"Consistency" (Japanese:
Overview[]
As the third set in the match between Shiratorizawa Academy and Karasuno High comes to an end, Shirabu reminisces and reflects about his position as a setter.
Plot[]
The third set between Shiratorizawa and Karasuno is underway. Shirabu tosses the ball to Satori Tendō, who then spikes it. Asahi tries to return the ball but is unable to do so. The score is 21-16, with Shiratorizawa in the lead.
As spectators comment on the state of the game so far, Kageyama notes that Shiratorizawa's second set loss did not seem to negatively affect Shirabu. In fact, the opposite is true for he became more focused.
A flashback starts to when Shirabu was in middle school. (He was on the same team as Shunki Kawatabi of Wakutani Minami High.) He was one of the spectators watching the finals of the Miyagi Prefecture Junior High Athletics Competition for Volleyball. Unsurprisingly, the two teams competing were Kitagawa Daiichi Junior High and Shiratorizawa. He commented that although Kitagawa Daiichi lacked physical strength, they made up for it with their exceptional skill and speed. Furthermore, as a setter, he realized how monstrous Oikawa was. Yet even though most people were paying attention to Kitagawa Daiichi, the one that caught Shirabu's attention was Shiratorizawa. He noted that even though Kitagawa Daiichi's teamwork and skills were excellent, it was nothing compared to the height and power that Shiratorizawa possessed, particularly those of Ushijima.
After seeing their strength, Shirabu pledged to enroll at Shiratorizawa. When asked why by his teammate, Shirabu replied: "I'm gonna go to the place where strong players gather and play that strong style of volleyball." With lots of hard work and coupled with his already good grades, Shirabu was able to fulfill his pledge. He was now a member of the Shiratorizawa Academy Boys' Volleyball Team.
Back to the present, Coach Saitō notes what a good player Kageyama is, and wonders if Shiratorizawa had been wrong to not invite him to their team. However, Coach Washijō rebuffs him, claiming that Shiratorizawa has no need for a setter with such a strong personality. He then admits that Kageyama would make a competent hitter, but admits that his fixation on the setter position would result in him being unhappy playing for Shiratorizawa. Shirabu, on the other hand, fits Shiratorizawa well. Whereas a typical setter would be taken back and thrown into disarray whenever the ace is blocked, Shirabu calmly accepts it. As Coach Ukai observes, Shirabu is actually "back on track".
With Shiratorizawa seemingly back on track, Coach Ukai concludes that at this rate, Karasuno will eventually lose the match. To stop this from happening, he sends out Yamaguchi to do a pinch serve but he fouls. Nevertheless, Karasuno is still able to decrease the score difference within four points after Goshiki also fouls on his serve. Unfortunately, this does not change the fact that Shiratorizawa is on their set point.
As Reon Ōhira receives the ball, he sends it to Shirabu. Calmly eyeing the ball, Shirabu catches it. He notes that: "His job is not just to rely on Ushijima, but… to keep [their] nationally-recognized first-class ace in top form." He may view flashy setters like Kageyama and Oikawa in high regards, but to fulfill his job, he must be different from them. In fact, in his view, the coolest thing in volleyball is whenever Ushijima does his spikes. For this to happen, he must be a "more inconspicuous setter than anyone else".
As he has done for countless times, Shirabu calmly tosses the ball in Ushijima's direction. Ushijima, in turn, proceeds to spike it flawlessly over Asahi and Tsukishima's blocks and Nishinoya's receives. The score is now 20-25, with Shiratorizawa leading the match 2-1.
Appearances[]
- Aoba Johsai High/Kitagawa Daiichi Junior High
- Hajime Iwaizumi (Flashback)
- Tōru Oikawa (Flashback)
- Date Tech High
- Takehito Sasaya (Flashback)
- Toyokuro Junior High/Wakutani Minami High
- Shunki Kawatabi (Flashback)
Chapter notes[]
Character revelations[]
- Shirabu and Kawatabi were teammates in middle school.
- Ushijima has been a student at Shiratorizawa Academy since he was in middle school.
Trivia[]
- Shiratorizawa Academy has a middle school.