By watching from the sidelines, the two of them had basically figured out Hank's current style of play. Even if they met him on the volleyball court next, it would not cause them too much trouble.
"Back when we were training with the All-Japan Youth team, he was actually holding back… This guy really is ridiculous."
When Kōrai Hoshiumi saw that Hank had actually been holding back, a trace of displeasure rose deep in his heart. After all, holding back like that was practically the same as looking down on them. Every single person wanted to stand out in the All-Japan Youth team and earn a place there two years later.
But Hank was different. He had actually tried to hide himself. It really was abnormal.
"Hank is definitely different… but compared to us, he's still far behind."
Atsumu smiled faintly. Although Hank's serve carried a lot of power, the ball path did not change. That meant it was still possible to deal with. If he ran into someone like Yaku, it might become difficult, but from the looks of things right now, Hank's spikes would need another three rotations before they fully matured.
By then… Aoba Johsai's back row would have no way of stopping Aran's spikes.
Bang!
A thunderous sound rang out. The moment Atsumu jumped slightly, he set the ball to Aran on the left. A teasing glint flashed through his eyes, and almost at the exact instant the ball left his hands, Aran, who was standing near the sideline, directly slammed the ball out.
As expected… the ball struck Aoba Johsai's back row directly, scoring with a spike.
At that moment, the point gap that Hank had originally opened was gradually pulled back by Atsumu. Now, all of Inarizaki had already seized the rhythm that would decide what came next. Hank was basically being tightly marked by Aran, coordinated play, and Atsumu.
There was no way he would have many more chances to spike as freely and recklessly as before.
From the looks of it… they were locking Hank down tightly. In fact, to them, the entirety of Aoba Johsai did not seem as threatening as Hank himself.
"A three-man defense, and it's aimed only at Hank… If anyone else from Aoba Johsai spikes, they practically only put up a symbolic block."
"Should I call them arrogant, or… are they simply not concerned about any Aoba Johsai player other than Hank?"
Overall, Inarizaki truly was one of the seeded teams at this year's Spring High. Every single player was far stronger than any opponent Aoba Johsai had faced before.
Even if Shiratorizawa appeared here now… they might still lose.
"…"
"There's a huge problem with our back-row defense."
"If we don't want to give away points for nothing, we have to block them."
After watching Aran spike the ball into the back-row sideline again, Iwaizumi's tone began to grow anxious. Right now… the first thing they had to solve was the problem of Inarizaki's spikes. Unfortunately… even if they put up a block, they basically could not stop them. They had no way to handle Inarizaki's unpredictable plays.
Especially Atsumu. No one knew what he would do next… Even though he was a setter, he would actually jump in to take the team's first touch, and sometimes he would even attack.
This was Aoba Johsai's first time facing an opponent like this…
(End of Chapter)
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