S2E11 Backstroke Turn of Fate!/Plot

The Iwatobi High School students congratulate the Iwatobi High School Swim Club on their advancement to the nationals. The Principal praises Miho Amakata’s advisement of the swim club and inquires about Haruka Nanase’s freestyle event. Miho thinks they should just watch over Haruka patiently.

The team is seen practicing at the pool. Rei Ryugazaki senses hesitation with Haruka's swimming. Goro Sasabe tells Rei and Nagisa Hazuki that there are some things that Haruka has to figure it out for himself, but Rei can not help worrying.

Rin Matsuoka has gotten more offers from scouts and Sugimoto tells him that he can probably enroll anywhere he wants. Aiichiro Nitori is sad over the fact that Rin is graduating, saying that it really is their "last summer." Momotaro Mikoshiba asks what Nitori is talking about as there are endless summers.

Haruka stays after practice to work out things by himself. On their way home, Rei and Nagisa talk about Haruka. Rei says that Haruka is only swimming in the relay now and that it might be they who have changed him. Although he wants to swim the relay with Haru, Rei wants him to remain free, too.

Sosuke Yamazaki has taken to wearing a shoulder guard and informs Rin that he has airmail when he returns to the dorm. When asked what his plans are after graduation, Sosuke replies that he might help his father with his business. Rin questions if he is really quitting swimming and Sosuke confirms this, saying that his dream has already come true.

Later, Sosuke waits for Haruka outside Iwatobi High School. Sosuke tells Haruka that his actions will affect Rin, stating that swimming with him brings out Rin's own potential. Sosuke wants Rin to stand on the international stage that he, himself, can not. After saying his piece, Sosuke leaves. Makoto Tachibana meets Haruka and they walk home together, making plans for the Obon festival. Prepared to talk to Haruka about post-graduation plans, they are interrupted by Ren Tachibana and Ran Tachibana.

Rin briefs his team before the Samezuka Swimming Club takes a one week break. The next time they gather will be at the nationals, with participating swimmers arriving earlier.

Gou Matsuoka has charted the team's swimming times. Although their individual times haves improved, their relay times have not. Everyone is down and Makoto worries about Haruka.

Sosuke and Rin are going home together since they live near each other. Momotaro bursts into their dorm room, wanting Rin to pass on a present to Gou, which turns out to be a stag beetle. Sosuke takes it from him and says that he is going to release it into the forest, causing Momotaro some distress as Rin receives a message from Makoto.

Taking a short break from studying, Nagisa and Rei think back to the origins of the swim club. Nagisa worries about not having new members, but Rei reassures him, saying that it will happen since they are now proceeding to the nationals. Nagisa wonders what Haruka will do after graduation and says that he wants him to continue living freely, not wanting to see Haruka looking so lost. Nagisa decides that they have to talk to Haruka about how they feel.

Haruka stares at his career form as the team arrives at his house, then heads to the Obon festival. While admiring the view of the floating lanterns, Nagisa announces that there is something they have to say or else they can not swim together as a real team. Rei says that they admire the way Haruka swims, but since no longer swimming freestyle, he is unlike his usual self. He adds that he thinks there is nothing more wonderful than others seeing Haruka swim and becoming inspired. Haruka says that he does not understand and heads to the torii's overlook.

Makoto finds Haruka there and conveys his feelings, desperately wanting Haruka to find his dream. Haruka retorts that it is not something that can be found just by looking. He says he is done talking because no matter how many times he listens, the message never changes. He insists that he is fine just the way he is, but Makoto accuses him of lying. Haruka shouts that he has the freedom to decide who and why he swims. Makoto yells back at him, saying that Haruka is not fine, leading to him worrying all the people who care about and love him. Pushing back Makoto, Haruka tells him to stop meddling because he has not even decided his own future. Makoto reveals that he has decided; he is going to a Tokyo university after graduation, shocking Haruka. Makoto begins to explain that he wanted to tell Haruka earlier, but before he can finish his statement, Haruka screams at him to do whatever he wants and runs off.

After some time, Rin approaches a secluded Haruka and takes him along to Australia.