While walking home with Musa, Kakeru runs into reigning champion Rikudo's Fujioka Kazuma.
When Kakeru can't let go of the inconsiderate remarks made by some passers-by, Fujioka methodically and without faltering shows him the answer.
Then Fujioka tells them about his shared history with Haiji.
The burden Haiji has borne alone. The response he gave to Fujioka.
In Fujioka's words, Kakeru begins to sense the meaning of the "strength" Haiji once described to him.
Meanwhile, Haiji is at a consultation with his doctor.
His eyes are glued to the harsh reality they see...
Twenty-one runners wearing sashes 
will wrap themselves in a gust of wind
واحد وعشرون عدّاءً مرتدي أشرطةً سيحيطون
أنفسهم بموجة رياح
21 mit Schärpen behängte Läufer
geben sich den Windböen hin
Los 21 con sus bandas se verán
envueltos por ráfagas de viento
Los 21 con sus bandas se verán
envueltos por ráfagas de viento
Vingt-et-un coureurs
s’échangeront le témoin
Ventuno corridori con indosso
 la fascia della propria scuola
Vinte e um corredores vestindo faixas
vão se envolver em uma rajada de vento
Двадцать одного спортсмена с лентой