Oooooo, my boy! Ya’ll know I love this bad ass who’s actually a cream puff. Yes! Let’s talk third year ACE Tanaka!
- Totally named vice captain to Ennoshita’s captain and nobody will let him deny it.
- He’s still a bit of a loose cannon but as we saw, Sugawara could get fierce and a bit outta control too so Tanaka fills those shoes just fine.
- Takes the responsibility pretty seriously actually. Like, he jokes around still and tries to intimidate the new first years (gets smacked on the head by Ennoshita for it) but he’s the first one to the court and the last one to leave.
- Offers help to those struggling. Can’t figure out how to approach the line? He’ll be teaching till his ankles are ready to break cause he’s an awesome senpai!
- Buys meat buns and drinks after practice for everyone occasionally (as long as his wallet allows or Ukai’s being supremely generous in the discount department).
- Is for sure named Karasuno’s ace. Scores more points from the sides than any other player.
- Strong? He’s the definition of the word. His mental strength is as legendary as his spikes.
- Part of this, besides his ridiculous strength, is because Nishinoya is very in sync with him and saves so many blocks or rebounds. It’s uncanny how often he’s just at the perfect spot to give Tanaka another shot
- Totally builds a friendly rivalry with Yamamoto.
- Like, they Snap Chat while at practice taunting each other until their respective captains tell them to stop goofing off
- Tanaka grows his hair out and they have mohawk battles.
- Picture this: for practice games and training camps, both these boys beg their sisters to help them dye their hair; red for Yamamoto and black with orange stripes for Tanaka
- But they bond about the pressures of being the ace
- AKA, dealing with Hinata and Lev vying for the title
- Overall, though, Tanaka isn’t worried about Hinata. They have different play styles and because he wants Karasuno to be the best, if that means Hinata shines a bit brighter than him for a few games so be it.
- But everybody, including Hinata, knows Tanaka is Karasuno’s ace
- Whenever he starts feeling a bit overwhelmed, he’ll text with Asashi who is more than happy to offer his thoughts and encouragement.
- Starts dating the manager in training (she’s a second year)
- It’s perfect because he gets to see her all the time at practice and games where he can steal kisses in the storage room (nobody is fooled) or between sets.
- Never has to worry about missing her while at training camp cause she’s there
- Complains if she doesn’t get his water and towel first (everyone just rolls their eyes)
- Yamamoto hates him for it cause Nekoma still doesn’t have a cute manager (and he still doesn’t have a girlfriend)
- Tanaka as ace is bomb and I really hope down the line it becomes canon
Thanks for the ask babe!