Chapter 34: Strategic Guidance
The opposing number 3 delivered another jump float serve. Perhaps because it was his second serve, this time the volleyball's flight speed and rate of change were even faster than the first time.
'I'm a transfer student, the last guy to join the club in third grade.'
'I don't have Hyakuzawa's towering height, nor the captain's incredible jumping ability, nor Hinata's agility, stamina, and explosive power.'
'But! I must do what I'm best at to perfection! Even if it's just receiving!'
Facing this jump float serve, Hoshino Masaru made his judgment. Instead of retreating, he advanced, charging straight toward the volleyball. Just as it finished changing direction, before it could alter its trajectory again.
He decisively got the ball up.
'I'll turn reception into a weapon to strike back at the opponents!'
"Nice ball! Hoshino-senpai!"
Setter Mori didn't care where the opposing defense was positioned. This time he only cared about two things:
One: Where is the volleyball?
Two: Where is the captain?
"Ichise-senpai!"
Another perfectly standard set that Ichise Guren loved most—a high ball off the net.
With a ferocious smile, Ichise Guren's figure swept past Hoshino Masaru.
His hair flowed with his body's movement, his tall frame displaying wild jumping ability.
"Thanks... for the meal!"
Another spike that completely ignored the defense, relying on his incredibly high contact point. The defensive line that these Shiratorizawa players—with their excellent physical attributes and solid fundamentals—had formed with all their might to protect their court.
But in Ichise Guren's eyes, the opposing court filled with fortresses and iron walls looked like an empty street at dawn.
He could go anywhere he pleased.
Selecting a gap that looked appealing, he slammed it down hard.
Landing for the point.
Ichise Guren licked his lips.
'That was satisfying, but it still feels like something's missing. Well, let me give them more training.'
Looking at Goshiki, who had just been spiked over his head and now wore an expression of existential doubt.
'What just happened? He spiked over my head?The three of us didn't even touch the ball?'
...
'Mental attributes are there, but strength isn't enough.'
'No matter how tough a tough guy is, if he lacks strength, he'll ultimately just be a tough guy and not a strong player.'
The disappointment was fleeting. Ichise Guren was well aware that with his strength alone, Yukigaoka could make it to the national tournament.
But the reason Ichise Guren had built the Yukigaoka system was to go further in the national tournament, and even...
Dominate nationally.
For now, he should give this rare and precious growth opportunity to his teammates.
Fighting small fries had no meaning for him anymore.
Not to mention the massive psychological impact that Ichise Guren's otherworldly spike had on the Shiratorizawa middle school players.
Just his artistic takeoff and flying form alone had completely conquered every spectator in the venue.
"What the heck was that?!"
"Ca-Captain America?"
"Mom! He must be a genetically modified human!"
"Wow! That guy can really jump!"
"Oh! Yukigaoka has a high probability of making it to nationals!"
"Who in middle school has any way to stop that kind of attack!"
The stands erupted like a boiling pot with crazy discussions about Ichise Guren's spike.
Everyone was going wild—there were kids seeing volleyball for the first time who were deeply captivated by Ichise Guren's form, veteran fans with years of experience and seasoned analytical skills, and die-hard Shiratorizawa fans looking helpless.
Seeing the situation turning bad, the Shiratorizawa coach quickly called a timeout to disrupt the rhythm.
'That captain from Yukigaoka—his spiking form is truly extraordinary, and his destructive power is unprecedented.'
'He's almost comparable to Ushijima that I coached before. Another volleyball prodigy?'
[Kitagawa Daiichi coach and Sendai coach crying tears: You're not alone.]
[Kitagawa Daiichi coach: Wait! Didn't you coach Ushijima before? You deserved it! Now it's your turn to be crushed by individual attacking power!]
"Ahem!"
The Shiratorizawa coach called his players over and began teaching them how to deal with this kind of ultra-high overhead attack.
"You do this and that, such and such..."
Seeing his players' expressions of sudden understanding, the Shiratorizawa coach smiled and nodded.
Looking at Goshiki's excited expression—I see, I'll use the super special technique coach taught me to take you down! Damn spring-man and giant!
The Shiratorizawa coach awkwardly picked up his thermos and took a tactical drink.
'Did this boy actually grow up or is he still a little kid?'
***
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