"Shiratorizawa, as the absolute ruler of Miyagi Prefecture, has strength on the surface that we definitely have to pay attention to."
"But what we need to watch even more is their depth beneath the surface."
"A best-of-five match, for us, comes down to which team's players have better stamina, and which team's substitutes can cover the weaknesses of the starters."
Hank swept his gaze over the people on Shiratorizawa's bench, and the expression on his face immediately began to change.
Those substitutes were the important players who would create the gap from here on.
Right now, he had to conserve as much stamina as possible.
And for that, another attacking point had to appear!
Now was the time to prove whether his judgment back then had been right or wrong.
During the earlier team meeting, he had insisted on bringing Kyotani into the team so that Kyotani could now take the court in Kindaichi's place. The reason he had not chosen to swap Kunimi out for Kyotani was that Kunimi had always been good at preserving his stamina.
In the next set, Kunimi would just happen to be in his best condition. Then, starting from the third set, Kunimi could also rotate in to give Kindaichi, who would have rested for one set, a chance to recover.
As for Iwaizumi, Oikawa, and Hank himself, the three of them were the absolute core of the team. Nothing could happen to them. If even one of them got injured, it would be a massive problem.
In other words, although Aoba Johsai's strength on the surface was not that far behind Shiratorizawa's right now, once the bench was included, there was actually a considerable gap between the two sides.
From here on, they had to seize their opportunities.
"Aoba Johsai was able to win entirely because of their outside hitter. Their setter is somewhat interesting too, but compared with that ace named Hank, he is still far too lacking."
"Now, all of you need to remember this. From here on, you must seize every chance and target the lifeline of their ace."
"Just create more attacking opportunities for Ushijima. The fact that they managed to win one set was nothing more than a fluke. The match has only just begun."
"Shiratorizawa has ruled for this long because our strength is not limited to this."
Coach Washijō's expression was extremely calm. It seemed that he did not feel too surprised about losing the first set to Aoba Johsai. If anything, there was even a hint of excitement in him.
After all, from what he could see, Ushijima had completely entered his zone.
For him, this was also one of the rare chances to see Ushijima prepare to exert his strength.
It was clear that Hank's left-handed spike had brought Ushijima no small amount of impact.
And naturally, this was also a contest between the aces of the two teams.
Would Hank step over Ushijima and rise higher?
Or would Ushijima crush Hank instead?
No one knew yet.
All they could do was look forward to what came next.
What had to be said was that the battle between Aoba Johsai and Shiratorizawa would definitely be even more exciting than imagined.
Far, far more exciting!
"Hiss!"
"Aoba Johsai has made a substitution. Number 16, Kentaro Kyotani, is replacing number 11, Yutaro Kindaichi!"
Just as the second set was about to begin, Kyotani, holding up the substitution board, exchanged places with Kindaichi without the slightest hesitation.
This action immediately caused a commotion within the Aoba Johsai club.
They all knew that this was going to be a major change.
But right now, Kindaichi's stamina was already failing. In order to fill the attacking position, they had to let Kyotani take the court.
However, many people in the club did not like Kyotani.
It could even be said that they hated him.
(End of Chapter)
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