Is Kageyama Really Jealous of Other Setters?

A Deep Dive into His Psychology

Have you seen the scene where Atsumu tries to provoke Kageyama?

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Many fans expected Kageyama to react—maybe with annoyance, jealousy, or at least a hint of frustration, as Atsumu intended. Yet Kageyama doesn’t give the reaction everyone is waiting for.

It raises an interesting question:

Why, aside from playing together for Team Japan, do Kageyama and Hinata no longer seem to want to be teammates?

For fans who followed their journey, it feels bittersweet seeing them on opposite sides of the court. It’s easy to assume Kageyama might feel jealous watching Hinata paired with other setters. After all, he’s the one fans often imagine being “wrapped around Hinata’s finger,” right?

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But the story hints at something deeper—especially when you consider the manga panel showing Kageyama in a “cage” that never made it into the movie adaptation. It even makes you wonder—does that panel of Kageyama inside the “cage” carry a deeper meaning? Was it hinting at something about his relationship with Hinata, or was it simply a moment left open for interpretation?

So, was Kageyama ever actually emotionally dependent on Hinata? Or are we looking at their relationship from the wrong perspective?

Let’s break it down—starting with Hinata’s side of the story.

Hinata’s Perspective: Rivals First, Friends Later

Hinata’s side is easy to understand because the story follows him more closely.

Even though he and Kageyama became close, their bond was never like Oikawa and Iwaizumi’s friendship, or the Miya twins’ brotherly dynamic. Hinata and Kageyama started as rivals, not friends. In fact, Hinata’s initial goal was to beat Kageyama, not to partner with him.

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So when Coach Washijō challenges Hinata on whether he could play without Kageyama beside him, it makes perfect sense that he wouldn’t plan to stay teammates with Kageyama forever.

Outside volleyball, Hinata has a wide circle of friends—middle school buddies, fellow players like Kenma, and even casual gaming partners. He’s a social butterfly who thrives wherever he goes.

Kageyama? Not so much.

Kageyama’s Perspective: A Subtle and Layered Growth

Kageyama had no real friends outside volleyball. Even Kindaichi admitted they weren’t as close as people thought. Most of Kageyama’s free time was spent training, watching volleyball videos like they were anime, or writing in his volleyball journal.

He wasn’t the type to make easy connections. So when Hinata appeared at Kageyama’s lowest point—right after being rejected by his junior high team—it’s easy to see why fans assume Hinata became his emotional anchor.

And because the story mostly shows Hinata’s side, many fans believe Kageyama needed Hinata more than Hinata needed him. That’s why the idea of Kageyama feeling jealous when Hinata plays with other setters seems so believable.

But here’s the thing: Kageyama’s development has always been subtle. His growth isn’t loud or dramatic like Hinata’s—it unfolds quietly in the background.

Atsumu’s Provocation: What Was Really Going On

Now let’s return to Atsumu’s teasing.

Remember when Atsumu calls Kageyama a “goody-two-shoes”? Many people thought he was mocking Kageyama’s setting abilities. But Atsumu wasn’t talking about volleyball skills at all.

When Atsumu first meets Kageyama in December 2012, he sees someone with an intimidating presence—only to realize this “scary-looking guy” behaves like a humble, rule-following kid. That contrast is what Atsumu found amusing.

But things change at Nationals. Atsumu notices Kageyama becoming more assertive, demanding more from his teammates. The goody-two-shoes act doesn’t fit anymore, yet Atsumu still sees Kageyama as tied to Hinata’s rhythm—hence the teasing.

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What Atsumu doesn’t realize is that Kageyama is already starting to break free.

Oikawa vs. Atsumu: Two Very Different Perspectives

Oikawa, on the other hand, watches Kageyama’s entire journey—from his speed-obsessed phase to his growth as an effective setter.

By the time they meet again, Oikawa has nothing left to tease Kageyama about regarding volleyball. He always saw Kageyama as an individual, while Atsumu viewed him through the lens of Hinata’s influence.

This explains why Atsumu keeps provoking Kageyama about Hinata, while Oikawa doesn't.

The Bigger Picture: Losses That Shaped Kageyama

Here’s the key point: Kageyama’s life has been full of losses long before Hinata came along.

• Losing the chance to play with his parents emotionally

• His grandfather’s declining health, then death

• Oikawa and Iwaizumi’s graduation

• The ultimate rejection: his junior high teammates abandoning him

These experiences planted a quiet but powerful belief in Kageyama’s mind:

🧠 “People come and go.”

So while Hinata was a huge part of his journey, Kageyama never saw him—or anyone—as permanent. This mindset explains why he doesn’t cling emotionally, even if the story sometimes makes it seem that way.

Breaking Free: The Dumpster Battle

The clearest sign of Kageyama’s independence comes during the Dumpster Battle.

That’s why, during the Kamomedai match, when Hinata leaves the court due to fever, everyone reacts—except Kageyama. He stays calm, plays with his own judgment, and leads Karasuno without losing focus.

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By this point, he’s no longer defined by Hinata’s presence. Their partnership is strong, yes—but it doesn’t control him.

That’s why Kageyama would be happy to see other setters bring out Hinata’s full potential. He wants opponents to give their all, even against Hinata.

Where That Leaves Their Rivalry

In the end, Kageyama and Hinata’s relationship evolves into something unique:

• Hinata remains competitive, always keeping score, always pushing their rivalry forward.

• Kageyama grows calmer, wiser, and less emotionally tied, learning to accept circumstances and stay grateful for every opportunity to play.

They’re still each other’s greatest teammates—and greatest rivals. They’ll team up when the story calls for it, like in the Olympics, but at heart, both prefer standing on opposite sides of the court.

And that’s what makes their dynamic so compelling.