The reason Fukurodani struggled so much today was that many poor-quality balls were forced into Bokuto's hands.
Under the suppression of Yunnan and Bōwàng's blocks, Fukurodani was forced into a continuous retreat.
But once Bokuto began to adapt to this state and started actively seeking out back-row attacks and spread tactics.. the situation reversed.
Watching Fukurodani tie the score on the court, Miya Atsumu spoke softly, "How should I put this.."
Hinata looked up at him.
If it were me, I'd probably have the Ace handle the pressure, using strategic plays to elevate everyone else's abilities.
Miya Atsumu was quite interested: "But Akaashi's choice was very interesting."
Under Hinata's puzzled gaze, Miya Atsumu gave the final answer: "He chose to become stronger by coordinating others.."
“To make the Ace stronger.”
And Bokuto certainly provided strong enough feedback.
No, it should be said that it was precisely because of his leadership and state of mind that the other teammates felt like they 'could do it' too.
A loud thud rang in his ears as the volleyball flew close to Hinata before finally rolling to a stop beneath the Fukurodani team flag.
The entire gymnasium erupted.
“Bokuto! Bokuto!”
Nice hit!!
Bokuto held up a single finger, attracting everyone's gaze in the stadium like the sun itself.
One more point!!
Miya Atsumu narrowed his eyes. "He really is dazzling."
Hinata's gaze followed Bokuto involuntarily, his eyes filled with admiration and his heart with longing.
That was what he wanted to become—an absolute Ace.
"In a sense, Bokuto is inciting the others, Akaashi's approach is also very wise." Miya Atsumu's tone carried a hint of admiration.
Increasing the intensity based on what one can control—it's not about giving 100%, but about reaching 120%.
An Ace's coercion based on trust..
Miya Atsumu pursed his lips, his retracted gaze landing on Hinata.
Then Atsumu-senpai is the most amazing Setter," Hinata looked up at Miya Atsumu, his eyes bright and full of trust, "so I'm going to be even greedier.
I want two hundred percent of Atsumu-senpai.
I suppose so.
His tone held not a single shred of doubt; rather than asking, it sounded more like a demand.
Miya Atsumu's lips curled up involuntarily, his answer was practically instinctive: "Of course, at your service."
As for whether Hinata could keep up with his pace?
There was not a shred of doubt about this, because Hinata would even be ahead of him.
The match on the court had come to a standstill as it progressed bit by bit, with Fukurodani, fully showing its fangs, maintaining the lead it had previously established.
With Osa Noboru's scoring attack, the score ended at Fukurodani 25:22 Shirabu.
In the stands, Iwaizumi Hajime sighed, "Those last few balls Usui gave them.."
But he also knew that the opponent had done his best, after all, those few plays had been riddled with problems starting from the first receive.
Strength itself is built through the accumulation of hard work over time; by this stage, it is far too late to think, "If only I had worked harder during practice."
"In a high-stakes match like this, even the slightest deficiency can lead to a total collapse," Oikawa Tooru said from beside him, shaking his head.
Compared to Bokuto-senpai, Kiryu-senpai is still far too indulgent with his teammates. If those two could combine their strengths, they would be perfect.
But Bokuto-senpai is Bokuto-senpai, Kiryu-senpai is Kiryu-senpai.
Hinata looked at the crowds from Shirabu and Fukurodani lined up on both sides: "The seniors are all so cool and dazzling."
—They were all the people he looked up to.
Miya Atsumu nodded. "That's true."
Kiryu had already done his best within his capabilities.
And his personality indeed meant he wouldn't make excessive demands of a Setter, but once he reaches the professional stage in the future, more capable Setters who are willing to cooperate with him will naturally appear.
Compared to a team with an absolute Ace core, perhaps Kiryu is better suited for a team with two cores.
By then, if we add a highly capable setter, the team will become countless times stronger than it is now.
The two teams lined up by the sidelines to bow and show their respect.
Miya Atsumu and Hinata both raised their hands to clap, offering applause to all the players on both teams.
A well-matched game makes your blood boil.
Satomi, the captain of Inubushi Higashi, smiled as he looked at Kai Kiyoharu beside him: "Are you sure you want to get worked up?"
Kai stood firm. "No, I'll stay at room temperature."
The victors, Fukurodani, would be their opponents tomorrow, so it was indeed better to remain rational.
As Kiryu Ya came down from the court, he immediately saw Hinata and Miya Atsumu chatting by the Players' Tunnel.
Seeing that the two of them hadn't left yet, he froze for a moment. "Hinata? Miya Atsumu?"
The Women's Volleyball match had ended even earlier, the venue was already beginning to clear out; only the people from Fukurodani and Shirabu remained.
Noticing the Shirabu members returning, Hinata looked up at the leader, Kiryu Ya. "Kiryu-senpai!"
That last play was seriously cool! That cross-court shot broke through the opponent's defense in an instant!
Kiryu Ya scratched his head, revealing a slightly shy smile: "But it didn't have much of an effect."
Hinata's eyes widened: "How can you say that? Just now, Senpai.."
Hinata," Kiryu said with a smile, taking the initiative to interrupt him, "I understand.
He knew exactly where they had lost this match.
Although he felt unwilling to accept it, he didn't feel much regret.
No matter how much is said, it's useless.
They simply.. gradually fell behind in a battle without bloodshed, ultimately lost because their skills were inferior.
He flashed a big smile at Hinata. "Good luck in your match tomorrow."
Hinata responded loudly, "I will!"
Miya Atsumu reached out his hand toward Kiryu: "Let's meet again in the distant tomorrow, Kiryu-senpai."
Kiryu shook hands with Hinata and Miya Atsumu, one in each hand. "See you again."
He walked away with his head held high and chest out, just as he had when he first met Hinata and inspired awe.
Watching the retreating figures of Shirabu and the others, Hinata's fists clenched tightly and then slowly relaxed.
He turned his head to look at Miya Atsumu. "Atsumu-senpai, can I come to your place tonight?"
Miya Atsumu froze for a moment upon hearing that: "Coming to our room?"
Hinata nodded. "Yeah, I want to watch the recording of this match. I want to watch it ten times."
Miya Atsumu laughed helplessly. "You wouldn't finish ten times even if you stayed up all night.. besides, there's also the Ichibayashi footage."
Just watch it once. If you still want to watch it after that, we'll talk when we get back.
Hinata reluctantly agreed, "Okay."
When the time comes, I'll bring Xiaoxia along.. or maybe I'll have Osamu-senpai help keep her company.
The Third Day of Magic has ended.
The opening ceremony on the first day featured nearly one hundred and twenty teams, now only the final eight remain.
And the matches for the final two days will officially be held at Center Court, with only one match scheduled to take place during that time.
—It was truly the center of attention.
All of Ichibayashi's match footage from today's two games against Fukuda General and Karasuno have also been delivered to Inarizaki.
According to the schedule, the match between Inubushi Higashi and Fukurodani was in the morning, while the match between Inarizaki and Ichibayashi was in the afternoon.
Having plenty of time left, Miya Atsumu also opened the video of today's match between Shirabu and Fukurodani after briefly watching the footage of Ichibayashi's match.
Watching his twin brother start cutting out the mid-game time-outs and dead time, Miya Osamu fell silent: ".."
You're not watching the Ichibayashi match, but instead you're sitting here watching Fukurodani?
Miya Atsumu said with a look of righteousness, "I'm studying the tactics of these two teams; I'll probably need it tomorrow."
Miya Osamu didn't express any opinion either, turning away to take a shower in the bathroom.
As he came out, he heard a knocking sound coming from the door.
Miya Osamu, who was still drying his hair, heard the sound and went over to open the door, only to see orange hair through the peephole.
Miya Osamu turned his head and gave Miya Atsumu a thumbs-up. "You're amazing."
Then, he asked tentatively, "Should I leave?"
Miya Atsumu, who had just finished organizing the video, looked up. "Aren't you going to watch it with me?"
Miya Osamu fell silent for two seconds, then gave a light click of his tongue under Miya Atsumu's gaze. "I'm going to play with Xiaoxia."
He certainly didn't want to watch videos with Miya Atsumu until midnight..
Opening the door to let Hinata in, Miya Osamu asked, "Where is Xiaoxia now?"
Hinata blinked, failing to realize what Miya Osamu was saying for a moment: "He's still with Kita Team and Oori-senpai."
"I see. Are you going back tonight? It'll be too late and might disturb Xiaoxia." Miya Atsumu raised a serious question.
Xiaoxia was almost at her bedtime, these two wouldn't be finished watching the footage anytime soon.
Hinata also thought about this question: "Hmm.. that's true, but Xiaoxia can't just.. alone either.."