Aoba Johsai began an intense week of training. Oikawa and Ren spent hours perfecting their special attack, seeking to combine speed and unpredictability.
Iwaizumi trained the block with Hanamaki and Matsukawa to counter Ushijima's attacks. The receiving exercises intensified, because Shiratorizawa's serves were formidable.
Iwaizumi (wiping his forehead): "Seriously, Ren, do you ever stop jumping? Do you have a hidden spring somewhere?"
Ren (jumping for an attack again): "It's not my fault I was born to fly."
Oikawa (sarcastic): "And I'm the one who's supposed to manage this phenomenon…"
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On the other side, Shiratorizawa was also in full preparation.
Ushijima (calmly speaking to his team): "Aoba Johsai has good players, but they have never been able to beat us. This time it won't change."
Tendou (smiling ominously): "But have you heard about their new player? Ren Takeshi, their supposed Ace. That could be fun."
Ushijima: "It doesn't matter who he is. We remain Shiratorizawa."
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After a late workout, Ren and Oikawa were left alone in the gym.
Ren: "So, Oikawa... Are you sure we can beat them?"
Oikawa (smiling): "Are you afraid, Ren? I thought you were our big Ace."
Ren (laughing): "I'm serious, stupid."
Oikawa: "They are strong, but we can beat them. Because this time, I have you. Until now, I have never had an attacker capable of transforming my passes into lethal weapons. But you... you You're different."
A moment of silence ensued.
Oikawa: "Don't ruin it, Ren. With you, I plan to prove that we are better than Ushijima and Shiratorizawa."
Ren nodded, a determined smile on his face. Ren: "Then trust me. That's what I'm here for, King."
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To lighten the mood before the match, Ren invited the team to dinner.
Ren: "It's my tour. Enjoy it before I change my mind."
Hanamaki: "Wow, our genius also has a big heart?"
Iwaizumi: "Or he's just trying to make sure he gets the ball."
Oikawa (mocking): "He does that because he knows he needs me to shine."
Ren: "Or maybe I just want to see your ridiculous face when you miss a pass."
The team burst out laughing, the mood lightening despite the stress of the upcoming match.
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The day before the match, Ren stayed alone in the gym, working on his serves.
Ren (thoughts): " This is where it really starts. Shiratorizawa… I'll show them what I'm worth. "
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Back in Karasuno, Coach Ukai gathered his players for a meeting.
Coach Ukai: "Shiratorizawa is going to face Aoba Johsai. This match could be interesting to watch."
Hinata: "Why is that, coach?"
Ukai: "Because if Aoba Johsai manages to make them waver, they could become an even bigger threat to us."
Kageyama: "Ren... He could compete with Ushijima? "
Ukai: "Maybe. But he's still young in his role. This match will be his real test."
Hinata (eyes shining): "That means we have to go see them play!"
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To be continued in episode 10: The clash against Shiratorizawa.