Hakone Academy's ace Ashikiba Takuto wins the three-way battle for the first day of the Inter-high! Naruko and Midousuji just narrowly tie for second. Having won all of the first day's number tags, Hakone Academy reclaims its throne. Naruko acts cheerful during the award ceremony, but his heart is trembling with frustration. Not only did Sohoku place second in all stages, but Kaburagi collapses from exhaustion, and a disquieting atmosphere settles on the team. Just as Sakamichi is looking anxious, former Sohoku captain Kinjou appears before him...
But I should've been the one to race 
in the first day's mountain stage.
Aber eigentlich hätte ich am ersten Tag
die Bergwertung holen sollen …
Pero yo debí luchar por la montaña.
En realidad debí luchar yo
por la montaña.
Mais c’est moi qui aurais dû rouler
pour l’étape de la montagne.
Però sarei dovuto essere io
a correre nel tratto montuoso della prima giornata.
Era eu quem devia ter disputado
a etapa de montanha no primeiro dia.
Это мне стоило быть
на горе в первый день.