They could not quite predict Inarizaki's hitting patterns. It could even be said that Inarizaki was far more troublesome than Shiratorizawa had been.
When they faced Shiratorizawa, they only needed to keep targeting Wakatoshi Ushijima.
But now, they had to face the entirety of Inarizaki. And because Atsumu Miya was there, their already threatening attacking power had become even more terrifying.
As expected of the strongest challenger in this year's Spring High. They truly lived up to that title. This was something Aoba Johsai had no choice but to admit.
"Blocking doesn't work against us either. That's the kind of team we are."
"As long as your rhythm slows down even slightly, we'll score. No matter how strong one person is, there's still a limit."
Atsumu smiled. From beginning to end, he had never taken Aoba Johsai seriously. Hank alone could not carry Aoba Johsai. Looking across all the teams in the Spring High, Aoba Johsai's overall strength could probably only be ranked around the middle. Their Inarizaki, on the other hand, was a team certain to make it into the knockout rounds.
They would never be held back by a small Aoba Johsai.
"Looks like we have to shut down their organized offense first… But Atsumu moves like an eel. No one knows what he's going to do next."
Oikawa glanced at Atsumu in front of him, so irritated that his teeth itched. Although he did not want to admit it, Atsumu really did deserve the title of the best setter in the country.
Inarizaki had already been strong, and with Atsumu joining them, they had become even stronger.
There was also Atsumu's twin brother, Osamu Miya. When the two of them were together, their coordination felt as if they were one person.
Dealing with the team in front of them was more difficult than dealing with any opponent they had faced before.
"I'll handle the blocking. You only need to receive the ball properly."
Hank looked at the current score. It had already reached 14–10. Seriousness flashed through his eyes.
Inarizaki had already reached 14 points, while Aoba Johsai only had 10. If they allowed Inarizaki to maintain this rhythm, Aoba Johsai might be completely left behind.
That meant they had to seize the next opportunity. They could not let Inarizaki keep scoring.
So Hank was no longer planning to hide anything.
At this stage, it was better to go all out. Inarizaki was not a team that could be dealt with casually. The entire team had to work together.
"Bang!"
That included using decoy attacks, making spikes that were already hard to read become even more unpredictable in that instant.
"I've got it…"
Suna made an approach and takeoff motion. At the same time, Aran, positioned on the left, also prepared to sprint.
The two of them moved toward the net at the same time. Atsumu, standing in the middle, jumped lightly. The moment his hands touched the ball…
His wrists suddenly flicked.
The set, which had originally looked as though it was going to Aran, was sent backward instead, straight to Suna behind him.
In that instant, let alone the Aoba Johsai players being unable to notice it, even Inarizaki's own players had no idea who Atsumu was going to set to.
Just as Suna smoothly reached the net and prepared to spike, Hank, who had long since been ready, had already leapt high into the air.
He blocked the ball directly.
(End of Chapter)
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