Just as Azumane Asahi and Sawamura Daichi were chatting at the gym entrance, Ukai Keishin, who had agreed to act as coach for the time being thanks to some provocation from Nekoma, was at the entrance of Sakashita Shop, already aware of the current state of Karasuno.
While untying his apron, he asked Coach Kobu about which Karasuno players currently had the skill to be starters.
After learning about the lineup of first-, second-, and third-year players and receiving a rough idea of their abilities, a bold thought formed in Ukai Keishin's mind.
"Hey, Sensei, the volleyball team needs to select the starting lineup, right?"
"Huh?"
Even though Kobu-sensei didn't know why Ukai, as a temporary coach, asked that, he honestly answered the question.
"Well, if I'm coaching, I need to observe the players' technical skills, tactics, and strengths myself."
"Why not just hold a match to decide the starters?"
Kobu-sensei was a little stunned by Ukai's suggestion.
"Eh?!! That's… sudden?"
Ukai, however, looked completely matter-of-fact.
What's sudden about it? It hasn't been long since the practice match. If we don't pick the starters now, the team won't have enough time to build coordination.
"Right. The first-years have a pair capable of some impressive quick attacks, and there's also the core lineup from the championship-winning Junior High team, right?"
This time, Kobu-sensei roughly understood Ukai's plan. If it was a starter-deciding match, the coach would need to gauge both sides' strength. From the way he asked, it seemed he intended to split the first-years into two teams.
"Exactly. One first-year is over two meters tall as a middle blocker, and the other is nearly 1.9 meters and was MVP in Junior High, making it to the national semifinals."
Kobu-sensei shared everything he knew, painting as clear a picture of the players' abilities as possible for Ukai.
Two meters tall! I'd heard about that before, but seeing it confirmed now… that's impressive.
Still, a Junior High MVP is different in high school.
Even a national champion MVP from Junior High won't have the same overwhelming ability once facing upperclassmen who have trained for two more years.
"Well, anyway, I'll give my teammates a call, see how many can come. If too many show up, they can watch from the sidelines. More or less, it balances out, haha!"
With that, Ukai picked up his phone and began dialing.
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After brief introductions and an announcement of the match, Ukai declared that this game would determine the starting lineup. Any player wishing to be a starter could participate. If too many joined, he would rotate substitutes in order.
"Let me make this clear: I will not choose the starters based on who wins this match!"
"I'm only observing your skills, fighting spirit, strategy, and physical abilities to determine who earns a spot on the starting roster."
"Don't think just doing what's expected is enough!"
Only by giving everything can you bring out the best in your teammates. Treat this match as a real one, and take it seriously!
Assuming the role of coach, Ukai naturally adopted the same strict, piercing demeanor as his grandfather.
Although unintentional, the separation between the first-year team and the veterans eased pressure on Nishinoya Yuu, he wouldn't have to shoulder the burden of proving, "Even without Asahi, we can win."
Instead, the second- and third-years, plus members from the neighborhood association team, formed the veteran squad.
Once the available neighborhood team members arrived at the gym, sharp-eyed Hinata Shoyo spotted Azumane Asahi, who had come to the gym out of habit, unable to let go of volleyball.
Ukai opened the gym doors with a scolding shout, dragging Asahi inside.
"What are you doing! So lazy, running late? I was about to check your abilities!"
"What grade are you? What position do you play?"
"Uh… third-year, wing spiker."
"Then get in here quickly!"
After Ukai's scolding, Asahi hesitated but eventually stepped into the gym.
Sugawara Koushi naturally walked beside Asahi, standing with his old teammate, and turned to Kageyama Tobio.
"Kageyama, after the practice match against Seijō, I stood safely behind someone with overwhelming skill like you."
That doesn't mean I'll willingly hand over my starting spot.
"If you want this position, then fight for it!"
"Use your skill, and beat me fair and square!"
Seeing Sugawara call out to his junior, Asahi felt a twinge of embarrassment.
All my former teammates have become more reliable, and here I am, standing on the court without purpose…
But… I still love being here.
"Asahi-senpai."
From the first-year team, a tall player with a slicked-back hairstyle called out to the returning Asahi.
"If you're going in, I suggest you give it your all."
"This is a match that will decide whether your teammates can become starters."
"If you lose… I don't know if you care, but Sugawara-senpai and Daichi-senpai won't sit out their final year of high school on the bench without reason."
Hearing this, Asahi froze, staring at Sugawara and Daichi in disbelief.
Seeing both silently nod and then show solemn expressions, he turned slightly angry at Ukai.
"Coach, how can you put third-years on the substitutes list?"
"Huh?"
Ukai looked confused at first, then noticed Sugawara gesturing from behind Asahi and Ichinose Guren winking from the side.
I don't know what's going on… but if everyone says so, I'll go along with it.
"Huh? I'm the coach. I decide who starts and who sits."
"Besides, isn't volleyball all about the strong standing on the court?"
"I don't know your situation, but if you don't want to sit out or see friends on the bench, then give it your all and beat the opponent!"
Seeing Ukai's sudden fierce expression, paired with his yellow hair, headband, and earrings, Asahi, not as tough inside as he seemed, took a step back.
But… this is about my two teammates' starting spots. I can't back down.
He quickly adjusted his mindset, opening his eyes wide at Ukai.
"Got it!"
"I'll prove to you, alongside them, that they have what it takes to be starters!"
Ichinose, who had impulsively initiated this whole scenario, remembered Asahi's personality clearly.
Rough exterior, but sensitive and soft inside.
Not always steady or carefree, but willing to give everything for his teammates.
The ace of Karasuno, who once touched the realm of monsters against European and Taiwanese high schools.
Azumane Asahi.
It's time to sleep… but I want to finish the battle for the starting spots first.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria