The morning light barely peeked through the windows of Aoba Johsai's gymnasium. The air was thick with the usual excitement, but today there was something special.
The coach had planned a practice match between the team members, an internal match to test the new game dynamics, and more specifically, to see how Ren would fully integrate into the team as a new star striker .
All eyes were on Ren, who had now become the centerpiece of the team. After his impressive performance in the last match, he knew he couldn't afford to rest on his laurels.
Before the match took place, Oikawa approached Ren to go over the signs they had practiced, particularly a new special attack they wanted to perfect.
Oikawa (with a sly smile): "Today, we're going to test our new attack. I'll give you a sign while you're in the air. If you catch it correctly, we can surprise the whole team. Get ready- you to do a different jump, ok?"
Ren (nodding with a serious look): "I'm ready. You make the sign, and I react. We'll show them that even internally, we're a formidable team."
Oikawa: "Exactly. It's our secret weapon. I hope you're up to it, Ren."
Ren showed a slight smile, as if he already knew he was up to the challenge. Oikawa knew that Ren was now one of the best players on the team.
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[ The match begins. ]
The coach's whistle blew and the practice match began with an explosion of energy. Aoba Johsai competed with palpable intensity. The game was fast, tactical and, as always, very cooperative focused. Ren immediately positioned himself as a real asset to his team, catching every pass with impressive agility.
He chained actions with disconcerting fluidity, almost seeming to anticipate the movements of others. His jumps were dizzying, his attacks devastating. During an attacking phase, he performed a body feint and jumped higher than usual, sending a high-powered ball towards the opposite corner of the court.
The ball grazed the opposing team's block and headed straight for the ground, before the receiver had time to react.
Iwaizumi (while serving from the other side, after Ren's attack): "This guy... he's doing higher jumps, It seems like he has more strength than before."
Hanamaki (smiling, slightly amazed): "That's the Ren we've been waiting for."
In each phase, Ren managed to surprise his teammates with his varied attacks. His game was both complex and impactful: quick straight-line attacks, angled attacks, and even skillful feints. He seemed capable of anything, while showing great control over his body.
With the score close, Oikawa threw a high pass towards Ren. Before Ren even took off, Oikawa gave him a discreet signal, a simple flick of the wrist. This sign was all that was needed for Ren to understand that the attack had to be from a completely different angle.
Ren launched himself into the air, but instead of a direct attack, he turned 90 degrees, changing his angle to hit the ball at a different height. The ball went through the hands of the opposing team's blocker and crashed to the ground with such force that no one could recover it.
Oikawa (smiling): "It was perfect. You handled it like an ace."
Ren (with a slight smirk): "I'm starting to understand what it's like to be a genius."
The team, impressed, applauds Ren. This type of play only reinforced his status as a key player on the team.
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At the end of the match, all the players gathered around the coach, out of breath but satisfied with their performance.
Coach (with a serious but proud look): "This match was a great demonstration of what you are capable of. But that's not all. In a few days, we will face Karasuno in an official practice match ."
A heavy silence settled before everyone exploded with excitement.
Ren (thinking out loud): "Karasuno… This is going to be interesting."
Oikawa (with a mischievous smile): "This will be our chance to show them what Aoba Johsai has in his stomach. And to see my precious disciple again… hahaha."
Iwaizumi (frowning): "No pressure, huh?"
Hanamaki (laughing): "I think Ren is going to be our secret against Karasuno. They won't know what hit them."
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Aoba Johsai's team mentally prepared themselves for this great challenge ahead. With Ren in their ranks, their strength was greater than ever. The match against Karasuno was fast approaching, and everyone knew that it wouldn't just be a practice match:
it would be an epic battle where each team would show what they were capable of. Ren, growing more and more confident, knew that this match could be his first real demonstration of his abilities. He prepared to play his role as Ace, while remembering the training he had undergone to get there. Karasuno, get ready, because Aoba Johsai and his new number 1 were ready to enter the battle.