Speaking of which, because Shoyo was so easy to get along with, Hank's relationship with Karasuno had grown much closer as well.
Thinking about it, Hank's mind filled with memories of the time he had trained with Karasuno's school team. He could honestly say he missed those days.
But judging from the way things looked now, he would still be spending a long time around them.
At that thought, warmth immediately rose in Hank's chest. When it came to the people from Karasuno, he truly could not bring himself to get angry at them. After all, their personalities were right there for everyone to see. Being around them simply felt comfortable.
"I'm definitely going to surpass you, Hank!"
"Just you wait. Starting today, I'm going to train even harder every single day!"
Shoyo felt a burst of anticipation in his heart. To be honest, this was the first time he had ever felt this kind of pressure. He had never been this tense before. Perhaps it was because Hank was about to play in the final, and because the two of them were in the same year.
Compared to Hank, who had already successfully reached the Spring High final, Shoyo was still standing in the same place.
That made him feel uneasy, but there was nothing he could do about it. If he could not find another way forward, then there was a real chance he would spend his entire life as nothing more than a second-rate player.
That was exactly why he had to work twice as hard!
"Just wait. I'm definitely going to surpass you."
Kageyama, who stood nearby, also spoke in a flat voice. He did not say much more after that. Instead, he walked straight to the back and quietly observed Hank.
Over these past few days, he had already begun treating Hank as his imaginary opponent.
He had studied tactics from every angle, trying to figure out how to counter Hank. But to be honest, there was not much point to it.
After all, the current Hank had the system backing him. Even if Kageyama completely studied him inside and out, it still would not be of much use. That was simply the reality of the situation.
It was nothing more than a way to comfort himself.
"Damn it! Why did this guy have to make it all the way to the final!?"
"The world really has no justice!"
Behind them, Tanaka's face was full of frustration. He had never expected Hank to truly make it this far in the end. He was so envious he could hardly stand it, but there was nothing he could do. After all, Hank was not only good at volleyball; even his looks were far beyond Tanaka's.
Against someone like that, Tanaka could honestly say he had almost no chance of winning at all.
"Good luck!"
At that moment, Kiyoko, who was wearing sportswear, also walked over and thoughtfully handed him a bottle of mineral water. After glancing at it briefly, Hank accepted it right away.
Speaking of which, the feelings between the two of them had always been in that vague, uncertain stage. Although neither of them had said anything clearly, the others could more or less see what was going on.
No one pointed it out. It was clear that Kiyoko probably had feelings for Hank, but she had never expressed them directly.
"Everyone, it's been a long time."
"I hope I'll be able to meet you all again in future matches."
Hank spoke calmly.
Right now, his biggest problem was how to lead Aoba Johsai to victory in the upcoming final. He was not especially interested in catching up, so after saying a few simple words, he led the team straight onto the court.
Almost the instant they entered, everyone from Aoba Johsai felt as if they were standing before a formidable enemy.
(End of Chapter)
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