Ep. 18: Kakeru confronts Fujioka who reveals Haiji's past strength while Haiji faces medical reality
Aired on February 20, 2019
Walking home with Musa, Kakeru encounters reigning champion Fujioka Kazuma. Unable to ignore rude comments from bystanders, Kakeru receives a steady demonstration of the correct response from Fujioka. Fujioka then shares his history with Haiji, explaining the burden Haiji carried alone and his subsequent reaction. Through these words, Kakeru starts to understand the meaning of the strength Haiji previously described. Meanwhile, Haiji attends a medical consultation. He stares intently at the harsh reality reflected in his eyes, facing the difficult truth of his condition during this private moment.
Episodes
- Ep. 14 · Yuki shows interest in training as the team runs and celebrates with fireworks
- Ep. 15 · The team sets records and faces qualifiers while Kakeru enters his zone.
- Ep. 16 · Haiji avoids a crash while rain intensifies the Tokyo-Hakone Ekiden race
- Ep. 17 · Haiji faces opposition from Jota and Joji while seeking his own reason for running.
- Ep. 18 · Kakeru confronts Fujioka who reveals Haiji's past strength while Haiji faces medical reality
- Ep. 19 · The Tokyo-Hakone Ekiden Race Commences With Strategic Pacing and Musa's Surge
- Ep. 20 · Hanako supports Jota while Joji reacts to revealed feelings and Shindo prepares for the relay
- Ep. 21 · Yuki channels his regrets into strength for the race against Shindo
- Ep. 22 · Sakaki's tragic spirit affects King, who reflects on his arrival at Chikusei-so