TV Animation Free! Novelize/Episode 11: Tooi Yakusoku



'''While the character of Sosuke Yamazaki does not appear until "Free!-Eternal Summer-" begins, the novelization gives him an opportunity to introduce himself wherein the speaks his mind about swimming, his shoulder injury and his long-standing relationship with Rin Matsuoka. During a late night walk, Sosuke ponders that relationship and the promise Rin owes him from long ago that got put "on hold" when Rin for Australia. Seeing Rin later that evening, Sosuke decides whether to call on Rin to keep his word.'''

Sosuke is in a strange city, away from his hotel room, and lost --- again. It happens all the time. As he wanders about taking in the local "color," he thinks about the upcoming inter-high regional tournament taking place the following day. He's come to see his childhood companion, Rin Matsuoka, compete. Rin, who was by his side daily in elementary school. Rin, who competed with him in everything, about everything. Rin, who knew him better than anyone else. And Rin, who left Japan and never contacted him again in four years except for a single letter addressed to him, but that really meant for Haruka Nanase. What was that all about?

Sosuke understands. Rin wanted Sosuke as his companion and rival, but upon hearing Sosuke admit that he had no interest in swimming relays, the ginger grew angry. It's not that Sosuke doesn't like to swim. He does and he's good at it. Or was. But Sosuke believes that swimming is a solo sport - only and ever a solo sport. Even after Kisumi suggests that Sosuke swim in relays to please Rin, Sosuke erupts, saying "That's not the sort of relationship Rin and I have."

So, when Rin tells Sosuke that he's going to swim in a relay with Haruka, Sosuke realizes that he's doing so because he's seeking a new companion; a companion that isn't him. Okay, then. Rin and he are rivals, after all, not best friends. So Sosuke trains, and trains, and trains. He trains so long and so hard that he damage his shoulder and has to quit swimming.

Now he's found his hotel again and it's swarming with high schoolers prepping for the meet tomorrow. He gets a cola from the vending machine thinking that he's come all this way just to see Rin swim again and to talk with him. Maybe he'll finally make Rin keep the promise he owes Sosuke from long ago. Then Rin appears, getting off the elevator, and Sosuke blends into the darkness, unwilling to face Rin.

Sosuke watches Rin walk away and he wonders if it would be okay to ask Rin to keep the promise he owes Sosuke now. It's a very personal promise; one that Sosuke keeps close to his heart. It will wait. It must, until the day comes that Sosuke feels he can actually ask for it.