When Atsumu saw the combination Hank and Iwaizumi had just pulled off, he immediately felt a headache coming on. This kind of offensive coordination had never been shown in their previous matches.
In other words, Hank had just revealed another hidden card he had never used before.
It was simply unbelievable. Why did he always have another hidden card ready to play, no matter when it was?
Although Atsumu was full of doubts, he could not say much. After all, they were on the court right now. Any distraction could alter the final result.
"Keep going!"
After seeing how effective his combination with Iwaizumi had been, Hank was instantly delighted. After all, this was the only way they could finish Inarizaki off in one push. Their Cross Attack could plunge the Inarizaki players, who had only just regained their footing, back into confusion once again.
It made them believe that Aoba Johsai still had more hidden cards left, and that alone was enough to put tremendous pressure on them. That was exactly what Hank wanted to show them.
Relying on volleyball skills alone to suppress an opponent did not actually bring that much effect. More than anything, they had to rely on the suffocating pressure that came from complete domination. As long as they could keep suppressing Inarizaki, Aoba Johsai would completely seize the initiative.
Finishing this match would then be well within reach.
Bang!
A dull impact rang out as Aran's spike was once again cleanly received by Aoba Johsai's libero in the back row. In the end, volleyball was a sport of constantly growing familiar with the other team's rhythm. Over these four sets, Inarizaki had not been the only side testing Aoba Johsai. Aoba Johsai had also been testing them.
Right now, Inarizaki had no way to deal with Hank at all. They had spent a huge amount of time focusing on him, and that had given Hank's teammates plenty of time to grow familiar with the other side.
At this point, unless something unexpected happened, Inarizaki's attack routes were close to being fully read.
Although Atsumu was still an unstable factor, even that could be predicted. With the current Hank, he could almost single-handedly score through blocks and kill spikes.
That was also why so many people had developed such intense interest in Hank. In their eyes, it truly seemed as if Hank had dragged the match all the way to the end through his own efforts. Aoba Johsai really seemed capable of defeating Inarizaki.
"Did you see that? Inarizaki seems like they're starting to look weak. I don't know if I'm imagining it, but this is unbelievable. I can't believe what I'm seeing!"
"Are you telling me Aoba Johsai can really defeat Inarizaki? How is that possible!?"
"Whether you believe it or not, it's already happening. Inarizaki, one of the top championship contenders, is actually being forced into a dead end by Aoba Johsai!"
The match had reached its closing stage. Inarizaki, who had once looked so overwhelmingly dominant, had actually been pushed to the brink by Aoba Johsai.
The score had already reached 17–12. Aoba Johsai held a considerable lead. It was clear that they had been stunned by the overwhelming strength Hank kept displaying.
For a while, not many people could react in time, let alone stand against Hank.
(End of Chapter)
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