"The Road to Tokyo" (Japanese:
Overview[]
Kageyama, Hinata, Nishinoya, and Tanaka frantically study for their next month's exams in order to partake in Fukurodani Academy Group's excursion in Tokyo. Moreover, Shimizu recruits the newest manager for Karasuno's volleyball team—a shy first-year.
Plot[]
In the clubroom, Daichi laws down the basic rules that Hinata, Kageyama, Nishinoya, and Tanaka need to follow in order to pass their upcoming exams and how they can reach out to the third-years if they need any help. As the four struggle to accept the rules, Hinata suddenly gets an idea and passes it onto Kageyama who is unwilling but accepts as Hinata points out how it would be their best chance to pass their exams.
Tsukishima and Yamaguchi are walking near Ukai's store as they discuss how they are not surprised about Hinata having low test scores but figured Kageyama would have put in more effort. At that moment, they hear Hinata loudly call to Tsukishima and ask if he would be willing to tutor him and Kageyama. Tsukishima instantly refuses and seems slightly more willing when Hinata and Yamaguchi offer official tutor hours. Before agreeing, Tsukishima points out how Kageyama is not making much effort asking for help as he is letting Hinata do all the talking. Kageyama struggles to get the words out until he loudly asks Tsukishima to help them study and gets them scolded by Ukai for being so loud.
The following day, Kiyoko is done speaking with students who are not able to become potential managers for the volleyball team. Hinata approaches her and gives her papers filled out by students Hinata has found who are not in clubs. Kiyoko is grateful for his help but feels that he should focus on his studies as she is sure the team will need him to fulfill his role as the ultimate decoy.
At practice, Ukai talks to Hinata and Tsukishima about working on their blocks to limit or block Ushijima as best as they can. While Hinata is eager to work on this, Tsukishima is doubtful they will be able to block the Shiratorizawa ace. As everyone gets to practice, Ukai asks Takeda how the boys are doing regarding their grades and learns that several of them have become diligent in their studies. That night, several of the players have stayed in the clubroom to study together. The first-years are grouped together as they go over Hinata's papers. Although Tsukishima understands how Hinata came to the answer he did, he adds that Hinata's simplicity kept him from fully understanding the question.
When Kageyama states that Hinata needs to calm down more, Tsukishima scolds Kageyama for not doing much better than Hinata and that he needs to work on his English vocabulary. Kageyama argues that he doesn't need to know English since he's Japanese which earns him a remark from Tsukishima that he might as well give up going to Tokyo. Daichi then approaches and goes through hand signals that Kageyama correctly points out what they mean. This leads Daichi to state that Kageyama doesn't have a memory problem and can't use this as an excuse.
The next Saturday, the second-years have gathered at Tanaka's house to a study session. Ennoshita looks over a test that Nishinoya did but becomes upset at the improvised answer he wrote. At that moment, Tanaka's older sister, Saeko, appears and voices her surprise at seeing her brother studying. She offers her help, but Tanaka turn her down by saying she's not much smarter than he is. After a short argument, Saeko leaves. Kinoshita asks what Saeko does and Tanaka answers that she is part of a taiko drum group. Ennoshita steps up and gets everyone refocused on their studies.
In Tokyo, Kenma receives a text message from Hinata who wishes him and Nekoma luck in their upcoming tournament. Kenma sends a reply message asking if Hinata will be attending the next training camp. Hinata vows that Karasuno will be attending and that they will surely win. Over a short montage, the members of Karasuno are shown participating in practice and becoming more involved with better understanding their studies to the point that Takeda overhears several teachers express joy at how some of the players are asking questions during class. Takeda feels certain that the team will make it to the Tokyo camp with the only concern now being whether Kiyoko can find a new manager for the team.
During practice, Kiyoko enters the gym and calls for everyone's attention. As the boys gather together, they spot a girl hiding behind Kiyoko.
Debut[]
- Family
Appearances[]
- Karasuno High
Chapter notes[]
Character revelations[]
- Kageyama has an excellent memory although it seems it's only limited to volleyball-related things.
- Nishinoya's worst subject is Contemporary Literature.
- Nekoma is located in the Nerima ward of Tokyo.