The match against Inarizaki is at a fever pitch, with both teams locked in a fierce battle for the first set. While teammates like and Asahi make critical plays to keep Karasuno in the game, Tanaka finds himself struggling.
Usually the team's loudest and most resilient player, Tanaka becomes the primary target of Inarizaki's serving and blocking. He makes several errors, including a crucial spike that is blocked, leading to a visible dip in his confidence—a rarity for his character.
Viewers hear a calm, introspective side of Tanaka that contrasts with his usual bombastic energy, making his eventual success more impactful. Haikyuu!! To the Top 2nd Season (Dub) Episode 3
Despite being ignored by Tsukishima during a set in favor of Asahi, Tanaka manages to stay mentally present. The episode culminates in a satisfying "redemption" moment where Tanaka scores a vital point with an incredibly sharp cross-shot, helping Karasuno clinch the first set. Key Highlights
The episode showcases how Karasuno supports its "weakest link" of the moment, with Kageyama and Daichi maintaining trust in him despite his errors. The match against Inarizaki is at a fever
The episode provides a deeper look into Tanaka's past, showing his younger self as a "blonde-haired, baby Tanaka" who struggled with his own average talent compared to prodigies. This backstory highlights his mental fortitude and his realization that even if he isn't a "genius," he can still contribute through sheer persistence.
You can watch the English dubbed version of this episode on Crunchyroll . Haikyu!! Season 4 ANIME ONLY Discussion thread - Episode 16 He makes several errors, including a crucial spike
This episode was praised for its return to high-quality animation, particularly during the fluid movements of the final rallies and Tanaka's decisive spike. Official Viewing