S2E12 A Swim-Off in a Foreign Land!/Plot

Rin Matsuoka has brought Haruka Nanase are in Australia, the latter being uncomfortable in his new environment. When Rin leaves Haruka's side to buy some drinks without informing him, he panics. Rin awkwardly apologizes to Haruka for his previous outburst and shares that he has always admired him. He also reveals that the reason he's brought Haruka to Australia is because there is something that he wants to show him, but it will have to wait until the following day.

Their next destination is a beach. Surprisingly, Haruka does not even want to touch the water and is acting morose. Rin is surprised, then correctly guesses that Haruka has had a falling out with Makoto Tachibana. Rin reassures him, sharing that he and Sosuke Yamazaki fight all the time, but Haruka reveals that this is their first fight.

Rin recounts how he felt when he first came to Australia, feeling anxious at being in a foreign country, but that looking at the ocean calms him because it connects him to his friends. He tells Haruka about his time in Australia, about the difficulties he faced in both his schooling and his swimming. Over time, he also noticed the difference in strength between himself and the other swimmers.

They next visit Rin's homestay parents, Russell and Lori, and Rin introduces them to Haruka. Russell and Lori are already well-acquainted with Haruka, having heard about him from Rin in the past. They're glad that Rin is doing well now because, as Russell reveals, they knew Rin had a hard time adjusting while he was there. This surprises Rin.

That evening, they retreat to a hotel for the night, only to discover they've been assigned a room with a double bed. This annoys Rin, who tries to get a different room but is unsuccessful. While preparing to sleep, Rin reminisces about their first meeting, explaining that it's difficult to concentrate on swimming when Haruka is not in front of him, showing him the way. Without Haruka, he lacks a goal. Rin then talks about the race where they tied and set a new tournament record together, saying that it was then that he knew Haruka was going to enter competitive swimming with him. He asks Haruka if he felt something, too, during that race; however, Haruka remains silent while clenching his fist.

The next morning, they set off for the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, a stadium for international swimming competitions. Rin brings Haruka to the pool where the best swimmers from all over the world gather and race, which is what Rin wanted to show Haruka from the beginning. Wanting to swim, Rin lends Haruka a swimsuit since he did not bring his own. They spot the Australian National Team using the pool for practice. When Haruka questions if it's allowed for them to swim there, Rin says there's a recreational pool and asks Haruka what he wants to do.

Haruka walks forward and stands on a starting block, taking in the sight before him. Beside him, a member of the national team prepares to dive in. Haruka envisions the stands filled with spectators and thinks to himself that he wants to swim. Leaping forward, his shadow becomes that of a bird spreading its wings. Rin calls Haruka out of his thoughts saying they should swim, too.

Later, Rin tells Haruka that his previous coach in Australia has asked him to consider swimming in Australia again. He reveals that he is going to see him before heading back to Japan in order to formally ask to join his team. Determined, Haruka announces that he has found a dream to pursue.