The Moment Hinata Shoyo Became The Greatest (Haikyuu Manga) 

He didn't become the Little Giant, he became Ninja Shoyo... known well enough that even world class players knew his name. He created his own path.

This really was one of the best finishing touches to a story that led the readers through a rollercoaster of ups and downs. I thought I would’ve been more disappointed when I saw the end result of the match but this really solidified it for me. It shows that sports animanga don’t just need a “win it all ending” to be great.

That line "if someone were to give me a nickname, I want to be called the greatest decoy" hit different when I read it. I didn't know how to put the feeling into words.

Hinata is, if not one of the greatest sports characters of all time. Maybe even in the list for greatest protagonist of all time.

Hinata's sickness in the match also reminds me of how in Kuroko no Basket, they say that the Generation of Miracles' talent far surpasses their body, sp they have to be careful not to injure themselves or overdo it. I think Hinata's leaps and bounds in the past 3 matches in Nationals made his talent bloom to the point where he could be counted as a Miracle, but his body couldn't keep up with the sudden burst of ability, so it just shut down.

This video could use a follow-up about Ninja Shoyo. I loved how Hinata went from drawing attention to learning how to blend in. And by the end he can switch between Greatest Decoy and Ninja Shoyo without missing a beat.

I felt that Hinata decided to change his dream the moment he felt really cool and was having a real fun playing as a decoy, he started to enjoy and appreciate this role. I guess he had some thoughts about how he should feel when playing volleyball, he thought that the role of the Little Giant would give him that, but in the end either he felt it when he mastered his role of decoy, or he began to enjoy the role of decoy more than the role of his dream. After all, there are different ways to achieve what you want to feel, it's about finding your own path that suits you personally.

I love the panel of Hinata meditating and reading the book on how to sleep better it emphasizes his growth and reflection over his loss in high school

This moment really made me realize how much Hinata had matured and grown as a player and a person, even if he still had lessons to be learned.

When rereading and rewatching Haikyu aren't enough, these video essays about the characters and the series as a whole give me life 😭❤️

Hinata was unreal this game. Flawlessly using everything he had learnt and practically holding Karasuno together. And then Furudate rips it away from us...

Manga spoilers Forgive me if my memory about this isn't perfectly accurate, but I am reminded of post time-skip Ushijima - how as he started playing against bigger, stronger, and more experienced players, his left-handedness and physical power no longer gave him the edge against his opponents that he was used to, so he had to completely re-learn how to spike, discarding his old strength and building a new one, perhaps multiple times. Exactly the same way that Hinata rebuilt all of his skills from the sand up in the Brazil arc. The great lesson of Haikyuu is, in my eyes, that the only mastery of a thing is the continued practice of that thing. There is always another goal to aspire to, because life is less a competition to be better than everyone else than it is a struggle to become better than you ever have been.

For so long I believed Hinata would be the little giant and I'll be honest it was a real surprise when he didn't ,I'm really used to those Shonen main characters who always achieve their dream in the end like Naruto, Luffy, Asta, Deku so this was really different for me and I like the change. I really admire the way Hinata was able to abandon his dream of becoming the little giant to evolve into the best player he could be. As in my eyes his dream was only limiting his growth and because of it he failed to realise his real talent and potential that Kageyama tried to show him it was his fixation on the idea of being the little giant that was holding him back. if Hinata didn't abandon his dream he wouldn't have been able to reach his level of skill and would have been stuck at a bottle neck. He didn't understand that there was more than one way to stay on the court the longest, he was able to discover his own original style of playing volleyball. It's a shame he couldn't be the little giant but I love the way things turned out and the character development and growth from the start and end of the series is amazing and this just has to make haikyuu one of my favourite mangas.

The one thing that separates Hinata from being the MC is that he isn't really the greatest or the best in his team but he shows a glimpse of it from the time to time which really touches us. My favorite part is when he imitate Kunimi's receive, the part when everybody rushes in for a score and the game gets faster as everybody wanted to be the hero. But he receive a stable high one while shouting "give it to me", still puts me in tears. For me it was the moment Hinata was complete, before that he had impeccable offense and improving on defense, but that moment solidifies himself by showing us that he developed a team consciousness, a grasp of the situation inside the court. The birth of his complete self.

This is always be one of my most fav part about hinata/hq. When other anime has goals stated from the start: "im gonna be the best soccer player in the world" "im gonna be hokage" "im gonna be no 1 hero" etc, and just like them, hinata also has that initial goal: become the little giant. WE and HE thought that would be the end game for hinata/hq. but the fact that it took a U-turn: while other anime fulfilled that initial goal of their MCs, yet hinata ended up letting go of that pipe dream and embrace something else only he can be? holy fucking crap THAT is good writing right there. hinata is not the best player in his team, not the best player in japan or the world, not national team's ace, he never win gold (maybe with msby but we dont know), and possibly would never win gold ever in japan national team, is what makes him and hq special. We dont have an MC who conquered the world, we have an MC that just want to be good enough to be "free" and play as much as possible. (Edit: lol ppl seems to be offended with the way I worded hinata's skill as "good enough". Literally I'm not saying that he's just "good enough". This is a comment I wrote in between my commute and ppl thought I wrote an academic essay. Pardon me then, wrong choice of words. All I'm saying is that, Hinata's journey is never to become the best (best in the world, best in japan, whatever), he just wanted to play as much as possible, and how did he do it? By become good. Whether he bring out the best of his team yada yada yada, that's the details of the story and I wasn't talking about it. I was talking about his whole goal as general.) (what's wrong with being good anyway I'm not saying it to downplay his skill lol what) (ppl be used to MCs that is OP that the word "good" has turned offensive)

I cried so much reading the manga, I hate change so when I watched karasuno split and go their separate ways I couldn’t hold it in. Even seeing kageyama and hinata have a match made me ball. I’ve been watching this series for so long and it’s the exact reason that inspired me to play volleyball myself. I can’t wait for the movie to come out but I can’t say I won’t cry while watching it this time. I was kinda emotional watching this but Ty putting so much time and effort into it. It means a lot. ❤️

10:50 “Sometimes you have to let go who you want to be, to become who you’re meant to be” This was actually very inspiring

This is currently hitting home. I have this kind of image of my future version of myself as someone who does xyz but over the last 4 months I had this feeling that being Mr.Xyz maybe isn´t the path for me. Starting September, I will take a gap semester/year to try different things out to find that version of who I actually want to be. Unlike Hinata I am somewhat clueless regarding my future but stories like Haikyuu help and show me some values that you can apply in your life. Whether it be Kita´s Mindset or Hirugami´s Calmness, it´s just full of these wonderful Individuals who are just like us Humans who go through Life. Thank You for the Video, Harsh and I hope that you someday do a Video on Hinata (after the Kamomedai Match -> End of the Story) Stay blessed my guy!

The dream dat never went away "Be on the court longer that anyone"

I found haiykuu right after my first volleyball season, It made me fall in love even more with the game. And your channel makes me understand haiykuu in ways I didn’t before. Also you motivate me to work harder to. Keep up the amazing work!

I've read more than 1000+ manga,manwha consumed 300+ anime and nothing will ever come close to haikyuu's final arc for me it's literal PEAK FICTION and hinata's evolution as a protagonist is truly breath taking

What I love about this is that he gave up to be someone he admire and became the very best that he can be. That shit is real life dude, you don't have to become successful like someone or be as good as someone, do it in your own way and as you.

tears in my eyes .. i love my son sm im so proud of shoyou

It's funny how in life you get certain messages at specific points in time that really relate. Such as when starting something new or changing your course of action. I've been going through a life change this past month after 6 months of "being stuck"; changing career, hobbies, routine, etc, and part of this change or growth has come from letting go of who I felt like I wanted to be and needed to become. So just like Hinata, I was finally okay and accepted I didn't need to be that person. Thank you for sharing this message

I was actually expecting Hinata to give Hoshiumi a bitter fight. His skill level experienced a growth spurt during the Inarizaki game and this growth continued in the Kamomedai game, where he started tapping into his true jumping ability.

A substitute math teacher we had once, told me after seeing I'm having trouble solving math problems I've never seen solved before. He said: "A singer will start his career imitating other singers. Pretending to be them. But there comes a time when he must stop pretending and start singing himself". That lesson stuck to me ever since. And when I saw that panel in the manga...reminded me of that moment. Still it might not had been the intention of the author...but to me Hinata's unique ability was to observe and analyze. The constant reference to his eyes observing made me think that his true potential was not "being a decoy" but instead observing and adapting. The speed, jump were all just tools for him. Although I suppose being a "good decoy" means that you should have a good observational skills so you know how your opponent will act, thus you can easily deceive him being a decoy. In any case...Haikyuu is a work of art.

Hinata is my favorite haikyuu character and for me he has the best development as the protagonist of the story, seeing how he progresses from a player with potential but dependent (of kageyama) on one of the best in japan for his own abilities was incredible, hinata despite all the obstacles he was always looking for a way to improve, he even went to another country to continue learning, he learned from his mistakes and fought for his dreams until the end, I think he is a very inspiring character, whatever, I love my boi

I think this match is so well written, hinata’s development and then eventual downfall really tore with my emotions, I’ll never forget reading it for the first time, I’ve never felt so connected to a character’s journey before and to see him reach his highest and his lowest in the space of a few chapters is something I will never forget and the feelings I felt while reading is something I will never forget either

The best sports manga ever but no one will understand sadly

Hinata is one of the best written characters ❤😢

Sometimes you have to let go what you want to be but to be what your meant to be , this line is literally what I’ve been looking for in volleyball, I play volleyball and I wanted to be the best but this line gave me inspiration that you can’t be the best there’s people that are better than you and you have to take that accountably and the line gave me the spirit to win a tournament I’m going to play Thank you harsh reviews for the inspiration 😊

man, hinata keeps inspiring me every single day. what a beautiful video

Furudate is a phenomenal writer, that’s all I have to say. Never in my entire life have I ever seen such a well written and developed character as Hinata. And the thing is, it isn’t just Hinata who has great character development! Majority of the cast are well written and developed as well which is honestly very rare. It’s a sports anime/manga, nobody really expects it to be so deep and well thought out/written yet most of the fans who have read the manga and fully understand it have all been blown away. I’ve seen so many mangakas just completely drop the rest of their characters so they could focus on their MC to only have the protagonist end up decently written. But not furudate-Sensei, and I’m so happy about it! 3:45 the match against kamomedai will always be one of my favorites. I used to favor the match against nekoma a lot, but after rereading the manga recently and truly understanding the writing during the kamomedai match, it has grown to be special to me. I’ve never gotten so attached to a character before in my entire life, but now that I’ve found that character that I can relate to and be inspired by, I’m truly happy it’s someone as great as Hinata!

I am tearing up wtf man, Thank you for this

Bro your explanation is soooooo good

Every person is different for a reason. If there wasn't individuality the world wouldn't be right. Hinata realizing that he should be himself is just amazing.

I’ve truly learned to appreciate Hinata’s character and his playing style isn’t the only thing that makes him a monster, but his ability to be easily coachable, willing to start from the bottom up WITH all odds against him. He will forever be my favorite HQ character 🫶🏾‼️

Although the original goal for hinata was to become like the little giant, im glad he made a anme for himself as hinata shoyo and not a stolen title because it really shows his growth and own talent

I love the editing in this video. Adding in the anime voicelines for the manga panels adds alot to the video.

dawg these haikyuu video essays make my food taste better when i watch these while eating. keep up the great work

I have read & re-read the manga so many times, might just do it again from this match onwards since your video reminds me again how much i love this manga & anime. But more to my point, the line where Hinata realizes that he truly wants the title of the greatest decoy, the build of to the moment in the match gives me goosebumps everytime & then the way that leads to the match's end, how he has to leave, takeda sensei's words there all make my wanna cry same him each time still. This moment is truly a powerful & excellently written. I believe if he would have stayed till then end karasuno might have even won that match. But it still didn't matter & i agree, this might have been the best match of series. Thanks for the video, it's always great to get a new haikyuu content.

I watched Haikyuu anime but I haven't read the manga yet. Hearing these words from Hinata "I want to become the Greatest Decoy" which are in the past he didn't like and just want to be the Ace of the team, just give me chills and shows growth in Hinata play style

When the Haikyuu anime is finished it will truly be a masterpiece

10:19 that actually gave me chills

I don't think, there's no video on this channel, that I haven't watched more than 10 times and still visit them. The fact that most people don't understand these things about the subtleties of anime that a very few of us do, makes it all the more special that people like you exist, who can find such things and relate to it and put it in words which we can understand, even though we don't know how we do!! Truly grateful for this channel!!!

The transition from motivation to dedication and discipline is the greatness....... of a........ HERO

Dude, you're ability to break down the Manga and it's true meaning is insane! I read the Manga and had no idea of the actual meaning! I was just focused on the matches. I never watch Manga reviews but I stumbled upon yours bro and you definitely get my sub. Keep it up G 💯

Such a well-written essay. Enjoyed it so much.

I think this is the best haikyuu Video that ever exsisted... It really made my Day, thank you

damn i started ur video some days ago and stopped it before i got spoiled as an anime watcher, hopped in to read the manga and here i am just finished that game, getting goosebumbs, such a masterpiece of a manga and a beatiful video of yours

the quote "the someone we want to be but are not supoused to be "fits so well for me as well . im a handball player and always hated center defense and allways wantet to play wing defense but my trainer said i had to go to mid def and after i blocked a back row throw i feld so good even if i had doubts about the possition now i know that that possition is just made for me never had something this relatable

I was really having a bad morning but seeing something of haikyuu made me feel so much better 😌 thank you harsh for uploading the best videos with the best inference 😊it really does help a lot !!!

As a volleyball player this was one of the best Hinata Shoyo videos i have watched personally. Can't wait for more to come good job on this amazing video.

I got literal tears in my eyes from this narration. You’re amazing

Brilliantly said. Your love for shoyo is heard and deeply respected

I was following haikyuu weekly back then and let me tell you i fucking cried during this match Its my second favourite match in the series(nekoma being first) and we get treated to so many amazing moments(nishinoya's silent 👍, asahi finally letting go of all the pressure he puts himself under, hinata playing around with the moves and messing with the blockers as well as hinata letting go of the title and hoshiumi yelling "it wasnt yours to give in the first place") Furudate sensei truly made a masterpiece

I actually appreciate and love your Haikyuu video essays so so very much I even go back sometimes to re re watch the videos appreciate the effort put into the videos

Another fantastic video, and I agree 100%. Hinata's arc was one of my favorite character arcs of any story, ever. A masterfully crafted journey. Thank you for sharing this with us!!!

Haikyu had never been just a sports anime. There’s so much to learn, so much to retrospect, so much to admire in it. The writing, the intricacies, the messages, the metaphors, the characters & their developments, the way we are made to care about every team and not just Karasuno; it’s more than just a sports anime. Happy to be alive when such a beautiful masterpiece came to be. Haikyu ranks in the top 3 greatest anime of all time in my list. 🫶🏽🤝🏽

you made me want rewatch/re-read Haikyuu AGAIN, in the first 3 minutes of the video already. Amazing analysis.

Can you do one for Sakusa and about his philosphy on practice, repeatition and how all he wants is to practice and pay proper care and attention to everything and be satisfied no matter what the outcome is

I cried when hinata wanted to be called "The Greatest Decoy"

i have been here since you had 100 subs in a way the journey is similar

Aye bro another top vid. You truly understand what makes this series great. It's not the battles, it's not the competition, it's that every person is trying to be the best version of themselves. (After watching Ted Lasso)

i like how you lowkey described the little giant showing Hoshiumi on the video

as a 5'7 volleyball player whos going into senior year with 7 players on my team in a division that has d1 players in it I relate to hinata shoyos feelings.

The moment hinata asking all to call him greatest decoy is like the most emotional. Man i couldn't stop my tears coming out❤

Being able to witness his growth althroughout the seasons feels so fulfilling, he started off from someone who messes up the easiest serve, and now earned himself the one and only "The Greatest Decoy"

U literally made me cry a little. U do a great job to make me remember all the journey Hinata and other characters went through. Thanks to U i am sure that Hayikuu is and prolly will be my favourite anime shows forever. Take care and keep going! U rock!

Damn. I love watching your videos. Every of them is so good.

great video, as always. I know all about Haikyuu Story, but your voice let me understand more deeply. Thank you.

Thank you for your outstanding narrative of Hinata's journey!

Hinata's journey is just beautiful and I think that it would never stop to inspire or teach anyone something, because he is write and portrait in such way that... it just touches you and wants you to keep going and find your own way to stay on your own court.

haikyuu is so good with its character. The series isnt about the skills or talent of the players or even the game, its all about the characters themselves, their problems, and how they overcome them.

What a great video! Time and time again I am reminded of how great Haikyuu is. Oh, and it also made me cry

man i havent watched nor read this piece of art for a while but now u just reignited every single elemante that made me love the show and were doing a reread great video the i rly liked the way music was used in this vid maybe its another thing that reminded me of the show

I completed reading haikyuu! a few weeks ago And now I’m watching all your videos! Because Now I don’t have to watch out for spoilers!

wow wow wow. surely you're a narrator a good speaker. "you have to let go what you want to be, in order to become what you meant to be" best line

that was an amazing video that reminded me of how i felt the first time i saw it, ive seen haikyuu bout 60 times now, and its STILL amazing

i swear, i can't stop watching this video it's literally so mesmerizing how poetic and analytic you are

Everytime I watch your reviews in Haikyu, I realize a lot of things and yeah, I can't help but want to get better. Also, been able to realise what are the wrong things I kept doing without really realizing it. Thank you so much. Godbless you all the more.

The inspiration to many people sometimes you need a jolt of inspiration to help you climb that mountain

I swear I will shed tears when this game gets animated. 😭

one of the greatest videos about Haikyuu, no cap.

Best finishing stories, it was touching and I teared up so much😭😭😭

"sometimes you have to let go of who you want to be ,to become who you are meant to be"

"After all, sometimes you have to let go of who you want to be in order to become who you're meant to be."

why, it got me emotional listening to this story/recap of hinata. and i agree that of all the anime that i've watched or manga i've read only hinata let go of his dream, and pursue his "own dream" to become the greatest player, or what Kuroo said "hinata, is now an in-demand player" ... i am not a volleyball player nor played the sports but man, haikyuu inspires me and hooked me deeper.

this is such an underrated video... truly Hinata is one of the best anime protagonist we could ever get.

such a great work. thank you for this video! so inspirational and emotional. 10/10

That is indeed the moment Hinata set himself in the Protagonist hall of fame

Really doing a great job man keep it up

I was waiting for this video sooooooooo much, thank you for do it. You do a really god job with this content of Haikyuu. 👐 Please keep going with your content, it's too great

Amazing video as Always can't wait for other videos😍😍😍

this is an amazing video!!! this match took me by surprise when i read it and i cried multiple times lol. seeing hinata grow so much and evolve into the greatest decoy, and in the future also ninja shoyo, is just spectacular. also, kageyama being proud of him makes my heart warm lol i love their friendship

Wow, you got me emotional. Hahaha! Awesome, dude. This manga/show is my favorite and you helped me process this properly after reading the manga a while back.

Top tier shonen MC

I love hinata so much. What a great character

He truly is the greatest of all.

This is honestly one of my favourite videos. I really liked the analysis