"Links" (Japanese:
Overview[]
Believing he has mastered the timing, Tsukishima begins taking the lead in Karasuno's blocking and reveals Karasuno's total defence strategy.
Plot[]
Yamaguchi's serve is stopped and he is removed from the game. With how Shiratorizawa was able to receive the ball and have Ushijima get past a triple block, Ukai understands how something like that would be able to get the audience and the team fired up. Despite this, he instructs the Karasuno team not to stick to the same methods of trying to defend and to always be thinking of their next move while at the same time trying to have fun with the fact that they have the rare chance to play a five-round match.
As the team is about to head back onto the court, Tsukishima makes the request that he be allowed to set the timing for the blocks from now on. On Shiratorizawa's side, third-year setter Eita Semi reminds Shirabu to keep in mind how often he is setting to Ushijima. Though Shirabu accepts Semi's advice, Semi is apparently annoyed by the second-year.
In the stands, two Shiratorizawa students comment why Semi is not the main setter considering he was fairly well-known during middle school. Another student explains that Shirabu was most likely chosen as the main setter due to his reliability and cautious play. Shirabu is then revealed to have been accepted into Shiratorizawa without a sports scholarship.
Goshiki becomes annoyed when Daichi receives his serve, guessing that Karasuno's defense wouldn't be as solid if Daichi were not present. Asahi ricochets a ball off Ushijima and scores. Tsukishima keeps a close eye on the ball and is able to get a one-touch on Ushijima's spike. Tanaka saves the ball when it heads toward the back end. Moments later, Reon counters.
Shirabu is forced to make the first touch and Reon covers the set. Asahi, Tsukishima, and Kageyama position themselves at the net as Ushijima begins making his approach. At Tsukishima's command, the three jump to block and close off the path for a cross shot. With the chance for a cross not an option, Ushijima is forced to hit a line shot where Nishinoya is waiting.
The libero makes a perfect receive that impresses Daichi and Yamagata. Watching the players, Tendō follows Asahi to one side only to be caught off guard when he sees Kageyama set to Tsukishima instead. With Tendō having been fooled, Tsukishima easily spikes past Reon.
With the score tied once more, Ukai gives praise to Karasuno's total defence.
Debut[]
Appearances[]
- Shiratorizawa Academy
- Others
Chapter notes[]
Character revelations[]
- Shirabu is the only known player among the regulars who does not attend Shiratorizawa on a sports scholarship, and instead passed the school's difficult entrance exams through superb grades.