The Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race finally begins.
Haiji was right, and Section 1 moves at a slow pace while the teams try to feel each other out.
Prince, who bears the heavy responsibility of starting the race, takes up his position behind the other runners and conserves his strength.
It's all part of Haiji's plan to take the top.
Haiji also sends a message to Prince through Tazaki in the coach's vehicle and heads to the Tsurumi Relay Station where Musa waits.
The group raises its pace. Prince desperately hangs on.
And in the back of his mind, he recalls a conversation he once had with Haiji...
There's someone waiting for me there.
يوجد من ينتظرني هناك
Denn dort …
Alguien me espera.
Alguien me espera.
Il y a des gens qui m’attendent.
Lì c'è qualcuno che mi sta aspettando.
Há uma pessoa que espera por mim ali.
Есть те, кто меня ждёт.