The seemingly endless battle between Karasuno and Shiratorizawa for the finals match in the Miyagi prefecture representative play-offs is finally heading to a close in "Haikyuu!!" season 3, episode 9. Now that Kageyama and Tsukishima are both back to the court, it's time for Karasuno's counterattack. If the match finishes early, maybe we will also be given a glimpse of the Tokyo representative play-offs.
In "Haikyuu!!" season 3, episode 8, Karasuno barely managed to stop Shiratorizawa's match point with their persistence but a ray of light came back just as they tied the score. It's a rare sight to see Tsukishima rushing to get back to the court after saying volleyball is "just a club," especially after getting hurt in episode 7. He is the hero of today's match. Tired Kageyama, as per Hinata's description, will also be back with renewed energy.
Karasuno will get their lucky rotation finally in "Haikyuu!!" season 3, episode 9 titled "Volleyball Idiots." Tsukishima is in the front row to receive Ushijima's horrendous spikes with a soft block. Imagining him repeatedly saying "one touch" much to Shiratorizawa's annoyance is really satisfying. Meanwhile, Karasuno will score the final point with a first tempo synchronized attack as Hinata smashes the ball from the backrow.
However, it would not be an easy game, as the scores will go back and forth. Even though both sides are reaching their bodies' limits the players will become fiercer. We will see some more action from guess monster, Tendo and Karasuno's guardian deity, Nishinoya. Of course, Ushijima is still the largest problem until the end as he fights off three blockers with force.
Hinata's minus tempo back row attack will be blocked but they will follow up with synchronized attack that will definitely catch Shiratorizawa off guard with the sudden change in speed. Hinata who is always jumping around will also blend in with the others. The attack is very risky because if they do get blocked, no one will be able to save the ball as they are all jumping. Shiratorizawa though knows they are screwed once they start overanalyzing who would do the spike. The fifth set which should have been decided by 15 points will end at 21-19 in favor of Karasuno.
It's a celebration for Karasuno but it's a sad but determined send-off for Shiratorizawa whose ace, Ushijima, is leaving the team soon. He's already a third year and will pass the legacy to the aspiring ace, Goshiki, who is the only first year in Shiratorizawa's starting line-up. The finals battle might end in "Haikyuu!!" season 3, episode 9 or maybe in the half of episode 10. Thus, we might see some of the Tokyo representative match where Nekoma and Fukurodani Academy will be facing each other. Fukurodani will fully capitalize on their ace Bokuto and defeat Nekoma, but Nekoma will still be able to represent Tokyo after winning their next match -- Tokyo has three representatives. The battle of garbage dump will finally come true in the nationals.
"Haikyuu!!" season 3, episode 9 will air on Dec. 2 while episode 10 will air on Dec. 9. Watch the episode 9 preview below: