Okay, that's all for today.
Thank you, coach!
Yep. Take care heading home.
Coach Tachibana...
Can I swim a little longer?
Of course.
I'll be here, too, so let me know if you need anything.
Okay!
Kid's got some serious enthusiasm.
Yo. We meet again.
What are you doing here?
I asked him to coach me.
Haru?
I won't be an official coach or anything.
I'm not going to his school with him, either.
Just think of it as private lessons.
But you worked as a coach overseas, didn't you?
Haru, can you afford to hire someone like that?
Oh, don't worry about that.
He can just buy me dinner or something.
Just...
as long as it's not mackerel.
Let's get started.
Right. No time to waste.
Haru...
Coffee Shop Marron
Episode 7: A Solitary Medley!
I'm so bored.
Everyone's too busy with practice lately to hang out with me.
And Makoto has his part-time gig...
Oh, you poor baby.
Well, college championships are coming up.
And they won't qualify for
the All-Japan Invitational if they don't beat the base time, right?
Yeah, I doubt Haru will have any trouble, but...
That means the one to worry about is Asahi.
Despite how he acts, he can be a bit faint of heart.
Hey, Sis, I'm starving.
Get me something to eat.
Speak of the devil...
What'd I miss?
We were talking about how you guys are working hard for the tournament.
That's right! I'm starting practice first thing tomorrow, too!
Anyway, Sis, food!
Sorry, it looks like we're short on supplies for dinner,
so I'll have to go shopping.
Watch Tsukushi, would you?
Sure.
Oh, you'd rather go to Kisumi-kun?
Hey, cut that out.
That's... kind of infuriating...
Okay, he's all yours.
Hey, come on, Tsukushi, keep stil—
Asahi, are you okay?!
That's a pretty good kick you've got...
Well, I'm on bike, so I'll be off.
Don't forget, you owe me some cafeteria soba.
See ya.
He might actually be a decent guy.
Maybe.
That surprised me, though.
I never expected you to suggest that kind of practice yourself.
I'm not sure about it, either.
But...
It's for Ikuya.
Yeah.
You okay, Kirishima?
Yeah.
This isn't like you.
Your time's even worse than before.
If this keeps up, you won't make it to the All-Japan Invitational.
I know.
Is he really okay?
I think he's just anxious, with the tournament coming up.
Today's regimen was even tougher than usual.
Well, as someone who's going for a tournament record,
I thought it wasn't tough enough.
So what now? Wanna grab some food?
Good idea. Come with us, Toono.
Sorry... I'm pretty tired today, so I'm heading home.
Oh... Okay.
What about you, Kirishima?
Wanna go eat?
What's up with you guys?
Did you have a fight?
Nothing like that.
Sure, I'll go eat with you.
O-Okay...
Later, Toono.
See you tomorrow.
Sure.
I'm...
Why?
Why did it turn out like this?
By the way, did you guys get to see Kirishima Ikuya?
Huh?
He was your buddy in middle school, right?
No, we missed him.
Well, Kirishima's going for the global level.
He's in a slump, though, isn't he?
He is?
I'm in a slump, too! My time just won't improve!
Only athletes who once reached the peak can fall into slumps.
You're just not working hard enough, Suzuki.
S-Sorry!
There's not much time left until the college championships.
We have to use that time to the fullest
and work for victory together!
Right!
I really hope we win the college championships.
And then what? The All-Japan Invitational?
I'd love that, but from where I am now, it's gonna be a close shave...
Should you say that about yourself?
But I'm gonna stake everything on that close shave!
You have been working really hard lately, Asahi.
Better believe it!
My goal is the global stage!
I'll be practicing more after this, too!
Well, I don't know how far I'll make it,
but all I can do is give my all for the next four years.
It's been my dream to swim at the global level since I was a kid.
Dream...
What about you, Nanase?
Was it your dream to swim at the global level, too?
I...
lived in a little town called Iwatobi,
and I just loved the water.
I only swam free.
In elementary school, I met my teammates
and learned how fun it is to swim in relays.
I met new teammates in middle school and high school,
and had all kinds of new experiences,
and now, I'm in Tokyo, still swimming.
I feel like I've come a really long way.
If you asked me what lies ahead of me now...
I...
Nanase, your weakness lies in your mentality.
But that can be a strength, too.
For an athlete, mental fortitude is essential.
Your mental fortitude determines the results you produce.
You can still get much stronger.
That's my animal instinct talking.
Um...
Yes?
Potato Chips
Soba Flavor Kansai Dashi Style
You're not supposed to eat or drink around the pool.
Sorry.
Hello?
Hey, I finally got a hold of you.
What's up, bro?
Did you get my message? I'm back in Japan.
I'm in Tokyo now. Want to meet for dinner?
I'll pass. The college invitational is coming up.
You're no fun...
How's your condition?
I dunno.
The usual. Nothing's changed.
Well, okay...
But if you're not up to speed, don't push yourself too hard.
If you want to go global, it doesn't have to be this year.
You can always wait until you're in top condition.
I know that.
I'm coming to see you race, even if you tell me not to.
Whether you're there or not,
I'm going to win.
I have to win.
Ikuya,
are you sure you're doing okay?
I'm fine.
I have an early start tomorrow, so I've gotta go.
Didn't the little mermaid... turn into foam at the end?
I'm actually not that fond of it.
I...
have to win.
Natsuya.
Sorry. Did you wait long?
Nah, just got here...
as they say!
It's really been a while, huh?
Yeah.
It's the first time I've seen you since we reached drinking age.
Oh, right...
Souvenir from Sydney.
Oh, black tea? Thanks.
Natsuya... Have you seen Ikuya yet?
No, not yet.
He said he's busy, with the tournament coming up.
Oh...
Something wrong?
I saw Haruka, Makoto, and Asahi the other day.
Yeah? Are they in Tokyo, too?
Yeah.
And they mentioned that Ikuya wasn't in top form.
I see...
I knew he was acting weird.
So what now?
What do you mean?
Do you want to find him and talk to him?
Even if I did, he says he doesn't want to see me.
What can I do?
Besides, I trust him.
It's true he's gone through a lot,
but he is my kid brother, after all.
I know he'll be okay.
If anyone can go global one day, it's Ikuya.
Natsuya...
That all sounds impressive,
but maybe it's time you took a serious approach yourself.
Both to swimming, and to Ikuya.
To the Office of the Overseeing Doctor
Introduction Letter
It's me.
So, heading to Tokyo tomorrow, huh?
Yeah.
I remember the time I spent training in Tokyo...
Didn't you say you are who you are now because of the training you got in France?
That was when I was trying to become a French chef.
After that, I went to Mexico, India, and then Tokyo.
You took a pretty long road, huh?
It's necessary to take the long way in life sometimes.
But listen, Sousuke...
Once you've made up your mind, don't look back.
Just believe in yourself and keep moving forward.
Remember that I'll always be on your side.
Sorry to interrupt. Travel safe.
I will.
Thanks, Kazu-nii.
I know.
Certain Victory
I won't hesitate anymore.
Took you long enough, Makoto.
We'll be late again, just like at the newcomer tournament.
Sorry! It took a while to get ready!
Ikuya will be swimming today, right?
I think so.
I hope you guys can work things out with him today.
I'm sure it'll be fine.
Haru and Asahi will be there, and of course, you and me.
Do you think there's something I can do?
Just have faith and keep an eye on us.
Sure!
All right, then...
We're off to see the college championships!
This will be the first major competition for you first-years.
It's also the first round of competition for the All-Japan Invitational.
Your times today will determine whether you make it to the All-Japan.
Keep your spirits up...
and give it all you've got!
Yes, sir!
Whoa, check this out...
I guess it's time, huh?
Yeah.
Sure is exciting, isn't it?
Yo. Been a long time.
N-Natsuya-senpai?!
What kind of reaction is that? Talk about rude.
S-Sorry! It's good to see you again!
It's been a long time.
Hey, no need to tighten up like that.
How've you been?
Fine.
Not too bad.
Natsuya-senpai...
Ikuya isn't at his best right now...
And I...
I know. You don't have to say anything.
Just do what the two of you can do, to the best of your ability.
I'm rooting for you.
Good luck.
Thank you!
Found any good swimmers?
Hard to say.
But these days, my top preference is...
this.
Potato Chips
Soba Flavor Kansai Dashi Style
I prefer Kanto-style udon...
Guess we made it in plenty of time.
Look at all these people...
They look way more enthusiastic than the newcomer tournament crowd.
Yeah.
It's finally starting.
So, Haru-chan and the other guys have their college championships today.
If they beat the base time, they'll make it to the All-Japan Invitational.
I'm sure Haruka-senpai won't have any trouble!
By the way, Rin-chan isn't coming back to compete?
He's enrolled in a school in Sydney now,
so he can't participate in a Japanese championship tournament.
Then, the All-Japan Invitational...
That one is still okay!
He just needs to beat the base time in Australia's tournament.
Also... Ta-da!
He just sent this.
I beat the base time for the All-Japan Invitational. I'm swimming in the 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle.
He beat the base time in the 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle!
Rin-san really is amazing! Congratulations!
Thanks!
If he's in the 100m freestyle, he'll be racing with Haru-chan.
Yes! We'll finally get to see Haruka-senpai and Rin-san
face each other on the All-Japan level!
Awesome! We'll have to go and cheer them on when they do!
It's Haruka-kun's turn in the final for the 100m freestyle!
Take your marks.
Go!
All right! Good start!
Haru!
Looks like his extra training is paying off.
Nanase Haruka Hidaka
He beat the base time!
Haru...
All right!
Uh, sorry...
He was literally ahead...
No, about seven heads in front of the pack.
Fitting for the "seven" in "Nanase."
There's still much more to look forward to.
Nanase really is incredible.
We can't just sit here and be impressed.
The 50m freestyle final is next.
Toono's in this one.
Asahi's race is next!
Yeah.
Asahi, you've got this...
Take your marks.
Go!
Toono-kun isn't just good at the backstroke.
His crawl is fast, too.
Asahi is catching up!
It's a tie!
Shiina Asahi Toono Hiyori
He beat the base time!
All right!
I'm sorry...
Yes!
This means Asahi will be in the 50m freestyle at the All-Japan Invitational!
Well done, Toono.
Thanks.
The 100m butterfly is next.
Focus, focus...
Mental Training How to Maintain an Unbreakable Spirit
I'm a genius... I'm a genius...
I'm a genius... I'm a genius... I'm a...
ge... ni—
Ikuya...
I finally get to talk to you.
How've you been?
Not bad, I guess.
There was so much I wanted to tell you.
I saw Natsuya-senpai in the arena, too.
I see.
I haven't seen him in a while.
I haven't put up any results I can be proud enough of to tell him about.
Ikuya, are you okay?
Haru and Makoto have been worried about you, too.
We even went to your college campus to try to see you.
But that four-eyed jerk kept getting in the way.
What's that guy's deal?
Hiyori isn't really a bad guy.
I think he's nice, deep down.
Sorry. I didn't mean to badmouth your friend.
I don't know if he's my friend.
Huh?
I can't really tell anymore.
When I was in America, I hit a wall,
and it made me see a weakness in myself
that I didn't notice when I swam on a team.
Ever since then, instead of depending on others,
I've been swimming with the goal of getting stronger on my own.
So I'm not really sure what friends and teammates are to me anymore...
Sorry.
In middle school, my dad suddenly got transferred,
so while you were in America over spring break, I had to move away.
I always wanted to apologize.
It's okay. That didn't bother me.
But I'll always think of you as a friend!
I believe in the bond we all had.
I know Haru and Makoto feel the same way, so...
Thanks.
I'm glad I got to talk to you.
I'll be going now.
Huh?
In the pool, I'm alone.
No one's going to save me.
That hasn't changed.
Ikuya...
I have to get stronger.
Otherwise, I won't be me anymore.
I have to get stronger, and not rely on anyone.
Stronger...
Right now, that's the only answer for me.
Haru? Why...
This was the only way I could swim with you.
Don't say you can do it all alone.
You're not alone.
Huh?
Haruka's in the individual medley?
Haru!
Now, let's see the results of your extra training.
Take your marks.
Go!
Haruka-senpai has evolved!
And reflected in his eyes is...
Next time: "Metamorphosis of the Soul!"
Episode 8: Metamorphosis of the Soul!
Those feelings, that bond... It's all for his friends!