Chapter 44: The Forty-Fourth Fox
Standing at the entrance of Shiratorizawa, the first thing that caught the eye was the massive Shiratorizawa Volleyball Gym.
Especially since they had just left Karasuno, this contrast became even more apparent.
Shiratorizawa Academy is a fully enclosed school, its overall educational atmosphere is different from Inarizaki's, leaning more towards an elite education.
The moment he stepped through the gates, a solemn atmosphere rushed toward him.
Hinata swallowed hard, feeling a bit nervous. "It's so huge—"
Unlike Inarizaki from the municipal school, Shiratorizawa is a private institution invested in by Tohoku University; judging by the facilities and environment of the entire school, it was the largest in Hinata's impression.
Aran patted the backs of Hinata and Rishia Heisuke one by one, saying, "It's okay, don't be afraid. We can beat Shiratorizawa."
Hinata swallowed his nervousness: "Okay!"
With those words, he felt relieved; at least he wouldn't be swept off the court.
However, he became even more curious; even though Inarizaki was relatively stronger, why did everyone look so pained whenever Shiratorizawa was mentioned?
Shiratorizawa is nothing compared to them," Miya Atsumu shrugged. "When we get the chance to play against Itachiyama or Fukurodani, those two are the ones that are truly terrifying.
Hinata felt that his limited experience restricted his imagination: "Really—"
Larger than the scale of Shiratorizawa?
That's so cool!
This was not the first time Inarizaki had come to Shiratorizawa, Coach Kurosu led the team into the Shiratorizawa Volleyball Gym with practiced ease.
Today's training match was of a very high standard; Shiratorizawa had not scheduled any training, but had instead prepared the gymnasium and was waiting for the Inarizaki members to arrive.
The main entrance of the volleyball gym was pushed open, the Inarizaki members entered one after another, led by the two coaches.
Watching the crowd approaching, Goshiki Tsutomu said nervously and excitedly, "They're here."
Shiratorizawa's junior high division is famous nationwide, but the competition within the prefecture is fierce, with Kitagawa Daiichi in the mix, it is nowhere near as strong as the high school division.
For him, this was the first time in his life encountering an opponent of this caliber, also the first time since entering high school that he would face a national-level team as a starter.
The Ace, second only to Ushijima-senpai, is arguably the strongest Setter..
How exciting!
Ohira Shion patted Goshiki Tsutomu on the back: "Just keep a level head today. Inarizaki has also changed quite a few people in their starting lineup. That Middle Blocker also came on as a substitute during last year's Haruko, his spikes are quite difficult to receive."
"Yes! I'll be sure to handle it carefully!" Goshiki Tsutomu responded loudly.
He has already watched the video! There's absolutely no problem!
Tendo gave him a thumbs up. "Good luck, we're counting on you, Tsutomu!"
Goshiki had a blazing fire burning behind him: "No problem!"
That being said.. this match is going to be tough.
Tendo looked over at the Inarizaki members who were already changing their clothes.
He and Ushijima went to watch the match from the day before yesterday; the variety of Inarizaki's tactics was indeed far beyond what they had originally imagined.
Since returning from the Junior National Team, Miya Atsumu's strength has indeed grown by more than just a little.
Coach Washijo's gaze swept over the Inarizaki members, seeing only familiar faces, he said indifferently, "Did the new students from Inarizaki not come?"
Coach Kurosu turned his head and called out, "Heisuke, Shoyo, come over and say hello to Coach Washijo."
Although he didn't know what the other party was planning, he certainly couldn't let them lose face.
Hearing the coach's call, Hinata, who had been helping everyone collect their jackets and pants by the sidelines, looked up and walked toward the coach, pulling Rishia Heisuke, who was still tidying his shirt, along with him.
"Coach." Rishia Heisuke came to a halt beside Coach Kurosu.
In an instant, Hinata felt a sharp gaze pierce past Rishia in front of him, locking onto him with intense focus.
He didn't have time to greet the coach and instinctively looked back at the person staring at him.
An old coach with deep-set eyes, he was among the shortest of all the volleyball coaches he had ever met.
That gaze seemed to be assessing, yet.. carried a trace of imperceptible hostility?
Cold sweat beaded on Hinata's forehead, but he stared back at the other person without flinching.
The atmosphere was somewhat tense; even the Inarizaki members who were changing clothes behind them simultaneously cast glances toward this side.
On the other side, the members of the Shiratorizawa Academy Second String shrank their necks: "Why does it feel like.. the atmosphere suddenly became so terrifying?"
After a long time, Coach Washijo finally turned his attention to Rishia Heisuke.
But he only spared a glance, showing no sign of the tension between him and Hinata.
Coach Washijo looked at Kurosu: "Your insight remains as difficult to evaluate as ever."
Coach Kurosu said with absolute certainty, "I have confidence."
After a moment of silence, Coach Washijo looked at Hinata and asked, "Who did you choose for him?"
Inarizaki's starting Libero, Akagi, is already a third-year; hearing that Coach Kurosu has selected a new Libero prospect, it should be him.
The next second, Coach Kurosu's voice rang out with a hint of a smile: "Aran."
With his answer, the entire Shiratorizawa Volleyball Gym fell silent for a few seconds.
Who? What do you mean, Aran?
Coach Washijo's originally composed expression stiffened visibly, his already serious face became even more intimidating.
His gaze fell on Hinata once again, this time.. it was full of scrutiny.
In the end, he left behind only two words: "Absurd."
On the other hand, Coach Saito's first reaction was also that Kurosu was playing them; this little guy didn't even have a uniform, so how could he possibly be Aran's successor?
Putting him in as a substitute for Aran.. doesn't that mean he's the so-called "Ace"?
Moreover, he wasn't even wearing a team uniform; he thought he was a manager.
Coach Kurosu felt a twitch in his temple.
Coach Washijo's philosophy was something almost everyone was aware of. Naturally, he did not want to deny the convictions held by other coaches, but he equally refused to accept anyone else denying his players.
He looked at Washijo Tanji, a polite smile on his face. "I really like a certain phrase that the Ace of Karasuno always has on his lips."
—Height is not a reason for someone to be unable to play volleyball.
Coincidentally, that is exactly what we think as well.
After speaking, Coach Kurosu looked at the Inarizaki members who had silently stood up behind them: "Shinsuke, go get a jersey for Shoyo."
"Yes." Kita Shinsuke nodded and went directly to the Shiratorizawa side to negotiate with the captain, Ushijima Wakatoshi.
Hinata felt a bit restless.
Suddenly having to prepare to take the court was one thing, but more importantly.. he thought he wouldn't be playing today, so he hadn't brought knee pads.
Noticing Hinata's hesitation, Kurosu asked Washijo Tanji directly, "Coach Washijo, can I borrow a pair of knee pads?"
The elasticity of the knee pads could be adjusted for now; as long as the size difference wasn't too great, they could all be used.
If you aren't ready, don't step onto the court," Coach Washijo said, glancing at Hinata before shouting, "Tsutomu, bring me your spare knee pads.
Goshiki Tsutomu, who had been secretly observing the Inarizaki side, immediately nodded and said with full energy, "Yes!"
Coach Washijo stared silently at Kurosu: "This is the perfect chance for me to see exactly how you intend to play."
Shiratorizawa will put the freshmen in the starting lineup; do as you please.
Coach Kurosu's smile stiffened for a moment.
That eccentric old man—he wasn't asking about their situation; he was clearly showing off his new students.
He admitted that Goshiki Tsutomu was a good prospect, but.. he was far from being on the level of his family's Heisuke and Shoyo!
At this moment, Coach Kurosu refused to be rational and was prepared to act on emotion.
With only their own people around, Coach Omimi finally couldn't help but complain: "Isn't Hinata's position still undecided? We'll have to wait until he practices his fundamentals more before we can be sure.."
Coach Kurosu had a look of righteous indignation on his face: "That's why we have to say something that sounds impressive."
Anyway, it's all nonsense, so might as well make it the most shocking nonsense possible.
And besides, who knows if it might actually be true?
Coach Kurosu continued to arrange the lineup: "Rishia and Shoyo, you're in for the second set. In the first set, observe the situation at Shiratorizawa carefully."
Goshiki Tsutomu was already a starter, his coordination with the team should be quite good by now, making him an excellent subject for observation.
"Yes!" the two responded.
Watching everyone go to warm up, Coach Omimi looked at Coach Kurosu: "I thought you were going to say a few more harsh words."
Coach Kurosu wiped the sweat from his forehead: "Forget it, let's keep it civil. It'll make it easier to ask for favors later.."
Omimi was stunned for a moment. "Have you already decided to let Shoyo stay at Shiratorizawa?"
How did he remember that Kurosu went to call that Coach Takeda yesterday?
Mentioning this, Kurosu said melancholy, "Coach Takeda said that Karasuno will be in Tokyo soon and won't be in Miyagi."
The reason they wanted to foster them was because Shoyo would be staying in Miyagi for a while; if they were going to Tokyo, they could go there on their own.
Moreover, he eventually made up his mind to ask Shiratorizawa, the most important reason was..
Coach Kurosu said, "People from Itachiyama will be coming to Shiratorizawa in a few days. I want him to see the spirit of a true King."
Inarizaki and Itachiyama do not schedule practice matches easily; they do so at most once a year. Shiratorizawa and Itachiyama have a very good relationship and communicate frequently.
Opportunities like this are rare, so it's good to let Hinata take a look.
For Hinata, whether it was Aran or Ushijima, their techniques weren't much of a reference; it was basically all about their footwork and jumping.
And since Hinata himself lacks sufficient strength, he cannot directly learn their spiking style.
So.. the more suitable choice would indeed be Sakusa, who has reached the pinnacle of technical skill.