After Hank successfully received Kiyoomi Sakusa's spike, the atmosphere across the entire court was instantly ignited. Gasps rose and fell from the spectator stands, as if everyone had been too shocked by this scene to calm down. Hank's performance was not just a simple save. It was more like a declaration to the entire volleyball world: his strength had already reached a completely new height.
"H-How is this possible?!" Karasuno's Shoyo Hinata widened his eyes, his hands tightly gripping the railing as his body leaned forward without him realizing it. He had originally thought Kiyoomi Sakusa's spike was impossible to deal with, especially with that kind of speed and power. Almost no one should have been able to receive it cleanly. And yet, Hank had not only received it, he had used a nearly perfect ball-control technique to send it steadily to his teammate.
"That guy… Just how much strength is he still hiding?" Tobio Kageyama frowned, his gaze fixed tightly on Hank on the court. As Karasuno's genius setter, Kageyama had always been confident in his own technique, but at this moment, even he had to admit that Hank's performance had already surpassed his expectations.
The coaches at the side of the court also showed serious expressions. Coach Irihata's mouth curved upward slightly, clearly satisfied with Hank's performance. Coach Ukai, however, fell into deep thought, as if he were considering how to deal with this powerful opponent who had suddenly risen up.
"Hank… He isn't just strong at spiking. Even his defense and passing are this outstanding," Karasuno's captain, Daichi, said in a low voice, his tone carrying a trace of helplessness and admiration. As the core of the team, he understood all too well how much impact an all-around player like Hank could have on a match.
The match continued, and Hank's performance remained dazzling. Whether on offense or defense, he displayed an extremely high level. Every spike carried overwhelming momentum, while every receive looked effortless. His very presence seemed to raise Aoba Johsai's morale by an entire level.
"Hank! Hank! Hank!"
A rhythmic chant began to rise from the spectator stands. Everyone had been conquered by his performance. Even the opposing fans had no choice but to admit that Hank had already become the ruler of this match.
And yet, Hank himself remained unusually calm on the court. His eyes were always locked onto the ball, as if all the noise around him had nothing to do with him. Every movement he made was filled with confidence and decisiveness, as though he had already predicted every detail of the match.
"That guy… He's simply a monster." Kiyoomi Sakusa gritted his teeth, his heart filled with unwillingness. As one of the strongest spikers of the younger generation, he had never imagined that his spike would be received so easily. And yet, reality was right in front of him. Hank's strength had already far exceeded his imagination.
The match entered its final critical moment, with the score between both sides still extremely close. Karasuno did not give up because of Hank's powerful performance. Instead, they fought back even more desperately. Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama's coordination remained sharp, and several quick attacks put pressure on Aoba Johsai's defensive line as well.
"The last ball!"
As the referee's whistle sounded, the match entered its final decisive moment. Karasuno served, and the ball flew toward Aoba Johsai's side of the court. Hank received the ball steadily and quickly passed it to the setter.
The setter did not hesitate in the slightest and sent the ball directly toward Hank's position.
(End of Chapter)
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