What's up Otaku friends! Harumi/Shei here. :)
It's been a couple of weeks since I last posted here. In that span of time, I finished re-watching five seasons of MAJOR anime. Yes, I can't just get myself from stopping... well, except for work. lol Anyway, once I finish this appreciation post for Karasuno team, I'll be making reaction/review posts on all Major series. There is so much I want to talk about, but we should leave that for later. Now, let's prepare ourselves to welcome the first years of Karasuno High School Volleyball Club!
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The caption on the picture says it all. These four youngsters are indeed a force to reckon with. They might be unique and somehow eccentric in some way, but they're so reliable and inspiring... not only to their teammates and rivals but also to everyone who watches them. It's so heartwarming to see them grow and spread their wings, these baby crows. <3
Let's get to know each of them. :)
Yamaguchi Tadashi
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This adorable marshmallow here is Yamaguchi Tadashi. He's Karasuno's "pinch server" and is known for his jump float serve. At first, he didn't know how to do it but he was guided by a Karasuno alumnus. Through his serve, he has contributed points to Karasuno in some very important games especially during their match against Aoba Johsai.
Among the first years, he's the only guy who didn't get a regular spot. It was depressing for him at first and that's the reason why he practiced his serves. I love how he grew, especially mentally. In the past, he used to be stupidly nervous when asked to pinch serve... but in the latter part of the series, he showed his determination of wanting to get on the court alongside everyone.
I just really admire his character and I really appreciate him for doing his best. Also, he's known to be Tsukishima's childhood friend. He was once "saved" by Tsukki from some bullies and from then on, he was stuck to him. I love their relationship.
Tsukishima Kei
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I love his smug face, but this picture of his is one of the best scenes ever! Watch season three to find out! lol
Tsukishima Kei is a middle blocker and is known for thinking that what they're doing is JUST a club activity. He really didn't put in much effort at first. If everyone was giving their 100%, he was only giving enough effort to pass, let's say 75%? Well, we couldn't blame him because something happened in the past which made him disappointed. Despite that, he continued playing volleyball... and that's enough to show that he loves the sport.
I love his personality, though. He could be mean, but he's so fun without even trying to be funny. It's difficult to explain, so just watch the series. lol
I especially love him in season two when his views started changing because of some rivals who taught him and encouraged him to give his best shot. In season three, I consider him the MVP because he has put in 120% effort in their match. He has grown a lot from a person who doesn't really care to a person who paved the way towards victory. I love you Tsukkiiiii~!
Kageyama Tobio
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Kageyama Tobio was once known as "The King of the Court", unfortunately, in a not-so-positive way. When he was in middle school, during an important match, nobody was there to hit his tosses. His teammates see him as a self-centered king, a tyrant. He wanted his teammates to adjust to his brilliant tosses, which they failed to do. It was a dark past for him, but after coming to Karasuno, he met people who are willing to hit his tosses with a happy heart and anticipation. He was told that it's alright to be a "king". Thanks to them, he was able to show his great ability and at the same time brought out his team's ability.
Kageyama is plainly a volleyball freak. It's like his mind is just full of volleyball... Well, it's a great thing, though. He is really a genius setter and I'm just so proud of him. Oh... fun fact, he loves drinking milk and often takes his time choosing from the vending machine. lol
Hinata Shoyo
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Hinata Shoyo is literally and figuratively a ball of sunshine! He's my baby crow who grew up so much in a short span of time. Though the growth wasn't physical at all. haha xD He is the ultimate decoy and is a really impressive player.
He started playing volleyball after watching Karasuno's "Little Giant' on TV that one time. Having a short stature like the little giant, he worked his way up by "flying". Like Kageyama, he is also a volleyball freak.
I can't say much about Hinata because he's just plainly awesome. He's amazing as he never fails to surprise everyone, including himself. ;) I love him so so so much and I am happy to continue witnessing his journey as a volleyball player who started with nothing. Never giving up always pays off!
#WARNING: Manga SPOILER
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This shot was when they were seniors in Karasuno. They were all regular players with Yamaguchi as their captain. Well, we didn't really see any arc during their senior years but we did see some glimpse of this and that.
After the timeskip, Hinata, Kageyama and Tsukishima continued playing volleyball professionally. Despite playing volleyball, Tsukki will also start working in a museum after he graduates from college. Yamaguchi, on the other hand, will start working in an electronic company. Kageyama and Hinata will focus on their volleyball career, but not as teammates. They finally have the chance to challenge each other again on the opposite side of the court. Yes, they're rivals! And I just can't wait to see them play in more games.
In the latest manga arc, Hinata's team is playing against Kageyama's team. What's awesome is that they're former rivals are now part of each other's team. It's just so awesome to see them play again!
I freaking love Haikyuu! and I can't stop myself from loving it more and more. I will surely re-watch the whole series again soon. Though I have rewatched everything just last month... lol
Anyway, this ends the third part of my Karasuno appreciation post. I hope you enjoyed it! Jaa ne~!!!