Bryson Baugus Favorite Rival for Shoyo Hinata on Haikyuu!! is Perfectly Fitting

“Haikyuu!!” has garnered an immense following and is consistently ranked among the world’s most beloved anime series, as evidenced by numerous Reddit threads dedicated to ranking the show. However, the series is far from complete, leaving fans curious about how the producers plan to adapt the remaining 100+ chapters of the immensely popular manga that serves as its source material. In August, the official Twitter account of the show announced “Haikyuu!! FINAL,” a two-part film set to air sometime in the coming year, accompanied by a movie event in August 2023.

The title “Haikyuu!! FINAL” has stirred speculation and concern among fans, given the vast amount of source material yet to be covered and the absence of any current announcements regarding a fifth season. The pacing of previous seasons of “Haikyuu!!” also adds to the apprehension. The anime, which revolves around a high school volleyball team in Japan, is known for spreading out single games across multiple episodes, allowing for detailed narration and exploration of each play. Season 3, for instance, dedicated all its ten episodes to the intense match between Karasuno High School and Shiratorizawa Academy. While this deliberate pacing enables extensive character development, a defining aspect of the series, it raises questions about how much of the beloved anime experience can be contained within a single two-part film.

Within the realm of “Haikyuu!!,” intricate rivalries, friendships, and grudges have blossomed among the main characters, particularly the fiery-haired protagonist Shoyo Hinata. Bryson Baugus, the English voice actor behind Hinata, shares the passion of fans and has his own preference when it comes to his character’s favorite rival. In 2017, during the release of the English-dubbed version of “Haikyuu!!,” Baugus discussed the challenges and excitement he encountered while lending his voice to such a well-received character. He aimed to match the energy and intention he witnessed in the animated portrayal, knowing full well the show’s immense fan base.

Baugus expresses a fondness for rivalries that exist between characters who are also good friends. As a result, he singles out So Inuoka, Nekoma High School’s No. 7, as Hinata’s favorite rival. Baugus briefly misidentifies the character as a “spiky, gray-haired kid,” but it becomes apparent that he is referring to the tall, brown-haired player from Nekoma’s team, distinguishing him from Lev Haiba, the gray-haired character who later garners attention. Baugus elaborates on his choice, highlighting the constant back-and-forth between Hinata and Inuoka during matches. In these encounters, Hinata strives to surpass his blocker’s defenses, while Inuoka relies on his swift reflexes to catch up with him. Despite their fierce competition, their interactions after the game are marked by admiration and respect.

The rivalry between Karasuno and Nekoma, symbolized by the dynamic between Hinata and Inuoka, represents one of the early storylines in the series. Over the course of four episodes (10-13) in the first season, their match unfolds, with Hinata and Inuoka facing off across the net. Inuoka playfully comments on Hinata’s diminutive stature, provoking a determined response from the sensitive protagonist. However, it becomes evident that Inuoka harbors no underestimation of Hinata’s abilities. Inuoka’s blocking skills force Hinata to adapt and grow, culminating in a pivotal moment when Hinata no longer fears being blocked but instead embraces the challenge of breaking through Inuoka’s defensive wall. Despite numerous failures, Hinata learns to apply intention and strategy to his quick attacks, harnessing his natural talent effectively. Throughout the match, Inuoka offers consistent praise to Hinata, and their friendly exchange of compliments at the game’s conclusion is endearing to viewers.

In the eyes of Nekoma’s coach, Nekomata-san, the two teams—Karasuno and Nekoma—complement each other as they inspire and push one another to reach new heights. Both teams are at the start of their journey to dominate the high school volleyball scene, and the connections forged during the early episodes of the first season, not just between Hinata and Inuoka but among all the players, contribute to Nekoma’s enduring popularity among “Haikyuu!!” fans.

While uncertainty looms over the conclusion of “Haikyuu!!,” fans can eagerly anticipate the forthcoming “Haikyuu!! FINAL” film, hoping it will deliver a satisfying end to this beloved sports anime and capture the essence of the series’ intricate rivalries, friendships, and character growth.

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