After the storm caused by Hank's situation, every Karasuno player present had their own reaction. They were not especially interested in where Hank would go next. What they cared about more was their own fate from here on.
In other words, the Spring High preliminaries.
If they could enter the Spring High preliminaries again, they absolutely had to seize that chance and break out of Miyagi Prefecture.
They had to take part in a true national tournament.
The Spring High!
...
At the same time, the members of Aoba Johsai High, who were currently training, were suddenly told to stop. The coaching staff led by Coach Nobuteru Irihata walked into the club with first-hand news. Standing before them was the Aoba Johsai group, who had already been prepared for this.
They had already finished their morning training and were actively preparing for the Spring High in March.
"Everyone, stop for a moment. I have something to announce."
After Coach Irihata walked onto the volleyball court, he looked at Aoba Johsai's first-string players with eyes full of relief. Originally, for the past several years in Miyagi Prefecture, Aoba Johsai had always been suppressed by Shiratorizawa Academy. Up until now, it had already been almost five years.
But now, with Hank's arrival, that situation had been completely changed. They had finally defeated the reigning powerhouse, Shiratorizawa, and successfully advanced to the next Spring High!
Although this had to be credited to Hank's efforts, even more than that, it was the result of the entire Aoba Johsai volleyball club working together. Everyone understood this very clearly. As long as they continued to unite as one, there was no problem they could not solve.
"First, I need to congratulate Hank, who only recently entered our Aoba Johsai volleyball club. He has already been selected for the National Youth Team training camp and will take part in the pre-tournament training as a seeded player."
"He will be part of Japan's reserve of talent capable of stepping onto the international stage!"
...
After Coach Irihata finished speaking, he glanced at Hank, his eyes full of admiration. Hank had only just entered his first year of high school, yet not only had he directly won the Spring High preliminaries, he had also earned a place in the National Youth Team training camp as a first-year student.
Something like this was already enough to declare him one of the standout volleyball players of his generation.
For a long time into the future, Hank would be used as a comparison point for power-type spikers. He was truly a near world-class player. Even if he could not continue advancing through the Spring High, he still had the chance to become an official member of the National Youth Team in the future.
"That fast!?"
After Iwaizumi heard the news, his expression immediately changed. He had not expected this outcome either. Only a few months had passed since the match ended, yet it had already been confirmed that Hank could take part in Japan's National Youth Team training.
That speed was truly too fast. It had already reached the point where they could not help feeling shocked.
"Congratulations, Hank-chan."
A trace of envy flashed across Oikawa's face, but he still quickly congratulated Hank. After all, if not for Hank, he might not even have had the chance to obtain a ticket to the Spring High. As long as he could enter the Spring High, he would also have a chance to step onto the world stage in the future.
That meant he still needed to work hard.
Even harder.
Far harder than everyone else.
"Congratulations."
Kunimi and the others immediately voiced their congratulations as well. They all felt that Hank deserved this qualification. After all, the reason they had been able to enter the Spring High was basically because of Hank's help.
"The National Youth Team training camp, huh? Looks like I'll get to come into contact with national-level talent ahead of schedule. I should be able to unlock even more volleyball skills."
"I might even be able to use this opportunity to push my overall strength into the next stage."
Hank was filled with anticipation. This was truly a great opportunity. Being able to enter the National Youth Team training camp would definitely bring him a great harvest.
(End of Chapter)
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