Haruichi Furudate’s popular manga Haikyuu still reigns as one of the best sports anime in the world today. The story boasts several themes, like never giving up, mediocrity, and self-esteem. The story follows Hinata Shoyo on his journey to become a professional volleyball player despite his height disadvantage, aiming to be like his idol, the Little Giant.
Hinata’s journey to the top wasn’t without its ups and downs. However, he was constantly inspired by remembering Karasuno’s formal number ten. A short volleyball player who competed on the biggest stage despite his height, earning the title “The Little Giant.”
In Haikyuu, the title “Little Giant” is given to players with short stature who can fight with the best despite their height.
Does Hinata Meet the Little Giant?
Since the anime started in 2014, there have been several rumors surrounding the identity of the little giant. However, Haruichi Furudate answered all their questions in Chapter 338 of the series.
Just before the clash between Karasuno and Kamomedai in the quarter-finals, Hinata had the chance to meet his idol and role model, Tenma Udai. In contrast, the meeting wasn’t what many fans had pictured. Tenma revealed he had quit volleyball to become a manga writer due to other interests and his inability to gather a lot of professional interest.
Despite his idol’s demeanor and newfound interest, Hinata wasn’t discouraged but was filled with immense happiness due to the meeting. Before Hinata returned to the team, Tenma wished him luck, dubbing him the Next Little Giant. However, after noticing Hoshiumi’s height is also in the 160s, he calls the match a battle of the Little Giants.
Does Hinata Ever Become the Little Giant?
Since the beginning of Haikyuu, Hinata has always dreamed of being his team’s ace, like the Little Giant. Despite his lack of height and technical skills, he makes up for it with his speed and reflexes.
Hinata’s Rival and friend, Kabeyama, told Hinata he didn’t have what it took to be a clear-cut ace due to his lack of height. Kabeyama gives him the title of “The Greatest Decoy” rather than acknowledging him as a little Giant. The Greatest Decoy is a title given to Hinata for his ability to evade and draw attention away from his teammates to enable them to score.
Throughout his years in high school, Hinata continued to grow in leaps as a volleyball player. In the end, Hinata didn’t become the next Little Giant, but he did make a new name for himself as the Greatest Decoy.
However, after graduation, Hinata went on to play beach volleyball for training purposes. Due to the unpredictable and unforgiving conditions of the sand, he learned how to jump higher and faster. During his training, Hinata became really popular, earning the nickname Ninja Shoyo. He makes his presence known on his pro league debut for the Jackals. He makes his presence known with a resounding spike, announcing I’m here to the whole world.
Fans get to see how much Hinata has grown as an athlete in recent years. Hinata’s growth was evident, seeing him receive passes, set up plays, and execute jump float serves. He grew from simply acting as a decoy for others to being a decoy for himself, solidifying himself as the greatest decoy in Haikyuu. Although he never became the Little Giant, Hinata became a multitalented player, even surpassing his Idol.
