"Back in Action" (Japanese:
Overview[]
Hinata and Kageyama focus on turning their new quick strike into a reality by practicing individually. While Hinata aims to master tempo and hitting normal tosses, Kageyama focuses on perfecting his falling toss.
Plot[]
While performing managerial duties, Yachi narrates a letter to her mother about how the camp is progressing. She notes that everyone is exhausted and how the oddball combo has yet to speak to one another since their fight several weeks earlier. Nevertheless, Karasuno is improving as they narrow the point gap in each game. However, Hinata and Kageyama are still struggling with their new quick attack.
Due to the rising temperature, the coaches decide to switch out the penalty run to indoor flying laps to prevent players from succumbing to the heat. While playing against Nekoma, Tanaka sends Hinata the last hit. Hinata loses to Lev in a joust at the net and becomes visibly agitated over his lack of progress. His teammates take notice of Hinata's rare display of irritation.
In the next rally, Hinata sees the chance to try the new quick. Kageyama sends him a set, and Hinata successfully evades Lev's block. Tanaka and Asahi compliment Hinata on his play, but the first-year stuns everyone when he openly calls out Kageyama for slacking off. Kageyama is angered by the accusation but is quickly stunned once Hinata points out that didn't use the new falling toss. Ukai surmises that Kageyama subconsciously sent Hinata an easier set to alleviate the stress of not landing satisfying hits. As Tanaka separates the two, Hinata urges Kageyama to keep trying the new set. During a timeout, Ukai tells Hinata and Kageyama to refrain from using the new quick until there's more consistency and wants them to focus on using first tempo quicks only.
Later in the evening, Kageyama announces he will no longer practice with Hinata. When asked for the reason, Kageyama reveals he intends to perfect the new set first before syncing up with the spiker, surprising both Yachi and Hinata with the sudden display of consideration. Hinata notes it's unexpected of the setter but insists he hurry up. Kageyama is annoyed and declares that it's his intention in the first place.
Yachi realizes that Hinata always believed in Kageyama's ability to master the quick and was upset when the setter acted hesitantly. She casually mentions wanting to see the new quick, and the two promise they will make it happen. While Hinata tries to get Kenma to set for him, Kageyama finally figures out how to best aim his sets by visualizing where the spiker will be.
Appearances[]
- Aoba Johsai High
- Tōru Oikawa (Flashback)
Chapter notes[]
Character revelations[]
- After being unconsciously apprehensive of Hinata's continued frustration, Kageyama's attitude towards his combo partner changed. He now respects him as a spiker.
Trivia[]
- For three weeks, Hinata and Kageyama did not talk to each other because of their fight.