After Seiji Okutake released his restraints on them, Jozenji seemed to immediately change its style.
It was like a middle-aged man who had been stable and composed suddenly turning into a carefree child.
Terushima and the others began executing bizarre and unpredictable plays that caught everyone off guard.
Under this sudden change, Karasuno was momentarily thrown into chaos.
But…
That only lasted for so long.
At this point, Jozenji had already fallen into a considerable point deficit.
Even if they managed to pull off some surprising moves, it only earned them a few extra points—it wasn't enough to change the outcome.
If… If Seiji Okutake had made this decision earlier in the match, Jozenji might have had a better chance.
But now, with Karasuno close to match point, there was no saving Jozenji from their inevitable defeat.
"Since we can't win the game, then let's at least have fun!"
Every play became about their own enjoyment.
Every ball, a chance to express themselves freely.
...
Tweet!
The sharp sound of the whistle echoed.
The players of Jozenji, drenched in sweat, turned their eyes to the scoreboard.
Karasuno 25:19 Jozenji!!
"Damn… I can't accept this!!"
"It was just getting fun!"
Under the bright lights overhead, Terushima's face showed his frustration.
He looked across the net at the players in black and orange, struggling to accept the loss.
"Such an interesting opponent…"
"And it's already over?!"
Seiji Okutake sighed as he stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Terushima's shoulder.
"Once we leave, this court is yours."
"Wh-what?" Terushima turned to Seiji in disbelief.
"Seiji-senpai! Didn't you say we should—"
"A structured and disciplined playstyle doesn't suit you."
Seiji cut him off, glancing around at his teammates, their gazes locked on him, waiting for his words.
"Only now do I truly understand. The best style of play is the one that fits you."
"I hope that in future games, you don't just have fun."
"I hope you take Jozenji to a whole new level!"
He paused for a moment before continuing:
"If you can't defeat an opponent today, then beat them next time!"
"Make sure you shine at Spring High!"
"Yes, Senpai!"
...
"But… why?"
Up in the stands, a young Jozenji supporter clenched his fists, his expression filled with disbelief.
"Jozenji… wasn't it supposed to be the strongest?"
"Even if they lost, it should've been to a powerhouse like Shiratorizawa!"
He muttered to himself, too caught up in his emotions to notice Takigawa and his friends walking past him.
"Hey, Shimada, what's with that guy?"
"Why does he look even more devastated than the players?"
"How should I know? Maybe he has friends on Jozenji's team?"
...
"Are we still going to watch Shiratorizawa's match?"
After the game, Hinata's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I really wanna see a team that strong play!"
Sugawara chuckled at Hinata's enthusiasm.
"With Shiratorizawa's level, their match has probably ended by now."
"If we rush over, the venue might already be empty."
Seeing Hinata's disappointment, Daichi patted his shoulder reassuringly.
"We're going to face them this afternoon anyway."
"Whether we watch now or later, it won't change anything. Let's take a break first."
"Okay…"
Meanwhile, at Shiratorizawa's side, a similar discussion was taking place.
"Let's go watch Karasuno's match."
As the players stepped off the court, their coach, Tanji Washijo, suddenly spoke.
"Huh??"
Everyone from Shiratorizawa turned to him in shock.
"Wait, what?!"
"Did Coach Washijo just suggest watching another team's match?!"
"Has he caught a fever?! This is the finals! This is serious!"
"Maybe we should take him to the hospital before it affects the afternoon match!"
Hearing their exaggerated reactions, Washijo's face darkened.
"You brats… Do you want extra training later?!"
Ahem!
Just then, Coach Saito approached with a report.
"Coach Washijo, I just received word from the other venue. Karasuno's match is already over."
"They defeated Jozenji 2-0."
"Hmph." Washijo nodded, his expression unreadable.
"Expected."
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
Watching his retreating figure, Goshiki blinked in disbelief.
"Oh my god!"
"Oh my god!"
"Oh my god!!"
"Coach Washijo actually cares about Karasuno's team?!"
"And he said it was expected that they'd win?!"
"Just who are Karasuno?!"
He flailed his arms in exaggerated gestures, looking at his teammates for answers.
But they could only exchange confused glances, none of them knowing how to respond.
"Well… I know a little."
The voice that spoke was deep and composed.
All heads turned toward the center of the team.
Ushijima Wakatoshi had spoken.