Taking place at Alqamar stadium in front of a packed audience with a beautiful sunny backdrop of the beach and sparkling blue sea, the highly anticipated match between 2nd ranked Hugh-Napri and 10th ranked Toka getting ready to start shortly. Many big name celebrities were in attendance to watch the team highly touted as the favorites of the tournament but there were also a considerable number of big name figures from Ikayumu who were in attendance as well to show support for Toka, who were the best team to represent the island nation. The colors of Hugh-Napri today are their signature Purple and Teal with teal ink and for Toka the colors they sported were their White and Red with red ink. The taiko drums banging ahead of the first match courtesy of the Toka Taiko team dream dressed in the team colors, the natives of Ikayumu sport their traditional garbs and perform a pre-game ritual chant to hype up their side in turn; Hugh-Napri were also performing a pre-game ritual to hype up their side as well.
The two teams appearing with their starting rosters unveiled just before the first set of booyah ball, both teams intended to continue the trend seen recently of saving their best players and rotations for the later rounds, primarily due to the construction of the game modes for this particular round of the tournament where there was room for leniency. For Hugh-Napri, Shiore was the only regular starter deployed for battle accompanied by Shinsuke, Toshi, Hanano, and the Sanada Brothers, a task that only she could handle as the most mature member of the team's third years although it was surprising to see the team captain wasn't even participating right from the beginning-a testament to the confidence Hugh-Napri had in their players. For Toka, their lineup for the first round consisted of captain Shunpei, Chitose, Aoki, Meiko, Kachiya, and Masahiro. A coin toss followed shortly after with the two captains shaking hands with another, it was Toka who won the toss and would start the first set of the first round with the ball.
The noise elevated and the players ready, the whistle blew to start the first match of the second day of the round of 16. The swirling bright red ball resembling a rising sun soars high, connecting with the roller of Kachiya who slams it over the net promptly after. Hugh-Napri are quick on the response and it's Mata of the Sanada brothers who stops the attack and sends it over to Shiore who'd already planted her feet squarely in preparation; she knew her attacker before any of her teammates did, which they'd already grown accustomed to and were aware that their role was to keep up with her at all costs-she was in a league of her own as is. A trio launching up high in Shinsuke, Toshi, and Kugo Sanada, the ball infused with teal and red ink zipped over to Kugo on the delivery, who smashed it over the wall of Aoki and Masahiro. First rally point goes to Hugh-Napri. Already loud as is, that first point bodes well for Hugh-Napri's confidence as a team looking to put away their opponents early to avoid any funny business late into the match as seen recently in other matches. Toka weren't fazed by that early deficit however as captain Shupei clapped his hands together and got them focused to defend. A serve coming from Hanano following that first point scored, Toka was responsive! A diving save coming from Meiko, Shunpei set up an attack to Chitose that beat Hugh-Napri's wall to even up the score. In response a furious roar followed from the Toka supporters who began to sync up with the taiko team and do a short song just before the next serve by Masahiro. Delivering a fiery serve to reflect the emotion of his fellow countrymen, Masahiro's serve evaded contact from Hugh-Napri and snagged a 2-1 lead for his side. Hugh-Napri responded however on the next possession with a block point earned from a rally and tied up the score. What followed was a back and forth display that highlighted just how competitive both sides were. When one side scored, the other side followed in similar fashion, which resulted in a tied score at 7 following some trades of block points and close calls.
Toka jumped to 14-9 lead following this exchange, starting with a pair of ace serves from Shunpei, who benefitted off the rotation and got a chance to strike Hugh-Napri when they were gassed from a long rally point that ended in his side getting back possession when tied at 8. From there, he unloaded those back to back aces to stretch the lead to 10-8 and followed up with another rally point win to make it 11-8. But by now, Shiore and her crew had seen enough of his serves to know how to properly respond and in kind-they did. Halting his attempt at continuing the tear, Shiore took responsibility and unloaded a surprise dump to cut into the lead 11-9 and bring back possession. But Hugh-Napri couldn't capitalize and in no time dropped three consecutive points off of highly competitive rallies that were won off close calls and a solid kill that their wall couldn't stop.
"Hmm~? They're looking good out there!" Tangie hummed the tune of the band afterwards, unable to resist swaying her head in rhythm to the beating drums and the chants.
Cobalt teased a prideful smile as an Ikayuman, "They can't get ahead of themselves of course but they truly do look every bit the capable side so far. We can only hope that they maintain this intensity throughout the entire match given who their opponent is."
"I think they'll do fine. The same way Hugh-Napri aren't playing their best as of yet, neither are Toka. In that case, I'd rather take advantage of these early rounds and sway momentum in my favor!"
"I'm sure Toka are thinking the same thing, but time will tell if they'll get what they want."
A continuous display of persistence versus of intimidation, Toka didn't waver before Shiore's subtle aggression and answered with point after point shutting down her attempts to generate momentum and create a comeback by nipping the attempts in the bud with a combination of block points, ace serves, kills off of rallies, and an occasional surprise call that went their way to derail the turnaround of Hugh-Napri. The score at 23-20 with Hugh-Napri coming off a successful pair of points won off of rallies following a stop to the surging rally that started when Toka was up 18-11, the team led by Shiore climbed back slowly and trimmed the deficit to only a 20-18 difference before Toka responded in kind to make it a 23-18, which is when Hugh-Napri found themselves where they currently were behind the two points won. With Kugo Sanada up to serve yet again, Hugh-Napri continued their surging comeback with aggressive attack after aggressive attack knocking on the wall of Toka each time that seemed to weaken with every strike. A dive from Mata, an emergency serve from Hanano, the power strike from Shinsuke, all chain together to win a point and close the gap to just a three point difference. The noise of Hugh-Napri starting to take effect, Toka needed to close it out soon or risk a devastating choke job. After conceding three consecutive points following their sizable lead, the concern for Toka grew as it seemed like Shiore and Hugh-Napri were figuring them out and close to breaking through before the end of the first set. Yet another serve delivered by Kugo, Toka tightened their response.
"I got it!" Chitose signals, sending the ball over to Shunpei who quickly launches a delivery over to Aoki for an attack.
Aoki's kill is met by the wall however and ends up right where Shiore wants it for a perfect setup to Toshi, who follows through flawlessly. Unfortunately, his hopes to trim the score to just a couple points got denied as Masahiro waited patiently to deny them the point, in turn passing the ball over to Shunpei who found Kachiya this time around for a strike that did break through the wall. Shiore dives, several other bodies followed. But none were successful. The point won for Toka, the score stretched to 24-21. The noise within the stadium rose exponentially as the Toka supporters could feel it: the surprise first strike landing successfully on the awesome Hugh-Napri, a sign that they could pull off the upset and send home the favorites. The possession back in Toka's hands, Meiko delivers a solid strike over the net but it lands just within Shiore's reach, who does a quick return towards Shinsuke who'd already been in flight ready to send it over. A quick but effective response, Hugh-Napri quieted the crowd and brought it back to a two point contest and got possession. Up to serve came Mata Sanada who'd been consistent the entire set thus far and once again showed that same consistency on his strike. A teal ball that soared overhead on a float, Toka's squad got in possession ready to defend…but the reception was off. A mistimed attempt by Masahiro sends the ball a little bit off trajectory and forces Shunpei to put in extra work, but the captain made it a nonfactor with his terrific control in the air sending it over to Chitose.
"Blocked by the wall but…it's in!"
Saved by the ball landing within the boundary following the contact with the block, Hugh-Napri's attempt to keep the set alive ended before the deuce rule could go into effect. A hard fought and dominant display for a majority of that opening set, Toka had a 1-0 lead and looked to be on their game today; the same couldn't be said for Hugh-Napri just yet although they were playing without most of their starters so far and still able to keep up with Toka, primarily due to Shiore's overwhelming ability as a dynamic leader. A win by a score of 25-22, the Toka supporters devoured took that result and ran with it-letting their voices be heard ahead of the next set. Hugh-Napri didn't look fazed by the opening set result but clearly wasn't satisfied, especially Shiore, who'd felt like if they kept going for a bit longer they'd pull off the comeback.
The second set getting underway shortly after, Hugh-Napri's answer to Toka's first set victory was an astounding pummeling within the first seven points scored. A difference of five whole points, Hugh-Napri managed to jump ahead 6-1 and leave Toka's squad a bit puzzled and pounce on that confusion. It was all thanks to Shiore and her decision making. Quick and efficient, she prioritized the best available player among all else on each rally, and if there were none, she'd do it herself. Versatile and unpredictable, her speed only bolstered these traits and made her a nightmare for the Toka defense. Although that shift was enough to create the spacious gap on the scoreboard, Toka's warriors weren't completely beaten and it was all thanks to Shunpei. The experienced captain rallied them and kept them from self-destructing with awareness that Shiore was the type to thrive on the weakness of others and exploit them, a testament to her ruthless nature as someone who specialized in picking someone apart. As such, Shunpei took over and did it all for his team; he coached them, he led by example through scoring and assisting on other points and even helped defend. Thanks to his monumental impact, the gap closed and the score of 11-8 in favor of Hugh-Napri no longer felt like such a massive undertaking.
The determination of Hugh-Napri proved to be existent this time around however as they continued to stretch their lead and seemingly ignored all attempts by Toka to close the gap, returning the favor from before where they were on the receiving end of Toka's punishment. A 17-12 lead for Hugh-Napri, their intentions were to never look back. Not on that first set, and most certainly not on any other points lost moving forward. They wanted their rightful entry into the Quarterfinals and if it meant having to get a little more ruthless early on, then so be it. That was the mentality the coaches, and Shiore especially, imparted upon the others. As a result, Hugh-Napri never looked back…
A tied series going with identical scores of 25-22 each going into the final set, both teams showed their determination to grab the first points in the match. Toka had done well to deliver their best against the Street Queen and her proficient bunch, but the fact that it was still tied and with that specific scoreline showed that Hugh-Napri were only getting warmed up in addition to getting provoked. For the audience witnessing the monster matchup, it was already living up to expectation. Neither team wanted to be humiliated with an early exit just before the final eight, and as such showed their intentions of surviving at all costs.
The final set of the first round of Booyah Ball would prove no different.
Both teams lined up with no substitutions made as of yet, the teams worked the other to the bone right out of the gate starting with a first point won by Toka off of Shunpei's dump that caught even Shiore by surprise. But Hugh-Napri struck back on the next possession and tied it up promptly behind a killshot from Kugo. Toka responded in like on the ensuing possession with a rally point win and Hugh-Napri answered once more with a killshot courtesy of Toshi. What followed would be a violent trade of points at every possession that left an aftermath of teal and red ink splattered all over the court with the two teams exchanging the lead like the ball jumping across the net. Tied at 15 each, the pressure compiled more than ever as Hugh-Napri's Shinsuke up to serve behind an energized squad ahead of him waiting patiently.
"Neither team has been able to jump ahead by more than a point, perhaps an interesting foreshadowing on what to expect for the conclusion of this epic battle."
"They've both been clinical but it's a shame that only one of them will emerge victorious at the end of this set; excellent showing from both teams thus far."
A strong serve given by Shinsuke, Toka are active on the defense. The rally begins, the ink starts sputtering about. Blocked shot after blocked shot followed by close calls that got returned at the very last moments, both sides were denied the elusive point thanks to the other's terrific play; it was only to go up a single point with plenty of play left but it spoke volumes to how badly both sides wanted the lead-any chance to get ahead was a chance to win. Finally, the swirling teal and red ball landed on the former's side and the point went to Toka, and with it a roar from their supporters along with the banging drums of the taiko team. The chants started to grow as captain Shunpei stepped up to serve with some confidence that he'd be the one to break this cycle of trading points and finally build the lead, but his delivery was just a little too strong! With that, Hugh-Napri were once again back in the fight and had the chance to lead.
"Point awarded: Hugh-Napri!" the lead commentator announces as they get the point off the ace serve.
There wouldn't be a second one however, as Toka adjusted and stopped the bleeding before it got any worse and deployed a swift counterattack to score back the point and tie up the score 17-17 heading into a service opportunity for Aoki to capitalize. With plenty of power put into his serve, it didn't amount to much in the presence of the Sanada brothers as they received and were in position for Shiore's quick set. This time it was Mata who got the call and answered with a nice finish to grab the lead back for his side. A consistency shown from both sides all round, this particular set had seen less of the long rallies and more of these quick points instead, which seemed to explain much for why it'd been so close.
"We're accustomed to seeing leads get created due to the flow of a match where a team goes on a run and the one trailing runs a streak of their own and is able to contain the other. This occurs several times throughout a set until there's eventually a winner. It's often in those long rallies that we see the rhythm settle in and one side is able to be the benefactor and secure the point. But in this case where both teams aren't allowing the other to establish a rhythm, what we see is a quick yet somewhat drawn out set where the points are getting tallied quickly but the pacing still feels slow because of all the slow breaks. No one is able to play how they want to exactly, and it's reflected in how close the score is." Cobalt analyzes as Toka once again ties up the score after a quick rally point is won.
Tangie gives a nod in agreement, "Would you say this is Toka's win then?"
"I'll admit this looks more like their type of game but for me to assume this was their intention is a bit incorrect. Clearly they weren't expecting this type of scenario either but are playing off the momentum and utilizing it far more usefully than Hugh-Napri. If anyone's figured that out, it's probably her…" his attention turns to Shiore, who stared at the net before her with great concentration.
"Her calmness reminds me of Violet, you know?"
"Yes, the two do share some similarities on the turf."
"But Violet's way better!"
"Mhm. I agree." he chuckled in response.
That same time at Squid Academy's practice...
"A-achoo!" Violet sneezed just before missing her target.
"Whoa there, can't be getting sick before the next match!" Sky pats her on the back with a chuckle, firing her shot afterwards and nailing her target as usual.
"S-sorry." She sniffled, confused by how sudden that occurred.
The trade continued with both sides approaching the 45th point with the score still tied at 22 following the same pattern as seen prior. When one team looked to take the lead, the other tied it up and tried their hand at it. And now, in the midst of a feisty audience that had mixes of cheers and jeers, both teams were looking at the golden opportunity that'd show itself in the coming points. The most critical points in a set looming, they prepared for war about to emerge over these last points. Up to serve, Masahiro of Toka. After being down 22-21, it was Masahiro who got the point for his side in the rally-now he had a chance to do so again from the backline serving. The red ball tossed up high, he timed his jump perfectly and released his shot sending it over the net and into the enemy territory. Swift and wild, the trajectory changed and before Hanano could receive it, the ball already veered off course and landed just in bounds. The score 23-22, the Toka supporters went berserk knowing they were just a couple points away from taking the first round from the Hugh-Napri, a feat in its own right since it was rare for a team to take a round off of them much less the first one. The serve coming from Masahiro once again, Hugh-Napri were prepared for the wild serve this time-instead getting surprised once again as a bullet of a red shot dashed by them all. 24-22, set point. A rumble ensued as the drums bang and excited screams followed with a whole buzzing side of red and white hopping about ferociously. One more time. One more time. That phrase repeated in their native tongue, the pressure grew exponentially on Hugh-Napri to spark a comeback and on Toka to close it out.
The sidelines of both teams on the very edge of their seats ahead of the next serve from Masahiro, the next rally begins. Swinging back and forth the pendulum of momentum quickens with each connection made by the players, the constant flash of red and teal intensifying as the two sides dueled ferociously for the critical point. A strong several exchanges in, both sides looked ghastly and hopeless watching the ball soar overhead and yet their bodies still kept moving. A diving save by Kachiya to keep the play alive, Shunpei once again did his set and sent it toward Meiko for another attempt. But unlike the others, this one didn't pass the net. Meeting the wall of Toshi and the Sanada brothers, it all looked like the point would go to Hugh-Napri, but just then…
"Shunpei with the save! Shunpei keeps it alive!"
A desperate attempt to save their opportune moment to take the first round, Shunpei's instincts kicked in at the perfect time. An acrobatic placement of his gun to aim the ball at just the right angle allows for the swirling ball of ink to fly high-high enough for the others to get in position while he slid to the sideline. An emergency set that needed to be done, Chitose stepped up while her teammates rushed toward the net for an all-out attack; Hugh-Napri's defense tensed up in preparation. This might very well be the point of the match: Toka wins it and they win the first round, but Hugh-Napri wins and it may very well be theirs for the taking as the one due to serve next was none other than Shiore, a monster server who always showed up in clutch moments. Up goes Kachiya, then Masahiro, Meiko followed, and finally, Aoki. Four bodies soaring overhead, Chitose launched the ball to the target. Shiore's eyes tracked the runners, counting the rushing quartet and the body language of the setter. The Hugh-Napri wall tracked the ball waiting patiently to see the trajectory of the pass and make their block, the beads of sweat clouding their vision as the sun beams a bit of its rays in their direction. The wall jumped, but Shiore sprinted parallel to the net spotting something she didn't like. Alas, the bait was taken. Masahiro was the impact player who'd stepped up big time to help Shunpei, but this time it wasn't him who had his name called. Instead, it was another-one that Shiore had been tracking carefully and noticed from the change in pace and direction that they were the targeted player. But alas, no matter how sharp her instincts or intuition-it was too late. Just an arm's reach away, her attempt to save the round ended in failure as the ball landed at just the right spot where no one could touch.
A thundering cheer roaring in for the upset win, the tale of two teams began to form. Toka secured a 25-22 victory to seal the first round in their favor, the story of that round being a matter of how every set ended the same 25-22, a score that many viewers found entertaining and a reflection of the pettiness of the two teams in how their competitiveness was so deeply intertwined in their play that they worked to best the other to the point that they sent the message via the scoreline. A sigh of relief for the Toka players, they weren't arrogant about the win but were feeling confident in knowing they could strike down Hugh-Napri. And while it was only the first round, Shiore wasn't very pleased with how that sequence went-especially because she understood the message Toka was sending with those identical scores for every set.
