"Reasons" (Japanese:
Overview[]
Struck by Yamaguchi's words, a puzzled Tsukishima seeks out Nekoma and Fukurōdani captains, Kuroo and Bokuto, for more insight. The third-year captains are helpful and give him advice that completely changes Tsukishima's perspective on the sport.
Plot[]
Sugawara is concerned about leaving Tsukishima alone, but Daichi is not as worried. He believes the first-year middle blocker will come around and insists on not pushing him more than needed. However, Daichi still asks the others for help if Tsukishima threatens to leave the team.
Tsukishima is not satisfied after his confrontation with Yamaguchi and seeks out others for more insight. He goes to the third gym where he finds Akaashi, Bokuto, and Kuroo and asks for advice. Tsukishima questions why they dedicate so much time and effort to a club despite the small chance of winning nationals. However, the third-year captains get distracted as they ponder over how "just a club" sounds like a person's name.
After getting back on track, Bokuto asks Tsukishima if he finds volleyball fun. When Tsukishima answers that he doesn't, the Fukurōdani captain insists it is because Tsukishima is not very good at the sport. Bokuto admits that he didn't enjoy volleyball until recently despite being a much better player. His "moment" came when he perfected the line shot and smashed past blockers who stopped his crosses before. He explains that: "The thrill of performing at your best and beating your opponents take precedence over anything else." Bokuto acknowledges that this isn't the case for everyone but tells Tsukishima that he will be hooked on volleyball if he finds a similar moment.
Yamaguchi returns to the gym where Karasuno is practicing in. Hinata asks about Tsukishima's whereabouts, and Yamaguchi reveals he is practicing with Bokuto and Kuroo. Yamaguchi wonders if Hinata considers Tsukishima a rival. Hinata replies affirmatively, noting that the taller blocker possesses things that he doesn't. Determined not to be beaten, Hinata runs off to practice. Yachi suddenly realizes that Hinata and Tsukishima's rivalry is akin to a battle between the sun and the moon due to the characters in their last names.
On the third day of the camp, Karasuno is struggling to contain Bokuto. Ukai calls a timeout and tells the team to land a touch on Bokuto's spikes if they can't stop them. Kiyoko explains to Yachi that a kill block completely stops a spike whereas a soft touch weakens its momentum to give a team the chance to counterattack. Tsukishima asks if they should stop using a kill block completely, shocking everyone with his newfound determination.
When the game continues, Tsukishima applies the blocking tips he got from Kuroo against Bokuto. The ace is intimidated by Tsukishima's overwhelming presence and switches to a feint at the last moment. The others notice Tsukishima's behavior while Akaashi calls out Bokuto for chickening out. Tsukishima stares Hinata down as Yachi recalls the battle between the sun and moon.
Appearances[]
Chapter notes[]
Character revelations[]
- Bokuto initially didn't find volleyball as enjoyable.
Trivia[]
- Fukurodani has gone to the Nationals for three years.