HS1C07: Race

'Synopsis: Tournament Day arrives and the Iwatobi Swimming Club places second in their relay. Day 2 doesn't go much better, though they advance to finals. The following morning, Rin visits his father's grave, telling him of his plans. Later, the tournament recommences with the Sano Swimming Club in first place. However, this time, something is different. Makoto Tachibana has a beautiful streamline, Nagisa Hazuki's unique style keeps him in the lead, Rin Matsuoka starts badly and finishes fourth, but then it's Haruka Nanase's turn. Unlike previous days, Haruka is different -- better, faster, a shining light in the water. They win. Afterwards, Rin shares the story about his father giving up his Olympic dream and becoming a fisherman who loses his life in a typhoon. Makoto and Haruka look at one another, each recalling the day they saw the funeral procession. Rin remembers, too, and they all connect in a new way. He then says how he feels about meeting them all, knowing from the start that he wanted to be a part of a great team. Now -- they are.'

The boys arrive at the venue and the registration clerk thinks they're a girls' team. Rin Matsuoka says nothing but the clerk soon realizes. Nagisa Hazuki and Makoto Tachibana find it humorous and even Haruka Nanase holds back a chuckle.

In the locker room, a member of the Sano Swimming Club approaches Rin. It's Sosuke Yamazaki, Rin’s old friend. They share a somewhat awkward exchange, then Sosuke abruptly leaves.

Rin explains to Nagisa that they must place in the top 16 spots if they are to advance to the semi-finals and the top eight spots to advance to the finals. He says they'll be fine if they only place 4th that day, thinking himself weak for such lackluster expectations.

Aki Yazaki's team earns second place in their heat. Makoto congratulates her, but Aki thinks being second is a burden as all the team members will be anxious. They agree that the only thing to do is to believe in themselves. They smile at the thought and Aki realizes that one person's mood can make or break a team; that "team" means shared experiences, hopes and dreams.

The boys' first relay is next. The distance is 400m, each lap 100m long, each lap reflecting a different swimmer swimming a different type of stroke. Makoto's backstroke is first, Nagisa's breaststroke is second, Rin's butterfly stroke is third and Haruka's forward crawl is the anchor.

The race begins and as Makoto swims, Rin thinks he looks like a giant marine creature as his head breaks the surface, in first place. He notices, too, that Makoto's swimming style is still forceful, but no longer reckless. Makoto has found his niche.

Nagisa's leap into the water is too high and he winds up in second place with Sano in the lead. Sosuke stands beside Rin at the starting blocks. He attempts to apologize for his earlier abruptness, but Rin says, “It doesn’t matter” and their relationship is restored. Nagisa finishes in second place.

Rin dives in and has a slight lead. He and Sosuke are well ahead of the rest of the group and it becomes a two-man race. Rin visualizes his strength funneling into his feet, the driving power of his stroke. He touches the wall and Haruka dives in, but something is wrong. He isn't moving forward and enters the water in third place, then fourth after the turn, while swimming in a rudimentary manner. He exits the pool on his own, breathing hard, and heads to the locker room in silence.

The following morning, Rin pays respects at his father's grave before leaving Japan. He speaks aloud that he's going to pursue "the dream" and won't be able to visit for awhile, adding that all he wants is to win that day, with a great team, so he'll have something to remember. As if in response, sunlight hits his face and he's content.

The second day of the tournament begins and everyone is in high spirits; everyone except Haruka who sits staring into space. It irks Rin to no end. Makoto again congratulates Aki, whose team wins their heat. Makoto's thoughts then turn towards his fear of the water. It hasn't disappeared, but he's supported by friends now and that makes all the difference. His body experiences a glowing warmth as the competition nears and he realizes that he's truly ready to race. Nagisa manages to get Haruka talking by revealing his fears. Haruka gives advice, but thinks Nagisa is a weird guy.

The change-up is the same. Makoto dives in and creates a beautiful streamline. Rin analyzes his form and sees the power of Makoto's back and shoulders as he employs an elegant S-pull while kicking his feet. Everything is flawless now that Makoto has begun swimming backstroke.

Nagisa leaps in with a bit of awkwardness, but maintains top position. He's overtaken, but instead of feeling beaten, he is inspired. His power lay in the way his feet connect to his shins, giving the soles of his feet propulsiveness. His innate style allows him to swim at maximum speed and he touches the wall first.

Rin is next and he shoots out, but is derailed by a late entry into the water. He's in fifth place and his mind is awhirl. He manages to get himself under control, but still ends up in fourth place. He feels more than sees Haruka diving in over him.

Haruka is now emitting a powerful energy that mesmerizes everyone who watches. Except, they’re not just watching, they're feeling the water with Haruka. He touches the wall first and lightly exits the pool. Rin then notices his hand is shaking, and Makoto’s back, and Nagisa’s feet. Enveloped in Haruka’s energy, everyone in the stadium is awed. They advance to finals. Nagisa hugs Haruka while crying. Haruka doesn’t object.

In the locker room, they wait on a bench for the finals to begin. Haruka seems to be staring at the future, Makoto is focusing and Nagisa has calmed down. Rin still hesitates. He hears his name. It's Haruka who, without looking at him, asks him what happened. Rin thinks of all the things he could say, then simply says, "Sorry." It's genuine and that's when Haruka turns to look at him, accepting Rin as he is in silence. And in silence, Rin sees the gaze of his teammates all saying the same thing.

He thanks them for going along with his selfishness, then tells the story about his father's Olympic dream and his demise during a typhoon. Makoto and Haruka look at one another, remembering the funeral procession from years ago. Rin sees their unspoken exchange and realizes that it was them that he and his sister, Gou Matsuoka, saw as they processed. Rin says that he doesn't remember his father very well but figured that if he joined the same swim club, he could chase the same dream. He adds that he's wanted to be a team since first meeting them. The others ask about Sano and Sosuke, and Rin explains his friendship with his "alter-ego." Teasing barbs are exchanged.

The announcement for finals is heard. Standing side by side at the starting blocks, Sosuke confirms that Rin is leaving for Australia the following day. With only a few words and meaningful looks, they promise to swim together again, some day in the future.

Makoto’s final heat begins. He carves the water with powerful strokes while staring at the sky. He imagines himself swimming in the sea despite having avoided it for years. Usually, he would tense up with fear, but now he swims for his team and touches the wall.

Nagisa enters the water at a beautiful angle. His swimming is strong and, all at once, he feels the presence of his teammates swimming alongside. He touches the wall.

Rin shoots out, this time comfortable with his feelings and in control of himself. His senses become keen and he somehow knows the position of every swimmer, hears the splashes and sees each bubble rising in the water. He can even see himself as he swims, as if he is flying overhead. He wonders if his father is showing him this sight, then touches the wall.

Haruka flutters over him, feeling both annoyed and pleased when Rin shouts to him. They're teammates, after all. His mind quickly assesses his confusion about needing the water and refusing the water in order to be strong. He thinks about Nagisa's openness and realizes that as long as he is himself, it doesn’t matter. Makoto's feelings, Nagisa's feelings and Rin's feelings resonate inside of him. His own feelings are acknowledged and he is suddenly, once again, a ray of light speeding through the water.