Can we just appreciate how attentive Kageyama actually is? How he notices all the things that leads up to Hinata's condition?
And how he knows EXACTLY WHAT HINATA NEEDED TO HEAR. NO PATRONIZING, JUST PLAIN, HARD TRUTH.
To some of you, it may come off like Kageyama is being a massive jerk talking about winning when Hinata is incapacitated, but let me tell you how that statement is more than what meets the eye.
He's saying 'I win this time, too' THIS TIME. This specific moment. That means there's going to be a next time, that this is not Hinata's end, that next time, it could be Hinata's win, or Kageyama's win again, who knows. The point is, Kageyama is still acknowledging him as a worthy rival, that Hinata is welcome to challenge him again. He's not being smug or arrogant about it. Look at his face. That's conviction and promise written in his eyes.
And THAT was the encouragement Hinata needs. THAT was what prompted him to literally wipe his tears and face yet another barrier in his journey, and do the smartest thing he can do right now, accept what's happened and rest.
Hoshiumi's words of I'll be waiting for you speaks volumes. Here's another one strong player who acknowledges him, who looks forward to meeting him again, this match or in the future.
Hoshiumi is on the background saying this, but Kageyama is on the foreground, in a bigger panel, wearing the exact same expression, and that is proof enough that he's telling Hinata that too. He'll wait for him and he strongly believes he'll come back. Because he knows Hinata isn't someone who can be easily deterred by something like this. Because he trusts his greatest rival and his strongest ally. His partner.
And finally, Hinata's bow is of APOLOGY, but most of all, of THANKS. Both to Hoshiumi and Kageyama, but especially for the latter.
To Hoshiumi, he's apologizing for cutting their battle short when they're just getting started, and thanking him for the acknowledgement and for the match well-played thus far.
To Kageyama, he's apologizing for leaving when they're having so much fun and playing at their utmost best yet, but mostly, expressing his gratitude for everything—for giving him the opportunities he couldn't have by himself, for the motivation and drive to win bought by their rivalry, but most importantly, he's grateful for the partner he can trust and rely on.
And as painful as it is to admit, it's almost as if he’s taking a bow for probably his last match as a first year. Let me repeat that. As a FIRST YEAR. This isn't the end for him just yet. He's still growing, both literally and figuratively, and this is nothing but a small set-back. The little monster will be back and you better brace yourself because he'll return with his swords and spears and knives all sharpened to a deadly point.
