"Oh? Are you giving up on the block?"
When the score reached 16–7 and the Akashi team once again gained the attack, Iwaizumi and Yaguchi both retreated fully to the backcourt, leaving Akashi Asuka free to spike against an open net.
It was indeed a smart choice.
Defense isn't only about blocking. When the block can't stop the opponent, concentrating all your energy on receiving the ball is also a valid defensive strategy.
But…
"Is this really going to work? Can you two really cover the entire court by yourselves?"
Bang!
The volleyball dropped almost vertically to the ground, crashing inside the three-meter line before Iwaizumi and Yaguchi could even react.
17–7.
Both Iwaizumi and Yaguchi's faces froze in disbelief.
Around them, the other Seijo players watching held their breath, sensing an overwhelming force coming their way.
"So strong!"
"Amazing! Does this guy's offense even have a weakness?"
"Iwaizumi and Yaguchi don't stand a chance!"
By now, even someone with no knowledge of volleyball could tell that Iwaizumi and Yaguchi were being completely dominated by Akashi alone.
Even the points scored by Iwaizumi and Yaguchi so far came only when Akashi wasn't defending.
The gap was just too huge.
In terms of offensive skill, Iwaizumi and Akashi were somewhat comparable, but their physical abilities were on a completely different level.
However, the real factor widening the gap was serving.
Right after Akashi scored that point, the service order returned to him again.
As Akashi picked up the ball and walked to the back line at position one, not only Iwaizumi and Yaguchi but even everyone else around instinctively held their breath.
The next moment,
Boom!
With a deafening crack echoing through the gym, the ball blasted from Akashi's hand straight at Yaguchi.
Smack!
The ball bounced off Yaguchi's arms, flying far out of bounds.
18–7.
Even though everyone had seen this happen multiple times, the instant replay still left them breathless.
Such brutal, unrelenting power, it was like the word "talent" alone had wiped away all of Iwaizumi's three years of effort.
Boom!
Without pause, Akashi served again.
This time, the ball landed perfectly between where Iwaizumi and Yaguchi were positioned, causing a split-second hesitation.
And in that instant, the ball hit the floor.
19–7.
Serving is the only offensive move in volleyball unaffected by the opponent's actions, earning it the title of "ultimate attack."
Clearly, today Akashi was demonstrating this "ultimate attack" to its fullest extent.
Iwaizumi stood on the court, panting heavily, a shadow of gloom spreading across his face…
He was beginning to understand what it felt like to face a "genius." just like when Oikawa once faced him.
That helplessness, that despair, and the relentless pressure of someone closing in behind you, leaves no room to even catch your breath.
But Iwaizumi thought he might be a little luckier than Oikawa.
Because Oikawa's junior had been slowly closing the gap for years, while Iwaizumi had only known about Akashi for just over a month.
In that short time, Iwaizumi's sense of urgency had barely begun to form, and now he was forced to watch this junior speed ahead like a Ferrari zooming past him.
"Maybe with him on the team, Seijo will get even stronger."
"But… before that happens, a senior deserves some respect! It'd be pretty embarrassing if the score never even reached double digits."
Bang!
Smack!
When Akashi's third serve landed on Iwaizumi's side of the court, suddenly Iwaizumi lunged forward and powerfully returned the serve back into the air.
"Yaguchi, set it to me."
"Got it, Iwaizumi-senpai."
Yaguchi passed the ball to Iwaizumi, and with perfect timing they launched a "parallel quick attack" so fast that Sanage Ryuhei in the front row didn't even have time to jump before the ball hit the ground.
19–8.
Iwaizumi's team had successfully taken a point back.
In the final moments, Iwaizumi showed the fighting spirit of a third-year senior, but spirit alone couldn't change the match's outcome.
25–12.
That was the final score.
Iwaizumi and Akashi's 2v2 showdown was just one set, but one set was more than enough.
After the match, Nobuteru Iribata gathered all the main players, paused for a moment, then said, "So, that's the situation. From today onward, Akashi will be the team's new 'ace.'"
"Oikawa, Akashi's in your hands now."
"Yes!"
Oikawa responded decisively.
Although Oikawa often joked around, he was one of the most serious players when it came to official matches.
Even though emotionally, Oikawa preferred his childhood friend Iwaizumi to be the "ace." the result on the court had made that impossible.
That was why Akashi had to completely crush Iwaizumi today.
After all, people are emotional beings.
Compared to the newcomer Akashi, most of the main players at Seijo clearly had better chemistry with Iwaizumi.
If Akashi only beat Iwaizumi narrowly, then even if he became the ace, some players might resist him due to those chemistry and cooperation issues.
And even if only one person resisted, that would destabilize the team.
To seamlessly take over Iwaizumi's role, Akashi had to use absolute power to intimidate everyone, and that was a must for any "ace."
After confirming the team's new ace, Iribata announced the team's disbandment.
Today was the final day of Golden Week training, so after the announcement, everyone scattered to their dorms to pack up.
Akashi was no exception.
However, just as everyone was preparing to leave, two figures quietly slipped away from the crowd…
Thanks to Liyue Xingxue, Lengzhu Huaping, and other supporters for their generous donations.
(End of chapter)
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