Haikyuu : The Unstoppable Force

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Karasuno High School, Volleyball Hall

"Everyone! Great effort in the match against Nekoma today!" Takeda Sensei's voice carried both urgency and motivation as he addressed the team gathered before him. "I'll keep this short!"

"The high school league qualifiers are starting next month, June 2nd!" His announcement immediately caught everyone's attention.

"Out of approximately 60 teams in the prefecture, only one can advance to the national competition!"

His words struck a chord in each player's heart. "Losing even one match means the end. If you want another chance to face Nekoma, you'll have to become number one in Miyagi Prefecture!"

The weight of the challenge was heavy but clear. The path to nationals was ruthless, and every match would demand their all.

---

Later that day

"Whoa! Look at this huge photo!" Tanaka exclaimed, leaning over a volleyball magazine with Nishinoya.

Hinata's curiosity got the better of him, and he called out from across the hall, "What's so special about it?"

Tanaka responded loudly, "It's the top three high school players in the country this year!"

"Check this out," Nishinoya added, pointing at the page. "Shiratorizawa's ace, Ushijima Wakatoshi, made the list!"

Sugawara, who had joined them, commented, "Of course. Ushijima is the strongest ace in the prefecture."

Hinata looked puzzled. "Who's Ushijima?"

Tanaka's jaw dropped. "You're kidding, right? Ushijima Wakatoshi is the ace of Shiratorizawa Academy—an absolute powerhouse and currently the best in Miyagi!"

The team studied the magazine image of Ushijima, his sharp gaze and towering figure radiating dominance.

Kageyama, his competitive spirit already ignited, muttered, "He definitely has the presence of an ace."

Sugawara turned to Akira, a sly smile on his face. "He's in his third year, Akira, but I have no doubt that someday you'll surpass him."

"Exactly!" Tanaka chimed in with fervor. "Once Ushijima graduates, you'll take the title of Miyagi's strongest ace!"

Akira gave a calm but determined smile. "I don't want to wait until he graduates. I'll face him head-on... and win."

This league qualifier wasn't just about advancing to nationals. For Akira, it was a chance to prove himself against the best.

---

The Group Lineup

Takeda Sensei burst into the gym a few days later, waving a sheet of paper. "It's out! It's out! The group list for the qualifiers is here!"

The team gathered around him eagerly.

"Our first opponent is Tokonami," Tanaka read aloud, scratching his head. "Never heard of them."

But then Daichi's expression darkened. "We're in the same group as Aoba Johsai."

The name caused a ripple of tension.

"Aoba Johsai?!" Sugawara echoed. "They were in last year's top four and are seeded this year!"

"And..." Daichi hesitated, "Date Tech."

Everyone froze. The memory of Date Tech's "Iron Wall" loomed large, especially for Asahi.

During an earlier match that year, Date Tech's renowned blockers had completely shut him down, leaving Asahi shaken for weeks.

Feeling the weight of their stares, Asahi forced a laugh. "What are you all looking at? Don't worry! Even if I get blocked, I'll keep spiking. I won't let it get to me this time!"

He glanced at Akira and added with a grin, "Besides, we've got someone now who might just break through their wall!"

"Haha, I still have a lot to learn," Akira replied humbly, though a spark of determination lit his eyes.

---

The Training Push

A week of intense training followed their match with Nekoma. Akira's progress was evident, with his ball sense now at an impressive level 9. His movements on the court had become sharper, more precise.

However, progress had slowed.

One evening, as Akira finished his extra practice, the system's notification chimed in his mind: "Progress to Level 10 requires competitive matches against formidable opponents."

Akira clenched his fists in frustration. At this rate, he wouldn't achieve the breakthrough he needed before the qualifiers. Yet deep down, he knew: reaching level 10 would unlock something extraordinary—something that could help Karasuno stand above even the strongest teams.

But where could he find the fierce competition required to push himself further?

The answer was out there, waiting for him to uncover it.

---

It was a crisp Monday morning, and Akira was on a jog through the mountains, his thoughts consumed by the upcoming qualifiers. He didn't expect to bump into Mr. Shimada, who was just descending the trail.

"Long time no see, Mr. Shimada!" Akira greeted with a bright smile.

"Oh! Akira-kun!" Mr. Shimada exclaimed in surprise. "What a coincidence meeting you here!"

After exchanging pleasantries, Shimada laughed and said, "I watched your match against Nekoma a few days ago with some friends. I must say, it was incredible! Those kids were terrified of you! Your performance was like the sun blazing in a clear blue sky!"

Akira chuckled. "You flatter me, Mr. Shimada. Are you heading somewhere?"

Shimada scratched his head sheepishly. "Haha, yeah! Someone's covering the store for me today, so I thought I'd relax at Miyagi Arena in the prefecture."

Akira's curiosity piqued. "Miyagi Arena? What's that?"

Shimada slapped his forehead as if realizing something. "Oh, that's right! You wouldn't know about it yet! The Miyagi Arena is a relatively new open arena where volleyball enthusiasts from across the prefecture gather to play and compete. You'll find everyone there—professional players, university students, top high school athletes, even people like me who just love volleyball."

Shimada continued, his enthusiasm evident. "The skill level there is pretty high. Even Ushijima Wakatoshi from Shiratorizawa used to compete there. He dominated and earned the arena's highest title, the S-Class Champion!"

Hearing this, Akira's eyes gleamed with determination. The mention of such a place ignited a fire in him.

Shimada noticed the intensity in Akira's gaze and chuckled nervously. "With your skills, you might make a name for yourself there someday. After the qualifiers, you should give it a shot."

Akira bowed deeply. "Thank you for telling me about this, Mr. Shimada!" Without wasting a moment, he turned and jogged away, a new goal forming in his mind.

As he watched Akira disappear down the trail, Shimada sighed with a mix of pride and worry. "Looks like I've introduced a monster to the arena. The juniors there are in for a tough time now."

---

Later that day, Akira found himself in front of the Miyagi Arena, a massive facility unlike any he had seen in Miyagi before. The sheer size of the building spoke volumes about the level of competition inside.

Entering the arena, he approached the front desk, where a receptionist greeted him warmly.

"Hello, may I see your membership card?" she asked.

"I'm new here," Akira admitted.

"Ah, no problem! You can register for a card by filling out a quick form. We'll also need to know your approximate skill level," she explained with a smile.

Akira nodded and completed the form.

"Professional player?"

"No."

"Educational level?"

"I'm a first-year in high school."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, glancing at him with mild surprise before continuing her work.

Handing him a sky-blue membership card, she explained, "Newcomers start at E-Class, the entry-level group. The arena has a tier system ranging from E-Class to S-Class to ensure fair competition. Only the strongest, like Ushijima Wakatoshi, have reached S-Class."

Akira accepted the card, understanding the system. Starting at the bottom didn't bother him; it only fueled his resolve to climb to the top.

As he turned to enter the arena, the receptionist watched him go, muttering to herself, "He has a presence similar to Ushijima... but becoming someone like him is a long journey. Let's see how far this high schooler can go."

---

Inside the arena, Akira was greeted by the sight of players of all skill levels engaging in matches.

The sound of volleyballs being spiked, shoes squeaking on the polished court, and players shouting commands filled the air.

This was it—the perfect place for him to push himself, face stronger opponents, and evolve.

His journey toward the top had officially begun.

Bonus Chapter - 400 Power Stones