Ep. 15: Naruko's Determination Leads to a Dramatic Fall During the Mountain Climb

15

During the mountain ascent, Naruko maintains the lead for Sohoku by utilizing his sprinters' climbing abilities to build momentum. Just as fatigue sets in, he attempts a new technique called the Armstrong Climb, energizing the crowd. However, this intense effort rapidly depletes his oxygen. Naruko focuses exclusively on the white line ahead, ignoring his surroundings, while Onoda assists by calling out turn directions. Despite his refusal to yield the lead, Sohoku eventually catches up to Hakone. Exhausted and unable to continue, Naruko crashes to the roadside. Hearing his friends' desperate screams, Onoda and Imaizumi resolve to honor his sacrifice by helping defeat Hakone.