"Backup" (Japanese:
Overview[]
Tsukishima continues to be Karasuno's logic and understanding, utilizing his blocks to give Karasuno numerous chances to turn things to their favor and causing frustration to Shiratorizawa.
Plot[]
Shiratorizawa is now at a two-point lead against Karasuno as Takeda continues to silently plead for Tsukishima to remain focused and rational. During the rotation switch, Shirabu notices Tsukishima staring at him. Ukai soon feels Yamaguchi's intense presence begging him to send the pinch server in.
For the next several plays, Tsukishima becomes a troublesome opponent for Shirabu and the Shiratorizawa team. Tanaka spikes past a block. Goshiki and Yamagata appear to attempt to receive at the same time but hesitate when they see the other reacting. Because of this, Goshiki is instantly the target of Coach Tanji Washijō's anger.
Now only one point behind, Sugawara is subbed into the game when Tsukishima is up-to-serve. Reon receives the serve and Tendō tries to land a spike but Daichi digs the ball. At this moment, Sugawara and Kageyama swap positions and Karasuno launches a synchronized attack. With Shiratorizawa on edge by the attack, Kageyama is able to land a straight shot past the blockers to tie the score.
Washijō is infuriated that Ukai appears to have taken after his grandfather, Ikkei Ukai, by sharing in the same belief of strength as a unit and trying new things. Washijō himself has always believed that bigger is always better. Ukai explains to Takeda that Washijō has always favored height and power, even going out of his way to recruit any player that fit his philosophy and would allow them on his team even if they were not favored by their previous team. Hearing how the Shiratorizawa players would be put through rigorous training, Takeda correctly assumes that not all of the players would be considered the star. Ukai confirms his guess and says that Washijō most likely felt like he hit the jackpot in finding someone like Ushijima. Even if another player didn't match up to someone with Ushijima's abilities, Washijō was known to put the strongest player as the core of the team and would make sure the rest knew they were there as support.
The game continues until the score reaches another tie at 20-20. When Hinata is up-to-serve, Yamaguchi is sent in. Though he feels he cannot be as confident as Hinata and Kageyama, Yamaguchi is confident in the fact that he can lend the team whatever strength he has. Although the jump float was received and threw Shiratorizawa's formation into disarray, Ushijima is still able to get a high set and spikes through the block.
Although Tendō is pleased at Yamaguchi's disappointment at being stopped so quickly, he continues to keep a cautious eye on Tsukishima.
Debut[]
Appearances[]
- Nekoma High
- Yasufumi Nekomata (Mentioned)
- Shiratorizawa Academy
- Others
Chapter notes[]
Character revelations[]
- Coach Washijō notes that Ikkei Ukai's strategy was to constantly try new things because that was the only way he thought Karasuno would move forward.
- Coach Ukai then notes that Washijō has always preferred simplicity, as well as height and raw strength.
Trivia[]
- To celebrate the ongoing Shiratorizawa Academy vs Karasuno High match, a center color page consists of Ushijima and a big, white eagle on top a branch. The text reads: "Strong, dignified, and powerful. That is the nature of a champion."