Once the officiating team saw that warmups were just about over, they rang the warning bell, signaling for both teams to officially take the court. In an instant, the members of both schools' cheering sections began shouting wildly, cheering on their own teams.
As the players from both teams walked onto the court, many spectators outside the court gradually began taking their seats as well. In truth, many of them were members of teams that were about to play next.
They had gathered here to observe the upcoming match between Aoba Johsai and Inarizaki.
As one of the strongest challengers at this Spring High, Inarizaki had no small number of teams watching and studying them. There were even quite a lot. By contrast, Aoba Johsai received far less attention. Only a few members from the Japan Youth National Team's alternate group had come to watch Hank's performance.
Since Hank had been selected as an outside hitter while still only a first-year, they naturally knew how much potential he had. They needed to prepare for him early.
"Now I can finally get a good look at this guy's match. Back during the Japan Youth training camp, he definitely didn't use his full strength."
Motoya Komori leaned against the railing with a surprised expression, focusing all his attention on Hank down on the court. They had all stayed in the Japan Youth training camp before, so they were very familiar with Hank. But even after training together for so long, they had never been able to see Hank's true strength.
From that, they could infer that he had not shown his real ability back then.
"..."
Kiyoomi Sakusa, both hands in his pockets, watched the situation on the court with an indifferent expression. To him, whether it was Hank or Inarizaki, both were opponents he needed to observe carefully.
On the other side of the spectator seats, Kōrai Hoshiumi was also watching the situation on the court. His eyes were filled with seriousness. When it came to Hank, he always felt a deep sense of crisis. Although he did not know where that feeling came from, he could still sense it clearly.
It was as if he and Hank were destined to face each other one day.
"So this is Hank from Miyagi Prefecture, the guy everyone's been talking about lately? I've got to watch his match."
Kōtarō Bokuto had also taken a seat in the stands with his team. After the match between Aoba Johsai and Inarizaki, it would be their turn to play, so they had to arrive at the venue ahead of time. While they were there, they could also take a look at the match between Aoba Johsai and Inarizaki.
...
After the three commentators in charge of the national-level volleyball broadcast took their seats, the large replay screens overhead were all switched on. At last, the sound of the whistle rang out across the venue, announcing the official start of the match.
The players from both sides all took the court.
Inarizaki would serve first. As the setter, Atsumu Miya had already walked to the service line. At that moment, Inarizaki's entire cheering section suddenly began playing classical music.
Heavy percussion echoed through the venue. Then, once the referee's whistle signaled the serve, all the cheering abruptly stopped.
"Bang!"
In an instant, the entire court erupted with cheers.
(End of Chapter)
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