Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty

There were 14 professional teams in the V1 League. The regular season ran from mid-October each year to early April the following year. Each team would play both a home and away game against every other team, meaning 26 matches per team during the regular season.

Calculated precisely, the season spanned about half a year. For the league as a whole, there was roughly one match per day on average. For individual teams, however, it came down to about one match per week. Compared to some other leagues where the schedule was tight and congested, the V1 League's rhythm was relatively relaxed.

Of course, the reason for this looser schedule primarily boiled down to the commercial value of the league.

From an event management standpoint, a more spaced-out schedule made it easier for organisers to prepare for each match. On one hand, renting and setting up venues was a hefty task, and having only one match a week allowed staff to handle site conversions and equipment checks in a methodical way.

On the other hand, promoting each match also required time. The intervals between games gave organisers the opportunity to hype up the next event through social media and offline campaigns, attracting more spectators and enhancing the league's commercial appeal.

From the spectators' perspective, this slower pace improved the viewing experience. Broadcasters also had more time to prepare detailed commentary and compile highlight reels, ensuring that whether viewers watched live in person or through TV and streaming platforms, they could fully immerse themselves in the excitement of volleyball.

DESEO Hornets' season opener was scheduled for October 15th. Although they won the preseason exhibition matches, they were fortunate enough not to face any of last season's top four—EJP Raijin, MSBY Black Jackals, Schweiden Adlers, or Tachibana Red Falcons—right out of the gate.

After all, since the preseason exhibition matches had already heightened viewer anticipation, it made sense to save the most hyped matchups for the middle or latter half of the season to maintain audience interest.

After AD's dominant win over EJP, everyone assumed they'd be the strongest team this year. Their core lineup remained largely unchanged, and the addition of Hoshiumi Kōrai, who had virtually no weaknesses aside from his height, only bolstered their strength. Having narrowly missed the championship last season, their frustration and hunger to win would likely make them even stronger.

The second seed naturally went to last year's champions, EJP. Though their roster had changed significantly, their newly recruited libero, Komori Motoya, turned out to be unexpectedly solid. The only weak spot was at the middle blocker position—both Rintarō Suna and Tatsuki Washio lacked the experience and height compared to their counterparts.

Japanese volleyball players were generally not known for towering height, and the middle blocker role demanded significant vertical reach—both for asserting dominance at the net and for executing strategic attacks. To compensate, most clubs opted to recruit foreign players specifically for that position.

EJP's two foreign players last year were an outside hitter and a middle blocker. But after their middle blocker left the V League to return home, EJP's coach chose yet another recent high school graduate in Washio.

In the long run, since Akutsu Ao was just entering his prime and had at least two to three strong years ahead of him, the potential of the so-called "Monster Generation" was too great to ignore. The EJP coaching staff clearly saw this as an opportunity—one that called for a long-term investment in polishing and developing their young talent.

In truth, based on what was shown in the preseason, EJP's coaches were reasonably satisfied with Rintarō Suna's performance. After all, what could one really expect from an 18-year-old rookie? Not everyone could be a Kaedehara Taichi.

As for the third seed for the championship, most media outlets still placed their bets on Black Jackals. Even though they lost to DH, Black Jackals' overall performance was clearly superior. Over five sets, they had scored 119 points, slightly edging out DH's 118—a fact that spoke for itself.

More importantly, their roster composition was incredibly promising. Apart from Oliver Barnes, who was 27, all of their players were under 25, each brimming with potential. In contrast, DH only had a few players who could be called rising stars—Kaedehara Taichi, Iizuna Tsukasa, and Nitta Asahiro. Veterans like Kitajima Kippei, Wataru Kubo, and Yoshii Hiyu were already showing signs of age, and whether they could maintain their form as the season progressed was questionable.

That said, the media's expectations for Kaedehara Taichi, The Number One High School Player in Japan's History, remained sky-high.

Alongside Tachibana Red Falcons, one of last season's final four, DESEO Hornets was jointly considered the fourth seed for the championship. For DH to receive such praise based on the addition of just one player—well, that was something nobody would've predicted before the preseason began.

-----

"Wakatsu, still nervous?"

"Ah, not really," said Kiryū Wakatsu, his face tense. "I feel a lot better now."

It was October 15th, at the Toyota Arena in Aichi. In the visitors' locker room sat the team about to face DH in the opening match—Azuma Pharmacy Green Rockets.

As one of last season's top eight, the Green Rockets were on par with the pre-Kaedehara version of DH. But after acquiring Kiryū Wakatsu, a graduate of Mujinazaka High, their offensive power had significantly improved.

The one who had just spoken to him was Nishiura Keigo, the team's opposite hitter. He was 22 years old and stood 187 cm tall.

Nishiura Keigo was the same age as Nitta Asahiro and also a member of the Japanese national team.

"This is the first time I've seen someone get nervous in front of a junior. Is this Taichi guy really that scary?" Nishiura mused.

"Wakatsu's just like that. Stop teasing him," said captain Kazama Hayato. "As for Kaedehara Taichi…I can't speak to what he's like off the court, but his performance on it really is something else."

"Ugh, I'm already exhausted and the match hasn't even started," Nishiura Keigo said, flopping down on a bench with no regard for posture.

"You were asleep until noon, weren't you?"

"It was 11:58!" Nishiura retorted. "It wasn't technically noon!"

"What kind of logic is that?" Kazama scoffed, chucking the shirt he'd just changed out of straight at him. "Wakatsu and even André are way more hardworking than you. At this rate, they'll surpass you in no time."

"I totally believe that'll happen," Nishiura replied, catching the shirt with a flick of his wrist and casually letting it settle over his stomach.

He nodded in satisfaction and stayed sprawled out on the bench.

"Wakatsu and Andrei wake up early to hit the weights. That's their hobby. My hobby is sleeping. What's wrong with that?"

"Your hobby must be being lazy," Kazama Hayato said disdainfully. "Asshole, don't dirty my clothes."

"You were the one who threw them at me..."

Watching his teammates bicker, Kiryū Wakatsu slowly regained his composure. Unlike Bokuto or Miya Atsumu, he'd only played against Kaedehara Taichi once—and that had been two years ago.

The so-called Number One High School Player in Japan was still, in many ways, a stranger to him.

"Taichi will remember me, right?" Kiryū murmured.

"Mm...he should remember..."

"Should I say hi first? Would it be super awkward if he forgot me...?"

Barely two minutes after calming down, Kiryū Wakatsu was already starting to get nervous again.

-----

7:00 PM.

The arena lights blazed brilliantly overhead. Accompanied by rousing background music, the two teams entered the court one after the other.

Kaedehara Taichi walked in the middle of the lineup, his eyes instinctively scanning the players on the opposite side. His gaze was calm and focused—he was clearly already locked into match mode.

"Taichi!!!"

The moment Kaedehara Taichi stepped onto the court, a voice rang out like a command—and in the next instant, the stands erupted into a deafening roar. Cheers surged like a tidal wave, echoing his name, shaking the arena to its core.

This is...

Kaedehara Taichi had seen bigger crowds before. The Japan–USA exhibition match a year ago had nearly 50,000 spectators packed into Tokyo Gymnasium. Even the preseason exchange match two weeks ago had drawn over 20,000.

But now—though Toyota Arena could only hold 15,000 and wasn't even at full capacity—somehow, nearly eighty to ninety percent of the crowd were DH fans!

"This is what you call home court advantage, kid." Kitajima Kippei chuckled as he glanced at Taichi, clearly enjoying the rare moment when the rookie looked genuinely stunned.

For the fans of DH—a team that had long hovered in the middle of the standings—Kaedehara Taichi wasn't just a new player. He was a symbol of hope. His arrival had injected new life into a team many had given up on, and for the first time in years, DH's supporters saw the glimmer of a championship dream.

"Kaedehara Taichi, unleash your firepower! Unstoppable and shining bright!"

"Kaedehara Taichi, peerless and powerful! DH's strongest warrior!"

"Taichi! Taichi! Taichi! Taichi!"

"Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!"

Fans decked out in matching DH apparel waved glow sticks and massive handmade banners, bold letters proudly proclaiming "Kaedehara Taichi" and other enthusiastic slogans. Faces flushed with excitement, voices hoarse from screaming, the crowd roared with such intensity that it shook every corner of the arena in relentless waves.

The energy wasn't just exhilarating—it was overwhelming. Even the players from Green Rockets could feel the invisible pressure closing in.

"Isn't this a bit...over the top?" Nishiura Keigo muttered under his breath.

Kazama Hayato felt the tremors in the air and recalled Kaedehara Taichi's journey—everything he'd seen of him over the past few days.

"Over the top? I don't think so."

To DH's fans, Kaedehara Taichi was more than just a promising player. He was a beacon. A sign that their team was rising. And no matter how irrational it might be, it was always the fans who believed in their team's championship dreams first.

Standing at centre court, Taichi raised his head and looked up toward the stands. He gave a subtle nod—his way of responding to the hope burning in their eyes.

"This is the first time I've ever felt the true weight of people's expectations," he murmured, a confident smile forming on his lips. Slowly, he clenched his right hand, extended his index finger, and pointed high toward the arena ceiling.

"Number one—it's mine for the taking!"

---

Azuma Pharmacy Green Rockets Team Roster:

#1. Captain, Outside Hitter, Kazama Hayato, 28 years old, 192 cm.

Born into a volleyball family—his father was a former national team player. Rigorously trained since childhood, Hayato boasts solid fundamentals, excellent technique, and extraordinary jumping ability. Calm and composed by nature, he is the team's scoring core.

#2. Setter, Tsukishima Ren, 30 years old, 185 cm.

Renowned for his precise setting and exceptional tactical sense. A quiet but powerful leader, he orchestrates Green Rocket's attacks with a cool head and unwavering consistency—the "brain" of the team.

#3. Opposite Hitter, Nishiura Keigo, 22 years old, 187 cm.

A former track-and-field athlete who transitioned to volleyball. Thanks to his exceptional physical gifts, he quickly made a name for himself as a versatile all-rounder—capable of both strong offence and solid defence, particularly in the back row.

#4. Outside Hitter, Kiryū Wakatsu, 20 years old, 190 cm.

A graduate of Mujinazaka High. Tends to underestimate his own strength. Sensitive and thoughtful by nature, he's currently worried about his younger sister being misled by shady guys.

#10. Middle Blocker, André Kovach, 20 years old, 200 cm.

Formerly part of Germany's youth national team. Famous for his fierce blocking, high reach, and powerful quicks. Stern and disciplined, he trains with relentless dedication.

#20. Middle Blocker, Luca Moreno, 28 years old, 202 cm.

Played professionally in Italy's Serie A. A formidable blocker with impressive mobility, he's skilled at quick attacks and block-counter transitions. Cheerful and sociable, he's the team's mood maker.

#33. Libero, Kuga Sōichirō, 25 years old, 180 cm.

Covers wide ground with lightning reflexes and steady reception—an indispensable cornerstone of Green Rocket's backcourt defence.

---

"To be a starter in the V1 League…they're all no joke," Kaedehara Taichi thought. "This really is different from those off-season scrimmages..."

"Taichi."

During warm-ups, Kiryū Wakatsu hesitated for a long time before finally stepping forward to speak.

"Kiryū-senpai!" Kaedehara Taichi responded brightly. They hadn't interacted much before, but Taichi still remembered him vividly.

The "Bad Ball Killer"—though now Taichi could rightfully claim that nickname for himself too, back then, among the inconsistent skill levels of high school players, encountering someone like Kiryū had been a shocking experience.

Back then, Taichi still needed to team up with Oikawa Tōru—only with both of them working together were they barely able to defeat Kiryū Wakatsu.

An awkward silence settled over them.

Kiryū wasn't sure what to say. After their clash at Inter-High, he'd told Taichi he wanted a rematch at Spring High Nationals. But Mujinasaka had lost to Kamomedai High in the quarterfinals, and that wish was never fulfilled.

"Kiryū-senpai, looks like my setter's still better than yours," Kaedehara teased with a grin.

Iizuna Tsukasa and Tsukishima Ren both turned to glance at him, confused by the remark.

Kiryū let out a helpless laugh, then grew serious. "I've never thought my team's setter was inferior to anyone else's. Not before. Not now either."

—"No matter what kind of set I get, I'm scoring the point."

Kaedehara Taichi and Kiryū Wakatsu said it in unison. Then they looked at each other and smiled.

"But I really am different from before, Kiryū-senpai." Taichi's expression shifted—his eyes sharp, voice firm, dead serious.

_________

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