@mereinhard I don't think it's too smooth for him. The first time he linked up with Akutsu he wasnt playing well and was still inexperienced. It's been many months since then, and hes had loads of experience in defending while playing in b team and now in a team. The author probably had the Akutsu and Aoi pairing in mind for a while but its finally happening now. I do think he'll struggle in the Funebashi match but it'll probably be because they're a difficult opponent and have national level players and not because Aoi is bad.
Remembering the time when Ashito was like a lost child in a jungle at the start of his journey in Esperion and now he's a starter for two consecutive primer leagues. I can't be anymore proud.