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!
He's closing in right behind me?
 While smiling, no less?
Er ist direkt hinter mir?
¿Ya lo tengo tan cerca?
¿Y encima sonriendo?
¿Ya lo tengo tan cerca?
¿Y encima sonriendo?
Il se rapproche !
Il est juste derrière moi !
Mi sta raggiungendo? Così in fretta? 
E addirittura sorride, mentre pedala?!
Ele me acompanhou e está me alcançando?
E ainda por cima, está rindo?
Он уже прямо сзади меня? Ещё и улыбается?