akira's spikes, it's like drinking poison to quench thirst!"

"They'll soon realize just how futile it is!"

"Ahhh! Why is Nekoma leaving the net wide open against Karasuno's No. 7?"

"This is basically handing them free points!"

In the stands, Shimada's friend was baffled.

"Shin, you're only looking at the surface," Shimada shook his head.

"Nekoma thrives on teamwork. They don't have standout individual players like Karasuno, but their precision and coordination make them one of the strongest teams."

"But that strength is also their weakness."

Shin's eyes widened in realization.

"That's right!" Shimada pointed at Nekoma's formation on the court.

"Because they don't have a dominant player, they have no way to handle someone like Akira alone!"

"If you think about it, it's like a lion charging into a herd of sheep…"

"No matter how well the sheep work together, they can't take down the lion!"

"They need a bison—a strong individual—to fight back. But Nekoma doesn't have one."

"Right now, Karasuno's No. 7 is that lion!"

"When one player's strength surpasses Nekoma's entire defensive system, their teamwork becomes useless!"

"I see!"

As they analyzed, realization dawned upon Shimada's friends.

As the match progressed, the score gap between the two teams widened.

More than that, Nekoma's players began to notice something unsettling—

Akira's spikes were becoming harder and harder to defend.

"Damn it! Is this just a coincidence?"

Nekoma's libero, Morisuke Yaku, clenched his teeth after barely managing to receive one of Akira's smashes.

"Why does it feel like his spikes are landing closer and closer to our weakest spots?"

"What's going on?"

On the sidelines, Coach Nekomata had noticed it too. By now, he felt almost numb watching Akira's relentless performance.

"No way to block him. No way to stop his spikes. And on top of that, he's analyzing the game like Kenma does."

"This year's Karasuno… they're something else."

"They'll shake up the entire tournament."

"Is it really that terrifying?" Nekoma's assistant coach, Manabu Naoi, muttered.

Coach Nekomata turned to him with a serious expression.

"Let me ask you, Naoi. Imagine a lion that's faster and stronger than you…"

"A lion with intelligence as sharp as yours…"

"With patience like a snake…"

"And insight like a lone wolf…"

"Now tell me—what could you possibly do to survive?"

Naoi opened his mouth to respond—but nothing came out.

"Exactly."

"In a situation like that… there's no chance of survival at all."

With a sharp whistle, the referee signaled the end of the match.

The players from both teams gathered, their faces reflecting the intensity of the game.

"Good job, everyone! That was a solid first game!" Coach Ukai praised.

"But don't let your guard down! Nekoma is a top-tier team. I guarantee they'll come back stronger in the second set!"

"Yes, Coach!" the Karasuno players responded in unison.

Meanwhile, on the Nekoma side, Coach Nekomata addressed his team with a mix of encouragement and strategy.

"Haha! Playing against a monster like this isn't easy, but we're not done yet."

"In the second set, focus on adaptation. Adjust your tactics and avoid Karasuno's No. 7 whenever possible. When he rotates to the back row, that's when we strike back!"

"Understood!"

The second set began, and Nekoma immediately put their adjustments into action.

They played with their signature adaptability and precise teamwork, capitalizing on Akira's rotations to the back row.

Even though his spikes were still unstoppable when he was in the front row, Nekoma found ways to fight back.

They executed synchronized attacks, one-man time-difference plays, and quick counters—pushing Karasuno harder than before.

But Karasuno adapted just as quickly.

After Nekoma cracked Kageyama and Hinata's monster quick attack, the duo adjusted their rhythm.

Hinata began spiking with his eyes open, using his sharp reflexes to read the blockers. Kageyama fine-tuned his tosses, keeping the offense unpredictable.

Still, Akira remained an unsolvable problem for Nekoma.

Every point Nekoma scored required immense effort. But against Akira's sheer power, their defense was paper-thin.

Despite their best efforts, Nekoma fell short.

Karasuno took the second set and won the match 2-0.

Post-Match Reflections

Even in defeat, Nekoma's players showed no frustration—only determination.

They had learned, adapted, and grown.

On the Karasuno side, the team recognized how crucial Akira's spikes had been in securing their victory. But they also knew there was room for improvement.

Coach Nekomata, still impressed, approached Akira after the match.

"Haha! Kid, your spikes are something else," he said with a warm smile.

"In all my years coaching, I've never seen potential like yours. How about transferring to Nekoma?"

"Hey, hey, hey!" Coach Ukai interjected, looking genuinely alarmed. "Akira is Karasuno's ace!"

"Haha, just kidding," Nekomata chuckled—but his eyes held a glint of sincerity.

He handed Akira a business card.

"Even if you're not transferring, I hope you'll visit Nekoma for more training matches. Your skills will push us all to improve."

Akira accepted the card with a polite nod. "Thank you, Coach. I'll keep that in mind."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow over the court, the players from both teams exchanged farewells.

"Akira-kun!" Nekoma's Inuoka called out, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"That match was incredible! Let's meet again at Nationals!"

Akira smiled.

"You guys are strong opponents. I've learned a lot too. I look forward to it!"

The players nodded firmly, their spirits high despite their exhaustion.

"See you at Nationals!"

As they walked off the court, the sunset stretched their shadows—filling the air with the promise of another battle in the future.

----------

Bonus Chapter - 400 Power Stones