I don't know what you are up to here, this is my definition of a retriever, if you like it or not. So, let's stops this , whatever you are trying to do, and get back to the topic, which is AY.
I tend to agree with you.
First, needless to say, every world class player is capable of executing all the basic shots required to a high degree, be it smash, drop shots, lifts and clears, net play, whether in attack or defense or a controlled game.
Second, some players have the knack of doing certain aspects of the game better than others, which then becomes their forte or strong points, such as in attacking, defending or controlling the rally. Yes, retrieving is more of a defensive than offensive manoeuvre.
In Akane's case, her defining characteristic is her uncanny ability in retrieving whatever her opponents throw at her ,whether smashes (full-bodied, i.e. power, or half smashes or placement smashes near the lines, etc), fast or slow or sliced drop shots, net dribbles. And the best part is she is able to do so even when she's somewhat out of position or late to the shuttle, time and time again.
In other words, her overall retrieving ability , including near-impossible saves, is so amazing, truly exceptional that there isn't a single opponent who has not been stumped or frustrated or worn down as to commit an error now and then or allow her to counterattack or turn defence into attack whenever the opportunity arises by executing a smash, a drop shot or a soft shot (disguised or feint). That's how she often finishes off the rally if the opponent didn't make an unforced error.
Let me stress that Akane is a compact dynamo who can outrun, out-defend, and out-rally most of her opponents most of the time, if not all her opponents all the time which is sometimes the case. However, to be honest, it takes a lot of energy to do that as she often has to work harder than her opponents to win the points. So far , her running ability, her stamina and endurance, and even her speed despite her short stature, are, I daresay, second to none, thanks largely to her "humongous" thighs. A rare phenomenon. The big question is how long can she continue doing that so remarkably.
I've been thinking , how best to take on this Super Retriever, Akane Yamaguchi. One, by frequently injecting pace to go on the offensive most of the time but doing so, that is aggressively attacking her so much, is physically demanding, which means you have to be sharp and forceful as well as try to finish the rally quickly or you'll be drained well before she does, game over. Second, is to rally with her to a certain extent, not too much, but just enough to seize the initiative and attack her first or risk being outmanoeuvred by her controlling game. Needless to say, either strategies requires a reasonably high degree of consistency and accuracy in shot-making as you can't afford to be error-prone, gifting too many points to come a cropper. Of course, it's all theoretical, easier said than done.
Last but not least, in one of the tournament threads, I actually likened her to the female version of Chen Long minus the height. Imagine, as I added in the comments, if she were a bit taller, say, 1.7m will do, she at her best might even be untouchable. That's my opinion. Cheers.