The deflection seems more than fair. It isn't like Yukimura has Spain's data to work with Yanagi on. He can't strategize for the completely unknown.
That ought to be an indication that maybe this internal tournament wasn't such a terrible idea, but Yukimura supports his criticism with context of the known past, and the base claim that the coaches aren't being smart or deliberate about their decisions makes sense against those observations. Bunta certainly isn't prepared (and even less inclined) to mount a counterargument to any of them. This sort of ruthless dissection is what made Yukimura strong both as a player and as a captain. And the pride he takes in that team he captains is evident in his change of the starting lineup, a response that Bunta can't help a giggle at.
"Right? Ishida and Akutsu are both strong, but no Rikkai would lose to them. And..."
He hesitates, worried for just a moment of hurting the mood, but it's too late to take it back now, and smiles with wistful resignation.
"Well. It's a little sad not having Jackal along. He probably was overlooked because he isn't flashy, but you can't find a more dependable guy. He's the type that brings out the shine in the players he supports. The whole team could have benefited from that."
It's only the last sentence that keeps it from being completely selfish. It feels like a weak cover.
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That ought to be an indication that maybe this internal tournament wasn't such a terrible idea, but Yukimura supports his criticism with context of the known past, and the base claim that the coaches aren't being smart or deliberate about their decisions makes sense against those observations. Bunta certainly isn't prepared (and even less inclined) to mount a counterargument to any of them. This sort of ruthless dissection is what made Yukimura strong both as a player and as a captain. And the pride he takes in that team he captains is evident in his change of the starting lineup, a response that Bunta can't help a giggle at.
"Right? Ishida and Akutsu are both strong, but no Rikkai would lose to them. And..."
He hesitates, worried for just a moment of hurting the mood, but it's too late to take it back now, and smiles with wistful resignation.
"Well. It's a little sad not having Jackal along. He probably was overlooked because he isn't flashy, but you can't find a more dependable guy. He's the type that brings out the shine in the players he supports. The whole team could have benefited from that."
It's only the last sentence that keeps it from being completely selfish. It feels like a weak cover.