Hanamaki Takahiro and Matsukawa Issei had guessed one thing correctly.
Namely… When it came to serving power alone, Asuto’s serve was actually stronger than Ushijima Wakatoshi’s.
It wasn’t just a question of whose raw strength was greater. It was about the efficiency with which one utilised their physical power.
Although Ushijima had more raw strength than Asuto, he relied mainly on arm strength for his serves.
Asuto, however, was different.
At the moment of serving, he could combine his core and arm strength perfectly, creating an effect where 1 + 1 was greater than 2.
This was a combination of talent and experience.
It was the result of Asuto applying nearly ten years of basketball experience from his previous life to volleyball.
Ushijima Wakatoshi simply could not replicate that advantage.
Of course…
This only applied to Serving, though.
As for pure spiking power, Asuto still could not compete with Ushiwaka.
There were simply too many factors affecting spike power, and it was difficult for Asoto to prepare enough during an official match to maximise his strength.
The score became 4:3.
The Aoba Johsai High Volleyball Club regained the advantage.
Although Asuto’s performance had been fairly impressive, Shiratorizawa’s players had remained relatively calm towards him.
But after that serve, their level of vigilance towards Asuto instantly increased.
Asuto held the ball, preparing for his second serve.
This time, Hanamaki Takahiro and Matsukawa Issei covered their heads and moved out of the way.
After witnessing the previous serve, the two of them clearly understood something.
Whether Asuto’s serve would score on the other side was uncertain. But if it hit their heads, they were certain they would collapse unconscious on the spot.
Seriously… Could that even still be called a serve?
There was hardly any technique visible in that Serve.
It was pure, unadulterated power!
Bang!
Asuto leapt high into the air and violently slapped the back of the volleyball.
The ball produced another whistling roar as it cut through the air, crossing the net and flying towards Shiratorizawa’s court.
But this time, Asuto’s serve was successfully received.
On the substitute bench, Mishita Ryuhei frowned slightly at the sight.
“Again…”
“This is already the second libero who, despite seeing Asuto’s serve for the first time, has managed to adapt to its speed in just two balls… Is this what high school-level competition is like?”
Back in junior high, Asuto’s serve had been a guaranteed scoring weapon for his team.
As long as he was in good serving condition, very few opponents could receive his serves.
That had even been true at the junior high national tournament.
Yet now, after entering high school, he had only played two matches so far.
And in both matches, the opposing libero had managed to quickly adapt to Asuto’s serve after seeing it for the first time and even receive it successfully by the second serve.
This kind of discrepancy in ability made Mishita Ryuhei somewhat worried that Asuto might have trouble adjusting.
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After Shiratorizawa’s libero received the serve, their setter quickly organized an attack.
This time, the ball did not go to Ushijima Wakatoshi.
By now, Ushiwaka had already rotated into the back row.
Although launching an attack from the back row was still possible, it was a fairly risky tactic.
This would only be attempted if a team had specifically prepared for it strategically or had no other choice.
Most Setters would not normally rashly initiate a back-row attack.
However, Shiratorizawa had no shortage of attackers.
Ushijima Wakatoshi was a powerful opposite hitter and was known as the “Great Ace”.
Which also meant that besides Ushijima Wakatoshi, Shiratorizawa possessed another Ace spiker.
Goshiki Tsutomu suddenly leapt up from his side of the net.
At that very moment, the volleyball flew directly in front of him.
Bang!
The spike pierced Kindaichi Yuutarou’s single block and flew straight towards Asuto’s position.
Asuto raised his head and his gaze met Goshiki Tsutomu’s in mid-air.
At that instant, he could clearly see the emotion of ‘provocation’ in Goshiki Tsutomu’s eyes.
Asuto: “???”
‘What on earth is going on? Where did this guy even come from? Why is he acting just like Kageyama?’
Asuto was rather baffled by Goshiki Tsutomu’s sudden provocation.
Nevertheless, the ball was indeed an opportunity handed to him by the opponent.
He calmly received the volleyball and passed it to Oikawa.
“Nice Receive, Asuto-chan!” Oikawa praised Asuto’s reception before immediately organizing another attack.
After a series of coordinated plays, the ball was passed to Hanamaki Takahiro.
With only a single blocker facing him and Ushiwaka staying in the back row without participating in defensive receives, Hanamaki Takahiro calmly spiked the ball for a clean score: 5:3.
5:3.
The Aoba Johsai High Volleyball Club scored consecutively.
BEEEEEP!!!
Shiratorizawa Academy Volleyball Club called for a timeout.
Back in the rest area, the Aoba Johsai members immediately gathered together and cheered loudly in celebration.
This was the first time they had ever managed to take the lead against Shiratorizawa from the outset of a match.
Meanwhile, on Shiratorizawa’s side, Goshiki Tsutomu was fiercely reprimanded by Washijo Tanji.
“Goshiki, why did you choose to target number six just now? And you still failed to score! If you can’t give me a proper explanation, then you should already know the consequences…”
“Ugh~~ Coach Washijo, let it go this time. I think he just couldn’t hold himself back after seeing Asuto.” The assistant coach tried to mediate helplessly from the side.
“But Goshiki, remember that our opponent in this match is Aoba Johsai as a whole, not just a personal duel between you and Asuto. Since we lost a point because of your actions just now, you know what you have to do after the match ends, don’t you?”
Goshiki Tsutomu admitted his mistake honestly.
“I understand. After the match, I’ll do an extra hundred spike practices voluntarily.”
“Coach, I want to ask, who exactly is that number six on the other side? I don’t remember ever hearing about someone like him at Aoba Johsai before.” Shirabu Kenjirou took a sip of water before asking the question.
“Mm. During this year’s junior high nationals, you were preparing for the Spring High tournament, so it’s normal that you didn’t hear about him.”
The assistant coach explained on Washijo Tanji’s behalf:
“The number six on the other side is named Akashi Asuto. He was this year’s ‘Best Wing Spiker’ at the junior high national tournament. He led the previously unknown Sengoku Junior High School to qualify for the national tournament by relying solely on his own strength. His strength is extremely impressive.”
“Goshiki’s school was also originally one of the seeded teams in this year’s junior high nationals. Unfortunately, they were defeated by Kosen Junior Academy in the semi-finals, so they never got the chance to face Sengoku Junior High.”
“That’s also why Goshiki suddenly targeted number six just now.”
“Oh! So that’s how it is!”
After hearing the assistant coach’s explanation, the Shiratorizawa players finally understood.
If he was truly this year’s ‘Best Wing Spiker’ at the junior high nationals, then having that level of ability made complete sense.
Soon, the timeout ended.
The players from both teams returned to the court.
Just before stepping on, Washijo Tanji suddenly called out to Goshiki Tsutomu.
“Goshiki, if you want to challenge number six on the other side, then prepare yourself to accept the consequences.”
Goshiki Tsutomu paused briefly.
Then his gaze gradually sharpened.
“I understand, Coach.”
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(End of Chapter)