Haikyuu: Zero to Almighty

The serve from Aoba Johsai (Seijoh) was sharp, but Miyagi University's receiver managed to catch it cleanly.

Instead of setting up their ace, they opted for a quick attack through the middle blocker, executing a sharp diagonal spike. Seijoh's defence responded in kind, and the ball volleyed back and forth for several intense rallies.

"Miyamura, pass me the ball! I won't lose my cool this time!" Maeda called out, his tone calm but determined.

Trusting him, Miyagi University's setter delivered a clean set to Maeda. As Maeda prepared to spike, his gaze flicked briefly towards Taichi, who instinctively reacted. Without overthinking, Taichi leapt into the air, driven purely by reflex.

Wrong call. A tip!

Taichi realized too late, the ball lightly grazing his outstretched fingers before falling to the floor.

[Miyagi University 20 – 17 Aoba Johsai]

"Damn it, their adjustments are too fast," Taichi muttered, frustration simmering beneath his composed exterior. On the sidelines, Coach Irihata began signalling for substitutions.

"Don't sweat it, Taichi. You're doing great," Iwaizumi Hajime, ever the reliable senior, encouraged the freshman warmly. This year's first-years showed promise—Kanedaichi Yutaro, Kunimi Akira, and now this Kaedehara Taichi.

Aoba Johsai was a strong contender in Miyagi Prefecture, but their reputation only went so far. Beyond them stood an insurmountable mountain: Shiratorizawa. Despite having a large pool of players, Seijoh's recruitment couldn't match Shiratorizawa's elite talents. The second-years were solid, but their performance lacked the spark needed to conquer the national stage. Iwaizumi didn't resent them for this; he simply acknowledged the reality.

Yet his gaze shifted instinctively to Oikawa Tooru.

At least Oikawa deserves to compete on the national stage. He deserves to be seen by the world.

"What's with the sappy look, Iwa-chan?" Oikawa teased, flashing his trademark smug grin.

Iwaizumi's response was a swift elbow jab. "Have you warmed up yet? You're a senior. Stop slacking and show the rookies how it's done."

Oikawa's expression turned serious in an instant. "Of course. No matter who the opponent is, I only have one goal: to win."

_____

With the timeout over, Taichi returned to the bench, his body still humming with the adrenaline of the game. As he calmed himself, he couldn't help but reflect on his bizarre situation. I really did transmigrate into the Haikyuu!! world, huh? This is wild.

Over the past few minutes, his memories had gradually solidified. Before waking up in this world, he had been in his dorm, grinding at Haikyuu!!: The mobile game.

His in-game character? Kaedehara Taichi—the same name he now answered to. No wonder it felt oddly familiar when the others called him that.

The last thing he remembered was furiously pulling for the Boku Aka (Bokuto Koutarou) event banner without luck. Did I… die from overplaying the game? And then transmigrate?

No answers came to mind, so Taichi refocused his thoughts, especially on the mysterious "system" he had encountered.

[This is the Genius Omni-System]

A cold, mechanical voice echoed in his head.

"Genius? Omni? Could the name be any cheesier?" Taichi muttered under his breath.

[A genius is someone whose every effort results in tangible growth. Omni refers to the ability to master anything.]

So, basically like levelling up in a game. Considering his current reality, Taichi decided not to question the absurdity.

"So, System-sama, hypothetically, if I wanted to become a professional volleyball player, is that possible?"

[Understood. Initiating career quest: Task 1 – Become a professional volleyball player.]

"Hey, wait, I was just asking a question!" Taichi protested, but the system offered no reply.

Taichi sighed. Fine. That works too. If I'm here, I might as well aim for the top.

Images of familiar characters—Hinata Shoyo, Kageyama Tobio, Ushijima Wakatoshi, and Hoshiumi Kourai—flashed through his mind. Facing them on the court would be like a pilgrimage to volleyball's holy land.

[Reminder: Your current ability score is 65. Facing top-tier players at this stage will likely result in utter defeat.]

Taichi's face burned with embarrassment. "Yeah, yeah, I get it! Not now, but I'll get stronger eventually!"

"System, can you display the stats of other players?"

[Yes, but only for individuals in your immediate vicinity. Genius abilities are constantly evolving and cannot be precisely fixed.]

"So, their scores improve dynamically. Makes sense. All right, who's the strongest player on the court right now?"

[Oikawa Tooru.

Overall ability: 90.

Height: 184cm.

Speed: 86.

Strength: 95.

Stamina: 90.

Jump: 85.

Key Skills: Serve (95), Set (94).]

Taichi blinked. His serve is rated higher than his sets? Well, that...makes sense. Kageyama did learn his jump serve from Oikawa, after all. And his physical stats are insane for a setter! Still… top-tier players are usually all-rounders, so I guess this isn't surprising.

His focus returned to the court. The scoreboard now read [Miyagi University 21 – 19 Aoba Johsai]. Despite trailing, it was Oikawa's turn to serve.

This time, Oikawa's demeanour shifted completely. His usually playful expression was replaced by an intense calm.

The whistle blew. The ball was tossed into the air with precision. Oikawa's approach was measured, his jump fluid. His body arched perfectly, and his arm swung with explosive power.

The ball met his hand and seemed to compress under the force before rocketing across the court like a bolt of lightning.

"Bang!"

A service ace!

Miyagi's defenders froze, unable to react in time. The court fell silent for a moment before erupting into cheers.

[Miyagi University 21 – 20 Aoba Johsai]

Oikawa Tooru wasn't a genius—or so some claimed.

From Taichi's omniscient perspective, he knew the truth. In his three years of high school, Oikawa had never reached the national stage. The indomitable Ushijima Wakatoshi stood in his way, one of the nation's top five aces. Behind Oikawa loomed Kageyama Tobio, a prodigy whose growth was nothing short of meteoric. In comparison, Oikawa's achievements seemed ordinary at best.

But precisely because Taichi knew all this, he admired Oikawa even more. The Seijoh captain's resilience in the face of towering obstacles was nothing short of extraordinary.

'Talent can bloom. Instincts can be honed.' Oikawa understood better than anyone what it meant to claw his way up without being naturally gifted.

"Great serve, Oikawa-senpai!" Taichi clapped enthusiastically, his cheer breaking the tension. The team roared in approval as the atmosphere ignited.

Seijoh's unfulfilled dreams… I'll be the one to make them a reality, Taichi resolved silently.

[Ding. Due to the host's strong determination, additional tasks have been unlocked.]

[Task 1: Help Aoba Johsai qualify for Nationals before Oikawa Tooru graduates]

[Task 2: Lead Aoba Johsai to the national championship.]

Taichi took a deep breath. "Bring it on."