After being challenged by Tokyo Sport University’s Sakaki, Kakeru and the other residents of Chikusei-so have grown closer. As they celebrate the renewal of their resolve, King comes home wearing a suit for a change. Meanwhile, Kakeru voices his objections to participating in a track meet so soon. What point is there in forcing the amateurish residents to face reality? In response to Kakeru, Haiji asks his own question. Kakeru’s doubts remain unresolved as Haiji begins holding proper practices. However, King refuses to participate because he’s busy looking for a job… Under a cloud of anxiety, their proper training begins.

The residents of the Chikusei-so experience a crushing defeat at the track meet. When Kakeru sees his teammates complain and praise one another for their powerlessness, he explodes. While trying to calm down Kakeru, Nico-chan reveals his feelings towards running that he’s been hiding. Kakeru advises him to try as hard as possible. The next morning, Kakeru and Nico-chan abandon Haiji’s coaching and begin training alone. Meanwhile, in order to regain the comic reading time that was taken from him by practice, Prince plans to have a certain item delivered to the apartment…

Haiji suddenly faints. The residents realize how Haiji has been supporting them, and Nico-chan encourages Kakeru and Prince to reconcile. However, the stubborn boys refuse to bridge the gap. The next day, Shindo suggests that the team pick a temporary captain. When all the older members refuse, Kakeru agrees to do the job. Desperate to do something about Prince, Kakeru follows him around while nagging him. Prince’s opposition increases in response. As the residents are unable to even feed themselves, someone comes to extend a helping hand…

The Kansei University track team miraculously makes it through the qualifier. The team is inundated by club applicants and interview requests. Despite them, Haiji calmly focuses on preparing for the race. However, Jota and Joji suddenly begin to oppose him. "Haiji’s fooling us, isn’t he?" What misgivings weigh heavily on their minds?