Just before Sakamichi and Manami's race to the finish, Kuroda pulls for Manami from their position behind the lead riders. One year ago, after falling into a depression when he was beaten by Manami in the qualifier, he resolved to restore Hakone Academy to its former glory when Arakita entrusted him with the team. Kuroda, who rides shrewdly when he activates his switch, endures the pain in the leg before finally trusting Manami with his own hopes and sending him off. Manami spreads his wings and accelerates. Meanwhile, as Sakamichi falls behind, for some reason a song begins playing in his head!
The sun's so strong in the mountains.
Auf Berggipfeln strahlt
die Sonne immer so stark.
El sol es muy fuerte
en la cima de las montañas.
El sol pica mucho
en la cima de las montañas.
Le soleil tape fort, à la montagne.
In montagna il sole è sempre fortissimo.
O sol é tão forte aqui no alto da montanha.
На вершинах гор солнце жарит, конечно.