"Meanwhile, the Laziest Cat..." (Japanese:
Overview[]
During the first night of Spring Tournament, the Nekoma third-years are discussing about their team members, especially Kenma. As the latter approaches them after overhearing their discussion, he tells them about his reasons for playing volleyball. Fast forward to the next day, Nekoma High School is currently battling Sarukawa Tech. With a score of 20-22 in favor of Nekoma, the opposing team is focusing on exhausting Kenma, who lacks strength and stamina, in order to weaken Nekoma's mental willpower.
Plot[]
It is the first night of the Spring Tournament. Kuroo, Yaku, and Kai gather around to chat about coming to cheer for their juniors in the next Interhigh after they graduate, wherever it may take place. Just then, Kenma shows up trying to buy a hot cocoa from the vending machines. The Nekoma third-years start talking about Kenma and how unbelievable that someone so inconspicuous is here at Nationals. Kuroo starts reminisce about their middle school times and admits to feeling guilty when Kenma would get easily sick after grueling practices. He then wonders if Kenma has learned to appreciate his experience more now that they have made it this far.
Yaku bluntly shoots Kuroo's thoughts down, stating that Kenma couldn't care less about things like that. Kenma approaches the trio and confirms that he would quit if he really wanted to, but he would feel apologetic to Kuroo if did so. He explains that he doesn't particularly hate or love volleyball, but that's enough for him to continue. Before he takes his leave, Kenma admits to not enjoying exerting himself physically but: "Don't mind 'leveling up'".
Young Kenma asks Kuroo if he wants to do some leveling up after a loss.
Yaku then realizes that, despite Kenma's lack of stamina, Kenma has his own brand of persistence. Yaku brings up the "early riser" story about how Kenma, who always sleep in, would wake up at 2 in the morning just to play games, indicating that Kenma will put in the effort if he likes something. Kai notes that Kenma has become more motivated ever since they started practicing with Karasuno, more specifically with Hinata.
Kuroo explains that Hinata is not only a valuable friend but also an opponent Kenma would like to "clear", and vice-versa. Kai thinks "leveling up" is very much Kenma's style while Kuroo recalls a childhood memory of Kenma helping him level up in volleyball after a loss. His train of thoughts is suddenly interrupted when Yaku declares that he will be the one to stand out the most at Nationals. This prompt Kuroo to retort as the two starts insulting each other using chemistry terms.
Kenma being forced to run around the court.
Fast forward to the next day, the Karasuno vs Inarizaki and Nekoma vs Sarukawa matches are taking place simultaneously on adjacent courts. Nekoma is currently leading the set as the players maintain their usual high level of defense. Sarukawa doesn't pale either as they successfully deal with Nekoma's every attack. It is revealed that Sarukawa's coach, Shishio, is originally Nekomata's student, which would explain the team's strong defense. Watching from the audience stands, Suguru suspects that Sarukawa hasn't been trying to score a single point but rather trying to mess up Nekoma's rhythm. The score is now 22-20 in favor of Nekoma, but Coach Shishio is confident that his team will drag out the game to physically exhaust Nekoma's brain, Kenma.
Debut[]
Appearances []
- Karasuno High
- Shōyō Hinata (Flashback)