Haikyuu: The Manga Ending, Explained

Haruichi Furudate's beloved sports manga Haikyuu captured the hearts of fans around the world with its compelling story of high school volleyball, determination, and growth. As Haikyuu's manga has come to a close, Haikyuu anime watchers are left to wait for the progression of the narrative. This article summarizes the final events of the Haikyuu series, the subsequent events preceding Kurasuno's endeavor at the National League Final (where the anime currently stands) and explains the paths that the series' protagonists took in life.

Haikyuu tells the tale of Hinata Shoyo, a driven and enthusiastic volleyball player who dreams of becoming an elite athlete despite his short physique. Hinata joins Karasuno High School's volleyball team, inspired by a legendary player known as the "Little Giant," and meets Kageyama Tobio, a prodigious setter. Together, with their diverse and dedicated teammates, they strive to propel Karasuno to new heights, facing formidable opponents and overcoming personal obstacles along the way. But more than Karasuno's success, Haikyuu is a story deeply rooted in human emotion, dreams, and hard work, and this philosophy is woven into the entire narrative from the beginning to the finale.

Part 1: Hinata's Training in Brazil

After Hinata and Kageyama's first-year loss at the Nationals competition, Haikyuu's narrative takes a 5-year time-skip. This time-skip allows readers to see how the characters have changed and where their lives have taken them since high school.

Hinata in Brazil

Hinata Shoyo travels to Brazil to train for beach volleyball, motivated by a desire to improve his game. This unconventional choice allows him to improve his skills, particularly in areas such as ball control, agility, and versatility. Hinata's time in Brazil is filled with intense training, new friendships (a notable relationship with Oikawa flourished), and a growing understanding of the sport. This period is critical to developing Hinata into a well-rounded and formidable player.

Highlights of Hinata Shoyo's Brazil Arc

• Hinata's New Mentor: Hinata trains under the guidance of a seasoned beach volleyball player, who helps him adapt to the new format and hone his skills. This volleyball veteran is called Pedro. Pedro was an important part of Hinata's development during his time in Brazil, providing guidance and training that helped him become a more well-rounded volleyball player.

• Cultural Immersion and Confidence: Hinata experiences life in Brazil, learning the language and embracing the local culture, which broadens his perspective both on and off the court while simultaneously increasing his confidence.

• Development of Skills: The physical demands of beach volleyball force Hinata to improve his stamina, strategic thinking, and adaptability in preparation for his return to indoor volleyball.

Part 2: The Professional Stage: MSBY Black Jackals

Hinata's Return to Japan

Following his transformative experience in Brazil, Hinata returns to Japan to pursue a professional volleyball career. He joins the MSBY Black Jackals, one of the top teams in Japan's V-League. Hinata reunites with several former high school classmates at the Black Jackals, including Atsumu Miya, who is now a top-tier setter. This reunion brings both excitement and new challenges as Hinata adjusts to playing alongside old rivals.

Highlights of the Professional Arc

• Team Dynamics: Hinata's integration into the Black Jackals demonstrates his development and adaptability as he learns to work with a highly skilled team.

• Competitive Matches: The Black Jackals' matches against other professional teams demonstrate the advanced level of play and strategic depth of professional volleyball.

• Further Personal Growth: Hinata's professional league experiences reinforce his reputation as an all-around player and demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the game to both the volleyball community and to himself.

Hinata's Induction into Team Japan

After the aforementioned invaluable time in Brazil and his outstanding performance with the MSBY Black Jackals. Hinata attracts the attention of national team selectors.

Selection Process

Hinata was invited to the Team Japan selection process, whereby, upon performing well, he could join Team Japan, where his rival and motivator Tobio Kageyama is currently playing.

The invitation to the selection process alone was a significant milestone in Hinata's volleyball career, as he fulfils a long-held dream. Playing alongside Kageyama again, but this time on an international stage, allows Hinata to demonstrate his development and the deep understanding they have as players.

The Tokyo Olympics: The Ultimate Stage

Hinata Shoyo was selected to officially join the Japanese National Volleyball (Team Japan).

One of the most poignant moments in the entire series is Hinata's acceptance into Team Japan. Hinata has outperformed his idol, the "Little Giant," both in skill and recognition. Throughout Haikyuu, Hinata's admiration for the Little Giant fuels his desire to become a top-tier player despite his small stature, yet he has surpassed the accomplishments of his idol.

Furthermore, the profundity of this event is found in Hinata's ability to play, strive, and battle in the sport he has dedicated his life to. As Hinata now officially stands on the court with some of the best players in the world, this moment is the embodiment of his hard-work paying off. Playing alongside Kageyama Tobio and other elite athletes, Hinata's presence on the court reflects his transformation from an enthusiastic high school player to a world-class competitor.

Team Japan's Formation

The series concludes at the Tokyo Olympics, where many prior high school players have gone on to compete professionally for their respective countries. Hinata and Kageyama Tobio, once children squabbling at Karasuno, are now teammates on the Japanese national team.

The Return of the Demon Duo

Hinata and Kageyama's reunion on the court is a watershed moment, representing their maturation and the enduring bond they share. Their combined abilities and thorough understanding of each other's playstyles make them a formidable duo.

Karasuno's Former Members and Their Futures

The final chapter, Haikyuu, Chapter 402 of the manga, offers an emotional glimpse of where life has taken the Karasuno players, illustrating the lasting effect of the skills they developed in volleyball.

Tsukishima Kei

Tsukishima is now playing for the Sendai Frogs, a professional team in Japan, where his blocking abilities continue to shine.

Yamaguchi Tadashi

Yamaguchi becomes a high school volleyball coach, inspiring and training the next generation of players.

Nishinoya Yuu

Nishinoya has embarked on a global adventure, playing volleyball wherever he goes and embracing his passion for exploration.

Tanaka Ryuunosuke

To the fans' surprise, Tanaka marries his high school sweetheart, Kiyoko Shimizu, and continues to play recreational volleyball.

Asahi Azumane

Asahi initially has trouble finding his way, but he spends time exploring the world with Nishinoya, returns to Japan and eventually settles on a career in design.

Sugawara Koushi

Becomes a teacher, caring for and mentoring young minds with the same care he displayed during Karasuno's high-school endeavors.

Daichi Sawamura

Joins the police force, embodying the same leadership and responsibility he demonstrated on the court.

Haikyuu's bittersweet ending concludes with the assertion of hope, determination, and the life-changing impact of hard work, whether it applies to sports or any other ambition. The detailed exploration of the characters' post-high school lives provides fans with a satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion. Haruichi Furudate's portrayal of their development and accomplishments leaves readers with a lasting impression of the value of dreams, hard work, and the unbreakable bonds formed through shared passions.