“Even so, you’ve made tremendous progress compared to other players who’re playing their first year in high school volleyball. You don’t see this as an activity you joined to only pass the time and have fun, right? It feels like you jumped straight ahead to the point of wanting to win and be recognized as a formidable player.” And these were all assumptions Akaashi had about the Lev based from observation and his interactions with him and the rest of Nekoma.
Akaashi glanced to the side. “You deserve to hear these words from time to time. But don’t expect to receive these comments often, especially from people like Kuroo-san and Yaku-san. You still have to prove what you can really do to your team before you actually hear positive things from them. That’s why you have to continue doing your best.” He had no idea why he talked this much about the other male. Who knows? Maybe it was something he needed to hear.
There was a sense of relief that came out of all of this. Lev did want to become a formidable player----and truth be told, if he dedicated just a little more time to practice every day, he would be. Lev didn't expect that, of all teams, Fukurodani's setter would be the one to acknowledge him. Surely, there was Hinata, but this was different!
「 You really are capable of compassion compared to all of the other guys out there! I mean, Coach Nekomata sees my potential and strengths too, but it’s really hard to get the guys around our age to understand. I’ll keep doing my best, Akaashi-san! You’ve rejuvenated my motivation! 」