#image is from the manga and the work of the genius furudate :)

[lys-9-10]

New KGHN post-timeskip fic

Read on AO3 (preview below image)

Preview:

Four. That was how many texts Tobio had received from Hinata since he’d left for Brazil. 

Four texts, all clustered within the first few weeks of Hinata’s arrival . . . An arrival that had taken place almost two years ago.

Tobio doesn’t know what he had been expecting. 

Daily Facetimes? Good morning and good night texts? “How’s your day going?” check-ins every afternoon? 

Whatever he’d been expecting though, it wasn’t this. This: sitting on his bed, staring at their scant message thread on his phone, tapping his screen every time it threatened to go dark, waiting, waiting . . . for something. 

When Tobio had said “See you later,” to Hinata after their grad ceremony, he knew it would be a while before they did indeed see each other later. Tobio didn’t know how long Hinata was planning on training in Brazil—even Hinata didn’t know that—but it was sure to be at least a year, possibly several. 

And yet even then—even with the prospect of almost 20,000 km separating them for an indefinite period—it honestly never occurred to Tobio that there would be a time when his days wouldn’t be filled with Hinata.

They were the infamous 9/10 duo, after all. One of those names that you only ever hear in conjunction with the other—“Hinata and Kageyama.” “Kageyama and Hinata.” They simply didn’t exist without each other. . . 

Except now they do. 

Now Tobio wakes every day—trims and files his nails—eats breakfast—packs his bento—leaves for practice—practises… and comes home. 

And at no point in his day is there Hinata. 

Tobio knows it’s natural. People going abroad and eventually forgetting about their friends from back home. But . . . somehow he’d thought . . . 

Tobio squeezes his eyes shut and presses the heel of his palm to the splitting ache in his head. 

Hinata and Kageyama. Kageyama and Hinata. 

They simply don’t exist without each other. 

Except now they do. 

----- Hoshiumi is quick. 

Too quick. 

The first time Coach Suzaku asks them to do it—“Try that quick attack you used to do with your ginger in high school”—Tobio just smirks. Because there’s no way Hoshiumi will be able to connect, he’s sure. 

But when the ball slams into the ground on the opposite side of the net rather than dropping listlessly at Hoshiumi’s feet . . . Tobio feels something inside his chest shrivel up. 

“No,” he says instantly, and his voice feels like it’s squeezing out of his compressed lungs. “That wasn’t right.” 

It absolutely was right—the timing, the technique, the power—it was exactly right. 

But it was also wrong. Incredibly, horribly wrong. 

“Huh?!?” Hoshiumi sputters, indignant. “What are you talking about, that was perfect!” 

“No,” Tobio says again, sharper than before. “It was—”

Wrong, a betrayal, a hole being ripped through his core . . .

“—It didn’t feel the same.” 

And at least Tobio isn’t lying. Because it didn’t feel the same. It never could, no matter how technically flawless. 

“You’re full of bull!” Hoshiumi shouts, really riled up now. “That was better than with your second-stringer Little Giant and you know it!” 

Tobio’s eyes narrow. And when he speaks, his voice is low and dangerous. “Second-stringer?” 

Hoshiumi glares back. “Yeah, second-stringer! As I recall, I came out on top in the Little Giant showdown in high school!” 

“Hinata got a fever.” 

“Because he wasn’t strong enough! And because he’s an idiot who doesn’t know how to take care of himself!” 

Tobio steps toward Hoshiumi—one short, heavy step. He feels the fingers in his right hand clench and release. His nostrils flare as he tries to remind himself to breathe, breathe, don’t do anything stupid that will get him suspended from the team . . . 

“Don’t call Hinata an idiot,” he rasps at last. And it’s hypocritical—outrageously hypocritical—but right now Tobio can’t see past the angry red haze in his eyes to care. 

Hoshiumi is silent for a moment, gaze scraping slowly over Tobio’s face. Then, he scoffs. A low, disbelieving scoff.

“That’s what this is about. This is some asinine loyalty stunt for your subpar shortie.” 

Tobio has never left practice early before. He’s never even left practice on time before. He’s always the last one in the gym, well after the others are gone. (The very last one. Because on this team, no one stays behind with him, begging for “one more toss”.) 

But right now—only fifteen minutes into the Schneider Adlers’ practice—Tobio turns on his heels and quickly strides away, off the court. 

He has to move quickly. Because no one is allowed to see the tears that are forming in his eyes. 

Hoshiumi yells after him, just before he pushes his way through the doors. “PUT THAT SHIT AWAY KAGEYAMA! YOU’RE IN PROS, THIS IS YOUR JOB! DON’T BRING YOUR EMOTIONAL CRAP ONTO THE COURT!” Read more on AO3

[rhetorical-ink]

Haikyuu!! Ship Analysis: OiHina

**SUNSHINE SETTER SPOILERS BELOW**

With all the negative in the world, Furudate really said, “screw you, 2020, I’m giving everyone some good food” with Haikyuu!! coming into this year, and with the manga concluded, I want to go back and examine some popular ships and why we love them/why they work. 

The 2020-2021 Haikyuu!! calendar just dropped and I was pretty excited to see the month of August highlighted with this image: 

So, this calendar image, followed by the cover of the Haikyuu!! Light Novel, volume 12, has really screamed, “Oihina rights!” to many fans, myself included. But...why has this ship grown in popularity? What has Furudate given us fans to fuel the flames for this pairing? Well, let’s find out, with this analysis!

Part I. Setting Up A Rivalry...

So, it’s been established early on that Oikawa views Kageyama as a threat, and has been constantly working to make sure he stays superior to his rival setter. But from Chapter 14, there was the faintest inklings of rivalry established between Oikawa and Hinata -- starting with this famous scene from Chapter 14, “Versus the Great King”: 

Despite Oikawa looking frustrated they lost the game, this is his reaction immediately following the moment in Chapter 15. He seems to get over his initial shock, as it’s replaced with some...other...emotion, it seems: 

And later, we can see the foundation of the dynamic Oikawa establishes with both Hinata and Kageyama. Notice how in this scene he offers Hinata polite praise for his winning move, while immediately challenging Kageyama, who clearly did not sign up for this barrage of taunts. 

It’s interesting, because it kind of sets Oikawa up as a rival for Kageyama...just like Hinata. We’ll talk more about Hinata and Oikawa’s similarities below, but I love how this weird “Rival Triangle” has formed between these three and carries on into both matches of Karasuno vs. Aoba Johsai later on.

PART II. Oikawa’s Not-So Subtle Focus on Hinata:

While there are hints in the practice match that Oikawa recognizes Shoyo could be a threat, we don’t see Oikawa really focusing on Hinata until later, when Aoba Johsai shows up to watch Karasuno’s game before they play them in Chapter 39, “The Return.” I like how Oikawa is not at ALL impressed with Asahi,

But seconds later, is all-hungry-eyes on Hinata’s “god-mode” set: 

And then there’s Chapter 48, “The Conductor.” I love this chapter.  I saw this image on Twitter, and I about fell out of my seat laughing:

Seriously. Think about it. Oikawa sat like that for over an HOUR, listening to Hinata screaming “Bring it” and “Give it.” No, no, we’re fine over here...

Of course, we see how Oikawa views Hinata as a threat during their first match up against them in the Inter High Prelim Qualifier match in Chapters 61-63:

His reference to Shoyo as a “Monster” is consistently brought up in the series, and then, waaaay later on in Chapter 189 at the end of the Shiratorizawa match, acknowledges how Hinata is indeed the type of hitter you WANT to throw the ball to, foreshadowing Inarizaki and Atsumu Miya literally 100 chapters early: 

PART III. “We’re Not So Different, You and I”

So, this leads us to the dreaded Chapter 365 and onward into the now-infamous “Rio Mini Arc.” I��ve noted it in a previous post, but during Takeda’s lecture to Shoyo in Chapter 365, and then later on in chapter 368-369, any time the words “defeat” or “hurdle” are thrown up, there’s an image of Oikawa beside them. In this moment, we are to meant as readers to liken Hinata’s hurdles and obstacles with those that plagued our main antagonist, Oikawa, all those chapters ago. You may be wondering why Furudate would set such a thing up...well, in Chapter 371, we get this reveal:

Ah, yes, of all places and of all people -- Shoyo wasn’t the only one crazy enough to trek across the ocean to South America to improve his game. Oikawa did too, only going to Argentina instead of Brazil. Yes, as Kindaichi and Kunimi kindly observe, Shoyo and Oikawa may have more in common that we the readers gave credit to, originally, as we see in the precursor to the best damn selfie in the whole series and possibly manga history: 

But it’s below that’s kind of the crux of this whole OiHina ship for me -- It’s not just that Oikawa and Shoyo are so alike...it’s that Oikawa and Kageyama are so alike, too:

Oikawa, whether he wants to admit it or not, has a lot in common with our blueberry setter...the difference, as we can see in these panels, is that unlike Kageyama, Oikawa is GREAT with communication. His ability to communicate with his team and connect with them is his hallmark as a player, right? 

Take for example, this situation below. If it’d been Kageyama, he’d probably fluster around, call Hinata “boke” and they’d bicker and carry on -- Oikawa, though, rightfully takes the compliment and runs with it, even adding in that flirty little tag there at the end. You’re not helping matters, Furudate...

Back to similarities with Hinata, though, and showing just how much Hinata has GROWN to Oikawa, we have this conversation below. Oikawa started out this manga literally calling Shoyo and Tsukishima “dumb.” Now, 300+ chapters later, he’s acknowledged that Hinata is “thinking” ahead...doing very much the same kind of crazy tricks to improve himself that Oikawa has chosen as well.

Also, good to know that Hinata initiated wanting to get Oikawa’s contact info; plus, Oikawa having to deal with his own teammates just giving him a hard time 24/7, when Shoyo’s offering open praise? No wonder he latched on...

But seriously, go read Chapters 373 and 374 in their fullest -- there are TOO many amazing moments between Shoyo and Oikawa to count, but they all show this forming friendship that I’m just in love with, like this one from 373: 

And while I LOVE the moment Oikawa calls our ray of sunshine straight-up “Shoyo” and shakes his hand, acknowledging their friendship and respect for each other, I really love this final shot of Oikawa before we see him at the Olympics. That panel of him walking away, reminding Shoyo that he has a looooong way to go, but showing his sudden motivation to get even better: 

Seriously, in the anime, I have a feeling that one episode is going to end with the ending of Chapter 371, and then they’ll probably just have one episode encapsulate Chapters 372 - 374, which I will be sad if it’s one episode in the anime...but MAN, I’m going to be watching that episode on repeat for a while, just to see these chapters re-imagined in animation.

PART IV. To The Olympics...and BEYOND!

The final chapter of Haikyuu!! graced us with the reunion of our ray of sunshine and our sassy trash king setter, and let’s be real -- we all need this animated...and to have Atsumu and Kageyama’s reactions on display in this moment, just for the fun of it.

And ya’ll wonder why there’s so many Rio/Brazil Fling fics out there?!

I think, besides this hug, what cements this ship after this last chapter is the following: 

* Even if it’s just a platonic friendship, it’s still one of the most fun and freshly developed friendships in the series, and makes sense going back from start to finish in the manga.

* Even if it’s just a fling, it’s flirty, fun, and could be the stepping stone for shippers that want to spice up their Iwaoi/Kagehina drama/angsty fics by adding in a little “fling” for Oikawa and/or Hinata to go through before reconnecting with their soulmates, if that’s your ship.

* And even if you want to view it as something more than platonic friendship or stepping stones into other ships, it still works. I mean, after all, Hinata went to play for Brazil after the Olympics. And Brazil’s a stone’s throw away from Argentina...so...who knows what could have ended up happening, right?

Furudate definitely doesn’t confirm many ships (with the exception of Tanaka and Kiyoko), but he definitely lays out some crumbs for us the fandom to nibble on and speculate with endlessly. OiHina may not be my OTP for Hinata, but I will never deny that it’s fun, spicy, and presents a VERY nuanced way to view the relationship between one of my favorite manga protagonist and antagonist pairings. Furudate, you are a genius. Thank you for the food!

[ghostmeep]

Haikyuu!! chapter 367 spoilers

uh wow, I kinda wish I didn’t read until at least tomorrow because I can’t do anything for Tsukishima’s birthday becauSE I’M DEAD [happy birthday though, Tsukishima, I’m sorry you deserve so much better]

BUT YeLLS

Okay but the worst [read: best] part of all of this is that Furudate-sensei just took us on a rollercoster. Or at least for me. Because ch 365 - Hinata got taken out and it made everyone lose hope. But then 366, Karasuno were all strong and determined and it really really seemed like they got things handlED and it WAS FINE. AND THEN THIS AND ALL HOPE WAS CRUSH E D . 

Like, I really made peace with Karasuno losing after reading 365. But then 366 gave me hope and I was like ‘huh, yeah no there is no way Karasuno would lose’ BUT ThEN 

I waSN’T PREPA R ED i sHOuLD HAVE bEEN BuT YeLLS

okay but damn I am super upset about how this happened, but i’m also kinda glad????????? it’s bold for Furudate-sensei to turn Haikyuu’s story in this direction. Because it really doesn’t happen often in manga. 

And now we get to see Captain Ennoshita, all the current first years as senpai, and we get to see Karasuno grow even morE and develop into a proper powerhouse that people are going to expect great things from - we may even get to see who gets to be captain among the first years [Yamaguchi]

We will literally get all the things that I’ve always wanted from other sports manga that ended after the protag’s first year because they achieved gold so soon. 

But because Furudate-sensei did such a good job making us get attached to the third years, it’s painful. I saw a post last week that someone made, I can’t find it now, but it said along the lines of ‘the third year’s wish was to get to the spring tournament, it wasn’t to win’ Which is t r ue. It’s true, but it’s still painful that they didn’t win. Because the winning part was implied. No one aims for the tournament without aiming to win it all. 

But it’s also true that considering what state Karasuno was in when they were first years, they did a whole lot to bring the ‘powerhouse of old’ into fruition. So they have every right to hold their heads up high with pride. Which, I’m sure that they will once the pain of losing fades a bit.

And I gotta say, I appreciate Furudate-sensei taking these steps. Karasuno didn’t lose just because Hinata wasn’t there. Karasuno lost because half their starters are baby first years who don’t have the experience of high school matches. There is a reason that it was Hinata and Tsukishima who were the ones who had to be pulled from the match. There is a reason that during Shiratorizawa’s match it was Kageyama. 

Karasuno also lost because they are so n e w. 

They don’t have the perfect teamwork that most other teams do. They are so very close, but again, half their starters are first years. There was a reason that Daichi seriously considered not staying with Karasuno for their try at the spring tournament. There is a reason that third years normally retire after the Interhigh. That perfect team comp is not something you get overnight, and it isn’t something that can be completely made up for just by having good players. It does make a difference, playing with people for more than one year and becoming familiar with them. Daichi, with all of his sense of duty, understood that. 

And Kageyama serving. That serve is still, give or take, less than a year old. He didn’t do jump serves during his middle school years. And yes, Kageyama, being the genius that he is, had rapid growth with it, but it still is not finished - it’s still developing. As much as me, being the Kageyama stan that I am, wished that he could have allowed Karasuno to win with his serve, it makes sense that it didn’t. The fact that his serve was able to give seasoned players that much trouble is amazing.

And i’m really looking forward to next year [and maybE even the year after that???] think of how satisfying it would be, having to go through with this loss with Karasuno, and finally - fiNAlLY!! - seeing them take gold. 

Also, I want to see how they’ll grow. I’m anticipating Kageyama and Tsukishima’s teamwork to see exponential improvement. They already made huge headway during the tournament, but now that Tsukishima got over his ‘it’s just a club’ block, he and Kageyama would be able to do a lot, I would think. Kageyama isn’t the best academically, but he’s good at thinking about Volleyball. He and Tsukki can come up with tactics no doubt. And they already teased the signature spike that they can do. I want to see Tsukki’s quick spike from over the blockers a lot next year. Mixed in with his faints and personal time difference attacks, of course. AlSO CAN YOU IMAG IN E - KAGEYaMA giving TSUkiShiMA SeTTING TIpS beACUse Tsukishima keeps having to set the ball - as middle blockers do - aND !!!!!!!!!

I want to see Hinata at the National Training camp. I used to think that there was no way he would be invited to it, but with all of the growth that he is doing - away from Kageyama’s genius, I would say there is a good shot that he would be. 

I want to see Yamaguchi becoming more confident in himself and on his place of the team. I would even like to see if he could be a starter honestly, with all his hard work he’s been doing. It depends on what first years they get, but it’s possible. Though even if he isn’t a starter next year, I would still like to see him becoming settled in his own way. See the inklings of what kind of captain he could [will] be during his third year. 

I want to see the current third years in the benches, along with the neighborhood association, cheering on their baby crows. 

There is so much I want to see, and now we have that chance. And I’m still sad that it comes at the expense of the third years not getting gold, but it’s still a wonderful chance that I’m pleased to get. 

[kaigrt]

Proof that Ushiten is indisputably 1000% canon

This paper aims to prove that there is no possible doubt behind the 1000% canonicity of the romantic relationship between Ushijima Wakatoshi and Tendou Satori from the manga Haikyuu!!. Our knowledge of Ushijima Wakatoshi, Tendou Satori and their relationship is wholly based on the official art and story provided by manga artist Haruichi Furudate, and therefore we will not source any fan-made work. Previous research has been limited to single instances that suggest some kind of relationship between these two, but despite considerable interest, no one as far as we know has attempted to compile an extensive list of points that, when combined, prove that a romantic relationship between them is 1000% fact.

The term ‘Ushiten’ shall henceforth be used as a shorthand notation to denote Ushijima and Tendou’s romantic relationship.

Tendou is first seen at the end of chapter 150, and named in chapter 151 page 2 (one page before this one). And what is the first thing he does? Put his hand on Ushijima’s shoulder. That’s right. He clearly wastes NO time asserting just who Ushijima belongs to.

Is that Wakatoshi’s boyfriendo laughing at his jokes? Why yes. Yes, it is.

Do I really need to say anything here? This pretty much speaks for itself.

There is no question that Tendou can't keep his hands off of Ushijima. This is like the third panel they're in together that's not an action scene, and Tendou is feeling Ushijima up in two out of the three. These pages are radiating with sexual tension, I tell you.

Also, look how mindful he is of Ushijima's feelings. Most people would just be like "yaaay, I scored a bunch of points, I feel awesome.", but no. Not Tendou. He'll check in with Ushijima in between points, because he cares about Ushijima and his feelings. It's evident.

An untrained eye might overlook this, but take special note of Tendou's outstretched left arm here. Also notice that Tendou's right arm is not visible in this panel to the right of his body. This suggests that both of his arms are outstretched. Combined with that beaming smile towards his ace, the only possible conclusion is that he's going in for a hug, which solidifies my previous point of Tendou not being able to keep his hands off of Ushijima.

I mean, hello. If this is not the face of someone who is completely enamoured of his ace, then I don't know what is.

Even Coach Ukai can tell something is going on between these two. It's impossible to think about one without also thinking about the other. He can clearly only see them together.

Look at them staring lovingly into each other's eyes. Tendou with the slight head tilt too. True love. It's canon.

Ignore Shirabu here for a second, and take a moment to notice who's behind the speech bubbles. Yup. That's right. It's Tendou and Ushijima, sneaking glances at each other.

There is a chance you might be thinking “Yeah well, I guess I sorta see your point, but so far it's mostly been Tendou touching/staring at Ushijima, not so much the other way around”. Well, that's changing here. Notice Tendou prancing by the net with his long-ass model legs, and more importantly, notice that Ushijima is totally checking him out. Ya. What d'ya got to say to that?

Also keep in mind that Ushijima is more reserved with his emotions in general, so for him we have to read inbetween the lines a little more.

But Tendou wears his emotions on his sleeve and we don't have to read between the lines for him at all. He'll just yell 'em out at full volume on national TV no problem, not even thinking twice about using Ushijima's first name without suffix. And nobody bats an eye, so apparently Tendou calling Ushijima 'miracle boy' is business as usual as well, and that's just his go-to nickname for his lover. Tendou hasn't called any of his other teammates 'miracle boy', and neither have any others called Ushijima 'miracle boy', so it's unquestionable that this is something special between the two of them.

Imagine this panel was just a bit taller. More specifically, imagine where Tendou and Ushijima's hands are reaching. Exactly. You're seeing what you think you're seeing. There's no bend at Ushijima's elbow, meaning that his arm continues reaching to the right. Tendou is clearly leaning to the left and extending his arm that way. The only possible conclusion is that they're reaching for each other's hands. This hypothesis is supported by the expressions on their faces. Yes, their faces tell all.

Ushijima looks frustrated about losing the set, as if he's blaming himself, thinking about what he could have done differently. Tendou has a softer expression on his face. As if he wants to comfort Ushijima. As if he just wants to tell him “it's okay, we'll get the next set”. That's why he's reaching for his boyfriend's hand, to give him a soft squeeze while Washijou is yelling at them.

Oh Ushijima. You poor, innocent and oblivious child. Don't you know? When someone tells you how scary the horror movie they watched is, it means they want you to hold them during said movie. And the talk about cute actresses? Please. Tendou, you sly fox, you. It's the perfect excuse. It's a classic high school boy excuse to watch a movie with your best friend who you secretly have a crush on while also making yourself seem straight. Especially if you actually really just want to watch a horror movie to claim you're scared so you can cuddle up to said friend. But it's not gay because we're watching a movie with a cute actress. Or is it? Well, at that point you can gauge said friend's reaction, and make an educated guess on how open they would be to any advances. It's genius.

Oh, why didn't I come up with this in my teens? OH WAIT. WHAT’S THAT? I DID. THAT’S HOW I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING, TENDOU. DON’T THINK YOU CAN HIDE YOUR TRUE INTENTIONS FROM ME.

I cropped up a few panels on this page and compiled them into one image, because there's a lot going on here. I just wanna point out how enthusiastic Tendou is when he's talking to Ushijima. How interested he is in his background and motivations. His speech bubbles are all bubbly too. It's unmistakable that Tendou truly believes Ushijima is going to be a star and he has no inhibitions when it comes to telling him that. There's this instance, but there's also another one later on after the Shiratorizawa vs. Karasuno match, so I'll get back to that. In any case it means that Tendou sincerly thinks Ushijima is absolutely amazing.

Using the raws here, because this is one of the most telling scenes and I felt that both the official translation and an online scanslation kind of twisted his words. So. What's Tendou saying here? In romaji, 美しいねぇ would be  “utsukushii nee”. “nee” has very little meaning, so we'll focus on “utsukushii” here, which literally translates to “beautiful”. Yes. He's calling Ushijima beautiful. In the manga. Canon. With a completely smitten expression on his face. Need I say more?

Some people might think that Tendou is only talking about Ushijima's form here. And if you're a very perceptive person, you might even say “But wait! Tendou has used that word to describe someone else before!”, and you would be partly correct. He has indeed used the word “utsukushii” to describe Kageyama's form. HOWEVER!

The difference is that with Kageyama, he's commenting on Kageyama's beautiful FORM (美しいフォーム) that's falling apart. With Ushijima, Tendou doesn't mention his form at all. We can therefore conclude that, had Tendou really only been talking about Ushijima's form, he would have said so. But he didn't, and so the only possibility is that he is calling Ushijima himself beautiful. This in turn confirms that Tendou undeniably has feelings for Ushijima that extend beyond the platonic.

Look at Tendou looking in utter amazement at his boyfriendo's great serve.

He just can't help sneaking glances at Ushijima out whenever gets the chance.

Ah, nothing as satisfying as scoring a point with a toss from your boyfriend, or by tossing to your boyfriend, am I right? Their facial expressions say it all.

Okay, hello. First of all, Ushijima is quoting Tendou. That means he definitely thinks highly of him, especially considering Tendou and Ushijima's use of language is worlds apart to begin with, so it's probably not something Ushijima would usually say.

Secondly, this might be the softest and kindest expression we've seen from Ushijima so far. So far we've really mostly seen him be stoic, not showing much emotion at all. But this, this almost looks loving. Best of all, this expression is directed towards Tendou.

And last but not least, look at Tendou flipping his shit over all this in the last panel. He's feeling A LOTTT of emotions right there, there's no denying that!

Even Ushijima is looking in amazement and clapping. Coming from him, that means something, because he's not usually someone to express enthusiasm or admiration.

Another well-known scene. Things of note here: just Tendou and Ushijima are stretching here. The other third-years? Their kouhais? Not here. This suggests that they have a closer relationship with each other than they do with the rest of the team.

Secondly, it's evident that Tendou knows Ushijima well and understands how he's feeling. What's even more interesting is that Ushijima, who is normally pretty reserved, doesn't hesitate to open up towards Tendou about his true feelings, even though they might be immature.

Then Tendou voices his admiration, complimenting his straight, and for the second time straight-up asserting that Ushijima is going to be a volleyball star in the future, with his own documentary and everything. He also says he'll be sure to watch Ushijima on TV (I checked with the raws, he really uses Ushijima's name there). From this it is indisputable that Tendou cares about Ushijima beyond just a high school friend, he's truly invested in his future and wants to see him succeed. This is the kind of support you would get from a partner moreso than from just a friend.

Tendou just barges into Ushijima's room without knocking and apparently this is fine and normal and happens all the time, because Ushijima doesn't complain or even blink. That's how close and comfortable they are with each other. And they share a copy of Shounen Jump.

C A N O N

Okay, HELLO. Just look at what is going on in this panel.

“We'll be back~”, WITH a squiggle at the end of the sentence. Was also there in the original Japanese manga, mind you. That's a suggestive tone if ever I saw one.

Finger air quotes, Tendou? Seriously, take this in for a moment; FINGER AIR QUOTES? You'll “be back”? Come on. This can really only mean one thing, guys. Let's be honest.

Tendou's face just screams “Heyyyy, we're getting it on”. Look at it. Look at that face. Zoom in or something. Seductive AF.

They're standing so close together. Also, Ushijima, where is your hand going?

What's Hayato looking at? That's right. He's looking at where Ushijima's hand is going. And look at his expression. If that isn't a face that says “oh hey, there they go again”, then I don't know what is.

If it was just one or two of the above, I could say “okay, this doesn't have to mean anything”. But combine all these things together in one panel, and it really points towards one thing and one thing only.

Look. Canon. They're not even out of sight yet and already Tendou can't keep his hands off his lover.

You would know, Tendou.

No, but seriously. Tendou knowing Ushijima's schedule, answering his questions for him, and Ushijima not minding all point towards something more going on here. Usually people who are 'just friends' don't know exactly what their friend is going to be doing when (and they usually don't answer questions for their friends either).

“But since they're both helping with the training camp, isn't it natural that Tendou would know who else is going to be there?”, you might ask. Well, Hayato is helping too, and clearly he doesn't know. So no, just because Tendou is also helping with the training camp, does not mean that he automatically knows who else is going to be there.

Tendou getting protective of his boyfriend. Really, who would notice anyone staring in an abnormal way at someone other than yourself? In most situations, people wouldn't give it a second thought. But if someone's staring weirdly at your partner... Then suddenly this scenario becomes a lot more understandable.

Tendou keeping an eye on them 'cause he wants to know what business Hinata has with his boyfriend. Just in case.

Stiiiill keeping an eye out. No one's checking Ushijima out scot-free on Tendou's watch.

I think I know why Furudate has a fondness for this particular sketch. It shows Ushijima and Tendou running off into the sunset together, hand in hand. As we have already seen countless pieces of proof of so far, Furudate also ships Ushijima and Tendou. And if the manga artist themself ships it, it's canon.

OKAY COME ONNN! There's no denying this! They're standing SO close! They're practically on top of each other! That is not an ordinary distance (or lack thereof, really) between two high school boys who are just friends. They're getting it on off-screen, no doubt.

Look at them, running off together. We know Ushijima is faster than his teammates and will leave them behind if they can't keep up. But here apparently he waited for Tendou to finish his interview with Hinata, and he's slowing down enough so they can run together. Aww. ♡

No way Ushijima would do promo for anyone other than his bf.

Of course Tendou would return the favour.

Okay, hello. Does this really need an explanation? Tendou is openly proclaiming that Ushijima is #1. He's got to have strong feelings for Ushijima for him to be so vocal about it.

Look how close they're sitting together. Way closer than the others are. Tendou's elbow is totally touching Ushijima's arm. And his knee is almost touching his hand.

I also wanna point out just how consistently they're always together.

Everyone in this room is focused on the twins entering the room, except for one person: Ushijima. Ushijima is too busy checking Tendou out, to such an extent that he's completely ignoring Atsumu who's calling his name.

Furudate's dream team. Both Ushijima and Tendou are on the team. Coincidence? I think not.

Anyone who claims they're not holding hands behind their backs is LYING.

THEY EVEN HAVE A PUDDING DATE.

I mean, I know 'looking' gay isn't really a thing, but if you had to point out someone in this picture...

Look. There is even a sticker with Tendou longingly looking at his lover. Canon, I tell you.

You can tell Reon is totally accepting of their relationship and is happy for both of them.

And then Goshiki is like “WHAT? REALLY?” after Taichi tells him about it. That's why he turns his head and looks so surprised, you see.

And Shirabu is like “Jeez, you couldn't tell?”

In this study we have investigated the official Haikyuu!! content in order to establish that Ushiten is canon. The numerous pieces of evidence from this study have shown us multiple occasions where Tendou and Ushijima, to give a few examples, complimented each other, touched each other, gave each other looks of admiration, and were attentive to one another, among other things. Taken together, these findings support the idea that their relationship involves deeper emotions than just platonic ones.

It has to be mentioned that this study is not without limitations. The most important limitation is a result of Haikyuu!! being a Shounen Manga. As a consequence, Ushijima and Tendou's relationship will never be explicitly shown in the manga, however, that does not mean it does not exist. It is for that reason that we turn to more subtle hints, reading between the lines and paying more attention to the details. Substantial insight has been gained with regard to these details, and considering the sheer amount of these findings and the undeniability of their underlying meaning, we have obtained satisfactory results proving that Ushiten is 1000% canon.