If he only needed 18 more points, then he would reach the level of the youth national team. By then, he could become a player on Japan's youth team and enjoy better stipends and specialized training.
But if he really wanted to receive those benefits, he still had to make it through the Spring High qualifiers. Only then would he have a chance to be selected for the youth national team.
"The match is over, and in the end, Hank beat the university team!?"
Yui Michimiya felt a little dazed inside. She had never imagined that Hank's true strength would be this terrifying. It had already gone beyond anything she could understand. Was he still the little brother she remembered?
"How is that possible!? That guy named Hank scored 18 points all by himself in the match. That's just too terrifying."
"A perfect-type Ace. It already feels like his edge is starting to show. This is honestly ridiculous."
"We're really supposed to spend three years in the same club as a monster like that!?"
After seeing the strength Hank had just displayed, many of the people who were also planning to stay in the Aoba Johsai volleyball club were instantly stunned. It was the first time they had ever felt this kind of pressure. He was so strong that he didn't even seem like a middle schooler anymore.
If he had only just joined the team, then he could probably already become one of its starters.
That was simply an undeniable fact.
"Alright, the match is over."
"Next, I'll announce the list of players Aoba Johsai will be developing as its main starters."
Coach Irihata stood up and walked over to Hank, giving him a long, deep look. The joy in his eyes was impossible to hide. In his view, Hank was practically the most perfect raw volleyball talent imaginable. As long as he was polished a little more from here on out, Aoba Johsai would absolutely be able to fight its way from Miyagi Prefecture all the way to the national stage.
He was not exaggerating on purpose.
What Hank had just shown was already enough to foreshadow the future.
If nothing unexpected happened, this guy named Hank would soon make his name ring throughout the volleyball world.
"Setter, Toru Oikawa."
"Middle blocker, Akira Kunimi."
"Blocker, Yutaro Kindaichi."
"Opposite, Hajime Iwaizumi."
"Libero, Shinji Watari."
"Wing spiker, Hank."
...
Coach Irihata slowly announced the players he believed were currently the best choices for every position at Aoba Johsai. As expected, it was almost the same as the starting lineup from the original story.
Kindaichi and Kunimi, both formerly from Kitagawa Daiichi, had only just joined the team, yet they were immediately selected to be developed as starters. That was because they had already received systematic training back at Kitagawa Daiichi.
And in every respect, they were more talented than the other players.
The biggest adjustment caused by Hank's arrival was Iwaizumi's role. In the original story, Iwaizumi had originally served as a wing spiker, but because Hank had joined, the coach chose to make him give way. On the surface, that kind of adjustment would naturally make Iwaizumi feel like he had lost face.
But everyone had seen the strength Hank had just displayed with their own eyes.
If nothing unexpected happened, then as a wing spiker, Hank would definitely become Aoba Johsai's signature player in the future.
"As for the starters, that's how the adjustments will be made. Aoba Johsai is known from the outside as a powerhouse, so from now on, we cannot afford to embarrass ourselves. Strive to win every match you play!"
"After you officially enter Aoba Johsai, the first team you will face..."
"...will be Karasuno High. It was once a fallen powerhouse. Even though it's now burdened by the curse of the flightless crows, you still need to be careful. Use this opportunity to build chemistry with each other."
"After the practice match with Karasuno, the team will arrange for you to enter the Spring High qualifiers. Before Spring High arrives, make sure you are fully prepared."
...
Coach Irihata folded his arms and spoke with a stern expression. He had more or less said everything that needed to be said now, so these starters could be sent home. After all, what they truly needed to prepare for was the upcoming Spring High qualifiers.
As long as Aoba Johsai could successfully break through the Spring High qualifiers, they would receive far more attention. Not only would the entire club's standing rise, but even he, as the coach, would benefit from it as well.
That was why he was paying such close attention to all of this.
"Karasuno High!? Isn't that my school!?"
After hearing what Coach Irihata had just said, Yui Michimiya was clearly stunned for a moment, then immediately grew surprised. So Aoba Johsai was going to play Karasuno this soon!?
Things were moving even faster than she had imagined.
And from what she had just heard, there was not much time left before the Spring High qualifiers either. It would probably start very soon. When that time came, Hank would also be able to stand on a real volleyball stage.
"Hey there, Hank!"
"We'll be working hard together from now on. That spot of yours was one Iwaizumi gave up, you know. A junior taking a senior's place? He's definitely holding a grudge over that."
"If you don't perform well, he might start targeting you in the future!"
Toru Oikawa hurried over to Hank and spoke with a cheerful smile. But just as he was about to keep rambling on, Hajime Iwaizumi, who had been standing behind him the whole time, walked over with a dark look on his face.
(End of Chapter)
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