Haikyu!! To the Top 2nd-cour Episode 4

MID

50%

of 1 scoutsrecommend

Review Summary

Fans of Kenma should watch as the 'cats vs monkeys' match teases his strategic brilliance, despite initial exhaustion, setting up intriguing future plays.

Animation & Style

Character Writing & Lore

Emo Impact

Hype/Writing

Pacing

Soundtrack

Visual

World Building & Setting

👀 SPOILER-FREE SUMMARY

A breather from Karasuno's intense match that earns its runtime entirely. The spotlight swings to Nekoma as they clash with Sarukawa Tech in a battle between two defense-obsessed squads. Expect a more cerebral, strategic affair—this is a match built on discipline, reads, and suffocating rallies rather than explosive kills. The heart of the episode lives in the relationship between Kenma and Yamamoto, two players whose clashing temperaments somehow forge something effective. Flashbacks ground the on-court tension in genuine character history, giving weight to every tactical decision. The pacing is contemplative by Haikyuu standards, leaning into the mental chess of volleyball while still delivering Production I.G's signature kinetic energy when rallies heat up. If you appreciate the series for its character depth as much as its action, this episode rewards that investment fully.

🔥 KEY MOMENTS

⚠️ Spoiler Alert!

Kenma Meets Tora

Flashbacks reveal the rocky start between the introverted Kenma and the fiery Tora, whose clashing personalities immediately create friction during Nekoma's early practice sessions.

The Blowup

A heated argument forces Kenma and Tora to confront each other's frustrations head-on. Rather than fracturing the team, the clash peels back layers of misunderstanding and opens the door to genuine respect.

Kenma Watches Tora Grind

Kenma quietly observes Tora's relentless effort during training—pure willpower compensating for raw talent. It's a turning point where Kenma begins to see value in Tora's brand of intensity.

Tora Recognizes the Brain

Tora finally acknowledges that Kenma's detached demeanor isn't apathy—it's calculation. He starts trusting Kenma's court vision and strategic reads, bridging the gap between instinct and intellect.

Nekoma Clicks Into Gear

The episode culminates in a practice match where Nekoma's improved synergy is on full display. Kenma and Tora operate as complementary forces, signaling that the team is ready for the national stage.

📍 ARC CONTEXT

Coming off Karasuno's momentum-shifting first set win against Inarizaki in episode 3, this installment deliberately steps away from that main thread to develop Nekoma's tournament journey in parallel. It deepens the roster of rival teams competing simultaneously, enriching the stakes of potential future matchups—particularly the long-anticipated Karasuno vs. Nekoma showdown. With eight episodes still remaining, this narrative detour plants seeds that will pay off as the bracket narrows.

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