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!
Two years ago in middle school, 
I was the captain of my basketball team.
Vor zwei Jahren in der Mittelschule war
ich der Kapitän meines Basketballteams.
Hace dos años, en secundaria,
era capitán de mi equipo de baloncesto.
Hace dos años, en secundaria,
era capitán de mi equipo de baloncesto.
Il y a deux ans, au collège,
Due anni fa, alle medie, 
ero il capitano della mia squadra di basket.
Dois anos atrás, eu era capitão
do time de basquete.
Два года назад я был 
капитаном баскетбольной команды.