Olympic Volleyball Player Reacts to Haikyuu!! S2E24: "The Absolute Limit Switch"

Professional volleyball player and World Champion Sarah Pavan reacts to Haikyuu S2E24: "The Absolute Limit Switch."
Edited by: Lydia Xu
Source Materials:
"The Absolute Limit Switch." Haikyu: 2nd Season. Writ. Taku Kishimoto, Dir. Susumu Mitsunaka, Sentai Filmworks, 2016.
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WOWWWWW!!! I was full-out crying during this one. The rally at the end was the best rally I have seen in Haikyuu so far, and the moment with Oikawa.... 😭
This match 100% deserved all of the episodes devoted to it. My heart is full.
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Sarah Pavan is a Canadian beach volleyball Olympian and World Champion. She is the 3-time FIVB World Tour Best Blocker, and one half of 2019’s Most Outstanding Team. Before playing beach volleyball, Sarah Pavan was one of the world’s top indoor volleyball players. She had an impressive professional career in Italy, Brazil, South Korea, and China, and represented the Canadian Indoor National Team.
On this channel, Sarah shares everything you want to know about volleyball, from beginner skills all the way to the more advanced levels. You can find volleyball drills, how-to skill technique, sport-specific strength and conditioning exercises, strategy, and more. This is a great place to learn about volleyball from someone who has played at the highest levels in the world, both indoor and on the sand.

[@SarahPavanVolleyball]

"Talent is something you make bloom. Instinct is something you polish!" 🧡You guys... the episode really got me 😭💕

[@jujuchonk]

I knew this quote would hit you! There's a quote from Coach Ukai in S3 that hits me even harder and I tear up everytime I see the scene (the Haikyu homies know which one)! You're almost there, Sarah!

[@icee0711]

Hey Sarah, make sure you watch the after credit scene in the next episode!

[@NaCl1572]

Fun fact: The author thought of that line on the fly when they were drawing the chapter 😅 It was supposed to be something else, but the original line wasn't disclosed. It's a common occurrence though, people though "oh that line is so deep they must've planned it for a long time" but no Furudate just threw spices in at random and gave birth to awesome moments.

[@ryancano7096]

Glad you liked it sarah

[@ErickKirei]

This is if not the best, one of the best quotes in all Haikyuu. Also, in case you didn't notice it, every player touched the ball in the last rally.

[@AlbertRotten]

Most people will say the long set was Oikawa’s greatest moment, but for me it’s the few seconds immediately after it that really made me appreciate him as a character. Crashing into the table, that little stumble as he runs back, that look of desperation on his face. It’s subtle and easy to miss, but that short sequence illustrates Oikawa’s passion and love for volleyball. The long set showed off his pure athleticism, but athleticism will only take you so far. Passion is the other half of that equation. Passion is what turns great athletes into elite athletes. Passion is what Oikawa lacked in Season 1. He was always a hard worker and always extremely skilled, but encountering prodigies like Kageyama and Ushiwaka completely broke him and filled him with insecurities. He didn’t have the passion to compete against these prodigies, he just accepted that they would eventually surpass him someday. Even though his team beat Karasuno in Season 1, Oikawa was at his lowest at that point in time. Ironically enough, even though Karasuno beat him in Season 2, Oikawa earned a personal victory because he finally found that passion to compete against the prodigies, to finally reject the notion that these prodigies would eventually surpass him someday. Oikawa finally shed all the insecurities holding him back from becoming a truly elite athlete.

[@TrianaNero]

It's a shame the anime couldn't include the surprise of Seijou's coach as he realizes that, despite holding Oikawa in high regard the entire time, he still underestimated him (but I can imagine that maybe interfering with the flow of the play). Still, another really good point

[@irwingbrasil]

I totally disagree. What make you think that he lack passion prior to that? I mean, i wouldn't even call what we see here as passion. I think we are like Taketora e Kenma about guts lol

[@AlbertRotten]

Oikawa was stuck in a defeatist mindset. He knew he was better than Kageyama right now, but eventually Kageyama would surpass him. Oikawa had basically given up on the idea of being a pro volleyball player because he knew the professional scene was filled with naturally gifted players like Kageyama and Ushiwaka. He was willing to work hard while playing volleyball at a high school level because he knew Kageyama and Ushiwaka still hadn’t reached their peak. But eventually Kageyama and Ushiwaka would continue their growth and eventually Oikawa wouldn’t be able to keep up with them anymore. Oikawa didn’t have that passion to keep on pushing forward and challenging them, because he just felt like it was hopeless, he just kinda accepted that they’re going to be better than him one day. The long set is the moment all of that changed for Oikawa, he finally decided that he would challenge Ushiwaka and Kageyama at their peak, he didn’t care if it would take him until he was 30 years old, he was going to beat them. Oikawa finally found that passion to push himself to be the absolute best version of himself.

[@irwingbrasil]

Again, i don't agree with the word you chose. Oikawa wouldn't train as hard as he did Nor would keep playing in third year If he wasn't passionated about the sport. But i agree that he changed his mindset here, he finally matured to surpass his self imposed limitation.

[@hourbit7385]

Well said bro. This really encapsulates what Oikawa is

[@mitchelmosier7205]

I think one thing that makes the last point especially unfortunate for Oikawa is that he was actually reading Hinata’s hit, but the tip off the block changed its course just enough to mess him up

[@rodolfolopezrdz5951]

Hinata in the next EPISODE mentions it :)

[@PlanetHouston]

That's what crazy. Hinata sees the hole closing, and the last part is just luck of the bounce.

[@skull1161]

I think people always say its unlucky for Oikawa but its specifically because Hinata was aiming for the tip of the hand that it did that. He wasn't trying to throw Oikawa off but he managed to do so anyway.

[@ervrt5794]

@@skull1161 Yes, but not exactly that, let's say that Hinata saw the hand, of course, but Oikawa also, what happened is that it bounced in a strange way. If it had bounced as she really wanted, Hinata would have received it.

[@Allen-qs2xr]

The long toss is great. But it is Oikawa picking himself up immediately after his fall and going back into the game that always gets me.

[@ben-mk5bn]

Always thought I was the only one that felt this way

[@Allen-qs2xr]

@@ben-mk5bn And that was just an extension of his promise to Iwa from a few episodes ago - he wasn't looking at Ushiwaka's face in this match, he was just focused here, letting his talent bloom and instinct be polished. His regret right after wasn't about this being the last match in Seijou, but just this moment being cut short. The writing on Oikawa is complex and masterful.

[@sauntering6952]

exactly. every rewatch i replay that scene many times mainly for that part. i always thought it was just me that enjoyed that. it inspired me, oikawa is such a great complex character

[@sauntering6952]

said it at the beginning of the video and i'll say it again at the end, that scenes animation is just incredible it really makes you feel it

[@sauntering6952]

and i always thought about how it was on his bad knee too

[@scottfitzgerald5352]

That deep felt “No!” She gave when Suga faced the ball. Was so sincere, i loved it 🤣

[@HonkiNoShika]

She was scared the ball would hit the floor actually But yeah, she was really into that one 🤣

[@py-3366]

Yep lmao, that NO was crisp

[@xaviervalentine4108]

replayed it 4 times i think lol

[@jediburrito]

I think what Oikawa means by calling Kageyama "stupid" is that he will do unplanned things without thinking them through. He's reckless and Hinata keeps up with that recklessness

[@nsizbeinz7652]

exactly and he literally explains that in nxt sentence that he is stupid in way that he do reckelss plays without a seconf thought where other will hold back and also as oikawa says that is both a good and bad way he literally explains himslef he is not saying kageyam stupid here

[@gavinrad1]

Idiot/stupid is just an incomplete translation of "Baka" in this context and it happens again next season.

[@lucasmelee]

Precisely, he's an idiot in the sense he just goes ahead against any challenge, and now he has a partner and a team who can actually keep up with him. The way this anime uses the term "Idiot" will make a lot more sense in season 3.

[@Allen-qs2xr]

And finally, Oikawa did the most stupid play with that long toss in the end :) it really shows that he is really not giving himself enough credit

[@robertcampbell8070]

@@nsizbeinz7652 Well, it's Oikawa. He probably is actually calling Kageyama stupid or an idiot.

[@pochizzzle]

its crazy cos she's really one of the people that all the haikyuu characters look up to, meaning the pros, olympians, and CHAMPS.

[@RobustPhysics]

Lol, I'm not really crazy about fanfics involving real life people...but I would definitely enjoy reading a fanfic of the Haikyuu cast meeting Sarah.

[@AD-cq5vx]

Literally like she’s like that

[@johnsambilad573]

Bruh for real. She has no idea but all these players she loves would die to have her autograph.

[@Azelis_]

Ikr, I can imagine Kageyama being so awkward and scary asking Sarah so many questions like he did with Kenma

[@LixienXIII]

*spoiler post-season 4* It's just so sad that the post time skip arc is probably not going to be covered properly. Beach volleyball of all things! I really wanted Sarah to react to that part.

[@justaperson2762]

"Talent is something you make bloom. Instinct is something you polish" is something I'll carry with me forever. I love Oikawa for his resolve, he is my second favorite character

[@DoTx]

Who is your first?

[@Locke148]

I love this quote. because it's so similar to something my grandfather used to say. "No one is born with skill. Skill is born from time and failure."

[@bhavyashah9008]

1st fav character Bokuto. 2nd favourite Oikawa. And Sarah hates both of their personalities. Lol

[@ahgacababeumetiny-Lshawol]

​@@bhavyashah9008I get you mine are , Oikawa, Tsukki, Bokuto , Atsumu and she hates them all , Tsukki is an exception but she sure hate his guts and saltiness

[@bhavyashah9008]

@@ahgacababeumetiny-Lshawol yup If the upcoming Fukurodani match doesn't get cut, I am pretty sure her feelings for Bokuto might chance.

[@veraserah]

What always gets me about the end of season 2 is knowing that someone as talented (yes, even if he doesn't think he is!) and passionate and dedicated as Oikawa never got to go to nationals in his high school career. His inferiority complex was realized in that fact. I've always admired Oikawa's grit and determination for volleyball, even if his personality is a little controversial haha

[@advrcity6562]

He kinda redeems himself in the end in the manga and it makes me proud to see his development

[@spbspb2413]

Realistically, the nationals are pointless. If Oikawa is that good, then he will get offers from pro teams regardless. The nationals are just schools playing around, not top level competition.

[@perevision]

@@spbspb2413 Scouts are more likely to be at the Nationals though. They’re not going to bother with regional semifinals. Oikawa is already on a path because [SPOILER], but if he didn’t have that he would have a bad time trying to get a spot on a team of his level. The manga does reference that “obscurity” at a later point even though Oikawa is super famous in Miyagi.

[@roberthall5580]

I agree

[@tomuchcamoflauge]

@@perevision Spoilers. Yep this is why ushijima was upset with the fact that oikawa didn't go to shiratoriza. oikawa being able to bring out the ability of the team at seijoh is great, but also meant that oikawa wasn't going to be at his full potential. thankfully oikawa is able to get over his insecurities and be a professional player.

[@vice696]

one of the coolest things about that last rally, is that everyone on the court touches the ball at least once. so excited for you to watch season 3

[@chillernokiller1926]

Yeah it proves the point that the 6 stronger Player win and it's not a solo win with one outstanding Player while oikawa is most likely that for seijjo

[@CLGLazarus]

Actually never noticed that. Both sides all 6 get in there somehow.

[@rotulosqlos]

That "NOOO!" ( 27:14 ) was so real. I love it.

[@apoorvjoshi2383]

As a person Oikawa may come out as arrogant,insecure and petty. but as a player, Oikawa is easily one of the best players anyone would want on their team. His daily attitude outside the court and his attitude and trust on his team on the court, are totally different. he may not be the best player(but still one of the best) in the series(you ll see more), but i feel he had a depth that many future good players will lack.

[@AshtailFoxclaw]

That scene, where Oikawa runs out of court to toss the ball to Iwaizumi is my favourite in season 2 if not the whole show. I think that shows so much when he points to Iwaizumi and literally takes down a table to keep the ball in play. It shows just how good their connection is, that Oikawa will always rely Iwaizumi to put the ball away in the toughest of spots. But it also shows just how ambitious and hungry for victory Oikawa is, and in that moment all of his facades are down to get that one ball.

[@vdinh143]

When Iwaizumi tears up with regret over not making that point it kills me inside.

[@AshtailFoxclaw]

@@vdinh143 Same. I love a lot of the characters, but Iwaizumi is in my top 3 I think. Suga, Daichi, and Iwaizumi.

[@exessen1684]

@@AshtailFoxclaw Taste!!

[@elenaavery5328]

Oikawa is such an interesting character. People always have mixed feelings about him, some love him, others don't like him. But, everyone feels bad for him at that moment. It's impossible not to relate to him in this episode. He worked so hard and did so well, but it wasn't quite enough. Even though we are all rooting for Karasuno, we still sympathize with Oikawa, even if we don't like him. Great reaction as always.

[@MariGMe]

Haikyuu reactions 8 Weeks in a row! What have we done to deserve such an awesome gift! Thanks Sarah!

[@SarahPavanVolleyball]

I got on a roll with them and couldn't stop!

[@evanhumes7020]

@@SarahPavanVolleyball If you have the time, keep rolling into S3 to finish the tournament arc! It’s incredible!

[@muchlisnotinsane2979]

@@SarahPavanVolleyball that's what we felt

[@evansteele3162]

I've said this on another reaction, but I like it alot so I'll repeat here: Oikawa’s growth is one of the most well-handled and well-written parts of Haikyuu. Up until Kageyama dumps the ball in episode 24, Oikawa never believes himself to be a genius. He sees people that Kageyama and Ushiwaka, players that are simply beyond human, and it shakes him to the core. In his mind, they are walls he can't ever climb over alone, and that realization pushes him to be the best all-around player. He works on his sets, his communication, analytical skills, leadership, all that jazz, because in terms of pure setting skills Kageyama blows him out of the park. And while that realization helped him improve in different aspects, it also held him back, because he hides behind the idea that naturally gifted Kageyama can simply do things he never could. At least, up until Kageyama dumps the ball in his face; because now Kageyama isn’t catching up anymore. He’s pulled ahead. And if Oikawa ever wants to fight Kageyama on the same field, even if he ever dreams of fighting on the big stage, he must accept that his firm belief that Kagzy is objectively better is pure BULLSHIT. And immediately after that realization hits, Oikawa does a freak quick set from across the court perfectly into Iwa-chan’s hand that previously he would not even think about attempting, non-directly communicating that it’s HIS turn to surpass Kageyama.

[@pedantic79]

I literally just watched the episode to prepare for Sarah's reaction. Then it drops right after!

[@SarahPavanVolleyball]

we are on the same wavelength!

[@pedantic79]

@@SarahPavanVolleyball Just finished. I'm going to watch episode 25 right now too. Can't wait for you to start season 3.

[@arith1202]

@@SarahPavanVolleyball Sarah can watch the Seijoh special cut end or extra scene, that show what happened after this game end from Seijoh perspective. Can find it in youtube or recap haikyuu movie.

[@Juice1984]

@@arith1202 This. If you cared about Oikawa in this episode, be sure to watch this before starting Season 3.

[@tinyblossom]

Great reaction, Sarah, thank you! PLEASE don’t miss the Seijoh bonus ending. It’s literally one of my favorite parts of the series, and it’s as good as the Karasuno team meal at the end of S1.

[@theclockworkheart]

I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s said this, but Oikawa there wasn’t really insulting Kageyama; more like complimenting him in this moment, recognizing that Kageyama’s greatest flaw (the tunnel vision drive and relentlessness that pushed his old teammates away) is also his greatest strength (he’s “too stupid” to think about what someone would usually do, or what’s “realistic,” - or put another way, he’s so good, so driven by an almost reckless practicality, that he’ll do the unconventional without even pausing to slow down for one moment or consider if he SHOULD. He just does). And now he has Hinata, who pushes him even further, who matches his pace - and Oikawa is seeing how far Kageyama has grown from the troubled player he used to be. Edit: I was thinking more about this, and it reminds me of an anecdote I’ve heard about George Dantzig, a graduate student in the 1930s who arrived late to class one day, saw two statistics problems up on the board, and assumed they were homework. So he turned them in a few days later - and was shocked to discover that they were actually unproven statistical theorems. Because he didn’t know it was an impossible task, he set out to solve them with an open mind - and that is kind of the point being made about Kageyama. He has a one track mind, and doesn’t know when other people would back down, just charges full steam ahead with efficient, reckless logic. (“He was closer to the net, so I just set closer to the net” - rather than what might be the conventional wisdom of setting to someone else who didn’t mess up their approach, or giving a usual, less risky set that Hinata could still work with/what he was used to).

[@ari_ed]

Yup. I agree with ur explanation. And I agree with Oikawa when he said that it is Kageyama's genius-like quality. I mean Kageyama is that one character that is hard to relate with becuz he's a genius and he's got that pin point setting skill that most people deemed unrealistic. But after understanding Oikawa's explanation plus with some fans comment, I understand that Kageyama's genius-like quality is his daring-ness to just go for it and how he's charging forward based on the current situation. P/s: I know it's off topic but I x think that his pin point toss is unrealistic. I mean if Beethoven who is a musical genius or Albert Einstein who is Sci genius exist, why volleyball genius like Kageyama x exist? If u watch international volleyball, amazing setters like Saied Marouf from Iran and Micah Christenson from USA also can set pin point tosses. Both of them r deem a genius as well but I believe with lots of training, (as Oikawa said "talent is something u make bloom, instinct is something u polish") that's what makes them among the world's best setter. So nope, I x think Kageyama's precision/accurate sets and pin point toss is unrealistic bcuz even in real life, there r people who can do it. (A bit off topic, sorry😐 but want to point out Kageyama's other genius-like quality apart from what mention above. Tq)

[@ancapatrascu1545]

@@ari_ed yeah i think you hit the nail on the head. I love Kageyama as a setter, leaving aside his precision, his courage is what i love the most, with those crazy plays and dumps at crucial moments. From this point of view, he makes me think of Brizard a bit.

[@warrensee410]

As a setter in my past years as a volleyball player, that set by Oikawa is the dream set that all of us setters would have loved to pull off once in our lifetime haha. He even shot the ball parallel to the net and not set it in a parabola, as most setters in that situation would have, because he knew a parabola ball to Position 4 would not be as much of a threat to the opponent (they will have time to set up the block properly) as a flat quick set to your hitter! BTW, your reaction is the best! Thank you and onwards to Season 3!

[@SarahPavanVolleyball]

So many nuance-y things happened in that play that I think only people who have played the game will understand. That set reminded me of Fofão... amazing.

[@mura_saki]

YES THIS EPISODE AND THUMBNAIL! this is the episode that made me fall in love with oikawas character. His story and his mentality, excluding his comedic petty and immature nature which was already my fav lol. Oikawa doesn't believe, wholeheartedly that he is better than kageyama in setting skill he believes kageyama will eventually surpass him, he has been saying for 2 seasons that he can't do any of the insane sets that kageyama can pull off yet in this episode when his back was against the wall he finally let's go and trusts his own skill, resulting in a kageyama insane perfect crosscourt twisting quick set, with nothing less than pure instinct illogically picking iwaizumi his best friend and ace of the team instead of the much easier to set right side at the moment.

[@LetTheBodyFall]

I really love that you acknowledge just how devastating it was for Oikawa. I love that you could look past your dislike of him and still see just how much he worked and how much his impact was. He really is one of the tragic characters in the story. He's worked so hard but was never even given the chance to go to nationals. Thank you for being so perceptive and insightful. You're my favorite reactor for this reason

[@sindri1447]

Can't wait for the rest of the manga to get animated. Manga readers will know why :)

[@s_lasgalen]

@@sindri1447 unfortunately we'll only get 2 movies for the remaining 110 chapters so there will be a lot of stuff cut or skipped...

[@seekittycat]

@@s_lasgalen My heart still can't handle this I'm so scared 😭😭

[@s_lasgalen]

@@seekittycat I can already see Ushijima's and Sakusa's development being thrown in th trash

[@jyll]

I like her for that too!

[@cafegoose]

Hey Sarah, don't forget to watch the Seijoh aftermatch bonus footage after E25! It's pretty short but completes the Seijoh story

[@joaopaulosilva6622]

My prediction was spot-on :D You may not like Oikawa and that's fine (I personally love the character), but it's impossible to not respect his approach to volleyball.

[@ari_ed]

Yup. I agree. That's why Kageyama admire him even though they x get along that well 😂

[@felipecagorago]

Even tho I've read the entire manga Oikawa is still my favorite character. His resolve, backstory and struggle with his self esteem really got to me and have been one of the many people that rewatched the whole show a few times I can say that this scene and his arc only becomes better when you watch it again, top 3 episodes for sure.

[@MH3Raiser]

So to clarify a little of Oikawa and Iwaizumi's initial back and forth; when Oikawa refers to a team with 6 strong players being stronger, it's a reference to his mental breakdown in middle school. When Oikawa felt his limits closing in and believed he could never beat Ushiwaka without talent and gets benched for Kageyama, Iwaizumi smacked some sense into him, reminding him that even IF all of them are individually worse than Ushiwaka OR Kageyama at the end of the day, what matters is how the TEAM plays not any individual member. This is why I believe the manga's translation of, 'The stronger 6 as a team is stronger', while wordier, actually conveys the point better. It's not about the individuals on the team being better, it's about the whole being more valuable than the sum of its parts. Oikawa is reminding Iwaizumi that even if Kageyama is more skilled than he is, what matters is how Seijoh performs as a unit, not Oikawa in and of himself: its him stepping back and putting the team first.

[@Nathahollic]

17:11 a rare glimpse of Tsukki celebrating a point. Thank me later.

[@dorin497]

thank you

[@CaffieneKitty]

Nice catch!

[@josephocenada]

why you have to spoil future episodes? let Sarah stay unsullied

[@s_lasgalen]

@@josephocenada .. there was literally no spoiler in this

[@josephocenada]

@@s_lasgalen That guy hinting one of the greatest episode we've been waiting for a reaction from her... let her be clueless, unaware, unsullied until then

[@tomasdeleon1396]

There is a special ending after episode 25 that you have to find in youtube. Its about aoba johsai aftermatch. Its like 6 minutes long

[@Juice1984]

+

[@theclockworkheart]

Yes, I would love to see Sarah react to that, but at least I hope she watches it!! It’s a must for anyone who cares about the characters like she does. 🥺🥺

[@justinleach4775]

KZbin recommended this to me and I thought “sure, S2E24 is great - I’ll watch this”. And then I thought, “wow, I bet she’s got some great reactions for other parts - maybe I’ll go back and watch S2E1’s episode”. Got about halfway through S2, decided “it’s not really fair to her if I don’t start at the beginning, right? Let’s go watch S1E1”. And now I’ve made my way back through the whole thing, and here we are again. Absolutely charming, would watch again - can’t wait to see you continue through.

[@somecallmetim2112]

Hinata truly took that last point from Oikawa. Oikawa read the hit, he was positioned for the dig, albeit with a knee drive; he was ready. Hinata wiped Kindaichi's hand, and that tiny tip was enough to make Oikawa about a half-ball short. Seriously one of the most stressful episodes in the show. It's crushing, too, as it was Oikawa's final match in high school. He will have to move on, having never beaten Shiratorizawa and Ushijima. There is a short 5-minute-or-so video on KZbin of Aoba Johsai after the match. I cannot seem to find it right now, but maybe someone else can. I don't remember the title, but it's worth watching.

[@zoearcee5909]

Both oikawa and kageyama quotes iwaizumi. interesting that he had such an effect on both of them at the same time… The team with the 6 stronger is strongest

[@PWIRairai]

Season 3 is literally a top 5 season of anime in general!! Cannot wait

[@120whizkid]

This is just one of many incredible moments in this series can't wait for you to experience the rest of them!

[@SarahPavanVolleyball]

Can it get much better than this??

[@120whizkid]

@@SarahPavanVolleyball The best is yet to come!

[@MH3Raiser]

Ah, Oikawa's best moment, at least in my opinion. The moment he gets out his own way and instead of trying to force his talent out, he instead trusts himself to let go of his inhibitions and let it bloom. Talent is a nebulous concept in reality, but in Haikyuu they really do get down to brass tacks: Talent is not a quality people innately have, it's a descriptive term which trys to nail down what allows people to do what seems impossible. Kageyama's freak quick set is something that's possible because of his 'talent', but what aspect of himself and how much of it was nurture vs. nature is impossible to know: we simply look at the nature of the set and acknowledge that it takes an insane level of skill, far more than can be expected of a high school player... and we call it talent, because what other word is there? The problem comes when we start using talent as predictor of the future, or something someone does or does not have. To say someone is 'without talent' is more akin to saying they haven't shown a talent worth recognising yet. When we look at it like this, there can be many reasons why a talent hasn't been shown. In Kageyama's own case, his talents for the game were being dwarfed by his fear of losing and lack of faith in his teammates and weren't remotely acknowledged until Karasuno. As far as Oikawa goes, what matters more than the meaningless judgement of his talent or lack thereof is that Oikawa believed he was INCAPABLE of talent, and that it was a waste of time to even try. He repeatedly says to Iwaizumi that he can never compare to Kageyama in terms of setting skill, but that he won't lose to him as a setter in other aspects. He truly believes to the bottom of his heart that he has no talent for Volleyball, and that's why he practises so hard, spends long hours with his team helping them improve. I would say by this point, his contributions to his teammates had become his 'talent', the aspect that surpasses the norm, but when you look at this through another lens... Oikawa simply couldn't believe he was capable of incredible feats of skill on his own merit, besides maybe in his serves. Contrast to Kageyama once more, who as Oikawa describes is too 'stupid' to know what he can't do: he's been pulling off the impossible for so long, it's no longer a matter of if but when to him. He has complete self confidence in his own abilities. Oikawa's moment with the coach in shadow is important for a whole host of reasons, mostly because its the first sign we get of Furidate's real views on talent (it will be expressed in GREAT DETAIL later on). But fundamentally it finally expresses his view that talent isn't something you manifest because you want to, or because you think it's deserved. Talent must be ALLOWED to bloom. You have to open yourself up to the possibility of failure, to take that risk, because what is a talented move but an impossibly risky and difficult technique that an athlete manages to make work? Every technique that could be described as talented carries a huge amount of risk, far more than playing regularly. So in order to allow your talent to bloom, you have to know the risks, accept the cost of failure, and still believe you can succeed. It's easy to use talent almost as an excuse: I could never do what x person does because I don't have their talent, I wish they'd share some with me. But when you look at it through this more objective lens, talent is an opportunity that strikes like lightning, polished by the time and effort you put into what you love. I used to get very hung up on concepts like talent as a kid, and Haikyuu was the first real deconstruction I experienced. It finally broke down those walls I built around myself and allowed me to really put all of myself into what I love, and I'll always be grateful.

[@theecat3689]

5:56 i think what oikawa was trying to say is that previously, kageyama's genius was like That but because now, there's someone who is also an idiot with their own rhythm and expects (demands) that kageyama can and WILL bring the ball there, kageyama MUST look. MUST adjust. and so his actual genius gets grounded into the team rather than leaving him alone to overthink and out maneuver the opponent.... or something like that

[@SalviAlmighty]

The last point against Seijoh remains my favorite moment in Haikyuu. I get chills every single time. The music, the intensity... The fact that Kageyama and Hinata finally beat them with the same attack that caused their defeat in the previous season.... Absolute PERFECTION.

[@troyboi7662]

I love how in the first season finale, Hinata got blocked with their quick. And in this finale, the same set up, same blocks, everything is the same. Their quick set had evolved in the 2nd season, and Hinata was able to aim where he hit. It shows so much growth just in one season’s time. Incredible.

[@DR1BLESS]

Every reactor has missed this but Oikawa was in at the right space at the right time his reading was perfect! What made him shank was that it tipped the hand and deflected it by something so miniscule to measure!

[@withxoutxlife]

Yeah pretty easy to miss, but when Hinata was aiming for the slightest finger touch (the umbrella that Sarah was calling for) he did manage to just barely hit the block with his spike, which caused the course to be shifted ever so slightly. Had Hinata managed to spike past the block entirely, I think Oikawa definitely would have been able to successfully dig the ball.

[@jlyn608]

So, "baka" is being translated here as just "stupid," but it also means something more like "single-minded" or "simple." So something like "volleyball baka" would be "volleyball idiot," literally, but it would *mean* "someone obsessed with volleyball." Oikawa is still being a touch rude in his phrasing, because he's petty, but it's intended as more of a frustrated compliment than just general badmouthing, as he's basically saying "Kageyama's singlemindedness is both his strength and weakness." Paused to comment, lol. I just enjoy clarifying weird translation hiccups. Anyways, back to the reaction... ^^

[@milkntomatoes9418]

Single-minded is really the closest you can get to the nuance/meaning Oikawa was going for. Unfortunately a lot of Haikyuu subs (and sometimes even the official manga translation) gets nuances like this wrong And yeah, I feel you. I'm that one person who can't help but go "uhm, actually☝️" when the translation is wrong/lacking

[@jlyn608]

@@milkntomatoes9418 It makes you kinda pine for the days of old fan translations, riddled with "translator's note" for every little detail, and obsessively under-localized as to try and never let anything get lost in the shuffle... and then you'd end up having to pause every minute or two to read, lol. So yeah, hard agree. The largely outsourced world of modern subbing does start to feel like it falls short, for sure. Haikyuu, though, is also one of the first anime I'd watched after properly starting to learn the language, too, so it always stands out to me as one of the first where I'd really started to notice more of those discrepancies. So like, even those mistakes and mistranslations also does add to my nostalgia for the show, now, weirdly enough! ^^

[@milkntomatoes9418]

@@jlyn608 Omg that takes me baaaack hahaha In my case I've been a professional Japanese-to-English translator for 7 years now and worked as a QA at some point, so my mind is just so used to sniffing out misses now. And yeah, unfortunately industry standards sometimes force us to "localize" manga/anime instead of being more true to the original nuance/tone/culture

[@jlyn608]

​@@milkntomatoes9418 Oh wow-- always super cool to see someone working in translation. I'm a total amateur, so it might still take me an hour to look up a single kanji, lol. But yeah. Even those that hire on quality translators then end up placing these sorts of arbitrary limitations that really ignore the fact that translation is as much of an *art* as anything. There's proper problem solving and skill that goes into a good translation, whereas much of the time the standards are going trample over artistic intent to push for hyper-localization. Ever since the days of Pokemon's "jelly doughnuts," I've personally been pretty heavily biased against the industry's insistence on watering things down; though, we're obviously way better off nowadays than we ever were in, say, the era of 4Kids dubs. For me, though, I'm always such a huge fangirl for good writing in any media, so I just always think it's a shame when JE teams or the like are basically told that "you're not allowed to care about what the actual writing is, because execs insist that they're more important than creatives." It's like... refusing to show someone a painting without running it through an instagram filter, or something. Idk. Totally neat to hear from someone who does real JE work, though! I've done bits and pieces, a few times, but it's *incredibly* difficult stuff! So I guess the big silver lining is that we get cool opportunities for people to work in JE, now. Even if there's nits to pick, it's still nice how JE work has become so much more prominent. ^^

[@seekittycat]

When Iwaizumi says how he discovered the joy of receiving, that was around the same time I discovered the same feeling

[@Foranoda]

Oikawa wouldn't have even shanked that spike, but properly dug it if Hinata hadn't hit the spike against the middle-blockers finger, that just ever so slightly changed the course that Oikawa had predicted.

[@Nathahollic]

Was about to sleep, but this comes first! Always!

[@CrocodileGoose]

Leeeets goooo Sarah thanks so much for the video and what you do for the volleyball community!

[@SarahPavanVolleyball]

this made me smile 💕

[@CrocodileGoose]

@@SarahPavanVolleyball you make us smile! 🫶🏼

[@archercartridge4888]

@@SarahPavanVolleyball Hey Sarah, there's a bonus scene to react to for the end of this season, you should attach it to the end of episode 25, you can find it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpLSZmeVnauUd5I

[@HyuugaRaull]

Everytime I see something wild on haikyuu I came here to watch Sarah's reaction. As someone from Brazil and from Rio I miss the time Sarah played for our state and country! Really glad I've found out this channel recently =D

[@unpodcastmasdeanime9443]

Every time I watch this episode, I end up realizing even more that Oikawa is the best character ever made by Furudate Sensei. Love you, Great King

[@nikkidee6009]

Great reaction! I've been waiting for you to see this rally since you started the series. So satisfying. Fun fact, the best team of six really plays out here. Each player on the court touches the ball during the final rally.

[@lex_lvs_scara]

MY GOD I LOVE OIKAWA SO MUCH- he's such a complex and relatable character, so well written. this episode always makes me cry my soul out of my body. and that last set hurts like hell bc i can only imagine how Iwaizumi must be feeling:(

[@swlfangirl]

Season 2 is wonderful but season 3 is by far my absolute favorite and I know you’re going to love the whole thing. I would be shocked if there is a single moment that you don’t feel SOMETHING. It might be frustration or anxiety or excitement or pride…honestly I can’t describe what this means to me and I’m so happy I get to experience it all over again through your eyes! Thanks for all the feel good vibes. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@ssjbargainsale]

This was the best reaction I've ever seem to a Haikyuu episode

[@dg6393]

Sarah’s reaction to that last rally is EVERYTHINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! How I felt when I watched this all for the first time came back to me!

[@user-runbe]

I'm so glad Sarah's reaction is similar to ours when we saw the show! We too were happy, sad, breathless, and excited the first time we saw it! In front of a good game, professional player or not, we are equally pure spectators.

[@jhyunhan]

when you watch episode 25, make sure you watch HAIKYU OVA 2 as well !! its like a set ! also this episode really breaks my heart because this is oikawas last year of highschool so this game is his last and he lost.... BREAKS MY HEART EVERYTIME I WATCH YHIS GOD I NEED TO STOP TEARING UP

[@bdylp1098]

I'm guessing that you're talking about the 6 min or so clip about Seijoh found here on KZbin, but calling that clip "OVA 2" is misleading, since the actual OVA 2 is "Vs 'Failing Grades'". That clip is a cut-out from 1 of the recap movies, & was never released on it's own in a Original Video Animation format.

[@susiewolf4318]

I teared up 😢 this is so epic. I enjoyed your reactions so much!

[@meryodz]

I was waiting for Sarah's reaction to this episode since the moment she started watching Haikyuu and it didn't disappoint. This episode and that last rally are one of my favorites in the entire show, and this is when Oikawa became my favorite character. This match is always bittersweet to me, I feel so happy for Karasuno, you can see their growth as a team, but also all of the players putting to practice what they've been working on. On the other hand, Seijoh is such a solid team and you can tell how important it was for them to make it to nationals (specially because it was the last chance for the 3rd years). I really enjoyed rewatching this and hearing Sarah's comments

[@SarahPavanVolleyball]

Oikawa definitely grew on me in this episode. I always respected him as a player, but that last rally and his battle with not being the most "talented" helped me like him more. That's a pretty bold statement that this was your favorite episode and rally from the entire series... I'm curious to see how other episodes compare!

[@JouganHunter]

I was waiting for this all day!!!!

[@joserobertocontrerasgarcia8472]

I absolutely love your reactions Sarah. You capture everything I feel from this anime. THANK YOU for reacting and sharing with us ❤️

[@ceresmakaala1945]

I think the reason I love your reactions so much more than any others’ is how invested you are. You look just like I did when I first watched the series and it makes me so happy to see you get so excited and emotional during the sets. Coupled with your commentary it makes for 100% amazing viewing experience. Thank you so much for the time you take to watch and share with us 😭 I can’t wait to see your reactions to the next match 😍

[@perevision]

Love the Haikyuu merch, what a nice gift! And thank you for the gift of your reaction to this episode. No matter how many times I see it I scream at the last rally, and watching you go through all the emotions we went through, plus your eye for nuance and expertise, is so satisfying. Thanks for your hard work and I can’t wait for next episode!

[@yamadal7531]

Finally finish this season 2 journey with you !!! Thank you so much for company me with this lonely off-work time everyday... And looking forward to season3 4 and so on!!!!!!

[@rosskoike226]

re watching Haikyuu with good reactors like Sarah makes it 10 times more enjoyable. Hearing other people's thoughts and perspective about a certain play or about a character, seeing them feeling the same emotions you had when you first watch the show, these just makes me appreciate the series even more. great video as always, Sarah! Looking forward to Season 3 !!!

[@trycethomas939]

I love how you get so invested, it makes these reactions just incredibly fun! There are channels dedicated to reacting where there's like 3 people on a couch and yet nobody ever gets hyped. For how much we all love the series, seeing how it moves you justifies how much we all love it too. Best react videos, keep 'em coming.

[@musingmiyu]

Sarah this reaction was such a joy to watch - I was right there with you, through everything... and especially that last rally - I couldn't breathe AHHHHH. I love how Haikyuu really makes you care for the other team too. When you said that you couldn't help but feel for Oikawa... it was T____T This episode really made me admire him so so much. And agree on that last image of Oikawa and Kageyama looking at each other through the net, it's so emotional. Thank you so much for all your reactions! And the merch you got from Shiori was so cute!!!

[@musingmiyu]

Also highly recommend watching the bonus ending for Aoba Johsai kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpLSZmeVnauUd5I

[@SarahPavanVolleyball]

It's been a few weeks now and I still think about this episode.... crazy!

[@gastonkostas2520]

Oilawa’s grit and passion (especially when he threw his body on the line for that super set) and the theme of Hard Work VS Talent are just just some of the things that make this episode so powerful. This may be one of the top matches in Haikyuu but I’m definitely excited for the future episodes. Thank you for the vonsistent videos, Sarah! ❤

[@maepledonuts6777]

I love this!! Watching your reactions always get me excited! Can’t believe we’re almost at season 3 with you!

[@DoingOllieOnAir]

One of the best sport animes I ever withnessed. I been always into sports and this seriously kept me on the edge and felt that adrenaline on every single play, every single match. Loved it. Great reaction video btw.

[@roninbelle804]

seeing the rally again and every time, the receive Oikawa did and him slipping as he gets up... the facial expression and body language... the rally brings tears to me ... loving oikawa even more

[@uu3317]

Hi Sarah, your weekly reaction vids are one of the few things I look forward to every week! 💗 You’re the only Haikyuu reactor I watch (continuously). Looking forward to more reaction videos! You’re gonna love Season 3 too.

[@CarbibourNeil]

Haikyu's last rally scenes are really some of the most emotional scenes this anime have, really really awesome that you hold your breath during that time and i know what you feel at that moment too! great reaction and great video! thank you!

[@lf.vieira]

São 2 horas da madrugada aqui no Brasil, e aqui estou pra assistir o react da Sarah que eu tanto adoro. Thx for the videos

[@ricardograca7290]

On top of everything great about this episode, I just love how Iwaizumi have a journey throught the match picking up difficult balls, I would say even more than the libero. He's such a great character and all round player ❤

[@selensewar]

I've seen this episode, the final rally more than 10 times at this point, probably. And i still tear up every time. What a great show.

[@zSilverGuardian]

no matter how many times i watch this, i always have the chills and i have watched a lot of reactors trust me

[@sarahespin5798]

I’ve always loved Oikawa, but especially after this episode. Yea he’s cocky and annoying, but it’s all a front for someone deeply insecure who feels very inadequate. His work ethic is crazy and I just relate to him on a human level.

[@zetsuna-friedshrimp]

Your reaction to the last rally was nice, cause i felt that you were 120% invested in each play. Thank you !

[@Warriorette12]

When I first watched Haikyuu, this is the episode that made me realize that the show had sneakily made me fall in love with a sport I hate playing in real life, and thus it earned my respect. That final rally was FIRE

[@zeldaindisguise]

That last rally is truly such an iconic moment. From start to finish, I remember my heart was pounding and the seconds felt like minutes-turned-small-eternities. It's just over 3 minutes long, but the intensity of the music with the animation direction and quick pacing gives the moment a presence that feels like it's a larger chunk of the episode. I adore the framing: the small peaks into Oikawa's philosophy which culminates in that moving quote as he makes a jaw-dropping set, crashes spectacularly, slips, and then gets back up. And I'll never get over how gorgeous the composition was done with the stark white background, the music pulling back to simple swells, and the camera tracking the ball across the court. There are so many great plays to come, but this one left such an impression that it's followed me throughout the many years and chapters that the manga took.

[@katherineliseth]

I'm so happy seeing you enjoying the show so much Im glad you really liked it 🧡

[@Yenasa]

Sarah, how you feel about Oikawa is exactly the same way I feel too, and I appreciate that so much! I also felt your reaction to Kageyama's setter dump deep in my soul--it's one of my personal favorite moments of an all around incredible episode. Thank you for yet another fantastic video; I always love how you completely "get" important moments, like Oikawa's callback to Iwaizumi's line about the team with 6 players, and your insights into the volleyball (love every time you praise someone's good dig!). Cheers, and enjoy your wonderful merch!

[@Jessie-Shorts]

We're going to the finals baby!! I'm so hyped, a whole season dedicated only in one match!

[@Mr.death93]

Let's go Sarah! You make things more exciting, thanks for everything once again

[@milagrosbandeira1587]

Finally get to see your reaction, been waiting all week for this ❤

[@tonders]

I knew this reaction video was going to be amazing, and you didn't disappoint. You watch like a true fan.

[@bonifyedhusla]

Thank you again for another weekly video! Sarah is the best!

[@tree-]

I’ve been waiting over a year to finally see you reach this episode, it did not disappoint!! I’m glad you loved it Sarah, I’m sure we all felt the same thing by the end.

[@kriztala36]

Woooh..Sarah, Oikawa's growing on you. 🌱 Keep watching Haikyuu!! And eventually you will love him.💗

[@lostinveda]

came across this randomly and haikyuu is so much better when you have a pro who can bring out the emotions like we were playing the game. this is awesome! i finished watching the manga but this vid gives me another level of appreciation!

[@omg-kp6of]

Ive been waiting for this reaction about 2 months and its still looks awesome. Now I will wait for season 3, keep reacting to this beautiful anime;)

[@rjdabandan5042]

This episode is insane and the anime in general.. I love and play volleyball and this particular episode gives me goosebumps and a sense of thrilling excitement. I play as a libero and my only role is to keep the ball in play for my team. Receiving hard hits and hard to reach ball placements keeps me fired up. I'm really hooked in this anime and waiting for the upcoming season. Thank you for your reaction and I can feel the sincerity from it. Been watching VNL and World Championships 😁😊

[@afangirl8324]

GOD THIS EPISODE. It’s honestly so beautiful and it never makes me sob.

[@submandave1125]

Re Oikawa's monster serve: The ball hits the ground before Oikawa lands.

[@danah-hx6mk]

I can't even count how many times I have watched this episode. there aren't enough words to describe how that final rally made me feel the first time I watched it and how it CONTINUES to make me feel after all this time. it's paced spectacularly and leaves you on the absolute edge of your seat. I remember shooting up off of my couch when Oikawa pointed to and made that long set to Iwaizumi, and then getting instantly emotional with his (iconic) quote about talent vs. instinct. what a damn incredible scene. the way you worded it at the end with, "even though Karasuno won that play, I can't help but think that that play is all about Oikawa and the things that he has overcome," and just seeing you feel so much for him by the end (despite him not being your favorite haha) really just makes my heart full. your tears are not being shed alone, trust us!

[@jyll]

This is why you're my favorite Haikyuu reactor. You just _get_ it. The whole emotional and volleyball-technical package that Haikyuu offers. You get so emotionally invested. I just... can't put it more into words. 🔥

[@mateusribeiro6016]

Your video is so much fun! A hug from Brazil

[@estefanylouie]

bro i've watched this so many times and still get surprised and chills like wew

[@orihime2u913]

Thank you so much, I really enjoyed your ommentary and reaction and just watching "with" you :D Accidentaly bumped into this video, glad I did. Now gotta watch from the beginning :)

[@breakneckvision]

So proud of our boys. My favorite piece in the Haikyuu soundtrack, what incredible music to match with a spectacular rally.

[@justinc5668]

OMG, this is seriously the best reaction video!!

[@visora498]

It's really late here and I really need to wake up early tomorrow but you have no idea how much I love and wait for your Haikyuu videos; Haikyuu really means a lot to me and it truly changed my life for the better, it has so many life lessons that I find truly inspiring, and seeing you so touched and emotional for it is just wonderful 💛 the second Karasuno - Aoba Johsai match remains for me as the best in all the Haikyuu manga Thank you so much for all of your reactions, I cannot wait until you finish it all!

[@SarahPavanVolleyball]

This comment made me smile 😊 thank you!

[@tsarmond]

Ohhhh glad u noticed iwaizumi comment about receiving a good spike... it will close a full arc in the future.

[@flameofthegame]

She's so into the series and i love it ,Keep up the great content and wish you all the best with your irl matches .

[@jimmy36896]

We’ve been waiting for you to see this climax for a long time. Glad you loved it and I cannot wait for you to see the Murder of Crows scene in season 3!