Match
Prologue
Set 1
Suwa begins the game with a jump-float serve. Daichi receives it but it is shaky. Kageyama reaches it and sets it to Hinata. Hinata hits it before the triple-block reaches him. Back in Miyagi, Koji and Yukitaka are shocked that Hinata is a star player. Hinata tells Gao that he hopes that he remembers Hinata. Gao tells Hinata that he has watched extensive film of Hinata. Hirugami exclaims that this game will not be easy for Kamomedai to win.
Gao and Hoshiumi are angry at each other because both failed to get a touch on the ball. Kamomedai's crowd is shocked and Saeko starts to wake Karasuno's crowd up. Aone states that despite this being the first quick attack from Hinata, Kamomedai has already caught on. Hirugami says that Kageyama already knew that they were on to Hinata but he set to him anyways, thus making Hirugami a litle annoyed. Kenma says that the first attack is a threat. Kageyama hits a serve directly to Nozawa. Both Hoshiumi and Gao call for the ball but Hoshiumi gets it. Daichi, Hinata, and Kageyama try to block it, but the ball is spiked over all three of them and Hoshiumi scores. It is 1-1.
Hoshiumi hits a jump serve that hits the net. Keiichirō notes that Hoshiumi is trying to compete with Kageyama, and Hoshiumi angrily apologizes. Hinata goes for a quick attack, but the blockers know he won't hit it. Tanaka spikes it, but is shut down immediately by Gao and Hirugami who read block. Kageyama is frustrated as Kamomedai's blockers have already caught on to Karasuno's primary attack. Hirugami says to Kageyama Hinata that they can move as fast as they want, but he will be there to block them. This pisses of Kageyama and Hinata.
Aone and Futakuchi both watch the game as they want to block better. Futakuchi notes that even if one blocker is perfect, he can't cover the whole court against a disciplined team. Hoshiumi serves again, but Daichi is there to receive it. Karasuno launches a synchronized attack, and Tanaka wants to hit a cross hot. However, the blockers from Kamomedai are there, forcing to hit it straight. Suwa fails to receive it though, and it is 2-2.
Akiteru and Tenma are surprised of the attack. Tanaka serves, but since he is inexperienced with them, the ball hits the net. Hirugami serves another jump floater, Tanaka receives it, but it is off. Kageyama gets there. Bessho who just subbed in is ready with Gao and Nozawa. Their bunch read block is on-point, but Hinata barely hits it through. Tsukishima says that the best way to face off against Kamomedai's blockers it to think of them as three Aones. Sugawara says that they shouldn't tell Asahi that. Suguru Daishō explains to Mika that Kamomedai's blockers don't know where the ball is going, but they react rapidly. He explains that Kamomedai uses a bunch shift as all the blockers start in the middle of the net. Tsukishima is subbed in and Kuroo wishes him good luck. Hinata normally serves which shocks Udai. The serve is barely receives by Gao, and Bessho is slams it, but Tsukishima is there. The ball is deflected and Kageyama sets it to Asahi. Kamomedai sets up a perfect double block but the shear power of Asahi overwhelms it, Suguru notes that no matter where Karasuno hits it from, there will be two blockers every time. Just then, Gao slams it off of Asahi's block and scores. Nozawa serves but it goes out. It is 6-5 Karasuno. Asahi serves strongly, but Nozawa is there. Tsukishima times it perfectly, and blocks Hoshiumi.
Akiteru tells Udai that the block was done by his brother. Kageyama pisses of Hoshiumi by saying that surprise time is over. Hoshiumi tells Tsukishima that he isn't surprised by short hitters. Hinata, Tadashi, and Sugawara are hyped, and Udai says that things only get going for a team when they get their first block. Akiteru tells Udai that Hoshiumi reminds him of Udai. Udai is happy that Akiteru feels that way. He mentions how the whole team used to look up to Udai. Udai says that he thought he was really good. As they talk, Asahi's second serve is poorly received by Gao. Nozawa passes it to Hoshiumi. Karasuno sets up a triple block and Tsukishima feels confident in the block. However, Hoshiumi is able to deflect the ball off of Tsukishima for a block-out. Kamomedai's coach is impressed by Hoshiumi. His teammates remember how Hoshiumi was a bench player in middle school, and that he bloomed later. Hoshiumi then remembers all the times he was teased for being short when he was younger. He watched volleyball when he was younger and remembers how his brothers were always taller than him, which angers him. He remembers how is mother tells him that he can become better without being taller.
Kageyama then serves but Hoshiumi receives it. The ball is then set to Gao who easily scores, making it 9-8 Karasuno. Hoshiumi then hits a jump serve which is bumped by Asahi. It goes into the edge of Kamomedai's court. Hoshiumi yells that it is in and Kanbayashi saves it. Hoshiumi yells to Gao and sets it to him. Kageyama notes that it was a perfect set. Gao, with his sheer height, is able to slam the ball over the block and score. Udai notes that taller players can work less and still become better than shorter players who put in more work. He also mentions that it is fair that shorter players have a choice in the first place. Hoshiumi says that he knows how he is still weak and short, and that he learned it a long time ago.
Hinata exclaims that the set was so cool, and Hoshiumi hears that. Hoshiumi then hits a jump service ace. Karasuno calls their first timeout as Kamomedai has taken the lead 10-9. Hoshiumi serves after the timeout but Noya is there. Tanaka hits a perfect line shot to tie the game once again. Hinata serves but Nozawa receives it. Hoshiumi spikes the ball in a back row attack, spiking in the opposite direction he was facing. Hinata tries to receive it but the ball bounces of his arms. Minutes later, Asahi gets a successful back row attack making it 12-12. Daichi serves and the ball is set immediately to Bessho who slams it down. Tanaka receives it and Asahi is about to get a set, but Kamomedai has set up a stack block. Despite the triple block, Asahi deflects the ball off the blockers but Kamomedai gets it up. Nozawa then gets a set and scores. The Date Tech players note that this form of blocking puts a lot of pressure on the hitter. Once again, a stack block is used, but this time on Tsukishima. The block is succesful and Kamomedai scores. The lead is growing and it is 14-12 Kamomedai. Kuroo notes that Kamomedai stack-blocks very efficiently. Tanaka says to shake it off, and Tsukishima says that he will ask Takinoue for Kamomedai blocking tape after the game.
Tsukishima shockingly says to Kageyama, stop running away, your majesty. Kageyama is appalled by this comment. This throws off Karasuno and they call their 2nd timeout for the first set. Kamomedai's coaches feel confident as Karasuno has used two timeouts. Kageyama decides to set to Tsukishima and he barely scores. There is tension in the air between Kageyama and Tsukishima. A couple minutes later, Yamaguichi is subbed in and hits a solid float serve, but it barely goes out of bounds. The score is 19-17 Kamomedai. Hoshiumi scores between Tsukishima and Tanaka. Tsukishima gets a set but Hirugami is there to deflect it. Tsukishima messes up the time of the jump against Hoshiumi and he scores. It is 22-19. Bessho hits a solid jump serve and Asahi receives it, but it is shaky. Tanaka hits against a high-pressure triple block. In an attempt to evade it, he tries a cut shot that hits the middle of the net. Udai notes that Kamomedai's blockers had him locked into their view. Coach Ukai tells Tanaka to calm down. Asahi scores and it is 23-20.
Kinoshita gets another chance for a serve. The serve deflects off of Kanbayashi, but Nozawa saves it Kinoshita is ready for Hoshiumi's attack, but Hoshiumi scores against Karasuno's triple block, as he blocks the ball out. Kinoshita's time on the court has came to an end. Kamomedai has set point at 24-20. Sugawara feels hopeless as Karasuno has tried everything to score against Kamomedai, but they are struggling. Hinata then yells to bring it on which brings some light back into Sugawara. Hinata prepares for a slide attack, Gao jumps, but Kageyama doesn't set to him. Instead, he sets to Asahi. Using his sheer height, Gao is able to jump again and block Asahi. Kamomedai has won the first set 25-20. The commentator says that Kamomedai may have no weakness at all as they just won the first set by a comfortable margin.
Set 2
Kuroo notes that this game isn't over, since Karasuno lost the first set to Nekoma, but came back and won the next two. Yachi is panicking, but she remembers Bokuto's advice to not say those things as the mood dampers. The teams switch sides, and Tsukishima says that the game will go to full sets. Nartia and Yamaguichi are alarmed as set 2 hasn't even started. Sugawara comes in and tells Tsukishima that he sounds like Hinata. This makes Tsukishima disappointed in himself as he sounds like Hinata. Kamomedai talks about how they nearly got caught by Karasuno's decoy attack. Ukai says that there is no need to make vague reasons to scare themselves, but the team is confused. Kageyama says that he means that they shouldn't have the decoy at the same spot as he hitter. Asahi understands, Ukai says that Kamomedai's blockers are still human. Udai says that Hoshiumi is way better than him when he played.
Takeda grins as he knows that most people point out when someone makes a mistake, and no one does it when someone is right. He says that it is important to tell the players that they are right when they succeed. Aone points out that Kamoedai has changed their rotation slightly. Futakuchi says that Kamomedai is focusing on scoring more, and not blocking. They lined it up with Karasuno's lineup where Tsukishima and Kageyama are in the front row as that's when they are the weakest on offense. Ukai says that he won't let Kamomedai take advantage of their lineup.
Kageyama hits a fierce serve but Korai gets it. The receive is shaky but it goes high. Sugawara notices that they feel trapped as they can't get their way out of the roots entangling them. Gao gets the set and the ball is deflected off of Karasuno's triple block. Nishinoya can't get to it and Kamomedai scores. Nozawa serves and Karasuno launches a synchronized attack. Tanaka easily scores. Tanaka serves but it hits the tape. It barely goes over and Bessho gets it, and Nozawa bumps it to Hoshiumi. Instead of going for a plate, Daichi and Tsukishima go for a kill block. He is able to hit the ball over their block. Nishinoya is unable to save the ball. After a back and forth rally, Daichi's serves and it barely goes over the net. Hoshiumi gets a set and Nishinoya is there to receive his spike. Hinata launches a slide attack and the blockers can't catch up in time. Sugawara sees this as an opening of entangled forest of roots. Hoshiumi and Hirugami both say that they need to prepare for those more. It is 4-3 Karasuno. Daichi serves, but Nozawa easily gets it. Gao then scores tying the game.
Hoshiumi hits a jump serve, but Nishinoya easily receives it. Hinata prepares for a slide attack, but Kageyama dumps it. Hinata is annoyed because he felt like the ball would be set to him, Kageyama looks down on him and says exactly correct. Kenma notes that any time Hinata is out there, he will face two of Kamomedai's best blockers. Kenma says that this is a battle between Karasuno's sharpest spear, and Kamomedai's stoutest shield. Asahi serves but Kanbayashi easily receives it. Nozawa spikes which catches Hinata off guard. Tsukishima laughs on the bench and Yamaguichi tells him that Karasuno lost the point. Ukai notes that with Kageyama and Tsukishima together, they have saved the team from defeat many times. Suddenly, Hinata launches a slide attack, Hirugami predicts this but he can't hit it up. Hinata and Gao exchange failed serves that hit the net, making it 7-6 Karasuno, Kageyama serves but Kanabyashi hits it up. It's going to go over Karasuno's net but Aikichi is able to set it haphazardly to Hoshiumi, who is ready to spike. Hoshiumi wipes it off Tsukishima and scores. Hoshiumi and Tsukishima exchange words, it is 9-9 after the teams exchange scores. Aikichi serves a jump floater, but Futakuchi notes that Kamomedai is now 'shade blocking.' This is when two blockers are in the center and one on the edge. Tanaka receives it, but it is unstable. Asahi prepares to spike but a triple block is there, and he is shut down by it. Luckily for him, the ball comes right back at him and he dodges it, and it goes out.
Hoshiumi is up to serve but Daichi is there. Nishinoya sets to Asahi, but it is not pretty. This time, Asahi is blocked and the ball is in bounds. Kamomedai's coach notes that because their serve was good, that whole situation occurred. Kamomedai has made sure that Hinata is unable to do his job. Things are intense as Karasuno has to receive one of Hoshiumi's jump serves again. They aren't powerful, but Hoshiumi hits them in tough spots. This time, he hits a let serve (ball hit the tape and went over). Kageyama barely touches it, Tanaka gets it, and passes it to Asahi. A triple block is set up and pressure is mounting on the ace. Asahi is able to deflect the ball off the blockers but Kamomedai is ready to attack. Gao slams it down but Tanaka is there. Kageyama runs to the ball and passes it to Hinata, who scores. It is 11-11. Asahi notes that he has been useless. He serves, but it hits the net and doesn't go over. Ukai encourages him to stay aggressive. Hirugami serves directly to Asahi to destroy the ace's mentality. He succeeds and his float serve deflects off his arms. Karasuno has to call time out to reorganize.
Kinoshita tells Hinata that he is soaked in more sweat compared to the other players. Daichi tells Asahi to not look at him to cheer him up. This makes Asahi laugh and makes him feel better. Mika tells Suguru that she pities the ace as he is really struggling. Hirugami serves again. Asahi barely dodges the ball as it goes out. Hinata serves to Gao. Bessho tries to attack but Tsukishima and Kageyama deflect it. Hinata bumps it to Kageyama, who sets it to Hinata, and he scores. Ennoshita says that he is doign what he always does but it seems a lot easier. Sugawara says that it is because he has improved so much in such a short period of time. Nozawa scores after Hoshiumi received. Gao serves but Tanaka passes it accurately to Kageyama. He sets it to Tsukishima and he scores. It's Kageyama's turn to serve, and Mika notes that Gao is hiding in the back. Suguru explains that it is because he can't receive well. Kageyama notices this and serves it very lightly, and it goes directly toward Gao.
Gao and Nozawa can't decide who will hit it, and it lands in for a service ace. Kenma and the commenator say that this was deliberate because Gao was focusing on attacking, and not receiving, which is true. Atsumu and Osamu are watching the game, and Atsumu is annoyed that Kageyama changed so rapidly from their training camp. Kageyama serves an extremely fast ball, and Hoshiumi moves quickly to bump it. Aikichi sets it to Nozawa who hits it off Karasuno's triple block. Tanaka promptly saves it, and Tsukishima bumps it to Asahi. For the third in a row, Asahi fails to score, it is 15-15. Tsukishima asks if it was too short, but Asahi says no. Futakuchi says that Aikichi split his block to lure Asahi to hit between the gap, and then closed it off. Udai, being a previous ace, says that Asahi has to get through this or Karasuno will certainly lose.
Karasuno launches a synchronized attack and Daichi scores, throwing off Kamomedai. Hirugami says that their attack is annoying, but his teammates say he is calm regardless. He remembers how when he first started to play volleyball, it felt natural. Nonetheless, once he got into a game, he always failed. He says that as long as he does everything right, then he will become better and will rarely fail. However, since volleyball is all connected, one mistake from his teammates can make his team lose. He remembers talking to Hoshiumi about quitting, but refuses to. Hoshiumi spikes and Kageyama is ready to bump it, but it deflects off his arms to the out of bounds area. Hirugami says that after high school, he won't play volleyball anymore, noting that his biggest strength is not being too involved in the sport. Bessho serves and Tanaka receives it, a synchronized attack begins. Asahi fails to score again, seriously damaging the team's morale. Kenma says for a second, it looked like Karasuno found their way out of the forest of roots, but they haven't.
Asahi apologizes again a Hirugami knows how he is relentlessly pressuring Asahi, and Karasuno is forced to take their 1st timeout for the second set. Asahi has a scary look in his eye and even the line judge acknowledges it. Asahi tells himself that he doesn't deserve to be the ace. Daichi tells him to stop that face he is making. Sugawara agrees and encourages him, saying that even Bokuto can't score every time. This makes Asahi feel better, and the score is 17-16 Kamomedai. Bessho serves again, right to Asahi to crush his spirit. He gets it up and Tanaka spikes it. Nozawa dives and receives it, Hoshiumi dives and bumps it, but Kamomedai has to hit it over the net. Karasuno gets the chance ball and Tsukishim spikes, but Hirugami deflects it. Hirugami eventually gets an attack, and Kageyama bumps it. Tanaka sets it but it is extremely close to the net. Once again, Asahi is shut down by Kamomedai's wall. Right as Asahi is about to lose all motivation, Noya barely saves it. Tsukishima attacks again and succeeds. Suddenly, Sugawara is subbed in for Tsukishima, telling the team that they will be eating ginger pork. Asahi says that since his teammates led him here, he won't let them down. He says that he will trust himself for once.
Sugawara tells Kageyama that he set well. Ukai tells the team to keep picking away at Kamomedai. Asahi thinks of scoring one point, and tries to forget about his recent failures as he has been blocked many times. Sugawara serves and Hoshiumi receives it, taking him out of the picture. Gao spikes against Karasuno's triple block, they use a plate and the ball goes to the back court. Sugawara is there to save it, and Asahi gets another very high set. All of Karasuno's fans desperately root for Asahi to score, Asahi stuns everyone by feinting the ball, despite his obvious form for a spike. Asahi is now ecstatic, and this gets into Kamomedai's brains. Asahi says that he knew he would score there, and it felt amazing doing so. Sugawara is up to serve and Karasuno's past adversaries and fans are rooting for them to score.
Suga's serve is received by Hoshiumi. Hirugami spikes after a quick set by Aikichi. Hinata deflects it and Daichi bumps it up. Kageyama sets it to Asahi. This time, he slams it off the block, but Nozawa sprints after it and barely saves the ball. Tsukishima notes that Kamomedai's blockers have incredible form. Karasuno launches a synchronized attack. Asahi hits a cross shot to avoid the block. Kanbayashi predicts this and bumps it up. Hoshiumi spikes it directly to Kageyama, and he gets it up, but its very shaky. Asahi runs after the ball and passes it to Hinata. Hirugami blocks it, and it goes back into Karasuno's court. Tanaka saves it and Suga sets it to Asahi for a third time in the rally. Asahi times it perfectly, he starts to fall after Kamomedai's blockers do; almost as if he is floating in the air. Hirugami notes that Asahi has perfect form, despite this being the fifth set he has played in. The ball hits Hirugami and waterfalls it's way down. Asahi falls to the side and scores the point after an exhausting rally, giving Karasuno a lot of momentum. This gives Karasuno a vital break point as they are up 19-17. All of Karasuno's past adversaries are cheering and the crowd is going wild. Suguru says to Mika that being the ace can suck, as they get picked on. Furthermore, he says that the glory that comes with it is worth it, as the ace is the hero.
Kamomedai is forced to call a timeout. Hinata is jealous, and the team's morale is high once again. Akashi wonders if Karasuno can sneak away with the set. Suga serves to Hoshumi, but Kanyabashi gets it instead. Hoshiumi spikes to Sugawara but he can't reel it in. Tsukishima is subbed back in. Saeko asks Udai why can't Karasuno have their tallest blocker go against Hoshiumi. Udai says that Hoshiumi has a strong weapon. He views the blockers as targets to use block-outs on. Asahi is back onto his game and he scores a blockout off of Gao. Gao comes right back and spikes over Karasuno's block. Hoshiumi is up to serve, and he serves a perfect ace right on the line near Tanaka. The game is tied 20-20. He serves again in Tanaka's direction. Tanaka gets it up but it is not pretty. Hinata jumps as high as he can and Kageyama sets it to him. Gao and Hirugami are there, but Hinata is too fast and he scores. Hinata is excited and touches Kageyama's hand, but Kageyama notices that it is very wet and is disgusted.
Asahi gets a service ace and the score is 22-20, it's another break point for Karasuno. Kamomedai's coach says that Asahi is free from the stress that was put on him. He serves again, but to Hoshiumi. Gao eventually gets the set and slams it down, but Daichi dives and barely saves it. Hinata does a slide attack that deflects off of Kanabayshi. The lead is growing and Karasuno is ahead 23-20. Asahi's third serve is a let serve. Nozawa thinks that since Karasuno is scoring so much, they might be on god's side. He shuts that down though and saves Asahi's serve. Kageyama and Hinata set up a perfect block on Hoshiumi, but Hoshiumi sees this and hits it off Kageyama and scores. Nozawa says that to Kamomedai, momentum doesn't exist. Hirugami's float serve is successful and Kamomedai appears to be coming back. It is 23-22. Hirugami's serve is received by Daichi. Hinata decides to get lost in the crowd. Gao is there to stuff him, but Hinata uses him as a target for a block out. Karasuno is up 24-22, and they have set point. Tsukishima is subbed in, ad Yamaguichi is subbed in for Hinata, who seems unaware, but eventually steps off the court as Daichi tells him what's going on. Yamaguichi's serve goes to Gao who touches it and it falls in front of him. Nozawa saves it and passes it to Hoshiumi. The set is a little too far forward. Tsukishima, who was watching from the bench, has learned that the biggest sign of a block-out is the spiker's eyes. He watches Hoshiumi's eyes aim upwards. Tsukishima spreads his hands out and dodges the block. The ball goes out of bounds and everyone is shocked. Tsukishima remembers the times at the prefectural training camp where he watched Hinata score by using block-outs against Goshiki, Kindaichi and Koganegawa. By using this knowledge, he evades Hoshiumi's block-out attempt. Karasuno has won the set 25-22. Tsukishima looks down on Hoshiumi, and smiles, which makes him angry. He high-fives Yamaguichi as he served well. He shows an implicit peace sign to his brother, Akiteru, who returns it back.
Set 3
Akiteru tells Udai that Tsukishima is great. Tsukishima's teammates are shocked and ask him how he did it. Hinata is annoyed because he learned that technique from watching him play at the training camp. Kenma notes that Hoshiumi may've lost a technique to score. Tendo says that Kamomedai has to worry about a lot more now. Kageyama ignores Hinata when he tells him that they get to play six sets instead of five. Asahi says that he is feeling better than ever despite playing five sets in a day. This makes Daichi, Sugawara, and Shimizu smile. Mika says that Karasuno has the advantage as they won the second to last set. Daishō agrees, and Nozawa tells Hirugami and Hoshiumi to stop letting Karasuno's rookies shine. An observer says that Kamomedai seems to feel no panic. They say that Kamomedai's coach is famous as he coached an Italian pro team.
Kamomedai remembers when they met coach Murphy. He loves his wife & daughter, and volleyball is a close third. He tells them that serving, blocking, and mental toughness are the keys to winning. He says he likes the serve & block technique as well as the school name 'Kamomedai' which means seagull. To the present, nether side has changed their rotations as set 3 begins. The winner of this game will play in the semi-finals against an extremely tough foe. Kageyama is up to serve and he mentions that he feels good. Nozawa saves the ball but it is very ugly. The ball is set to Gao and he hits in the back row. It is deflected and Tanaka saves it. Daichi gets a set and is blocked badly. Atsumu is annoyed that Kamomedai isn't folding, and says that they are a boring team to watch. Kita says that he has always liked Kamomedai, but he also likes Karasuno too.
Tanaka suddenly spikes but Bessho deflects it. Kita says that Kamomedai has annoying blocking. Atsumu thinks that Kamomedai is like Kita, all obsessed with perfection, which annoys him. Daisho says that his team would stand zero chance against Kamomedai. Kamomedai fails to get an attack and Karasuno prepares to counter. Tsukishima spikes it to Gao but the ball is back in Karasuno's court yet again. Asahi hits a back-row attack and scores, making it 1-1. Just then, Hoshiumi hits a line shot and scores. Hirugami spikes but Tsukishima deflects it. Asahi hits a block-out off of Aikichi, and it's 2-2. Daichi launches a block-out off of Hoshiumi, and Tanaka also scores. Minutes later, it is 5-5 and Osamu says that it's disturbing how quiet Hinata is. Nozawa spikes it to Hinata. Kageyama gets it and Tanaka spikes, but Gao is there to deflect it. Aikichi saves it and Hoshiumi yells to Gao and sets it to him. It is a perfect play and Gao scores. Udai says that that was amazing.
Asahi's attack is deflected and Hoshiumi saves it. Hoshiumi is ready to spike and he watches Tsukishima's hands. It is 7-5 and Kamomedai has their first break-point of the set. Gao poorly serves to Nishinoya. Tsukishima is ready to spike but he knows he will be blocked. He tries to hit a cross shot but it goes out, and it is 8-5. Kamomedai's lead is growing. Karasuno is forced to call a timeout. Tsukishima says to himself that he is pathetic for telling Kageyama to stop running away, and now he is from blockers himself. Gao serves and it barely goes over the net. Tsukishima gets it and bumps it exhaustingly to Tanaka, who hit's and scores a block-out. Ukai believes the Tsukishima is almsot out of energy. Kageyamas near the line and Nozawa is there, but the ball goes out. Bessho and Asahi exchange spikes and both score. Hoshiumi blocks the ball off of Daichi. The score is 11-8 and Karasuno is running out of time. A sweaty Tsukishima tells Ukai that he is still ok, but he forces him to sit out. Karasuno scores and the score is 11-9. Daichi serves to Hoshiumi, and Hirugami spikes it. Daichi saves it again.
During the timeout, Hirugami tells Hoshiumi that Hinata can do his 'boom' jump only if both feet are planted well. Hirugami says that Kamomedai must be afraid and prepared for whatever Hinata brings at them. Kageyama sets to Asahi and Tsukishima says that his brain is getting worn out. Asahi is shut down by Tanaka somehow saves the ball. Nishinoya then bumps it to Asahi. He hits a waterfall ball but Hirugami quickly reacts. Suwa sets to Hoshiumi and scores a line shot. Karasuno's golden opprotunity has slipped away. The Miya twins remember how they played Hirugami and remembered how he was good in middle school. Hirugami says that making a mistake doesn't kill you. Hoshiumi's serve goes to Nishinoya, and the ball is going over the net. Kageyama appears to being ready to dump it, but Hirugami knows he will set it to Hinata. He blocks Hinata. Saeko says there's no need to start a gloom parade as Daichi barely saves the ball. It goes to Tanaka and then Noya hits it over the net. Gao is right there to slam it down. Daichi miraculously saves it again. Hinata catches Kamomedai's blockers off-guard as they are thinking where to go to. Hinata gets the ball through the block and scores. Takeda says that there an infinite amount of ways Hinata can score with Kageyama.
Hoshiumi says that he had given up a little on getting higher than the blockers, knowing that Hinata felt the same way. Washijo says to Anabara that there must be other ways to fly without height. Asahi's serve goes to Kanabayshi. It goes back over to Karasuno's side. Noya receives it. Date Tech & Takeda who are watching knows what's coming. Gao is caught off guard but Hirugami sees it. Hinata's quick attack is coming. Washijo feels regret that he didn't work as hard as he watches Hinata fly. Hinata scores and is smiling, and Hoshiumi is salty. He does clenches his fist with joy. Gao is surprisingly complementing Hinata and Karasuno's past adversaries are excited. Hirugami is reminded of Hoshiumi after seeing Hinata's face. It is 12-11 Kamomedai and the leading is closing. Asahi's serve is perfectly positioned. Hoshiumi barely saves it near the edge of the court. Nozawa spikes it and Hinata reads this. The ball is blocked, Suwa saves it. Hoshiumi sets to Hirugami, and Daisho says that he thought Hoshiumi's setting was a fluke, but it's not. Udai says that accepting your weakness is key to winning as a little giant. Noya saves Hirugami's spike. Hinata fools every blocker on Kamomedai as a decoy and Kageyama sets the ball to Tanaka. Aone is standing up watching. Tuskishima says that Kamomedai's blocks are breaking up. Tanaka scores and the game is tied. Hinata and Tanaka are hyped.
Hinata says he wants to be called the greatest decoy, and not the little giant, even though being like Udai is amazing. Hoshiumi laughs and Karasuno is surprised at this. Kageyama remmbers when Hinat said how being the greatest decoy is lame. He asks Hinata if he stil feels that way. Hinata smiles and says he doesn't feel that way anymore. Kamomedai calls their first timeout of the set. Hinata tells Hoshiumi that he can have the nickname little giant. Hoshiumi yells at Hinata and says to stop thinking that it was his at the start. Hoshiumi says that he thought that Hinata would be the same as him, but he isn't. Shirabu tells Goshiki that he needs to stop taking Hinata so lightly. Asahi serves to Nozawa who receives it poorly. Hakuba bumps it to Hoshiumi. The coach of the Japanese volleyball team, Fuki Hibarida, says that it is a shame that Hoshiumi and Hinata are so short. This is because he is looking for big and skilled players, not short and skilled. he then says that the short players will still be fighting regardlss. Hoshiumi lightly feints the ball and scores as Kageyama and Hinata had set up a perfect block. Hoshiumi says he wants to crush Karasuno unlike any other team. Hirugami says that that is disturbing.
Hirugami's serve is received by Daichi. Hinata is ready to do the quick attack and Gao and Bessho fall for it and the ball is set to Tanaka. He says that despite Kamomedai being the best blockers in the nation, he has a clear shot. Tanaka scores and it is 13-13. All of Karasuno's past adversaries are exicited except for Date Tech who pities Kamomedai. Tsukishima is subbed in and Kageyama tells him happily to not run away. Tsukishima is angered by this but he understands as he said it previously. Tsukishima says he is completely exhausted in all aspects, but refuses to give up and let Hinata one-up him.
Hinata is thinking about how much fun he is having and he is up to serve. He wants to keep scoring so he doesn't get subbed out for Yamaguichi. His serve is a let serve and Karasuno get's a chance ball as a result. Kageyama decides to dump it but Aikichi knows. His dump is blocked, but somehow Daichi uses his leg as he is jumping to spike to hit the ball back over to Kamomedai's side, and Murphy is amazed. Johzenji is laughing at this as well as Tendo. Kuroo is mad because everyone on Karasuno attacked leading to a wide open backcourt. Nozawa eventually gets a spike but Tsukishima deflects it. Hinata barely gets to it by jumping. Tsukishima, with all of his strength, jumps as high as he can and spikes over Kamomedai's block. Hoshiumi somehow saves it and Gao gets a spike but Hinata then saves it. Everyone watching is astounded and Hinata does his 'boom' jump to do a back minus attack. Hinata and Kageyama smile as Hinata slams the ball down and scores. All of Karasuno's adversaries are excited as Karasuno scored in this insane rally. Karasuno is winning 14-13, but something is seriously wrong. As Hinata is about to get lifted up by Tanaka, he collapses and falls, scaring everyone.
The crowd is murmuring and so are Karasuno's adversaries. Kageyama says to Hinata that he is running a fever. Karasuno calls their timeout, and Kageyama says that Hinata had felt off when he shookhis hand as it was extremely hot and sweaty. Takeda checks his temperature and panics as it is dangerously high. Kageyama remembers how Hinata hadn't been himself since the day prior. Such as not eating his lunch rapidly, getting out of the bathtub quickly, and blatantly lying about his energy. He says that Hinata has been buzzing on energy all day. Sugawara says that he isn't surprised but he thought Hinata's stamina was limitless. Ukai is mad that he hadn't noticed it sooner. Hinata says that he can still fly, but Ukai tells him to sit. All of Karasuno is pained by this, but Takeda starts talking to Hinata. Takeda says that Hinata isn't going to want to hear what he is about to say to Hinata but it must be said:
He says that right now, Hinata is not allowed on the court. Hinata has limits, things like this will happen again, but he must work to extend his limit. One day Hinata will gain a gold medal. There are some walls that are impossible to get over with just grit, passion, and gumption. Concentrate what he needs to do to win. He will grow taller, stronger, and better. However, in a game where six feet players thrive, being small is always the disadvantage that he will have. He will lack chances other players have, and that is a truth he must accept. He, of all people, must be prepared for these moments.
Narita is subbed in and Hinata apologizes. Ukai is panicking as Karasuno appears to be finished. He signals to Shimada and Takinoue to help Hinata. Tanaka says to stop crying, Tsukishima says he's not surprised because Hinata's brain is tiny. Noya says to leave it to him and Narita. Narita says he isn't sure if things will be fine. Kinoshita and Ennoshita are very anxious of Nartia bein subbed in because this is his first time being subbed in of the day. Daichi says to Hinata that he must get rest as the team needs him. Sugawara and Asahi reassure him saying that things will be fine. Kageyama says that he wins because Hinata was on the court for less time. Saeko is worried as she doesn't know what's happening. Kenma gets up to greet Hinata and reassure him. Bokuto and Akashi say that the cold wasn't the problem, but rather his limits were.
Suddenly, Hoshiumi yells to come back in the future as he is waiting for him. Hinata bows and begins to walk off with Yachi. Gao says to Hoshiumi that he isn't coming back. Hoshiumi says that he knows, and he means the future. Atsumu says that it took the Foxes, Cats, and Seagulls to finally take he monster, Hinata, down. Hinata watches the door to the arena close as Yachi guides him off the court.
Shimada goes to check on Hinata, and Saeko says to take good care of Hinata. Shimada says to take care of the team. Old-coach Ukai says that there is never a spring tournament where disaster doesn't strike. Kageyama says that Karasuno has some damn good players. Ukai says that because Kageyama is blunt and sharp, the team will get hyped from his words as he is a star player who rarely shows emotion. As well as the fact that when someone like him praises his teammates, his teammates feel excited. Daichi apologizes to Aikichi for the delay, and Daichi yells to fight. Kiyoko, the team, and the crowd yell that as well. Aikichi says that there is no such thing as momentum, ad the game resumes.
Kenma tells Hinata to get out of uniform, and gives him a device to watch the game on. Narita gets a set and is promptly shut down. He apologizes for luring all three blockers in. Tanaka says that it's not a big deal. It's 18-17 Kamomedai. Shimada grabs a taxi for Hinata to go to the hospital. Yachi is about to cry and Hinata says that her face is scary. Narita finally gets a spike in and scores between Hirugami and Gao. Hoshiumi and Asahi exchange service aces. Noya receives Hirugami's serve overhand and Karasuno scores. The score is 22-21 Kamomedai. Kamomedai calls a timeout and they switch Aikichi and Gao for Tokura and Norikura. Hinata analyzes this and Yachi says that it seems like Hinata is still on the court. Asahi receives Tokura's serve, and Tanaka, who is extremely confident, slams a very sharp lineshot and Kanabayshi fails to save it.
Bokuto says that in the entire game, Karasuno has barely gotten past Kamomedai's wall, but since they ripped a hole through it and have seen beyond it,it's given them confidence to keep fighting. It is 22-22 and Kageyama is up to serve, who thinks that just because Hinata isn't on the court it doesn't mean that he should abstain from watching.
Kageyama hits a powerful serve. All Nozawa is thinking is to get the ball up, even if it is ugly. He is exhausted, and the ball is received by Nozawa. The ball is over the net when Bessho slams it down. Nishinoya saves the ball, and the commentator is shocked by this. Tsukishima carefully sets the ball to Tanaka; Goshiki comments that this was a good set. Tanaka hits a cross shot around the triple block, but it is received by Kanbayashi, which goes over the net. As Karasuno does a synchronized attack with the ball being set to Tsukishima, Tsukishima gets a leg cramp while jumping and the ball hits the floor, in which Nishinoya fails to save the ball. Kamomedai has the lead 23-22. Tsukishima needs to be subbed out. Ukai doesn't know who to pick: Sugawara or Yamaguchi. He doesn't know who to put in. Sugawara tells him that it doesn't matter if he is a third-year; if Yamaguchi is the better choice, he must go in. Ukai agrees and Yamaguchi is subbed in. Tsukishima tells the team to watch the whole court and do not allow any holes. Kiyoko is frantically trying to get Tsukishima off the court as his leg is not in good shape. Kageyama sets to Yamaguchi right away, which stuns everyone. Kageyama caught everyone by surprise since Yamaguchi was just subbed in, Yamaguchi notes how easy it was for him to hit that. It is 23-23. Atsumu mentions that Karasuno can get under your skin easily and laughs. Tanaka hits a jump serve right to Kanbayashi, which is hit right to Tokura. Tokura sets it to Bessho, who scores despite Karasuno trying to block him. It is 24-23 and Kamomedai is at match point. Bessho hits a serve to the front, where Asahi receives. Daichi tries to spike but is deflected into Kamomedai's court. Yamaguchi is able to get a hand on Hirugami's spike. Kageyama keeps in the air, Nishinoya follows up, Tanaka spikes, and the ball hits the top of the net and barely goes over. Hoshiumi saves it, and Kamomedai spikes it directly to Daichi, shocking everyone. Kageyama sets to Asahi, who has to face a triple block. It is slammed off and going towards an out, but Nozawa saves it. Tokura sets a perfect ball to Hoshiumi, who jumps as high as he can as Hinata is watching in the hospital. Despite Karasuno's triple block, the ball goes through Yamaguichi's arms as he jumped early, and is an inexperienced blocker. The ball deflects off Nishinoya's arms. Tanaka runs after the ball, followed by Nishinoya, Kageyama, and Yamaguichi. Tanaka tries to save it, and with all of Karasuno and their adversaries watching, the ball hits the ground, ending their tournament bid.
Aftermath
Daichi is lying down in exhaustion after a hell day. The crowd is going crazy after this exciting match. He struggles to stand up and both teams thank each other for the game. Hinata looks down in despair as his team just lost and he could do nothing about it, and bows despite not being on the court. The audience applauds and the teams shake hands. Kageyama watches the third-years bow one more time to the court, and the team walks off the court, knowing that someday this will be him. Kuroo and Boktuo tells Karasuno that they played great. Shinsuke tells the Miya twins that all of that hard work was worth it, even though they didn't win. Daichi asks Takinoue if Hinata is ok, who tells Daichi that he is fine. Udai says that Hinata will be fine, which surprises Saeko. Udai is certain that Hinata hasn't given up.
Saeko tells Udai that if Hinata didn't see him on TV, he never would have been here. He wouldn't have biked over a mountain, met Kageyama, and went to nationals. Udai says that he ikes that he created a monster, though indirectly. On Court C, Sakusa interrupts a group of people's conversation as they are pitying Hinata for his fever. Sakusa tells them that they need to be nice and help him out as much as they can. Pitying someone will make them feel worse. Itachiyama has stunningly lost because their setter, Tsukasa has been injured. Ironically, Bokuto pities Sakusa in his head despite Sakusa saying not to pity people. Karasuno begins to walk to the sub arena and they push their volleyball cart off the court. Hinata, Yachi, and Shimada are leaving the hospital.
As Karasuno exits the gymnasium, Nishinoya asks Asahi if he is worried that Noya is beating himself up due to failing to receive Hoshiumi's last spike, which made them lose the final point. Asahi says that he is a little, but he says that if Noya couldn't receive that spike, then no one could've. Noya laughs as he thinks that he should've gotten because Asahi thinks that only Noya had a chance of getting it. Daichi asks Tsukishima if his leg is fine from the cramp earlier, and he replied that he is fine, and thanks him. Daichi thanks Tsukishima for putting in the extra effort to block as that's why Karasuno got this far in the first place. Tsukishima tells Daichi that he wants to study some of Kamomedai's game tape. Daichi laughs and says that he is a seal, confusing Tsukishima.
Asahi says that it means that you grow fast, as baby seals become adults rather quickly. Tanaka asks Kiyoko to carry her bag and she says yes. Tanaka says that it is light. At a team meeting, Daichi tells them that despite the score looking very close, Kamomedai had them completely beat. He says that for their first nationals trip, top 8 in the nation is incredible. He says that without the third years, Karasuno can go further. Kageyama interrupts saying that he wanted to take the team further. This surprises everyone as Kageyama used to be so arrogant. Sugawara head butts him telling him that it is all worthless if they lose, but hearing that from Kageyama makes the trip all the worth. Daichi says they are all seals, referring to the first years. Just as they are about to leave, Daichi thanks Takeda.
He says that without Takeda scheduling practice matches, the training camps, the long gym hours, and convincing Ukai to join them was the reason why they got so far. Takeda remembers the times where he overheard workers chatting about how he can make things awkward especially when he doesn't quit and doesn't know about the topic. He says that he is proud of every single one of Karasuno's players. They all grew, nothing is over, and that they can do anything if they work hard. Karasuno thanks Takeda and Ukai says to go eat.
Karasuno exits the stadium and goes back to their motel. Suga says that he is glad that no one apologized for anything. The third years are looking outside, and they then come in to eat when Tanaka tells them to. Hinata is resting when Ukai comes in to give him food. Ukai says that a good hot meal will make him feel better. He says that Hinata didn't lack anything. He had the guts, and wanted it badly. He says that physical and mental strength are the same thing, and that Hinata must not go past his limit, but rather increase his limit. He also tells Hinata to eat healthy food. He thanks him for the food and starts eating, and cries at the same time. Karasuno eats as well, and they check on Hinata and give him water. The team leaves Tokyo, and returns to Miyagi, where the team must begin to adjust without the 3rd years.