There was still one year left.
This time, Oikawa had already secured a ticket to Spring High. And as long as Hank was there, they would have a real chance to earn another Spring High berth in next fall's preliminaries as well.
He still had these two chances.
If he seized them, then he could also make his dream come true.
Thinking that, Toru Oikawa's eyes sharpened. He had already made his decision deep down. As long as he kept following this rhythm, everything could be achieved.
"All right, that's all for today's matter. You can continue training."
"..."
After Coach Nobuteru Irihata gave a few reminders, he began arranging the training plan for the next five days. Hank, Kindaichi, and Kunimi would all be away during that time, so he had to come up with a special training route.
There could not be any gap in their training. After all, Spring High was next. Preparing properly was the only correct path.
This was also the first time in years that Aoba Johsai had defeated Shiratorizawa and earned a ticket to Spring High. It had not been easy. They had to make the most of this chance.
After a full day of club training, everyone from Aoba Johsai came to see Hank off. After all, for the next five days, Hank would be taking part in the All-Japan Youth Training Camp. A preparatory event of that level would naturally be held in Tokyo.
In other words, they would not be seeing him for a while.
"Hank, see you in five days!"
Akira Kunimi and Yutaro Kindaichi both nodded at Hank. After the final battle against Shiratorizawa, they had come to hold deep respect for him. All of it came from the fact that Hank had led them to defeat such a powerful opponent.
If Toru Oikawa's presence allowed each of them to bring out one hundred percent of their ability, then Hank's presence made them firmly believe that they could defeat any opponent.
Aoba Johsai had not come this far easily.
"Good luck, Hank."
Toru Oikawa stepped forward and hugged Hank, a warm smile on his face. Hajime Iwaizumi beside him also saw Hank off as he prepared to leave.
They had truly accepted Hank and regarded him as a close friend.
"See you."
At that moment, Kentaro Kyotani also walked out from the team and saw Hank off. Because of Hank, he had been able to return to training.
"...See you in five days."
Hank waved, signaling that they did not need to see him any farther. He was about to leave this place and head to Tokyo. There was no need for them to keep sending him off.
After a simple farewell, he turned and left.
Just then, Kiyoko, who had already finished her own club training, also arrived at the entrance of Aoba Johsai. She had come both to congratulate Hank and to check on him.
"I didn't expect that you would already be selected for the Japan Youth National Team training camp. Congratulations."
"I might not necessarily make the final roster."
What Hank meant was not only that he might not remain as an officially registered member of the youth national team two years from now. More than that, he did not really intend to stay in Japan forever.
He wanted to go to a true volleyball powerhouse.
He wanted to become one of the world's very best volleyball players and compete against the strongest group of volleyball players.
(End of Chapter)
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