Hanamaki Takahiro and Matsukawa Issei guessed one thing correctly.
That is, in terms of sheer serving power alone, Akashi's serve surpasses Ushijima Wakatoshi's.
This isn't simply a matter of overall strength.
It's about the efficiency of using one's strength.
While Ushijima Wakatoshi's overall power is stronger than Akashi's, his serve primarily uses arm strength. Akashi, however, is different: in the instant of the serve, he can completely fuse his core strength with his arm strength, achieving a 1 + 1 > 2 effect.
This is a combination of both natural talent and experience.
It is the result of Akashi applying nearly ten years of basketball experience from his previous life to volleyball.
This advantage is unmatched by Ushijima Wakatoshi.
Of course, this is limited to serving.
Currently, Akashi cannot compare to Ushijima Wakatoshi in spiking power, as too many factors influence spike power, and in an official match, Akashi rarely gets ample preparation time.
The score was 4:3.
Seijoh regained the advantage.
Although Akashi's performance had been decent up until then, the Shiratorizawa players' attitude towards him remained indifferent. However, after that serve, Shiratorizawa's level of caution towards Akashi was instantly maxed out.
Akashi held the ball, preparing for his second serve.
And this time, Hanamaki Takahiro and Matsukawa Issei both obediently covered the back of their heads, wisely moving out of Akashi's way.
Because after the previous serve, they clearly understood that regardless of whether Akashi's serve scored a point against the opponent, they would have no doubt if it hit their own heads that they would collapse and lose consciousness instantly.
Are you kidding?
You call that a serve?
There's no technique in that serve at all; it's all sheer power!
BAM!
Akashi leaped high, slamming his palm onto the back of the volleyball.
The ball once again left a 'whooshing' sound in the air as it roared over the block and flew onto the Shiratorizawa court.
But this time, Akashi's serve was received.
Mishita Ryuhei, watching from the substitute area, frowned slightly.
"It's like this again!"
"This is the second Libero who, upon seeing Akashi's serve for the first time, can keep up with the speed and receive it on the second ball... Is this what high school competition is like?"
In middle school, Akashi's serve was almost an absolute scoring point for the team. As long as his serving form was good, very few opponents could receive his serve.
This was true even at the Middle School National Tournament.
Yet now, after entering high school, he has only played two matches. In both matches, the opponent's Libero, seeing Akashi's serve for the first time, quickly adapted and received it on the second ball.
This disparity made Mishita Ryuhei slightly concerned that Akashi might show signs of 'maladaptation.'
...
The Second Ace
After the Shiratorizawa Libero received the serve, the opposing setter quickly organized an attack.
This time, the set did not go to Ushijima Wakatoshi, who had rotated to the back row. Although he could still attack from the back row, it is actually a highly risky maneuver.
Unless there is thorough tactical preparation or simply no other choice, most setters would not rashly initiate an attack from the back row under normal circumstances.
However, Shiratorizawa does not lack attackers. Ushijima Wakatoshi's position in the team is the [Strong Opposite Hitter], and his nickname is the "Great Ace."
This means that besides Ushijima Wakatoshi, Shiratorizawa has another main spiker who is an "Ace."
Goshiki Tsutomu suddenly leaped from one side of the net. At the same time, the volleyball flew directly in front of him...
BAM!
The spike went straight through Kindaichi's single block, and then flew directly towards Akashi's position.
Akashi looked up, his gaze crossing with Goshiki's in mid-air. In that instant, he clearly saw 'provocation' in Goshiki's eyes.
Akashi: "???"
What's with this nonsense? Where did this guy pop up from? He acts just like Kageyama.
Akashi felt somewhat baffled by Goshiki's sudden provocation, but this ball was indeed an opportunity sent by the opponent. Akashi steadily received the volleyball and passed it to Oikawa.
"Nice receive, Akashi-chan!"
Oikawa complimented Akashi on his receive, then organized another attack. The ball was passed to Hanamaki Takahiro after a combination play. Facing a single block in an open space, and with Ushijima Wakatoshi in the backcourt not participating in receive defense, Hanamaki Takahiro also spiked steadily for the score.
5:3.
Seijoh scored two consecutive points.
BEEP!!!
Shiratorizawa called a timeout.
Returning to the rest area, the Seijoh team immediately gathered, cheering loudly in celebration.
This was the first time Seijoh had managed to take an early lead against Shiratorizawa.
In contrast, Goshiki Tsutomu on the Shiratorizawa side was being heavily scolded by Washijo Tanji:
"Goshiki, why did you choose to aim for position six just now, and you didn't even score? If you can't give me a suitable explanation, you know the consequences..."
"Ugh, Coach Washijo, please let Goshiki off this time. I think he couldn't help it after seeing Akashi," the assistant coach advised apologetically.
"But Goshiki, you must also remember that our opponent in this match is the entire Seijoh team, not a personal duel between you and Akashi. Furthermore, since we lost a point because of you, you know what you must do after the match, right?"
Goshiki Tsutomu honestly admitted his mistake: "I know. After the match, I will voluntarily do one hundred extra spikes."
"Coach, I wanted to ask, who exactly is that number six on the other side? I've never heard of him being at Seijoh before," Shirabu Kenjiro asked after taking a sip of water.
"Hmm, you were busy preparing for the Spring High this year during the Middle School National Tournament, so it's normal that you haven't heard of him."
The assistant coach explained on behalf of Washijo Tanji: "The number six on the other side is named Akashi Asuka, and he was this year's 'Best Main Spiker' in middle school. He single-handedly led the previously unknown Senkoku Middle School to qualify for this year's Middle School National Tournament. His strength is very high."
"Originally, Goshiki's school was also a top seed in this year's middle school tournament, but unfortunately, Goshiki's school was defeated by Kosen Academy in the semi-finals, so they didn't get to play against Senkoku."
"That's why Goshiki suddenly targeted their number six just now."
"Oh! So that's it!"
After the Shiratorizawa assistant coach's explanation, the players on the team finally understood. If he was the 'Best Main Spiker' from middle school this year, then possessing that kind of skill made perfect sense.
Soon, the break time ended.
Both teams returned to the court.
Before going back, Washijo Tanji suddenly called Goshiki Tsutomu over: "Goshiki, if you want to settle things with their number six, then be prepared to accept the punishment!"
Goshiki Tsutomu paused, then his gaze sharpened: "I understand, Coach."
...