Haikyuu: Zero To Almighty-Chapter 445: Blatant Provocation

"Taichi-san, we've heard that at least ten different clubs extended invitations to you. Why did you choose to join DESEO Hornets?"

"There were many factors behind my decision to join DH," Taichi replied. "But the main reason was the coaching staff here—modern training philosophies and a technical direction I believe can help me break through my limits. Also, the team is filled with incredibly skilled players..."

"DH's tactical system is known to be diverse and complex. Which of your personal strengths do you think align best with the current strategies? How do you plan to adapt and integrate quickly?"

"I intend to give my all in every training session, familiarise myself with the team's system, learn my teammates' tendencies and passing styles, and adjust my spiking routes according to the coach's strategies so I can blend my strengths into our overall game plan..."

"Joining a new club also means new challenges. How do you plan to overcome the adjustment period and contribute to the team as soon as possible?"

"Taichi-san, you've already had some initial interactions with your teammates. How's the atmosphere? Did anyone leave a particularly strong impression?"

"Taichi-san, with fierce competition awaiting in the new season, who do you think will be the team's greatest rival? And what advantages does DH have in countering them?"

"Taichi-san..."

The barrage of questions from the audience surged like a crashing wave, instantly drowning Kaedehara Taichi in a sea of noise.

Microphones were thrust toward him from every direction, questions fired at machine-gun pace, while camera shutters clicked relentlessly—snap snap snap—and blinding flashes burst one after another, nearly forcing his eyes shut.

The overlapping murmurs, the overlapping voices…it all merged into an overwhelming buzz that left Taichi light-headed. No wonder the team manager had insisted on giving him a full day off to rest and prepare for frequently asked questions.

This level of media frenzy…was honestly terrifying.

"Last question!" the team manager finally shouted over the noise.

Finally, it's over…

A silent sigh of relief escaped Taichi's heart. His taut shoulders finally eased a little. It felt as if he were a small boat adrift in a storm, finally catching sight of a peaceful harbour.

"Taichi-san, what are your specific goals for your first season with the team? Personally, and in terms of what you hope to help the team achieve? Could you share a bit with us?"

Taichi straightened up slightly and took a deep breath. It was a standard question—one of the ones he had rehearsed. But for some reason, he suddenly didn't want to give the prepared answer.

"Isn't it obvious?" he said, lifting his chin a little and flashing a supremely confident smile.

"Our goal this season is the championship. And me? Naturally, I'll be the MVP of the championship-winning team."

...

The room fell into stunned silence.

This wasn't high school anymore. In the professional world, very few players would say something like that with so many cameras pointed at them.

In high school, the age gap between players was at most three years, yet even then, it was rare for a first-year to become the team's ace and lead them to a national title in his first-ever tournament.

Even Taichi himself hadn't pulled that off.

He had been Aoba Johsai's ace since his first year, but when they won the Spring High title at the end of his first year, the debate over who had been most responsible still lingered. While many acknowledged that Taichi had become the 'Strongest' High School player in the country during his second year, nearly half the media credited the championship run to Aoba Johsai's then-captain, Oikawa Tōru.

If it was that difficult in high school, doing the same in the pros would be exponentially harder.

Most people believed a volleyball player's peak years came between 24 and 28—maybe a couple of years earlier or later in some cases. A player like Kaedehara Taichi, who turned pro at just seventeen, was already a statistical anomaly.

Sure, it was entirely possible that one day Taichi would lead his team to a championship and become the undisputed MVP.

But no one believed he could do it this season.

...

The quiet murmuring and hushed whispers gradually began to spread. Everyone was discussing Kaedehara Taichi's bold declaration—wondering whether it was the courage of a fearless youth or just blind arrogance with no basis in reality.

But Taichi wore a smile as bright as the sun, one that seemed to dispel all doubt and darkness. He met every shocked or sceptical gaze with unshaken composure.

If he'd known that speaking off-script would have quieted the crowd so quickly, Taichi might've gone off-book even earlier.

After signing the contract on-site at the press conference, Kaedehara Taichi's profile was officially published on DH's website. Jerseys bearing the number 10 were now available at both DH's official store and online shop.

Meanwhile, his words from the press conference, like a stone cast into still water, caused ripples that spread far and wide. Unsurprisingly, they reached the ears of players from other pro clubs…

-----

—MSBY Black Jackals, a top-four team from last season.

Bokuto Kōtarō was sitting with new team members Sakusa Kiyoomi and Miya Atsumu, watching the video of Kaedehara Taichi's press conference on a phone screen.

"This brat—still running his mouth like that!" Miya Atsumu grumbled through clenched teeth.

"It's a shame I'd already decided to be a 'normal' ace when I graduated," Bokuto said, eyes sparkling. "Otherwise, I totally would've said the same thing!"

Sakusa Kiyoomi frowned and edged slightly farther away from the two. "Could you guys not be so loud? You're practically spitting on me."

MSBY's captain, Meian Shūgo, wandered over curiously. "Didn't you guys say Kaedehara Taichi was a good friend of yours? You sound like you hate his guts."

—"He's not!" Miya Atsumu and Sakusa Kiyoomi snapped in unison.

"Oh, he's not?" Bokuto blinked innocently.

Meian tilted his head. "Kids these days sure have complicated friendships…"

-----

—Schweiden Adlers, last season's runner-up.

"He's from your hometown, right, Wakatoshi?" Captain Hirugami Fukurō asked. "Kid's got guts, I'll give him that."

"Yeah," Ushijima Wakatoshi replied calmly. "Taichi is a very capable player. He doesn't joke around."

"But we're the ones winning the title this season!" chimed in new member Hoshiumi Kōrai.

"Hahaha, you're still as confident as ever, Kōrai," Hirugami chuckled. "Sachirō said you used to talk about Taichi a lot back at Kamomedai."

"Yeah. Never thought he'd be joining the pros the same year as me," Hoshiumi said, his eyes gleaming. "This time, I'm definitely going to beat him!"

-----

—EJP Raijin (shortened as EJP), last season's champions.

EJP's ace, Akutsu Ao, let out a mocking chuckle, his lip curled slightly in scorn. "So this is the brat who beat you guys in high school?"

Suna Rintarō said nothing, frowning.

Akutsu glared at him.

"Yes, senpai," Komori Motoya quickly stepped between the two.

"Kid thinks way too highly of himself," Akutsu scoffed. "Really thinks playing pretend in high school is enough to make waves in the pros?"

He shoved Komori aside and looked down at Suna with a smirk. "What do you say, Mr. U-19 National Team hopeful Suna Rintarō?"

"…Taichi is strong," Suna replied, clenching his fists. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

"Hmph, was strong in high school," Akutsu sneered. "But probably just like you—won't even last one real match."

"What a shame the new season's still half a year away…"

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