Inarizaki's serve quality is extremely high. In the first set, except for Hinata, who made severe errors, basically everyone could score consecutive points through their serves.
Even Suna, the only one who couldn't perform a Jump Serve, had an incredibly strong grasp of timing and positioning. He was the perfect embodiment of what it means—that the serve is the ultimate weapon.
Karasuno's defense is held up by Sawamura Daichi and Nishinoya Yu.
Azumane admitted that Owari Aran's dual-threat playstyle, excelling in both offense and defense, was indeed cool and effective, but receiving could not be trained in a short period of time, let alone for him, who already had some shortcomings in that area.
It would be better to focus on the jump serve he has already been practicing; with a coach available to guide him now, his training will be twice as effective.
Sugawara Koushi also nodded. "If Kageyama wants to adjust the tactics, many things will need to be rearranged as well."
Seeing the players begin to discuss among themselves, Ukai Keishin breathed a sigh of relief.
In the end, it turned out that he was the one with the worst mental fortitude; he was truly a terrible coach.
I should look back and see if I can go back and learn some lessons from the old man.
On the other side, Coach Kurosu looked at Hinata with considerable satisfaction: "Shoyo played well, he is also very proficient with the tactics he currently uses."
Hinata scratched his head somewhat sheepishly. "It's because the seniors are amazing."
Coach Kurosu had always used this kind of encouraging teaching style, which was indeed very effective for Hinata, Rishia, the others, who constantly lacked sufficient confidence.
Similarly, in front of the twins, Coach Kurosu would also frequently start roaring.
In a good mood, Kurosu looked at Miya Atsumu: "Atsumu, when you go back, you can start training Shoyo in back-row attacks and positional differences. Continue practicing receiving and serving as usual, also carry out physical training according to Coach Kosano's arrangements; Shinsuke will supervise this part."
Kita Shinsuke nodded. "Yes."
Tactical training proceeded very quickly; for Hinata, receiving and several types of physical training were even more important.
At this stage, Hinata's height is sufficient to compete against teams like Karasuno and Aobajohsai, but once he eventually faces Shirabu in the future, his current level won't be enough to handle him smoothly.
Without the guarantee of being able to hit above the block, Hinata must continue to strengthen his power and hang time.
Even if Coach Kurosu himself is not skilled in this area, he can still find other teachers for Hinata.
After all, so-called powerhouse schools all have their own foundations.
However, including the training models for players, every school has more or less a certain gap.
The training models of Itachiyama and Inarizaki are more or less similar; under the premise of casting a wide net, resource allocation is relatively even, striving for all-around development and success in every field.
If you want to talk about differences.. it might just be that most of Inarizaki's players were scouted by Coach Kurosu, whereas Itachiyama's players come to them voluntarily.
Compared to that, Shiratorizawa and Shirabu have relatively concentrated resources, as they pour all their efforts into their best players.
However, this training model is also highly effective, capable of producing an extraordinary player in just two or three years.
As for Karasuno.. they are in a state of being a makeshift squad, stuck in a dead end with no support.
Setting Kageyama aside for now, after all, he is a newcomer with great potential for growth.
What Kurosu found most regrettable was their Libero.
Athletes in their adolescence grow rapidly in every aspect; these three years of high school are enough for someone to undergo a complete transformation, some bad habits from junior high can be corrected in time during the first year.
As far as Kurosu knew, Karasuno had gone without a coach for a long time.
Karasuno's Libero is a talent who, in some respects, is not inferior to Komori or Yaku, but currently is in a state of completely wild growth, it is clearly visible that he has not received enough training.
Whether it be experience or awareness, he is not even a fraction as good as players of the same age and level.
—It was a pity, though.
But none of this matters to Inarizaki anymore. Once they step out of Karasuno's gates today, they likely won't have any further intersections in the future.
Teams that fail to make it to the nationals will ultimately be swallowed by the masses. Talented players might slowly emerge during their university years several years later, but that is a story for another time.
Sports competition is just that cruel.
But as long as Kurosu Masamune is around, he will always do his utmost to pave the way for the children.
This was also his promise as a coach.
Coach Kurosu looked at everyone: "Try to experiment with new things as much as possible this afternoon as well. Rintaro, don't be too lazy, Middle Blockers, pay attention to blocking more.."
Author's Note:
You guys! Read the story properly!
No! Fighting! Allowed!!
Anyone who fights will be brought to justice by me! [Wailing]
Chapter 43: The Forty-Third Fox
Happening simultaneously with Karasuno's tactical improvements was the gradual correction of Hinata's movements during high balls.
After noticing that Karasuno's blocking lacked much momentum, Miya Atsumu also reduced the number of times he provided Hinata with Quick Attacks.
Rather than showing off with meaningless Quick Attacks, the best choice was to strike while the iron was hot and let Hinata stabilize his touch.
Under the discussion of the coaches from both sides, the rhythm of the afternoon match was very slow.
Karasuno also extended their timeouts, allowing them to correct various issues on the fly.
Until the day's training matches ended, Karasuno failed to narrow the score difference to within 10 points.
After the final farewells, the Inarizaki members took a brief rest before leaving the Karasuno Volleyball Gym one after another.
Lagging behind at the very end of the group, Hinata still looked back one last time before stepping out of the Karasuno Volleyball Gym.
Kageyama lowered his eyes, thinking about today's match, mechanically turned around to help pack things up.
And just then, he heard a call.
“King.”
He turned his head, what met his eyes was Hinata Shoyo, standing in the doorway against the light.
The sun, already sinking toward the horizon, dyed the sky the same color as Hinata Shoyo's eyes; reflected against the red uniforms of Inarizaki High School, those orange-red eyes became even more vivid.
Kageyama saw the reflection in those eyes.
—It was him, standing in the shadows.
The blond Setter nearby turned his head, quietly observing the two of them with a sidelong glance.
Hinata rested one hand on the wall beside him, his originally serious expression cracked like ice, a smile slowly spreading across his face.
“To be able to meet you again.. it's truly wonderful.”
His smile held an unquestionable confidence, his tone carried a sense of relief and a hint of secret joy that Kageyama could sense.
There are gods above the three-foot mark.
Hinata never felt that those three years of doubt were a mistake, but he knew that, at that time, he was indeed somewhere far behind Kageyama.
But every single second of that effort was a stepping stone on his path to the summit.
He knew that Kageyama was incredible.
Before he even understood what volleyball was, Kageyama had already begun his own volleyball journey.
That time was much, much earlier than his.
The gap in experience was an almost insurmountable chasm. In the past, he might have been like a frog at the bottom of a well, looking up at Kageyama's gaze from the mouth of the well, completely unaware of just how vast the other's world truly was.
Fortunately, he had already poked his head out of that well, only to find with surprise that Kageyama was still there.
Ten meters against gravity is worlds apart from ten meters against friction.
And now Hinata is going to..
—Chasing time.
Look, King, he is already even stronger than he was in the past.
He is already capable of looking the King in the eye with his head held high, say with immense pride, "I am playing volleyball."
Miya Atsumu's somewhat languid voice drifted from the distance: "Shoyo-kun, let's go."
Hinata immediately turned back and shouted, "I'm coming right now!"
He looked back at Kageyama, the confusion he had felt when first stepping inside replaced by a drive to keep moving forward.
The boy, bathed in sunlight, spoke softly, "Anyway.."
I'm heading out first.
The resonant words struck Kageyama's heart, while Hinata had already turned his head and was striding rapidly toward Miya Atsumu.
The King raised his hand, only to lower it the moment it touched the setting sun.
The next second, he clenched his fist tightly and stepped across the line between light and shadow without a moment's hesitation.
Hinata!
Hearing his name called, Hinata turned around and saw Kageyama bathed in sunlight.
No matter where you plan to go, you'd better hurry up.
Because.. if you relax even just a little, I will definitely crush you.
Exhaling softly, it seemed as though the unwillingness and resentment accumulated in his heart had departed along with his words.
Without waiting for Hinata to say anything, Kageyama spoke again, "See you."
See you at the top of volleyball.
If that day truly comes.. he thought he would definitely set for Hinata.
"See you," Hinata replied.
Standing at the entrance of the Karasuno Volleyball Gym, Kageyama looked straight toward where the sun was setting, his eyes squinting involuntarily from the piercing light.
Ah..
So warm.
Alright, Kageyama, come in and help us out." Sugawara Koushi patted Kageyama's back. "Even though you're exhausted too, but..
Seeing the tears streaming down Kageyama's cheeks, he was a bit stunned. "Kageyama?"