#spring high

The title and the first page is pretty disheartening. 

Oddly though, Furudate-sensei does not let us linger too much with giving us side stories. Is that on purpose? For what purpose though? Not to let our hopes up? Or not to let us worry? Who knows? I’ll just get myself prepared for either outcome.

BUT BUT BUT

Is it just me or does she look a lot like Goshiki? Though I want to give her a high five for being such a good wingwoman for her friend.

This exchange is interesting. Miya purposefully approaches Kageyama and then makes a jab to Hinata. I think he recognizes Hinata as Kageyama’s partner. He is wary of Kageyama, so naturally he is also wary of Hinata, and wants to nip them in the bud, if possible. But nope, it doesn’t look like it works. Somehow Miya reminds me more of Oikawa than Kuroo. With more arrogance though. I might be reading it wrong.

Good job defending your BFF (or BF, whatever your pick), Kageyama! Really, I think there’s no one else has as much regard to Hinata as Kageyama. I imagine he already has a high standard in the beginning, and yet Hinata manages to meet it. He moves it higher, and Hinata still meets it. Somewhere along the way, he stops putting limit on Hinata.

no one:

Spring High

Daigo (Hinata)  Photo 1:  Spring High finals!! Photo 2: I’ve gotten the best motivation.  I would love to bring the passion from this arena to the stage.  I’m glad I got to go see Spring High

*Spoiler Alert*

I think, Karasuno will win this game. It will take a while, current score is 26-26 in the tiebreak and I'm f*ckin nervous, but they can and will win.

*Spoiler Alert fin*

Furudate sensei obviously wants the battle of the garbage heap. I mean, who doesn't want this game to happen?

Inarizaki is a damn strong team, their plays are magnificent i just have to admit it even if my heart beats for the crows and they deserve the win. Remember, it is their first game in the tournament! And when they lose, that's also the last one for Kita and the other third years.

When this game gets animated, I'll die for sure.

However, that's not the point.

My theory is, that the final point for Karasuno will be scored by Tanaka.

Why?

Every game in Haikyuu!! has a main theme, this here are only the games from the Spring High Qualifiers:

Karasuno - Johzenji Play around

Karasuno - Wakunan Captains

Karasuno - Aoba Johsai Revenge for Inter High (focus on the freak duos new super quick)

Karasuno - Shiratorizawa Battle of concepts

And every game has a special focus on one or more persons or the whole team or even both teams.

For example, in the semi finals, Karasuno vs Seijoh, this focus is on Kageyama and Oikawa, with Hinata added bc he's the one to hit Kags new toss.

In the finals, Karasuno vs Shiratorizawa, the focus is on both teams.

And which way is the winning point scored?

semi finals: last point scored by Kageyama and Hinatas super quick, bouncing of Kindaichis fingertips. The alternative to the first official match between these two teams, where this attack is completely blocked out i didn't cry noooo

Finals: last point scored by the synchronized attack with the whole line up on the court

The last points match their themes.

I may have made that up, and maybe you won't even understand it, but it somehow makes sense to me :)

In the current match, I couldn't really identify a theme. And everyone on the court gets their chance to shine, on both sides.

However, there is one person whose attacks constantly get blocked or picked up. And who scored a magnificent point in chapter 285 I CRIED I SCREAMED WHEN I SAW THIS and thats Tanaka.

I still have that line from one of Inarizakis players (can't remember the name) on my mind, he's just a watered down version of Bokuto.

F*ck off, you damn fox ヽ(｀Д´)ﾉ

I have no proof for this, but I honestly think, that Tanaka will score the winning point. It would be the best thing ever for him and me.

And it makes sense bc Tanaka is the one, who gets targeted by Atsumus goddamn serves, and is seen as the weakness of Karasuno. In Inarizakis eyes, he is just mediocre.

This chapter can actually be titled Little Giants since it’s heavily focused on Hinata and Hoshiumi. These two has the best panels in this chapter. I don’t really like Hoshiumi, but he does make such interesting expressions. 

It can be discouraging, that is why the parentssenpais look legitimately worried for Hinata. But for Hinata, Hoshiumi is no different that Karasuno’s Little Giant, he is a representation of hope. Little Giant(s) show that is possible for small/short players like him can and does fight. (I also have to hand it to him for that speech) Hoshiumi himself is still in his second year, and if he’s a serious volleyball player, he has the advantage of early start in comparison to Hinata who has late start. 

It’s not like Hinata’s usual expression when he’s excited to meet strong opponents. Hinata looks truly, genuinely happy here. I feel like it’s different because he doesn’t want to particularly beat Hoshiumi. Or does he? Regardless, I’d want to see these two face off.

Hoshiumi, like any other wayward aces, has his own babysitter/herder/translator. However, we are not given an introduction? Only number six on his uniform? He also doesn’t appear in the match scenes, making me suspect he’s not a setter, and definitely not a libero. I wonder why. He really knows how to put Hoshiumi in place :D

The last time we checked, Kageyama is still seriously watching other teams, as noted by the background squeaking noises. Hinata is supposedly ninja-ing his way to the booth, and yet there’s Kageyama, conveniently there to introduce Hinata and Hoshiumi to each other. Deus ex machina?

I also snicker at Hoshiumi’s realization that Hinata’s the reason why Kageyama’s not particularly impressed by him back in the Youth Camp. He won’t get the reaction he wants from Karasuno, or any team who has faced Karasuno.

On another note, Kamomedai wins straight two sets by 25-20 and 25-18. It’s a significant score gap compared to our three faves. This might be on purpose to show that Kamomedai, and most likely the teams whose members are in Youth Camp, is on different level. I wonder which team Karasuno will encounter first?

Other precious scenes in this chapter:

Aaaand I’m back with Haikyuu!!! I just love, love this chapter!! Everyone in Karasuno all shines brilliantly! So lemme just scream and shout how wonderful everyone is!

And last not least,

From the boy who only follows the ball blindly and acts based solely on instinct, to a formidable player who is able to anticipate the ball’s trajectory and thinks quickly on his feet before acting. He deserves the wary look from both his fellow first-year teammates and rivals. He is slowly but surely closing the holes in his skills due to his late start, now all that’s left is tossing and serving. 

Since this chapter ends with Karasuno’s scoring, this means by the next chapter, it’s still Hinata’s turn to serve. We’ll likely to see more of Hinata’s receives in action. So excited!!!

BONUS: