These two babes, who I love, asked for Tendou… so HERE IT IS. MY BABY, ONE AND ONLY, TENDO SATORI ANALYSIS !!!
——
Tendou Satori Analysis.
Tendou isn’t much of a complex character, but he is one of the most tridimensional characters in the Haikyuu universe.
What is a tridimensional character?
A tridimensional character is one who displays his vices and virtues, pros and cons, equally making him more humane than a caricature.
At first, Tendou is presented as a cheerful character and kind of a jokester. He might be a normal character but from the very start thanks to the way he talks and they he looks, you can tell there’s something odd with the character, something different from the other ones. This cheerful attitude I call it “The First Layer.”
Tendou has an “alter ego” that I would like to refer to it as “The Second Layer.”
Then, inside those two layers is the center of Tendou, who he really is.
I’ll break down each of them. And a small disclaimer: Just because I’m naming his personality traits layers doesn’t mean they are facades he puts on. I’m trying to explain the character from its most basic traits and getting deeper into the character, and this seemed the best way to lead the analysis.
FIRST LAYER,
His good side and I think one of the most important parts of this character.
He’s cheerful and teases his friends often. You can see that he unwraps perfectly among his peers, which is a surprising layer given the backstory he has. Tendou was insulted, if not bullied, when he was only a child. In middle school he wasn’t much bullied, but he still was told his ways were wrong.He wasn’t doing things like he was supposed to, and he didn’t look like he supposed to. People still rejected him.
This type of constant reminder can damage someone mentally and emotional in many ways, that’s when the second layers comes in but we’ll talk about it later in this post.
Still, at the same time this is why Tendo is able to open up in Shiratorizawa. In many instances in the anime we can see how opposite are the opinions of the people of his past against the ones Shiratorizawa has of him.
For instance:
In episode 7, season 3, one of the flashbacks we see, he is in middle school and the coach tells him to stop block-guessing. Tendou argues saying that his guess-block does work, why would he stop doing it?
The coach answers the same way everyone has answered him so far: “YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE RIGHT ALL THE TIME” aka “YOU’RE WRONG.”
Later in the match vs Karasuno, in episode 8 Coach Washijou yells at him. “SATORI, STICK YOUR HANDS UP. I DON’T CARE IF YOUR GUESS ENDS UP WRONG, I PUT YOU IN THERE KNOWING DAMN WELL THAT MIGHT BE A POSSIBILITY.”
He’s practically telling Tendou. “You might be wrong but as long as you try to score, it’s okay.”
That’s why Tendou, even with his past, is so trusting and friendly with his team. It’s the first time in his life where he feels accepted.
Between those same episodes Semi says that only Tendou can talk so cheerfully to Ushiwaka. It is because he feels like he belongs. He feels comfortable with who he is and in its own skin for the very first time.
And specially, his alter ego, his second layer, is also well received.
SECOND LAYER
When we see Tendo’s childhood flashback, we see that he found out satisfaction in having power over the people who used to bully him. Volleyball gave him some confidence in himself, made him feel he had the upper hand in something.
For Tendo volleyball became the place where he could have the upper hand and he wasn’t afraid to retaliate. It became his safe heaven, and when his general “sadistic” persona was accepted, it was like a dream come true for him.
And even when he grows up and he has somehow managed to get over those past traumas, he’s still on edge when it comes to new people. He created that alter ego when he was young, and it would be too difficult for him to just stop being like that. He was too young and that small twinge of rejection will look back at him every time he sees his reflection, so he won’t stop.
This attitude is what makes Tendo so human to me. This ego was created cause of his fear, of his, probably, self-hatred. This is a mechanism he uses to protect himself. Being called the “guess monster” It’s both a blessing and a curse. In high school he became someone important for his school. He isn’t just a freak. He is Tendo The Guess Monster Satori. He is someone people recognize and respect. And he likes that power. But that power doesn’t define him… that power is the why volleyball started being his paradise as he stated.
When Karasuno wins, Satori says “Goodbye my paradise.” And then he tells Wakatoshi he will quit volleyball.
Here comes THE CENTER of Tendo Satori, who he really is:
When Tendo said “Goodbye my paradise” after they lost… was because he knew deep inside he wouldn’t find any place like Shiratorizawa again. He knows how the world outside of this paradise is, and he knows it isn’t pretty.
He dind’t play volleyball for the glory… He first played volleyball for power, because people finally respected him, at the end of high school Tendou kept playing because he felt like he belonged in that court with Ushiwaka, with Semi, with Reon… Shiratorizawa’s volleyball team was his safe heaven, not only volleyball. Volleyball granted him that home, but it stopped being all about volleyball and power. It was about the people who accepted him.
At the end you can see that Tendou is an insightful guy. He knows that now that he will graduate high school, he won’t be in that home anymore, and so volleyball isn’t worth it anymore. He tells Ushiwaka he will say how they were best friends because Tendo will always cherish that time of his life because it showed him how to openly be himself…
He’s someone who cares for other people. Not only a monster who you need to be afraid of, as he was in both primary and middle school. Tendo encourages his teammates and feels proud of them when they overcome their problems. When Shirabu got scolded by Washijo because he messed up the toss (the one when Tsukishima blocked Ushiwaka) he slapped himself, and after being surprised, Tendou smiles with a small chuckle…
Tendo is a soft, insightful boy who not only sees but to truly observes the world around him. He had gone to nationals at least once, he has seen what’s out there. And he knows there will be nothing like Shiratorizawa again, and he doesn’t want another Shiratorizawa.
He liked power because he didn’t like to be abused.
He’s human and he did what he had to do to protect himself.
But on the inside, Tendo is caring. Tendo only wanted to belong. Shiratorizawa thought him he wasn’t nearly as bad as he believed, because he isn’t. He is kind to others outside of the court. He knows volleyball is only a game. To lose wasn’t painful for him, what was truly painful was to know he was going to leave the team. There wasn’t going to be another time, but either way, his time was already coming to an end.
And by accepting that, it means he has come to terms with who he is, and he knows he will probably be fine out there.
He’s flawed, he has his ups and downs, and that makes him a complete character for me.
Very solid analysis Bunny! I think you hit every nail on the head.
I haven’t written a lot for Tendo but your post definitely makes me want to try again because he is so multilateral (that’s what makes him a challenge to write at least for me because there is so much to who he is).
ohhhh nice one!!! i hope you like this. i’m so sorry it took so long.
(psst i think kuroko would get the girl js)
Okay so these pinheads would see you at the same time while you’re working the cash register at their favorite burger place, Maji Burger.
The first time they see you, you’re rushing to the cash register on the far end of the order counter while hastily trying to pull your work cap on. Kagami stops speaking mid-sentence, his third rant about Aomine that day being cut short, as the gawking duo follow you with their eyes. Kuroko’s the first to change lines once you announce yours is open.
Hey so This Just In, Kuroko is a Charmer! I feel like his deadpan appearance and straightforward personality works to his advantage in this department.
So, when you smile and a greet him with a cheery, “Welcome to Maji Burger. May I take your order?” Yes, his breath is taken away. Yes, the butterflies tickle his stomach. But do you know that? Hell no. Therefore, he plays it cool and straightens his posture, only half-expecting you to notice his presence so quickly as he orders a medium—No. A large vanilla shake since you suggest it for a few bucks more.
Kuroko would visit the fast food joint way more often after your first encounter. Once a week turns to twice. Twice turns to three times. It’s to the point that you begin looking for him and his red-headed friend once you start your shift. It’s your duty to make sure the ice cream machine is up and running when they arrive.
He’s so attentive. Kuroko never fails to notice something different you’ve done with your hair or the new bracelet you’ve just purchased the day before. He always approaches the register with a compliment resting on the tip of his tongue. It’s held back by a tiny grin that you grow to adore as time goes on. He always holds up the line—Kagami intentionally cockblocks every time—but your bright smile makes it hard for him to care.
The two of you bond over your favorite shake flavors! One day he orders two shakes instead of one and you ask what’s the occasion. He leaves the larger one at the pickup station in a monotone, “Your lunch break is approaching, _______-kun. Enjoy it.” You can’t hide the smile that widens your expression.
GOD, HE WOULD USE TETSUYA #2 AS A WAY TO WIN YOU OVER!!!! Okay okay okay, he wouldn’t do it on purpose. But when he visits you and Tetsuya #2 pops out of his duffle and you immediately swoon over the cute puppy that looks exactly like Kuroko, there’s no doubt it’d work to his advantage. He’d offer to stay until your shift ends so you can pet the pup.
And yes. He uses your eagerness as an excuse to walk you home since you don’t live too far from the fast food place.
Kagami, oh Kagami. This boy is…hopeless when it comes to his feelings. From the very beginning, when he’s caught staring at you from across the restaurant with a dumbfounded look, he makes so many mistakes everyone in the vicinity can feel the secondhand embarrassment. And, I mean everyone.
Especially Kuroko, when it’s Kagami’s turn to place his order the first time the duo meets you. The shadow nearly has to interfere as Kagami stutters every order except his own.
“C-C-Can I have one number 15 p-please?—Wait. No! 15 number ones! Y-yeah. That’s right. 15…Cheese? No. I-I MEAN YES. Yes! I’d like some cheese on that!— I mean those!”
He makes it thru the cringe-y process, but not without red cheeks and sweaty hands. He face palms once he settles in his seat with his tray of food and groans out in frustration when Kuroko asks him “if [he’s] always that bad with pretty girls.”
It isn’t until Kagami gets down to his last burger that he realizes you’ve given him an extra one on the house to soothe his anxiety.
* Kagami’s not so great at this courting thing, but he tries his best to show you he’s interested with his presence. Since he’s already a pretty frequent customer, so there’s no real change in behavior. He just stutters less and orders more burgers when you’re manning the register.
Once he gets a little more comfortable, he invites you to their games whenever he gets the chance. He wants you to see him at what he thinks he’s at his best—when he’s in his element. Also, if you don’t have a love for basketball already, him and Kuroko would try their best to introduce you to the wonders of the sport and how fun the game is.
Okay so honestly
I feel like there would hardly be a feud at first because the three of you would be such good friends. Kuroko would appreciate becoming friends with you first before pursuing anything romantic. As for Kagami, he wouldn’t have a problem with your friendly threesome because of two reasons
1. He’d rely heavily on Kuroko’s ability to get along so well with the people he favors since the ace’s nerves wouldn’t let him relax when you and him are alone
And 2. Kagami’s pretty oblivious to the fact that Kuroko’s crushing on you anyway
They would walk you home after your later shifts. Most the time, you just listen to them bicker with each other like an old, married couple. You grow to appreciate their friendship since it’s so honest.
Then, Kuroko halts the fun by telling Kagami he likes you and he’s planning on confessing soon 🙂
Okay now this is when Kagami would step it up. He’d arrive at your job on days when Kuroko doesn’t so he’d be able to walk you home alone. He’d make you lunch for your lunch breaks. He’d even work up the courage to ask if you’d like to hang out during the weekend sometime!
Kuroko would bring the heat as well. By doing what? Simply confessing.
Which would then motivate Kagami to confess as well
And then you’d be in a pickle 🙂
These made me smile and laugh when I definitely needed it so thanks for the perfect timing and the super cute answers!
we chose to
call you Blue in this little story where you will meet your soulmate. We hope
that is okay. Since we want to make these scenarios personal for you, we prefer
using a name, instead of F/N.
Thank you for
all your support. We appreciate you and every time you pop up in our inbox or
notifications, we smile. You are so kind and cute and generous, so supportive
and amazing and we are so glad to have you!
Please enjoy
meeting your soulmate.
“What a cute
tattoo!” your seat neighbor whispered in class. It wasn’t the first time
someone complemented you on your soulmate tattoo. A panda bear, just on the
back of your hand, between wrist and thumb at the edge to your palm. It was
delicate, yet the panda itself looked sturdy and cute.
“Thank you” you
smiled. It looked complete to you, and you kept wondering what that was saying
about your soulmate. Your friends usually had a part of an image, just the hint
of an animal, an object, something. But your panda, he didn’t look like he was
missing anything.
You tried
concentrating on class but failed, your mind wandering back to your tattoo, your
eyes skimming the classroom. It was such an obvious place, but you still had no
idea who your soulmate could be.
~
“Hey Blue” a
familiar voice, footsteps to indicate someone was rushing to catch you. “Are
you ready for our last show tonight?” Your friend caught up to you, grinning
widely. “It’s so bittersweet, don’t you think?”
You nodded,
your heart heavy. “It is weird, to think that this is our last show together.
We will all graduate soon.”
The show your
musical group came up with was a lot of fun for you. You loved doing the
lights, loved how warm and cold light affected the scenery, how you could
affect where the eyes of your audience shifted to with just the right accents.
It was a rewarding task and you got to see your group perform, enjoying how
they gave it their all on stage.
“Do you think
the beauty and the giant will be there again, watching? They’ve been to all the
shows so far. Do you think they are crushing on one of the actors?” your friend
nudged your side when you didn’t reply immediately.
Your eyes
wandered to said giant, standing in front of his locker. His friend was talking
to him nonstop, but he didn’t seem to mind.
“Who knows?
Maybe they just want to show their support” and you smiled softly looking away
right when his eyes landed on you, a slight blush creeping on his face as he watched you passing him.
~
When the
curtains fell and everything was done, almost all of you sniffled, cried and
laughed backstage. None of you could believe it was over, and there was a lot
of hugging and pats on backs going on.
After packing
up, you helped your friend loading a couple of things into storage before going
home. You didn’t talk much, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Both of you
were content, enjoying the silence.
“Do you need a
hand?” You turned slightly. Ah. The “beauty” and his “giant friend”. You didn’t know much about
either of them, other than that they played volleyball for your high school team and were
apparently pretty good at it. You’ve been to a couple of games before, but
not these last weeks. It has been busy with the musical and all.
“Sure!” Your
friend replied and both boys made quick work of all the heavy stage gear.
“It was a good
last show. Very intriguing. I’m Futakuchi Kenji by the way. And this is my
friend Aone Takanobu.”
Aone bowed and
you weren’t completely sure, but it felt like he was only looking at you.
“Are you guys
coming to our game tomorrow?” Futakuchi asked after your friend made your
introductions.
“Of course we
are! We wouldn’t miss it!” Your friend nodded, hyped since the last game you
two watched was ages ago.
“Sure” you
added, barely above a whisper, but loud enough to reach Aones ears.
~
With a sigh you
plopped down on your bed after this long day, eyes feeling a little too dry from all the crying, but
your heart was warm and full. You lifted your hand, spreading your fingers to
study the little panda again.
Does this mean he is a big cuddly
panda? Chuckling, you pulled your hand to
your heart. I sure hope so.
Aone Takanobu.
The image of him shot through your mind, his white hair and big eyes, his tall
frame. He was probably an amazing cuddler… and he kinda looked like a bear too.
Giggling, you shook your
head. What were you thinking? You turned, burying your
face in the soft pillow.
~
The game was
amazing. Your school team was even better than you remembered. Their huge baby setter had improved, got used to
playing with the team. He was a second year now, and he was finally growing into the role of
a playmaker. His hairstyle was still the same bird-ish one though.
They won by a
landslide and even though this was just a practice match, you cheered, loud and proud.
It was a good match and it made you itch to watch more. Which only reminded you that school was almost over. That this team would soon disband as well..
“Should we wait
for them?” Your friend asked, breaking into your thoughts, face flushed from all the cheering and yelling.
“I guess that
is the polite thing to do. We need to congratulate them as well” you said,
blushing when you saw Aone slip out of the locker room.
He came to
stand in front of you and just stared into your eyes. You gulped, head turning
to give your friend a questioning look. But she wasn’t there. It seemed you were alone.
With Aone.
“Great game”
your heart beat faster. What was going on? Why did this feel so… intense?
“Thanks” his
deep voice a low and pleasant rumble. “I noticed your tattoo.”
You lifted your
hand, examining the little panda with a warm smile.
“It matches mine” He spoke this quietly, shifting only slightly, barely noticeable. He, too, was nervous.
The words made
your heart stop and you looked up, mouth dropping open slightly at seeing Aones pink face. He held out
his hand, showing you his tattoo. The same sport as yours, just on his other
hand. A panda, slightly smaller, a tiny blue bow at its ear.
You couldn’t
say anything. You felt like you forgot every word you have ever known, glad for
your body to keep breathing on its own. His tattoo looked complete too, only that the pandas hand was slightly lifted upwards.
“Huh…” you
said, your eyes fixed on his tattoo as you lifted your hand to see. But it didn’t
seem like they fit…
“Is it okay if
I..?”
You nodded, not
even waiting for him to finish his question. Your mouth felt dry, your heartbeat
drowned everything out.
Aone took your
hand in his gently, his fingers intertwining with yours, tugging a little to make you move to
his side.
Oh.
Two Pandas.
Holding hands. Now complete.
You smiled up, your
eyes huge and glistening. Your heart filling with warmth at his loving gaze.
“yet the panda itself looked sturdy and cute.”- This description made me giggle.
Beauty and the giant , so so funny! I couldn’t figure out who the beauty was at first but when it turns out to be Kenji that’s too perfect!
“Does this mean he is a big cuddly panda” – yes! Aone is such a cuddly panda! Too cute!
no offense but like…..reblog the fics you like. there is nothing more discouraging than having people read your fic without leaving kudos or any form of response. comment if you like it! send them a message! use the tags to talk about how you liked it! share the work so that others can read it too!
too often fic writers deal with people hounding them for updates, but never any feedback. end the cycle. reblog the fics you like. talk about them. share them.
Just got back from the movie and boy oh boy was it amazing!
I will say it was almost ruined because the stupid theater we were at had the screen set up wrong and the subtitles were cut off for the first scene (including the special message from some of the actors) so that PISSED ME OFF ROYALLY!
But my amazing husband went out and made them fix it and I love him even more now, he’s the hero of the night for all in the theater.
As always the art was just beautiful and the music spectacular.
The story moves quick because they only have so much time to tell it but it’s super interesting.
I know it’s not Haikyuu / KNB related but it was just too good not to share here.
If you’re a fan of the series and have an opportunity to, make sure you see it. It’s worth it.
I’ll scream about it more on my personal blog @aanimemelove after this weekend to give opportunity for those who haven’t seen it yet to do so and then I’m fangirling my head off about it.
So excited!!!!
Not HQ or KNB related but tonight I’m going to see Bungou Stray Dogs: Dead Apple!!!!
Thank you so much, I truly appreciate you taking time to send such a sweet and supportive message!
Bokuto – Friendly Fire
ASK: We’re not just friends and you fucking know it with bokuto and a slightly younger reader, maybe first year, please? i love your blog so much omg
Thank you for the love!!! Sorry, this ended up angsty!
The closet is cramped, though that is of course the point. Pick a space technically meant for one and shove two into it, what do you get? The perfect opportunity to get really close. That is, if both parties are willing. But Bokuto is very aware of how not close ______ is to him and it’s disheartening.
“Um, isn’t the point of this to, you know, be kissing?” he asks, his voice surprisingly quiet.
He feels more than sees her stiffen – it’s impossible not to be touching at least somewhat in this tiny space – and he wonders again at his ability to understand people. Maybe it’s just girls he’s bad with.
She takes a shaky breath, the exhale ghosting over his arm drawing goosebumps. “I…I just don’t think it’s a good idea,” she confesses.
Bokuto’s stomach feels like it’s filled with rocks. He should open the door. Should put an end to her obvious discomfort and his growing despair but he can’t stop the “why” that comes from his mouth.
She pauses again and for a moment he doesn’t think she’ll answer. But then there’s another shaky breath and a soft, “Because you don’t make out with your friends.”
He really should be opening the door but Bokuto isn’t exactly known for his good judgement in high stress situations, at least not all the time. His hands reach forward, palms pressing against her arms and fingers wrapping around her biceps; she’s so small compared to him. He works hard to keep his tone gentle, but the hurt isn’t fully hidden when he says, “We’re not just friends and you fucking know it.”
She gasps and he’s not sure if it’s from his words alone or the fact that he cursed but he’s not letting this – or her – go, not yet.
His eyes have finally adjusted to the dark and he realizes he’s looking at the top of her head.
“______, look at me,” he says, one hand gently pushing against her chin. When she does raise her head he goes on, “Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t feel something deeper between us.” Her head shakes a tiny bit, resistance to a truth that’s been staring them in the face for the better part of the year still strong. “Why? Why won’t you admit you feel it too?” he asks unable to wait out her silence, hands cupping her face and he winces when he feels it’s damp.
“Because you’re leaving and I don’t want to fall more in love with you when you’ll just be gone in six months.”
“Hey, that’s not-”
“Ok you two, times up!” The door whips open letting in blinding light and ______ takes the opportunity to bolt from the closet, the room, then the house where this stupid party is taking place. Bokuto stands blinking, trying to get his bearings then takes off in pursuit, leaving behind a very startled and concerned crowd of friends.
Let's Otaku About It 