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ハイキュー!! [Haikyū!!] #23
Haikyu!!, Vol. 23: The Ball's Path
Nekoma’s defensive ace, Yaku, is removed from the court with an injury, leaving the whole team grasping at straws! Even with Nohebi stubbornly picking away at the hole Yaku left behind, Nekoma’s captain, Kuroo, continues to insist they have a chance at winning. Who will grab the last slot in the Spring Tournament? Will it be the Cats or the Snakes?!
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
58 people are currently reading
1349 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
July 30, 2016
Another very enjoyable volume.
I have no complaints myself but it's probably worth mentioning that there have been a lot of complaints from other readers that the main character, Hinata, doesn't get enough spotlight.
I have to disagree. Or rather, I agree that he doesn't have the spotlight all to himself, but I disagree that it's not enough. One of the things that I like most about Haikyu is the lack of character-bias (if you'll allow the term). Often enough, authors get far too attached to their "mains", leaving the rest of the cast to flop, while they ought to be layered and exciting supporting roles that add dimension to the story. Especially in Shounen manga where, inevitably, there're going to be a vast selection of characters.
Here at Haikyu, I really like how the characters are individual, i.e: not attached to Hinata's arse. I really like how they all have their own skills that are not dependent on how well Hinata's backside functions. I really like how we get to see so many different characters develop on their own terms - and not through being bum chums with Hinata.
Now, you may think I have something against Young Hinata. Here's the catch: I don't. As a matter of fact, I'm highly entertained by the kid. He's funny, passionate, skilled and he's got backbone. He even *gasps!* has flaws. But, just because I like him, and just because he's the main guy, doesn't mean I want the entire story to be just about him and how great he is. That would just be boring.
Anyway, enough of my ranting.
This volume was well worth reading, with all its twists and turns and unexpected play of events.
I have no complaints myself but it's probably worth mentioning that there have been a lot of complaints from other readers that the main character, Hinata, doesn't get enough spotlight.
I have to disagree. Or rather, I agree that he doesn't have the spotlight all to himself, but I disagree that it's not enough. One of the things that I like most about Haikyu is the lack of character-bias (if you'll allow the term). Often enough, authors get far too attached to their "mains", leaving the rest of the cast to flop, while they ought to be layered and exciting supporting roles that add dimension to the story. Especially in Shounen manga where, inevitably, there're going to be a vast selection of characters.
Here at Haikyu, I really like how the characters are individual, i.e: not attached to Hinata's arse. I really like how they all have their own skills that are not dependent on how well Hinata's backside functions. I really like how we get to see so many different characters develop on their own terms - and not through being bum chums with Hinata.
Now, you may think I have something against Young Hinata. Here's the catch: I don't. As a matter of fact, I'm highly entertained by the kid. He's funny, passionate, skilled and he's got backbone. He even *gasps!* has flaws. But, just because I like him, and just because he's the main guy, doesn't mean I want the entire story to be just about him and how great he is. That would just be boring.
Anyway, enough of my ranting.
This volume was well worth reading, with all its twists and turns and unexpected play of events.
April 2, 2019
Part 2 of the Tokyo side of the latest tournament. The creator kept me hooked despite the nonstop volleyball action and the absence of our home team.
I must say though, I hope there will now be a couple volumes of breathing space before the next tournament so we can be reminded what the main characters are like and how they interact off the court.
I must say though, I hope there will now be a couple volumes of breathing space before the next tournament so we can be reminded what the main characters are like and how they interact off the court.
January 5, 2022
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/yfu9m4KfAZg
I literally hugged this volume and whispered "I love you guys" because of how much I missed these characters! *sobs*
It feels SO good to be reading Haikyu again and this one swept me off my feet in so many ways!
It's been a few weeks since I read the previous volumes and reread some of my reviews to help refresh. Volume 23 had me right back on the edge of my seat and STRONGLY disliking Nohebi Academy. Honestly, didn't know I could dislike a team more than Shiratorizawa, but Nohebi takes the win in my most strongly disliked team. :P Seriously, they just get under my skin with some of the things they do. I get the whole desperate to win, but it makes it SO frustrating seeing how manipulative they are. (And the COACH! Do not even get me started on his "pep talk" after the match. Just no.)
However, I DID like Numai because he doesn't like his team being called a bunch of cheaters and did/does his best to play so hard that people can NOT call him a cheater. I really respected him for that and for the brief amount of time we saw him play, admired him. The ace really can and does change the whole atmosphere.
There were A LOT of good plays in this match! I especially loved Yamato making it known through his plays that he IS the ace. I liked how Lev grew on a personal level and realized what Kuroo meant when telling him about teamwork. I liked how Shibayama didn't give up and kept trying in doing his best. I loved learning how calculating Kenma is and how he will say things that are even "cold-like" to his best friend (LOL). I LOVED the opening chapter and seeing the third years together and how they met. (SO funny!)
Chapter 204 has the best title ever (Volleyball Even Idiots Understand) and LOVED the chapter illustration of chapter 205! (Poor captains!)
The overall match was just as intense as ever and hands down cheered for these guys like it was a real live match! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I cheered, I got frustrated, and ultimately, wished I could join in the celebration of them winning.
While I loved everything about this volume, it felt SO good to see Hinata again and be back with my favorite team. They brought all the shenanigans with the measurements! I love them so much!
One small thing: I really liked seeing Hinata have a friend who has seen and been with him since his very humble beginnings. That was really cool!
Both of the bonus stories were funny, but the final one was hilarious!
So glad to be back in the world of Haikyu!! again! <3 <3 <3
I literally hugged this volume and whispered "I love you guys" because of how much I missed these characters! *sobs*
It feels SO good to be reading Haikyu again and this one swept me off my feet in so many ways!
It's been a few weeks since I read the previous volumes and reread some of my reviews to help refresh. Volume 23 had me right back on the edge of my seat and STRONGLY disliking Nohebi Academy. Honestly, didn't know I could dislike a team more than Shiratorizawa, but Nohebi takes the win in my most strongly disliked team. :P Seriously, they just get under my skin with some of the things they do. I get the whole desperate to win, but it makes it SO frustrating seeing how manipulative they are. (And the COACH! Do not even get me started on his "pep talk" after the match. Just no.)
However, I DID like Numai because he doesn't like his team being called a bunch of cheaters and did/does his best to play so hard that people can NOT call him a cheater. I really respected him for that and for the brief amount of time we saw him play, admired him. The ace really can and does change the whole atmosphere.
There were A LOT of good plays in this match! I especially loved Yamato making it known through his plays that he IS the ace. I liked how Lev grew on a personal level and realized what Kuroo meant when telling him about teamwork. I liked how Shibayama didn't give up and kept trying in doing his best. I loved learning how calculating Kenma is and how he will say things that are even "cold-like" to his best friend (LOL). I LOVED the opening chapter and seeing the third years together and how they met. (SO funny!)
Chapter 204 has the best title ever (Volleyball Even Idiots Understand) and LOVED the chapter illustration of chapter 205! (Poor captains!)
The overall match was just as intense as ever and hands down cheered for these guys like it was a real live match! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I cheered, I got frustrated, and ultimately, wished I could join in the celebration of them winning.
While I loved everything about this volume, it felt SO good to see Hinata again and be back with my favorite team. They brought all the shenanigans with the measurements! I love them so much!
One small thing: I really liked seeing Hinata have a friend who has seen and been with him since his very humble beginnings. That was really cool!
Both of the bonus stories were funny, but the final one was hilarious!
So glad to be back in the world of Haikyu!! again! <3 <3 <3
August 7, 2022
MIS HIJOS ❤️
May 18, 2025
Der Exkurs über die anderen Schulen ging fast über 2 ganze Bände. Das fand ich ein bisschen viel, weil ich mich doch sehr auf die Hauptcharaktere eingestellt hatte. Mal sehen, was der nächste Band bringt. Bonus-Stern übrigens für das Bonuskapitel über das Sportfest ☺️
August 5, 2021
Que lindo tomo! Es como que comenzamos la recta final a lo más importante. Que no digo que esto no lo sea eh! Siento que le suma un montón a la historia y a los personajes, en su evolución, en su crecimiento como jugadores 💖
March 4, 2023
and now we are about to enter my least favourite arc 😭
April 8, 2018
Ok, bello vedere i ragazzi del Nekoma (e Kuroo e Yaku all'inizio ), ok vedere i siparietti tra Bokuto e Akaashi, ma ragazzi del Karasuno hanno una marcia in più ^^
May 8, 2022
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Haikyu manga, and what a one to return to. Volume 23 continues the land vs air arc with Nekoma, Nohebi and Fukurodani, before returning to some Karasuno shenanigans.
Overall, a quick and easy 5 star read to fit into my currently busy schedule.
Overall, a quick and easy 5 star read to fit into my currently busy schedule.
October 2, 2020
*Reread 10/1/2020*
I still cry when they win even though I know the outcome of the game. I still get so wrapped up in it all.
Fukunaga and Kuguri are such underrated characters and idky, but I was focused on them even though the story didn't lol. Fukunaga is so unassuming, but he's a really good player. He's always right there and ready. Then Kuguri only gets this one moment, but I like him. He seems like he doesn't care, but he's still a good player and the emotion he showed when they lost really rounded him out. I've said this before, but Furudate-sensei's got this way of making even the most minor of characters feel like they've got this whole backstory and motivations and dreams. Their writing constantly amazes me.
Side Note: I wish they could animate those bonus stories from the end. The Karasuno boys are so fucking stupid lol.
*Original Review 10/6/2019*
LOL. Why do the Karasuno boys share one collective braincell... I-
I'm super proud of Lev's growth also Sakusa has entered and I'm ready to love him and his team as well. I guess if I'm rooting for all the teams I'll always be happy for whoever wins right?? (But I'll always be sad for whoever loses as well. This is a sad way to live).
I still cry when they win even though I know the outcome of the game. I still get so wrapped up in it all.
Fukunaga and Kuguri are such underrated characters and idky, but I was focused on them even though the story didn't lol. Fukunaga is so unassuming, but he's a really good player. He's always right there and ready. Then Kuguri only gets this one moment, but I like him. He seems like he doesn't care, but he's still a good player and the emotion he showed when they lost really rounded him out. I've said this before, but Furudate-sensei's got this way of making even the most minor of characters feel like they've got this whole backstory and motivations and dreams. Their writing constantly amazes me.
Side Note: I wish they could animate those bonus stories from the end. The Karasuno boys are so fucking stupid lol.
*Original Review 10/6/2019*
LOL. Why do the Karasuno boys share one collective braincell... I-
I'm super proud of Lev's growth also Sakusa has entered and I'm ready to love him and his team as well. I guess if I'm rooting for all the teams I'll always be happy for whoever wins right?? (But I'll always be sad for whoever loses as well. This is a sad way to live).
April 29, 2018
I reread this and liked it better the second time around
3.75 stars
3 stars
I was disappointed with this volume because the Karasuno team is only in a fraction of it. Instead, the action centers around the match between Nekoma and Nohebi as they battle it out to see who goes to Nationals. I like Kenma and company well enough, but they just don't have the same character appeal as Hinata and Kageyama.
Full review to follow
3.75 stars
3 stars
I was disappointed with this volume because the Karasuno team is only in a fraction of it. Instead, the action centers around the match between Nekoma and Nohebi as they battle it out to see who goes to Nationals. I like Kenma and company well enough, but they just don't have the same character appeal as Hinata and Kageyama.
Full review to follow
January 9, 2023
The bonus STORY ended me
September 14, 2020
i’m nearly caught up with the anime :D :D 🥺🥺🥺
IM SO EXCITED RHAT I USED CORNY EMOJIS SCREAMMMMM
IM SO EXCITED RHAT I USED CORNY EMOJIS SCREAMMMMM
December 31, 2023
Bonus storyler beni bitiriyor mfkdldş
Read
March 25, 2024"TIENE LA CABEZA QUEMADA DE TANTO VÓLEY!!" BAKJFKSJSJSDJAJDKSF el 95% de los personajes de haikyuu be like
July 8, 2024
3 stars - I loved Nekoma in this but the team they were playing against really irritated me TvT. Kuroo is a better person than me because I would’ve let those guys continue talking trash
February 9, 2025
I like Neko but I’d rather not see so much of the volumes dedicated to just them. Roughly a volume and a half? I feel like it could have been summarized.
July 20, 2025
5 💫
Exquisite 😘🤌
Exquisite 😘🤌
November 24, 2023
Fun to get to know Nekoma a bit more!
March 19, 2025
the bonus stories are actually the highlight sometimes hahaha i love them
ALSO CANNNNNNNOT wait for karasuno vs inarizaki and karasuno vs nekoma
ALSO CANNNNNNNOT wait for karasuno vs inarizaki and karasuno vs nekoma
Read
July 11, 2024itachiyama mention 👀 im sad we never see a full game of them
February 7, 2022
Ça y est, j’en suis arrivée au début de la saison 4….
Read
September 22, 2020This counts as my review for the whole Haikyuu!! manga
READ FOR: best character developments and themes that I have ever encountered
READING LEVEL: Level 1-3 out of 5
*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless stated otherwise*
I don’t think I’ll ever have enough words to express how much I love this manga and anime series but I’ll try anyway. But I just need to make it known that this has changed my view in anime and manga forever. I caught up with this manga in the last 30 or so chapters but I won’t say much to avoid spoilers... but it was crazy.
It made me laugh, cry, fall in love, think, and honestly... what else do you need in a series? I can keep going on and on about this series but honestly I think you should just read it for yourself. I really don't think you'll regret it.
When someone asks me what the plot is, honestly, all I can say is “they play volleyball” HAHAHA… but it’s so much more than that.
PLOT: ★★★★★
The plot was so well thought of from the very beginning and when I re-read the manga I can’t believe the amount of foreshadowing Furudate actually placed. My mind was so blown… I just. No words. I am seriously in love.
ART STYLE: ★★★★★
The art style… *chef’s kiss* especially in the later arcs. There were so many matches but even then Furudate never failed to leave me breathless at each one.
CHARACTERS: ★★★★★
The character development here is THE BEST. HANDS DOWN. that I have ever come across. I fell in love with the so many characters in this series that I did not even think that was possible.
The character relationships... the character dynamics... their mindsets... they are all so perfectly well done and realistic GAHHHH I've said this so many time throughout this review BUT THEY JUST MADE ME FALL IN LOVE SO EASILY. I can't pick my favourite one but hinata and kageyama just hold a special place in my heart.
This connects to the themes but my favourite thing that was done with the characters here was that each one of them embodied a theme or a message that the author wanted to get across. Those are spoilers so I won’t really talk about it but just know that it was one of the main reasons that made me go so crazy about this series.
*cough* hinata kageyama atsumu sakusa bokuto kita noya ushijima tendou tsukki suga kenma kuroo *cough* +++
Note: if you think this series is focused on only 1 team... you're in it for A RIDEEEEEE
I'm getting chills just looking at and remembering these panels ^^
THEMES: ★★★★★
Honestly I basically thought the themes were just gonna be “teamwork” and “friendship”… while it is all that, Furudate sensei was able to make it even deeper.
I think the one that was focused on the most was “It’s not always about winning, it’s about growth”. But there were also so many smaller things that lead up to that bigger point: (1) we get our strength from others, (2) but you also need to make yourself dependable, (3) there is always room for improvement, (4) working hard is good but overworking yourself isn’t, (5) you are built on the small things you do everyday, (6) an ace's back should be an inspiration to your teammates (hi bokuto), (7)+++
The way I wrote it was very straight to the point but I was amazed at how Furudate tackled the so many messages that I received from this series.
PACING: ★★★★★
THE TIMING. OF EVERYTHING. JUST MAKES SENSE.
It’s so realistic that I want to cry. (I actually already did… a lot of times.)
PAGE TURNER: ★★★★★
You should understand that I made this review weeks after I finally calmed down about this series cuz I was really going crazy about it HAHAHA if you have finished this series too or met me while I was reading this, you know what I’m talking about ;)
I'll keep this series close to my heart until the grave. You cannot convince me otherwise.
”You don’t win alone.
That’s just how it is.”
READ FOR: best character developments and themes that I have ever encountered
READING LEVEL: Level 1-3 out of 5
*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless stated otherwise*
I don’t think I’ll ever have enough words to express how much I love this manga and anime series but I’ll try anyway. But I just need to make it known that this has changed my view in anime and manga forever. I caught up with this manga in the last 30 or so chapters but I won’t say much to avoid spoilers... but it was crazy.
It made me laugh, cry, fall in love, think, and honestly... what else do you need in a series? I can keep going on and on about this series but honestly I think you should just read it for yourself. I really don't think you'll regret it.
When someone asks me what the plot is, honestly, all I can say is “they play volleyball” HAHAHA… but it’s so much more than that.
PLOT: ★★★★★
The plot was so well thought of from the very beginning and when I re-read the manga I can’t believe the amount of foreshadowing Furudate actually placed. My mind was so blown… I just. No words. I am seriously in love.
ART STYLE: ★★★★★
The art style… *chef’s kiss* especially in the later arcs. There were so many matches but even then Furudate never failed to leave me breathless at each one.
CHARACTERS: ★★★★★
The character development here is THE BEST. HANDS DOWN. that I have ever come across. I fell in love with the so many characters in this series that I did not even think that was possible.
The character relationships... the character dynamics... their mindsets... they are all so perfectly well done and realistic GAHHHH I've said this so many time throughout this review BUT THEY JUST MADE ME FALL IN LOVE SO EASILY. I can't pick my favourite one but hinata and kageyama just hold a special place in my heart.
This connects to the themes but my favourite thing that was done with the characters here was that each one of them embodied a theme or a message that the author wanted to get across. Those are spoilers so I won’t really talk about it but just know that it was one of the main reasons that made me go so crazy about this series.
*cough* hinata kageyama atsumu sakusa bokuto kita noya ushijima tendou tsukki suga kenma kuroo *cough* +++
Note: if you think this series is focused on only 1 team... you're in it for A RIDEEEEEE
I'm getting chills just looking at and remembering these panels ^^
THEMES: ★★★★★
Honestly I basically thought the themes were just gonna be “teamwork” and “friendship”… while it is all that, Furudate sensei was able to make it even deeper.
I think the one that was focused on the most was “It’s not always about winning, it’s about growth”. But there were also so many smaller things that lead up to that bigger point: (1) we get our strength from others, (2) but you also need to make yourself dependable, (3) there is always room for improvement, (4) working hard is good but overworking yourself isn’t, (5) you are built on the small things you do everyday, (6) an ace's back should be an inspiration to your teammates (hi bokuto), (7)+++
The way I wrote it was very straight to the point but I was amazed at how Furudate tackled the so many messages that I received from this series.
PACING: ★★★★★
THE TIMING. OF EVERYTHING. JUST MAKES SENSE.
It’s so realistic that I want to cry. (I actually already did… a lot of times.)
PAGE TURNER: ★★★★★
You should understand that I made this review weeks after I finally calmed down about this series cuz I was really going crazy about it HAHAHA if you have finished this series too or met me while I was reading this, you know what I’m talking about ;)
I'll keep this series close to my heart until the grave. You cannot convince me otherwise.
December 28, 2016
For me, this volume suffered from a typical sports manga fault: a match you know is going to end with the win for team A and thus it's very hard to actually care about. I like Nekoma, but I have to admit it wasn't until the focus finally switched back to Karasuno that I got into real Haikyuu!! mode again.
October 5, 2024
Nakakatakot yung moments na kapag yung mga "rookies" ay maging mga "ace" in their own respective positions.
But also exciting! If you think about it, Hinata (the lead character) has a loooot to improve. And once he does, boom! Hindi lang MVP, but GOAT possibilities!
But the thing is, that's how it seems like for a lot of characters in this series as well. Although they may not have that many scenes in this series, when they do, they really do shine. And oh, the possibilities for them to excel!
And ang galing ni Furudate-san on that aspect!
(Shucks, sana manalo ang Karasuno sa Nationals talaga - ayokong umuwing luhaan si Daichi hahaha!)
But also exciting! If you think about it, Hinata (the lead character) has a loooot to improve. And once he does, boom! Hindi lang MVP, but GOAT possibilities!
But the thing is, that's how it seems like for a lot of characters in this series as well. Although they may not have that many scenes in this series, when they do, they really do shine. And oh, the possibilities for them to excel!
And ang galing ni Furudate-san on that aspect!
(Shucks, sana manalo ang Karasuno sa Nationals talaga - ayokong umuwing luhaan si Daichi hahaha!)
December 31, 2019
Con questo volume si concludono le qualificazioni per il torneo della prefettura di Tokyo.
Le tattiche quasi sleali del Nohebi non sono sufficienti per sottomettere il Nekoma.
Quest'ultimo si aggiudica così l'ultimo posto rimanente, insieme al Fukurodani e lo Itachiyama.
L'ultima parte ci riserva una sorpresa, Kageyama è stato invitato a partecipare ad un allenamento della nazionale giovanile... e chissà cosa comporterà!
Le tattiche quasi sleali del Nohebi non sono sufficienti per sottomettere il Nekoma.
Quest'ultimo si aggiudica così l'ultimo posto rimanente, insieme al Fukurodani e lo Itachiyama.
L'ultima parte ci riserva una sorpresa, Kageyama è stato invitato a partecipare ad un allenamento della nazionale giovanile... e chissà cosa comporterà!
July 24, 2021
shibayama?? more like shiBABYama?? no coincidence there because that’s EXACTLY what he is
TORA TORA TORAAA OI OI OI
(i literally regress with no exception into onomatopoeia whenever my saweet swagger kittycat nekobabies are involved don’t blame me the fault is purely in my stars)
first year kuroo-yaku interactions will remain evermore in the top-five bracket for reasons why i choose to brave another day
TORA TORA TORAAA OI OI OI
(i literally regress with no exception into onomatopoeia whenever my saweet swagger kittycat nekobabies are involved don’t blame me the fault is purely in my stars)
first year kuroo-yaku interactions will remain evermore in the top-five bracket for reasons why i choose to brave another day
September 14, 2021
The Nohebi team...grr...
I couldn't bring myself to like any of their players--because they were CHEATERS!
Ahem. Anyway...
Favorite moments:
-Kuroo and Yaku arguing about literally everything.
-Lev and Shibayama getting so excited about their teamwork.
-That tiny glimpse of Hinata's life at home. 😊
I couldn't bring myself to like any of their players--because they were CHEATERS!
Ahem. Anyway...
Favorite moments:
-Kuroo and Yaku arguing about literally everything.
-Lev and Shibayama getting so excited about their teamwork.
-That tiny glimpse of Hinata's life at home. 😊
March 3, 2022
Moment que j'ai apprécié / qui m'ont fait rire :
- Le petit flashback Yaku/Kuroo trop mignon.
- Kuroo est beaucoup trop stylé.
- J'adore la tête de Fukunaga
- Y a pas à dire ils sont tous trop stylé à Nekoma.
- Les hors séries sont à hurler de rire.
- Le petit flashback Yaku/Kuroo trop mignon.
- Kuroo est beaucoup trop stylé.
- J'adore la tête de Fukunaga
- Y a pas à dire ils sont tous trop stylé à Nekoma.
- Les hors séries sont à hurler de rire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2020
yaku ill avenge u baby dont worry
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